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E39 only sleeps when locked

3K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  bmwluvr4evr 
#1 ·
Morning all.

My 98 528i only sleeps when it is locked and the alarm set.

Any ideas?

Also, when I set the alarm the "red light" does not blink.

General module?
 
#6 · (Edited)
Check your fuses first.

I have a 97 540i that didn't have the red light blinking because the fuse was missing in the trunk. Can't remember which. I also had my siren die and it wasn't chirping when locking or unlocking. You can also check to see if your siren isn't plugged in. The siren has rechargeable batteries inside but mine was corroded. I knew it was shot because I switched over the siren from the M5 to the 540 and it worked. Mine was located in the passengers side rear wheel well. You have to remove that wheel and arch. It's super easy to do.
 
#8 ·
Yes it did. I just left the siren from the M5 and it has been working ever since. The 540i had the old style "Wolf Whistle" WEE WEE, although it sounds like a piggy to me...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71AWZavxfk8

and the M5 had the "Road Runner" BEEP BEEP. It's all bit more modern now. Which sound did your have?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6qEL7Tu9yg

Here's some more info that might help:

No Chirp / Alarm Not Working (sorta) - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

I was also having some issues with the car sounding randomly years back, which might have caused my battery to drain constantly, and maybe killed my siren. Who knows. I opened my siren which was a pain to do. It's sealed really well but I forced it. The batteries were slimy as if the acid leaked or something. I'm sort of tempted to try fixing it. My car also sits outside so maybe heat could have been a factor.
 
#10 ·
My dumb-***** indie removed fuse 48 from the trunk. Not only did that turn off the siren, it causes the car to not "go to sleep" at around 15-16 minutes. Once I replaced the fuse, the siren chirps and now it sleeps.
Thanks for reporting back!

Glad to hear thats all it was. When the alarm system isn't working properly, it can be a real pain to figure out whats going on... :confused3

It's always good to make sure your fuses are the right amp too. I had someone mess with the fuel pump fuse and put the incorrect amp. I decided to check all of them and some were off. There are some pretty shady mechanics out there...
 
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