automatic transmission BMW 540I SEDAN 2000 Owner's Manual

149n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine oilChecking oil level1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating
temperature.
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
similar material.
4 Push the dipstick all the way into the
guide tube and pull it out again.
5 The oil level should be in between the
two graduations on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.390de076
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.460de189
To add oilWait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, do not wait until the oil level
drops below the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to op-
erate without oil additives; the use
of additives could lead to damage in
some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system.< 390de077

173n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Changing tires
Safety measures in the event of a
flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat,
surface. Switch on the hazard flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse (selector lever in Park with
automatic transmission) and engage the
parking brake. All passengers should
be outside the car and well away from
your immediate working area (behind a
guardrail, for instance).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the car on a soft or slippery sup-
port surface (snow, ice, loose gravel,
etc.), since it could slide sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack Ð risk of fatal injury.<
What you will needIn order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Car jack
sedan: Fold back the luggage com-
partment floor mat for access, then
unscrew the wingnut to release the
jack (arrow).
sport wagon: Raise the floor panel
and spare tire cover (refer to
page 118).
When you have completed work,
screw the jack all the way back down.
Fold the handle back and insert it in
its holder
>Wedge (wheel chock)
Located next to the jack. Loosen the
wing nut to remove it394de090

184n
Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response.<
Tow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of
vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting, refer
to page 182.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another car, since damage to the
energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission1 Place the selector lever in position N
2 Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3 Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers re-
main operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging.
5 Switch on the hazard-warning system
(observe country-specific regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the ve-
hicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to pre-
vent the steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.<
Towing with a commercial
tow truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.<380us124

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
187n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Airbags188
Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC)188
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)189
Radio reception190
BMW active seat190
Safety belt tensioner191
DSP sound system191
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer192
Rain sensor193
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)194
Integrated rear suspension194
Level control system195
Xenon lamps195

188n
Deceleration sensors continuously
monitor the physical forces acting upon
the vehicle. If, as the result of a frontal
collision, vehicle deceleration is
reached at which the protection of the
safety belts alone is no longer ade-
quate, the gas generators of the driver-
side and passenger-side airbags are ig-
nited simultaneously. However, the
passenger-side airbag is only triggered
if an additional sensor has recognized
that the passenger seat is occupied.
In the event of a side collision, the head
protection and side airbags in the front
and rear
* are triggered if necessary.
390de319
The airbags located under the marked
covers inflate and unfold in a matter of a
few milliseconds. In this process they
tear through the rated breaking points
of the upholstered covers or press them
out.
Because the inflation process must be
virtually instantaneous, it is necessarily
accompanied by a certain amount of
ignition and inflation noise. The gas
which the system employs to inflate the
airbag is not dangerous. Smoke
appears as the gas dissipates.
The entire process is completed within
fractions of a second.On vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion, Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC) uses a number of factors to cal-
culate the gear which provides the
maximum efficiency. In this process it
monitors your personal driving style, the
situation in which you are driving, the
condition of the road and the traffic
conditions.
ATC recognizes your personal driving
style from the positions and movements
of the accelerator pedal, deceleration
when braking and lateral acceleration
through curves. Four different shift
characteristics Ð from comfort-oriented
to performance-oriented Ð are available
for selection by ATC.
390de334
ATC
Airbags ATC
*

201n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Weights Ð sedan
BMW 528i BMW 540i
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)3,495 (1,585)
3,549 (1,610)3,748 (1,700)
3,803 (1,725)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)4,508 (2,045)
4,563 (2,070)4,762 (2,160)
4,817 (2,185)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg)
2,138 (970)2,381 (1,080)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,579 (1,170) 2,635 (1,195)
Approved roof load capacity lbs. (kg) 220 (100) 220 (100)
Permitted axle loads and permitted total vehicle weight may not be exceeded.
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (l) 16.2 (460) 16.2 (460)

202n
Weights Ð sport wagon
BMW 528i BMW 540i
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)3,726 (1,690)
3,781 (1,715)Ð
4,056 (1,840)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)4,817 (2,185)
4,872 (2,210)Ð
5,093 (2,310)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg)
2,160 (980)2,381 (1,080)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,844 (1,290) 2,910 (1,320)
Approved roof load capacity lbs. (kg) 220 (100) 220 (100)
Permitted axle loads and permitted total vehicle weight may not be exceeded.
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (l) 14.5 Ð 53.9 (410 Ð1,525) 14.5 Ð 53.9 (410 Ð1,525)

203n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Capacities

Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 18.5
approx. 2.1
approx. 2.6 (approx. 70)
(approx. 8)
(approx. 10) Ð BMW 528i
Ð BMW 540iFuel specification: Refer to
page 29
Windshield washer system
with headlamp washer system
Intensive cleaning systemquarts (liters)
quarts (liters)
quarts (liters)approx. 3.7
approx. 6.3
approx. 1.1(approx. 3.5)
(approx. 6.0)
(approx. 1.0)For details: Refer to page 148
Cooling system including
heater circuitquarts (liters) 11.1 (10.5)
12.7 (12.0)Ð BMW 528i
Ð BMW 540iFor details: Refer to page 151
Engine oil filter change quarts (liters) 6.9 (6.5)
7.9 (7.5)Ð BMW 528i
Ð BMW 540i"High Performance Synthetic Oil"
for gasoline engines.
Specifications: Refer to page 150
Manual transmission, automatic
transmission and differentialÐ Ð Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required

