BMW E39 EML warning light comming on

Fingers Mcginty

Hi folks ,
a little problem i've been having lately on my '99 520. Just wondering if any of you BMW owners have heard of this one. Whilst driving along the ASC (yellow triangle) comes on on the dash followed by the EML light. Then i lose acceleration. Sometimes it can be reset by switching off the engine. Any ideas??

Seth Brundle

Sounds like an intermittent problem
have a look at this - www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=4854 - I'd trust the advice of 'autofix'.

Peter C

Same sort of thing happened to me around a year and a half ago. Had to have the ECU replaced.

Lex Luthor

whats the EML light?

Fey!

Engine Management Light?

The ASC light is something you'll see a good bit coming into the winter as the car won't let the wheels spin, but I have no idea why the EML would come on.

Talk to your mechanic, or try AC Car Sales off SCR (can't think of their number right now) - they're used by a lot of people on the 2 websites on my sig!

Fingers Mcginty

Peter C wrote:

Same sort of thing happened to me around a year and a half ago. Had to have the ECU replaced.

how much did that cost?

Lex Luthor

My ASC light came on a while back and it was the cable for the ASC that snapped but it wasn't followed by the EML.

Mr.Diagnostic

Hi,

EML refers to the throttle body. Basically what happens is the throttle pedal position sensors signals do not match the actual throttle position sensor signals so the ECU gets confused and refuses to open the throttle. I am NOT going to condem the t/body on a car I have not seen but that is the usual problem.
It's a while since I have had to fit one but as far as I recall the cost of the part is about €350. The t/bodies that give trouble are made by Hella and I heard last week that they are now available so it should be possible to source it cheaper outside the dealer network.

MercMad

Throttle bodies and MAF units are usually available from decent Motor factors. I have bought Opel,VW and Merc ones in the last year !

All were Hella !!

Fingers Mcginty

Light came on again after 4 days. Usually happens in the morning. ASC comes on and after about 4 secs the eml light comes on. I have reduced performance from the engine....i'm gonna bring it to a mechanic and get it diagnosed.

Fingers Mcginty

well i brought it to one guy. Unfortunately the lights weren't on the dash and car was running as normal. He said he couldn't really diagnose the prob until it actually happened but surmised it it might be the potentiometer on the accelerator pedal?
Brought to another guy and he suspected it was the throttle body

I'm half thinkin of takin of the throttle body and giving it a clean.
Has anyone here ever done this?...Is it handy enough?

Fey!

Sorry to hear you're still having problems.

Where are you based? Someone on here may may be able to recommend a specialist in your area.

Fingers Mcginty

Ta...I'm actually in Meath. Stones throw from Drogheda actually.
Looks like the throttle body is bad. Can't find the part in any breakers yards cause "BMW's never break down":rolleyes: . Anyone here know where i can source one?

Lex Luthor

Fingers Mcginty wrote:

Ta...I'm actually in Meath. Stones throw from Drogheda actually.
Looks like the throttle body is bad. Can't find the part in any breakers yards cause "BMW's never break down":rolleyes: . Anyone here know where i can source one?

There is a breakers yard in Kells that has a good few BMW's...well they did last time I called them. Have you been to Furleys?

Seth Brundle

the throttle body or just the sensor on it (#2 on here)?
Sensor is about €60 - its the one gone on mine!

Lex Luthor

kbannon wrote:

the throttle body or just the sensor on it (#2 on here)?
Sensor is about €60 - its the one gone on mine!

K, did you ever replace the throttle cable on yours? I did on mine about 2yrs ago as it was very stiff....remarkable difference afterwards...

Seth Brundle

haven't replaced cable on the E39. Did it on my old E30 and the difference was unreal alright!

Fingers Mcginty

Lex...Tried the guy in Kells. No joy. Furleys not yet

K...thanks for the pic. Anyone i brought it to were far too busy to start troubleshooting this assy. So i guess it could be the body or could be the switch. How could i troubleshoot this?...I'm handy enough with a meter:)
Is it just an off/off switch or is it a position sensor?

Seth Brundle

Im not sure what it does - possibly overrides the intake to reduce air intake.
Talk to Al in AC cars - he diagnosed mine in seconds - he knows his BMWs.

Fingers Mcginty

k,were you havin the same symptoms as me before changing out the switch?

Seth Brundle

My ASC light is on full time - I got a diag done but haven't yet replaced it!
I have never seen the EML light on my car - thankfully!

Fingers Mcginty

Your throttle housing is different to mine.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DR12&mospid=47552&btnr=13_0641&hg=13&fg=15

Mine has the fly by wire electronic throttle. Still having probs

Fingers Mcginty

I had to remove the air intake manifold and the rubber boot right in front of the throttle valve to access the part number. Put it all back together and now the car won't even idle. It cuts out almost immedtiately. If i disconnect the air mass sensor it runs albeit not smoothly. Could i have a crack somewhere in the manifold?

Seth Brundle

Get some carb cleaner and try and have the engine tick over. Spray the stuff around the engine bay and if there is a leak it should get sucked in and affect the revs.

Fingers Mcginty

took the throttle body out gave it a good clean and it seems to be ok now

Fingers Mcginty

BTW ...just in case anyone ever has the same prob...i had to replace the whole throttle body. Price incl VAT was nearly 500 sheets ...ahhhh

fitzie123

Fingers Mcginty wrote: »

Hi folks ,
a little problem i've been having lately on my '99 520. Just wondering if any of you BMW owners have heard of this one. Whilst driving along the ASC (yellow triangle) comes on on the dash followed by the EML light. Then i lose acceleration. Sometimes it can be reset by switching off the engine. Any ideas??

hi, i am having the same problem so if you find out how to repair i would be grateful to hear from you...there are some throttle body for sale on e-bay.uk...in car spares section....gerry fitz

fitzie123

Fingers Mcginty wrote: »

took the throttle body out gave it a good clean and it seems to be ok now

taking the throttle body out..is that tricky job...can you give any tips..thanks gerry fitz limerick