oil change BMW 540i 1997 E39 Workshop Manual

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I General Warnings and Cautions
WARNINGS (continued)
. The air conditioning system is filled with chemical refrigerant,
which is hazardous. The AIC system should be serviced only by
trained technicians using approved refrigerant recoverylrecycling
equipment, trained in related safety precautions, and familiar with
regulations governing the discharging and disposal of automotive
chemical refrigerants.
. Do not expose any part of the AIC system to high temperatures
such as open flame. Excessive heat will increase system pres-
sure and may cause the system to burst.
Some aerosol tire inflators are highly flammable. Be extremely
cautious when repairing a tire that may have been inflated using
an aerosol tire inflator. Keep sparks, open flame or other sources
of ignition away
from the tire repair area. Inflate and deflate the
tire at least four
times before breaking the bead from the rim.
Completely remove the tire from the rim before attempting any re-
pair.
Cars covered by this manual are equipped with a supplemental
restraint system (SRS), that automatically deploys
airbags and
pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners
In the event oi a frontal or side
impact. These are explosive devices. Handled improperly or with-
out adequate safeguards, they can be accidently activated and
cause serious injury.
- The ignition system produces high voltages that can be fatal.
Avoid contact with exposed terminals and use extreme care when
working on a car with the engine running or the ignition switched
on.
. Place jack stands only at locations specified by the manufacturer.
The vehicle
illtino iack su~olied with the vehicle is intended fortire -. , . changes only. A heavy duty floor jack should be used lo lift vehicle
before installing
jacl( stands. See 010 General.
- Battery acid (electrolyte) can cause severe burns. Flush contact
area
with water, seek medical attention.
Aerosol cleaners and solvents may contain hazardous or deadly
vapors and are highly flammable. Use only in a well ventilated ar-
ea. Do not use on hot surfaces (engines, brakes, etc.).
Do not remove
coolant reservoir or radiator cap with the engine
hot. Danger of burns and engine damage.
CAUTIONS-
See also WARNINGS
- if you lack the slqills, tools and equipment, or a suitable worl(shop
for any procedure described in this manual, leave such repairs to
an authorized BMW dealer or other qualified shop.
BMW is constantly improving its cars and sometimes these
changes, both in parts and specifications, are made applicable to
earlier models. Therefore, part numbers listed in this manual are
for reference only. Always check with your authorized BMW deal-
er parts department for the latest information.
Before starting a job, make certain that you have all the neces-
sary tools and parts on hand. Read ail the instructions thorough-
ly, and do not attempt shortcuts. Use tools appropriate to the
work and use only replacement parts meeting BMW specifica-
tions.
Use pneumatic and electric tools only to loosen threaded parts
and fasteners. Never use these tools to tighten fasteners, espe-
cially on light alloy parts. Always use a torque wrench to tighten
fasteners to the tightening torque specification listed.
Be mindful of the environment and ecology. Before you drain the
crankcase, find out the proper way to dispose of the
oil. Do not
pour
oil onto the ground, down a drain, or into a stream, pond or
lake. Dispose of waste in accordance with Federal, State and
Local laws.
The control module for the anti-lock brake system
(ABS) cannot
withstand temperatures from a paint-drying booth or a heat
lamp
in excess of 203" F (95°C) and should not be subjected to tem-
peratures in excess of 185°F
(8S°C) for more than two hours.
- Before doing any electrical welding on cars equipped with ABS,
disconnect the battery negative
(-) terminal (ground strap) and
the ABS control module connector.
- Always make sure ignition is off before disconnecting battery.
Label battery cables before disconnecting. On some models, bat-
tery cables are not color coded.
Disconnecting the battery may erase fault code@) stored in control
module memory. Using special BMW diagnoslic equipment, check
lor
iauit codes prior to disconnecting the battery cables. If the mal-
I.mct on ndicator Ignt (MIL) s I. ..minaled. see OBD On-Board
Diaanostics
Tl11s iant is iuenlfted as lne Check Ena~ne oht
(1997-2000 models jor~ervlce Engine Soon light (2061 andlater
models). If any other system iaults have been detected (indicated
by an illuminated warning light), see an authorized BMW dealer.
If a normal
or rapid charger is used to charge battery, the battery
must be disconnected and removed from the vehicle in order to
avoid damaging the vehicle.
- Do not quick-charge the battery (for boost starting) for longer
than one minute. Wait at least one minute before boosting the
battery a second time.
* Connect and disconnect a battery charger only with the battery
charger switched off.
- Sealed or "maintenance free" batteries should be slow-charged
only, at an amperage rate that is approximately 10% of the bat-
tery's ampere-hour (Ah)
rating.
. Do not allow battery charging voltage to exceed 16.5 volts. If the
battery begins producing gas or boiling violently, reduce the
charging rate.
Boosting a sulfated battery at a high charging rate
can cause an explosion.

