BMW 540I SEDAN 2001 Owner's Manual

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
21n

Instrument cluster

*
There are two versions, depending on
the equipment on your vehicle.
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for
fuel reserve84
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals24
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for high beams24
5 Tachometer and
Energy control84
6 Coolant temperature gauge85
7 Indicator and warning lamps for:

>

Parking brake 23

>

Brake hydraulic system, Dynamic
Brake Control (DBC)

*
22, 23

>

Antilock Brake System (ABS)23

>

Airbags23

>

Please fasten safety belts23

>

Cruise control24
8 CHECK button86
9 Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission

*
72, 7510 Outside temperature display83
11 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC)

*
24
12 Trip odometer83
13 Check Control display86
14 Odometer83
15 Service Interval Display85
16 Reset button for trip odometer83
17 Indicator and warning lamps for:

>

Fog lamps24

>

Battery charge current22

>

Engine oil pressure22

>Service Engine Soon24

22n
Indicator and warning lampsTechnology that monitors itselfMany of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. 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 immedi-
ately and switch off engine. 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 103.
Parking brake
*,
brake hydraulic system l
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake. For additional informa-
tion: refer to page 70.
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 146
and 168.
Also comes on with the message
"CHECK BRAKE PADS" in the Check
Control.
Parking brake* warning lamp/
Brake hydraulic system for
Canadian models.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
23n
Indicator and warning lampsRed: an important reminder
Parking brake
*
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake.
For additional information: refer to
page 70.
Parking brake
* warning lamp
for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts l
Together with an acoustic signal
or a message
* in the Check
Control. Comes on until the safety belts
are fastened. For additional information
on safety belts: refer to page 61.
Airbags l
Please have the system in-
spected by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 62.
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 143.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
*
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute mini-
mum; refill as soon as possible. Do not
drive more than approx. 30 miles
(50 km) until you add oil.
For additional information: refer to
page 165.
Engine oil level
*
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add oil at the
earliest opportunity (when you stop to
refuel).
For additional information: refer to
page 165.
Automatic transmission
*
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 74, 77.
Brake pads
* l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 146.
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)
* l
Fault in the DBC system. Con-
ventional braking efficiency is available
without limitations.
For additional information: refer to
page 145.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
Check the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to pages 29, 103.
Level control system
* l
The level control system is
inactive. Please consult the
nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 148.

24n
Indicator and warning lamps
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC)
* l
The ASC+T/DSC has been switched off
or has been deactivated because of a
malfunction. In the event of a malfunc-
tion, have the system checked by your
BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 102.
Engine electronics
*
There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. The
electronics allow for continued driving
with reduced engine output or rpms.
Please have the system inspected by
your BMW center.
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 178.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Green: for your information
Turn signal
Flashes when the turn signals
are in operation. Rapid flashing
indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 78.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 81.
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information: refer to
page 106.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information: refer to
pages 78 and 106.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
25n
Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)The controls integrated in the multi-
function steering wheel (MFL) are pro-
vided so that you can operate a number
of accessories quickly and without be-
ing distracted from traffic conditions.
You may operate:
>Selected functions of the radio as
well as the CD and cassette modes,
>the recirculated air mode of the air
conditioner or
>the steering wheel heater
*,
>the cruise control,
>selected cellular phone functions and
>the voice recognition
*
In order to operate a system via
the MFL, the corresponding
systems must be switched on.<
The illustration shows the maximum
possible number of controls, corre-
sponding to a full range of optional
equipment. Refer to the individual
accessory manuals for more detailed
descriptions.
1 Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing,
terminate a call.
Press longer:
Turn voice recognition on and off
2 Radio/Cellular phone: select
3 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings.
Rewind on the CD and cassette
modes
4 Radio/Cellular phone: volume380de702
5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings.
Fast forward on the CD and cassette
modes
6 Horn: the entire surface
7 Cruise control: activate stored
setting (resume)
8 Cruise control: store and
accelerate (+); decelerate and
store (–)
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/
deactivate
10 Recirculated-air mode and AUC or
steering wheel heater: switch on
and off

