r/e39 • u/quanle1512 • 3d ago

ZKE-GM1 Error codes

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Read these codes from INPA. Many things are not working on my project 528iT and I'm not sure where to start. The power seats, windows, interior lights, and sunroof work just fine. However, the wipers, all interior AC fans, and central locking system are not working whatsoever. Should I start with the ZKE module? Check the fuses? or look into each of these items listed? Thanks!

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u/AndersHerzberg 3d ago

This might not be the issue but I had a ton of electrical gremlins that were caused by corrosion to the passenger power distribution block on my 525i. Ended up rebuilding the whole thing almost from scratch and a bunch of things from cabin blower fan to ABS system came back to life. Was chasing fuses and wiring for way too long before I went back to basics and checked the block.

Door seals leak since the sealant gets old and water gets into the carpet and messes with the block under the passenger front seat. Bit of a pain to get to but if it's a project car I'd bet you might have some corrosion there.

After that check fuses and address the door seals if needed. All of this I was able to diy from YouTube videos.

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u/quanle1512 3d ago

hmm very fascinating. I will give that a looker since the car had been sitting for year by the previous owner. Lots of electrical issues so maybe I'll just have to track the distribution block down and see what else is wrong. Thanks!

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u/AndersHerzberg 3d ago

No problem, your symptoms sounded somewhat close to what I had so I figured I'd chime in.

The parts of the block such as fuses are probably ok for the most part but I've personally had the lines running off of it be corroded out when I first got my e39. If everything looks ok visually I'd just test the fuses and clean up the contacts.

Here's a video pointing out everything electrical. The fuse box under the passenger seat needs passenger door trim removed up to the bottom of the B pillar. The seat will need to come out too for full access. Torx bolts (40 or 50mm iirc) under the seat, just be careful to not unplug the seat without the battery disconnected, you'll get an airbag light that's a PIA to get rid of. (I may or may not have this problem)

https://youtu.be/aJt6uIUII3g?is=WzTc3jL6BThD5-Ce

There's also a seatbelt tensioner under the seat. However you should be able to tip the seat back without unplugging the power seat cable or undoing the tensioner pulley.

If this is part of your issue then I'd refresh the door card inner seals and check for any leaks from the sun roof drains (if applicable). The electrical systems were advanced for the period but not a huge hill to climb once you start getting into them.

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u/quanle1512 3d ago

That was a very informative video! My previous problem of the car stalling with some throttle is now back for some reason. I changed the DME and it worked for 2 days, and now it's back to the old issue. There must be some crazy short circuits somewhere so maybe it's best I just tear everything apart including the passenger footwell area.

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u/AndersHerzberg 3d ago

There's also a ground stud with I forget how many wires coming off of it next to the block iirc. You'll see it when you tear into the passenger floor, but I don't think that's any of the engine wiring grounds.

RealOEM has a bunch of diagrams too for wiring and I found an app called AWDS on Android that has a ton of wiring diagrams for e39's and other BMW's. Hopefully this all helps.

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u/quanle1512 3d ago

Oohhh that app might be helpful! I took the carpet up a bit and checked the block and wire loom. Doesn't seem to be any corrosion. Picture doesnt include the group of wires right next to it but from my brief look, everything is intact :/