Owner`s manual
Table Of Contents
- Notes on the Owner's Manual
- Symbols used
- The individual vehicle
- Status at time of printing
- For your own safety
- Symbol on vehicle parts
- REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
- Contents
- Cockpit
- Instrument cluster
- Instrument cluster*
- Indicator and warning lamps
- Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)
- Sports steering wheel*
- Hazard warning flashers
- Warning triangle*
- First-aid kit*
- Refueling
- Fuel specifications
- Tire inflation pressure
- Keys
- Electronic vehicle immobilizer
- Central locking system
- Opening and closing – from the outside
- Opening and closing – from the inside
- Luggage compartment lid/Tailgate
- Luggage compartment
- Alarm system
- Electric power windows
- Sliding/Tilt sunroof*
- Seat adjustment
- Electric power seat(s*)
- Mechanical seat
- BMW comfort seat*
- BMW sports seat*
- BMW active seat*
- Adjusting the steering wheel
- Mirrors
- Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
- Car Memory, Key Memory
- Safety belts
- Airbags
- Transporting children safely
- Steering/Ignition lock
- Starting the engine
- Switching off the engine
- Parking brake
- Manual transmission
- Automatic transmission*
- Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
- Indicator/Headlamp flasher
- Wiper/Washer system
- Rear window defroster
- Cruise control
- Odometer, outside temperature display
- Tachometer
- Energy control
- Fuel gauge
- Coolant temperature gauge
- Service Interval Display
- Check Control
- Computer
- Multi-Information Display (MID)*
- Digital clock in the MID*
- Computer in the MID*
- Park Distance Control (PDC)*
- ASC+T/DSC*
- Tire Pressure Control (RDC)*
- Parking lamps/Low beams
- Instrument lighting
- High beams/Parking lamps
- Fog lamps
- Interior lamps
- Reading lamps
- Air conditioner
- Automatic climate control*
- Seat heating*
- Steering wheel heating*
- Roller sun blind*
- Independent ventilation*
- BMW Universal Transmitter*
- Glove compartment
- Storage facilities
- Cellular phone*
- Beverage holder*
- Ashtray, front
- Cigarette lighter*
- Ashtray, rear
- Through-loading system*
- Ski bag*
- Luggage compartment – sport wagon
- Cargo loading
- Roof-mounted luggage rack
- Break-in procedure
- Driving notes
- Catalytic converter
- Antilock Brake System (ABS)
- Disc brakes
- Brake system
- Winter operation
- Power steering
- Level control system*
- Cellular phone*
- Radio reception
- Tire inflation pressure
- Tire condition
- Tire replacement
- Tire rotation
- Wheel and tire combinations
- Winter tires
- Snow chains*
- Approved wheel and tire specifications – sedan
- Hood
- Engine compartment – BMW 525i, 530i
- Engine compartment – BMW 540i
- Washer fluids
- Washer nozzles
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Vehicle Identification Number
- The BMW Maintenance System
- Caring for your car
- Airbags
- Vehicle storage
- Technical modifications
- California Proposition 65 Warning
- OBD interface socket
- Onboard tool kit
- Wiper blades
- Lamps and bulbs
- Changing a wheel
- Battery
- Fuses
- Fuel filler door
- Sliding/Tilt sunroof
- Tailgate
- Jump-starting
- Towing the vehicle
- Airbags
- ATC*
- ASC+T/DSC*
- Radio reception
- BMW active seat*
- Safety belt tensioner
- DSP sound system*
- Mirrors with automatic dimmer*
- Rain sensor*
- Tire Pressure Control (RDC)*
- Integrated rear suspension
- Level control system*
- Xenon lamps*
- Engine specifications
- Dimensions – sedan
- Dimensions – sport wagon
- Weights – sedan
- Weights – sport wagon
- Capacities
- Electrical system
- Drive belts
- Everything from A to Z
- Refueling
![](/manual/bmw/540i-sedan-sport-wagon/owner-s-manual-english/images/img-165.png)
170n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety – and as cost-effectively as
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.
Service Interval Display
Advanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance in-
tervals, which are then indicated in the
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates, be-
390us702
cause mileage can be accumulated in
very different ways.
From a maintenance standpoint,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those who
drive only short distances – significantly
less than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annu-
ally – should have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years since oil
deteriorates over time, regardless of
use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-
dian models)
Please refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet (US models)
or to the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian models) for addi-
tional information on maintenance inter-
vals and procedures.
As a precaution against rust, it might be
a good idea to have the body checked
for damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW center do the
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and equipped with the re-
quired special tools. In addition, check-
ing parts known from experience to be
subject to wear is a permanent part of
the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in
the Warranty and Service Guide Book-
let (Canadian models).
These entries will constitute your proof
that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also required in
the event of a warranty claim.<
The BMW Maintenance System
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 420 - © 01/01 BMW Group