Greydog

Hi Aaron I use ISTA/INPA The d+can cable works up to around 2006/7 models for anything later I use the E+net cable never had an issue Dave

If the cables are loose check the actual brakes handbrake shoes and mechanism is free and working OK. If the brakes are free which from your description it should be (car drivable just Handbrake mechanism not functioning) I have changed 1 on a 5 series and 1 on an X6 basically the same as yours. I released the Bowden cables from the brake shoes the Faff was figuring out how to get the Emergency release cable out which needs the heat shield releasing and bending back by the rear wheel arch, (tip) attach a pull wire to the release wire loop so when you pull it out you have a way to feed it back. Unbolt the unit disconnect the power and fiddle it out. Changing the unit on the X6 took a Saturday morning with tea breaks thrown in. Two choices now you could strip and repair the mechanism (some good Vid's on Youtube) or just replace the mechanism either way your going to get grubby because BMW cunningly place the mechanism underneath the car. For what it's worth the BMW unit seems to be pretty robust unlike some others. Good Luck Dave

Morning Geoff Welcome to the Forum Different request I have seen an Android App available BMW Wiring Diagrams that should help you Normally the Drivers door switch panel is the master working through the FCM or JBE so I would expect one of the thick wires is power up the other power down the three small will switch up switch down and the control wire to isolate the rear switches Good luck with your search Dave

Hi again Aaron I think you need the E-net cable (Yellow one) to communicate properly with your car Dave

Hi Aaron First access the parking brake mechanism under the floor in the boot you can release it from there Then either find the fault or change the unit if your changing the unit make sure you get the correct part number Then reset and clear any fault codes Dave

Hi Richard Welcome to the Forum I know of 2 people who have found Carly shall we say awkward to deal with and not that cheap when subscriptions and connection bits are taken into account. First are you sure it is the sensor? I have seen several that have had connector/loom faults mainly passenger seat (no clue as to why) but cleaning with a good contact cleaner has fixed 3 and some work with the soldering Iron 3 only 1 needed a new sensor fitted Also if you have the correct sensor/seat occupancy mat (check www.realoem.com for the part number) when we had to change the sensor mat all that needed doing was a reset in INPA I did go into NCS and copy all the code just in case but it wasn't needed. It may be simpler/cheaper to find a BMW specialist near by I am in Sussex if you get really stuck Dave

Morning Paul Welcome to the Forum If you aren't aware use www.realoem.com to find correct part numbers put the last 7 digits of your Vin in the search box it will call up your model I dont think you will get the individual parts that you have stripped your unit to but you will certainly be able to get the correct replacement part You could try talking to someone like ECU Testing in Nottingham they may be able to assist Dave

Morning Simon After a lot of research I fitted an upgrade screen made by Erisin into my X5 E70. I brought from one of the well known auction sites came with Android Auto and Carplay built in, plus a wide range of Sat Nav and other apps. The unit was straight forward to fit with some excellent "how to" videos on line, it looks modern retains all the OEM CIC functions while adding a lot more. My X5 E53 has a Dynavin unit fitted because it looks OEM There are several manufactures with units out there do the research and enjoy your choice Dave

Morning Jo Welcome to the Forum You can get headlamp lens cleaning kits that work really well the other check is the bulbs themselves. If they are getting on then their output can drop, are the dip beams Halogen or Xenon if they are Halogen they will always seem dim try changing to LED (didn't exist when I had my 4.4) My first X5 4.4 E53 had Halogen lamps and I had to stand in front to make sure they were on !! they were terrible I upgraded to Xenon unit's brought from a specialist BMW dismantler Quarry Motors. My E53 4.6is came with Xenon lamps but they didn't seem as bright as the 4.4 so cleaned the lens's checked the lamps and they were 35w changed them to 55w same as the 4.4 brilliant My current X5 E70 has Xenon but I am about to polish the Lens's and change the lamps as they are not as bright as they were I will also upgrade the Main beam's to LED Hope this helps Dave

Hi Gavin Welcome to the Forum Would have seen this sooner if it was posted in the X1 section matey I have read some good things about DWMotorsport in Durham I think But there is a register of BMW Specialists Google will help Good Luck if it isnt fixed already Dave

Morning Ryan Welcome to the Forum If your car is in fact a 2023 X3 then the obvious place is the Dealer as it is under Warranty or should be. If your car is older and no longer under warranty you need the help of someone or a Garage with BMW diagnostic capable equipment Dave

Morning Gary Welcome to the Forum First why the change ? What are you trying to achieve I am pretty sure that your model year came with either Halogen or Xenon head lamps you could try upgrading the bulb/lamp. Dip will be Xenon main beam halogen so could be changed to LED as can DLR's also clean and polish the lens will help as they get stained and cloudy The latest BMW headlights use LED for DLR and Laser technology for the Headlamps As for sources first check if they fit and what is involved in controlling them you may have some wiring involved Then specialist breakers/recyclers like Quarry Motors and search Google Good Luck with the search Dave

Looks like you have to get under then Andy I have changed a Turbo on one of these that was an adventure as well. The car was stuck on my drive for over a week as twice the wrong exchange turbo was sent Good Luck Dave

Hi Andy Welcome to the Forum Don't know if you are aware of www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin in the search box it will bring up your model, then check the exhaust section you should find what you need. If you double click the part number if there are any alternatives it will give a list Dave From memory there is a manifold pressure sensor under the manifold as well

Certainly testing your resilience Tino I have seen 2, X5 E53 with corroded pins on the DME that gave no start no crank. In both cases the issue was caused by a faulty thermostat coolant was making its way up the loom by capillary action and caused damage to the DME. One I changed the DME, EWS, Keys Door lock and ignition lock, got the lot as a kit from Quarry Motors the other I could clean and get repaired by ECU Testing in Nottingham Dave

Glad you finally got it sorted Gerry technology is great when it's working and a real pain when it's not. Dave

Morning Gerry Welcome to the Forum Sorry but apart from the obvious "check the phones settings" or "clear the Phones and Cars memory then Reconnect" I can't offer much help Dave

Wow Tino your car is one for the archives So now you are looking for the supply to fuse 31 I will go back into TIS and see what I can find Almost there Buddy Dave

I have been told the car monitors the Ash content of the DPF, if the DPF is replaced the Memory needs resetting or the car will not know the DPF is new and assume it is full or almost full If the car is over fuelling then first fuel pressure needs checking (has the fuel filter been changed?) If the fuel pressure is correct then the injectors are the next inline as a source of over fuelling As your ECU has been reset it will be interesting to see how it responds to the new DPF Let us know if it all settles down after fitting Dave

Morning Steve What a SAGA I take it that the rest of the engine is in good condition, Compression good? Timing checked and correct? Fuel pressure checked and correct? Injectors correct and matching? Is the rest of the emissions system intact? has the EGR valve been checked and cleaned has the Inlet manifold been cleaned? Are the Glow plugs working correctly? (without the glow-plugs working then a regen of the DPF wont be possible) so it will clog. Has the DPF memory been reset I have read that there can be issues if the memory thinks the new DPF is 80 or 90% full Check all the hoses and Vacuum lines make sure they are all good if any are clogged or split they wont help. As far as economy goes the 520 is a big car so around town low 20's high 30's early 40's on a run would be my guess Dave

Morning Craig Welcome to the Forum Your car has fuses in 4 locations, 1 under the bonnet (i believe there is a fuse legend under the lid) 2 Under the dash behind the Glove box, 3 In the boot (you say you have checked) 4 Right side of the boot behind the trim Never checked an F33 but my guess would be behind the glove box Good hunting Dave

Morning Tony Welcome to the Forum The first thought is anything on the M2 that would satisfy? Check realoem perhaps? As you already have a car that is 1 step down from the M2 not easy, any thing from the M3 or M4 competition range that may be adapted ? Good luck with the hunt Dave

Just designed skilfully, carefully and with great consideration to discourage any DIY playboys and girls out there and to fatten the wallets of the Dealerships 🤣 🤣 Mind now we know you can work while hanging upside down Joseph perhaps we can find you more work 🤣 Well done Matey Dave

Morning Michael I have never heard of this before, I think you need the OEM phone data cable to be sure. I have seen instances where after market cables don't allow all functions. Also I take it that the USB port described is the accessory port ? Check your handbook is this actually a charging point or just a data transfer point ? Dave

Morning Wayne Welcome to the Forum Sorry to pour cold water on your plea but in the UK as the driver of the vehicle you are responsible !! The systems in your car are "Driver Assistance" not an Autonomous system where the driver can sit back and do nothing. Autonomous Systems don't exist as far as I am aware in the UK, neither are they legal in the UK as far as I am aware. Sat Nav systems even online will always be behind all mapping and speed data changes as they have to be registered and updated as an example Wales is moving all 30mph limits to 20mph this weekend! If you want an autonomous experience in a car I believe they are called Taxi's Dave