BMW 525i 2001 E39 Owner's Guide
Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 2001, Model line: 525i, Model: BMW 525i 2001 E39Pages: 1002
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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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020-2 
Maintenance 
The information given in this repair group includes the routine 
checlts  and maintenance steps  that are both required  by 
BMW  under the terms  of the  vehicle warranty protection and 
recommended  by BMW to ensure long  and reliable vehicle 
operation. 
NOTE- 
Aside  from keeping  your car  in the  best  possible  condition, 
proper  maintenance  plays a role  in maintaining  full protection 
under 
BMW's new car  warranty  coverage. If in doubt about 
the  terms  and conditions  of your  car's  warranty,  an autho- 
rized BMW  dealer should be  able to explain  them to you. 
Special  tools 
Some special tools are required  for performing  engine main- 
tenance  tasks. Be sure to have the necessary  equipment on 
hand before starting  any job. 
4 Hand pump  for manual transmission lifetime oil 
71 (Tool  No. BMW  002 080) 
4 Cooling  fan counterhold wrench 
(Tool  No. BMW  11 5 030) 
I I 4 Coolina  fan wrench 
I 
4 Service position hood props 
(Tool  No. BMW  51 2 160)    
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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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020-4 
Maintenance 
1997 to 2000 models 
1997 to 2000  models are equipped with  a data  link connector 
(DLC)  plug in  the right  side engine compartment: 
Reset 
SII using BMW service  and scan tool (DISplus or MoD- 
iC, GTI) or a specialty tool from another  manufacturer. Plug 
tool  (arrow)  into DLC. 
CAUTION- 
Follow  the manufacturer's  directions when resetting  the Sll. If 
the reset procedures are done 
incorrect& the  tool  or the  elec- 
tronic Service  Interval Indicator 
may be damaged. 
Aftermarket  reset  tools that can reset  all models with the DLC 
can  be purchased from one  of the  following suppliers: 
Specialty  tool suppliers 
Assenmacher Specialty  Tools 
6440 
Odell Place 
Boulder,  CO 80301 
303-530-2424 
[email protected]  http://www.asttool.com 
Baum  Tools Unlimited, 
Inc. 
P.O. Box 5867 
Sarasota,  FL 34277-5867 
800-848-6657 
[email protected] 
http://www.baumtools.com 
Peake  Research. Automotive Products  Division 
P.O.  Box 28776 
San  Jose,  CA 95159 
408-369-0406 
support  @peakeresearch.com 
http://www.peal~eresearch.com 
2001 and later  models 
On  vehicles  without the data  link connector  (DLC) in the en- 
gine compartment  (2001 and latercars),  the reset  tool can  not 
be  used. Instead, the 
Sll can  be reset with the trip odometer 
reset button  in the instrument  cluster. 
Make sure ignition key is in OFF  position. 
* Press  and hold  trip odometer button  in instrument  cluster, 
and turn ignition  key to ACCESSORY  position. 
Keep 
button pressed  for approximately 5 seconds until 
either  of following  appear in display:  OIL SERVICE  or 
INSPECTION, with  RESET. 
Press button again and 
hold for approximately 5 seconds 
until  RESET  flashes.    
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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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Maintenance 
The intervals for most tasks listed  in the maintenance tables 
below are  determined by the Sll. 
NOTE- 
BMW is constantly upgrading  recommended maintenance 
procedures  and requirements. 
The information  contained 
here  is as  accurate  as possible  at the time  of publication.  if 
there  is any  doubt about  what procedures apply  to a specific 
model  or year,  or what  intervals  should be followed,  remem- 
ber  that  an authorized 
BMW dealer  has the latest  information 
on  factory-recommended maintenance. 
Except  where noted, the maintenance items listed  apply to all 
models  and model  years covered  by this  manual.  The num- 
ber  in the "additional  repair information"  column refers to the 
repair group  in this manual  where additional  information can 
be  found. 
Table  a. 
Oil Service 
I I I I I Additional 
( New parts (Tools Required  requrred 
Under  car maintenance 
1 I I I I 
I I - I I 
Engine compartment  maintenance 
Check  overall  thickness  of front  and rear 
bralte  pads. 
If replacement  is necessary: 
Examine 
braite disc surface. 
Clean brake  pad contact  points in calipers. 
Grease wheel  centering hubs. 
Checlc thickness  of parking  braite linings 
only  when  replacing  rear brake pads. 
Checlc operation  of parking  brake and 
adjust  as necessary. 
spare 
Table b. 
Inspection I Service 
I 1 I I [Additional 
020 
020 
020 
New  parts  Warm engrne Dealer service Irepair , /Tools Required  (required  (required . (recommended lnformatlon 
Change oil and  oil filter 
Reset  Service Interval  indicator [Sli) 
Replace interior ventilation microfilter 
* 
A 
* 
* 
* 
I I I I I 
Undercar maintenance 
Checlc engine drive belt condition 020 
ri: * Change oil and  oil filter. 020 *    
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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: