ECO BMW 525i 1997 E39 Owner's Manual

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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 b. Inspection I Service (continued)
I I I I
Warm engine Dealer service
required recommended
Check windshield
washer fluid level and
antifreeze protection.
Add washer fluid as necessary.
Replace ventilation
microfilter. (Note:
reduce replacement intervals in dusty
operation conditions)
Reset Service interval Indicator
(Sil).
Additional
repair
information
Tools Required
*
eck aim of washer jets and adjust if
necessary.
covers, obvious damage or attachment o
s or accessories.
Road test
Check braking performance, steering,
heating and air conditioner operation.
Check manual transmission and clutch
operation or automatic transmission
operation. New
parts
required
*
Bodylelectrical
121
630
630
Checic battery state of charge
Check operation of:
headlights,
parking iights, back-up lights.
license plate lights, interior lights,
glove box
illumination, engine compartment light,
trunk light, turn signals, emergency
flashers, stop iights.
Check operation of horn and headlight
dimmer switch
:i:

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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

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020-1 1
Maintenance
Table g. Differential oil
(Lifetime fluid; no fluid change required)
Differential
/Approximate. capaclty (in~t~al fill) I Spec~f~cat~on , , .
G 1.6 liter
(1.7 US
at) I
188 Compact I .O liter BMW SAF-XO
(1 .I US ql) synthetic oil
1.4
liler 220 1215 Compact US qt) I
Table h. Engine Coolant
Year, model
latent heater:
V-8 13.5 liter
1997:
6-cylinder
V-8
Table
i. Brake fluid
Bralte system fiuld BMW hlgh
performance, DOT 4
Approximate
capacity
9.9 liter (10.5 US qt)
11.4 liter (12.0 US qt)
With the introduction of synthetic oil and extended oil change
intervals, a new oil filterwith improved filter paper design was
introduced. The new filter paper resists deterioration caused
by high oil temperatures over an extended time.
Specification
Use BMW specified oil to top off the engine oil level between
oil changes.
BMW recommends the following engine oils:
Table
j. Engine Oil Specification
Years
IOii description I BMW part no.
1999 and later mineral
oil
BMW
HP 5W-30
svnthetic oil 07
51 0 017 866

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1 Maintenance
NOTE-
Castrol supplies the mineral and synthetic oil recommend-
ed by
BMW
BMW High Performance synthetic oil may be used in all
E39 models, regardless of year.
The use of engine oil additives is not recommended when
using BMW High
Performance synthetic engine oil.
* BMW is constantly upgrading recommendedmaintenance
procedures and requirements. The information contained
here is as accurate as possible at the time ofpublication. If
there is any doubt about what procedures apply to a spe-
cific
model or model year, or what intervals should be fol-
lowed, remember that an authorized BMW dealer has the
latest information on factory-recommended maintenance.
CAUTIOIG
In the case of cars that accumulate very low mileage per
yea/; BMW recommends that the engine oil should be
changed once
a year at a minimum, regardless of whether
mineral or synthetic based oil is used.
In the interest of engine longevity, use half
tlie recom-
mended engine oil change interval.
Engine oil, checking level
4 Engine oil level is checked with a dipstick (arrow) in the
engine block (6-cylinder oil dipstick shown,
V-8 dipstick is
similar).
- Check oil level with car on level surface, after engine has
been stopped for at least a few minutes.
- Check level by pulling out dipstick and wiping it clean
Reinsert it all the way and withdraw it again.

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Maintenance
< Release mass air flow sensor clips (A).
Release upper air filter housing clips (B).
4 Lift air filter upper housing, and remove filter element.
NOTE-
V-8 engine air filter assembly shown in illustration. 6-cylinder
air filter assembly is similar but located at the left front of the
engine compartment.
- On installation, install O-ring for mass air flow sensor into
retaining clips in air filter upper housing.
- Replace air filter and upper air filter housing, and attach
upper air filter housing clips.
Cooling system, checking
Antifreeze raises the boiling point and lowers the freezing
~oint of the coolant. BMW recommends enaine coolantthat is
a 50 150 mixture of distilled water and ethGene glycol-based
antifreeze.
Routine cooling system maintenance consists of maintaining
the coolant level and inspecting hoses. Because the coolant's
anticorrosion and antifreeze additives gradually lose their ef-
fectiveness, replacement of the coolant every three years is
recommended.
CAUJION-
Use only BMWapprovedphosphate-free antifreeze when
filing the cooling system. Use of antifreeze containing
phosphates is harmful to the cooling system.
4 Float in radiator tank indicates coolant level. Inspect while
coolant is cold.
When upper mark on float is level with top of filler neck,
coolant is at minimum allowable level.
When lower mark on float is level with top of filler neck,
coolant is at maximum level.
Hose connections should be tight and dry. Coolant seepage
nnection indicates either that hose clamp is

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020-1 6
Maintenance
loose, hose is damaged, or connection is dirty or corroded.
Dried coolant has achalky appearance. Hoses should be firm
and springy. Replace any hose that is cracked, has become
soft and limp, or has been contaminated by oil.
4 As a preventive measure, replacement of the cooling system
hoses every four years is recommended. The illustration
shows examples of damage to coolant hoses. Any of these
conditions is cause for replacement (illustration courtesy of
/ Abrasion Damaged Hose Heat Damaged Hose 1 Gates Rubber Company, I~c.).
Engine drive belt, replacing
Drive belts and pulleys transfer power from the engine crank-
shaft to various accessories.
E39 models use two polyribbed
(serpentine) belts:
The outer belt turns the
NC compressor.
0 The inner, longer belt turns the alternator (generator), cool-
ant pump and power steering pump.
Inspect drive belts with the engine off. If the belt shows signs
of wear, cracking, glazing, or missing sections, it should be
replaced
immediately. To reduce the chance of belt failure
while driving, replacement of the belts every four years is
recommended.
WARNING -
Observe care when replacing belts. Personal injury could
result if a tensioner springs back into position uncontrolled.
CA UTIOI\C
Mark drive belt rotation direction if removing and reusing an
old belt.
NOTE-
When belts are replaced with new ones, store the old set in
the trunk for emergency use.
All models, use
BMW special tools 11 5 030 and 11 5 040 to
loosen and remove cooling fan and clutch from coolant
pump.
NOTE-
32 mm cooling fan nut has left-hand threads
If necessary, remove fan cowl from radiator.

