gas cover BMW 540i 1999 E39 Workshop Manual

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Foreword
For the BMW owner with basic mechanical skills and for independent auto service professionals.
this manual includes many of the specifications and procedures that were available to an
authorized BMW dealer service deoartment as this manual went to
Dress. The BMW owner with , no intention of working on his or her car will find that owning and referring to this manual makes it
possible to be better informed and to more
Itnowledgeably discuss repairs with a professional
automotive technician.
If you are a BMW owner intending to do maintenance and repair work, make sure you have
screwdrivers, a set of metric wrenches and sockets and metric Allen and
Torx wrenches, since
these basic hand tools are needed for most of the work described in
this manual. Many procedures
also require a torque wrench to ensure that fasteners are tightened properly and in accordance
with specifications. Additional information on basic tools and other tips are in
010 General. In
some cases, the text refers to special tools that are recommended or required to accomplish
adjustments or repairs. These tools are usually identified by their
BMW special tool number and
illustrated.
Disclaimer
We have endeavored to ensure the accuracy of the information in this manual. When the vast
array of data presented in the manual is
talten into account, however, no claim to infallibility can
be made. We therefore cannot be responsible for the result of any errors that may have crept into
the text. Please also read the Important Safety Notice on the copyright page at the beginning of
this book.
Prior to starting a repair procedure, read the procedure,
001 General Warnings and Cautions
and the warnigns and cautions that accompany the procedure. Reading a procedure before
beginning
work will help you determine in advance the need for specific skills, identify hazards,
prepare for appropriate capture and handling of hazardous materials, and the need for particular
tools and replacement parts such as gasltets.
Bentley Publishers encourages comments from the readers of this manual with regard to errors,
and/or suggestions for improvement of our product. These communications have been and will be
carefully considered in the preparation of this and other manuals. If you identify inconsistencies in
the manual, you may have found an error. Please contact the publisher and we will endeavor to
post applicable corrections on our
website. Posted corrections (errata) should be reviewed before
beginning
worlc. Please see the following web address:
BMW offers extensive warranties, especially on components of the fuel delivery and emission
control systems. Therefore, before deciding to repair a BMW that may be covered wholly or in part
by any warranties issued by
BMW of North America, LLC, consult your authorized BMW dealer.
You may find that the dealer can
make the repair either free or at minimum cost. Regardless of its
age, or whether it is under warranty, your BMW
Is both an easy car to service and an easy car to
get serviced. So
if at any time a repair is needed that you feel is too difficult to do yourself, a trained
BMW technician is ready to do the job for you.
Bentley Publishers

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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 2
1 General
Information you need to know
Model
When ordering parts it is important that you know the correct
model designation for your car. Models covered in this E39
manual are the
525i,5281,530i, 540i in Sedan and Station
Wagon body styles.
Model year
This is not necessarily the same as date of manufacture or
date of sale.
A 1999 model may have been manufactured in
late 1998, and perhaps not sold until early 2000. It is still a
1999 model. Model years covered by this manual are 1997 to
2002.
Date of manufacture
This information is necessary when ordering replacement
parts or determining if any of the warranty recalls are applica-
ble to your car. The label on the driver's door below the door
latch will specify the month and year that the car was built.
Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN)
This is a combination of letters and numbers that identify the
particular car. The VIN appears on the state registration doc-
ument, and on the car itself. One location is on the right front
strut tower in the engine compartment (arrow), another in the
lower left corner of the windshield.
Engine code
5 Series car covered in this manual are powered by
6 and 8 - cylinderengines. For information on engine codes and en- -. -
gine applications, see 100 Engine-General. -
Transmission code
The transmission type with its identifying code may be
impor- :
tant when buying clutch parts, seals, gaskets, and other .- transmission-related parts. For information on transmission
codes and applications, see 200 Transmission-General.

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110-3
Engine Removal and lnstallationl
Q Fuel line plugs
(Tool No.
BMW 13 5 281 / 13 5 282)
4 Fuel line removal tool
(Tool No.
BMW 16 1 050)
CAUTION-
Disconnecting the battery may erase fault code@) storedin
memoiy Check for fault codes prior to disconnecting the
battery cables.
If the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light, also may be
called "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light)
is illuminated, see
OBD On-Board Diagnostics for
DME fault code information.
It orhersysrem faults have been detected, as indicated I
by an ~llum~nated ABS, SRS orASC/DSC ~arning light,
see the appropriate repair group in this manual or an
authorized BMW dealer for more information on fault
codes.
NOTE- Engine removal procedures are similar for all 6-cylinder
models. When differences
exist, they are noted at the be-
ginning of each step. Engine are referred to by engine
code. See
100 Engine-General for engine code and appli-
cation information.
@ Be sure to cover all painted surfaces before beginning the
removal procedure. As an aid to installation, label all com-
ponents, wires and hoses before removing them. Do not
reuse
gaskets, O-rings or seals during reassembly.
The
intake manifold must be removed on &cylinder mod-
els before the engine can be removed.
WARNING-
Due to risk of personal injury, be sure the engine is cold be-
fore beginning the removal procedure.

