2000 BMW 540I SEDAN automatic transmission

81n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Cruise controlTo deactivate the cruise controlWhen the system is activated, press
button 4. The indicator lamp stays on.
You can use the cruise control again as
desired.
In addition, the system is also automati-
cally deactivated in response to the fol-
lowing conditions:
>When you apply pressure to the
brake pedal
>When you apply pressure to the
clutch pedal, and when you move the
automatic transmission selector le-
ver from "Drive" to "Neutral"
>If you exceed or fall below the pro-
grammed speed for an extended pe-
riod (by depressing the accelerator,
for example).
To resume the stored settingPress button 3:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored. When you
turn the ignition key to position 0, the
stored speed is deleted from the sys-
tem's memory and the system is deacti-
vated.To deactivate the systemWhen the cruise control has been can-
celed, press button 4 again. The indica-
tor lamp goes off and the memorized
speed is canceled.Do not use cruise control on twist-
ing roads, when high traffic den-
sity prevents driving at a constant
speed, when the road surface is slick
(snow, rain, ice), or when the road sur-
face is loose (rocks or gravel, sand).<

105n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
The conceptThe BMW Universal Transmitter re-
places up to three hand-held transmit-
ters that control different devices such
as a garage door opener, alarm sys-
tems or a door locking system. The
BMW Universal Transmitter recognizes
and "learns" the transmitted signal from
each of the original hand-held transmit-
ters.
The signal of an original hand-held
transmitter can be programmed to one
of three channel keys. Following that,
each of the devices can be operated
with the channel key that you have pro-
grammed for it. A transmission of the
signal is indicated by the indicator lamp.
Before you sell your vehicle, the pro-
grammed channel keys should be de-
leted. Refer to page 107 for the de-
scription of this process.
To prevent potential injuries or
damage: During the programming
operation and before every remote trig-
gering of a programmed device using
the BMW Universal Transmitter, be sure
that there are no persons, animals or
objects within the range of movement
of the respective device. Read and
comply with the safety instructions for
the original hand-held transmitter
also.<
To Canadian residents:
During programming, your hand-
held transmitter may automatically stop
transmitting after two seconds. This
may not be long enough to program the
BMW Universal Transmitter. If you are
programming from one of these hand-
held transmitters, the Universal Trans-
mitter's lamp may begin to flash in a se-
ries of double flashes. If this occurs,
continue to hold the button on the Uni-
versal Transmitter while you reactivate
your hand-held transmitter. You may
have to repeat this function several
times while programming.<
Before programming, read the
"User's information" section on
page 107.<
The original hand-held transmitter
If this symbol is depicted on the
packaging or in the user's in-
structions for the original hand-
held transmitter, it may be assumed
that this original hand-held transmitter
is compatible with the BMW Universal
Transmitter.
Checking for the change codeIn order to determine whether the origi-
nal hand-held transmitter is equipped
with a change code system, you may
either refer to the instructions for the
original hand-held transmitter or pro-
gram a channel key as described in the
left column on page 106 under "Pro-
gramming."
Following that, press and hold the pro-
grammed channel key of the BMW Uni-
versal Transmitter. If the indicator lamp
of the BMW Universal Transmitter
flashes rapidly for two seconds and
then stays on continuously, the original
hand-held transmitter is equipped with
a change code system. If the change
code system is available, program the
channel keys as described in the right-
hand column on page 106 under "Pro-
gramming a hand-held transmitter with
change code."
If you have additional questions,
please consult your BMW center
or call 1-800-355-3515.<
BMW Universal Transmitter
*