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01 0-1
010 General
General ........................... .01 0.2
How to Use this Manual ............ .01 0.2
Warnings. cautions and notes ........... .0l 0.3
Getting Started .................... .0i 0.5
Safety ............................. .O1 0.5
Lifting the car ........................ .O1 0.5
Raising car ......................... .O1 0.5
Working under car .................... .O1 0.6
Advice for the Beginner ............ .O1 0.7
Planning ahead ...................... .O1 0.7
Workshop practices ................... .O1 0.7
Non-reusable fasteners ................ .O1 0.7
Tightening fasteners .................. .O1 0.8
Gaskets and seals .................... .O1 0.9
Electrical testing .................... .O1 0.10
Wire repairs ........................ .O1 0.10
Buying Parts ..................... .01 0.11
Genuine BMW parts ................. .O1 0.11
Non-returnable parts ................. .O1 0.11
Information you need to know .......... .0l 0.12
Service ........................... 01 0-1 3
TOOIS ............................. 010-13
Basic tool requirements ............... 01 0-1 4
Jack stands ......................... 01 0-1 6
Oil change equipment ................. 01 0-1 6
Torque wrench ...................... 01 0-17
Digital multimeter .................... 010-17
BMW special tools ................... 01 0-1 8
Emergencies ...................... 01 0-1 8
Changing a tire ...................... 01 0-1 8
Jump starting ....................... 01 0-1 9
Indicator and warning lights ............ 01 0-1 9
Towing ............................ 010-20
Spare parts kit ...................... 010-21

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.-
General
4 An adjustable wrench can be a useful addition to a small tool
kit. It can substitute in a pinch if two wrenches of the same
size are needed to remove a nut and bolt. Use extra care with
adjustable wrenches, as they tend to loosen, slip, and dam-
age fasteners.
Jack stands
v
BOOBFNG
4 Strong jack stands are extremely important for any work that
is done under the car. Use only jack stands that are designed
for the purpose.
Blocks of wood, concrete, bricks, etc. are not
safe or suitable substitutes.
A
jaclc should be used only to raise the vehicle, not to support
the car for a long period. Always use
jack stands to support a
Jackstands are available in several styles. The best ones are
:
made of heavy material for strength, have a wide base for sta-
bility, and are equipped to positively lock in their raised posi-
tion. Get the best ones available.
Compared to
a wrench of the correct size, an adjustable
Oil change equipment
wrench is always second best. They should only be used
when the correct size wrench is not available. Choose one of
average size range, about
6 to 8 inches in length.
4 Changing engine oil requires a 17 mm socket or wrench to
loosen and tighten the drain plug and a drain pan (at least
8
quart capacity). A wide, low drain pan will fit more easily un-
der the car. Use a funnel to pour the new oil into the engine.
BMW engines use an oil filter canister with a disposable filter
cartridge insert. A
36 mm socket or wrench is required to re-
move the oil filtercanistercover. See
020 Maintenance foroil
change instructions.

