1997 BMW 540i 1998 540i

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--
Benllcy Publishers, a division ol Robcrt Bcnlley, In=. 1734 M~SB~CIIUP~IIS Avenue Cumbitdge. MA02138 USA Information lhat makes 800-423-4885 / 61 7.547.4170 the diiierence"
BentleyPublishe~
Technical contact inlormation I
We :.€ c3me ,o.lr leeooaca. Pieasc. ;Jam 1 cllriecl 00s an0 zoo ions lo our BhFLt/ recnns? o rcdss'un lor~m a1 http://~~~.BentleyPublishere.com
Errata information
We will evaluate submissions and post appropriate editorial
changes online as text errata or tech discussion. Appropriate
errata will be incorporated with the
boolc text in future printings.
Read errata information for this book before beginning work on
your vehicle. See the following web address tor additional
information:
http://unw.BentleyPublishers.com/errata/
WARNING-important safety notice
Do not use this manual unless vou are familiar with basic automotive reoair orocedures and safe
workshoo oracfices. This manual illustrates
the workshop procedures requked formoslservice work. It is not a subsiituti for full and up-to-date information from thevehiclemanufaciurer
or for proper training as an automotive technician. Note that it is not possible for us to anticipate all of the ways or conditions under which
vehicles may be serviced or to provide cautions as to all of the possible hazards that may result.
The vehicle manufacturer will continue to issue service information updates and parls retrofits
after the editorial closing of this manual. Some
of lhese updates and retrofits will apply lo procedures and specifications in this manual. We regret that we cannot supply updates to
purchasers of this manual.
We have endeavored to ensure the accuracy
of the information in this manual. Please note, however, that considering the vast quantity and
the complexity of the service information involved, we cannot warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this
manual.
FOR
THESE REASONS, NEITHER THE PUBLISHER NOR THE AUTHOR MAICES ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, THATTHE INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK IS FREE OF ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. AND WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILTTY AN0 OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EVEN IFTHE PUBLISHER OR AUTHOR HAVE BEEN ADVISED OFA PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND EVEN IF A PARTICULAR
1 PURPOSE IS INDICATED IN THE MANUAL. THE PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR ALSO DISCLAIM ALL LlABlLrrY FOR DIRECT. INDIRECT. INCIDENTAL OR 1 I CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT RESULT FROM ANY USE OFTHE EXAMPLES, INSTRUCTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION INTHIS BOOK. IN NO EVENT 1
I Your common sense and oood iudoment are crucial to safe and successful service work. Read orocedures throuoh before startino them. I . -- - -~ ~ ---~. - ~ ~~ Think about whether the condition of your car, &r level of mechanical skill, or your level of reading compreh&sion might resill in or
contribute in some way to an occurrence which might cause you injuly, damage your car, or result in an unsafe repair. If you have doubts
for these or other reasons about your ability to pelform safe repair work on your car, have the work done at an authorized BMW dealer or
other qualified shop.
Part numbers listed in this manual are for identification purposes only, not for ordering. Always check wilh your authorized BMW dealer to
verify part numbers and availability before beginning service work lhat may require new
park.
Before anempting any work on your BMW, read the 001 General Warnings and Cautions, and any WARNING or CAUTION that
accompanies a procedure in the service manual. Review the WARNINGS and CAUTIONS each time you prepare to work on your BMW.
I Spec a too s req.1 red to perlorm cena n service operations arc oenl fed n the manLa an0 arc recomrnenoeo lor JSC Jse ol loo s olner than those recommended In lh s serv ce manual may be oelnmcnlal lo lrlc car's sale open1 on as rvec as lne salely 01 lne person servcng I the car. I
Copies of this manual may be purchased from most automotive accessories and parts dealers specializing in BMW automobiles, from
selected booksellers, or directly from the publisher.
This manual was published by Robert Bentley,
Inc., Publishers. BMW has not reviewed and does not vouch for the accuracy of the
technical specifications and procedures described in this manuai.
Libratv of Conaress Cataloaino-in-Publication Data " " -
BMW 5 Series (E39) : service manual : 523. 528i, 530i. 540i, sedan, sport wagon, 1997,
1998, 1999,2000,2001,2002
~Acludes index.
ISBN 0-8376-0317-X (obi<) ,, , 1. BMW 5 series automobiles--Maintenance and repair--Handbooks manuals, etc. 1.
Robert Bentley, Inc.
TL215.8258623 2003 629.28'722--dc23 2003052231
Bentley Stock No. 8502
Editorial closing 08/03
090807 10987654
The paper used in this publication is acid
free and meets the requirements of the National Standard for Information Sciences-
Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials. @
OCopyright 2007 Robert Bentley. Inc. Bentiey Publishers is a trademark of Robert Bentley, Inc.
All rights reserved. All information contained in this manual is based on the information available to the publisher at the time of editorial
closing. The right is reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
ofhenvise, without the
prior written consent of the publisher. This includes text, figures, and tables. All rights reserved under Berne and Pan-American Copyright
conventions.
Cover photos of car exteriors by Jonathan Richard for
Bentley Publishers @ Robert Bentley, Inc. Cover design and use of blue band on
spine and back cover are trademarks
of Bentley Publishers. All rights reserved.
Manufactured in the United States of America

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Selected Boolcs and Repair Information from Bentley Publishers
MINI Cooper
MINI Cooper Service Manual: 2002-2004 Bc,illc!! Pirl~lisl!~~ ISBN 0-8376-1068-0 AlexZanardi - My Swectest Victory rllex Zmmrdi itjill! Ginrz11,cn Gns~x~ri,,i ISBN (1-8376-1249-7
BMW 3 Series IE36) Scrvire Manual: 1992-1998,318ilisliC. 323is/iC, 3?5i/is/iC, 328ilisliC, M3 Be~iili.!~ Pirl?lisliers ISBN 0-8376-0326-9
BMW
5 Series Scrvicc Manual: 1997-2002 525i, 528i. 530i. 540i, Sedan, Sport Wagon Bcrrlluy P~rlilishens ISBN 0-8376-0317-X
Porsclze Tl~c Unfair Advantage hlirrk Do,~ult,re ISBN 0-8376-0073-Iilrcj; Porsche: Excellcncc Was Expected I Going Faster! Mastering the Art of Race Porsche 911 Carrcm Service Manual: 198G1989 B~.~iile!/ Pllblislters ISBN 0-8376-0291-2
Porschc 911 Enthusiast's CompanionT3' Aiirinri Slr~,tzlli~~r ISBN 0-8376-0293-9
BMW 6 Scries Enthusiasl's CompanionTh1 Jc~.li'iil!/ liV0l10li ISBN 0-8376-0193-2 Driving Tlw Skip Bizl.bul- Riicing Sclaiol ISBN 0-8376-0227-0
BMW 7 Series Servicc Manual:1988-1994, 735i,735iL, 74%. 740iL. 750iL Beritlc!/ I'irblislrens ISBN 0-8376-0328-5
A French I Making of LC M,!r~s hliclael i(ei/scr ISBN 0-8376-0234-3 Porschc911 SC Coupc,Targo,and Cabriolet Scrvict. Manual: 1978-1983 Br>illu!y Ptibiishers ISBN 0-8376-0290-4 Bosclz Soorts Car and Comoctition Drivins P;url ~ri'rp ~vilh forc&rd I)!/ Phil Hill " ISBN 0-8376-0202-5 Boscl~ Aulomativc Handbook 6th Edition Robul.1 Boscli, CIII~H ISBN 0-8376-1243-8
Bosch 1-landbook for Automotive Elcctrics and Elcchonics Rillrcr I Bwcli, GrjilrH ISBN 0-8376-1050-8
Bosch Handbook for Diesel-Engine Managcmcnt Ril1iei.t Bosdl, ClrrbH ISBN 0-8376-1051-6
Bosch Handbook for
Gasolinc-Engine Management Robcrf Bosclr, G~ribH ISBN 0-8376-1052-4
'7
Battle for lhe Bcelle It ISBN 0-8376-0071-5
Jells, Golf, GTI Scrvicc Manual: 1999-2005 1.8L lurbo, 1.9LTDI diesel, PD dicscl, 2.0L ga5aline. 2.81 VRG B~.!iIlcy Pt,blislicrs ISBN 0-8376-125-9
New Bcctle ServiceManual:1998-20021.8L turbo, 1.91 TDI diesel, 2.0L gasoline Bailicy P~irirlishers ISBN 0-8376-0376-5
New Bcctle 1998-2005, New Beetle Convcrtible2003-2005 Official Factory
Rcpair Manual an CD-ROM
I~olkiatgurr ~JAriicricn ISBN 9784-8376-1265-2
Boscll Fuel Injection and Enginc Management Clml-Its 0. Pmbsi, SAE ISBN 0-8376-0300-5 Clzevrolet
Corvctlc Illustralcd Encyclopedia Torn Beifurli ISBN 0-8376-0928-3
Racc Car Aerodynamics losupli Kntz ISBN 0-8376-014>8