129n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Disc brakesDriving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply
light pressure to the brake pedal every
few miles (kilometers). Watch traffic
conditions to ensure that this maneuver
does not endanger other road users.
The heat which is generated by the
brake applications helps to dry the
brake pads and rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels continue to rotate,
peaking when the wheels remain on the
verge of locking without actually doing
so. ABS maintains this state automati-
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert
to the staggered braking technique de-
scribed below (refer to page 131).
Extended or steep mountain descents
do not necessarily have to lead to re-
duced braking efficiency. Shift down to
a gear in which only minimal periodic
brake applications are required or move
the selector lever to the appropriate
lower range with automatic transmis-
sion.
You can increase the engine's braking
effect by selecting progressively lower
gears, downshifting as far as 1st gear,
or the 1st or 2nd shift position, on steep
descents.Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure over
an extended period of time, you should
decelerate by applying more substantial
pressure to the brake pedal (watch for
following traffic!), then releasing the
pedal, then repeating the application.
This staggered braking technique al-
lows the brakes to cool in the intervals
between active braking phases, pre-
venting overheating and ensuring that
full braking capacity remains available
at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch de-
pressed or with the transmission
or selector lever in neutral. Do not coast
with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when the
clutch is depressed or the transmission
is in neutral, and there is no power-as-
sist for braking or steering when the
engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
*
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this sys-
tem automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction, the yellow
warning lamp comes on. Conventional
braking efficiency is available without
limitations.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as possi-
ble.
For "Information for your safety"
covering the ABS system, refer to
page 128. This information also gener-
ally applies for DBC.<

132n
Winter operation Power steering Level control system
*
Skid controlRelease the accelerator pedal and
depress the clutch pedal. Countersteer
carefully and attempt to regain control
of the vehicle.ParkingEngage 1st or reverse gear. If your car
is equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion, place the selector lever in "Park."
On vehicles with manual transmission,
also apply the parking brake when
parking on inclined surfaces. In order to
prevent the parking brake linings from
locking due to frost or corrosion, dry
them by gently applying the parking
brake as the vehicle is coming to a
stop. Make sure that following traffic is
not endangered.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is
applied.<
If there is a change in steering behavior,
for instance greater steering effort or if
steering becomes lighter as speed
increases in vehicles equipped with
Servotronic
*:
Contact your BMW center immediately
for an inspection.
If the power steering fails,
increased effort will be required
to steer the vehicle.<
The warning lamp for the level
control system comes on, or the
message "LEVEL CONTROL
INACTIVE" appears in the Check Con-
trol: There is a malfunction in the level
control system.
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If it is
riding significantly lower in the rear than
in the front, or if it is sitting at an incline
(left rear compared to right rear),
consult the nearest authorized BMW
center. Drive with appropriate caution
in the meantime. The vehicle has
reduced ground clearance or driving
comfort is noticeably reduced.
Even if the attitude of the vehicle is
normal, you should consult the nearest
authorized BMW center if the warning
lamp indicates a system fault.

149n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine oilChecking oil level1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating
temperature.
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
similar material.
4 Push the dipstick all the way into the
guide tube and pull it out again.
5 The oil level should be in between the
two graduations on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.390de076
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.460de189
To add oilWait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, do not wait until the oil level
drops below the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to op-
erate without oil additives; the use
of additives could lead to damage in
some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system.< 390de077

173n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Changing tires
Safety measures in the event of a
flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat,
surface. Switch on the hazard flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse (selector lever in Park with
automatic transmission) and engage the
parking brake. All passengers should
be outside the car and well away from
your immediate working area (behind a
guardrail, for instance).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the car on a soft or slippery sup-
port surface (snow, ice, loose gravel,
etc.), since it could slide sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack Ð risk of fatal injury.<
What you will needIn order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Car jack
sedan: Fold back the luggage com-
partment floor mat for access, then
unscrew the wingnut to release the
jack (arrow).
sport wagon: Raise the floor panel
and spare tire cover (refer to
page 118).
When you have completed work,
screw the jack all the way back down.
Fold the handle back and insert it in
its holder
>Wedge (wheel chock)
Located next to the jack. Loosen the
wing nut to remove it394de090

184n
Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response.<
Tow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of
vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting, refer
to page 182.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another car, since damage to the
energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission1 Place the selector lever in position N
2 Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3 Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers re-
main operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging.
5 Switch on the hazard-warning system
(observe country-specific regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the ve-
hicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to pre-
vent the steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.<
Towing with a commercial
tow truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.<380us124

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
187n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Airbags188
Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC)188
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)189
Radio reception190
BMW active seat190
Safety belt tensioner191
DSP sound system191
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer192
Rain sensor193
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)194
Integrated rear suspension194
Level control system195
Xenon lamps195