1997 BMW 540i Automatic

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200 Transmission-Genera!
General ........................... .20 0.2 Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain .......................... .20 0.2 Transmission Lubricants
Manual Transmission
.............. .20 0.2

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This repair group covers general application information for
the clutch, manual and automatic transmissions, shift linkag-
es and driveshaft.
Drivetrain
I ZF manual transmission I
BMW E39 models are equipped with a longitudinal drivetrain.
The transmission is bolted directly to the rear of the engine.
A
driveshaft connects the output shaft of the transmission to the
rear final drive. Individual drive axles with integrated constant
velocity joints transfer rotational power from the final drive
unit to the rear wheels.
4 Due to different power characteristics and performance re-
quirements, various manual transmissions are used in mod-
els covered by this manual. Manual transmission
applications are given in the table below.
For manual transmission specifications or repair procedures,
refer to
230 Manual Transmission.
Manual transmission models use a single disc clutch with
dual-mass flywheel. For further information, see
210 Clutch.
The manual transmission metal ID plate is mounted on side of
transmission. Do not rely on numbers cast on transmission
case for identification.
Manual transmission applications
Model Year Engine Transmission
5251 2001 - 2002 M52TU, M54 Getrag S5D 250G
528i 1997-2002 M52 ZF S5D 3202

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Different automatic transmissions are used, depending on
model and model year
and/orproduction date. All of the auto-
matic transmissions are electrohydraulically controlled with
five forward speeds. Automatic transmission applications are
given in the table below.
Automatic transmission applications Model Year Engine Transmission
526 from 911 999 M52 TU ASS 360R
5251 from 312001 M54 ASS 3252
5301 to 312001 M54 ASS 390R
530i from 312001 M54 ASS 3252
540i
from 111 997 M62 TU ASS 4402
Automatic transmission identification metal ID plate is mount-
ed to body of transmission.
4 GM transmission ID tag (arrow) is on left side of transmission
housing, behind transmission selector cable, just above
transmission pan.
< ZF transmission ID tag (arrow) is on left rear of transmission,
just above transmission pan.

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The lubricant used varies, depending on transmission and
model year. Fluid application information is clearly marked on
a label on transmission.
On manual transmission, either ATF (orange label reads
ATF-Oil) or a special BMW lubricant (yellow label reads MTF-
LT
I) is used. See 230 Manual Transmission.
Automatic transmission is filled with either Dexron
Ill ATF
(black transmission ID plate reads ATF-Oil), or special life-
time oil (green transmission ID plate reads Life-Time Oil). See
240 Automatic Transmission.
CAUTION--
If in doubt as to the type of fluid installed in a particular trans-
mission, consult an authorized
BMW dealer service depari-
ment for the latest in operating fluids.

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Tool for bleeding clutch hydraulics (Tool No. 21 5 030)
21 5 030 I
The clutch is hydraulically actuated by the master and slave
cylinders. With the self-adjusting clutch
(SAC), clutch disc
wear is automatically taken up through the self-adjusting
pressure plate springs, making pedal feel consistent through-
out the life of the clutch.
A soft or spongy feel to the clutch pedal, long pedal free-play,
or grinding noises
from the gears while shifting can all indi-
cate problems with the clutch hydraulics. In these circum-
stances it is best to
star? with a clutch fluid flush, followed, if
necessary, by replacement of the hydraulic parts.
NOTE-
The clutch hydraulic system shares the fluid reservoir and flu-
id with the brake hydraulic system.
Clutch hydraulic system,
bleeding and flushing
If the clutchlbralte fluid is murky or muddy, or has not been
changed within the last two years, flush the system and
change the fluid. Flushing the old fluid from the clutch lines is
done using a bralte system pressure bleeder.
- Remove brake fluid reservoir cap. Using a clean syringe, re-
move brake fluid from reservoir. Refill reservoir with clean
DOT
4 bralte fluid.
Worlting inside engine compartment, remove left
interiorven-
tilation filter housing:
Release 3 plastic taps
(A) on duct. Earlier models use a
single release latch.
Rotate duct inward to remove.
Disconnect electrical harness to hood position switch.
Remove filter housing cover.
Release spring lock
(B) on interior ventilation housing and
remove housing.

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240 Automatic Transmission
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission applications
. . . . . ,240-2 ATF, draining and filling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-7
. . . . . ,240-2 Automatic transmission fluid
. . . . . ,240-4 pan and strainer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-9
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240-4 Transmission Removal
and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-10 Automatic Transmission Fluid Transmission, removing and installing . . . 240-10 (ATF) Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,240-6
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . . . . . ,240-6
ATF level, checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,240-6

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240-2
/ ~utomatic Transmission
This section covers maintenance and replacement of the
automatic transmission for
E39 models.
Automatic transmission internal repairs are not covered.
Such repairs require special service equipment and knowl-
edge. If it is determined that transmission internal
sewice is
required, consult an authorized BMW dealer about a factory
reconditioned unit or a transmission rebuild.
CAUTION-
ATF does not circulate unless the engine is running. When
towing an automatic transmission vehicle, use a flat bed truck
or raise the rear wheels off the ground.
Special tools
Some special tools are required for the removal and installa-
tion of an automatic transmission on the
E39 BMW models.
While these tools are not absolutely necessary, they are es-
pecially helpful when dealing with the removal and replace-
ment of the torque converter.
4 Engine support bracket
(Tool No. BMW
00 0 200.00 0 208)
4 Transmission jack
(Tool No.
BMW 00 2 030)
4 Engine support block (V-8 models) 11 7310 (Tool No. BMW 11 7 310)

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240-3
Automatic Transmission
4 Engine support block (&cylinder models)
(Tool No. BMW
11 7 370)
4 Tran5mission support (for use with transmission jack,
A5S 560Z transmission) (Tool No. BMW 24
0 170)
4 Transmission support (for use with transmission jack,
A5S
4402 transmission) (Tool No. BMW 24 0 250)
4 Torque converter socket
(Tool No. BMW 24 1 100)
< Spline bore alignment tool
(Tool No.
BMW 24 2 300)