Road &Track Illustrated Automotive
Dictionary
Joltri Dilrkl ISBN 0-8376-11143-6
Scientific Design of Exl~aust and Intake Systems I'lrililr H. S,sillr 0-8376-0309-9 Corvette Fuel
Injection &Electronic Enginc Managcment 1982-2001: Clmrlcs 0. I1rol,sl, SAE ISBN 0-8376-0861-9
I'acrat Ser\,irc hl.>nu.~l: 1998-2004.1.81. lurbu, 2.RL Vb, .l.IIL \\'8, inrludinl: tv.~gc>n and 4blOTION Giiitlc!/ P~iiblislicrs ISBN 0-8376-0360-2 Zora Arkus-Duntov:Thc Lcgcnd Behind corvt.ttc Je1.q Birl-1011 ISBN 0-8376-0858-9
Ci~evmlcl by the Numbers 1965-1969: The
Essential Chcvrolct Paris Refcrcncc illn,i Cnl2i11 ISBN 0-8376-0956-9
Passat. Passat Waron 1998-2005 Official
Gnlf,
GTI, Jctta 1993-1999, Cabrio 199% 2002 Official Factory Repair Manual on
CD-ROM
Volhsiraigu>t oJA,rtrricn ISBN 978-0-8376-1263-8
Jetta, Golf, GTI: 1993-1999,
Cabtio: 1995- 2002 Scrvicc Manual ll~iillcy I'trblisln.~~~ ISBN 0-8376-0366-8
Alfa Romco All-Alloy Twin Cam
Companion 195G1994 1'nl Bncdulr ISBN 0-8376.0275-0
Alfa Romco Owner's Bibl~'~' 1'1~1 Bmrlul! ISBN 0-8376-0707-8
Ford
Ford Fuel Injection and Electronic Engine
Control: 1988-1993
Clinrlcs 0. Pmirsl, SrlE ISBN 0-8376-03Lll-3 Arldi
Audi A4 Repair Manual: 1996-2001.1.8L lurbo, 2.8L. including Avant and quatlro Buirile!/ Ptrhlislters ISBN 0-8376-0371-.I
EuroVan Official Factory Rcp.,ir Manual:
1992-1999
I/~llhio~sar, ifAii!wicn ISBN 0-8376-0335-8
Tbc Official Ford Mustang 5.0 Technical
Reference & I'crformancc Handbook:
1979-1993
A1 l Audi A6 Sedan
1998-2004, Avant 1999- 2004, allroad quallro 2001-2005, 56 Avant 2002-2004, RS6 2003-2004 Official
Factory Rcpair Manual on CD-ROM
Ai!dioJ/in,er.ini ISBN 978-0-8376-1257-7
Jccp CJ Rubuildcr's Manual: 1972-1986 MOSI~S Lltii~l ISBN 0-8376-0151-7
Jccp Owner's Biblen', Third Edition Moscs Lzrdel ISBN 0-8376-1117-2 Automotive Reference
Bcnlluy Publishers has published iewicc manualsand autornohilcboolissinrc 1950. Plcasc write to us at 1734 Mniincliusctts Ave..Cnmbridge, kIA02138,i~isit ourivcb sitc, ol-c,lll 1-800-12345'15 ini a free copy ofnurcolaiog.
BMW
BMW 23 Sarvicc Manual: 1996-2002. including 23 Roadster, 23 Coupe, M
Roadster, M Coupe
Be~illq Pi,blislicis ISBN 0-8376-1250-0
BMW 3 Scrics (Ed61 Scrvicc Manual:
Mcrcedes-Bcnz Technical C~mpanion'~~' Bu,rllu!! P,rlilislio.i ISBN 11-8376-1033-8
Mcrccdcs-Bcnz E-Class (W124) O~vner's BibleT>' : 1986-1995 llu~tilc!~ Pi~lriisiieis ISBN 11-8376-0230-(1
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002 Vehicie identification and
VlN Decoder
Vehicle identification Number (VIN), decoding
Some of the information in this manual applies only to cars of a parlicuiar model year or range
of vears. For
examole. 1999 refers to the 1999 model vear but does not necessarilv malch the
caiendsr year in which the car was manufactured or sold. To be sure of the model year of a
particular car,
checic the Vehicle ldentification Number (VIN) on the car.
The VIN is a unique sequence of 17 characters assigned by BMW lo identify each individual
car. When decoded, the VIN tells the country and year of manufacture; make, model and serial
number: assembly
plant and some equipment specifications.
