tow 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

45n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Alarm systemThe conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the lug-
gage compartment lid/tailgate is
opened
>To movement inside the vehicle
(interior motion sensor)
>To variations in the vehicle tilt sensor
such as occur during attempts to
steal the wheels or tow the vehicle
>To interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
>Sounding an acoustical alarm for
30 seconds
>The hazard warning flashers are
activated for approx. five minutes
>The high beams flash on and off in
the same rhythm.
To activate and deactivate the
alarm systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked
with the key or the remote control, the
alarm system is also simultaneously
armed or disarmed.
The interior motion sensor is activated
approx. 30 seconds after you have fin-
ished locking the car.
The system indicates that it has been
correctly armed by switching on the
hazard flashers for a single cycle and by
emitting an acoustical signal.
You can have different acknowl-
edgment messages set to confirm
arming and disarming (not released at
this time).<
When the system is active, you can still
gain access to the luggage compart-
ment by pressing button 3 on the
remote control transmitter (refer to
page 39). When you close the luggage
compartment lid/tailgate, it locks again.
Indicator lamp displays>The indicator lamp below the interior
rearview mirror flashes continuously:
The system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes during
arming: Door(s), the hood or luggage
compartment lid/tailgate are not
completely closed. Even if you do not
close the alerted area, the system be-
gins to monitor the remaining areas,
and the indicator lamp flashes contin-
uously after 10 seconds. However,
the interior motion sensor is not acti-
vated
>If the indicator lamp goes out when
the system is disarmed: No manipula-
tion or attempted intrusions have
been detected in the period since the
system was armed390de020

49n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Sliding/Tilt sunroof
*
Other automatic operations are:
>With the sunroof open, press the
switch briefly toward "Lift:" The sun-
roof automatically extends to its fully
raised position
>With the sunroof lifted, press the
switch briefly toward "Open:" The
sunroof automatically opens all the
way.
Pressing the switch again briefly stops
the motion.Safety featureIf the sliding/tilt sunroof encounters re-
sistance at a point roughly past the
middle of its travel when it is closing,
the closing cycle is interrupted and the
sliding/tilt sunroof will open again
slightly.
Despite this safety feature, be ex-
tremely careful that the closing
path of the sunroof is not obstructed
whenever it is closed. Otherwise, trig-
gering the closing-force limitation may
not be ensured in some situations (with
very thin objects, for instance). You can
override this safety feature by pressing
the switch beyond the resistance point
and holding it.<
Sliding/Tilt sunroof with glass
moonroof
*
The options and control procedures are
essentially the same as those previ-
ously described for the sliding/tilt sun-
roof. In order to open the raised roof,
press the control switch towards
"Open" until the roof has reached the
desired position.
The headliner insert slides back some-
what when you raise the sunroof. When
the sunroof is opened the headliner
retracts with it. The headliner will then
automatically remain in its retracted
position, but can be repositioned as
desired.
Power loss or malfunctionAfter interruptions in the electrical
supply (when the battery is discon-
nected, for instance), the sunroof may
only lift. To reinitialize the mechanism:
1 Raise the sliding/tilt sunroof all
the way
2 Press and hold the switch for
approximately twenty seconds.
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can also operate the sliding/tilt sun-
roof manually. Refer to page 180.390de637

55n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Mirrors
The mirror on the passenger's
side features a lens with a more
convex surface than the mirror installed
on the driver's side. When estimating
the distance between yourself and
other traffic, bear in mind that the ob-
jects reflected in the mirror are closer
than they appear. This means that esti-
mations of the distance to following
traffic should not be regarded as pre-
cise.<
Electric heatersBoth mirrors are heated automatically
with the ignition key in position 2.
Interior rearview mirrorTo reduce glare from vehicles behind
you after dark, tilt the mirror by moving
the small lever.Lighted vanity mirrorFold down the sun visor and slide the
cover panel to the side as required.
The mirror lamps operate in ignition key
positions 1 and 2.Sun visorsThese can be folded down toward the
windshield or swiveled out against the
side windows.390de030
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming feature
*
By responding to the effects of ambient
light and the glare from following traffic,
this mirror automatically dims through
an infinitely-variable range.
The mirror automatically reverts to its
clear, undimmed setting whenever you
select "Reverse."
For proper functioning of the mirror, be
sure that the two photocells are unob-
structed and clean. One of the photo-
cells (arrow) is positioned in the mirror's
glass, while the other is slightly offset
on the opposite side of the mirror.
For an explanation of the electro-chro-
mic technology used in this mirror, refer
to page 192.390de031

