Ac system BMW 540i 1998 E39 User Guide

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01 0-1 0
General
Electrical testing
Many electrical problems can be understood and solved with
only a little fundamental knowledge of how electrical circuits
function.
Electrical current
only flows in a complete circuit. To operate.
every electrical device in the car requires a complete circuit
including a voltage source and a path to ground. The positive
(+) side of the battery is the original voltage source, and
ground is any return path to the negative
(-) side of the bat-
tery, whether through the wiring harness or the car body. Ex-
cept for portions of the charging system, all electrical current
in the car is direct current (DC) and flows from positive
(+) to
negative
(-).
4 Switches are used to turn components on or off by complet-
ing or interrupting the circuit.
A switch is "open" when the cir-
cuit is interrupted, and "closed" when the circuit is completed.
See
600 Electrical System-General for electrical trouble-
(LW, 1 shooting
Wire repairs
Light bulb
(consumer) ' - Repairs to a wiring harness require special care to make the
repair permanent. The wire ends must be clean.
if frayed or
Car body otherwise damaged, cut off the end and remove enough insu- (ground) i Battery lation to complete the repair. if the wire is too short, splice in a BOZLiEL new piece of wire of the same size and make two connec-
tions.
Use connectors that are designed for the purpose. Crimped
on orsoldered-on connectors are best. Crimp connectors and
special crimping pliers are widely available. If soldering, use
needle nose pliers to hold the wire near the solder joint and
create a "heat dam". This keeps the heat and the solder from
traveling up the wire. Always use a solder made specifically
for electrical
work (rosin core).
NOJE-
Twisting wires together to make a repair is not recommend-
ed. Corrosion and vibration will eventually spoil the connec-
tion and may lead to irreparable damage to sensitive
electronic components.
Insulate the finished connection. Electronics stores can sup-
ply heat-shrinkable insulating tubing that can be placed on to
the wire before connecting, slid over the finished joint, and
shrunic to a tight fit with a heat gun or hair dryer. The next best
alternative is electrical tape. Make sure the wire is clean and
free of
solder flux or other contamination. Wrap the joint tight-
ly to seal out moisture. See
600 Electrical System-General
for more information.

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.
General
Torque wrench
A torque wrench is used to precisely tighten threaded fasten-
ers to a predetermined value. Many of the repair procedures
in this manual include BMW-specified torque values
in New-
ton-meters (Nm) and the equivalent values in foot-pounds
(ft-
Ib).
4 Several types of torque wrenches are available. An inexpen-
sive beam-type (top) is adequate but must be read visually. A
ratchet-type (bottom) can be preset to indicate (click) when
the torque value has been reached. They all do the same job,
but offer different convenience features at different prices.
The most convenient ones have a built-in ratchet, and can be
preset to indicate when a specific torque value has been
reached. Follow the wrench manufacturer's directions
for use
to achieve the greatest accuracy.
A torque wrench with a range up to about 150 Nm (1 10 ft-lb) BOIBFNG has adequate capacity for most of the repairs covered in this
manual. For recommended torque values of
10 Nm orbelow,
the English system equivalent is given in inch-pounds (in-lb).
These small values may be most easily reached using a
torque wrench calibrated in inch-pounds. To convert
inch-
pounds to foot-pounds, divide by 12.
Digital multimeter
4 Many of the electrical tests in this manual call for the mea-
surement of resistance (ohms) or voltage values. For safe
and accurate tests of sensitive electronic component and
systems, a multimeter or digital
volt/ohm meter (DVOM) with
high input impedance (at least
10,000Sr) should be used.
Some meters have automotive functions such as dwell and
pulse width that are useful for troubleshooting ignition and
fuel injection problems.
CAUTIOI\C
Vehicle electronic systems may be damaged by the high cur-
rent draw of a test light with a normal incandescent bulb. As
a general rule, use a high impedance digital multimeter or an
LED test light for all electrical testing.

