2000 BMW 540I SEDAN oil change

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Winter tires Snow chains
*
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the tires are
rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to be-
low 0.16 inches (4 mm), and should
thus be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, away
from light whenever possible. Protect
the tires against contact with oil, grease
and fuel.Use narrow-link BMW snow chains
on
summer or winter tires only in pairs and
only on the rear wheels. Comply with all
manufacturer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.
It is not possible to mount snow
chains on tires with 17-inch
wheels.<

150n
Engine oilSpecified engine oils The quality of the engine oil selected
has critical significance for the opera-
tion and service life of an engine. Based
on extensive testing, BMW has ap-
proved only certain engine oils.
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil."
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil," you may
use small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Only use oils with
the specification API SH or higher.
Ask your authorized BMW center
for details concerning the specific
"BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil"
or "synthetic oils" which have been ap-
proved.<
You can also call BMW of North
America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit
this website: www.bmwusa.com to
obtain this information.
Viscosity ratingsViscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you typically drive your
BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-30 and SAE 5W-40.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.
530us050

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine oil Coolant
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
Recommendation: Have the oil
changed by your BMW center.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, any skin areas
that come into contact with oil should
be thoroughly washed with soap and
water.
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of
reach of children. Comply with all warn-
ing labels and information on lubricant
containers.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than fac-
tory-approved, nitrite and amino-free
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Your authorized BMW center
is familiar with the official specifica-
tions.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in their original container
and in a location which is inaccessible
to children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor contains the flammable sub-
stance ethylene glycol. For this reason,
do not spill antifreeze with corrosion in-
hibitor on hot engine parts. It could
catch fire and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. 687/206):
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
end of the red float is aligned with the
upper edge of the filler opening (refer
to the arrow in the illustration), or max.
0.8 in (2 cm) higher, for instance up
to the mark on the float (see also the
schematic diagram next to the cap).380de081

154n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety Ð and as cost-effectively as
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance in-
tervals, which are then indicated in the
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates, be-390us702
cause mileage can be accumulated in
very different ways.
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
In response to this fact, the BMW Main-
tenance System monitors operating
conditions as the basis for determining
the optimum service intervals for your
individual vehicle.
The BMW Maintenance System in-
cludes the Engine Oil Service and In-
spections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the car
covers every kind of operating situation.
However, even those who drive only
short distances Ð significantly less than
6,000 miles (10,000 km) annually Ð
should have the engine oil changed at
least every 2 years since oil deteriorates
over time, regardless of use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-
dian models)Please refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet (US models)
or to the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian models) for addi-
tional information on maintenance inter-
vals and procedures.
As a precaution against rust, it might be
a good idea to have the body checked
for damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW center do the
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and equipped with the re-
quired special tools. In addition, check-
ing parts known from experience to be
subject to wear is a permanent part of
the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in
the Warranty and Service Guide Book-
let (Canadian models).
These entries will constitute your proof
that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also required in
the event of a warranty claim.<
The BMW Maintenance System

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Caring for your carCaring for the vehicle finishRegular washing is a preventive mea-
sure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the vehi-
cle's finish, especially if you drive your
vehicle in areas with high levels of air
pollution or aggressive natural sub-
stances (tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive sub-
stances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled
during refueling, oil, grease and brake
fluid should always be cleaned away
immediately, as should bird droppings
(finish damage).
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use clean-
ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or
cotton pad to remove. Remove tar
spots with tar remover. After cleaning,
the affected areas should be waxed to
ensure continued protection.
Use cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain
at your BMW center.<
Waxing your carProtect the finish using carnauba or
synthetic-based waxes only.
The best way to determine when the
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the sur-
face.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
Use cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain
at your BMW center.<
Paint damageYou can touch up small areas of dam-
age with BMW spray paint or a BMW
touch-up stick.
The paint color code for your car is pro-
vided on a sticker located on the right
hand side under the hood and on the
first page of your Service and Warranty
Information Booklet.
Damage caused by flying stones,
scratches, etc., must be touched up
without delay to prevent rust from form-
ing.
If corrosion has started to form in an
area with paint damage, remove all rust
and clean the area. Then prime the area
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply
the finish coat. After a few days, polish
and protect the touched-in areas.
More extensive paint damage should be
repaired professionally in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
Your BMW center uses original BMW
finish materials in accordance with ap-
proved repair procedures.

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Capacities

Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 18.5
approx. 2.1
approx. 2.6 (approx. 70)
(approx. 8)
(approx. 10) Ð BMW 528i
Ð BMW 540iFuel specification: Refer to
page 29
Windshield washer system
with headlamp washer system
Intensive cleaning systemquarts (liters)
quarts (liters)
quarts (liters)approx. 3.7
approx. 6.3
approx. 1.1(approx. 3.5)
(approx. 6.0)
(approx. 1.0)For details: Refer to page 148
Cooling system including
heater circuitquarts (liters) 11.1 (10.5)
12.7 (12.0)Ð BMW 528i
Ð BMW 540iFor details: Refer to page 151
Engine oil filter change quarts (liters) 6.9 (6.5)
7.9 (7.5)Ð BMW 528i
Ð BMW 540i"High Performance Synthetic Oil"
for gasoline engines.
Specifications: Refer to page 150
Manual transmission, automatic
transmission and differentialÐ Ð Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required

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 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