73n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Automatic transmission
*
Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on
or if the message "TRANS.
FAILSAFE PROG" appears in
the Check Control
*, there is a malfunc-
tion in the transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop, select the
"Park" position, apply the parking brake
and shut the engine off (ignition key po-
sition 0). Restart the engine after a few
seconds. If the indicator lamp goes out
again after a few seconds, the normal
transmission functions have been re-
stored. You may continue to drive as
usual.
If the indicator lamp does not go out,
you can place the selector lever in all
positions. However, the vehicle will now
only drive forward with limited gear
selection.
Under these circumstances, avoid ex-
treme engine loads and consult the
nearest authorized BMW center.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment when a drive gear (for-
ward or reverse) is engaged. If you do
this, the vehicle could move.<
For jump-starting, towing and tow-
starting, refer to pages 182 and 183.

76n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Upshifts or downshifts will be carried
out by the ATC only at appropriate en-
gine speeds and road speeds. For in-
stance, if engine speed is too high, a
downshift will not be executed. The
gear selected will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster followed by the cur-
rent gear.
If you are driving in the manual
mode and wish to accelerate rap-
idly from low road speeds (when pass-
ing, for instance), you must shift down
manually or with the kickdown func-
tion.<
You can only change from "M/S" to se-
lector lever positions "P,""R," and "N"
via the "D" position.
In the following situations, the Step-
tronic "thinks" for you in the manual
mode:
>In order to prevent engine over-
speeding, the transmission shifts au-
tomatically to the next higher gear
shortly before the RPM cutoff point
>At low speeds, the transmission shifts
down automatically Ð you do not have
to act
>In the kickdown mode, the transmis-
sion shifts down to the lowest gear
which is possible, depending on the
engine speed
>According to the situation, for
instance in wintry conditions, the
vehicle can be started in 2nd or
3rd gear.Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on
or the message "TRANS.FAIL-
SAFE PROG" appears in the
Check Control
*, there is a fault in the
transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to "P." Set
the parking brake and turn the engine
off (ignition key to position 0).
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission per-
formance has been restored. You may
continue to drive as usual. If the indica-
tor lamp does not go out, you can place
the selector lever in all positions. How-
ever, the vehicle will now only drive for-
ward with limited gear selection.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest autho-
rized BMW center.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment when a drive gear (for-
ward or reverse) is engaged. If you do
this, the vehicle could move.<
For jump-starting, towing and tow-
starting, refer to pages 182 and 183.

90n
The PDC assists you when you are
parking. A signal warns you of the real
distance to an obstacle. To do this, four
ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper
measure the distance from the nearest
object. The monitoring range for the
two corner sensors ends approx. 2 feet
(60 cm) beyond the respective bumper.
The range of the two middle sensors is
approx. 4.9 feet (1.50 meters) outward.
The system starts to operate automati-
cally about one second after you select
reverse with the ignition key in posi-
tion 2. It is similarly deactivated when
you engage reverse gear or move the
selector lever position from the "R" po-
sition.
Acoustical signalsThe distance to the nearest object is in-
dicated by a tone sounding at various
intervals. As the distance between vehi-
cle and object decreases, the intervals
between the tones become shorter. A
continuous tone indicates the presence
of an object less than 1 ft. (30 cm)
away.
The warning signal will be canceled af-
ter approx. 3 seconds if the distance to
the obstruction remains constant during
this time (if you are moving parallel to a
wall, for instance).
System malfunctions will be indicated
by a continuous high-pitched tone
when the system is activated the first
time. Please have the cause checked
and corrected by your authorized BMW
center.The PDC does not remove the
driver's personal responsibility for
evaluating the distance between the ve-
hicle and any obstacles. Even when
sensors are involved, there is a blind
spot in which objects cannot be de-
tected. This applies especially in those
cases where the system approaches
the physical limits of ultrasonic mea-
surement, as occurs with tow bars and
trailer couplings, and in the vicinity of
thin and painted objects.
Certain sources of sound, such as a
loud radio, could drown the PDC signal
tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free
of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Maintain an adequate distance of more
than approx. 4 inches (10 cm).<
Park Distance Control (PDC)
*

