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4 If oil level is low, add oil by removing oil filler cap (arrow) on
top of cylinder head
(6-cylinder oil cap shown, V-8 is sirnilar).
- Add only amount needed to bring oil level to upper mark on
dipstick, using an oil of correct viscosity and grade.
Engine oil and filter, changing
A complete oil change requires new oil, a new filter insert kit,
and a new drain plug sealing washer. The tools needed, a
17
mm drain plug socket or box wrench, a 36 mm socket or
wrench, and a drain pan (8
- 10 US qt. capacity), are de-
scribed in
010 General.
NOTE-
If using a "fast 1ube"service facility for oil changes, make sure
the technician hand-starts and torques the engine oil drain
plug using hand-tools. Power tools can strip the threads of
the plug and the oil pan.
Run engine for afew minutes to warm engine oil. Shut engine
off.
With car on level ground, place drain pan under oil drain plug.
Using a
36 mm socket, loosen and remove oil filter housing
cover (arrow). Remove filter cartridge and discard any
0-
rings (V-8 engine oil filter housing shown, 6-cylinder oil filter
housing is sirnilar).
Using a socket or box wrench, loosen drain plug at oil drain
pan. Remove plug by hand and let oil drain into pan
(V-8 en-
gine oil drain plug shown, 6-cylinder drain plug is similar).
WARNING -
Pull the loose plug away from the hole quicldy to avoid being
scalded by hot oil. It will run out
quiclcly when the plug is re-
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020-1 4
Maintenance
- When oil flow has diminished to an occasional drip, reinstall
drain plug with a new metal sealing washer and torque plug.
Tightening torque Engine oil drain plug to oil pan
25 Nrn (1.8 ft-lb)
6-cylinder oil filter assembly
r------ 1
< Working at oil filter housing (1):
Lubricate and install new oil filter O-rings (3, 4).
Install a new filter cartridge (5).
lnstall and tighten housing cover (2).
6-cylinder oil filter assembly shown, V-8 is similar.
Tightening torque Cover to oil filter housing
25 Nm (1.8 it-lb)
- Refill crankcase with oil. Approximate oil capacity is listed in
Tabled. Engine oil with filter change. Use dipstick to
check correct oil level.
- Start engine and check that oil pressure warning light
immediately goes out.
- Allow engine to run fora few minutes to circulate new oil, then
check for leaks at drain plug and oil filter. Stop engine and re-
check oil level
The section describes other routine maintenance done in the
engine compartment. Information on engine oil service is
giv-
enkar~ier inthis group.
For these procedures, it is not necessary for the car to be
raised and supported off the ground.
Accelerator and linkage
The accelerator and linkage at the throttle housing should be
lubricated periodically. Use ageneral purposeoil on the joints
and bearings of the linkage. Use a multipurpose grease on
the bearing points of the throttle plate.
Air filter, replacing
The specified replacement intervals forthe air filter are based
on normal use. If the car is operated primarily in dusty
conditions, the air filter should be serviced more frequently.
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020-26
Maintenance
NOTE-
The parking brake may lose some of its effectiveness if it is
not used frequently This is due to corrosion build-up on the
parking brake drum. To remove corrosion, apply the parking
brake just until it begins to grip, then pull the lever up one
more stop (click). Drive the car approximately 400 meters
(1,300
ft.) and release the brake. To recheck the adjustment
of the parking brake see
340 Brakes.
Clutch fluid, checking
In cars equipped with manual transmission and clutch, the hy-
draulic clutch and the brake system share the same reservoir
and the same bralte fluid. Clutch fluid level and brake fluid lev-
el are checked at the same time.
NOTE-
* See 340 Brakes for more information.
See
210 Clutch for information on the clutch and the
hydraulic clutch operating system.
Differential oil level, checking
The E39 differential is filled with lifetime oil that ordinarily
does not need to be changed.
BMW recommends using only
a specially formulated synthetic gear oil
(SAF-XO) that is
available through an authorized
BM\N dealer parts depart-
ment. For additional information on this lubricant and any
other lubricants that may be compatible, contact an
authorized
BMW dealer service department.
