engine BMW 540I SEDAN 2003 Owners Manual

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Controls and features

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags59
Transporting children safely62
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory67

Driving:

Steering/Ignition lock68
Starting the engine68
Switching off the engine70
Parking brake70
Manual transmission71
Automatic transmission72
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic75
Indicator/Headlamp flasher78
Washer/Wiper system/Rain
sensor78
Cruise control80

Everything under control:

Odometer, outside temperature
display82
Tachometer83
Energy control83
Fuel gauge83
Coolant temperature gauge84
Service Interval Display84
Check Control85
Computer88
Multi-Information Display
(MID)89
Digital clock in the MID90
Computer in the MID93

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)98
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)99
Self-leveling suspension 101
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)101

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams103
Instrument lighting104
High beams/Standing
lamps104
Fog lamps104
Interior lamps105
Reading lamps105

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Air conditioning106
Automatic climate control109
Roller sun blind114
Parked-car ventilation
system114

Cabin convenience:

BMW Universal Transmitter115
Glove compartment118
Storage compartments118
Cellular phone119
Beverage holder119
Ashtray, front119
Cigarette lighter120
Ashtray, rear120

Loading and transporting
cargo:

Through-loading system121
Ski bag122
sport wagon:
Cargo area125
Roll-up cover125
Partition net125
Storage areas in the luggage
compartment126
Cargo loading128
Roof-mounted luggage rack129

Contents

Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures132
Driving notes133
Antilock Brake System133
Brake system134

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure135
Tire condition135
Tire replacement136
Wheel and tire
combinations137
Special characteristics of winter
tires138
Snow chains138

Under the hood:

Hood139
Engine compartment
essentials140
Washer fluids141
Engine oil142
Coolant144
Brake fluid145

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System146

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications147
California Proposition
65 Warning147
OBD interface socket148

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit152
Windshield wiper blades152
Lamps and bulbs153
Changing a wheel158
Battery162
Fuses162

Assistance, giving and
receiving:

Jump-starting164
Towing the vehicle165

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Technical data
Index
Engine specifications170
Dimensions171
Weights173
Capacities175Everything from A to Z178

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

The system runs a check on the
warning and indicator lamps marked
by "

l

" each time you switch on the
ignition. They each light up once for dif-
ferent 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.
The following section describes how
you should respond.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

l

The battery is no longer being
charged. This indicates a defect
in the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
You should never attempt to con-
tinue driving with a defective drive
belt, as the engine could overheat and
sustain serious damage. If the drive belt
is defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<


Engine oil pressure

l

May be accompanied by the
message "STOP!ENGINE OIL-
PRESS" in the Check Control

*
: stop the
vehicle immediately and switch off the
engine. Check the engine oil level; top
up as required. If the oil level is correct:
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious
damage from inadequate lubrication.

<



Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)

*


l

Accompanied by an acoustic
warning signal: a flat tire has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information: refer to
page 101
Parking brake

*
/Brake system
hydraulic circuits

l

Comes on when you engage the
parking brake.
For additional information: refer to
page 70
Comes on although the parking brake
is released: have the brake fluid level
checked. Before continuing your
journey, be sure to read the notes on
pages 134 and 145
Also comes on with the message
"CHECK BRAKE LININGS" in the
Check Control.
Parking brake warning lamp

*
/
Brake system hydraulic circuits
for Canadian models.

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Indicator and warning lamps

Red: as 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

Accompanied by warning tone
and message

*
in the Check
Control. Remains on until the safety
belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 53
Airbags

l

Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 59

Yellow: please have checked at
your earliest opportunity

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 133
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level

*
Comes on while driving: the
engine oil level has fallen to the
absolute minimum; refill as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information: refer to
page 142
Engine oil level

*
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at your earliest opportunity (when
you stop to refuel).
For additional information: refer to
page 142

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 and 77
Brake pads

*


l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 134

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

*

l


Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available without limitations.
Have the system repaired by your BMW
center at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.
For additional information: refer to
page 100
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)

*
l
Check the tire inflation pressure:
refer to pages 26, 101

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Indicator and warning lamps
Self-leveling suspension
* l
The self-leveling suspension
system is inactive. Please con-
sult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 101
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC)
* l
ASC+T/DSC has been deactivated,
either manually at the button or auto-
matically in response to a system mal-
function. In the event of a malfunction,
have the system checked by your BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 99
Engine electronics
*
There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output and engine speed.
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 148
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Check Filler Cap
* l
This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to
page 25
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicators
Flashes when the turn signal
indicators are on. Rapid flashing
indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 78
Cruise control
Lights up when the system is
switched on: available for oper-
ation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 80
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the front fog lamps.
For additional information: refer to
page 104
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 104

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RefuelingFuel filler door
Always switch off the engine
before refueling, as it is not pos-
sible to add fuel with the engine run-
ning, and attempts may also trigger the
Service Engine Soon lamp.<
To open the filler door, press on the
front edge.
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can also open the fuel filler door
manually:
sedan
1. Use the handle to lower the trim
panel on the right side of the luggage
compartment
2. Pull the button with the fuel pump
symbol.
394de729
sport wagon
1. Release the right-hand panel in the
luggage compartment with the
button and fold the panel down
2. Pull the button with the fuel pump
symbol.
If a subwoofer
* is installed, loosen the
T-screw and swing the subwoofer to
the side.
Always observe all safety precau-
tions posted at the service station
when handling fuel. Never carry spare
fuel containers in your vehicle. Whether
empty or full, these containers can leak,
cause an explosion, or lead to fire in the
event of a collision.<
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the fuel 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.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effectiveness of
the vapor recovery system on the
pump.
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Refueling Fuel specificationsAs long as the filler nozzle is used prop-
erly, the fuel tank is full whenever the
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Refill early to avoid damaging the
catalytic converter; never attempt
to drive to the last drop of fuel in the
tank.<
Tank capacity: approx. 18.5 gal.
(70 liters), with a reserve capacity of
>BMW 525i, 530i: approx. 2.0 gal.
(8 liters)
>BMW 540i: approx. 2.5 gal. (10 liters).
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 Check Filler Cap
lamp
*.<
The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Never use leaded fuel, as it would
cause permanent and irreversible
damage to the oxygen sensor and the
catalytic converter.<

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Sliding/tilt sunroof
*
To prevent injuries, exercise care
when closing the sliding/tilt sun-
roof and keep it in your field of vision
until it is shut.
Before leaving the vehicle, switch off
the electric sunroof mechanism by
removing the ignition key. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle with
access to vehicle keys. The key could
be used to start the engine and operate
vehicle systems such as the power sun-
roof, etc. Unsupervised use of these
systems can result in serious personal
injury.<
For the convenience mode via the door
lock or the remote control, refer to
page 33 or 35.
Raising Ð Opening Ð ClosingFrom ignition key position 1 on, press
the switch or slide it in the desired
direction until you feel resistance.
When lifting, the headliner retracts sev-
eral inches.
The headliner insert can not be
closed with the sunroof in its
raised position.<
After the ignition has been switched off,
you can still operate the sliding/tilt sun-
roof as long as neither of the front
doors has been opened.390de724
Automatic
* opening and closing
Press the switch past the pressure
point and then release it.
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
resistance 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.

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Vehicle Memory, Key MemoryHow the system functionsNo doubt you have reflected at one
time or another on how great it would
be if you could permanently configure
your vehicle's various features and
adjustments to mirror your own indi-
vidual preferences. In engineering your
vehicle, BMW has incorporated a
number of options for personal adjust-
ment that can be programmed into your
vehicle at your BMW center.
The available configuration data fall into
two categories, according to whether
their primary orientation is the vehicle
("Vehicle Memory") or the individual
("Key Memory"). Provided that each
person has a separate remote-control
key, you can have your BMW center
enter two personal adjustments for two
different individuals into the system.463de029
The system then relies on a bilateral
data exchange to identify the individual
user and dial in the selected settings
whenever the remote control unit is
used to disengage the door locks.
In order for you to distinguish between
different keys, colored decals are sup-
plied together with the keys.What the system can doYour BMW center can provide you with
details on the capabilities of the Vehicle
Memory and Key Memory systems. A
few examples follow below:
Examples for Vehicle Memory:
>Various signals as acknowledgment
when locking or unlocking your
vehicle
>Activates/deactivates the "Follow me
home" function.Examples for Key Memory:
>Locks the vehicle when you start off
>Automatically adjusts the driverÕs
seat, the exterior mirrors and the
steering wheel position to your per-
sonal programmed settings when you
unlock the vehicle
>The automatic climate control
assumes your preset comfort settings
when you unlock the vehicle.
You will see this symbol through-
out the Owner's Manual. It is to
remind you at appropriate places of the
settings that are available to you.<