How to Replace Upstream Oxygen Sensors in an M54 E39 E46 E53 BMW

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How to remove and replace the two upstream (pre-cat) oxygen sensors in a BMW M54 engine. #saveaBMW
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How to remove and replace post-cat sensors: • M54 Rear Oxygen Sensor...
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In this video I re-visit the M54 pre-cat oxygen sensor installation. I first recorded a version of this video in 2015 in HD1080. Now that I record in 4K these days, I decided to update the video catalog here and record the removal and installation process on my newly acquired 530i. #projecte39
I love the E39 so much that I couldn't resist buying another rare one. This is my 2002 530i 5 speed base model in Toledo blue metallic on grey leather. BMW produced over 50,000 530i cars yet only approximately 5,000 of those were 5-speed manual transmission. Most manual cars have low-end options like a manual passenger seat and lack creature comforts like heated seats and the winter package.
The through-loading system aka fold down rear seats are a game changer and a must have in a BMW sedan for versatility: snowboards, bikes, skis, home improvement, moving house. You need the split-fold rear seat. The 5-speed cars seem to have been commonly optioned with the split-fold rear seat, but very rarely do you see the winter and premium package loaded up on those. That is why this car is so rare.
To make it even more awesome, this is the first Toledoblau with grey leather I've seen in quite some time. Paired with it's 5-speed transmission and other options, and this is a long-time keeper for the E30 enthusiast. This particular example was owned by a Doctor at Yale who always garaged the car at home. During the day, it was in the parking garage in New Haven outside Yale hospital out of the damaging sun and elements. For that reason, the leather is buttery soft and in amazing condition. The paint is also excellent and the interior smells new. This is among the best E39's I have ever purchased.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of BIMMERZEIT, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. BIMMERZEIT assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. BIMMERZEIT recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of BIMMERZEIT no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not BIMMERZEIT. Video and Content is owned by BIMMERZEIT © 2019

[@lennywebb274]

In all my years working on vehicles I've never encountered an O2 sensor that came out this easy. I am going to replace mine due to a pre cat code. Thanks for the videos you make.

[@vermarc1]

Great job showing how very helpful, I'm a refrigeration technician I work on refrigerated tractor trailers so not a lot of car work. I believe you did a good enough job even a novice could have done this job

[@mosesparedes-gu4bw]

Hi Zeitgeist I really enjoyed watching your BMW show especially the X5 E53 as I currently own one of these. Your explanatory and video quality is great to watch. I have done plenty of rectification on my X5 after watching your KZbin. I use to watch BMW doctor but after seeing yours it’s just a different format. Well done and hope you can add more KZbin relating X5 as I am after the vanishing sensor if it can be remove and clean. From Australia. Thanks.

[@TheKeenMechanic]

VERY NICE CHANNEL MATE. NICE TO SEE OTHER BMW FANS ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. THANK YOU-WILL BE STICKING AROUND :)

[@krazmokramer]

Great job. Glad to see you are replacing the oil cap after you take off the vanity cover! Sorry to see the $400 e39 go bye-bye, but this e39 looks super sweet!! I'd ALMOST be willing to swap you for my e39 Sportwagon.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

krazmokramer haha thanks! The wagons are great, quite rare too. Yes this one is so so so much nicer than the 525i. The 530i torque is much better suited to this car.

[@thosepeople7655]

Thank you so much. It is a brilliant video

[@BRUCECRUZ]

Very helpful video. Getting to mine Bank 1 Sensor 1

[@geoffreyhodgkinson9263]

Clear speaking and methodical work without flannel ! Thank you

[@Darthvolvo]

You are the master of great deals out there!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Haha thanks. There are a lot of old used BMW's in Connecticut to be rescued!!

[@wahant]

Very well done. Thanks. I hope I can easily find where that rubber vent hose plug in the back of my 06 E53 engine.

[@rschneid1996]

Thanks for posting. The Secondary Air Injection system is so annoying !

