BMW fault code 0038
Engine electronics
In the engine electronics, code 0038 means different things depending on the version of the module in the car. Find your car below; the app shows the right one for yours.
Ignition current measurement resistor interruption
Module versions: Motor Electronics (MS410DS1), Motor Electronics (MS410DS2), Motor Electronics (MS410DS3), Motor Electronics (MS411DS1), Motor Electronics (MS411DS2)
In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1995–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001
Misfire detection cylinder 7
Module versions: Motor Electronics (DM5212R5), Motor Electronics (DM5212R6), Motor Electronics (DM528DS3)
In: 5 Series (E39) 1995–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001, X5 (E53) 1999–2006
DME: Misfire detection, cyl. 7
Module versions: Motor Electronics (ME72KWP0), Motor Electronics (ME72KWP1)
In: 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1995–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001, X5 (E53) 1999–2006, Z8 (E52) 2000–2003
DME: Signal, ignition-current measurement, resistance
Module versions: Motor Electronics (MS420DS0), Motor Electronics (MS430DS0)
In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1998–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1998–2001, X3 (E83) 2003–2010, X5 (E53) 1999–2006, Z4 (E85) 2002–2008
Misfire detection cylinder 7 OBDII-Error !!
Module version: Motor Electronics (DM528DS0)
In: 5 Series (E39) 1995–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001, X5 (E53) 1999–2006
ZSR resistance interruption
Module version: Motor Electronics (MS410DS0)
In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1995–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001
internal index 96
Module version: Motor Electronics (MSS54DS0)
In: 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006
Reading and clearing it
Fault code 0038 is a BMW code, stored in the car's engine electronics, not a generic OBD2 code (P0xxx): a generic OBD2 reader only reaches the engine's emissions faults, so it won't show it. AutoLingo for BMW reads it with BMW's own diagnostic protocols, in plain English, with the details the module stored about it, and clears it after a repair. If a fault comes right back after it's cleared, the problem is still there.
The engine electronics is on: 8 Series (E31), 5 Series (E34), 3 Series (E36), Z3 (E36/7), 7 Series (E38), 5 Series (E39), 3 Series (E46), Z8 (E52), X5 (E53), X3 (E83), Z4 (E85), Z4 (E86)
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