Oul BMW 540i 1999 E39 Owner's Guide

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Maintenance
Suspension, front, inspecting
Inspection of the front suspension and steering includes a
check of all moving parts
forwear and excessive play. Inspect
ball joint and tie-rod rubber seals and boots for cracks
ortears
that could allow the entry of dirt, water, and other
contaminants. See
310 Front Suspension.
Suspension, rear, inspecting
Differential and rear drive axle service consists of checking
and changing the gear oil, inspecting for leaks, and checking
the drive axle
CV joint boots for damage.
The areas where
lealts are most likely to occurare around the
drive shaft and drive axle mounting flanges. For more infor-
mation on identifying oil leaks and theircauses, see
330 Rear
Suspension and
331 Final Drive.
Tires, checking inflation pressure
Correct tire pressures are important to handling and stability,
fuel economy, and tire wear. Tire pressures change with tem-
perature. Pressures should be
checked oRen during season-
al temperature changes. Correct inflation pressures can be
found on the driver's door pillar and in the owner's manual.
Note that tire pressures should be higher when the car is
more heavily loaded.
WARNING-
Do not inflate any tire to a pressure higher than the tire's max-
imum inflation pressure listedon the sidewall. Use care when
adding air to warm tires. Warm tire pressures can increase as
much as
4 psi (0.3 bar) over their coldpressures.
Tires, rotating
BMW does not recommend tire rotation. Due to the car's sus-
pension design, the front tires begin to wear first at the outer
shoulder and the reartires begin to wearfirst at the middle of
the tread or inner shoulder. Rotating the tires may adversely
affect road handling and tire grip.
Transmission service, automatic
The automatic transmissions installed in E39 models are
filled with special automatic transmission fluid. The transmis-
sion lubricant type can be found on the "type-plate" on the
side of the transmission. The recommended lubricants are
listed earlier in this repair group. See Fluids and lubricants.
If in doubt, consult an authorized BMW dealer for alternate

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Maintenance
BODY AND INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
Body and hinges, lubricating
Door locksand loclccylinderscan be lubricated with an oil that
contains graphite.
Body and doorhinges, hood latch and doorcheclc rods should
be lubricated with
SAE 30 or SAE 40 engine oil. Lubricate
seat runners with multipurposegrease. Do not apply any oil to
rubber parts.
If door weather-strips are sticking, lubricate
them with silicone spray or talcum powder. The hood release
cable should be lubricated as well.
The use of winter
lock deicer sprays should be lkept to an
absolute minimum, as the alcohol in the deicer will wash the
grease out of the lock assemblies and may cause locks to
corrode internally or to become difficult to operate.
Exterior washing
The longer dirt is left on the paint, the greater the risk of dam-
aging theglossy finish,
eitherby scratching or by thechemical
effect dirt particles may have on the painted surface.
Do not wash the car in direct sunlight. If the engine hood is
warm, allow it to cool. Beads of water not only leave spots
when dried rapidly by the sun or heat from theengine, but also
can act as small magnifying glasses and burn spots into the
finish. Wash the car with a mixture of lukewarm water and a
car wash product. Rinse using plenty of clear water. Wipe the
body dry with a sofl cloth towel or chamois to prevent
water-spotting.
Interior care
Dirt spots can usually be removed with lultewarm soapy water
or a dry foam cleaner. Use spot remover for grease and oil
spots. Do not pour the liquid directly on the carpet or fabric,
but dampen a clean cloth and rub carefully, starting at the
edge of the spot and working inward. Do not use gasoline,
naphtha, or other flammable substances.
Leather upholstery and trim
Leather upholstery and trim should be periodically cleaned
using a slightly damp cotton or wool cloth. The idea is to get
rid of the dirt in the creases and pores that can cause brittle-
ness and premature aging. On heavily soiled areas, use a
mild detergent (such as
wooliteQ) or other specially formulat-
ed leather cleaners. Dry the trim and upholstery completely

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020-32
Maintenance
using a soft cloth. Regular use of a good quality leather condi-
tioner will reduce drying and cracking of the leather.
Polishing
Use paint polish only if the finish assumes a dull loolc afler
long service. Polish can be used to remove tar spots and tar-
nish, but
afleiwards a coat of waxshould be applied to protect
the clean finish. Do not use abrasive polish or cleaners on
aluminum trim or accessories.
Seat belts
Dirt and other abrasive particles will damage seat belt web-
bing. If it is necessary to clean seat belts, use a mild soap so-
lution. Bleach and other strong cleaning agents may weaken
the belt webbing and should be avoided.
WARNING-
Do not clean the seat belt webbing using dry cleaning or oth-
er chemicals. Allow wet belts to
dry before allowing them to
retract.
-
The condition of the belt webbing and the function of the re-
tractor mechanisms should be inspected. See
720 Seat Belts
for seat belt inspection information.
Speciai cieaning
Tarspots can be removed with a bug and tar remover. Never
use gasoline,
lterosene, nail polish remover, or other unsuit-
able solvents. Insect spots also respond to tar remover.
A bit
of baking soda dissolved in the wash water will facilitate their
removal. This method can also be used to remove tree sap
spots.
Washing chassis
Periodic washing of the underside of the car, especially in
winter, will help prevent accumulation of road salt and rust.
The best time to wash the underside is just afler the car has
been driven in wet conditions. Spray the chassis with a pow-
erful jet of water. Commercial or self-service carwashes may
not be bestforthis, as they may recycle the salt-contaminated
water.
Waxing
For a long-lasting, protective, and glossy finish, apply a hard
wax after the car has been washed and dried. Use carnauba
or synthetic based products. Waxing is not needed after
every washing. You can tell when waxing is required by
look-

