Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles
Car tutorial (Do it yourself) Motorcycle tutorial (Do it yourself) Frequently Asked Questions

Resolving Alarm Issue That Sounds Without Reason

Model: BMW Serie 5 E39 - Years 1995-2003
Part: Checks and maintenance

If you own a BMW (both Series 3 and Series 5, any version) and suddenly, after locking it with the remote, thus activating the factory alarm, it starts sounding without any apparent reason, one possible cause is a malfunction of the hood closure switch, located near the cabin air filter housing on the driver's side. Its malfunction is interpreted by the alarm control unit as an attempted break-in; even if the hood is perfectly closed, the switch signals that it is open, causing the alarm to sound. There are two possible solutions: one is very quick and inexpensive by disconnecting the switch connector, and the other involves replacing the switch itself.

Updated on 10 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

Video tutorial

Related tutorials

How to Use the Panic Alarm from a Remote Key
How to Use the Panic Alarm from a Remote Key
BMW Serie 5 (1995-2003 / E39) Hello guys, this video shows the very simple way to use the panic alarm conveniently from your key. Take the key and at regular intervals of one seco…
Fixing Thermostat Housing Issues
Fixing Thermostat Housing Issues
BMW Serie 5 (1995-2003 / E39) Replacing the thermostat, a very important component in a vehicle, is usually within everyone's reach. However, sometimes issues can arise with its h…
Removing the Ultrasound Alarm Sensor
Removing the Ultrasound Alarm Sensor
BMW Serie 5 (1995-2003 / E39) The alarm system in BMW vehicles integrates an ultrasound sensor for cabin protection and acts as a true motion sensor: it emits ultrasound waves, an…

Other guides you may be interested in

How to Adjust the Brightness of the Instrument Cluster on a Peugeot 3008?

To adjust the brightness of the instrument cluster on a Peugeot 3008, you need to turn on the ignition and access the settings via the menu located in the central area of the dashboard. In the screen that appears, select the "Display Configuration" option: now, by selecting the "Brightness" option, you can adjust it using the dedicated slider that will appear on the screen. The adjustment should be made with the headlights on as well as with them off. Once the adjustment is complete, you can turn off the instrument cluster.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos