2003 E39 540i M-sport Engine Failsafe Program

[abdiarab]

I am getting engine failsafe program as soon as i start the car and goes to engine failsafe program. I have replaced my throttle body after having engine failsafe program, but the code came back again and having issues with acceleration. Now I have 71, 72, 73, and punch of 80's code related to throttle potentiometer position error and learning computer error. I also changed camshaft sensors, but haven't changed gas pedal. Any advise is much appreciated.

[shogun]

Moved to E39 forum from 5 series general

[spencercat]

I had a similar set of symptoms which turned out to be that the DME (in the box underneath the passenger cabin air filter) was fouled by oil which traveled up the wires from the engine. Unfortunately in my case even swapping the DME, TB and engine wiring harness didn't resolve the problem. I would look at the connectors to the DME to check for contamination from oil or coolant (which can travel up from a fried thermostat).

[MotorMouth93]

I had to go through a throttle adaptations reset procedure in order to get a brand new BMW-branded throttle body to work properly in my 540i.

[Chedley]

I am getting engine failsafe program as soon as i start the car and goes to engine failsafe program. I have replaced my throttle body after having engine failsafe program, but the code came back again and having issues with acceleration. Now I have 71, 72, 73, and punch of 80's code related to throttle potentiometer position error and learning computer error. I also changed camshaft sensors, but haven't changed gas pedal. Any advise is much appreciated.

80's codes ? Can you specify exactly which codes you have ?
Reset the adaptations before any testing of the TB. Here is how: (Engine off, turn key to position 2 but do not start engine, wait 31 seconds...Done)

70's codes: these are misfire error codes ? Check/clean/replace your spark plugs then test again.

Very important: Make sure you have a good fully charged battery.

[BMW540san]

I've had this issue on my E53 X5 4.6is (same TB and DME as M2TU on E39). I got new OEM VDO (Siemens) TB and after 6 months the symptoms returned.
I sent VDO TB back to FCP EURO and paid differrence for Genuine BMW TB and haven't had a problem since. Sold the 4.6is few years later and with same TB with no issues.

[abdiarab]

I had replaced ignition coils and Spark plugs to fix misfiring. It was 2, 5, and 7 seven were bad, but decided to change all eight. I did the adaptation and cleaned throttle body connector. The car is sitting at home. I will check the car again. I have new battery but the issue was I didn't drive the car much. I will update soon.

Thanks,
All.