26n
Sports steering wheel
*
The controls integrated in the sports
steering wheel are provided so that you
can operate a number of accessories
quickly and without being distracted
from traffic conditions. You may oper-
ate:
>Selected radio functions as well as
the CD and cassette modes,
>the cruise control,
>selected cellular phone functions and
>the voice recognition
*
In order to operate a system via
the sports steering wheel, the cor-
responding systems must be acti-
vated.<
The illustration shows the maximum
possible number of controls, corre-
sponding to a full range of optional
equipment. Refer to the individual
accessory manuals for more detailed
descriptions.
1 Radio/Cellular phone: select
2 Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing,
and terminate a call.
Press longer:
Turn voice recognition on and off
3 Radio/Cellular phone: volume
4 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings.
Rewind on the CD and cassette
modes46cde085
5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings.
Fast forward on the CD and cassette
modes
6 Horn: the entire surface
7 Cruise control: resume stored setting
8 Cruise control: store and
accelerate (+); decelerate and
store (–)
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/
deactivate

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
27n
Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle
*
First-aid kit
*
The button flashes rhythmically when
the hazard warning flashers are on.
To help you locate the switch in an
emergency, the button is also illumi-
nated whenever the car's headlamps
are on.390de039
The hazard warning triangle is quickly
available, stored in the onboard tool kit
mounted on the inside of the luggage
compartment lid/tailgate.
To open the container, loosen the wing
screw.
Comply with legal requirements
which cover the availability of a
hazard warning triangle in the car.< 394de053
The first-aid kit is located under the
front passenger's seat.
To remove: lift the release lever on the
front (arrow) and pull the first-aid kit for-
ward out of its support.
To store: place the back of the kit into
the support, then push back until the le-
ver engages.
Some of the articles in the first-aid
kit may be used within a limited
time only. For this reason, check the
expiration dates of each of the items
regularly, and replace any whose expi-
ration dates have passed. You can
acquire replacements in any drugstore
or pharmacy.
Comply with legal requirements which
cover availability of a first-aid kit in your
vehicle.< 390de086

28n
RefuelingFuel filler door
Before refueling, shut the engine
off. If the engine is running, fuel
cannot be filled into the tank and the
Service Engine Soon lamp may come
on.<
To open the filler door, press on the
front edge.
To unlock the filler door if the central
locking system fails, refer to page 198.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to
fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an ex-
plosion, or lead to fire in the event of a
collision.< 394de011
Simple and friendly to the environment
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.
Do not top off. Topping off may cause
fuel spillage.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.390de603
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refuel-
ing
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used prop-
erly, the fuel tank is full whenever the
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Tank capacity: refer to page 223.
Close the filler cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
message "CHECK FILLER CAP" in the
Check Control
* or the Service Engine
Soon lamp.<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
29n
Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressureThe engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
The inflation pressures are indicated on
a sticker attached to the B-pillar behind
the driver's door (visible with door
open).Check tire pressuresAll pressure specifications are indicated
in psi (kilopascal) for tires at ambient
temperature (refer also to the next
pages).
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)
*:
After a correction of the tire inflation
pressure, reactivate the system. Refer
to page 103.
390de351
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly – at least every two weeks
and before beginning a longer trip.
Incorrect tire pressure can lead to tire
damage and accidents.
Check the inflation pressure of the
spare tire also. Inflate the spare tire to
the highest inflation of any tire on your
vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires from BMW approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
from other manufacturers. You will find
a list of approved tires beginning on
page 156.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US standards as well as European
standards. We recommend the exclu-
sive use of BMW approved tires.

30n
Tire inflation pressure sedan Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) with cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
525i225/60 R 15 96 H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 W
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
205/65 R 15 94 Q M+S
225/60 R 15 96 Q M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y–
29 (200)–
33 (230)33 (230)
33 (230)41 (280)
41 (280)
530i225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y–
29 (200)–
33 (230)33 (230)
33 (230)41 (280)
41 (280)
(outside US/CDN)
(outside US/CDN)(US/CDN)
(US/CDN)