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11 0-4
/Engine Removal and Installation
- Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery.
CAUTION- Prior to disconnecting the
batteg read the battery discon-
nection cautions
in 001 General Cautions and Warnings.
- Remove engine hood, or place in service position. See 410
Fenders, Engine Hood.
4 Remove left and right interior ventilation ducts (lefl side
shown):
Release ventilation filter cover latch (A) and remove cover.
Release plastic loclting tab
(6) or release locking tabs on
top of duct (later models).
Rotate duct counterclocltwise to
unloclt from bulkhead and
remove (arrow).
Disconnect electrical harness from hood switch (C).
Release spring
loclt (D).
Slide filter housing away from inner fender to remove.
Removal of right side ventilation duct is similar.
Remove rear bulkhead panel:
Remove rubber sealing gasket (arrow).
- Remove 3 mounting clips (A).
Remove
4 retaining screws (6).
Lift off panel.
Remove complete air filter housing:
Loosen
intalte duct hose clamp (A) at throttle assembly.
Loosen clamp and remove idle control line from intalte duct
(6) and (where applicable) disconnect idle speed control
valve electrical harness connector.
Disconnect harness connector (C) from mass air flow sen-
sor.
Remove air filter housing mounting screw (D).
Disconnect vent tube
(E).
Loosen air intake duct clamp (F).
Carefully lift air filter housing out of engine bay.

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110-16
Engine Removal and Installation
ENGINE, REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION (V-8 MODELS)
NOTE-
Engine removal procedures are similar for all V-8 models.
When differences exist, they are noted at the beginning of
each step. Engine are referred to by engine code. If neces-
sary, See
100 Engine-General for engine code andappli-
cation information.
Be sure to cover all painted surfaces before beginning the
removal procedure. As an aid to installation, label all com-
ponents, wires and hoses before removing them. Do not
reuse gaskets, O-rings or seals during reassembly
WARNING
-
Due to risk ofpersonal injury, be sure the engine is cold be-
fore beginning the
removal procedure.
- Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery.
Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery discon-
nection cautions given in
001 General Cautions and
Warnings.
- Remove engine hood or place hood in service position. See
410 Fenders, Engine Hood.
Remove
intake manifold cover, version 1:
Remove plastic trim caps (arrows).
Remove cover mounting fasteners and
lift off cover.
Remove intake manifold cover, version
2:
Press down on locking pins (arrows) to release locks
Lifl cover straight
up to remove.

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11 3-2
Cylinder Head Removal and Installation
This group covers cylinder head removal and installation as
well as cylinder
headlvalve diagnostic procedures.
In the procedures in this repair group, engines are referred to
by engine code. If necessary, see
100 Engine-General for
engine code and application information.
The information given in this repair group assumes that the
engine is installed in the engine bay. On the
6-cylinder en-
gines, the VANOS control unit must be removed in orderto re-
move the cylinder head from the engine block. On
M52TU
and M54 engines, camshafts must be removed from the cylin-
der head before the head is removed.
The cylinder head removal and installation procedures for the
M62 V-8 are also included, butthe proceduresforthe M62TU
V-8 with VANOS are not provided.
For cylinder head and valvetrain reconditioning information,
see
116 Cylinder Head and Valvetrain.
For specific repair procedures, refer to the appropriate repair
group:
020 Maintenance
116 Cylinder Head and Valvetrain
117 Camshaft Timing Chain
170 Radiator and Cooling System
610 Component locations
NOTE-
If a head gasket problem is suspected, a compression test or
leak-down test will usually detect the fault See Diagnostic
Testing later
in this group.
Special tools
Special BMW service tools are required to properly remove
and install the cylinder head on engines covered by this man-
ual. The special tools are used to time the valvetrain to the
crankshaft, and to remove the VANOS control unit, the cam-
shafts and the
Tom (El2) head bolts. Read the entire proce-
dure through before beginning the job.

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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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11 3-9
Cylinder Head Removal and Installation
< Remove left and right interior ventilation ducts (left shown):
Release ventilation filter cover latch (A) and remove cover.
Release plastic locking tab
(6) or release locking tabs on
top of duct (later models).
Rotate duct counterclockwise to unlock from bulkhead and
remove (arrow).
Disconnect electrical connector from hood switch
(C).
Release spring lock (D).
Slide filter housing away from inner fender to remove.
Removal of right side ventilation duct is similar.
Remove rear bulkhead panel: Remove rubber sealing
gasket (arrow).
0 Remove 3 mounting clips (A).
Remove
4 retaining screws (6).
Lift out panel.
< Remove complete air filter housing:
Loosen
intake duct hose clamp (A) at throttle assembly.
Loosen clamp and remove idle control hose from
~ntake
duct (6) and disconnect Idle speed control valve electr~cal
harness connector.
Disconnect
electr~cal harness connector (C) from mass alr
flow sensor.
Remove air filter housing mounting screw (D).
Disconnect vent tube
(E).
Loosen air intake duct clamp (F).
Carefully lift air filter housing out of engine bay.
4 Remove positive battery cable and intake manifold cover:
Remove protective cover from positive (+)jumper post (A).
Loosen and remove battery lead mounting nut.
Remove battery lead and push down through intake mani-
fold.
Remove trim caps (arrows) from fuel injector cover.
Remove cover hold down fasteners and lift off cover.

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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.