New guy looking for a little help!

[BH18]

First off I want to say Thanks for all the great Information that I've already learned on here from everyone!

Second: I'm a proud new owner of a 99 540I That is a beautiful example of a car.

However it does have it's little peccadilloes being a used car and all.

It's in need of a driver side head lamp- it will not adjust up and down it appears that the gearing stuff inside the assembly is broken. So my first question is ......is it cheaper to replace with the OEM Halogens or go for the 2000 and up AE Xenon’s? I do want Genuine BMW headlights not that crap on e-bay for $300 that look like neon tubes for the AE part.

Second Question--my outside temperature reading is stuck at -40 where is that sensor located and how much are they from BMW and is there any other source for them?


So that is about it for now As I start to modify this car for performance and reliability I'm sure that I'll be picking the brains of all you guys and gals!!

Thanks for the help
Brad

[cleoent]

bimmerparts.com has it,

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/zygmunt/wizard.jsp?partner=zygmunt&clientid=bimmerparts.com&baseurl=http://www.bimmerparts.com/&cookieid=10M0NLPNE&year=1998&make=BM&model=540-I-002&category=P&part=Ambient+Temp+Sensor

Don't know if the link will work (That's for the temp sensor). Its about 25 bucks, so I'm guessing 30-40 at the local bmw $tealer. As far as the headlights go, I will have my stock ones for sale if you want them, i am upgrading to the new look, 2001+ and I'm buying them from Umnitza.com

[BH18]

Are those ones that Umnitza.com sales the OEM stuff with the auto level sensors and everything? How much are they and when are you buying them.....I need that headlight ASAP....the dealer sells the OEM hallogen for $250 a piece.

Thanks for the help!
Brad

[cleoent]

info@umnitza.com will answer all your questions :)

[BH18]

I've got another question about that temperature sensor...if it were bad would your AC system be disabled due to the -40f reading that the computer would see? also does anyone konw where that sensor is located on the car to change it?

Thanks
Brad

[Skipper5]

I've got another question about that temperature sensor...if it were bad would your AC system be disabled due to the -40f reading that the computer would see? also does anyone konw where that sensor is located on the car to change it?

Thanks
Brad

the AC system will not be disabled due to this sensor being out. the sensor is located under the front bumper on the passenger side of the car. it looks kinda like a fat needle and plugs into the underpanel.

[BH18]

That is NOT what I wanted to hear!!!! I've now got to find out why my AC is not working!!!
But thanks for your Help none the less!!

Brad

[323I Junkie]

-40; its probably unplugged

[BH18]

I'll check that tonight.....I called the local dealer and he said that sometimes the plugs and wires break and lose the connection.....I'll look into it tonight!!

Thanks 323I Junkie!!