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Regarding false alarms (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E39) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by EricS on September 06, 2000 at 15:36:19:

In Reply to: cannot config '98 options & bulletins posted by Paul on September 06, 2000 at 14:54:31:

See my previous posts in archive re: Microwave sensor (old) and sonar sensor (new). I had the sonar sensor put it under warranty and no more false alarms. If they won't replace your microwave sensor, I would try a new dealer and/or ask to talk to a BMW rep.


This is my last, desperate attempt to get to the bottom of this.

I am getting a contradiction from this board and a dealer about what programmable options and service bulletins apply to the '98 model year 540. I tried to get a 3rd opinion from the owners circle, but they said to contact the dealer. I keep reading about people here saying, "yeah, just have your dealer reprogram it / apply the service bulletin and everything is great", but:

I brought my car in and the service manager says there are no programmable options (zero) on my '98 540. They said they hooked up a DIS. In particular, I want to turn off the door locking whistle and be able to unlock doors with the drivers door open. See the link for the unlocking issue and responses about the ability to program it.

The dealer also says none of the 4 service bulletins I matched from alldata.com apply to my vehicle even though they describe problems I have exactly. The below two bulletins from alldata.com are extremely problematic for me:

650297 DEC 98 False Alarms Due To Interior Protection Sensor
320298 JUN 98 Steering Column Does Not Move From Comfort Exit Pos

The first frequently happens when a Fed Ex truck drives by the car. The second happens about once a month and the steering wheel is stuck vertically making a farm tractor driving experience until it works again.

The car is still under warrantly and I have also tried reporting these as normal complaints, but the dealer says if it is not repeatable every time, they cannot do anything about it.

I am at the end of my rope. Any experiences or suggestions to get to the bottom of this are welcome.




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