towing BMW 540I SEDAN 2001 Owners Manual

Contents

Operation, care and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology

Under the hood:

Hood159
Engine compartment160
Washer fluids164
Washer nozzles164
Engine oil165
Coolant167
Brake fluid168
Vehicle Identification
Number169

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System170
Caring for your car171
Airbags176
Vehicle storage176

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications177
California Proposition
65 Warning177
OBD interface socket178

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit182
Wiper blades182
Lamps and bulbs183
Changing a wheel190
Battery193
Fuses196

In case of electrical
malfunction:

Fuel filler door198
Sliding/Tilt sunroof198
Tailgate199

Assistance, giving and
receiving:

Jump-starting200
Towing the vehicle201Airbags206
Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC)207
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)208
BMW active seat210
Safety belt tensioner210
DSP sound system211
Mirrors with automatic
dimmer211
Rain sensor212
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)213
Integrated rear suspension214
Level control system214
Xenon lamps215

74n
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 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 200 and 201.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
77n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Upshifts or downshifts will be carried
out by the ATC only at appropriate
engine speeds and road speeds. For
instance, 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
current gear.
If you are driving in the manual
mode and wish to accelerate
rapidly from low road speeds (when
passing, for instance), you must shift
down manually or with the "Kickdown"
function.<
You can only change from "M/S" to
selector 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
automatically to the next higher gear.
shortly before the RPM cutoff point
>At low speeds, the transmission
shifts down automatically – you do
not have to act.
>In the "Kickdown" mode, the trans-
mission 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
performance has been restored. 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.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest 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 200 and 201.

136nCargo loading
Stowing cargo
When transporting loads in your BMW:
>Position heavy loads as far forward
as possible – directly behind the
backrests or the luggage compart-
ment partition panel – and at the bot-
tom (the illustration shows the sport
wagon).
> Cover sharp edges and corners
> Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest.
> Pull out the partition net
* (refer to
page 132) and ensure that carried
items cannot pass through the parti-
tion net.
> For very heavy loads when the rear
seat is not occupied, secure each
safety belt in the opposite buckle.
392de177
Securing the load
>Secure smaller, light pieces with the
retaining straps or a luggage net
*, or
use elastic straps (refer to page 46).
> For large, heavy pieces, visit your
BMW center for load-securing de-
vices
*. Lashing eyes are provided at
the corners of the luggage compart-
ment for attaching these load-secur-
ing devices (the illustration shows the
sport wagon).
> Comply with the information en-
closed with the load-securing de-
vices.
392de178
Always position and secure the
load correctly, otherwise it can
endanger the passengers during brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
vehicle weight and the permissible axle
loads (refer to page 221). If you do, the
operating safety of the vehicle is no
longer ensured and you are in violation
of the law.
Do not carry hard or heavy objects
unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment. If you do so, they may be pro-
jected through the air during braking
and evasive maneuvers, thus endan-
gering vehicle occupants. <

140nBreak-in procedure
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you ob-
serve the following.
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4,500 rpm and the following road
speeds during this initial period:
BMW 525i, 530i: 100 mph (160 km/h)
BMW 540i: 106 mph (170 km/h)
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), engine and vehicle speeds
can gradually be increased.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or dif-
ferential is replaced later in the course
of the vehicle service life.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed
for this reason, drive with extra care
during the initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or com-
plete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your
speed on wet roads. <
Brake system
Approximately 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and ro-
tors achieve the optimal pad-surface
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and long service life later
on.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that traf-
fic conditions allow you to do so. To
avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure
from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
car with the engine shut off – when
towing, for instance – substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. <
Clutch
The clutch will also begin to function
optimally after about 300 miles
(500 km). Engage the gears carefully
during the break-in period.

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
Overview
Controls and features Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical dataIndex
Advanced technology
181
n
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit 182
Wiper blades 182
Lamps and bulbs 183
Changing a wheel 190
Battery 193
Fuses 196
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door 198
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 198
Tailgate 199
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting 200
Towing the vehicle 201

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
201nJump-starting Towing the vehicle
6 Start the engine of the support
vehicle and let it run.
7 Start the engine on the vehicle needing the jump-start, and allow it
to run as usual. If the first start at-
tempt is not successful, wait a few
minutes before another attempt in
order to allow the discharged battery
to recharge.
8 Before disconnecting the jumper cables from your BMW, turn on the
headlamps, the rear window
defroster and the highest blower
speed and allow the engine to run
at least 10 seconds to prevent a volt-
age surge at the voltage regulator.
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in the opposite order.
Have the battery recharged if neces-
sary.
Tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting
is designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle, and is intended for towing
on proper road surfaces only.
It should not be used to pull a vehicle
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc. Al-
ways observe all applicable towing laws
and regulations.
Access to tow sockets
Front:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on
the cover panel to remove.
390de087
Rear:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on
the cover panel to remove.
Screw the tow fitting in until it bot-
toms firmly. If this is not done, the
threads could be damaged.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, leading to pos-
sible accidents. <
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-
ience of this material helps protect both
vehicles from sudden jerking move-
ments.
394de088