[@jacquespretorius4284]

Hi there, please advice the plug that connects to harness does it have polarity as one can plug it in two ways up or down. Thanks

[@245fitness2]

That was a great video

[@landov1412]

Excellent 👍

[@BasWillems1234]

Nice video! I am planning to replace these sensors because my car has 280.000 KM and sensors are still original (no codes tho). I have 2 questions. 1. Did u notice any change after replacing the sensors ? 2. How much torque did u use to tighten the sensors?

[@homelesswithalaptop]

Thanks for the video man. You mention E53...so is the vaccum line, the location, process, etc the same for the M62 engine?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

homelesswithalaptop hi I mention E53 as it applies to the 3.0i X5 model with the same M54 seen here. Your M62 will be different, it’s a different engine. Try realoem to look at diagrams it may help visualize it for your engine!

[@MindHunger]

Nice, clear video and instructions!.Are both O2 sensors the same part number?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Yes

[@busterscrugs]

I have a sport pkg 5mt, but I lowkey dig the non sport version. Especially with the more interesting color inside and out like this.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

tyson505 nice man, sports with 5 speed are very rare. I used to only buy sport package cars but they’re getting old enough to the point where any e39 with a manual trans in this nice condition is a good buy! I’ve owned 6 e39’s this is my favorite color combo yet. The non-sport seats are much more comfortable as well!

[@busterscrugs]

@@BIMMERZEITT Thanks! It's actually a factory automatic car with shadowline and winter package. I swapped it, installed headers, and flashed the ECU myself with the help of a couple friends. Yes, I really dislike that my sport seats have no lumbar support. In the market for used M5 seats because of this. That being said my seats are in nearly mint condition so I kinda don't want to replace them, lol. How much of a difference do you think the sport suspension actually makes? I've driven my friend's 6 speed swapped non sport 540i and it feels like a boat! The steering box and increased weight/power made it a very indirect comparison though.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

tyson505 that’s awesome, must have been a big job doing that swap! If you do m5 seats you could always sell yours for good $ to offset the cost of the m5 seat purchase. I agree the 540i is not a good comparison. The sport suspension does make a difference, they sit a lot lower and ride firmer, in a good way. Still not a deal breaker though as one could always add sport springs and shocks to a nice base model. I do prefer the shadowline trim much more though.

[@busterscrugs]

@@BIMMERZEITT It took two whole days with my friend and I working at the same time lol. A lot of it was doing the headers, it's a little difficult with the motor in the car. Didn't have a lift, did the whole swap on jackstands in his two car garage. That's a good idea, if i find some m5 seats for a good deal I'm gonna jump on it. I appreciate your feedback man, keep up the good content!

[@Djsatile]

Thank you

[@erniearambula3525]

Did the E39 come with a ski bag connected to the through trunk rear seat.

[@fryreartechnology7611]

So that vacuum line... I have replace that value with a new one and the line to it from the pump. All 4 o2 sensors and the value cover because mine had a little leak on to the o2 sensor on bank 2 kinda smelly. But the vacuum line ‘looked’ good and was reused however seen you had a replacement line. Where did you find that or what size was it. My e36/7 z3 with the same m54 is having the secondary air issues and it smells so rich. The obd2 tools show the o2’s to work but a vacuum is where I’m troubleshoot to now short of buying a smoke machine or paying to use one. Only difference is I don’t have a cabinet air filter that’s where my air pump sits. Thank you for the awesome videos you have a lot to watch

[@BIMMERZEITT]

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[@jetjockey7]

Lucky!nice find 👍

[@BIMMERZEITT]

jetjockey7 thanks! Couldn’t resist once I saw the 5-speed trans. So hard to come by.

[@Narcos3192]

​@@BIMMERZEITT This is where the fuel trim bank 1 and fuel trim bank 2 error could appear?

[@Thrallmack]

These were the upstream o2 sensors correct? Have you done a video swapping out the down stream sensors?

[@butleroferic1135]

I just purchased one of these cars and I need to replace the o2 sensors. In a bit confused by the upstream and downstream sensors I need to purchase. Is there 2 upstream sensors and 2 downstream sensors or is there one upstream sensor and one downstream sensor? Both sensors need to be replaced on my car. Thanks for your help.

