Ac system BMW 540i 1998 E39 Owner's Manual

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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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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
< Remove NC compressor belt:
Loosen tensioner mounting fasteners (arrows)
Swing tensioner down to remove belt.
4 To reinstall compressor belt:
Route belt over pulleys.
* Pretension belt by turning adjuster clockwise (arrow) to
stop.
- Tighten tensioner mounting bolts (A).
Tightening torques
Fan clutch to coolant pump (left- hand thread)
with BMW tool
11 5 040
30 Nm (22 ft-lb)
without BMW tool 11 5 040
40 Nm (29 ft-lb)
Tensioner to engine block
8.8 grade
22 Nm (16 ft-lb)
10.9 grade (Ilquid-cooled alternator) 30 Nm (22 ft-lb)
Idle speed
Engine idle speed can change due to a number of factors, in-
cluding normal wear. The idle speed is electronically adaptive
and not adjustable. See
130 Fuel Injection for more informa-
tion.
Catalytic converter and oxygen sensors
OBD II enhanced emission standards require the engine
control module (ECM) to monitor the oxygen content in the
exhaust with oxygen sensors placed before and after the cat-
alytic converter. This allows for tighter control of tail pipe
emissions and also allows the ECM to diagnose converter
problems. If the ECM detects that catalytic converter or oxy-
gen sensor efficiency has degraded past a certain
prepro-
grammed limit, it will turn on the malfunction indicator light
(MIL), and store a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in the ECM.
See OBD On-Board Diagnostics for more information on
OBD
ll systems.
Replacement of oxygen sensors at the specified intervals
he engine and emission control system will

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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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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.

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7 Maintenance
< Unbolt caliper from steering arm to properly inspect:
Brake pad thickness
(A)
Brake rotor
Condition of caliper seal
(B)
Condition of caliper slider bolts (C)
NOTE-
Brake caliper removal and installation procedures are given
in
340 Brakes.
Brake pad lining minimum thickness
Dimension
A 3.0 mm (0.12 in)
Brake system, inspecting
Routine maintenance of the brake system includes maintain-
ing the brake fluid in the reservoir,
checking bralte pads for
wear, checking parking brake function, and inspecting the
system for fluid lealts or other damage:
- Check that bralte hoses are correctly routed to avoid chafing
or
Itinking.
- lnspect unions and brake calipers for signs of fluid leaks.
- lnspect rigid lines for corrosion, dents, or other damage.
- Inspect flexible hoses for cracking
- Replace faulty hoses or lines as described in 340 Brakes.
WARNING-
Incorrect installation or overtightening hoses, lines, and
unions may cause chafing
orlealage. This can lead to partial
Parking brake, checking
The parking brake system is independent of the main braking
system and may require periodic adjustment depending on
use. Adjust the parking brake if the brake lever can be pulled
up more than
8 clicks. Check that the cable moves freely. A
description of the parking brake and
parlting bralte adjust-
ment can be found in
340 Brakes.

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020-26
Maintenance
NOTE-
The parking brake may lose some of its effectiveness if it is
not used frequently This is due to corrosion build-up on the
parking brake drum. To remove corrosion, apply the parking
brake just until it begins to grip, then pull the lever up one
more stop (click). Drive the car approximately 400 meters
(1,300
ft.) and release the brake. To recheck the adjustment
of the parking brake see
340 Brakes.
Clutch fluid, checking
In cars equipped with manual transmission and clutch, the hy-
draulic clutch and the brake system share the same reservoir
and the same bralte fluid. Clutch fluid level and brake fluid lev-
el are checked at the same time.
NOTE-
* See 340 Brakes for more information.
See
210 Clutch for information on the clutch and the
hydraulic clutch operating system.
Differential oil level, checking
The E39 differential is filled with lifetime oil that ordinarily
does not need to be changed.
BMW recommends using only
a specially formulated synthetic gear oil
(SAF-XO) that is
available through an authorized
BM\N dealer parts depart-
ment. For additional information on this lubricant and any
other lubricants that may be compatible, contact an
authorized
BMW dealer service department.
< Check rear differential oil level at filler plug (arrow).
- Check lubricant level with car on a level surface:
Level is correct when fluid just reaches edge of filler hole.
If necessary, top up fluid.
Replace filler plug sealing ring.
Install and tighten oil filler plug when oil level is correct.
NOTE-
Use either a 14 mm or 17 mm Allen socket to remove the
drain plug.
If the car is raised in the air, it should be level when
checking or filling final drive fluid level.
Tightening torque
Filler plug to final drive housing 70 Nrn (52 it-lb)

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.-. -
Maintenance
Drive axle joint
(CV joint) boots, inspecting
CVjoint protective boots must be closely inspected forcracks
and any other damage that will allow contaminants to get into
the joint.
If the rubber boots fail, the water and dirt that enter
the joint will quickly damage it.
NOTE-
Replacement of the CVjoint boots and inspection of the
joints are described
in 331 Final Drive.
Exhaust system, inspecting
Exhaust system life varies widely according to driving habits
and environmental conditions. If short-distance driving pre-
dominates, the moisture and condensation in the system will
not fully dry out. This will lead to early corrosion damage and
more frequent replacement.
Scheduled maintenance of the exhaust system is limited to
inspection:
* Check to see that all the hangers (arrow) are in place and
properly supporting the system and that the system does
not strike the body.
Check for restrictions due to dents or
kinlts,
Check for weakness or perforation due to rust.
NOTE-
Alignment of the system and the location of the hangers are
described in
180 Exhaust System.
Fuel filter, replacing
The fuel filter is located beneath the center of the car, approx-
imately under the driver's seat.
A protective cover must be
removed to access the filter.
4 Fuel filter for M62 engine (arrow)
- Disconnect battery negative (-) cable
CAUTIOI\C
Disconnecting the battery cables may erase fault codes
stored
in engine control module memory.
WARNING -
Fuel will be expelled forcibly when the filter is removed. Do
notsmoke or work near heaters orother fire hazards. Keep a
fire extinguisher handy

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020-28
1 Maintenance
- When replacing fuel filter:
Use appropriate hose clamping device to clamp off filter
inlet and outlet hoses to lessen fuel spillage.
Loosen center clamping bracket and hose clamps on
either end of filter.
Note arrow or markings indicating direction of flow on
new filter.
Install new filter using new hose clamps
- Drain fuel filter from inlet side into a container and inspect
drained fuel.
Checlc for rust, moisture and contamination.
I - I < If fuel filter is equipped with fuel pressure regulator:
I 2 / Remove vacuum hose (1)
Pull out locking clip (2).
- Remove fuel pressure regulator (3).
Install pressure regulator in new filter.
Clean thoroughly around the filler connections before
removing them.
After assembly, check filter connections carefully for
I
I lealcs before installing cover.
NOTE- ~-
Additional informarion about the fuel filler assembly is in 160
Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump.
Fuel tank and fuel lines, inspecting
lnspectthe fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel system fordamage or
lealts. Checlc for fuel lealts in the engine compartment or fuel
odors in the passenger compartment. Check for any evapora-
tive emissions hoses that may have become disconnected,
checking carefully at charcoal canister and evaporative emis-
sions purge system. See
130 Fuel Injection and 160 Fuel
Tankand Fuel Pump for component locations and additional
information.
WARNING-
When checlcing for fuel leal(s, the engine must be cold. A hot
exhaust manifold or exhaust system could cause the fuel to
ignite or explode causing serious personal injury Ventilate
the work area and clean up spilled fuel immediately.