1990 535i: A few problems

[we_call_him_doher]

I just purchased a 1990 535i 5-speed with 170k miles on it, and I have been very happy with it, and it drives like it has half of those miles, but it does have a few problems. I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions on these-

-Randomly the speedometer will not work for about 3-5 minutes when i start driving. I cannot find any reason why it doesn't work because it only does it every once in a while, and for no reason whatsoever. I know I could probably fix this by replacing the speed sensor, but I have heard this is a hassle and was wondering if you all had any other things i might check out.

-A message will come up saying "f/fog light" also randomly. It sometimes comes on while im driving, sometimes as soon as I start it, sometimes not at all. Both front fog lights work as well as every other light on the car so I dont know why it keeps saying this.

-OK, I'm sorry I know this has been brought up before on this board, and I read the other posts but I still dont get it! HOW DO I GET TO THE BATTERY? I know you need to remove some seat belt covers, are they the ones behind the seats where the seatbelts come out? If so how do I remove them? After I remove them will the seat fold easily or what?

Thanks, this is my first beemer, and wow what an amazing machine.

[LeaTHER OpT. 28]

To get to your battery you don't have to go tearing up your seatbelts. Just get standing on your floor in the back seat, facing forward. Grab the front of the seat with both hands, about shoulder length, and yank straight up. This is how you get to your battery.

[we_call_him_doher]

I tried pulling up also but it seems like it is somehow latched closed. It pulls up a little bit but then stops and I dont want to break anything. Is there some kind of latch or do I just need to pull harder?

[LWarren]

Yes they are a bit tight. Try pulling forward and upward at the same time. You do have to pull very hard!

Larry

[ShadeTreeBill]

Yes, that back seat is a bear to get out. I don't think you can break it though. It seems like I pulled back and up, but its been a few years since I took mine out. No battery under mine...

I have heard that "99%" of the speedometer problems can be fixed by cleaning, tightening, and applying dielectric grease to the electrical connection on the speed sensor. It's still a pain to get to. This link should help:

http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/mainte...eed_sensor.htm

You can buy the speed sensor online here:

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com...er+Transmitter

Be careful about working under a suspended car.

Good luck.