2000 BMW 540I SEDAN window

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

190n
Radio reception BMW active seat
*
AM provides substantially longer recep-
tion ranges than FM. AM broadcast
signals, propagated at ground level in
the form of surface waves, are also
reflected from the ionosphere as
atmospheric waves.
Frequency-modulation (FM) provides
substantially better sound quality than
AM. However, because FM transmis-
sions rely on line-of-sight broadcast
waves, their effective reception range is
limited.360de084
Although numerous factors combine
to impose inherent limitations on the
reception quality available from mobile
radios, specially designed systems can
be employed to minimize their effects:
The Diversity Antenna system employs
several FM antennas integrated within
the rear window to provide three sepa-
rate sources for receiving broadcast
waves. An integral processor automati-
cally selects the antenna with the best
FM reception quality at any given time.
Because the ongoing antenna selection
process is completed within milli-sec-
onds, it remains inaudible to the radio
listener.BMW seats are configured for your
orthopedic well-being. The active seat
is an engineering enhancement of
BMW's seats, designed to ensure less
fatigue during extended trips while
sitting with little movement. The seat is
no longer a passive element between
the road, the running gear and the pas-
senger. Instead, it creates minor and
imperceptible shifts in your weight by
an active change in the contour of the
seat surface. The basic seat position is
not changed as this occurs.
Fluid cushions are located below the
surface of the seat in the seat's
upholstery on the left and right. The
fluid is circulated slowly back and forth
between the two cushions by means of
a pump. This causes a movement of the
spinal column which is nearly unnotice-
380de676

193n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Rain sensor
*
Depending on the degree of wetness
on the windshield, the rain sensor
controls the operation of the windshield
wipers.
Infrared light is carried along the
surface of the windshield in an optical
conductor in such a manner that it is
reflected completely when the wind-
shield is dry. The quantity of reflected
light is measured.
If the window is covered with beads of
water, the amount of light that is
reflected is decreased since the infra-
red light at the surface of the windshield
can then escape. The quantity of
reflected light is thus a means of
gauging the degree of wetness on the
windshield.390de133
When the system is set to the "Intermit-
tent" wiper speed, the wipers react
immediately Ð if water is splashed onto
the windshield by vehicles traveling
ahead of you, for example. As a result,
the rain sensor provides a contribution
to driving safety and comfort.

A
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)23, 127
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal
filter103
Active seat53, 190
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)71, 188
Add engine oil149
Add washer fluid148
Adjust backrest52
Adjust seats50
Adjust steering wheel54
Adjust temperature100
Air conditioning control98
Remove condensation
from windshields101
Air distribution100
Air pressure134
Air supply101
Air vent98
Airbags23, 60, 160, 188
Alarm system45
Antenna, Diversity190
Antennas133
Antifreeze151
Antifreeze, radiator130
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)23, 127
Anti-theft protection37
Approved gross vehicle
weight201Aquaplaning134
ASC+T/DSC24, 91, 189
Ashtray110
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)71, 188
Attach vacuum cleaner111
AUC (Automatic recirculated-
air control)101
Automatic car washes155
Automatic climate control98
Automatic cruise control80
Automatic curb monitor56
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror55
Automatic rear window
wiper79
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)101
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction/Dynamic
Stability Control (ASC+T)/
(DSC)24, 91, 189
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment54
Automatic transmission71
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic74
Automatic transmission, oil
capacities203
Average fuel
consumption88
Average speed88
Axle loads201

B
Backup lamps70
Bulb replacement169
Battery176, 204
Capacity204
Charging177
Discharged182
Removal and
installation178
Belts59
Beverage holder109
Blower101
BMW active seat53, 190
BMW comfort seat51
BMW sports seat52
BMW Universal
Transmitter105
Bore198
Brake system124
Brake faults130
Brake fluid152
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement169
Brake pads23
Breaking-in the
brakes124
Disc brakes124, 128
Parking brake23, 69
Brake-in procedure124
Brakes, refer to Brake
system
Breaking in the vehicle124
Break-resistant security
glass, care158
Bulb replacement167

