brake fluid BMW 540I SEDAN 2000 Owners Manual

Contents

Operation, care and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology

Under the hood:

Hood143
Engine compartment 144
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

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 vehicle183Airbags188
Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC) 188
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 189
Radio reception190
BMW active seat 190
Safety belt tensioner191
DSP sound system 192
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer 192
Rain sensor 193
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 194
Integrated rear suspension194
Level control system 195
Xenon lamps 195

22n

Indicator and warning lampsTechnology that monitors itselfMany of the systems of your BMW mon-
itor themselves automatically, both dur-
ing engine starts and while you are driv-
ing. Indicator and warning lamps that
are identified by "l" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.
Red: Stop immediately
Battery charge current l
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator V-belt or in the charg-
ing circuit of the alternator. Please con-
tact the nearest BMW center.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, do
not continue driving. The engine
could be damaged due to overheating.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, in-
creased steering effort is also re-
quired.<
Engine oil pressure l
Comes on while the engine is
running and the "STOP! ENGINE
OILPRESS" message appears in the
Check Control: Stop vehicle and switch
off engine immediately. Check level of
oil in engine, top up as required. If oil
level is correct: Please contact the
nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. The en-
gine could be damaged because
of inadequate lubrication.<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
In addition, there is an acousti-
cal warning signal: A tire failure
has occurred. Reduce vehicle speed
immediately and stop the vehicle. Avoid
hard brake applications. Do not over-
steer. For additional information: Refer
to page 92.
Parking brake
*, brake hydraulic
system l
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake. For additional informa-
tion: Refer to page 69.
Comes on although the parking brake is
released: Have the brake fluid level
checked. Before driving further, be
sure to read the notes on pages 130
and 152.
Also comes on with the message
"CHECK BRAKE PADS" in the Check
Control.
Parking brake warning lamp
*/
Brake hydraulic system for
Canadian models.

85n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Check ControlGraphic display
*
The following alerts or status messages
are displayed symbolically from ignition
key position 2 and up until the defects
are corrected:
1 Check lowbeam, highbeam and
parking lamps
2 Add washer fluid
(goes out after approx. 1 minute)
3 Door open
4 Luggage compartment lid/tailgate
open
5 Check brake and tail lamps.
A defective center tail lamp is indi-
cated by the upper symbol
When you open the door after stopping,
a warning signal sounds without a vi-
sual indicator for:
>LIGHTS ON and
>KEY IN IGNITION LOCK.390de121
Alphanumeric display
*
Text messages are used to alert the
driver to system malfunctions when the
ignition key is turned to position 2. The
alert is accompanied by a gong.
1 Status report symbol
2 Display
3 CHECK button
Messages concerning system faults are
differentiated based on two priorities:390us111
Priority 1
These defects are immediately indi-
cated by a gong and a flashing warning
symbol (1). Simultaneous defects will
be displayed consecutively. These
status reports remain in the display until
the defects are corrected. It is not pos-
sible to delete them by pressing the
CHECK button (3):

86n
Check Control>RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE
>COOLANT TEMPERATURE
The coolant is overheated. Stop the
vehicle and switch off the engine im-
mediately. Refer to pages 84
and 15 1.
>STOP! ENGINE OILPRESS
The oil pressure is too low. Stop the
vehicle and switch off the engine im-
mediately. Refer to page 22.
>CHECK BRAKE FLUID
Indicates that brake fluid is down to
roughly minimum level. Top up the
brake fluid at the next opportunity.
Refer to page 152. Have the source
of the brake fluid loss diagnosed and
corrected by your BMW center.
>FLAT TIRE
*
Reduce vehicle speed immediately
and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
Refer to page 93.
>LOAD LEVEL INACTIVE
Please consult the nearest authorized
BMW center. Refer to page 132.
>SPEED LIMIT
*
Display if the programmed speed
limit has been exceeded.Priority 2
These displays appear for 20 seconds
when the ignition key is turned to posi-
tion 2. The warning symbols remain
after the message disappears. You can
display the messages again by pressing
the CHECK button (3):
>TRUNKLID OPEN
Message appears only when the
vehicle is initially set in motion.
>DOOR OPEN
This message appears after a minimal
defined road speed has been ex-
ceeded.
>FASTEN SEAT BELTS
*
In addition to this message, a
warning lamp with the safety belt icon
appears and an acoustical signal
sounds.
>WASHER FLUID LOW
Too low; top up fluid at the next
opportunity. Refer to page 148.
>CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
Add engine oil as soon as possible.
Refer to page 149.
>OUTSIDE TEMP. +207 (Ð56)
This display is only an example. The
current temperature is displayed at
outside temperatures of +37.57
(+36) and below. Refer also to
page 82.>TIRE PRESSURE SET
*
The RDC has imported the current in-
flation pressure in the tires as the tar-
get values which the system will
monitor.
Refer to page 92.
>CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
*
Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure to specifications at the earli-
est opportunity (next stop for fuel).
Refer to page 92.
>TIRE CHECK INACTIVE
*
A temporary interference of the RDC
or a system fault. Refer to page 93.
>CHECK BRAKE LAMPS
A lamp has failed or the electrical cir-
cuit has a fault. Refer to pages 169
and 170 or consult an authorized
BMW center.
>CHECK LOWBEAM LAMPS
CHECK SIDE LAMPS
CHECK REAR LAMPS
CHECK FRONT FOGLAMPS
CHECK LICPLATE LAMP
CHECK HIGHBEAM LAMP
CHECK BACK UP LAMPS
Defective bulb or circuit. Refer to
page 167 or consult an authorized
BMW center.

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

130n
Brake system Winter operationBrake fluid level
The warning lamp for the brake
hydraulic system comes on, or
the "CHECK BRAKE FLUID"
message appears in the Check
Control.
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir (refer to page 152).
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in
one of the brake system's hydraulic
circuits.
Proceed to the nearest authorized
BMW center. Higher brake appli-
cation pressure may be necessary
under these conditions, and brake
pedal travel may be significantly longer.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<
The warning lamp comes on together
with the "CHECK BRAKE PADS" mes-
sage in the Check Control.
Brake pads
The warning lamp for the brake
pads comes on, or the "CHECK
BRAKE PADS" message ap-
pears in the Check Control:
The brake pads have reached their
minimum pad thickness. Proceed to the
nearest authorized BMW center as
soon as possible to have the pads
replaced.
For your own safety: Use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
The onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Adaptations in driving style should be
accompanied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your vehicle
operation through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free.CoolantEnsure that the coolant mixture con-
tains the year-round ratio of 50: 50 of
water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-
tion. This mixture provides protection
against freezing down to approx. -347
(-376). Replace the coolant every four
years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free the locks if they are frozen. This
deicer also contains lubricant.
After using deicer, treatment with BMW
lock barrel grease is recommended.

145n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine compartment Ð BMW 528i1 Engine oil dipstick149
2 Reservoir for brake fluid (under the
housing of the microfilter)152
3 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting182
4 Coolant expansion tank151
5 Engine oil filler neck149
6 Reservoir for intensive-cleaning
system
*
148
7 Reservoir for headlamp washer
* and
windshield washer system148

147n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine compartment Ð BMW 540i1 Reservoir for brake fluid (under the
housing of the microfilter)152
2 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting182
3 Engine oil dipstick149
4 Engine oil filler neck149
5 Coolant expansion tank151
6 Reservoir for intensive-cleaning
system
*
148
7 Reservoir for headlamp washer
* and
windshield washer system148

152n
Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolantWait until the engine cools before re-
moving the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge
in the instrument cluster must be lo-
cated in the blue zone; otherwise, there
is a danger of scalding.
1 Start by turning the cap counter-
clockwise. Pause to allow any
accumulated pressure to escape,
then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the pre-
scribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio
for year-round protection against inter-
nal corrosion. No other additives are re-
quired.
Replace the coolant every four years.If the indicator lamp for the
brake hydraulic system appears
or if the "CHECK BRAKE FLUID"
warning appears in the Check
Control: The brake fluid level is
too low in the reservoir.
The brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing on the
driver's side of the car. Should you de-
termine that the brake fluid is low, refer
the problem to your BMW center, who
can trace and rectify any sources of
leakage when refilling the reservoir.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for approved brake fluids
(DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss results in extended
pedal travel. For this situation, refer to
the notes on page 130.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and
reliability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
an authorized BMW center. Refer also
to the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or to the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable
environmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<

157n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Caring for your carCaring for the vehicle finishRegular washing is a preventive mea-
sure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the vehi-
cle's finish, especially if you drive your
vehicle in areas with high levels of air
pollution or aggressive natural sub-
stances (tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive sub-
stances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled
during refueling, oil, grease and brake
fluid should always be cleaned away
immediately, as should bird droppings
(finish damage).
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use clean-
ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or
cotton pad to remove. Remove tar
spots with tar remover. After cleaning,
the affected areas should be waxed to
ensure continued protection.
Use cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain
at your BMW center.<
Waxing your carProtect the finish using carnauba or
synthetic-based waxes only.
The best way to determine when the
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the sur-
face.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
Use cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain
at your BMW center.<
Paint damageYou can touch up small areas of dam-
age with BMW spray paint or a BMW
touch-up stick.
The paint color code for your car is pro-
vided on a sticker located on the right
hand side under the hood and on the
first page of your Service and Warranty
Information Booklet.
Damage caused by flying stones,
scratches, etc., must be touched up
without delay to prevent rust from form-
ing.
If corrosion has started to form in an
area with paint damage, remove all rust
and clean the area. Then prime the area
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply
the finish coat. After a few days, polish
and protect the touched-in areas.
More extensive paint damage should be
repaired professionally in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
Your BMW center uses original BMW
finish materials in accordance with ap-
proved repair procedures.