2000 BMW 540I SEDAN snow chains

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams94
Instrument lighting94
High beams/Parking lamps95
Fog lamps95
Interior lamps96
Reading lamps96

Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:

Automatic climate control98
Seat heating 103
Steering wheel heating 103
Roller sun blind 104
Independent ventilation
system 104

Cabin convenience:

BMW Universal Transmitter 105
Glove compartment108
Storage facilities108
Cellular phone 109
Beverage holder 109
Ashtray, front110
Cigarette lighter 110
Ashtray, rear111

Loading and transporting cargo:

Through-loading system 112
Ski bag 113
sport wagon:
Luggage compartment 116
Roll-up cover 116
Separation net 116
Storage areas in the luggage
compartment 118
Cargo loading120
Roof-mounted luggage rack121

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure124
Driving notes125
Catalytic converter126
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)127
Disc brakes128
Brake system130
Winter operation130
Power steering132
Level control system 132
Cellular phone 133
Radio reception133

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure134
Tire condition134
Tire replacement135
Tire rotation136
Wheel and tire
combinations137
Winter tires138
Snow chains 139
Approved wheel and tire
specifications 140

91n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
ASC+T/DSC
*
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)
*
These systems contribute to additional
vehicle stability, especially during ac-
celeration and when cornering.
The DSC system enhances the benefits
of the ASC+T. In addition to optimizing
vehicle stability and traction during ac-
celeration or when starting from a
standstill, a further benefit is realized in
cornering. This, of course, is true only
within physically feasible limits.
The system activates automatically
each time you start the engine.390de359
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly af-
ter you switch on the ignition.
Refer to page 24.
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque in response to monitored vehicle
operating conditions.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving:
If the system has not been deactivated,
there is a system malfunction. The vehi-
cle remains operational, but without
ASC+T/DSC. Consult your authorized
BMW center for repair.
To deactivate the systemPress the button. The indicator lamp
will come on.
Depending on equipment options, the
button is marked with ASC or DSC.
With deactivated ASC+T/DSC you are
driving with conventional, unregulated
torque transfer.
We recommend that you deactivate the
system for increased traction:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 131.To reactivate the systemPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be re-
pealed, even with ASC+T/DSC.
Any consequences arising from traction
loss due to excessive vehicle speed re-
main the responsibility of the driver. We
therefore urge you to avoid using the
additional safety margin of the system
as an excuse for taking risks.<
For additional details concerning
ASC+T/DSC, please refer to the chap-
ter describing "Advanced technology"
on page 189.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
123n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Under the hood:
Hood143
Engine compartment144
Washer fluids148
Washer nozzles148
Engine oil149
Coolant151
Brake fluid152
Vehicle Identification
Number153
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System154
Caring for your car155
Airbags160
Vehicle storage160
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications161
OBD connector162 Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure124
Driving notes125
Catalytic converter126
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)127
Disc brakes128
Brake system130
Winter operation130
Power steering132
Level control system132
Cellular phone133
Radio reception133
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure134
Tire condition134
Tire replacement135
Tire rotation136
Wheel and tire
combinations137
Winter tires138
Snow chains139
Approved wheel and tire
specifications140

