New E53 owner - couple of questions
 

Hi all, end up having to pay to subscribe as it doesn't seem like the mods are actively looking at new user sign ups! However...


I have a 2004 E53 3.0D sport, and have already fixed a fair few problems with it, but need help with the following:


1. Right side (driver) adaptive Xenon light was way higher than it should be, but did actively direct light up down left and right when needed. I have checked the only headlight level sensor on the right side front axle (is it supposed to have two?) and it is fitted correctly. I have adjusted the level on the light itself, but it seems like it 'resets' itself? So I never have the correct beam.


2. I have ISTA+ (and INPA) and seen that I have faults:
a: IHKA: AUC sensor - which I believe is the sensor monitoring air pollution, which I would replace, but I also have:
b: DDE: Electric fan - short circuit. Are they both related?


3. The temp never reaches half way, is this normal, or should I replace the thermostat?


Thanks in advance!

On temp issue...Learn how to unlock sub-menu on cluster to show actual temps in digits.
The gauge is nearly useless as it is designed to stay in middle from 75c -105c

have a search...coolant temp is test# 7 on sub-menu

you may have a failed thermostat.

Will do, I'm right in thinking it should reach 88c before opening the thermostat?

I don't know much about the diesels but the fan connector, AUC sensor are in same area as right front headlight, was the car in accident? The headlight adjuster might be stripped and/or bracket broken. There is only one headlight level sensor so that's right.
You had to pay to get on here??

Everything else is straight, I've got a multimeter and I'll check continuity as ISTA reports a short somewhere.




One more thing I forgot to put in my original post. The rear wiper is very slow, stopping sometimes mid wipe. I'm guessing replacement wiper motor?


Yes, I created an account here , but after a week still not allowed in, so had to pay 25 cents to become a member. It's fine for me, but can see this putting off new members!

Sounds like you need a new thermostat - they do fail. Get an OE one from a BMW dealer - most of the aftermarket items seem to be short-lived.

Easy job to replace - drain the coolant (and read up on the refill process), remove the radiator fan shroud and viscous fan assembly. Next, remove the turbo intake ducting and then you'll then have enough access to change the thermostat.

My car with the thermostat out...

https://i.ibb.co/nrwRkmb/20160604-102949.jpg

If you have the water-cooled EGR, I think that can make access a little more tricky.

And you'll have a good chance to look at the wiring around the aux fan and AUC while you remove the radiator shroud... ;)

Thanks for the help, i'll have a look this weekend hopefully.

Re. The headlights. Check the level sensor. I put mine on upside down once and it did the same thing.

Don’t trust the temp gauge reading. The sensor could be bad. Always verify engine coolant temp with a laser thermometer.

Or just unlock the full BC menu and use that. :D

It's supposed to deter scammers but when I posted a "parts wanted" ad I had three scammers try me within a couple of days. So that's kind of pointless.