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General
Cars with discharged or dead batteries can be jump-started
using the good battery from another car. See owner's manual
for proper instruction on jump starting. When jump-starling
the engine, always note the following warnings.
4 Lower car. With all wheels on ground, fully tighten nuts in a
WARNING-
* Battery acid (electrolyte) can cause severe burns, and will
damage the
cal; clothing, and you. If electrolyte is spilled,
wash the surface with large quantities of water.
M itgets into
eyes, flush them with water for several minutes and call a
doctor.
B4
5
43
2 BOOIFNG.
Batteries produce explosive and noxious gasses.
Keeps sparks and flames away. Do not smoke near
batteries.
Do notjump-start the engine
ifyou suspect that the bat-
tery is frozen. Trappedgas may explode. Allow the bat-
tery to thaw first.
Do not quick-charge the battery (for boost starting) for
longer than one minute, and do not exceed
16.5 volts
at the battery with the boosting cables attached. Wait at
least one minute before boosting the battery a second
time.
crisscross pattern.
Torque wheel nuts when installing wheel.
Check inflation pressure of spare tire.
Tightening torque
Wheel to wheel hub 120 Nm (89 ft-ib)
Jump starting
Indicator and warning lights
Many vehicle systems are self-monitored for faults while driv-
ing. Generally,
a red warning lamp that comes on during driv-
ing should be considered serious. If you cannot immediately
determine the seriousness of the warning light, stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place and turn the engine off as soon as possible.
Consult the owner's manual for additional information on the
warning lamp and the recommended action.
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
(Check Engine or Ser-
vice Engine Soon warning light) comes on orflashes, it indi-
cates that an emissions-related fault has occurred. Faults
such as a bad oxygen sensor or a dead fuel injector can
cause the exhaust or evaporative emissions to exceed a
specified limit. When these limits are exceeded, the MIL will
be turned on. The engine can be safety driven with the light
on, although the emission systems should be
checked as
soon as possible. See OBD On-Board Diagnostics for

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01 0-20
General
more information on the Check Engine Light and the on-
board diagnostic system.
Towing
The cars covered by this manual should be towed with a tow
truck using wheel lift or flat bed equipment. Do not tow the car
on all four wheels except
forvery short distances to move it to
a safe place.
CA U JION-
Do not tow with sling-type equipment The front spoilers and
b~m~er covers may sustain damage.
4 To access threaded towing eye socltet, pry open trim on front
or rear bumper.
NOJE-
A towing eye is provided in the luggage compartment tool lcit.
The towing eye can be screwed into the front or rear bumper.
4 Install towing eye into threaded hole.
- Standard transmission: Do not tow with rear wheels on
ground unless absolutely necessary.
- Automatic transmission: Have rear wheels placed on dollies,
or use flat bed truck. Use towing eye for winching vehicle on
flat bed.
CAUTION-
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) does not circulate when
I the car is towed. Severe transmission damage may result.
NOTE-
Be sure transrnission fluid has been topped off before
starting tow.
Always tow car with transrnission lever in
N (neutral).
. ATF draining and filling is covered in 240 Automatic
Transmission.
Be sure to read the filling and draining pro.
cedure, as special service equipment is required to
checlc
the fluid level.

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Spare parts kit
Carrying a basic set of spare parts can prevent a rninorbreak-
down from turning into a major repair annoyance. The list be-
low is a good place to start.
Spare parts kit
- basic
Polyribbed drive
belt(s)
BMW engine oil: one or two quarts
BMW engine coolant:
1 gallon of premixed 50150 BMW
anti-freeze and water
Fuse assortment:
7.5A. IOA, 1 5A, 20A, 30A. 50A
Radiator hoses: upper and lower
Spare parts
kit - additional contents
Exterior lighting bulbs: headlight, bralte light, turn signal,
and taillight
* Wiper blades or blade inserts
Brake fluid: new, unopened bottle, DOT
4 specification
Main relay for DME system