99n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Automatic climate control1 Air flow directed toward the
windshield and side windows
2 Air flow for the upper body
The side rotary dials provide
infinitely-variable regulation of
the air supply, while the levers
change the airflow direction.
The center rotary dial controls the
temperature of the air as it
flows out102
3 Front footwell ventilation
4 Rear footwell ventilation
5 Air flow for the upper body in the
rear seat102
6 Automatic air distribution100
7 Individual air distribution100
8 Temperature control Ð
left-hand side100
9 Display for temperature and
air supply100, 10110 Temperature control Ð
right-hand side100
11 To defrost windshield and door
windows101
12 Air conditioner101
13 Automatic recirculated air control
AUC101
14 Rear window defroster79, 102
15 Air supply101
16 Residual heat mode102
17 Air grill for interior temperature
sensor Ð please keep clear and
unobstructed

100n
Automatic climate controlTips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system, that is, press
AUTO button 4. Select an interior tem-
perature that is comfortable for you Ð
we recommend 727 (226). When the
outside temperature is above 417
(56), you can also use the air condi-
tioning system (12). This will dry the air
and prevent the window from fogging
(for example if people are wearing
damp clothes in the vehicle). Set the
outlets 2 so that the air flows past you
and is not directed straight at you. Set
the rotary dial between the outlets 2 for
the upper body to a central position.
This will provide cooler air, and help to
prevent fatigue during the journey.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
You can make the settings of your
vehicle in such a manner that,
when you unlock the car with your indi-
vidualized remote control, your own
personalized setting for the automatic
climate control is initiated.<
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program assumes
the adjustment of the air dis-
tribution and the air supply for you and
also adapts the temperature to external
influences (summer, winter) to meet
preferences you can specify. This pro-
gram maintains a comfortable in-car cli-
mate regardless of the season. Select
an interior temperature that is pleasant
for you Ð we recommend 727 (226).
The selected temperature and AUTO for
the air flow appear in the display 7. Re-
fer to the overview on page 98. Open
the ventilation outlets for the upper
body. Switch on the air conditioner in
warm weather. The maximum cooling
capacity is achieved when you set the
rotary dial 3 (refer to page 102) to cold.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO pro-
gram by selecting specific dis-
tribution patterns to suit your
own individual requirements.
You can direct air to flow onto the win-
dows , toward the upper body ,
and into the footwell .
Temperature
You can make individual tem-
perature settings on the
driver's side or the front pas-
senger side. Your settings will be
shown in the display 9. The displayed
temperatures are reference values for
the interior temperature. We recom-
mend 727 (226) as a comfortable
setting, whether the air conditioner is
operating or not.When you start the ve-
hicle, the system ensures that the se-
lected temperature is achieved as
quickly as possible. It then maintains
this temperature, regardless of the sea-
son.
Set the rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 102) to a medium
position to provide somewhat cooler
air. This helps to promote driving with-
out fatigue. Make use of this means of
mixing air especially for making minor
adjustments for personal comfort.
You can set uncontrolled heater
output at up to 907 (326). Full
cooling output is available from the air
conditioner down to 607 (166).<

102n
Automatic climate control
If the windows should fog over in
the recirculated air mode, switch
the recirculated air mode off and in-
crease the air supply as required.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window de-
froster is activated, the indica-
tor lamp comes on. The rear window
defroster switches off automatically.
Residual heat mode
The heat which is stored in
the engine is utilized for
heating the interior when the engine has
been switched off (while waiting at a
railroad crossing, for instance). In igni-
tion key position 1, you can alter the
settings of the automatic climate con-
trol. In ignition key position 0, the sys-
tem automatically directs heated air to
the windshield, side windows and foot-
wells.
This function may be activated
when the outside temperature is
below approx. 597 (156), the engine
is at operating temperature, and the
battery is adequately charged.<
Draft-free ventilationYou can adjust the blower controls for
the upper body area to select the opti-
mum airflow rates and directions for
your personal requirements:
Use rotary dial 1 to open and close the
airflow through an infinitely-variable
range. You can also use the levers 2 to
change the direction of the airflow.
Set the outlets so that the air flows past
you and does not flow directly on you.
Rotary dial 3 allows you to temper the
air flow from these outlets by adding
heat or cooling as desired:
Turn toward blue Ð colder
Turn toward red Ð warmer390de051
Rear passenger area ventilationRotary dial 1 opens the outlets in an in-
finitely-variable range. You can vary the
temperature of the air as it flows out us-
ing rotary dial 3 in the same manner as
for the front rotary dial.
You can change the direction of the air
flow with levers 2.390de354