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Benllcy Publishers, a division ol Robcrt Bcnlley, In=. 1734 M~SB~CIIUP~IIS Avenue Cumbitdge. MA02138 USA Information lhat makes 800-423-4885 / 61 7.547.4170 the diiierence"
BentleyPublishe~
Technical contact inlormation I
We :.€ c3me ,o.lr leeooaca. Pieasc. ;Jam 1 cllriecl 00s an0 zoo ions lo our BhFLt/ recnns? o rcdss'un lor~m a1 http://~~~.BentleyPublishere.com
Errata information
We will evaluate submissions and post appropriate editorial
changes online as text errata or tech discussion. Appropriate
errata will be incorporated with the
boolc text in future printings.
Read errata information for this book before beginning work on
your vehicle. See the following web address tor additional
information:
http://unw.BentleyPublishers.com/errata/
WARNING-important safety notice
Do not use this manual unless vou are familiar with basic automotive reoair orocedures and safe
workshoo oracfices. This manual illustrates
the workshop procedures requked formoslservice work. It is not a subsiituti for full and up-to-date information from thevehiclemanufaciurer
or for proper training as an automotive technician. Note that it is not possible for us to anticipate all of the ways or conditions under which
vehicles may be serviced or to provide cautions as to all of the possible hazards that may result.
The vehicle manufacturer will continue to issue service information updates and parls retrofits
after the editorial closing of this manual. Some
of lhese updates and retrofits will apply lo procedures and specifications in this manual. We regret that we cannot supply updates to
purchasers of this manual.
We have endeavored to ensure the accuracy
of the information in this manual. Please note, however, that considering the vast quantity and
the complexity of the service information involved, we cannot warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this
manual.
FOR
THESE REASONS, NEITHER THE PUBLISHER NOR THE AUTHOR MAICES ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, THATTHE INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK IS FREE OF ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. AND WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILTTY AN0 OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EVEN IFTHE PUBLISHER OR AUTHOR HAVE BEEN ADVISED OFA PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND EVEN IF A PARTICULAR
1 PURPOSE IS INDICATED IN THE MANUAL. THE PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR ALSO DISCLAIM ALL LlABlLrrY FOR DIRECT. INDIRECT. INCIDENTAL OR 1 I CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT RESULT FROM ANY USE OFTHE EXAMPLES, INSTRUCTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION INTHIS BOOK. IN NO EVENT 1
I Your common sense and oood iudoment are crucial to safe and successful service work. Read orocedures throuoh before startino them. I . -- - -~ ~ ---~. - ~ ~~ Think about whether the condition of your car, &r level of mechanical skill, or your level of reading compreh&sion might resill in or
contribute in some way to an occurrence which might cause you injuly, damage your car, or result in an unsafe repair. If you have doubts
for these or other reasons about your ability to pelform safe repair work on your car, have the work done at an authorized BMW dealer or
other qualified shop.
Part numbers listed in this manual are for identification purposes only, not for ordering. Always check wilh your authorized BMW dealer to
verify part numbers and availability before beginning service work lhat may require new
park.
Before anempting any work on your BMW, read the 001 General Warnings and Cautions, and any WARNING or CAUTION that
accompanies a procedure in the service manual. Review the WARNINGS and CAUTIONS each time you prepare to work on your BMW.
I Spec a too s req.1 red to perlorm cena n service operations arc oenl fed n the manLa an0 arc recomrnenoeo lor JSC Jse ol loo s olner than those recommended In lh s serv ce manual may be oelnmcnlal lo lrlc car's sale open1 on as rvec as lne salely 01 lne person servcng I the car. I
Copies of this manual may be purchased from most automotive accessories and parts dealers specializing in BMW automobiles, from
selected booksellers, or directly from the publisher.
This manual was published by Robert Bentley,
Inc., Publishers. BMW has not reviewed and does not vouch for the accuracy of the
technical specifications and procedures described in this manuai.
Libratv of Conaress Cataloaino-in-Publication Data " " -
BMW 5 Series (E39) : service manual : 523. 528i, 530i. 540i, sedan, sport wagon, 1997,
1998, 1999,2000,2001,2002
~Acludes index.
ISBN 0-8376-0317-X (obi<) ,, , 1. BMW 5 series automobiles--Maintenance and repair--Handbooks manuals, etc. 1.
Robert Bentley, Inc.
TL215.8258623 2003 629.28'722--dc23 2003052231
Bentley Stock No. 8502
Editorial closing 08/03
090807 10987654
The paper used in this publication is acid
free and meets the requirements of the National Standard for Information Sciences-
Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials. @
OCopyright 2007 Robert Bentley. Inc. Bentiey Publishers is a trademark of Robert Bentley, Inc.
All rights reserved. All information contained in this manual is based on the information available to the publisher at the time of editorial
closing. The right is reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
ofhenvise, without the
prior written consent of the publisher. This includes text, figures, and tables. All rights reserved under Berne and Pan-American Copyright
conventions.
Cover photos of car exteriors by Jonathan Richard for
Bentley Publishers @ Robert Bentley, Inc. Cover design and use of blue band on
spine and back cover are trademarks
of Bentley Publishers. All rights reserved.
Manufactured in the United States of America

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YOU are now in Volume I
I
Foreword ................... .. ........................................................................\
.......... v
Index
........................ .. ................................................................ rear of manual
General, 001 General Warnings and Cautions 002 Vehicle Identification and VIN Decoder
Maintenance OiO 020 Maintenance
Engine
100 Engine-General 110 Engine Removal and Installation
113 Cylinder Head Removal and
Installation
116 Cyiinder Head and Valvetrain 117 Camshaft Timing Chain
119 Lubrication System
200 Transmission-General
2 Transmission 210 clutch 230 ManualTransmission
I20 Ignition System
121 Battery, Starter, Alternator
130 Fuel Injection
160 Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump 170 Radiator and Cooling System
180 Exhaust System
240 Automatic Transmission
250 Gearshift Linkage 260 Driveshaft
Suspension, 300 Suspension, Steering and 330 Rear Suspension
Brakes-General 331 Final Drive
Steering and No Front Suspension 340 Brakes
320 Steering and Wheel Alignment
400 Body-General
410 Fenders, Engine Hood 411 Doors
412 Trunk Lid, Tailgate
510 Exterior Trim, Bumpers 512 Door Windows
Equipment 513 Interior Trim
7
Equipment and 720 seat Belts
Accessories 721 Airbag System (SRS)
OBD On-Board Diagnostics
. ............ ..
515 Central Lociting and
Anti-Theft
520 Seats 540 Sunroof
.................................................................... Foreword .............................. .. v
Index ................... .. ................................................................ rear of manual
Electrical
6 system
600 Electrical System-General 620 Instruments
610 Electrical Comoonent Locations 630 Liohts
611 wipers and washers 612 Switches eati in^ and Air Conditioning
Radio
. ........... ........ .........................
Electrical Wiring Diagrams

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Spare parts kit
Carrying a basic set of spare parts can prevent a rninorbreak-
down from turning into a major repair annoyance. The list be-
low is a good place to start.
Spare parts kit
- basic
Polyribbed drive
belt(s)
BMW engine oil: one or two quarts
BMW engine coolant:
1 gallon of premixed 50150 BMW
anti-freeze and water
Fuse assortment:
7.5A. IOA, 1 5A, 20A, 30A. 50A
Radiator hoses: upper and lower
Spare parts
kit - additional contents
Exterior lighting bulbs: headlight, bralte light, turn signal,
and taillight
* Wiper blades or blade inserts
Brake fluid: new, unopened bottle, DOT
4 specification
Main relay for DME system

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020 Maintenance
General ........................... .02 0.2
Special tools ........................ .02 0.2
Service Interval Indicator (Sll) ........... .02 0.3
Service Interval Indicator (Sll), resetting ... .02 0.3
Inspection I, Inspection 11 ............... .02 0.5
Maintenance Tables ................ .02 0.6
Fluid and Lubricant Specifications .. .02 0.9
Fluids and lubricants ................. .02 0.10
Engine Oil Service ................ .02 0.1 I
Engine oil. checking level ............. .02 0.12
Engine oil and filter. changing .......... .02 0-13
Engine Compartment Maintenance . .02 0.14
Accelerator and linkage ............... .02 0.14
Air filter. replacing ................... .02 0.1 4
Cooling system service ............... .02 0.15
Engine drive belt service .............. .02 0.16
Idlespeed .......................... 020-19
Catalytic converter and oxygen sensors .. .02 0.19
Power steering fluid, checking level ..... .02 0.20
Spark plugs ........................ .02 0.20
Spark plugs, replacing ................ .02 0.21
Interior ventilation microfilter, replacing ... .02 0.22
Other Mechanical Maintenance ..... .02 0.22
Battery, checking. cleaning. and replacing .02 0-22
Brake fluid. replacing ................. .02 0-24
Brake pad 1 rotor wear. checking ........ .02 0.24
Brake system, inspecting ............. .02 0.25
Parking brake. checking ............... 020-25
Clutch fluid. checking ................. 020-26
Differential oil level. checking ........... 020-26
Drive axle joint (CV joint) boots. inspecting 020-27
Exhaust system. inspecting ............ 020-27
Fuel filter. replacing .................. 020-27
Fuel tank and fuel lines. inspecting ...... 020-28
Suspension. front. inspecting ........... 020-29
Suspension. rear. inspecting ........... 020-29
Tires. checking inflation pressure ........ 020-29
Tires. rotating ....................... 020-29
Transmission service. automatic ........ 020-29
Transmission service. manual .......... 020-30
Transmission fluid. checking and filling
(manual transmission)
................ 020-30
Wheels. aligning ..................... 020-30
Body and Interior Maintenance ..... 020-31
Body and hinges. lubricating ........... 020-31
Exterior washing ..................... 020-31
Interior care ........................ 020-31
Leather upholstery and trim ............ 020-31
Polishing ........................... 020-32
Seat belts .......................... 020-32
Special cleaning ..................... 020-32
Washing chassis ..................... 020-32
Waxing ............................ 020-32
Windshield wiper blade maintenance ..... 020-33

