Ele BMW 540i 1997 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
Many of the maintenance and repair tasks in this manual call
forthe installation of new parts, orthe use of new gaskets and
other materials when reinstalling parts. Most often, the parts
that will be needed should be on hand before beginning the
job. Read the introductorytext and the complete procedure
to
determine which parts will be needed.
NOTE-
For some biggerjobs, partial disassembly and inspection is
required to determine a complete parts list. Read the proce-
dure carefully and, if necessary, male other arrangements to
get the necessary parts while your car is disassembled.
Genuine BMW parts
Genuine BMW replacement parts from an authorized BMW
dealer are designed and manufactured to the same high stan-
dards as the original parts. They will be the correct material.
manufactured to same specifications, and guaranteed to fit
and work as intended. Most genuine BMW parts carry a limit-
ed warranty.
Many independent repair shops make a point of using genu-
ine
BMW parts, even though they may at times be more ex-
pensive than parts from other sources. They know the value
of doing the job right with ihe right parts. Parts from other
sources can be as good as BMW parts, particularly if manu-
factured by one of
BMW's or~ginal equipment suppliers, but it
is often difficult to know.
BMW is constantly updating and improving their cars, often
malting improvements during a given model year. BMW may
recommend a newer, improved part as a replacement, and
your authorized dealer's parts department will know about it
and provide it. The BMW parts organization is best equipped
to deal with your BMW parts needs.
Non returnable parts
Some parts cannot be returned, even for credit. The best ex-
ample is electrical parts, which are almost universally consid-
ered non returnable. Buy electrical parts carefully, and be as
sure as possible that a replacement is needed, especially for
expensive parts such as electronic control units. It may be
wise to let an authorized BMW dealer or other qualified shop
confirm your diagnosis before replacing an expensive non re-
turnable
Dart.

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BMW dealers are uniquely qualified to provide service for
BMW cars. Their authorized relationship with the large BMW
service organization means that they have access to special
tools and equipment, together with the latest and most accu-
rate repair information.
The BMW dealer's service technicians are highly trained and
very capable. Authorized BMW dealers are committed to sup-
porting the BMW product. On the other hand, there are many
independent shops that provide quality repairwork.
Checking
with other BMW owners for recommendations on service fa-
cilities is good way to learn of reputable BMW shops in your
area.
Most maintenance can be accomplished with a small selec-
tion of tools. Tools range in quality from inexpensive junk,
which may break at first use, to very expensive and
well-
made tools for the professional. The best tools for most do-it-
yourself BMW owners lie somewhere in between.
Many reputable tool manufacturers offer good quality, moder-
ately priced tools with a lifetime guarantee. These are your
best buy. They cost a little more, but they are good quality
tools that will do what
Is expected of them. Sears' Craftsman@
line is one such source of good quality tools.
Some of the repairs covered in this manual require the use of
special tools, such as a custom puller or specialized electrical
test equipment. These special tools are called out in the text
and can be purchased through an authorized BMW dealer.
As an alternative, some special tools mentioned may be pur-
chased from the following tool manufacturers and/or distribu-
tors:
Specialty tool suppliers
Assenmacher Specialty Tools
6440 Odeli Place
Boulder. CO 80301
Baum Tools Unlimited, Inc.
P.O. Box 5867
Sarasota.
FL 34277-5867

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Sockets Socltets are used with a ratchet handle for speed and conve-
nience and can be combined with extensions and universal
joints (swivels) to reach fasteners more easily. The most
common socket drive sizes are
114 inch, 318 inch and 112 inch.
Sockets come in
6 point and 12 point styles. The 6 point offers
a better grip on tight nuts and bolts.
6 mm to 19 mm socltets
are the most needed sizes. Below is a list of typical bolt
diarn-
eters and the corresponding wrench sizes.
Common bolt diameters and wrench sizes
M5 8 rnrn
M6
10 rnm
M8 12rnrnor13rnrn
MI 0 17 rnrn
MI2 19 rnrn
M14 22 mm
Spark plug socket
4 A 518" deep-well socket for sparlt plugs includes a rubber in-
sert to both protect the spark plug from damage and grip it for
easier removal.
Pliers
There are many types of pliers including snap-ring,
needle-
nose, adjustable-joint, slip-joint (Channel-lock@), and locking
(Vice-Grip@) most of which are used for holding irregular ob-
jects, bending, or crimping. Some have special applications.
Needlenose pliers are used for gripping small and poorly ac-
cessible objects, and are useful forwiring and other electrical
work. Locking pliers such as the Vise-Grip@ are useful be-
cause of their tight grip.
Snap-ring and circlip pliers with special tipped jaws are used
to remove and install snap-rings or circlips. Channel-lock@ or
water pump pliers have adjustable jaws that can be quicltly
changed to match the size of the object being held to give
greater leverage,

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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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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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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
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: