BMW fault code 0073

Engine electronics

In the engine electronics, code 0073 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.

Hot film air mass meter

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: Activation, map cooling

Module versions: Motor Electronics (BMS46DS0), Motor Electronics (BMS46DS1)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006

Hot film air mass sensor OBDII error !!

Module versions: Motor Electronics (DM524DS0), Motor Electronics (DM528DS0)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 5 Series (E39) 1995–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001, X5 (E53) 1999–2006

DME: Signal, hot-film mass air flow sensor

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

DDE: Fuel pre-supply pump

Module version: Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE30DS0)

Which BMWs have this version depends on the engine and equipment, so we don't list them here; AutoLingo for BMW reads which version your car has.

DME: Reference voltage 1, pedal-travel sensor/throttle sensor 1 (OBDII: P1623; EUIII: P0608)

Module version: Motor Electronics (MS420DS0)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1998–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1998–2001

DME: Adaptation, engine throttle

Module version: Motor Electronics (MS430DS0)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1998–2003, X3 (E83) 2003–2010, X5 (E53) 1999–2006, Z4 (E85) 2002–2008

DME: Sensor, control module temperature (DME internal) or button, tire pressure control system

Module version: Motor Electronics (MSS54DS0)

In: 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006

Reading and clearing it

Fault code 0073 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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