How to Troubleshoot a BMW

Maintenance Reminders
1.
Having the right tools is important.
Check any equipment problems with the engine or oil with the appropriate tool. For BMWs--up to model-year 2000--purchase a Peake Tool model PR-R5/FCX(II). The PR-R5/FCX(II)-16 model is the tool for 2001 to 2004 BMW models. Also, 2001 to 2006 BMW models require Peake Tool PR-R5/FCX3, and Peake Tool model PR-R5/FCX3-U covers 1987 through 2006 models. For 2005 models to date, these inexpensive tools do not work with BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system. For these, you need a BMW scan tool or scanner software that can reset the service reminders. Peake tools can be purchased online from either eBayMotors or PeakeResearch.
2. Remove the connector cover to the engine compartment and plug the Peake tool into the round, 20-pin diagnostic connector. The 2001 to 2004 models have a 16-pin diagnostic connector.
3. Press the 'Go' button on the tool to reveal the codes to identify what is going on with your car. Explanations of the codes can be found in the manual that comes with your tool. This tool can read and clear powertrain codes.
4. Check brake wear on your BMW by comparing the CBS estimated brake wear to actual brake wear. If you do not have a CBS system, simply check your brake wear to determine the condition of your pads and rotors.
5. Reprogram the Dynamic Stability Control Module--if you have a CBS system--and determine if the estimated brake wear of your CBS system matches up with the actual brake wear. This can be corrected with software from your BMW dealer.
Condition Based Service System
6. Identify whether your BMW has a CBS system. The following BMW models have Condition Based Service (CBS) systems: 2002 and newer 7 Series, 2004 and newer 1 Series (E87 body style), 2004 and newer 5 and 6 Series (E63 and E64 body styles), and 2006 and newer 3 Series (E90 and E91 body styles). The CBS system monitors the engine oil and cabin air filter, front and rear brake pads, brake fluid and spark plugs. The CBS system is known to report false alarms, such as low oil. If your oil light is on, check your oil.
7. Determine what type of oil dipstick your BMW has. An oil dipstick is not available on NG6, N62TU, S65 and S85 engines. For these engines, an electronic oil level sensor is found in the bottom of the oil pan. In BMWs with the previously mentioned engines, you must drain the oil out of the engine. These engine types do not have normal dipsticks. They have electronic dipsticks in the bottom of the oil pan.
8. Pour the correct amount of oil into the engine.
9. Replace the sensor if the oil sensor still reads that the oil is low.
Check the Tires
10.
Don't forget to check your tire pressure.
Check the sidewall of your tire to determine the specific tire pressure required for your BMW.
11. Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tires weekly. Tire pressure gauges at gas stations are not as accurate as an inexpensive tire pressure gauge that you can purchase at any auto parts retailer.
12. Check the wear pattern of your tires. Shoulder wear indicates underinflation or turning corners too hard, which can lead to tire shredding. Center tread wear is due to overinflation where the center of the tire is more worn than its edges. Cupping in the tread is caused by an unbalanced tire due to loose parts, faulty wheel bearings, damaged springs or shock absorbers. Diagonal scuffing and cupping combined can cause loss of traction and/or control.
Heed the Warnings
13. Read the display codes on your interior instrument panel or cluster. Late model BMWs can display more than 400 codes. Be aware of any warning messages displayed on your instrument cluster.
14. Turn on the ignition.
15. Use the high beam/turn signal switch to display message codes on your instrument panel.
16. Interpret the codes by reading your owner's manual.
17. Register on websites such as Bimmerfest.com where you can find questions and answers about noises or other symptoms of your BMW.