C
Car jack173
Car keys35
Car Memory58
Car phones and telephones,
refer to the seperate
Owner's Manual
Car radio
reception133, 190
Car telephone109
Car wash155
Care, vehicle exterior156
Care, vehicle interior158
Cargo loading120
Caring for the vehicle
finish157
Catalytic converter126
Cellular phone133
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp, bulb
replacement171
Central locking system,
button40
Changing a tire173
Charging the battery177
Check air pressure30
Check Control85
Check engine oil level149
Child restraint systems59
Child's seat59
Child-safety locks66
Cigarette lighter110

Everything from A to Z

209n

RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data

Everything from A to Z

Clock, refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual
Cockpit16
Cold start68
Comfort seat51
Compartments108
Compression ratio198
Computer, refer to Onboard
computer88
Consumption display83
Convenience operating
mode of windows and
sliding/tilt sunroof36
Coolant130, 151
Antifreeze130
Capacity203
Temperature gauge84
Cover, sun blinds104
Cruise control80
Cruising range88
Cup holder109
Curb weight201

D
Dashboard16
Data link connector for
Onboard Diagnostics162
Daytime-driving lamp94
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)24, 129
Deep water125Defrost windshields101
Digital sound processor192
Dimensions199
Dipstick, engine oil149
Disc brakes124, 128
Disconnect the battery178
Displacement198
Display lighting94
Displays18
Distance warning90
Diversity Antenna
system190
Divided rear-seat
backrest112
Door keys35
Door locks, care130
Doors
Emergency release36
Manual operation36
Unlocking and locking36
Drive belts204
Driving notes125
Driving through water125
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)24, 91, 189
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)24, 129
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)24, 91, 189

E
Electric power seat50
Electric power windows47
Electrical defect
Fuel filler door180
Sliding/Tilt sunroof180
Tailgate181
Electrical heating exterior
mirror55
Electrical steering wheel
adjustment54
Elements of operation16
Emergency operation
Doors36
Fuel filler door180
Luggage compartment lid/
Tailgate41, 181
Sliding/Tilt sunroof180
Energy Control83
Engine
Compartment144
Coolant151
Specifications198
Engine oil
Capacity203
Consumption149
Grades150
Level23
Pressure23
Error indicators85
Exterior finish156
Exterior mirror54
Electrical heating55

F
Failure of an electrical
accessorry180
Failure warnings85
Filler cap cover28
Filling capacities203
First-aid kit27
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing183
Flashlight108
Flat tire134
Footbrake
Footwell lamps96
Forward/Back adjustment,
seat50, 52
Front fog lamps95, 169
bulb replacement169
Front seat adjustment50
Frost protection,
radiator151
Fuel29
Capacity203
Consumption indicator83
Gauge83
Quality29
Reserve203
Fuel filler door release after
electrical fault180
Fuel tank, capacity203
Fuses178

211n

RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data

Everything from A to Z

Manual operation
Doors36
Fuel filler door180
Luggage compartment lid/
Tailgate41, 181
Sliding/Tilt sunroof180
Manual transmission70
Manually controlled
recirculated-air101
Master key34
Mechanical seat52
Memory56
MFL (M Multifunction
steering wheel)26
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)25
Microfilter103
Mirror54
Mirror heating55
Mirror memory56
Mobile communications
systems, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobile phones133
Modifications,
technical6, 161
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)25

N
Navigation System, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Nonsmoker equipment110
Nozzles98

O
OBD connector162
Odometer82
Oil
Additives149
Consumption149
Grades150
Oil change interval, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Oil dipstick149
Oil level, indicator lamp23
Oil quantity, engine203
OILSERVICE84
Old batteries177
Onboard computer88
Average fuel
consumption88
Average speed88
Cruising range88
Outside temperature88
Onboard tool kit166Open luggage compartment
lid/tailgate from
interior41
Opening and closing
From the inside38
From the outside36
Operating range88
Outside temperature88
Outside temperature
display82

P
Paint blemishes156
Paint, care156
Paintwork, minor
repairs157
Paintwork, waxing157
Park Distance Control
(PDC)90
Parking brake23, 69
Parking help90
Parking lamps95
Bulb replacement168
Parking, Winter132
PDC (Park Distance
Control)90
Playing cassettes
Refer to the Radio Owner's
Manual
Playing CDs
Refer to the Radio Owner's
Manual
Pocket light108Pollen filter103
Power output198
Power steering132
Power windows47
Safety switch48
Power-slip control
Refer to ASC+T/DSC91
Pressure, tire30, 134
Monitoring92, 194

