dashboard displays temperature

[DonJ]

So is it normal for my E34 to randomly display the outdoor air temperature on the dashboard LED display?

I guess it is just an FYI that it is 34 degrees F or 30 degrees F or whatever the temperature is - seems to only do it in cold weather.

Whenever I hear the little tone go off and a mesage appears, I panic at first because I first think there's a problem.

So is it just an FYI or is there some other reason it is telling me this?

Thanks!

[Kai]

It is because the temperature is nearing or below freezing, a little warning to let you know to be careful because of the obvious dangerous situations that occur when it is cold and there is water on a road somewhere. Hope this helps. Don't worry about anything, my E34 did it and my E39 does it (even when it drops to 37 actually).

[Torque]

All BMWs do that. Definitely takes time to get used to it.

[DonJ]

Great - thanks for the info. I figured it was an FYI - but like I said, every time I hear the tone - I'm afraid to look at the message because it might be a problem.

I've been getting the "Brake LT circuit" message lately but the brakes lights work fine. It could be the switch but I also read that if you don't use BMW light bulbs, then you could eventualy get the message because the copper part of the bulb is different than the BMW bulb and the system see's less resistance in the circuit therefore it gives you the message.

I guess there is such a thing as Too Much Information - lol

[Torque]

haha that's not even the worst. wait until you start getting the low washer fluid and the like.

that said, the e34 is pretty amazing for its age. it will let you know when you're low on oil, when pretty much every other fluid is low, when any bulb is out ...

btw, take a look at the Bentley/general e34 thread I posted at the top of the 5 series forum; there is a file in there showing how to unlock the OBC to access even more hidden stuff ... sort of like a video game except better.

As much as I love the e36, I miss my e34s.

[DonJ]

You are right Torque - they are good cars.

I bought this car (91 535i) last spring from a friend for $800 - I am the 3rd owner and it now has 163K miles on it and it has new tires.

So far I have put about $900 in to it - fuel pump, filters, spark plugs, side marker lights, fuel tank door hinge, bowden cable on drivers door, thrust arms and bushings, glove box latch, battery and brake work. It has been an easy car to work on - I have done all the work except getting the front rotors turned and the rear rotors replaced. I also fixed the twisted seat back problem and power head rest at no cost.

These formus are the reason why I've been able to do all the work myself. In the days prior to the internet - I would've been taking the car to a mechanic most of the time. It's amazing how many people are willing to help out and it is much appreciated.

I still have a few things to fix on the car but nothing major - new fog lamps, windshield washer nozzles (expensive little buggers - must be the built in heaters), hazard light switch. There is no major body damage - few scratches, one small dent in right front fender. Paint is a bit faded in a few places but we live in a desert and we get a lot of heat and sun. Interior is OK - seats came unstitched at the seams in a few places.

Other than that - it's a good car and I feel pretty comfortable letting my two teenagers drive it to school. LOL - how many kids can say they drive a 5 series to school?

[Torque]

Originally Posted by DonJ

You are right Torque - they are good cars.

I bought this car (91 535i) last spring from a friend for $800 - I am the 3rd owner and it now has 163K miles on it and it has new tires.

So far I have put about $900 in to it - fuel pump, filters, spark plugs, side marker lights, fuel tank door hinge, bowden cable on drivers door, thrust arms and bushings, glove box latch, battery and brake work. It has been an easy car to work on - I have done all the work except getting the front rotors turned and the rear rotors replaced. I also fixed the twisted seat back problem and power head rest at no cost.

These formus are the reason why I've been able to do all the work myself. In the days prior to the internet - I would've been taking the car to a mechanic most of the time. It's amazing how many people are willing to help out and it is much appreciated.

I still have a few things to fix on the car but nothing major - new fog lamps, windshield washer nozzles (expensive little buggers - must be the built in heaters), hazard light switch. There is no major body damage - few scratches, one small dent in right front fender. Paint is a bit faded in a few places but we live in a desert and we get a lot of heat and sun. Interior is OK - seats came unstitched at the seams in a few places.

Other than that - it's a good car and I feel pretty comfortable letting my two teenagers drive it to school. LOL - how many kids can say they drive a 5 series to school?

Sounds like a great buy IMO, but then again, we've had 4 e34s in the past few years so really any e34 sounds like a great buy to me.