BMW fault code 00A8

Engine electronics

In the engine electronics, code 00A8 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.

Idle actuator opening winding 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

Idle actuator opening winding

Module version: Motor Electronics (DM528DS3)

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

MIL output stage

Module version: Motor Electronics (ME72KWP0)

In: 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1998–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1998–2001, X5 (E53) 1999–2006, Z8 (E52) 2000–2003

DME: Activation, fault lamp MIL

Module version: 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: Thermostat, map cooling, mechanical, stuck open (OBDII: P1624)

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: Thermostat, map cooling, mechanical, jammed open

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

internal index 103

Module version: Motor Electronics (MSS54DS0)

In: 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006

Reading and clearing it

Fault code 00A8 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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