R
Radio reception133, 190
Radio, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Radios133
Rain sensor155
RDC (Tire Pressure
Control)92, 194
Reading lamps96
Rear view mirror54
Rear window blind104
Rear window
defrosting79, 102
Rear window wiper79
Rear-seat backrest,
removable112
Recirculated-air control101
Reclining seat50
Refueling28
Remote control37
Removable rear-seat
backrest112

Everything from A to Z

Remove condensation from
windshields101
Replacement keys35
Replacement of tires135
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve capacity
Cooling system203
Engine oil203
Fuel tank203
Washer system203
Residual heat102
Restraint system59
Reverse70
Rims137
Roof load201
Roof-mounted luggage
rack121
Rubber parts130

S
Safety belt tensioner191
Safety belts59
Safety lock buttons40
Seat heating103
Seat memory56
Seat, electric power50
Seat, forward/back
adjustment50, 52
Seat, mechanical52
Secure the load44, 120
Selector lever, automatic
transmission71, 74Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
(US models)154
Service Interval
Display84, 154
Servotronic132
Shift lever70
Shoulder support51
Shutting off the engine69
Side airbags60
Side impact Head Protection
System60
Ski bag113
Ski bag in the sport
wagon115
Skid control132
Sliding132
Sliding/Tilt sunroof48
Closure after electrical
fault180
Convenience
operation36
Manual operation180
Power supply
interruption49
Slippery roads131
Snow chains131, 139
Socket110
Sound system192
Spare key35
Spare tire136, 174
Spark plugs204Speaker109
Special oils150
Specifications for engine
oil150
Speed control80
Speedometer18, 20
sport wagon
Compartments in the
luggage
compartment117
Folding down the rear
backrest116
Lashing eyes120
Load-securing
devices120
Luggage
compartment116
Luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
replacement172
Opening the rear
window42
Rear window wiper79
Rear window wiper, wiper
blade replacement166
Roll-up cover116
Securing a load120
Separation net116
Ski bag115
Tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement170
Tailgate, manual release
after electrical fault180Sports seat52
Start the engine68
Starting help182
Steering132
Steering wheel heating103
Steering wheel lock67
Steering wheel memory56
Storage108
Stroke198
Summer tires137
Sun visors55
Symbols4

T
Tachometer82
Tail lamps170
Tail lamps,
bulb replacement169
Tailgate44, 181
Convenience opening
mode38
Manual release after
electrical fault181
Taillamps170
Technical Data198
Technical
modifications6, 161
Telephone hookup109
Temperature display, engine
coolant84
Temperature gauge, outside
temperature82
Tensioning straps44

Everything from A to Z Third brake lamp, bulb
replacement171
Through-loading
system112
Tilt alarm38
Tire134
Change173
Code137
Damage134
Inflation pressure30, 134
Monitoring inflation
pressure92, 194
Renewal135
Rotation between
axles135
Tread134
Valve caps138
Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)92, 194
Tools166
Torque198
Tow fittings183
Towing183
Tow-starting183
Track width199
Transmission70
Tread depth, tires134
Trip odometer82
Trunk, capacity201
Turn signal77
Bulb replacement169
Turning circle199
U
Universal Transmitter105
Used oil151

V
Valve caps138
Vanity mirror55
Vehicle battery176
Vehicle care, exterior156
Vehicle care, interior158
Vehicle Identification
Number153
Vehicle painting156
Vehicle removal from
service160
Vehicle storage160
Ventilation98, 102
Ventilation in the rear102
Ventilation while parked104
Ventilation, draft-free102
Vinyl upholstery, care158
Viscosity150

W
Warning lamps22
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian
models)154
Washer fluid reservoir
Capacity203
Filling148Washing your car155
Water on the roads125
Waxing, paintwork157
Weights201
Wheelbase199
Wheels and tires137
Width199
Windows
Convenience
operation36
Windows, convenience
operating mode36, 37
Windshield washer fluid
reservoir, capacity203
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment148
Windshield washer reservoir,
filling148
Windshield wipers77
Winter driving130
Winter operation130
Winter tires138
Wiper blade
replacement166
Wiper/Washer system77
Work in the engine
compartment143

X
Xenon lamps94, 168, 195