BMW fault code 0078

Engine electronics

In the engine electronics, code 0078 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.

Vehicle speed (signal)

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

Vehicle speed (wheel sensor signal) 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, vehicle speed

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, hot-film mass air flow sensor

Module version: Motor Electronics (BMS46DS0)

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

DME: Signal, hot-film mass air flow sensor (EUIII code: P0101)

Module version: Motor Electronics (BMS46DS1)

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

DME: Plausibility, pedal-travel sensor (in thr.), throttle sensor (OBDII: P1542; EUIII: P0220)

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: Plausibility, accelerator and brake pedals

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: Electric throttle: potentiometer, signal comparison

Module version: Motor Electronics (MSS54DS0)

In: 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006

Reading and clearing it

Fault code 0078 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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