ESP BMW 540I SEDAN 2001 Owner's Manual

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
103n
ASC+T/DSC
*
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
To reactivate the systemPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC+T/DSC.
An appropriate driving style always
remains the responsibility of the driver.
We therefore urge you to avoid using
the additional safety margin of the
system as an excuse for taking risks.<
For additional details concerning
ASC+T/DSC, please refer to the
chapter describing "Advanced
technology" on page 207.
The concept RDC monitors the tire pressures at all
four wheels, even when the vehicle is
moving. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops
significantly below the specified pres-
sure in one or more tires.
In order for the system to "learn" the
correct tire inflation pressure, check the
inflation pressure in all tires. Refer to
the table of "Tire inflation pressures"
beginning on page 29 and make any
necessary corrections. Then activate
the system.
This indicator lamp in the in-
strument cluster or the Check
Control will inform you if the
tire pressure is not correct.
Activate the system1 Turn the ignition key to position 2 (do
not start the engine).
2 Press and hold the button (arrow) un-
til the yellow indicator lamp in the in-
strument cluster comes on for a few
seconds or the message "SET TIRE
PRESSURE" appears in the Check
Control.
3 After you have driven for a few min-
utes, the RDC will import the current
inflation pressure in the tires as the
target values which the system will
monitor.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure if the tire inflation pressure must
be corrected. Otherwise, the RDC func-
tions automatically when the ignition
key is in position 2, and thus operates
whenever the vehicle is driven.390de320

116n
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system, that is,
press AUTO button 6. Select an interior
temperature that is comfortable for you
– we recommend 707 (226). When
the outside temperature is above 417
(56), you can also use the air condi-
tioner 12. This will dry the air and pre-
vent the window from fogging (for ex-
ample if people are wearing damp
clothes in the vehicle). Set the outlets 2
so that the airflows 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 pro-
vide cooler air, and help to prevent fa-
tigue 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 vehicle with the
remote control of your personal key,
your own personalized setting for the
automatic climate control is initiated.<
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program assumes
the adjustment of the air
distribution and the air supply for you
and also adapts the temperature to
external influences (summer, winter) to
meet preferences you can specify. This
program maintains a comfortable in-car
climate regardless of the season. Select
an interior temperature that is pleasant
for you – we recommend 707 (226).
The selected temperature and AUTO
for the airflow appear in the display 9.
Refer to the overview on page 114.
Open the ventilation outlets for the
upper body. Switch on the air condi-
tioner 12 in warm weather. The maxi-
mum cooling capacity is achieved when
you set the rotary dial 3 (refer to
page 118) to cold.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting specific
distribution patterns to suit
your own individual require-
ments. You can direct air to flow onto
the windows , toward the upper body
and into the footwell .
Temperature
You can make individual
temperature settings on the
driver's side or the front
passenger side. Your settings will be
shown in the display 9. The displayed
temperatures are reference values for
the interior temperature. We recom-
mend 707 (226) as a comfortable
setting, whether the air conditioner is
operating or not. When you start the
vehicle, the system ensures that the
selected temperature is achieved as
quickly as possible. It then maintains
this temperature, regardless of the
season.
Set the rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 118) 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).<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
117n
Automatic climate control
*
Air supply
In the "AUTO" program, the
airflow is controlled automati-
cally. AUTO will appear in the display 9
(refer to the overview on page 114).
Use "+" and "– " to vary the airflow.
When your setting is displayed by bars,
the automatic airflow is switched off.
Automatic air distribution maintains its
setting. You can reactivate the auto-
matic airflow by pressing the "AUTO"
button.