The BMW VIN is on a plate mounted on top of the dashboard, on the driver's side where the
number can be seen through the windshield, The 10th character is the model year code. The
letters
I. 0, Q and U are not used for model year designation. Examples: X for 1999, Y for 2000,
1 for 2001,2 for 2002, etc. The table below explains some of the codes in the VIN for 1997
through 2002 BMW
E39 5 Series BMWs covered by this manual.
Sample
VIN: ~~Iz~o~w~B~w~ 13 8 9 1 lposition 1 2 3 zi 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12-17
VIN
position Description Decoding information
1-3 Countrv of WBA B
I J 1 znan~+q ;BT BMW Molorsporl. Gmon, ~;nch Gerrn;!n,
Linc 525 (2UU1 - 2003) 528 (2000-2003. 530; 540 i
5
1
Manual belts with dual airbags Manual belts with advanced airbaos
Series
Body
type
i engine lype . ..
D 5251 (2001 - 2002), 528i (1997 - 2000) E MS. 530i, 540i (1997 - 1998) J 5251 Wagon
M 528i (1999 - 2000) N 5401 Sedan (1999 - 2003) 540i wagon (2001)
P 528i wagon (1999 - 2000) R 540i waaon 12002 - 20031
6,4 Aulomatic 5,3 Manual
Vehicle type 3.4.7 Passenger vehicle
Checlr digit
Model year Restraint
system
1 0 Manual belts
3 Manual belts wilh driver
& passenger airbags 4
Manual belts with advanced passenger B driver airbags
0 - 9 or X, calculated by NHTSA
V 1997 W 1RRR
Assembly plant A, F, K Munich, Germany
B, C, D, G Dingolfing. Germany E, J. P Reqensburq. Germany .
Serial number
Sequential produclion number lor specific vehicle

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01 0-1 2
1 General
Information you need to know
Model
When ordering parts it is important that you know the correct
model designation for your car. Models covered in this E39
manual are the
525i,5281,530i, 540i in Sedan and Station
Wagon body styles.
Model year
This is not necessarily the same as date of manufacture or
date of sale.
A 1999 model may have been manufactured in
late 1998, and perhaps not sold until early 2000. It is still a
1999 model. Model years covered by this manual are 1997 to
2002.
Date of manufacture
This information is necessary when ordering replacement
parts or determining if any of the warranty recalls are applica-
ble to your car. The label on the driver's door below the door
latch will specify the month and year that the car was built.
Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN)
This is a combination of letters and numbers that identify the
particular car. The VIN appears on the state registration doc-
ument, and on the car itself. One location is on the right front
strut tower in the engine compartment (arrow), another in the
lower left corner of the windshield.
Engine code
5 Series car covered in this manual are powered by
6 and 8 - cylinderengines. For information on engine codes and en- -. -
gine applications, see 100 Engine-General. -
Transmission code
The transmission type with its identifying code may be
impor- :
tant when buying clutch parts, seals, gaskets, and other .- transmission-related parts. For information on transmission
codes and applications, see 200 Transmission-General.

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100-4
I Engine-General
The M62 90" V8 engine uses four valves per cylinder, double
overhead camshafts and light alloy cylinder head and cylin-
der
bloclc engine construction.
On 1997 and 1998 540i models, Bosch engine management
systems are utilized. Table a lists engine management sys-
tem applications.
4 For the 1999 model year, the M62 TU VANOS engine was in-
troduced to the 540i models. This engine is primarily a carry-
over from the earlier M62 engine, but contains many unique
identifying components and technology:
Variable camshaft timing (VANOS) for the intake valves.
Bosch ME 7.2 engine management system with electronic
throttle control. There is no accelerator cable connecting
the throttle pedal to the throttle housing in these cars.
Compact water-cooled generator (alternator).
E39 vehicles are equipped with sophisticated self-diagnostic
engine management systems. These systems monitor and
store diagnostic fault information. If the malfunction indicator
lamp (MIL) illuminates, the first diagnostic test should be to
connect a dedicated scan tool for BMW automobiles and in-
terrogate the fault memory.
If the malfunction indicator light (MIL) comes on orflashes, it
indicates that an emissions-related fault has occurred and
that fault information is stored in memory within the ECM.
4 The MIL in E39 cars displays one of these warning graphics
in the instrument cluster.
The diagnostic capabilities of these systems have the poten-
tial to save hours of diagnostic time and prevent incorrect
5 placement. See OBD On-Board Diagnostics.

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121-10
I Battery, Starter, Alternator
- Strip approximately 15 rnm (0.6 in) of insulation from cable
end.
terminal harness
Shrink insulation
Terminal connector
4 Push terminal connector of new cable over stripped end of
old cable. Tighten clamp.
