F10 530d: New O/S / driver’s side rear spring.

Did both of the rear struts and springs a few years ago, but find the right side one has broken right at the top and will need doing for this years MOT test. As usual with 5 Series models when the spring snaps at the top or bottom, there was no tell-tale clunking or change in driving characteristics, so who knows how long it's been like that. At least it is not a big job.

*GUIDE: F10 Rear Shock / Spring Replacement*

*GUIDE: F10/F11 Front Shock / Spring Replacement*

The rear struts were replaced several years ago from a car with 80k miles. Their combined run in both cars has still added up to less than the mileage on the original ones!

F10 530d Manual: Replaced leaking clutch slave-cylinder.

At the end of 2018 when I replaced the clutch on the F10 I threw on a new slave-cylinder while I was there, but I used a cheap spurious part, not OEM. It has been leaking for a while but I’ve started to lose my pedal and the topping up is becoming frequent, so time has come to replace it again. This time I went for an OEM Febi slave-cyl.

The spurious part from 2018 cost just £18 and is made from cast aluminium. You can see it’s poorly made compared to the OEM part, which is made of high-quality plastic. The Febi part was £57 still in 2024, but you can clearly see the improvement in build-quality. For such a critical part as the slave-cylinder it’s worth just paying the extra and avoid having to redo a messy, fiddly job!

*GUIDE: Replacing / Clutch Slave-cylinder on F10/F11*

*GUIDE: Bleeding Clutch on F10/F11*

As you can see, the cast-alloy slave-cylinder does not have the same look of build quality that the OEM plastic one does. It lasted 5 years and only about 25k miles, but was still good value for the price!

*GUIDE: Clutch Slave-cylinder replacement and bleeding guide for E30 / E28 / early E34 and E34*

F10 530d: New wiper-blades - Bosch Aerotwin

Replacement wiper blades for modern cars are not cheap. Euro Car Parts wanted £45 for a set and that was with a discount, other high-street stockists wanted over £60... for two wiper blades. Ah well, you can't fight progress I suppose, these new fangled blades wipe the screen so much better than the old ones did... don't they??

I found a super-cheap budget set for just £11 on eBay, but these turned out to be for a left-hand drive car and are the exact opposite profile of the ones I need here in UK so would not fit. They were from a UK stockist too, who didn't seem to know the blades were wrong, this was obviously the first set they sold for F10 or maybe mine were a fluke one off LHD pair... we will never know.

In the end I plumped for a set of Bosch Aerotwin from eBay, as they came in at £23, far off the 40+ from ECP so worth waiting for delivery. Have to say, you can see the quality of the Bosch is better than that of the budget blades, so you get what pay for, but I still think £23 is expensive for two wiper blades!

F10 530d: N57 EGR / Cooler related fault-code scan results

 Been getting the 'Drivetrain' malfunction message on my F10 530d iDrive and figured it likely to be EGR (exhaust-gas-recirculator) related, so plugged in a Snap-On Modis scanner and these are the codes I got, which are what I suspected to be honest. The EGR and EGR-cooler are known to pack in on the N57 series of engine, the latter of which can leak coolant into the inlet causing a bit of smoke on startup. 

28E200 - Exhaust Gas Temperature sensor before Cat, open circuit

255C00 - EGR Controller, Position Control, Valve open too far

190900 - EGR Mass Air Flow, measured plausibility calculated too high

240400 - EGR Control, control deviation air mass too low

272F09 - EGR, mechanically faulty close to open position

272E00 - EGR, mechanically faulty close to closed position

So, I have the classic two codes of the EGR failing close to open and closed position, which denotes a stuck EGR valve, which is quite common on all diesel engines, along with the EGR mass-air codes where values are higher and lower than they should be, which clearly ties in to the valve sticking in the open and closed position. Faults for the EGR control-module show that it is struggling to position the EGR correctly and this all points to one stuck EGR valve.

I also notice that I am getting a bit of smoke on startup sometimes which I have never noticed before. This also points to a faulty EGR-valve, or rather the cooler itself. The EGR-cooler is fed with coolant to reduce the operating temperature of the EGR-valve itself and these are known to have problems with leaking after time. They crack inside after prolonged use and start to leak coolant into the EGR and thereafter the air-intake, which causes a bit of white smoke on startup, which I have been experiencing the last few weeks and so it looks like this is the culprit and I will be replacing the EGR / cooler unit at some point I would imagine... watch this space.

F10 530d: Cleaning up the 17” Cromodora alloys...

Thought I would give the 17 inch Cromodora alloys a quick clean while the tyres were off for replacement. I can't imagine they have been cleaned inside the rim in the car's entire 170,000 miles. I jet-washed them, gave them a liberal coating of Autosmart Ali-Shine (it's basically 'wheel acid') and jet-washed them again, thats it. You can see they have had a bit of a hard life, but I have to say for that mileage they haven't come up half bad!

 

F10/F11/G07: Front Fog-Lamp / Spot-Lamp Fault fix... the bulb or not the bulb?

 If you get 'Front Foglight Failure' coming up then it's likely a bulb has blown, but I believe it is a common problem on the F10 showing this error but both front fog lamps are still working, or a light not working but the bulb is not blown. It should be an easy fix.

REPLACING THE BULB / CHECKING FAULT:

1. Using an 8mm hex-socket remove four of the screws holding the front side of the corresponding wheel-arch liner - two from the bottom edge and the other two that run up the outer edge of the wheel-arch. This should be enough to peel the arch-liner back and see the back of the fog-light.

2. Remove the wiring-connector by pressing the clip and sliding it upwards.

3. Remove the bulb-holder in the back of the fog-lamp by giving it a quarter-turn anti-clockwise and it should pull out easily.

If the bulb is blown then it can be removed from the plastic holder and replaced.

IF IT'S NOT THE BULB:

The worst case scenario is a fault with the lighting module or wiring to it, see this post - https://www.beemerlab.org/2019/04/f10-halogen-headlight-module-issues.html, but it is far more likely to just be a loose wiring-connector behind the bumper.

Firstly, the wiring-connector to the fog-lamp itself connects from above, so it is possible moisture can fid its way in and corrode the terminals, which can be easily cleaned up with some emery-cloth and a small screwdriver/awl. It is also feasible that road dirt / debris can drop into the plug as it is removed, making it not seat correctly when it is replaced, so rule these out first.

Secondly, there is another wiring connector higher up in the front bumper behind the bottom of the headlight unit. It is hard to spot, as wires seem to run to the fog-lamps from both sides of the car and also link to the headlights, so it will appear as if the wiring to the fogs are intact, when this plug becoming loose or not properly connected will stop the fog-lamp working and throw the error, but not affect the headlights. This can be caused when a headlight has been removed for bulb-replacement or work on the front of the car, so if this work has been done to the car recently then be sure to check this plug. 

BMW F10 / F11 / F07: FUSE BOX DIAGRAM - Detailed with all Definitions

Here is a detailed fuse box guide for BMW F10 etc. as none seem readily available. I will update as I go...

* PDF download here. *

ENGINE BAY:

No.	Application
1	Engine control (EC) relay
F01	30A Engine management
F02	10A Nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensors
F05	7.5A Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler pump

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT [GLOVE BOX]:

Fuse No.	Rating	Application
1		Ignition main circuits relay
2		Rear screen wiper relay
F1	10A	Multifunction control module
F2	5A	ABS/ESP system, door function control modules, tailgate automatic opening/closure
F3	5A	CAN data bus gateway control module, data link connector (DLC)
F4	5A	Multimedia control module
F5	-
F6		Shunt
F7	30A	Multifunction control module 1
F8	30A	Multifunction control module 1
F9	30A	Multifunction control module 1
F10	10A	Instrument panel, multifunction control module 1
F11	7.5A	AC/heater system
F12	5A	Glove box lamp, multifunction control module
F13	5A	Exterior lamps, multifunction switch (steering column), multi switch assembly
F14	15A	Multifunction control module 1, central locking
F15	20A	Multifunction control module 1, central locking
F16	40A	Multifunction control module 3, exterior lamps
F17	30A	Multifunction control module 3, electric windows
F18	30A	Multifunction control module 3, electric windows
F19	20A	Trailer socket
F20	-
F21	30A	Diesel: Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) additive system control module
		Petrol: Not used
F22	30A	Diesel: Engine management
		Petrol: Not used
F23	5A	Telematics, telephone system
F24	10A	Multifunction switch (steering column)
F25	5A	Head up display
F26	5A	Instrumentation control module
F27	5A	Telephone system
F28	5A	>08/10: Entertainment system
		09/10> Not used
F29	7.5A	>08/10: DVD changer
		09/10-06/12: Not used
	5A	07/12> Entertainment system, multimedia control module
F30		Shunt
F31	5A	AC/heater system (rear), heated rear seats
F32	7.5A	>12/10: Multifunction switch (driver's door), multifunction switch (passenger door), RH door mirror. 01/11> Multifunction control module 7, vanity mirror lamps (rear)
F33	5A	Seat belt tension motor, driver seat belt tension motor, passenger, glow plugs, engine management, starter motor
F34	5A	Multifunction control module 5
F35	10A/15A	Diesel: Engine management
	10A	Petrol: Engine management
	10A	Hybrid models: AC refrigerant control valve, hybrid drive system
F36	30A	Headlamp washers
F37	30A	Suspension control system
F38	40A	Multifunction control module 4, central locking
F39	40A	Active steering
F40	30A	ABS/ESP system
F41	-
F42	30A	Diesel: Engine management
		Petrol: Not used
F43	5A	All models: power steering
	5A	N57 engine: Engine management
	5A	N53/N54 engines: Module cooling fan
F44	5A	AC system, high beam assistant, lane change assist, lane departure warning system, multifunction control module 6
F45	5A	Active steering, suspension control system
F46	5A	Cruise control distance range sensor, engine coolant radiator shutter actuator
F47	20A	Diesel: Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler bypass valve, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler pump
		Petrol: Not used
F48	5A	All models: Auto-dimming rear view mirror
	5A	Diesel: Engine breather heater
	5A	Hybrid models: Engine mounting control system
	5A	N52 engine: Secondary air injection (AIR) pump
F49		Shunt
F50	40A	Hybrid models: Hybrid drive system
		Other models: Not used
F51	30A	Windscreen wipers
F52	30A	Electric seat, driver
F53	30A	Electric seat, passenger
F54	20A	Auxiliary power sockets
F55	20A	Rear screen wiper
F56	5A	Multifunction control module 4, central locking
F57	15A	LH Headlamp
F58	5A	Audio unit suppressor, multifunction control module 7
F59	10A	Turbocharger (TC) intercooler coolant pump
F60	5A	Parking brake
F61	20A	Multifunction control module 7
F62	15A	Horns
F63	10A	Transmission control
F64	7.5A	Transmission gear selection switch
F65	15A	>08/11: Auxiliary power sockets
	20A	09/11>: Auxiliary heater, auxiliary power sockets
F66	7.5A	>12/10: Multifunction control module 7
	7.5A	01/11>: Multifunction switch (driver door), multifunction switch (passenger door), RH door mirror
F67	10A	Electric front seats
F71	40A	AC/heater blower motor (front)
F72	50A	ABS/ESP system
F73	60A	Engine coolant blower motor
F74		-
F75	50A	Fuel filter heater

REAR LOAD COMPARTMENT [TRUNK/BOOT]:

