technical data BMW 540I SEDAN 2000 Owners Manual

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new car. It
contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maximum
use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW. The
manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to enhance
operating safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your BMW throughout an
extended service life.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle.
It should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important
operating, safety and maintenance information.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
Ð New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Ð Limited Warranty Rust Perforation
Ð Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
Ð Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
Ð California Emission Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology

9n

RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data

13n

Technical data
Index

Engine specifications198
Dimensions Ð sedan199
Dimensions Ð sport wagon200
Weights Ð sedan201
Weights Ð sport wagon202
Capacities203
Electrical system204
Drive belts204Everything from A to Z 208
Owner service procedures 214

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology

15n

RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data

Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps22
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL) 25
Hazard warning flashersHazard
warning flashers27
Warning triangle 27
First-aid kit 27
Refueling28
Fuel specifications29
Tire inflation pressure29

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
33n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams94
Instrument lighting94
High beams/Parking lamps95
Fog lamps95
Interior lamps96
Reading lamps96
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Automatic climate control98
Seat heating103
Steering wheel heating103
Roller sun blind104
Independent ventilation
system104
Cabin convenience:
BMW Universal Transmitter105
Glove compartment108
Storage facilities108
Cellular phone109
Beverage holder 109
Ashtray, front110
Cigarette lighter110
Ashtray, rear111Loading and transporting cargo:
Through-loading system112
Ski bag113
sport wagon:
Luggage compartment116
Roll-up cover116
Separation net116
Storage areas in the luggage
compartment118
Cargo loading120
Roof-mounted luggage rack121

121n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Roof-mounted luggage rackMounting pointsAccess to the mounting points:
To fold up the cover (arrow), please use
the tool which is provided with the lug-
gage system.
A special luggage system is available as
an option for your BMW. Please comply
with the precautions included with the
installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the car when loaded, they ex-
ercise a major effect on its handling and
steering response.394de369
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof weight,
the approved gross vehicle weight or
the axle weights when loading the rack.
You will find the specifications under
"Technical data" on page 201.
Make sure that the load is not too
heavy, and attempt to distribute it
evenly. Always load the heaviest pieces
first (on the bottom). Be sure that
adequate clearance is maintained for
raising the sliding/tilt sunroof, and that
objects do not project into the opening
path of the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
tightly to prevent it from shifting or be-
ing lost during driving (danger to follow-
ing traffic).
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden accelera-
tion and braking maneuvers. Take cor-
ners gently.
The roof load increases aerodynamic
resistance: Increased fuel consumption
and stress on the roof are the immedi-
ate results.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
123n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Under the hood:
Hood143
Engine compartment144
Washer fluids148
Washer nozzles148
Engine oil149
Coolant151
Brake fluid152
Vehicle Identification
Number153
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System154
Caring for your car155
Airbags160
Vehicle storage160
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications161
OBD connector162 Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure124
Driving notes125
Catalytic converter126
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)127
Disc brakes128
Brake system130
Winter operation130
Power steering132
Level control system132
Cellular phone133
Radio reception133
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure134
Tire condition134
Tire replacement135
Tire rotation136
Wheel and tire
combinations137
Winter tires138
Snow chains139
Approved wheel and tire
specifications140

139n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Winter tires Snow chains
*
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the tires are
rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to be-
low 0.16 inches (4 mm), and should
thus be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, away
from light whenever possible. Protect
the tires against contact with oil, grease
and fuel.Use narrow-link BMW snow chains
on
summer or winter tires only in pairs and
only on the rear wheels. Comply with all
manufacturer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.
It is not possible to mount snow
chains on tires with 17-inch
wheels.<

161n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Any authorized BMW center will be glad
to inform you of the advisability, legal
requirements and factory recommenda-
tions with regard to technical modifica-
tions on the car. For this purpose, the
center requires the Vehicle Identifica-
tion Number and, in some cases, also
the engine number.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and dis-
plays in your vehicle. The concept be-
hind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers, and they are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emit-
ting diodes.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.<
Technical modifications

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
165n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit166
Wiper blades166
Lamps and bulbs167
Changing tires173
Battery176
Fuses178
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door180
Sliding/Tilt sunroof180
Tailgate181
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting182
Towing the vehicle183