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020 Maintenance
General ........................... .02 0.2
Special tools ........................ .02 0.2
Service Interval Indicator (Sll) ........... .02 0.3
Service Interval Indicator (Sll), resetting ... .02 0.3
Inspection I, Inspection 11 ............... .02 0.5
Maintenance Tables ................ .02 0.6
Fluid and Lubricant Specifications .. .02 0.9
Fluids and lubricants ................. .02 0.10
Engine Oil Service ................ .02 0.1 I
Engine oil. checking level ............. .02 0.12
Engine oil and filter. changing .......... .02 0-13
Engine Compartment Maintenance . .02 0.14
Accelerator and linkage ............... .02 0.14
Air filter. replacing ................... .02 0.1 4
Cooling system service ............... .02 0.15
Engine drive belt service .............. .02 0.16
Idlespeed .......................... 020-19
Catalytic converter and oxygen sensors .. .02 0.19
Power steering fluid, checking level ..... .02 0.20
Spark plugs ........................ .02 0.20
Spark plugs, replacing ................ .02 0.21
Interior ventilation microfilter, replacing ... .02 0.22
Other Mechanical Maintenance ..... .02 0.22
Battery, checking. cleaning. and replacing .02 0-22
Brake fluid. replacing ................. .02 0-24
Brake pad 1 rotor wear. checking ........ .02 0.24
Brake system, inspecting ............. .02 0.25
Parking brake. checking ............... 020-25
Clutch fluid. checking ................. 020-26
Differential oil level. checking ........... 020-26
Drive axle joint (CV joint) boots. inspecting 020-27
Exhaust system. inspecting ............ 020-27
Fuel filter. replacing .................. 020-27
Fuel tank and fuel lines. inspecting ...... 020-28
Suspension. front. inspecting ........... 020-29
Suspension. rear. inspecting ........... 020-29
Tires. checking inflation pressure ........ 020-29
Tires. rotating ....................... 020-29
Transmission service. automatic ........ 020-29
Transmission service. manual .......... 020-30
Transmission fluid. checking and filling
(manual transmission)
................ 020-30
Wheels. aligning ..................... 020-30
Body and Interior Maintenance ..... 020-31
Body and hinges. lubricating ........... 020-31
Exterior washing ..................... 020-31
Interior care ........................ 020-31
Leather upholstery and trim ............ 020-31
Polishing ........................... 020-32
Seat belts .......................... 020-32
Special cleaning ..................... 020-32
Washing chassis ..................... 020-32
Waxing ............................ 020-32
Windshield wiper blade maintenance ..... 020-33

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Maintenance
Service Interval lndicator (Sll)
The BMW Service Interval lndicator (SII) notifies the driver
when oil change and other service is required. The
Sll dis-
plays the phrase "OIL SERVICE"
or"INSPECTI0N" and 7
light emitting diodes (LEDs) in the Instrumentcluster: 5green,
one yellow and one red.
For the
1997 and later 5 Series, BMW introduced an oil
change interval based on fuel consumption. The advantages
of this system are:
Fuel consumption is an accurate method of determining
engine load and the need for service.
The processing electronics are simple.
Resetting of indicator before the scheduled time will not
affect the time to the next service.
4 The Sll is programmed to measure a set volume of con-
sumed fuel. This volume varies between models, dependent
on vehicle and engine size. The
Sil control unit receives a
signal from the engine control module (ECM) when the vehi-
cle is in use. As
20% of the programmed fuel volume is con-
sumed, one of the green LEDs will go out. Each successive
20% of fuel consumption will cause the next LED to go out
until
100% of the measured volume has been consumed. At
this point the yellow LED will come on, indicating that service
is due. When
108% of the measured volume has been con-
sumed, the red LED will illuminate, indicating that service is
overdue.
Service Interval Indicator (SII), resetting
After the specified maintenance has been carried out, the Sll
memory should be reset.
NOTE-
For reference, the BMW oil service requirements are approx-
imately equivalent to the maintenance tliat other European
manufacturers specify at intervals with a maximum of every
15.000 miles or I2 months.

