1999 BMW 540i engine

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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)

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Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission applications
Automatic transmissions are identified by code letters found
on a data plate located on the side or rear of the transmission
case. See table below for application information.
Automatic transmission applications
Model Year Engine Transmission
5281 to 911999 M52 A4S 310R
5281 from 911999
M52 TU A5S 360R
5251 to 312001 M54 A5S 390R
5251 from 312001 M54 ASS 3252
530i to 312001 M54
ASS 390R
530i from 312001 M54
A5S 3252
540i from 111997 M62
TU A5S 4402
Automatic transmission basic components
The automatic transmission fitted to BMW 5 Series models is
comprised of
3 main elements:
0 Torque converter capable of torque multiplication at an
infinitely variable ratio
Electrohydraulically controlled valve body
0 Gearbox containing 5 forward speeds and reverse

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- .- -
Automatic Transmission
Electronics are used to control the operation of these auto-
matic transmissions. Steptronic transmission functions are
also programmed into the transmission control module
(TCM). The TCM monitors transmission operation for faults
and alerts the driver by illuminating the transmission fault indi-
cator on the instrument panel. Diagnostic trouble codes
(DTCs) stored in the TCM may be downloaded and interpret-
ed by trained technicians using special BMW diagnostic
equipment.
Some minor automatic transmission problems can be cor-
rected by changing the automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
and filter. Begin by checking ATF level and condition.
Checlc
to see if the fluid is dirty or has a burned odor indicating over-
heated fluid. The burned odor may be the results of burned
discs in theclutch paclts. The friction material from the burned
disc can clog valve body passages.
NOTE-
The E39 automatic transmission is not equipped with a dip-
stick.
Checking the ATF level must be done while monitoring
the ATF temperature with the engine idling. The
BMW dealer
is equipped with the special equipment to make this check.

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240-6
I Automatic Transmission Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
The E39 automatic transmission is filled with either Dexron Ill
ATF or Texaco 80728, a life time oil.
CA UTIOI\C
Use only the transmission fluid that is approved for use by
BMW All other fluids will cause non warrantable transmis-
I sion damage.
Mixing different types of transmission fluids will lead to
transmission failure.
NOTE-
The type of transmission lubricant used can be found on a
stickeron the transmission pan. Dexron
111ATF (blacksticker)
reads "ATF-Oil': Special life time oil (green sticker) reads
'Life-Time Oil': If in doubt, consult an authorized
BMW dealer
for alternate fluid use and current information regarding
transmission operating fluids.
ATF level, checking
Check ATF level if there is evidence of a leak, a complaint re-
lated to fluid level or afler transmission repairs.
The automatic transmission is not equipped with a dipstick.
Checking the ATF level requires that the transmission be at
operating temperature during the checking procedure.
NOTE-
Vehicle must be level throughout tests
- Drive vehicle to warm up ATF to operating temperature.
- Connect BMW diagnostic scan tool DiSplus, MoDiC, GTI or
equivalent to determine transmission oil temperature.
ATF level checking
Fluid temperature
30' - 50°C (85' - 120" F)
- With engine running, switch on air conditioning to increase
engine idle speed.
- Apply parking brake.
- While applying foot brake firmly move gear shift selector
lever through
all gear positions, pausing in each gear briefly.

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Automatic Transmission
- Raise and safely support vehicle.
CA U JIOG
Male sure the car is stable and well supported at all times.
Use a professional automotive lift
orjack stands designed for
the purpose. A floorjack is not adequate support
4 With engine running and selector lever in PARK, remove filler
plug (arrow)
(A5S 360R transmission shown, refer to other
illustrations for location of filler and drain plugs on other
transmissions).
If a small stream of fluid runs out of the filler hole the level
is correct.
If no fluid
leaks out when plug is removed, fluid level is to
low. Add ATF fluid until it starts to overflow.
Install filler plug using a new sealing ring.
Hot ATF can scald. Wear eye protection and protective cloth-
ing andgloves during
the check. If the tmnsmission was over-
filled, hot ATF will spill from the filler hole when the
fill plug is
removed.
ATF, draining and filling
The procedure given here includes removal and installation of
the fluid strainer (filter). Refer to illustrations in Automatic
transmission fluid
pan and strainer.
Remove ATF drain plug
(1) and drain fluid into container.
WARNING-
ATFshould be warm when draining. Hot ATFcan scald. Wear
eye protection, protective clothing and gloves.
Remove transmission pan mounting bolts and remove pan.
Remove pan gasket and clean
gasket sealing surface.
- Pull ATF strainer from transmission pump housing. If strainer
sealing ring remains in pump housing remove using a seal
puller.
- Installation is reverse of removal.
Always replace seal for drain plug and all
gasket(s)
and O-rings.
Clean sump and sump
magnet(s) using a lint-free cloth.
Tighten transmission pan bolts in sequential order.
Using filler plug
(2), fill transmission with approved ATF.
Check fluid level as described earlier.

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Automatic Transmission
NOTE-
Use new ATF pan bolts purchased from BMW Alternatively,
clean old bolts and coat with
LoctiteB thread locl pound or equivalent
Automatic transmission fluid capacity
with torque converter
7.8 liters (8.3 US qt)
without torque converter
3.3 liters (3.5 US qt)
A5S 360R 1 A5S 390R
with torque converter
without torque converter 9 liters (9.5 US qt)
4 liters (4.2 US qt)
A5S 3252 (2.5 liter engine)
with torque converter
without torque converter
8.9 liters (9.4 US qt)
6.2 liters (6.5 US qt)
A5S 3252 (3.0 liter engine)
with torque converter
8.7 liters (9.3 US qt)
without torque converter
6.1 liters (6.4 US qt)
A5S 5602
with torque converter 13.1 liters (13.8 US qt)
without torque converter
5.5 liters (5.8 US qt)
A5S 4402
with torque converter
without torque converter 9.7 liters (10.2 US qt)
4.0 liters (4.2 US qt)
Tightening torques
ATF drain plug to ATF pan
A4S 310R 33 Nm (24 ft-lb)
A5S 360R I A5S 390R (M14) 20 Nm (15 It-lb)
A5S
3252 35 Nm (26 ft-lb)
A5S 560Z 50 Nm (37 ft-lb)
A5S
4402 (MI 6) 30 Nm (23 ft-lb)
ATF fill plug
to transmission housing
A4S 31 OR 25 Nm (I8 ft-lb)
A5S 360R 1 A5S 390R (M14) 20 Nm (1 5 ft-lb)
A5S 3252 30 Nm (23 ft-ib)
A5S 5602 100 Nm (74 ft-lb)
A5S 4402 (M18) 35 Nm (26 ft-lb)
ATF pan to transmission (M6)
A4S 310R
A5S
360R 1 A5S 390R
A5S 3252
A5S
5602
A5S 4402
12 Nm (9 ft-lb)
10 Nm (7 ft-ib)
6 Nm (4 ft-lb)
10 Nm (7 ft-lb)
10 Nm (7 ft-lb)