When you press "– " during operation at
minimum blower speed all displays are
canceled: the blower, heating and air
conditioner are switched off. The out-
side air supply is closed. By pressing
any button of the automatic climate
control (except the "MAX" button 16),
you can switch the system back on.
To defrost windshield and
windows
This program quickly re-
moves ice and condensation
from the windshield and the side win-
dows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehu-
midified and – depending on
the temperature setting – warmed again
when the air conditioner system is
switched on. Depending on the
weather, the windshield may fog over
briefly when the engine is started.
Use the button to switch off the air con-
ditioner at outside temperatures below
approx. +417 (+56). This will help to
prevent the windows from fogging up.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Maximum cooling
You will get maximum
cooling capacity using this
program if the engine is running and
the outside temperature is above
+41 7(+5 6).
The temperature display 9 jumps to
+61 7 (+16 6), the system switches
over to the recirculated-air mode, and
the air will only stream out of the venti-
lation grill with the maximum amount of
air flow. That is why you need to keep
these open if you select this program.
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)
You can respond to unpleas-
ant external odors by tempo-
rarily stopping the flow of outside air.
The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle. Press the
button repeatedly to run through the
following control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside airflow
operational.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
121n
The conceptThe BMW Universal Transmitter re-
places up to three hand-held transmit-
ters that control different devices such
as a garage door opener, alarm sys-
tems or a door locking system. The
BMW Universal Transmitter recognizes
and "learns" the transmitted signal from
each of the original hand-held transmit-
ters.
The signal of an original hand-held
transmitter can be programmed to one
of three channel buttons. Following
that, each of the devices can be oper-
ated with the channel button that you
have programmed for it. A transmission
of the signal is indicated by the indica-
tor lamp.
Before you sell your vehicle, the pro-
grammed channel buttons should be
cleared. Refer to page 123 for the de-
scription of this process.
To prevent potential injuries or
damage during the programming
operation and before every remote trig-
gering of a programmed device using
the BMW Universal Transmitter, be sure
that there are no persons, animals or
objects within the range of movement
of the respective device.
Read and comply with the safety in-
structions for the original hand-held
transmitter also.<
To Canadian residents:
During programming, your hand-
held transmitter may automatically stop
transmitting after two seconds. This
may not be long enough to program the
BMW Universal Transmitter. If you are
programming from one of these hand-
held transmitters, the Universal Trans-
mitter's lamp may begin to flash in a se-
ries of double flashes. If this occurs,
continue to hold the button on the Uni-
versal Transmitter while you reactivate
your hand-held transmitter. You may
have to repeat this function several
times while programming.<
Before programming, read the
"User's information" section on
page 123.< The original hand-held transmitter
If this symbol is depicted on the
packaging or in the user's in-
structions for the original hand-
held transmitter, it may be assumed
that this original hand-held transmitter
is compatible with the BMW Universal
Transmitter.
Checking for the change codeIn order to determine whether the origi-
nal hand-held transmitter is equipped
with a change code system, you may
either refer to the instructions for the
original hand-held transmitter or pro-
gram a channel button as described in
the left column on page 122 under
"Programming."
Following that, press and hold the pro-
grammed channel button of the BMW
Universal Transmitter. If the indicator
lamp of the BMW Universal Transmitter
flashes rapidly for two seconds and
then stays on continuously, the original
hand-held transmitter is equipped with
a change code system. If the change
code system is available, program the
channel buttons as described in the
right-hand column on page 122 under
"Programming a hand-held transmitter
with change code."
If you have additional questions,
please consult your BMW center
or call 1-800-355-3515.<
BMW Universal Transmitter
*