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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
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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020-1 0
Maintenance Fluids and lubricants
Table d. Engine oil with filter change
V-8
models
BMW part no.
07 510 017 868
5W-30 synthetic oil
BMW part no.
07 51 0 017 866
Specification
1997
- 1998
15W-40 mineral oil
Fluid
6-cylinder models
Table e. Manual transmission oil
Approximate
capacity
6.5
liters (6.9 US qt)
Specification
Fluid
I I
Approximate
capacity
Getrag S5D 250G 1 .I liters (1.2 US
quarts) BMW
part no.
83 22 408 942
I
quarts)
Getrao
S6S 420G 11.9
liters (2.0 US
Table f. Automatic transmission fluid
(ATF)
Lifetime fluid (drain and refill)
(Additional fluid required when installing dry torque converter)
ZF S5D
3202
(MTF-LT-1)
u
Approximate I , , . Transmission Icapacity Spec~flcatlon
1.3 liters (1.4 US . .
quarts)
A5S 31 02
Trell~~2634) Total 9.7 liter volume: (10.2 US qt)
A5S
4402
Oil change volume:
4.0 liter (4.2 US qt)
I
A5S 360R /~otal volume:
Total
volume:
7.8 liter (8.2 US qt)
Oil change volume:
3.3 liter (3.5 US
qt)
(Exxon LT 71141) -.
BMW 83229407 807

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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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4 If oil level is low, add oil by removing oil filler cap (arrow) on
top of cylinder head
(6-cylinder oil cap shown, V-8 is sirnilar).
- Add only amount needed to bring oil level to upper mark on
dipstick, using an oil of correct viscosity and grade.
Engine oil and filter, changing
A complete oil change requires new oil, a new filter insert kit,
and a new drain plug sealing washer. The tools needed, a
17
mm drain plug socket or box wrench, a 36 mm socket or
wrench, and a drain pan (8
- 10 US qt. capacity), are de-
scribed in
010 General.
NOTE-
If using a "fast 1ube"service facility for oil changes, make sure
the technician hand-starts and torques the engine oil drain
plug using hand-tools. Power tools can strip the threads of
the plug and the oil pan.
Run engine for afew minutes to warm engine oil. Shut engine
off.
With car on level ground, place drain pan under oil drain plug.
Using a
36 mm socket, loosen and remove oil filter housing
cover (arrow). Remove filter cartridge and discard any
0-
rings (V-8 engine oil filter housing shown, 6-cylinder oil filter
housing is sirnilar).
Using a socket or box wrench, loosen drain plug at oil drain
pan. Remove plug by hand and let oil drain into pan
(V-8 en-
gine oil drain plug shown, 6-cylinder drain plug is similar).
WARNING -
Pull the loose plug away from the hole quicldy to avoid being
scalded by hot oil. It will run out
quiclcly when the plug is re-

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020-1 4
Maintenance
- When oil flow has diminished to an occasional drip, reinstall
drain plug with a new metal sealing washer and torque plug.
Tightening torque Engine oil drain plug to oil pan
25 Nrn (1.8 ft-lb)
6-cylinder oil filter assembly
r------ 1
< Working at oil filter housing (1):
Lubricate and install new oil filter O-rings (3, 4).
Install a new filter cartridge (5).
lnstall and tighten housing cover (2).
6-cylinder oil filter assembly shown, V-8 is similar.
Tightening torque Cover to oil filter housing
25 Nm (1.8 it-lb)
- Refill crankcase with oil. Approximate oil capacity is listed in
Tabled. Engine oil with filter change. Use dipstick to
check correct oil level.
- Start engine and check that oil pressure warning light
immediately goes out.
- Allow engine to run fora few minutes to circulate new oil, then
check for leaks at drain plug and oil filter. Stop engine and re-
check oil level
The section describes other routine maintenance done in the
engine compartment. Information on engine oil service is
giv-
enkar~ier inthis group.
For these procedures, it is not necessary for the car to be
raised and supported off the ground.
Accelerator and linkage
The accelerator and linkage at the throttle housing should be
lubricated periodically. Use ageneral purposeoil on the joints
and bearings of the linkage. Use a multipurpose grease on
the bearing points of the throttle plate.
Air filter, replacing
The specified replacement intervals forthe air filter are based
on normal use. If the car is operated primarily in dusty
conditions, the air filter should be serviced more frequently.