[@HtMnBrusso]

Great video as always, I’m just curious to know what led yo to change these O2 sensors besides them being original and 190K miles on them? I have an E83 M54 with 103K which is starting to need some attention.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

thanks I had a fault code (service engine soon light on) for one of the sensors. Could have replaced just one, but did both as they're wayyyy up there in mileage

[@TheAceY2k]

Can O2 sensors affect the secondary air injection system without giving off code?

[@robertpeters1497]

does this work for 320i 2001 bmw? my engine is the 2.2L

[@donello430]

I've heard there's no real need to replace the post-cat o2 sensors unless they fail. But I'm wondering - do they gradually lose their efficacy over time, or is it more binary - they either work or they don't? Just concerned about fuel efficiency. It's an e46. Anyone know?

[@valerianpantsulia1730]

After all..........God Dammit today's BMW brand///// Nice video and Good job, it was very interesting. Thank you ////////////////////

[@steelokey]

How hard is that one hose? It seems like it might be a lil more difficult then you made it seem but if it’s that easy I can probably do this whole job before work tomorrow . Thank you so much for this video.!

[@steelokey]

Oh now I’m just getting to the end end of the video where you show lol

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Do it after work so you have no time pressure!

[@BRUCECRUZ]

I have an E53 year 2000. Immaculate condition

[@freddieharris3842]

How about on a 2000 BMW 528i...is it the same??

[@mikemetropoulos]

Can't get enough of your videos. Unless I've overlooked it, could you please do a quick video, or segment addressing how to determine what options, wheels, etc. on a BMW. You've often referred to specific options when describing your BMW's. Also, I recently purchased an '02 X5 with 200K for a great deal. I occasionally get a "TRANS.PROG.FAIL" message, and the car becomes sluggish. I turn off the engine, wait 30 seconds, and restart and it's fine. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated. Thank you!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Mike Metropoulos thank you Mike. Yes search for “BMW vin decoder” there are several online free. You enter in the last 7 digits of your VIN number and it will show you everything about the car, literally everything including all options. It’s great. I’ll make a video on it soon. Sometimes I take the basics for granted but will share more here soon. Join Xoutpost forums for the best E53 X5 resource. I am active on there as well. Step one is to get a BMW specific scan tool so you can read your codes and begin diagnosis. I recommend the creator C310+ around $60 on Amazon.

[@mikemetropoulos]

@@BIMMERZEITT Thank you! I appreciate the huge value!

[@mikemetropoulos]

@@BIMMERZEITT Yes, "BMW Vin Decoder" makes perfect sense. Sometimes we overlook the obvious. And by we, I mean I. I see there are a few other diagnostic tools that cost a little bit more. Do you still recommend the Creator C310+? I don't mind spending a little more to get additional features. Or are they basically the same? Again, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Mike Metropoulos the c310 has been good for me. There may be better ones out there now, maybe order both to try and return one? Amazons return policy pretty lenient.

[@davidcolintunstall6048]

Hi. I had this happen occasionally. Its not shat you want to see! scary eh? However, there are many many things that can lead to trans fail safe mode, not transmission related. What turned out to be causing mine was a loose earth connection at the battery! Hope this helps anyone who stumbles across this who's dealing with the anxst of the trans fail safe warning. Check your battery ground and hopefully its as simple as that!

[@eliasg1312]

When purchasing a high mileage e39 what should a person be on the look for in terms of potential issues?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Elias, I'll be making an e39 buyers guide video (with this car as my model) really soon!

[@eliasg1312]

@@BIMMERZEITT Awesome!

[@janprokopenko7928]

Rust,everything else is permanently fixable

[@cesarmoncada6576]

Hi dear , i have 03 bmw x5 , and iget code 0175 generic bank 1 to rich What sensor is that

[@tjshire]

Can you describe which numbers you are reading to check the date code on the O2 sensor? I see a bunch of numbers on my sensors, but I'm not clear on which ones refer to the date...