127n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Antilock Brake System (ABS)The conceptABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking un-
der braking. The reason: Locked wheels
are dangerous. When the front wheels
slide, the driver loses steering control
over the vehicle. Traction loss at the
rear wheels can cause the rear end to
break into an uncontrolled skid.
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability
>To help retain steering and maneu-
vering capability on all types of road
surface (asphalt, cement, dirt, mois-
ture, snow and ice).
The system can achieve the shortest
braking distances possible under most
conditions (on straight-away and in
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road sur-
faces, etc.).
Braking with ABSThe system becomes operative once
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). The ABS is deacti-
vated whenever the vehicle's speed
drops back below approx. 4 mph
(6 km/h). This means that the wheels
can lock in the final phase of a brake
application Ð a factor of no significance
in actual use.
If you are in a situation which requires
full braking, you will exploit the full ben-
efits of the ABS system if you apply
maximum brake pressure ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering re-
sponsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
The ABS system closed-loop control
circuit cycles in fractions of a second.
A pulsation at the brake pedal indicates
to the driver that ABS is active, that is,
that the vehicle is within its maximum
braking range. In addition, the audible
pulsation that accompanies the control
operation calls the attention of the
driver to the reduced traction between
the tires and the road surface (slippery
road surface), and serves as a reminder
that the speed of the car should be re-
duced to adapt to road conditions.On road surfaces which have a loose
layer on a firm base (on gravel or snow,
for instance), the braking distances with
ABS may be longer than with the
wheels locked. The same applies when
snow chains have been mounted. How-
ever, ABS continues to provide en-
hanced vehicle stability and steering re-
sponse under these conditions.

131n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Winter operationRubber seals and components In order to prevent the weather-strip-
ping from freezing, apply BMW rubber
treatment or silicone spray to the seals
on the doors, hood and luggage com-
partment lid/tailgate.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.< Snow chainsBMW snow chains
* can be mounted on
both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
and comply with the manufacturer's
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
For maximum traction, we recommend
that you manually deactivate the
ASC+T/DSC
* when driving with snow
chains mounted. Refer to page 91.
Starting offWe recommend that you use the man-
ual control switch to deactivate ASC+T/
DSC
* when starting off in deep snow or
when rocking the car to free it (refer to
page 91).
Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. Adapt
your speed and driving style when ap-
proaching grades or slopes. Maintain
an adequate distance between yourself
and the car ahead.BrakesWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface.
The resulting increases in braking dis-
tance are considerable and should be
kept in mind at all times.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response. If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
Reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal until the wheels just start to roll
again while still maintaining enough
force to continue braking.
Following that, increase pedal pressure
again. Reduce the pressure as the
wheels lock, then reapply pressure.
Repeat this procedure. This type of
staggered braking will reduce the brak-
ing distance, and the vehicle still re-
mains responsive to steering.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces. Doing so could cause
the rear wheels to lose traction and
skid, which could result in the loss of
vehicle control.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces which
provide only poor or uneven traction.<

139n
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.<

141n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Approved wheel and tire specifications Ð sedanPay attention to the specifications for
tires and wheels in the vehicle's manu-
als. If sizes not approved by the manu-
facturer are mounted, an entry in the
vehicle's documents may be necessary.
Comply with local legislation.Snow chains
*
For tires on 17-inch wheels, it is not
possible to mount snow chains. Tire specifications Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel
BMW 540i
All season tires (BMW 540iA only)
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S Ð 7Jx16
Summer tires
225/55 R 16 95 W Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y Ð 8Jx17
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/YÐ
Ð8Jx17
9Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H Ð 8Jx17
The use of rims and wheel bolts
that do not meet the specifications
of the original factory-installed equip-
ment will affect the safe operation of
your vehicle and may cause an accident
and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol.<

142n
Approved wheel and tire specifications Ð sport wagonTire specifications Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel
BMW 528i
All season tires
225/60 R 15 96 H M+S Ð 7Jx15
Summer tires
225/60 R 15 96 W Ð 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 W Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y Ð 8Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
225/60 R 15 96 Q 7Jx15 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 Q Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q Ð 8Jx17
BMW 540i
All season tires
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S Ð 7Jx16
Summer tires
225/55 R 16 95 W Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y Ð 8Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
225/55 R 16 95 Q Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q Ð 8Jx17
Pay attention to the specifications for
tires and wheels in the vehicle's manu-
als. If sizes not approved by the manu-
facturer are mounted, an entry in the
vehicle's documents may be necessary.
Comply with local legislation.Snow chains
*
For tires on 17-inch wheels, it is not
possible to mount snow chains.
The use of rims and wheel bolts
that do not meet the specifications
of the original factory-installed equip-
ment will affect the safe operation of
your vehicle and may cause an accident
and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol.<