BMW 540I SEDAN 2000 Owner's Manual

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data

Instrument cluster

*
There are two versions, depending on
the equipment on your vehicle
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for
fuel reserve 83
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 24
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for high beams 24
5 Tachometer and
Energy control 83
6 Engine coolant temperature
gauge 84
7 Indicator and warning lamps for:

>

Parking brake 23

>

Brake hydraulic system, Dynamic
Brake Control (DBC)

*
22, 23

>

Antilock Brake System (ABS) 23

>

Airbags 23

>

Please fasten safety belts 23

>

Cruise control 24
8 CHECK button 85
9 Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission

*
71, 7410 Outside temperature display 82
11 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC)

*
24
12 Trip odometer 82
13 Indicator for Check Control 85
14 Odometer 82
15 Service Interval Display 84
16 Reset button for trip odometer 82
17 Indicator and warning lamps for:

>

Fog lamps 24

>

Battery charge current 22

>

Engine oil pressure 22

>

CHECK ENGINE lamp 24

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Indicator and warning lampsTechnology that monitors itselfMany of the systems of your BMW mon-
itor themselves automatically, both dur-
ing engine starts and while you are driv-
ing. Indicator and warning lamps that
are identified by "l" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.
Red: Stop immediately
Battery charge current l
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator V-belt or in the charg-
ing circuit of the alternator. Please con-
tact the nearest BMW center.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, do
not continue driving. The engine
could be damaged due to overheating.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, in-
creased steering effort is also re-
quired.<
Engine oil pressure l
Comes on while the engine is
running and the "STOP! ENGINE
OILPRESS" message appears in the
Check Control: Stop vehicle and switch
off engine immediately. Check level of
oil in engine, top up as required. If oil
level is correct: Please contact the
nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. The en-
gine could be damaged because
of inadequate lubrication.<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
In addition, there is an acousti-
cal warning signal: A tire failure
has occurred. Reduce vehicle speed
immediately and stop the vehicle. Avoid
hard brake applications. Do not over-
steer. For additional information: Refer
to page 92.
Parking brake
*, brake hydraulic
system l
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake. For additional informa-
tion: Refer to page 69.
Comes on although the parking brake is
released: Have the brake fluid level
checked. Before driving further, be
sure to read the notes on pages 130
and 152.
Also comes on with the message
"CHECK BRAKE PADS" in the Check
Control.
Parking brake warning lamp
*/
Brake hydraulic system for
Canadian models.

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Indicator and warning lampsYellow: Stop immediately
Engine oil level l
Stop vehicle and switch off en-
gine immediately. The oil level is
at the absolute minimum.
Refer to page 149.
Do not continue driving until oil is
added. Otherwise, the engine
could be damaged because of inade-
quate lubrication.<
Red: An important reminder
Parking brake
*
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake.
For additional information: Refer to
page 69.
Parking brake warning lamp
* for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts l
Together with an acoustic signal
or a message
* in the Check
Control. Comes on until the safety belts
are fastened. For additional information
on safety belts: Refer to page 59.
Airbags l
Please have the system in-
spected by your authorized
BMW center.
For additional information: Refer to
page 60.
Yellow: Check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your autho-
rized BMW center.
For additional information: Refer to
page 127.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level l
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: Check the engine
oil level. For additional information:
Refer to page 149.
Automatic transmission
*
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest authorized BMW
center.
For additional information: Refer to
pages 73, 76.
Brake pads
* l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information:
Refer to page 130.

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Indicator and warning lamps
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)
* l
Fault in the DBC system. Con-
ventional braking efficiency is available
without limitations.
For additional information: Refer to
page 129.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
Check the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to pages 29, 92.
Level control system
* l
The level control system is
inactive. Please consult the
nearest authorized BMW center.
For additional information: Refer to
page 132.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC)
* l
The ASC+T/DSC has been switched off
or has been deactivated because of a
malfunction. In the event of a malfunc-
tion, have the system checked by your
authorized BMW center.
For additional information: Refer to
page 91.
Electronic Engine Power Control
(EML)
*
Malfunction in the EML. When
braking, higher brake application pres-
sure may be necessary and brake pedal
travel may be significantly longer.
Please have the system inspected by
your authorized BMW center.
CHECK ENGINE lamp l
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: Refer to
page 162.
CHECK ENGINE warning lamp
for Canadian models.
Green: For your information
Turn signal
Flashes when the turn signals
are in operation. Rapid flashing
indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information: Refer to
page 77.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information: Refer to
page 80.
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information: Refer to
page 95.
Blue: For your information
High beam
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information: Refer to
page 77.