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Maintenance
continue to operate as designed. Extending the replacement
interval may void the emission control warranty coverage.
See
180 Exhaust System for information on replacing the
oxygen sensors.
Tightening torque
Oxvoen sensor to exhaust
manifold 50 Nrn (37 ft-lb)
NOTE-
A special soclet for replacing the oxygen sensor is available
from most automotive parts stores. The soclet has
a groove
cut down one side to allow the sensor to be installed without
damaging the wire harness.
Power steering fluid, checking level
The power steering system is permanently filled and does not
have a drain. Routinely adding ATF is not required unless the
system is leaking.
4 To check power steering fluid level in fluid reservoir:
Park car on level ground with engine off.
Level is correct
if it is between MlN and MAX marks on
dipstick.
If level is below
MlN mark, add fluid to reservoir to bring
level up.
* Hand-tighten reservoir cap.
Power steering fluid
Dexron
1iiO ATF or equivalent
Spark plugs
E39 models through model year 1998 were equipped with
spark plugs with two electrodes. These are gapped to
0.7 mm
(0.028 in) by the manufacturer and are not adjustable.
Starting with 1999 models, long life spark plugs with
3 or four
electrodes were used. These can be retroactively fitted to
earlier
models. The recommended spark plug replacement
interval
forthese is 100,000 miles.The electrode gap in these
spark plugs is not adjustable.
Spark plug applications
M52 Bosch FBLDCR
M52 TU, M54 Bosch FGR7DQP or NGK BKRBEQUP
M62 to 7/97 Bosch F7LDCR or NGK BKR6EK
M62 from 7/97 Bosch F9LDCR
M62 TU Bosch FGR7DQP or NGK BKRGEQUP

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Maintenance
- To remove battery corrosion:
Disconnect battery cables. Disconnect negative (-)cable
first.
* Remove battery from trunk
Clean terminal posts and cable clamps with a wire brush.
Clean main chassis ground terminal next to battery.
Corrosion can be washed away with a
baking soda and
water solution that will neutralize acid.
Reinstall battery and reconnect cable clamps, positive
(+)
cable first.
Lightly coat outside of terminals, hold down screws, and
clamps with petroleum jelly, grease, or a commercial
battery terminal corrosion inhibitor.
WARNING
-
Battery acid is extremely dangerous. Take care to keep it
from contacting eyes, skin, or clothing. Wear eye protection.
Extinguish all
smolihg materials and do not work near any
oaen flames.
CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the batteg read the battery discon-
nection cautions given in
001 General Cautions and
Warnings.
NOTE-
The original equipment battery in E39 models is mainte-
nance free. The original electrolyte will normally last the
entire service life of the battery under moderate climate con-
ditions.
Battery electrolyte should be maintained at the correct level
just above the battery plates and theirseparators. The correct
level is approximately
5 mm ('14 in.) above the top of battery
plates or to the top of the indicator
marks (if applicable). The
battery plates and the indicator marks can be seen once the
fillercaps are removed.
if theelectrolyte level is low, replenish
it by adding distilled water only.
4 The original equipment BMW battery is equipped with a
built-in hydrometer "magic eye"
(arrow). Battery condition is
determined by the color of the eye:
Green: Adequate charge
* Black: Inadequate charge, recharge
Yellow: Defective battery, replace
Batteries are rated by ampere hours (Ah), the number of
hours a specific current drain can be sustained before com-
plete discharge, or by cold cranking amps (CCA), the number
of amps available to crank the engine in cold weather
condi-

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020-24
Maintenance
tions. In general, replacement batteries should always be
rated equal or higher than the original battery.
The battery is held in place by a single hand screw and plate.
A secure battery hold-down is important in order to prevent
vibrations and road shoclt from damaging the battery.
CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the baitem read the battery discon-
nection cautions given in
001 General Cautions and
Warnings.
NOTE-
Always disconnect the negative (-) cable first, and connect
it last. While changing the battery, clean away any corro-
sion in or around the battery tray
More battery and charging system information is in 121
Battery, Alternator, Starter.
Brake fluid, replacing
Brake fluid absorbs moisture easily, and moisture in the fluid
affects bralte performance and reliability. This is why
BMW
strictly recommends replacing the bralte fluid every two
years. When replacing or adding bralte fluid, use only new
fluid from previously unopened containers. Do not use brake
fluid that has been bled from the system, even
if it is brand
new. Use only DOT
4 brake fluid.
NOTE-
See 340 Brakes for brake fluid flushing procedures.
Brake pad 1 rotor wear, checking
Disc brakes are fitted at all four wheels. Although the brakes
are equipped with a brake pad warning system, the system
only monitors one wheel per axle. Pad thickness should be
checked whenever wheels are off or brake
worlt is being
done.
4 Disc brake pad wear can be checked through opening in
caliper:
Measure distance
(A) of brake pad "eai' to bralte rotor.
See
340 Brakes. Compare to specification below.