A
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)23, 127
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal
filter103
Active seat53, 190
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)71, 188
Add engine oil149
Add washer fluid148
Adjust backrest52
Adjust seats50
Adjust steering wheel54
Adjust temperature100
Air conditioning control98
Remove condensation
from windshields101
Air distribution100
Air pressure134
Air supply101
Air vent98
Airbags23, 60, 160, 188
Alarm system45
Antenna, Diversity190
Antennas133
Antifreeze151
Antifreeze, radiator130
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)23, 127
Anti-theft protection37
Approved gross vehicle
weight201Aquaplaning134
ASC+T/DSC24, 91, 189
Ashtray110
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)71, 188
Attach vacuum cleaner111
AUC (Automatic recirculated-
air control)101
Automatic car washes155
Automatic climate control98
Automatic cruise control80
Automatic curb monitor56
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror55
Automatic rear window
wiper79
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)101
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction/Dynamic
Stability Control (ASC+T)/
(DSC)24, 91, 189
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment54
Automatic transmission71
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic74
Automatic transmission, oil
capacities203
Average fuel
consumption88
Average speed88
Axle loads201

B
Backup lamps70
Bulb replacement169
Battery176, 204
Capacity204
Charging177
Discharged182
Removal and
installation178
Belts59
Beverage holder109
Blower101
BMW active seat53, 190
BMW comfort seat51
BMW sports seat52
BMW Universal
Transmitter105
Bore198
Brake system124
Brake faults130
Brake fluid152
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement169
Brake pads23
Breaking-in the
brakes124
Disc brakes124, 128
Parking brake23, 69
Brake-in procedure124
Brakes, refer to Brake
system
Breaking in the vehicle124
Break-resistant security
glass, care158
Bulb replacement167

C
Car jack173
Car keys35
Car Memory58
Car phones and telephones,
refer to the seperate
Owner's Manual
Car radio
reception133, 190
Car telephone109
Car wash155
Care, vehicle exterior156
Care, vehicle interior158
Cargo loading120
Caring for the vehicle
finish157
Catalytic converter126
Cellular phone133
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp, bulb
replacement171
Central locking system,
button40
Changing a tire173
Charging the battery177
Check air pressure30
Check Control85
Check engine oil level149
Child restraint systems59
Child's seat59
Child-safety locks66
Cigarette lighter110

Everything from A to Z

Everything from A to Z

Remove condensation from
windshields101
Replacement keys35
Replacement of tires135
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve capacity
Cooling system203
Engine oil203
Fuel tank203
Washer system203
Residual heat102
Restraint system59
Reverse70
Rims137
Roof load201
Roof-mounted luggage
rack121
Rubber parts130

S
Safety belt tensioner191
Safety belts59
Safety lock buttons40
Seat heating103
Seat memory56
Seat, electric power50
Seat, forward/back
adjustment50, 52
Seat, mechanical52
Secure the load44, 120
Selector lever, automatic
transmission71, 74Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
(US models)154
Service Interval
Display84, 154
Servotronic132
Shift lever70
Shoulder support51
Shutting off the engine69
Side airbags60
Side impact Head Protection
System60
Ski bag113
Ski bag in the sport
wagon115
Skid control132
Sliding132
Sliding/Tilt sunroof48
Closure after electrical
fault180
Convenience
operation36
Manual operation180
Power supply
interruption49
Slippery roads131
Snow chains131, 139
Socket110
Sound system192
Spare key35
Spare tire136, 174
Spark plugs204Speaker109
Special oils150
Specifications for engine
oil150
Speed control80
Speedometer18, 20
sport wagon
Compartments in the
luggage
compartment117
Folding down the rear
backrest116
Lashing eyes120
Load-securing
devices120
Luggage
compartment116
Luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
replacement172
Opening the rear
window42
Rear window wiper79
Rear window wiper, wiper
blade replacement166
Roll-up cover116
Securing a load120
Separation net116
Ski bag115
Tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement170
Tailgate, manual release
after electrical fault180Sports seat52
Start the engine68
Starting help182
Steering132
Steering wheel heating103
Steering wheel lock67
Steering wheel memory56
Storage108
Stroke198
Summer tires137
Sun visors55
Symbols4

T
Tachometer82
Tail lamps170
Tail lamps,
bulb replacement169
Tailgate44, 181
Convenience opening
mode38
Manual release after
electrical fault181
Taillamps170
Technical Data198
Technical
modifications6, 161
Telephone hookup109
Temperature display, engine
coolant84
Temperature gauge, outside
temperature82
Tensioning straps44