76 (118) status DME internal fault

[touring325xi]

Good day BMW owners of this site.

2003 E46 325xi “sport” touring is my trouble. Experienced the trifecta of troubles the ABS, DSC and brake lights trifecta illuminating and limp mode. The “!” Light initially being red. Vehicle went to Indy shop specializing in euros. They were able to declare the abs module internal fault or death to be the issue. The abs/DSC module was replaced but they did not have the correct computer to code the module to car. So I have successfully removed the codes (ncs expert/inpa) and coded the module to the car. Then performed the steering adaptation and cleared codes once more. The “!” Light now yellow which I understand as a good thing. BUT now with inpa initially opens it states I have a “LCM: FA reading error” which I don’t know enough about and then when scanning abs/DSC module shows a “76 (118) status DME internal fault”. I’ve spent days going through this site trying to find a solution, today I’m admitting I’m stumped and seek some guidance.

I’ve found a few claiming I need to update the DME to newer software as it may not understand the new abs/DSC module even though it’s now coded to the car. Is this my next step? Either at dealer or can this these steps done with winKFP? Any guidance direction or words I’m not searching correctly will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all and all the best throughout the holidays. Merry BMW ownership to all, and to all a dash light.

[328 Power 04]

So the DSC is showing that code, interesting. I think an update of the DME with Winkfp is worth a try.
For flashing, you would need a few prerequisites to do ahead of time, in settings and so on.

First of all, does your car have the MS43 or MS45 DME?

[touring325xi]

Info I’ve collected from bmw scanner software in the DME page “algorithm: MS43.0 M54 (EWS3)”.

Seems I’ve got some “short circuit to positive or open circuit” on the engine throttle sensor… just replaced the throttle body too. Seems it’s an unhappy device too.

[328 Power 04]

That's the code in DME? Then I wouldn't do software updates just yet. You may already be on the latest software anyways. I have yet to see a software incompatibility on those older cars anyways.

Pull all the DME codes with INPA and post here. You may have a throttle issue or a wiring issue.

- - - Updated - - -

For what it's worth, your DME latest firmware for your car is ZB number 7571604

[touring325xi]

The code in the abs module should appear below. The DME I will get a better photo of today. I am seeing a difference in firmware than your posting data. I am somewhat leaning towards a wiring issue but wow umm the shop has been the last fingers into cookie jar. Damn I’d be ticked to now have to finger through their work to find a short. I also found a random cut wire dangling in front of the passengers wheel. This one just got put back up into a small box in that area. Now it was just 2 wires connected to eachother I assume it’s a speed sensor not a brake pad sensor. Possible “short” circuit seen by the dme?

[touring325xi]

I think the 2 below are both scans from yesterday. The German writing was pulled from DSC and the other data from inpa from DME. That’s only if I correctly pulled codes. Fingers crossed this is what you are requesting.

[328 Power 04]

DSC heavily depends on a working throttle position sensor signal, so I would start there first!

[touring325xi]

now it’s in writing I can understand what I’m seeing.

Seems I’ve got a solid direction to work now. Much appreciated. I’ll pull this intake pipe apart and see what I can find.

[touring325xi]

I’ve so far found the peddle sensor wiring connector has no more tabs to hold it in place. With this I also found wire number 4 has a 1-2 mm gash in the wire. Possible critter bites or cold wire bending resulted in the broken wire. The hunt for a fairly priced peddle begins. I’d imagine an ohm test can also tell me if this is the culprit.

Part number I’m needing if anyone sees this and has parts laying around.
3540 6762480-01/ 259160-10

[328 Power 04]

Uh oh. I think you may have found an incidental issue.

The DME code is for the throttle body position sensor at the engine as best as I can see.

[touring325xi]

I am in agreement with you on the throttle body. This was a weak attempt at less gruesome work tearing that inlet hose off. I’m sure this is not the actual issue but at least the area can be properly cleaned and a replacement installed to ease my mind. The throttle body will be removed today.

Out of curiosity the peddle box sounds like it’s got 30 jelly beans loose inside of it. If I lightly shake the peddle you can hear them rattling around. I’d imagine some sort of broken plastic bits inside? I’d need to find a 5 point safety torques to disassemble the peddle completely. I don’t have said tool.

[328 Power 04]

Considering that those pedals are so common, I would get a used one and put it in, if you're concerned about it. It doesn't sound too great, but likely not the cause of the issues.

[touring325xi]

The throttle body plug was not fully engaged. New TB but it seems to not be latching when plugged in. I’ll have to clean the plug and see if I can convince it to stay in place. The peddle wiring seems to be just a broken wire there’s only a few copper strands holding the 4 wire together unseen in photo but it will require a fix to be sure it is no longer a thorn in my side.

[touring325xi]

Big thank you 328 Power 04. After cleaning the peddle and applying some electrical cleaner and some lubrication to the assembly, the 325xi touring has a wonderful heart beat and is breathing now all on her own. After installing the peddle I almost lost hope as I turned the key the dash lit up eml, the abs, brake light and check engine! My heart sank. Decided wth it won’t hurt put it into drive to see if it would move…… eyes glowing watching the dash…….. SUCCESS!!!

All lights have cleared and it will take its first drive in my ownership.

I’m left with the coolant level light who would have guessed. The system was completely replaced last nov. The manual indicator is just below the top stopper. To no avail this car continues to challenge me.

[touring325xi]

Did not last as long as I had hoped. Back to the yellow trifecta lights on the dash. And random codes in the DME. Crank sensor, fan error….. and to top it off I’ve noticed the passengers rear now sags lower then the rest of car.

Need to pull the battery and have it tested. May be my source of random errors. If im lucky.

[touring325xi]

After much more unnecessary circuit/wiring investigation.

1. Fully charged battery, tested “ok”
2. Scan shows random fan fault and the catalyst codes, clear codes
3. Still trifecta lights on yellow
4. Perform steering alignment calibration codes clear but return seconds after beginning to drive.
5. Stumped yet again.
6. Shift to Reverse car back to its parking location.
7. Codes cleared………..
8. Return shifter to Drive
9. Complete 56 km drive with no lights.

I will have to see now if it remains light free. I have a strong feeling the battery is on its way. Though it does test ok.