- Slip shrink-fit insulation over positive cable. Attach new safe-
ty harness to end of positive cable. Shrink insulation with hot
air blower.
- Reinstall cable in cable bracket and attach to battery.
- Reattach negative battery cable. Reinstall luggage cornpart-
rnent trim pieces.
- Use BMW scan tool DlSplus or equivalent to read out airbag
control module fault memory. Correct faults, then clear mem-
ory.
1 1 4 Various versions of alternators have been used in E39
vehicles. See Table e.
Table e. Alternator application chart
Model Alternator type
Air cooled, 90 amp or 120 amp
Air cooled, with multi-function control
(MFR), 120 amp or 140 amp
Air cooled with multi-function control
(MFR), 120 amp or 140 amp
540i 1997 Air
cooled. 120
amp or 140amp sazrz~orsl 1998 ~~~ ~ .~ . ...~ ~ ~-~~~~ Air cooled; with integrated mu~ii-
function control (MFR). 120 amp 140
amp 1999-2002 Water
cooled, with integrated multi-
function control (MFR), 90-150 amp
(variable output)

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121-11
Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
Alternator 1997 - 98 5281 1997 540i
/-- -----,
I'
-----------
F15 / 7.5A/ :
&.. .... , 30 1 Xi0015
Battery
Hol in run 61 E (D+) Alternator
and stsrt
lBL
(Generator)
1 .--------,charge , . I , indicator I xGoli i
I <"9,7,a,T
Alternator, basic
On 1997-1 998 6-cylinderand 1997 V-8 models, the charging
system indicator light is supplied voltage
(+) to one side of the
light bulb, and the other side of the bulb is connected to the
voltage regulator.
With the engine off and the key in the run position, voltage
from the ignition switch flows through the regulator to ground,
completing the circuit and illuminating the charge indicator
bulb.
When the vehicle is started and the alternator begins to pro-
duce voltage, the output of the diode trio increases and the
light is turned off.
Alternator with multi-function control
(MFR)
Alternator with multi-function control
(MFR)
The multi-function controlled alternator is used on:
* 1999-2002 6-cylinder models
* 1998-2002 V-8 models
4 On cars with multi-function control alternator, the charge in-
dicator lamp is activated by means of an electronic switch in-
tegrated in the alternator controller. This switch receives its
voltage supply from terminal
15 on the 3-pin connector at the
rear of the alternator. The controller measures internally the
voltage difference between terminal 30 and terminal
15 and
signals the DME ECM to turn the charge indicator lamp on.
The controller features integrated fault detection. The battery
charge indicator lamp will come on in the event of:
* Failure of belt drive
No charge due to an
electrical/electronic fault
Interruption in excitation circuit
Over-voltage due to a defective controller output stage Fault or break in charge line
No charge due to alternator fault

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130-2
/Fuel Injection
This repair group covers service and repair of the Bosch and
Siemens engine management systems used on
1997
through 2002 E39 models. Additional engine management
service and repair information may also be found in the fol-
lowing repair groups:
0 020 Maintenance
120 Ignition System
160 Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
610 Electrical Component Locations
OBD On Board Diagnostics
NOTE-
Camshaft position sensor, crankshaft speed sensor and
knoclc sensors are covered in 120 Ignition System.
Table a. Engine management system applications
- - ~ ~
1 ~odellmodel year / Engine IDME system I - I
5281, 1997-1 998 IM52. 2.8 liter ISiemens MS 41 .I I 1
528i. 1999ZO00 1~52 TU, 2.8 liter ]siemens MS 42.0 I I
5251, 2001-2002 1~54, 2.5 liter 1 Siemens MS 43.0 I I
530i, 2001-2002 1~54, 3.0 liter ISiemens MS 43.0
5401 1999-2001 1~62 TU, 4.4 liter l~osch ME 7.2
I
OBI) II software and hardware is incorporated in the engine
management control systems. The
OED II system monitors
components that influence exhaust and evaporative emis-
sions. If a problem is detected, the
OED I1 system stores the
associated fault code and condition.
540i. 1997
4 If vehicle emission levels exceed 1.5 times Federally mandat-
ed criteria, the
OED II system illuminates a malfunction indi-
cator light
(MIL) in the instrument cluster.
For the
E39 cars covered by this manual, three different
MIL symbols were used, depending on year and model.
See illustration.
When faults arise, or if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is
illuminated, begin troubleshooting by connecting BMW ser-
vice tester
DISplus, MoDiC, GTl or equivalent scan tool. The
capabilities of OBD
II software has the potential to save hours
540i. 1998 IM62, 4.4 liter /Bosch M5.2.1
M62, 4.4 liter Bosch M5.2