< Check rear differential oil level at filler plug (arrow).
- Check lubricant level with car on a level surface:
Level is correct when fluid just reaches edge of filler hole.
If necessary, top up fluid.
Replace filler plug sealing ring.
Install and tighten oil filler plug when oil level is correct.
NOTE-
Use either a 14 mm or 17 mm Allen socket to remove the
drain plug.
If the car is raised in the air, it should be level when
checking or filling final drive fluid level.
Tightening torque
Filler plug to final drive housing 70 Nrn (52 it-lb)
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Maintenance
Suspension, front, inspecting
Inspection of the front suspension and steering includes a
check of all moving parts
forwear and excessive play. Inspect
ball joint and tie-rod rubber seals and boots for cracks
ortears
that could allow the entry of dirt, water, and other
contaminants. See
310 Front Suspension.
Suspension, rear, inspecting
Differential and rear drive axle service consists of checking
and changing the gear oil, inspecting for leaks, and checking
the drive axle
CV joint boots for damage.
The areas where
lealts are most likely to occurare around the
drive shaft and drive axle mounting flanges. For more infor-
mation on identifying oil leaks and theircauses, see
330 Rear
Suspension and
331 Final Drive.
Tires, checking inflation pressure
Correct tire pressures are important to handling and stability,
fuel economy, and tire wear. Tire pressures change with tem-
perature. Pressures should be
checked oRen during season-
al temperature changes. Correct inflation pressures can be
found on the driver's door pillar and in the owner's manual.
Note that tire pressures should be higher when the car is
more heavily loaded.
WARNING-
Do not inflate any tire to a pressure higher than the tire's max-
imum inflation pressure listedon the sidewall. Use care when
adding air to warm tires. Warm tire pressures can increase as
much as
4 psi (0.3 bar) over their coldpressures.
Tires, rotating
BMW does not recommend tire rotation. Due to the car's sus-
pension design, the front tires begin to wear first at the outer
shoulder and the reartires begin to wearfirst at the middle of
the tread or inner shoulder. Rotating the tires may adversely
affect road handling and tire grip.
Transmission service, automatic
The automatic transmissions installed in E39 models are
filled with special automatic transmission fluid. The transmis-
sion lubricant type can be found on the "type-plate" on the
side of the transmission. The recommended lubricants are
listed earlier in this repair group. See Fluids and lubricants.
If in doubt, consult an authorized BMW dealer for alternate
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020-30
Maintenance
fluid use and the most-up-to-date information regarding
transmission operating fluids.
The automatic transmission is not equipped with a dipstick.
Therefore, checking the ATF level is an involved procedure
which includes measuring and maintaining a specified ATF
temperature during the checking procedure.
For more complete
ATF service information, including
checking
ATF level and ATF filter replacement procedures,
see
240 Automatic Transmission.
Transmission service, manual
Manual transmission service consists of inspecting for leaks
and checking the fluid. Evidence of transmission leaks is
like-
ly to be seen around the driveshaft mounting flange and at the
bottom of the bellhousing.
NOTE-
For more information on identifying oil
leaks and their
causes, see 230 Manual Transmission and210 Clutch.
Transmission fluid, checking and filling
(manual transmission)
Tne manual transmss'on inslalleo 'n rne E39 models s f;lled
with a special liierime iluid (ivlTF-LT-I). oi. ordinarily
does
not need to be changed.
< Check manual transmission oil level at transmission filler plug
(A). Make sure car is on level surface.
NOTE- Transmission fluid level
checking and replacement
procedures are covered in 230 Manual Transmission.
Wheels, aligning
BMW recommends checking the front and rear alignment
once a year and whenever new tires are installed.
NOTE-
See 320 Steering and Wheel Alignment for a more detailed
discussion of alignment requirements and specifications.
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110-15
Engine Removal and lnstallation
- Installation is reverse of removal, noting the following:
Replace all gaskets. O-rings and seals.
Use new fuel injector seals
Check that engine drive belts properly engage pulley
grooves.
Inspect O-ring seal between mass air flow sensor and air
filter housing. To facilitate reassembly, coat seal with acid-
free grease.