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)There are two design versions, depend-
ing on the equipment installed in your
vehicle.
The controls integrated in the multi-
function steering wheel (MFL) are pro-
vided so that you can operate a number
of accessories quickly and without be-
ing distracted from traffic conditions.
You may operate:
>Selected functions of the radio, the
CD and cassette modes
>The recirculated air mode of the air
conditioner or
>the steering wheel heater
>The cruise control and
>selected cellular phone functions.
In order to operate a system via
the MFL, the corresponding
system controls must be switched on.<
The illustration shows the maximum
possible number of controls, corre-
sponding to a full range of optional
equipment. Refer to the individual
accessory manuals for more detailed
descriptions.
1 Cellular phone: Receive a call, initiate
dialing and terminate a call
2 Radio/Telephone: Select
3 Radio/Telephone: Scan backward or
scan station keys or scroll in the
phone listings.
Fast forward and reverse for CD and
cassette modes
4 Radio/Telephone: Volume
5 Radio/Telephone: Forward scan or
scan station keys or scroll in the
phone listings.
Fast forward and reverse for CD and
cassette modes380de702
6 Horn: The entire surface
7 Cruise control: Activate stored
setting (resume)
8 Cruise control: Store and
accelerate (+); decelerate and
store (Ð)
9 Cruise control: Activate/Interrupt/
Deactivate
10 Recirculated-air mode and AUC or
steering wheel heating: Switch on
and off

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M Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)
*
There are two design versions, depend-
ing on the equipment installed in your
vehicle.
The controls integrated in the M multi-
function steering wheel (MFL) are
provided so that you can operate a
number of accessories quickly and
without being distracted from traffic
conditions. You may operate:
>Selected functions of the radio, the
CD and cassette modes
>The cruise control and
>selected cellular phone functions.
In order to operate a system via
the MFL, the corresponding
system controls must be activated.<
The illustration shows the maximum
possible number of controls, corre-
sponding to a full range of optional
equipment. Refer to the individual
accessory manuals for more detailed
descriptions.
1 Cellular phone: Receive a call, initiate
dialing and terminate a call
2 Radio/Telephone: Volume
3 Radio/Telephone: Forward/Back-
ward scan or scan station keys or
scroll in the phone listings.
Fast forward and reverse for CD and
cassette modes
4 Horn: The entire surface39mde058
5 Cruise control: Activate stored
setting (resume)
6 Cruise control: Activate/Interrupt/
Deactivate
7 Cruise control: Store and
accelerate (+); decelerate and
store (Ð)
8 Radio/Telephone: Select

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle
*
First-aid kit
*
The button flashes rhythmically when
the hazard warning flashers are on.
To help you locate the switch in an
emergency, the button is also illumi-
nated whenever the car's headlamps
are on.390de039
The hazard warning triangle is quickly
available, stored in the onboard tool kit
mounted on the inside of the luggage
compartment lid (tailgate).
To open the container, loosen the wing
screw.
Comply with legal requirements
which cover the availability of a
hazard warning triangle in the car.< 394de053
The first-aid kit is located under the
front passenger's seat.
To remove: Lift the release lever on the
front (arrow) and pull the first-aid kit for-
ward out of its support.
To store: Position the back of the kit
into the support, then push back until
the lever engages.
Some of the articles in the first-aid
kit may be used within a limited
time only. For this reason, check the
expiration dates of each of the items
regularly, and replace any whose expi-
ration dates have passed. You can
acquire replacements in any drugstore
or pharmacy.
Comply with legal requirements which
cover availability of a first-aid kit in your
vehicle.< 390de086

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RefuelingFuel filler door
Before refueling, shut the engine
off. If the engine is running, fuel
cannot be filled into the tank and the
Service Engine lamp may come on.<
To open the filler door, press on the
front edge.
To unlock the filler door if the central
locking system fails, refer to page 180.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to
fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an ex-
plosion, or lead to fire in the event of a
collision.<
394de011
Simple and friendly to the
environment
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.
Do not top off. Topping off may cause
fuel spillage.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
390de603
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refuel-
ing
>results in premature pump shutoff
and
>will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling. A loose or missing cap
will activate the Service Engine lamp.<

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressureUse unleaded gasoline only.
Recommended octane rating: 91 AKI.
BMW engines are equipped with knock
sensors and will adapt automatically
to different octane ratings, provided
that the minimum octane requirement
(87 AKI) is met.
Fuels with higher octane ratings will
provide enhanced performance and
lower fuel consumption, while the use
of fuels with low octane ratings will
have an opposite effect.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index
The inflation pressures are indicated on
a sticker attached to the B-pillar behind
the driver's door (visible with door
open).Check tire pressuresAll pressure specifications are indicated
in psi (kilopascal) for tires at ambient
temperature (refer also to the next
pages).
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)
*:
After a correction of the tire inflation
pressure, reactivate the system. Refer
to page 92.
390de351
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly Ð at least every two weeks
and before beginning a longer trip.
Incorrect tire pressure can lead to tire
damage and accidents.
Check the inflation pressure of the
spare tire also. Inflate the spare tire to
the highest inflation of any tire on your
vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires from BMW approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
from other manufacturers. You will find
a list of approved tires beginning on
page 140.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US standards, but also
European standards. We recommend
the exclusive use of BMW approved
tires.

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Tire inflation pressuresedan Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) with cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
528i225/60 R 15 96 H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 W US/CDN:
225/55 R 16 95 W 33 (230) 41 (280) 33 (230) 41 (280)
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y outside US/CDN:
205/65 R 15 94 Q M+S 29 (200) 33 (230) 33 (230) 41 (280)
225/60 R 15 96 Q M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S
540i235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
225/55 R 16 95 W35 (240) 39 (270) 41 (280) 48 (330)
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y Ð 39 (270) Ð 48 (330)
225/55 R 16 95 Q,T,H M+S
30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
235/45 R 17 94 Q,T,H M+S
540iA225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
Rear: 225/40 R 17 94 W/Y 35 (240) 44 (340)