1999 740iL sat for 5 years

[OutlawBMW]

Ok so I'm looking for help sooner than I thought!
I bought a 1999 740iL that has been sitting for 5 years. Bunny rabbits ate some wiring and it wouldn't start so they parked it.
The first thing I find is the wires to the starter have been eaten. They were too short to repair them at the connector, so I removed the connector and replaced the two smaller wires from right above the oil pan to a point right past the connector.
Both of the key fobs were dead, and they had bought a new battery three years ago, they tried it and it wouldn't turn over (obviously) so they disconnected it and the car sat without any juice.
The only other wires I found chewed are the ones to the left headlight, and three wires going to a sensor of some type on the bottom of the oil pan. It got too cold to repair the wires to that sensor. I hooked up the battery, the alarm went off. I got in and tried the key in the ignition but it didn't shut off the alarm. It finally stopped sounding so I tried the key again and it sounded the alarm again, and it stopped again after so many seconds. I tried to start it, it will crank but won't fire. I went to town and bought batteries for the remote, and it doesn't operate the locks and the engine cranks but won't fire.
Is there a way I can reprogram the fobs myself? Will that sensor on the bottom of the oil pan stop it from firing? I have a Genesys scan tool, as well as an Auto xray and a Snap On brick- will any of these communicate with the Bimmer software- mainly security?
I will do some more reading tonight and play with it tomorrow. I got this thing for scrap price thanks to the fuzzy bunny, I'd love to see it run again. Ph, and it has 142,000 miles on it, if it runs I see timing chain guides in my future!
Thanks! Sherri

[Mayorchuck]

You are probably referring to the crank position sensor. It tells the DME the car is turning over so the DME starts calling for spark and fuel. It's not going to start until that is replaced. If it is the oil level sensor, I believe it has caused no start issues in the past because of it being on the same circuit as something vital to the start sequence. Don't recall what at the moment.

I believe the '99 has the diamond keys. Those batteries are charged while the car is in use. If the fob battery has any life in them, you can initialize it to make the locks work. There are plenty of posts about how to do that here. It has nothing to do with the car starting though.

Next time you get under the car, take a look at the wires going to the position switch on the side of the transmission. That's another one that will cause issues down the road if damaged.

Enjoy your rabbit stew.

A weak battery will make the alarm act like that as well. Make sure that battery is good and fully charged.

[740ilDuke]

If keys are dead, this guy makes new laser cut for $30. I’ve used him, works great. Follow the instructions and it’ll work flawlessly.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F302570960327

[Narlift]

Pull the rear seats. Uppers too. Check trunk area thoroughly. Guaranteed to be more mice activity.

[Timm]

As you fitted batteries then you must have the older key style. Re-programming the keys is covered below:

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Key_Program.htm

...although you can start it without disarming using the emergency start procedure:

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/1999Ma...es.pdf#page=42

....but if it is the crankshaft sensor wiring that is mangled then it isn't going to start - but the wiring could also be the oil-level sensor from your description.

[OutlawBMW]

Thanks for the advice! Today I plan on sucking out old gas and putting in some fresh, and removing all the engine armor to see what else is up. Luckily I have found no mouse, but I'll keep digging.
I was just excited it cranked! My husband was sure it was scrap, but I believe I can get her running. Hate to see a sweet car go to make a new Toyota!
Thanks again I will update!

[franco90]

Thanks for the advice! Today I plan on sucking out old gas and putting in some fresh, and removing all the engine armor to see what else is up. Luckily I have found no mouse, but I'll keep digging.
I was just excited it cranked! My husband was sure it was scrap, but I believe I can get her running. Hate to see a sweet car go to make a new Toyota!
Thanks again I will update!

nice and keep us posted

[OutlawBMW]

OK! I repaired the three wires to the oil level sensor, cleaned out some poo from the air cleaner and top of engine (blew up from blowing out the air cleaner), new air filter, new gas, went through and replace several blown fuses- including one under the screwed down box under the hood in a secret beige holder LOL, and low and behold she fired right up with a puff of smoke- smoothed right out and hasn't skipped a beat since.
There are many dead pixels in the display, but not so bad I don't know what's going on Got the door locks going. About every 5 amp fuse is blown, guess the rodent rewiring caused some shorts!
I checked the interior and trunk and there are no more signs of rodents, it was isolated to the left headlight area where bunny perished, and the starter wiring- phew!
Now I have to re-wire the left head light and check the torque arm because it has death shimmy at 50-55 mph.
I'm quite pleased with it! Theres 142,xxx showing on the odo.
Thanks for your help!
Sherri

[Timm]

Well done! Puff the front tyres up to 42 psi to start with - sure to have flat spots that will cause shimmy after sitting that long....

[Mayorchuck]

Good work. The fuse in the fuse carrier you described is often the culprit on a no start.

[OutlawBMW]

Thanks! And I will check the tire pressure I was not aware they were so sensitive!