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ing at the finish when it is wet. If the water coats the paint in
smooth sheets instead of forming beads that roll off, a new
coat of wax is needed. Waxshould not be applied to black trim
pieces, rubber, or other plastic parts.
Windshield wiper blade maintenance
Common problems with the windshield wipers include streak-
ing or sheeting, water drops afler wiping, and blade chatter.
Streaking is usually caused when wiper blades are coated
with road
film or car wash wax. Clean the blades using soapy
water.
If cleaning the blades does not cure the problem, they
should be replaced. BMW recommends replacing the wiper
I blades twice a year, before and after the cold season.
I
< To replace wiper blade, depress retaining tab (arrow) and
slide blade out of arm.
I - Checlc tension spring that forces wiper against glass. Re-
place wiper arm if spring tension is weak.
Drops that remain behind after wiping are caused by oil, road
film, or diesel exhaust coating the windshield. Use an alcohol
or ammonia solution or a nonabrasive cleanser to clean the
windshield.
Wiper blade chatier may be caused by dirty or worn blades,
by a dirty windshield, or by bent or twisted wiper arms. Clean
the blades and windshield as described above.
Adjusithe
wiper arm so that there is even pressure along the blade, and
so that the blade is perpendicularto the windshield at rest. Lu-
bricate the wiper linkage with a light oil. The
linkage is located
under the hood on the driver's side. If the problem persists,
the blades are excessively aged or worn and should be re-
placed. See
61 1 Wipers and Washers for more information.

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100-4
I Engine-General
The M62 90" V8 engine uses four valves per cylinder, double
overhead camshafts and light alloy cylinder head and cylin-
der
bloclc engine construction.
On 1997 and 1998 540i models, Bosch engine management
systems are utilized. Table a lists engine management sys-
tem applications.
4 For the 1999 model year, the M62 TU VANOS engine was in-
troduced to the 540i models. This engine is primarily a carry-
over from the earlier M62 engine, but contains many unique
identifying components and technology:
Variable camshaft timing (VANOS) for the intake valves.
Bosch ME 7.2 engine management system with electronic
throttle control. There is no accelerator cable connecting
the throttle pedal to the throttle housing in these cars.
Compact water-cooled generator (alternator).
E39 vehicles are equipped with sophisticated self-diagnostic
engine management systems. These systems monitor and
store diagnostic fault information. If the malfunction indicator
lamp (MIL) illuminates, the first diagnostic test should be to
connect a dedicated scan tool for BMW automobiles and in-
terrogate the fault memory.
If the malfunction indicator light (MIL) comes on orflashes, it
indicates that an emissions-related fault has occurred and
that fault information is stored in memory within the ECM.
4 The MIL in E39 cars displays one of these warning graphics
in the instrument cluster.
The diagnostic capabilities of these systems have the poten-
tial to save hours of diagnostic time and prevent incorrect
5 placement. See OBD On-Board Diagnostics.

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113-5
Cylinder Head Removal and Installation I
< Fuel line plugs
(Tool No.
BMW 13 5 281113 5 282)
4 Fuel line removal tool for quick-disconnect fittings
(Tool No.
BMW 16 1 050)
< Tensioning bracket (V-8)
(Tool No. BMW 11 7 380)
Compressed air fitting for testing VANOS operation
((Tool No.
BMW 11 3 450)
< Upper timing cover installation tool set, V-8
(Tool No. BMW 11 1 41 0)
Cylinder compression, checking
A compression gauge is needed to make a compression test.
For accurate test, the battery and starter must be capable of
cranking the engine at least
300 rpm, and the engine should
be at normal operating temperature.
NOTE-
Performing a compression test may cause a fault to set in the
ECM and may illuminate the Malfunction
Indicator Light
(MIL). The light can only be turned out using either
BMW
special service scan tools or an equivalent aftermarket scan
tool. Disconnecting the battery will not erase the fault memo-
ry or turn out the light. See OBD On-Board Diagnostics.