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Google search “injection mold date” for a picture example. You’ll see a circle with two digits, it’s very small. For example, my e39 was built January 2001. The code on the sensor is “00” as a leftover from late year 2000 manufacturing.

[@tjshire]

@@BIMMERZEITT, thank you so much. We just had our cats replaced, but I'm not sure if the shop used our sensors (which weren't very old), or if they used the sensors that were in the used cats they installed for us. This should be very helpful.

[@hobinseo8202]

They both uses the same O2 sensor ?

[@MrHusobadao]

Where can I find a technician to replace BMW X5 oxygen sensor?

[@alaw3415]

Zeit I live in Ct too can you fix my car I have an e46 that need tie rods. And few other things?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

hey thanks for thinking of me - but I only work on my own cars

[@alaw3415]

Ok Thanks I checked out your tie rod diy I’m a girl but I think I could handle it haha! Keep posting you help us all out from your videos they’re great!! I fixed my window regulator and my icv myself from your video!! Thanks

[@BIMMERZEITT]

@@alaw3415 Thats awesome! Glad to hear those videos helped. A tie-rod replacement should only be 1 hour labor per side ($100 roughly) at a local shop. It may be worth paying for considering we live in salty new england. They can be a real pain to remove because of the corrosion in winter, sometimes a torch is needed for removal. Plus, you'll need a computer alignment of the front end after.

[@gulerr.41]

thank you :) (L)

[@xavierdelgado7]

I got a check engine light after installing o2 sensor what did I do wrong feels real boggy

[@alexnljnpr]

I wonder why the vacuum line is connected without clamps.

[@ianspencer2826]

They came out quite easily , is it usual that upstream sensors are this easy to remove? Plucking up courage to change mine on n52 engine.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Ian Spencer yes they are quite easy

[@BMW770XLI]

Where did you get your ABS module fixed?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Get it rebuilt here: ebay.us/psd08K (affiliate)

[@joonkim7437]

is that same model # with rear oxygen sensor?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Joonkyung Kim no I believe it’s a different number. The cables are longer also

[@michaelnelson9140]

Would it be wrong to put anti seize on the threads?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

You can use a little sure. New sensors actually come with a dab of anti seize already applied to the threads.

[@joonkim7437]

what is model #?

[@AristoPeiOfficial]

I was going to pay someone to do this SMH

[@mrj2476]

How much litres is the engine? can u tell me please?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Mr J 3.0L but this DIY is applicable to all M54 engines

[@mrj2476]

@@BIMMERZEITT thank you. And last question please. How many litres is the m52?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Mr J well in the US we had a 2.5, 2.8 and the m52tu is also in 3.0

[@mrj2476]

@@BIMMERZEITT ok ty

[@ethirty9560]

So do I buy two of them?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

RESL.S10 yes I would recommend replacing both (2 before the cat converters)

[@victoralvarezjr8790]

why did you change both of them?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

victor alvarez,jr had a code for one. Both are from 2001 production with 192,000 miles. It was time! These have an effect on MPG and generally improve running conditions when replaced at high mileage.

[@victoralvarezjr8790]

@@BIMMERZEITT i see....i daily drive my 2001 e39. just recently she threw a code for both 1 and 2 banks concerning fuel trim, can you possibly do video on the topic?.....I've sent a request to nathan but he didn't answer back....i like your videos better....thanks.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

@McLarenBMW no

[@lycanzhp1141]

Looks like a great find. Nice work on the O2 sensors and hose. I wonder how much maintenance the good doctor did to that lovely car. Maybe the local dealer can scan it to see if there are any maintenance records?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

McLarenBMW yes they can be related but in this case it had a code for the sensor itself

[@BIMMERZEITT]

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[@valerianpantsulia1730]

Goddammit BMW BMW should bankrupt they deserve it because they make it too many people suffering and lost a lot of money deliberately and when you gonna realize this is already will be late........Goddammit BMW........ Nice video and Good job, it was very interesting. Thank you ////////////////////

[@achrafkhamlich8365]

Thank you