No.	Rating	Application
F100	20A	Trailer socket
F101	40A	Multifunction control module 3
F102		Shunt
F103		-
F104		Shunt
F105	30A	>08/10: Audio unit amplifier
		09/10-07/12: Not used
	20A	08/12>: Audio system
F106		Shunt
F107	5A	Hybrid models: ABS/ESP system hybrid drive
	5A	Other models: Charging system (auxiliary battery)
F108	5A	>06/12: Engine management
		07/12-06/12: Not used
		07/13>: RH headlamp
F109		-
F110	10A	Door function control module, driver
F111	15A	Diesel: Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) additive system control module
		Petrol: Not used
F112		-
F113		-
F114		-
F115		-
F116	7.5A	Entertainment system
F117	5A	Telematics, telephone system
F118	10A	Entertainment system, multifunction display
F119	15A	Audio system
F120	5A	Audio unit output amplifier, DVD changer
F121	5A	Audio unit cooling fan, entertainment system
F122		-
F123	5A	Parking aid camera control module
F124	5A	Night vision system
F125	5A	Entertainment system
F126		-
F127	10A	LH headlamp
F128		-
F129		-
F130		-
F131	5A	Lane change assist control module, right
F132	5A	>08/10: Electric auxiliary heaters (rear)
		09/10-06/12: Not used
		07/12>: Cornering lamps
F133		-
F134	5A	Four wheel steering, parking aid
F135	5A	Exhaust gas control solenoid
F136	5A	DC/DC converter
F137	5A	Engine coolant blower motor
F138	5A	Differential lock control module (S63 engine), four wheel drive system
F139	5A	Tyre pressure monitoring system, fuel tank leakage diagnostic module
F140		-
F141		-
F142	20A	>06/12: Auxiliary heater
		07/12>: Not used
F143	10A	Door function control module, driver's side rear
F144	10A	Door function control module, passenger
F145	20A	Trailer socket
F146		-
F147	15A	Auxiliary power sockets
F148	20A	Tow bar retract control module, trailer socket
F149	10A	Door function control module, passenger side rear
F150		-
F151		-
F152	5A	Ride height control system - estate
F153	5A	Boot lid/tailgate opening-closing motor
F154	5A	Luggage compartment lamp
F155	15A	Boot lid/tailgate lock
F156		-
F157	5A	Parking brake
F158		-
F159	5A	>06/12: Alarm system horn
	5A	07/12>: Alarm system horn, engine
F160		-
F161		-
F162		-
F163		-
F164		-
F165		-
F166		-
F167		-
F168		-
F169		-
F170		-
F171		-
F172	15A	RH headlamp
F173		-
F174		-
F175		-
F176		-
F177	20A	AC/heater blower motor (rear)
F178	30A	Differential lock control module (S63 engine), four wheel drive system
F179	30A	Parking brake
F180	30A	Parking brake
F181		-
F182	40A	Suspension compressor pump (estate)
F183	40A	Boot lid/tailgate opening-closing motor
F184	20A	Fuel pump (FP)
F185		-
F186	30A	DC/DC converter, transmission fluid pump (hybrid models)
F187	30A	Seat heater control module, rear
F188	30A	Seat heater control module, rear
F189		-
F190	30A	Seat heater control module 1
F191	30A	Seat heater control module 2
F192		-
F193		-
F194		-
F195	30A	Auxiliary heater (LH rear)
F196		-
F197		-
F198		>08/11: Not used
	30A	09/11>: Seat belt tension motor driver, seat belt tension motor passenger
F199		>08/11: Not used
	30A	09/11>: Seat belt tension motor driver, seat belt tension motor passenger
F200	40A	Audio unit amplifier
F201		-
F202	30A	Auxiliary heater (RH rear)
F203	30A	Heated rear window
F204	30A	Heated rear window

SECOND REAR LOAD COMPARTMENT:

No.	Application
F500		Battery condition sensor
F501	60A	Four wheel steering control module
F502	100A	Engine management
F503	100A	>08/10: Load area fuse box/relay plate 1
		09/10>: Not used
F504	250A	Fascia fuse box/relay plate
F505	100A	Engine coolant blower motor
F506		>08/11: Not used
	150A	09/10>: Load area fuse box/relay plate 1
F507	125A	Battery control module (auxiliary battery)
F508		-
F509	50A	Audio unit amplifier