202nTowing 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-starting
It 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 200.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission
1 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 in 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 flash- ers (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 equip-
ment.
> 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

Everything from A to Z

Door locks, care146
Doors
emergency release38
manual operation38

t

remote control40
unlocking and locking38
DOT Quality Grades151
Drive belts224
Driving in winter146
Driving notes141
Driving through water141
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)24, 102, 208
DSP sound system211
refer also to the Radio
Owner's Manual
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)23, 100, 145
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)24, 102, 208

E
Electric power seat52
Electric power windows49
Electrical defect
fuel filler door198

t

sliding/tilt sunroof198

t

tailgate199
Electrical heating, exterior
mirror57
Electrical steering wheel,
adjusting56Electrical system224
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer37
Elements of operation16
Emergency operation
doors38

t

fuel filler door198

t

luggage compartment lid/
tailgate43, 199

t

sliding/tilt sunroof198

t

Energy control84
Engine
compartment160
coolant167
Engine oil
consumption165
grades166
level23
pressure22
specifications166

t

Engine specifications218
Error indicators86
Estimated time of arrival97
Exterior finish172
Exterior mirror56
electrical heating57
Exterior mirror with
automatic dimming
feature211

F
Failure messages86

t

Failure of an electrical
accessory196

t

Failure warnings86

t

Filler cap cover28
Filling capacities223
Filling the washer
reservoir164

t

First-aid kit27

t

Fittings, tow-starting and
towing201

t

Flashlight124
Flat tire150, 190

t

Fog lamp, bulb
replacement185

t

Footbrake144
Footwell lamps107
bulb replacement189

t

Forward/backward
adjustment, seats52, 55
Front fog lamps106
Front seat adjustment52
Frost protection,
radiator167
Fuel29
gauge84
quality29
tank capacity223
Fuel consumption97
average97
indicator84Fuel filler door, release after
electrical fault198
t
Fuses196

t

, 197

G
Gasoline29
gauge84
quality29
Glove compartment124
bulb replacement189
t

Gross vehicle weight221

H
Handbrake23, 70
Hands-free system125
Hazard warning
flashers27

t

Hazard warning
triangle27

t

Head restraints53
Headlamp covers,
care171

t

, 183

t

Headlamp flasher78
Headlamp washer
system164
Heated seats119
Heated steering wheel120
Heating and
ventilation108, 114
Heating while stopped118
Heating, rapid113
Heavy loads136

Everything from A to Zroll-up cover132
securing a load136
ski bag131
tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement186t
tailgate, manual release
after electrical fault198t
Sports seat55
Sports steering wheel26
Start the engine69
Starting69
Starting assistance200t
Starting help200
Starting off147
Starting problems
69, 142t, 200t
Starting the engine68t
Steel wheel158
Steering148
Steering wheel
adjustment56
heating120
lock68
memory58
Steptronic75
Stopwatch93
Storage124
Summer tires153
Sun blind cover120
Sun visors57Sunroof50
with glass moonroof51
Switching off the engine69
Switch-on times
input94
Symbols4
TTachometer84
Tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement186t
Tail lamps186
Tailgate199
convenience opening
mode40
manual release after
electrical fault199
refer also to luggage
compartment
release after an electrical
defect199t
Tank capacity223
Technical
modifications6, 177
Telephone hookup125
Temperature display, engine
coolant85
Temperature display,
outside temperature83
Temperature gauge85
Temperature
layering111, 119Tensioning straps46
Thigh support
adjustment55
Third brake lamp, bulb
replacement187t
Through-loading
system128
Tilt alarm40
Tilt alarm sensor48
deactivation48
Tilt function
passenger side exterior
mirror59
steering wheel56
Time
calling up92
changing92
of arrival, estimated97
Tire
change190
code153
damage150
inflation pressure30, 150
monitoring inflation
pressure103, 213
renewal151
rotation between
axles151
tread150
valve caps154
wear indicator150Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)103, 213
Tire, changing190t
Tools182t
Torque218
Tow fittings201t
Towing201t
Tow-starting201t
Track width219
Traction control system,
refer to ASC+T/DSC
Transmission70, 75
Transmitter key36
Transporting children
safely66
Tread depth indicators150
Tread depth, tires150
Tread wear indicator150
Trip odometer83
Trunk, refer to luggage
compartment
Turn signal indicator78
bulb replace-
ment184t, 186t
Turning circle219
UUniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQR)152
Universal Transmitter121
Use antifreeze167t