122n
BMW Universal Transmitter
*
Programming1 Channel buttons
2 Indicator lamp
3 Receiver for programming
Read and comply with the safety
precautions on page 121.<
1 Ignition key in position 2.
2 For initial operation: press and hold
the two outer buttons 1 until the indi-
cator lamp 2 flashes. Release the
buttons. The three channel buttons
are cleared.390de640
3 Hold the original hand-held transmit-
ter at the receiver 3 a maximum of
2 in (5 cm) away.
4 Simultaneously press the transmitting
key of the original hand-held trans-
mitter (arrow 2) and the desired chan-
nel button of the BMW Universal
Transmitter (arrow 1). Release both
buttons as soon as the indicator lamp
flashes rapidly.
5 To program other original hand-held
transmitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
The corresponding channel button is
now programmed with the signal of the
original hand-held transmitter.380de712
Programming a hand-held
transmitter with change code
Read and comply with the safety
precautions on page 121.<
Consult the operating instructions for
the individual device when program-
ming the BMW Universal Transmitter.
Read and comply with the following
programming instructions for the use of
the BMW Universal Transmitter with a
change code system:
A second person simplifies pro-
gramming of the BMW Universal
Transmitter.<

128nThrough-loading system*
The backrest of the rear seat is divided
into two portions, one-third and two-
thirds of the seat respectively. For stor-
ing longer objects, you can fold down
either side individually.
To open:
Reach into the recess and pull forward
(arrow 1).
When you close the backrest, be sure
that the catch engages securely. The
red slide (arrow 2) must go underneath.
394de117
The central belt has an additional small
buckle.
>If you connect the two belt sections,
you can use the central belt as any
normal 3-point belt.
> It is easier to fold the rear seat back-
rest up and down if you unbuckle the
belt (arrow).
394de303
With a master key, you can lock each
backrest in the rear seat.
This also prevents access to the lug-
gage compartment from the interior of
the vehicle when you turn over the door
and ignition key 3 to someone else
(refer to page 36), for valet parking for
instance.
394de118

132nLuggage compartment – sport wagon
Fold down the rear backrests
Reach into the recess and pull upward
(arrow).
The rear backrest is divided into two
sections, one-third and two-thirds of
the seat respectively. You can fold ei-
ther section of the backrest down sepa-
rately in order to increase luggage com-
partment capacity.
When you close the backrest, be
sure that the catch engages se-
curely. The red warning indicator disap-
pears in the recess when the retainer is
locked.
The center safety belt can be retracted
only when the larger backrest is en-
gaged. <
392de161
Roll-up cover
Pull the roll-up cover out and hook it
into the rear bracket.
The cover will support light objects
such as items of clothing.
Do not place heavy or bulky
objects on the roll-up cover,
otherwise, they could endanger occu-
pants while braking hard, during eva-
sive maneuvers, or in an accident, for
example.
Do not allow the cover to snap back,
since this could damage it. <
For storing the case, refer to the next
page.
392de162
Partition net
Pull out the partition net by the strap
and hold the bar firmly in the other
hand. Then grasp the bar on both sides,
pull it up and engage it in the holders. It
is easiest to do this from the back seat. Do not allow the partition net to
snap back. Doing so could pose a
risk of injury and the partition net could
be damaged. <
When the rear backrests are folded
down, you can store the case in front of
the rear seats, pull the partition net out
from there and insert it in the front hold-
ers (refer to the next page).
392de163

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
137nRoof-mounted luggage rack
Mounting points
Access 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 load-
ing the rack. You will find the specifica-
tions under "Technical data" on
page 221.
Make sure that the load is not too bulky,
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.

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
143nAntilock Brake System (ABS)
The concept
ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking un-
der braking. The reason: locked wheels
are dangerous, because the vehicle
cannot be steered when the front
wheels slip, and loss of traction at the
rear wheels can cause the rear end to
break into an uncontrolled skid.
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability.
> To help retain steering and maneu-
vering capability on all types of road
surface (asphalt, concrete, dirt,
moisture, snow and ice).
With ABS, the shortest possible braking
distances are achieved under most
conditions (on straight-aways and in
curves, with different road surfaces).
Braking with ABS
The system becomes operative once
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). The ABS is deacti-
vated whenever the vehicle's speed
drops back below approx. 4 mph
(6 km/h). This means that the wheels
can lock in the final phase of a brake
application – a factor of no significance
in actual use.
The ABS system works best in situa-
tions requiring maximum pressure on
the pedal (full braking). Since the vehi-
cle maintains steering responsiveness,
you can nevertheless avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
The ABS closed-loop control circuit cy-
cles in fractions of a second. A pulsing
of the brake pedal, combined with the
sounds associated with the hydraulic
controls, tells you that the brake system
is within its maximum limit range and
reminds you that you should adapt your
vehicle's speed to road conditions. On road surfaces which have a loose
layer on a firm base (on gravel or snow,
for instance), the braking distances with
ABS may be longer than with the
wheels locked. This also applies to
driving with snow chains. However,
ABS continues to provide enhanced
vehicle stability and steering response
under these conditions.

144nAntilock Brake System (ABS) Disc brakes
Information for your safety
Not even ABS can suspend the laws of
physics. The consequences of brake
applications with inadequate safety
clearances between vehicles, exces-
sive speed or if aquaplaning occurs are
always the responsibility of the driver.
You should never allow the added
safety margin of ABS to mislead you
into taking risks of any kind.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only. <
In the event of a fault
The ABS warning lamp in the in-
strument cluster comes on, refer
to page 23. The brake system
then reverts to conventional op-
eration as on vehicles without
ABS. However, have the brake
system checked by your BMW center
as soon as possible. To prevent unde-
tected defects and cumulative faults
from adversely affecting the brake sys-
tem, refer any problems to your BMW
center at the earliest opportunity.
Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure which
must be exerted by the pads during
brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect which even extended
application will fail to cure.
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. <