HELP!! 540i gauges stopped working

[Jonathan66]

Hello all

I'm new to this forum and am in desperate need of help and/or advice.
My 1999 540i 6spd (110k miles on it) has a problem yet my local mechanics have not seen before. My gauge cluster has started to get a mind of its own...

When I start the car in the morning everthing works fine, or when its colder then 50 deg. As soon as the weather warms up or the car gets to normal operating temp. the Speedo and Tach stop working and drop to zero. at the same time the temp gauge goes to max which stops the AC from working.

But the car is not overheating... The check engine light goes on and off along with the ABS, DSC, oil service light and Brake (not e-brake). They go on and off whenever they feel like it. When this is happening the DSC is not working along with ABS.

I know its not the cluster as I have swaped it out with another and problem persists. I believe the car does not have an external IKE module due to year. I have disconnected battery to possibly reset system with no luck.

Every once in a while after driving for approx 30 miles or more the gauges will come back on. But this is becoming less frequent and they usually just stay off.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

Thank you

Jonathan

[arks]

I don't think a Bently manual would solve this problem.....you need the help of an experienced BMW technician.
Forget the dealer- look for a factory-trained independent shop in your area. They're everywhere and can perform "almost" all the services the dealer offers.

Look here: http://www.bimmershops.com/search/results

[cdc692003]

Have your charging system checked for proper output.

[zafar101]

Hi, I have a similar problem with a 1994 540i with automatic.The BMW garage put in a new battery.When I brought the car back home I noticed that the gas gauge and the temp gauge were not working any more.They were working fine prior to taking the car for the battery change.The BMW dealer is saying they had nothing to do with it and the gauges just happened to go on the blink because it is a 15 y old car.I do not buy their argument.Why would gauges which were working fine, stop working just because a new battery was installed?In any case now even the battery doesnt work and the car wont start.They wont tell me how to access the battery as it is hidden under the rear seat.It wont trickle charge and wont respond to a jump start.I guess they think they have on the barrel now unless any forum members can help.TY

[arks]

Originally Posted by zafar101

Hi, I have a similar problem with a 1994 540i with automatic........ They wont tell me how to access the battery as it is hidden under the rear seat......

TY-
It's easy to get to your battery. Go to the PASSENGER side rear door, open it, and push the bottom seat cushion to the rear- hard! it should un-latch so you can lift it out. The battery is right there on the floor pan.
As far as your problem- try my link above to find an independent shop that works on Bimmers. Don't know where in Pa. your hometown is, but Bimmerworks in West Chester, Pa. is very good. They are about 30 miles west of Philly. Good luck.