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Maintenance
0 Service due is shown with RESET if the measured con-
sumption limit has been reached and resetting is possible.
If RESET is not shown, the minimum limit has not been
reached and resetting is not possible.
While display is flashing, press button briefly to reset
Sll.
After display has shown new interval, the following will
appear in display for approximately
2 seconds: END SIA.
NOTE-
The system can only be reset again after the vehicle has
been driven approximately 50 to
75 miles (consumes at
least2.5gallons of fuel). If the display shows RESETwhen
resetting, the minimum driving distance has been fulfilled
and the system can be reset again.
0 It is possible to interrupt and end the reset procedure by
changing the position of the ignition
ley.
lnspection I, lnspection II
The Service Interval Indicator (SII) signals the need for main-
tenance and inspection. There are two sets
of inspection re-
quirements, alternating throughout a car's maintenance
history. If the last inspection interval was lnspection I, the next
inspection interval (following an oil service) will be lnspection
11, the next after that will be lnspection I, and so on.
lnspection
I tasks are listed in Table b. lnspection I Service.
lnspection
II includes most of the tasks from lnspection I with
additional lnspection
II tasks. A complete listing of lnspection
II tasks is in Table c. lnspection I1 Service.
NOTE-
For reference, the BMW lnspection I and lnspection I1 re-
quirements are approximately equivalent to the maintenance
requirements that other European manufacturers specify.
ln-
spection I is normally due at intervals with a maximum of
30,000 miles or
24 months. lnspection I1 is normally due at
intervals with a maximum of 60,000 miles or
48 months.

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Table b. Inspection I Service (continued)
Checlt transmission and differential for
external lealts.
Check CV joint boots for damage or leaks.
Visually
check fuel tank, fuel lines, and
connections for
leaks.
New parts
Tools Required required
Check condition, position, and mounting
ol
exhaust system. Visually check and adjusl
if necessary.
Check power steering system for lealts.
Check power steering
fluid level and adjust
if necessary.
Check steering racidbox and tie rods for
tightness. Checit condition of front axle
joints, steering
linkage, and steering shaft
joints.
Check overall thickness of front and rear
bralte pads using
BMW special tool. If
replacement is necessary:
Examine brake disc surface.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers
Grease wheel centering hubs.
Checlt thickness of parking brake linings
only when replacing rear brake shoes.
Checit operation of pariting brake and
adjust as necessary.
Checlt front control arm bushings for
damage or wear.
Check brake system connections and
lines
for leaks, damage, and incorrect
positioning Warm
engine
(~ealer service Irepair , required recommended lnformat~on
Check parking braite actuator. Adjust if
necessary
Check ail tire pressure (including spare)
and correct if necessary.
Checlt condition of tires (outer tread
surface), tread wear pattern: in case of
uneven wear, perform wheel alignment.
inspect entire body according to terms of
rust oerforation limited warrantv. (Must be
*:
4:
2 ~ perfdrmed at least every two years). I
Read out on-board diagnostic (OBD 11) fault
codes.
Checkengine coolant
system1 heater hose
connections for
leaks.
Checit coolant level and antifreeze
protection level. Add coolant as necessary.
* 100113010BD
I
170

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--- -
Maintenance
Table c. Inspection II Service
Additional
New parts Warm engine Dealer service repair
Tools required required required recommended information
Engine compartment maintenance
Replace air filter element. (Note: reduce
replacement intervals in dusty operating
conditions).
Replace brake
fluid every 2 years (time
interval begins from vehicle production
date).
Cooling system service
Spark plug service
Brake
system maintenance
:j:
*
Replace coolant every 3 years (time
interval begins from vehicle production
date).
Replace oxygen sensor every 160,000
itm
(1 00,000 miles).
020
FLUID AND LUBRICANT
SPECIFICATIONS
:I:
Oxygen sensor service
*
x:
Spark plugs:
M52
1 M62 engine:
Replace every 60,000 itm (48.000 miles).
M52
TU I M54 1 M62 TU engine:
Replace every 160,000
ltm (100.000
miles).
< Engine oil viscosity (SAE grade) vs. operating temperature
range for the BMW engines covered in this manual.
Fluid and lubricant capacities and specifications are listed be-
low. See
Fluids and lubricants.
:I:
*
*
*
WARNING -
The use of fluids that do not meet BMW" specifications may
impair performance and
reliabilitl: and may void warranty
coverage.
340
170
180
* 020