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-71.png)
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.
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 420 - © 01/01 BMW Group