oil pressure BMW 540I SEDAN 2003 Owners Manual

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

19n

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.

20n

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

86n
Check Control>"RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE"
>"COOLANT TEMPERATURE"
The coolant is overheated. Stop the
vehicle immediately and switch off
the engine. Refer to pages 84
and 144
>"STOP!ENGINE OILPRESS"
The oil pressure is too low. Stop the
vehicle immediately and switch off
the engine. Refer to pages 19, 142
>"CHECK BRAKE FLUID"
Indicates that brake fluid is down to
roughly minimum level. Have the
reservoir topped up at the earliest
opportunity, refer to page 145. Have
the source of the brake fluid loss
repaired at your BMW center
>"TIRE DEFECT"
*
Reduce vehicle speed immediately
and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
Refer to page 102
>"SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT"
Please consult the nearest BMW
center. Refer to page 101
>"LIMIT"
*
Display if the programmed speed
limit has been exceeded, refer to
page 93Priority 2
These displays appear for 20 seconds
when the ignition key is turned to posi-
tion 2. The warning symbols remain
after the message disappears. You can
display the messages again by pressing
the CHECK button 3:
>"TRUNKLID OPEN"
Message appears only when the
vehicle is initially set in motion
>"DOOR OPEN"
This message appears after a defined
road speed has been exceeded
>"FASTEN SEAT BELTS"
*
In addition to this message, a
warning lamp with the safety belt icon
appears and an acoustic signal
sounds
>"WASHER FLUID LOW"
Too low; top up fluid at the next
opportunity. Refer to page 141
>"CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV"
The engine oil level is at the absolute
minimum. You should respond by
topping up the oil as soon as
possible, refer to page 142. Do not
continue for more than approx.
30 miles (50 km) before adding oil>"CHECK FILLER CAP"
Inspect the cap to make sure that it is
closed properly, refer to page 25
>"OUTSIDE TEMP. +20 7 (Ð5 6)"
This display is only an example. The
current temperature is displayed at
outside temperatures of +37.5 7
(+3 6) and below. Refer also to
page 82
>"TIRE PRESSURE SET"
*
The RDC has imported the current
inflation pressure in the tires as the
target values which the system will
monitor.
Refer to page 101
>"CHECK TIRE PRESSURE"
*
Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure to specifications at the
earliest opportunity (next stop to
refuel).
Refer to page 101
>"TIRECONTROL INACTIVE"
*
A temporary interference of the RDC
or a system fault. Refer to page 102
>"CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS"
A lamp has failed or the electrical
circuit has a fault. Refer to pages 156
and 162 or consult a BMW center

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)20, 133
Accessories9
Activated-charcoal
filter114
Active seat52
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)72, 75
Add
antifreeze144t
brake fluid145t
engine coolant144t
engine oil142t
washer fluid141t
Adjusting
backrest50
head restraints52
mirrors57
seats48
steering wheel56
temperature107, 111
thigh support50
Air conditioning106
Air distribution107, 111
Air outlets106, 109
Air pressure,
tires26t, 135
Air supply107, 111
Air vent106, 109
Airbags20, 59 Alarm system42
Anchorage points
child-restraint system with
tether strap62
Antifreeze, disposal144t
Antifreeze, radiator144
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)20, 133
Anti-theft alarm system42
Anti-theft protection34
Approved axle load173
Approved gross vehicle
weight173
Aquaplaning133, 135
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)21
ASC+T/DSC (Automatic
Stability Control plus
Traction/Dynamic Stability
Control)99
Ashtray, front119
Ashtray, rear120
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)72, 75
Attach vacuum cleaner120
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)112 Automatic climate
control109
removing condensation
from windows111
Automatic cruise control80
Automatic curb monitor55
Automatic rear window
cleaning79
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)112
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)21
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction/Dynamic
Stability Control (ASC+T/
DSC)99
Automatic
transmission20, 72
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic20, 75
Average fuel
consumption88
Average speed88, 96
Avoiding unintentional
alarms43t, 44
B
Backrest, adjusting50
Backup lamps
bulb replacement156t Battery162
care162t
charging162t
discharged164t
disposal162t
Belts53
Beverage holder119
Blower107, 111
BMW active seat52
BMW comfort seat51
BMW Maintenance
System146t
BMW Universal
Transmitter115
Bottle holder, refer to
beverage holder119
Brake fluid145
adding145
Brake hydraulic system19
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement156t
Brake malfunctions134
Brake system134
brake fluid level134
brake pads20, 134
disc brakes134
malfunctions134
Break-in procedures132
Bulbs and lamps153t

Everything from A to ZElectrical malfunction
doors33
fuel filler door24
luggage compartment
lid38
sliding/tilt sunroof47
tailgate39
Elements of operation,
cockpit14
Emergency release of
luggage compartment lid
from luggage
compartment's interior41
Energy control83
Engine compartment
essentials140
Engine coolant84, 144
Engine oil142
consumption142
disposal143t
level20
pressure19
specifications143t
viscosity ratings143
Engine specifications170
Estimated time of arrival95
Exterior mirrors57, 58
F
Failure messages85t
Filling the washer
reservoir141t
First-aid kit23
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing165t
Flashlight118
Flat tire135, 158t
Fog lamps104
bulb replacement155t
Fold rear-seat backrest121
Follow me home lamps103
Front ashtray119
Front fog lamps104
Front seat adjustment48
Fuel25
gauge83
quality25
specifications25
tank capacity175
Fuel consumption88, 95
average88, 95
indicator83
Fuel filler door24
electrical malfunction24
manual release24
Fuses162
G
Gasoline25
gauge83
quality25
Glass moonroof47
Glove compartment118
Grilles109
Gross vehicle weight173 H
Handbrake70
Hands-free system119
Hazard warning triangle23
Head restraints50
Headlamp covers,
care153t
Headlamp flasher78
Headlamp washer
system141
Heated seats55
Heated steering wheel56
Heating and
ventilation106, 109
Heating while stopped113
Heavy cargo128
Height adjustment
seats50
steering wheel56
Height of vehicle171
High beams21, 104
bulb replacement153t High Performance Synthetic
Oils143
High-mount brake lamp157
Holder for canned
beverages119
Hood139
release139t
Horn14
Hydraulic Braking Assistant,
refer to DBC20
Hydroplaning133, 135
I
Ice warning82
Identification, tires137
Ignition lock68
Immobilizer function96
activating code96
deactivating code96
selecting code96
Imprint4
Indicator and warning
lamps19
Inflation pressure26t
monitoring101
Inflation pressure,
tires26, 135
INSPECTION84
Instrument
cluster15, 16, 17

Everything from A to Z
181n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Instrument displays15
Instrument lighting104
Instruments15
Intensive cleaning141
Interior lamps105
Interior mirrors58
Interior motion sensor42
avoiding unintentional
alarms44
deactivate35
Interior rearview mirror57
automatic dimmer58
Interlock68 J
Jack159
Jump-starting164t K
Key Memory67
Key with remote control32
Keys32
Kickdown73, 76 L
Lamp switch103
Lamps and bulbs153t
Lashing eyes to secure the
load128
Length of vehicle171 Level control
system21, 101
License plate lamps
bulb replacement158t
Lighter120
LIGHTS ON warning103
LIMIT93
Load-securing devices128
Louvers106, 109
Low beams103
bulb replacement153t
Low-fuel warning lamp83
Lug bolts160
Lug wrench159t
Luggage
compartment38, 42, 125
capacity173
manual operation38t
Luggage compartment
lid38
electrical malfunction38
emergency release from
luggage compartment's
interior41
opening from the
outside39
opening separately38
remote control35
secure separately38
Luggage compartment's
interior, emergency
release41 Luggage net42
Luggage straps42
Lumbar support50
M
M+S tires138
Maintenance84, 146t
Malfunction displays85t
Manual operation
doors33
fuel filler door24
luggage compartment
lid38
sliding/tilt sunroof47
tailgate39
Manual transmission71
Manually controlled
recirculated-air112
Manually-adjusted seat49
Master key32
Maximum cooling112
Memory settings
for seat, mirror and
steering wheel54
related to individuals ("Key
Memory")67
related to the vehicle
("Vehicle Memory")67
Microfilter108, 114
MID (Multi-Information
Display)89 Mirrors57
adjusting57
automatic dimming
feature58
defrosting57
memory setting54
Modifications,
technical9, 147
Monitoring inflation
pressure, tires101
Moonroof47
Multifunction buttons,
steering wheel22
Multi-Information Display
(MID)89
N
Non-smoker's
equipment120 O
OBD interface socket148
Odometer16, 82
Oil additives142
Oil change interval, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or to the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Oil consumption142

Everything from A to ZOil dipstick142t
Oil level, indicator lamp20
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp19
Oil specifications143t
Oil viscosity143
Oils, disposal143t
OILSERVICE84
Old batteries162
Onboard computer, refer to
the "Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer"
Onboard Diagnostic (OBD)
system148
Onboard Diagnostics
(OBD)148
Onboard tool kit152t
Opening and closing
from the inside37
from the outside33
using the key33
using the remote
control33
Opening the rear
window40
Operating range88
Outlets,
ventilation106, 109
Outside temperature
display82, 88
P
Park Distance Control
(PDC)98
Parked-car ventilation
system114
for additional information
refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Parking aid98
Parking brake20, 70
Parking lamps103
bulb replacement154t
Partition net125
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function55
PDC (Park Distance
Control)98
Pocket light118
Pollen filter108, 114
Power windows45
safety switch45
Power-slip control, refer to
ASC+T/DSC99 Q
Quality Grades, tires136
R
Rain sensor78
RDC (Tire Pressure
Monitor)101
Reading lamps105
Rear ashtray120
Rear window40
defroster107, 112
sun blinds114
wiper79
Rear window cleaning79
Rear-seat backrest
fold121
folding121
Rearview mirror57
Recirculated-air mode107
Reclining seat48
Refueling24
Releasing hood139
Reminder signal (Memo)91
Remote control34
computer97
Remove condensation from
windows108, 111
Replacing
fuses162t
lamps and bulbs153t
wiper blades152t
Reporting safety defects10 Reservoir, washer
system141t
Residual heat113
Rims137
Roller sun blind114
Roll-up cover125
Roof load capacity173
Roof-mounted luggage
rack129
S
Safety belts53
Safety defects, reporting10
Safety lock buttons37
Seat belts53
Seat heating55
Seats
electric power50
heating55
manually-adjusted49
memory setting54
Secure the load128
Securing cargo42, 128
Selector lever, automatic
transmission72, 75
Self-leveling
suspension101
inactive21
Service and Warranty10
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models)146

Everything from A to Z
183n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Service Interval
Display84, 146
Shiftlock72, 75
Shoulder support51
Side airbags59
Side Impact Head Protection
System59
Side lamps
bulb replacement154t
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement155t
Sitting safely48
with airbags48
with safety belt48
Ski bag122
Ski bag in the sport
wagon124
Sliding/tilt sunroof46
manual operation47
with glass moonroof47
Snow chains138
Socket for attaching
electrical appliances120
Spare tire159t
Speaker119
Special characteristics of
winter tires138
Special oil143t
Speed96
Speed limit93
Speed, average88, 96
Speedometer15, 16, 17 sport wagon
cargo area125
compartments in the cargo
area126
cover in the cargo
area126
folding down the rear
backrest125
lashing eyes128
load-securing
devices128
opening the rear
window40
partition net125
rear window wiper, blade
replacement152t
releasing the tailgate after
an electrical
malfunction39
roll-up cover125
securing a load128
ski bag124
tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement156t
Standing lamps104
Starting assistance164t
Starting problems69t
Starting the engine69
Steering wheel
heating56
lock68
memory setting54 Steering wheel with
multifunction buttons22
Steptronic75
Stopwatch91
for additional information
refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Storage compartments118
in the cargo area126
Summer tires137
Sun blinds114
Sunroof46
Switching off the engine70
Switch-on times for parked-
car ventilation92
Symbols8
T
Tachometer83
Tail lamps156
bulb replacement156t
Tailgate
manual operation39
manual release39
opening from the
inside40
opening from the
outside39
Technical
modifications9, 147
Telephone preparation119 Temperature display82, 88
Temperature gauge84
Temperature
layering108, 113
Tether strap62
Third brake lamp157
Through-loading
system121
Tilt alarm sensor42, 43
avoiding unintentional
alarms44
deactivate35
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror55
Time
calling up90
changing90
of arrival, estimated95
Timer90
for additional information
refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Tire
change158t
damage135t
inflation pressure26, 135
pressure
monitoring101, 135
replacement136
tread135
Tire inflation pressure26

Everything from A to ZTire Pressure Monitor
(RDC)101
Tire Quality Grading137
Tools152t
Torque170
Tow fittings165t
Towing the vehicle165t
Track171
Traction control system,
refer to ASC+T/DSC
Transmission71, 72, 75
Transmitter key32
Transporting children
safely62
Tread depth, tires135
Trip odometer82
Trunk lid
refer to luggage
compartment lid38
Trunk, refer to luggage
compartment42
Turn signal indicator78
bulb replacement154t
Turning circle171 U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQR)137
Universal Transmitter115
Use antifreeze,
radiator144t Used batteries,
disposal162t
Used oils, disposal143t
V
Vacuum cleaner, attach120
Valve caps161
Vehicle Memory67
Vent outlets108, 113
Ventilation106, 108, 113
draft-free108, 113
in the rear108
Viscosity ratings, oils143 W

Warm feet Ð cool
head108, 113
Warning and indicator
lamps19
Warning lamps19t
Warning messages85t
Warning triangle23
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian
models)146
Washer system78
Water on the roads133
Weights173
Wheel and tire
combinations137
Wheel change158t Wheelbase171
Width of vehicle171
Windshield wipers78
blade replacement152t
Winter tires138
Wiper blade
replacement152t
Wiper system78
Work in the engine
compartment139t
X
Xenon lamps154