Change engine oil and filter and
check all other fluid levels.
See
020 Maintenance.
Refill and bleed cooling system. See
170 Radiator and
Cooling System.
CAUTION--
When reattaching throttle assembly harness connectoc con-
nector is
fuNy tightened when arrows on connector and plug
line up.
Tightening torques
Coolant drain plug to cylinder block
25 Nm (18 ft-lb)
Engine mount to
subframe (M10) 45 Nm (33 ft-ib)
Exhaust manifold to cylinder head
M6 10 Nm (89 in-lb)
M7 or ME 20 Nm (15 ft-lb)
Intake manifold to cylinder head
M7 15 Nm (I 1 ft-lb)
ME 22 Nm (16 ft-lb)
Radiator cooling fan to coolant pump
40 Nm (30 ft-lb)
Radiator drain screw to radiator
2.5 Nm (22 in-lb)
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--
-- Engine Removal and installation' -
Remove polyribbed A/C compressor belt:
Mark direction of belt travel if belts are to be reused.
Loosen bolts
(A).
Turn adjusting lug (B) clocltwise to release belt tension.
Working beneath car, remove power steering pump and air
conditioner compressor. Suspend from body using stiff wire.
Remove exhaust manifolds. See
180 Exhaust System.
< lnstall engine lifting device (BMW 11 0 000 or equivalent) to
front and rear engine supports and raise engine until it's
weight is supported. Detach engine mounts.
a Watch carefully for hoses and electrical wires that might
snag.
- installation is reverse of removal:
Replace all gaskets, O-rings and seals.
V-8 engine mounts have two sets of mounting holes. E39
cars use front most mounting holes.
* On cars with automatic transmission, use new O-rings at
ATF cooler lines.
Use new alignment sleeves when installing transmission.
Be sure engine drive belts properly engage pulley grooves.
When installing belt, preload tensioner to stop (toward
belt), then tighten tensioner clamping nut.
lnstall front exhaust pipes using new gasltets and copper
paste and new mounting hardware. See
180 Exhaust
System.
Change engine oil and filter. Check all other fluid levels as
described in
020 Maintenance.
Refill and bleed cooling system as described in
170 Radi-
ator and Cooling System.
CAUTION-
Do not interchange knoclc sensor harness connectors. Seri-
ous engine damage may result
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. .- . --
Lr -- - - - -- Cylinder Head Removal and Installation I -
- Release pressure at compression gauge valve, then remove
gauge from spark plug hole. Repeat test for each cylinder
and compare results with values given in Table a.
Table a. Compression testing specifications
Minimum compression
6-cylinder
10-1 1 bar (142-156 psi)
V-8 12-14 bar (174-203 psi)
Maximum difference between
cylinders (all engines)
0.5 bar (7 psi)
- Compression readings may be interpreted as follows:
Low compression indicates a poorly sealed combustion
chamber.
0 Relatively even pressures that are below specification nor-
mally indicate worn piston rings
andlor cylinder walls.
Erratic values tend to indicate valve leakage.
Dramatic differences between cylinders are often a sign of
a failed head
gasket, burned valve, or broken piston ring.
- If readings are within specifications, reinstall spark plugs and
ignition coils.
NOTE-
Used spark plugs should be reinstalled in the same cylinder
from which they were removed.
Tightening torque Spark plug to cylinder head 25 Nm
(18 ft-lb)
lanition coils to cylinder head 10 Nm (7.5 ft-lb)
- Remainder of installation is reverse of removal. Be sure to re-
install all wires disconnected during test, especially ground
wires at coils and cylinder head cover (where applicable).
Wet compression test
To further help analyze the source of poorcompression,awet
compression test is the next step.
- Repeat compression test, this time squirt a teaspoon of oil
into each cylinder. The oil will temporarily help seal between
piston rings and cylinder wall, practically eliminating leakage
past rings for a short time.
- If this test yields a higher reading than "dry" compression
test, there is probably leakage between piston rings and
cylinder walls, due either to wear or to broken piston rings.
- Little or no change in compression reading indicates other
leakage, probably from valves.