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11 3-6
Cylinder Head Removal and Installation
- Disable ignition system by removing DME main relay. See
610 Component Locations for relay location.
WARNING-
. The ignition system produces high voltages that can be fa-
tal. Avoid contact with exposed terminals and use
exfreme
caution when working on a car with the ignition switched on
or the engine running.
Do not touch or disconnect ignition
components while
the engine is running or being cranked by the starter.
Failure to remove the DME main relay or attempting to
disa-
bie the fuel andignition systems by other methods may result
in damaoe to the enoine control module
(ECM).
- - Remove plastic cylinder head cover(s)
,,I . ,. .*,.,,&- - Remove coil grounding straps.
I CAUTION-
I nition system components. I
- Remove coils.
- Remove spark plugs from all cylinders.
NOTE-
Check the spark plugs for oil deposits that may indicate poor
cylinder sealing, then set them aside in order. Used spark
plugs should be reinstalled in the same cylinder from which
they were removed.
4 Install compression gauge in first cylinder spark plug hole,
tight enough to form a good seal.
- With parking brake set, transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL,
and accelerator pedal pressed to floor, crank engine with
starter. Record highest value indicated by gauge.
NOTE-
* The compression gauge reading should increase with
each compression stroke and reach near its maximum
reading in about
4-6 strokes.
All cylinders should reach maximum compression in the
same number of
strolces. If a cylinder needs significantly
more strokes to reach
maximum compression, there is a
problem.

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. .- . --
Lr -- - - - -- Cylinder Head Removal and Installation I -
- Release pressure at compression gauge valve, then remove
gauge from spark plug hole. Repeat test for each cylinder
and compare results with values given in Table a.
Table a. Compression testing specifications
Minimum compression
6-cylinder
10-1 1 bar (142-156 psi)
V-8 12-14 bar (174-203 psi)
Maximum difference between
cylinders (all engines)
0.5 bar (7 psi)
- Compression readings may be interpreted as follows:
Low compression indicates a poorly sealed combustion
chamber.
0 Relatively even pressures that are below specification nor-
mally indicate worn piston rings
andlor cylinder walls.
Erratic values tend to indicate valve leakage.
Dramatic differences between cylinders are often a sign of
a failed head
gasket, burned valve, or broken piston ring.
- If readings are within specifications, reinstall spark plugs and
ignition coils.
NOTE-
Used spark plugs should be reinstalled in the same cylinder
from which they were removed.
Tightening torque Spark plug to cylinder head 25 Nm
(18 ft-lb)
lanition coils to cylinder head 10 Nm (7.5 ft-lb)
- Remainder of installation is reverse of removal. Be sure to re-
install all wires disconnected during test, especially ground
wires at coils and cylinder head cover (where applicable).
Wet compression test
To further help analyze the source of poorcompression,awet
compression test is the next step.
- Repeat compression test, this time squirt a teaspoon of oil
into each cylinder. The oil will temporarily help seal between
piston rings and cylinder wall, practically eliminating leakage
past rings for a short time.
- If this test yields a higher reading than "dry" compression
test, there is probably leakage between piston rings and
cylinder walls, due either to wear or to broken piston rings.
- Little or no change in compression reading indicates other
leakage, probably from valves.

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-
Cylinder Head Removal and Installation c
q Remove secondary air inject~on check valve (arrow).
4 Remove cylinder head top cover:
Remove plastic trim caps (arrows).
Remove engine oil filler cap.
Remove cover hold down fasteners and lift off cover.
4 Remove ignition coils:
Disconnect ignition coil harness connectors.
. Remove coil mounting fasteners.
Remove coils.
Remove ground straps.
NOTE-
Make note of ground wire at mounting studs arrangement
during removal.
- Remove sparlc plugs.
- Remove cylinder head cover mounting fasteners and remove
cylinder head cover.
NOTE-
The cylinder head cover mounting bolt insulators and gas-
lets should be reinstalled in their original locations. Make
note of their arrangement during removal.

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113-16
Cylinder Head Removal and Installation
- Remove secondary timing chain and sprockets:
Remove mounting nuts from front of intake camshaft
sprocket. Remove and label shim.
CAUTION-
Hold the camshaft stationary (at hex on camshaft) when loos-
ening or tightening sprocket mounting fasteners.
Remove mounting nuts from front of exhaust camshaft
sprocket and remove and label thrust washer.
NOTE-
Where applicable, make note of thrust washerpositions. The
thicker
(0.4 mm) washer is mounted outermost.
- Remove secondary sprockets together with camshaft tim-
ing chain from front of camshafts.
CAUTION-
The camshafts must be locledin the TDCposition using the
special service tool as described earlier: The arrows on the
sprockets should not be used to accurately set the engine to
TDC. The tool holds the camshafts parallel to each other and
NOTE-
Do not remove the sprocl parts are being replaced. Wire tie each sprocket to the chain
to
Iceep the sproclefs timed to each other:
CAUTIOI\C
The crankshaft must not be allowed to rotate once the cam-
shaft timing chain is removed. The pistons can
contact the
valves.
Unscrew timing chain guide and remove.
Lift off primary sprocket with chain.
Secure chain with wire to prevent chain from dropping into
lower timing cover.
Unscrew timing case cover to cylinder head bolts (arrows).
NOTE-
Photo shows timing chain guide in place; it should first be re-
moved as described previously.
Remove crankshaft locking tool
(BMW special tool 11 2 300).
Using the crankshaft vibration damper bolt, turn engine op-
posite of normal direction of rotation (counterclocltwise as
viewed from the front) approximately 30". This prevents ac-
cidental contact between valves and pistons during installa-
tion.