EMERGENCY E39 540i BREAKDOWN HELP NEEDED

[VictorMike]

Hi all.

The story:
On my way to work today my 540i died. I was in bumper to bumper traffic, the engine lost revs, and the car died. It does not want to start up again. The engine turns but it wont catch.

There is fuel in the car. I checked all the fuses in the glove compartment and they all seem fine, as do the ones in the boot.

Nothing leaked out, the engine did not over heat, and the computer did not give any warnings before this happened. In fact the car was running great.

The battery is now dead, 1 hour after the incident. I don't know if this is part of the problem or because I tried to re-start it 5 times.

The question:
My car is now here at work, and I need the numbers/contact details of any GOOD mechanic, preferably with e39 experience, that can come to rivonia and fix the car.

Alternatively, any suggestions to the cause of the problem would be appreciated.

Please please please help.

 

[novio]

I just read this on another site that states the problem as being common with the e39:

Battery failure:

Often, can't blame this one on BMW... typically, it's operator error. The battery is in the trunk - out of sight and out of mind. Even though it's "maintenance free" water levels need to be maintained. There tends to be a rash of BMW battery failures at the end of the summer after significant evaporation due to the heat.

Go check the water lvl of you batter quick.

 

[VictorMike]

ok, checked the water levels in the battery. There is water in there, maybe 80% / 90% full.

 

[novio]

vee says:

that problem is always 1 of two things:
fuel or spark (ignition)

Call Johan Els - 0836575007

I checked this guy with vee workin on quite a few different beemers when we went to see him.
He might not be able to come through to you now, but ask him. Alternatively ask if he knows anyone else who might be able to help today.

 

[Gregmeister]

Dunno if you have sorted the problem, but anyway, the same thing happened to me a while back. Car running fine, suddenly, without warning DEAD. It was a 528i, but this should be the same thing on the 540i. Check the connections on the fuel pump, which sits under the rear seat on the driver's side. Access cylindrical cover, screw open and pull out fuel pump from fuel tank (be patient and pay attention to how it has to go back in). What happens is the soldering joints to the pump corrode and fail, due to the pump sitting IN the fuel tank (to keep it cooler and quieter). You will immediately notice a failed joint if it is the case. Just solder back on...

Good Luck!

 

[novio]

Dunno if you have sorted the problem, but anyway, the same thing happened to me a while back. Car running fine, suddenly, without warning DEAD. It was a 528i, but this should be the same thing on the 540i. Check the connections on the fuel pump, which sits under the rear seat on the driver's side. Access cylindrical cover, screw open and pull out fuel pump from fuel tank (be patient and pay attention to how it has to go back in). What happens is the soldering joints to the pump corrode and fail, due to the pump sitting IN the fuel tank (to keep it cooler and quieter). You will immediately notice a failed joint if it is the case. Just solder back on...

Good Luck!

He sorted it AND it WAS the fuel pump. But he needs it replaced. Thanks Gregmeister:thumbsup: