2003 BMW 5 Series - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

egr sticking can cause this sometimes, just needs cleaning out

Could be several different issues. Have the charging system checked. Also, make sure all your cables to your alternator and battery are clean, and tight. If all that checks out, then check for a short in your wiring. If you. Want instructions on how to do that , reply, and I will explain the procedure.

Check when you put it in the ignition that the key is in fully whilst you drive. The little silver nob on the key needs to make connection with the circle chrome around the ignition. This is how it charges and the door lock/unlock uses a bit of power hence why it probably not working but works with every other purpose. Regards Craig

Your description reminds me of several vehicles I have encountered in my career that behaved in a similar way. They had all had body repairs at some previous time near the fuel filler and all gained something in the fuel tank - cloth or worse a plastic bag that was used for masking purposes. One van was fitted with a high pressure pump by the dealer at a massive cost only to discover there was no improvement - they later removed a plastic bag from the fuel tank. Water in the tank is another possibility. If there is a strainer in the tank it will be typically too fine for water to pass through. If there is no obvious faults I suggest you ensure there is nothing in the tank but good clean fuel and the pipework is good including the breather system.

no. I'd suggest to disconnect a battery for 15 mins, reconnect, wait for 5 mins and try to restart. If it doesn't help (sometimes there's a program block to prevent stealing equipment) call a dealer

transmission fault. CAN-BUS monitoring.

the fan nut is LH thread. Means turn right (clockwise ) to loosen.

Yes this and many other problems can and do happen to this engine.

If the trunk works try it. If not any place that sales auto alarms can fix it. An a tow guy should have a slim jim

It is in the Glove box. there is a drop down panel in there on top with 2 pins that holds it in.

If you have steering wheel mounted controls then play with the volume switch and see if that drops the volume, if not unplug the steering wheel control harness for the radio an if that makes no difference then the radio is defective.

if fan only has high speeed selection only but no other speeds then its probably the fan voltage resistor witch parts cost is about 80.00. or if you dont have any speeds working at all then check the fuses it might be the fan motor or the control panel on dash

the pump working? hoses cut or disconnected?

Sounds like excess bearing clearance, when the engine sits overnight the oil between the bearings and the crankshaft is able to run back into the oil pan. When you first start it up it takes a few seconds for the oil pump to fill the spaces back up and you get some clatter.

Hi Geno, You may have two different problems. The key does indeed have a rechargeable battery and you do not replace the batteries in BMW keys. Once the key starts failing, you probably need a new key. If you have another key, you can find instructions online to reprogram the key that is causing problems with the other good key. Try that first to see if the programming just glitched off. I have seen this happen. I also have had keys just go bad. The random flashing lights and quiet alarm are most likely due to a CAR battery that has a dead cell. I have had a number of BMWs on my car lot that will start and ACT like the battery is OK, but the hazard lights will randomly go on. Once the alternator charges the battery further, the lights go off as the battery is charged. I agree with Patrick D....make 100% sure the charging system and battery are operating within the manufacturer specs. Just because it starts and seems OK, does not mean it is. Hope this helps, good luck.

@01fordeb: You have to assume the system is dyed before a black light is useful.
Black light dyes are available [cheap] at any parts store.

asker: You may find that the coolant level sensor is defective, covered with gunk or that there is some static electricity built up in the coolant. A mechanic should know how to check for stray current. Also, it may be that a little fluid is going out the overflow because the wrong strength of radiator cap is on there, or the spring is worn out. Replacements are available at any parts store.

HOPE THIS HELPS! Don't forget to rat, please.

If there is wetness on pass sidefront , very well could be heater core issues. Start with replacing thermostat much, much cheaper. However dampness on passenger side is not good. best of luck

Your heater core is cracked and is leaking. You need to remove the dash and replace the heater core.

check the heater hoses in the engine are not leaking and the other hoses with the pressure up .as it can be your thermostat is sticking or the cap on your expanion bottle is sticking needing changed.

could be, or a loose connection or faulty motor