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Maintenance
BODY AND INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
Body and hinges, lubricating
Door locksand loclccylinderscan be lubricated with an oil that
contains graphite.
Body and doorhinges, hood latch and doorcheclc rods should
be lubricated with
SAE 30 or SAE 40 engine oil. Lubricate
seat runners with multipurposegrease. Do not apply any oil to
rubber parts.
If door weather-strips are sticking, lubricate
them with silicone spray or talcum powder. The hood release
cable should be lubricated as well.
The use of winter
lock deicer sprays should be lkept to an
absolute minimum, as the alcohol in the deicer will wash the
grease out of the lock assemblies and may cause locks to
corrode internally or to become difficult to operate.
Exterior washing
The longer dirt is left on the paint, the greater the risk of dam-
aging theglossy finish,
eitherby scratching or by thechemical
effect dirt particles may have on the painted surface.
Do not wash the car in direct sunlight. If the engine hood is
warm, allow it to cool. Beads of water not only leave spots
when dried rapidly by the sun or heat from theengine, but also
can act as small magnifying glasses and burn spots into the
finish. Wash the car with a mixture of lukewarm water and a
car wash product. Rinse using plenty of clear water. Wipe the
body dry with a sofl cloth towel or chamois to prevent
water-spotting.
Interior care
Dirt spots can usually be removed with lultewarm soapy water
or a dry foam cleaner. Use spot remover for grease and oil
spots. Do not pour the liquid directly on the carpet or fabric,
but dampen a clean cloth and rub carefully, starting at the
edge of the spot and working inward. Do not use gasoline,
naphtha, or other flammable substances.
Leather upholstery and trim
Leather upholstery and trim should be periodically cleaned
using a slightly damp cotton or wool cloth. The idea is to get
rid of the dirt in the creases and pores that can cause brittle-
ness and premature aging. On heavily soiled areas, use a
mild detergent (such as
wooliteQ) or other specially formulat-
ed leather cleaners. Dry the trim and upholstery completely

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Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
@ TO fuse & relay panel Battery Safety Terminal
A Battery Safety Terminal (BST) controlled by the Multiple
Restraint System (MRS) control unit was introduced for mod-
el year 1998
vehicles. The system will disconnect electrical
power to the engine compartment
in the event of a significant
impact. The MRS system fires an encapsulated pyrotechnic
device
in the positive (+) battery terminal that disconnects
power to the engine compartment, but maintains power to
the exterior lights and interior of the vehicle.
point
002125~1
Table a. Battery, alternator and starter troubleshooting
1-
/Starter motor or solenoid faulty. l~est starter.
Symptom
Engine does not crank
Engine cranks slowly or
not at all, solenoid
clicits
when starter is operated.
I I
Battery will not stay IShort circuit draining battery. l~est for excessive current drain with everything
Probable cause
Fault
in immobilizer system (EWS)
-Clean Battery cables loose, dirty or corroded.
Battery discharged.
Battery to body ground cable in trunk
loose,
dirty or corroded
Poor connection at starter motor terminal
30.
Corrective action
Try another ignition key. If problem persists, contact
your authorized BMW dealer.
or replace cables. See 020
~aintenance.
Charge battery and test. Replace if necessary.
inspect ground cable. Clean, tighten or replace if
necessary.
Checlc connections, test for voltage at starter. Test for
voltage at neutral safety or clutch
interloclc switch.
charged more than a few
days.
I~atter~ faulty. /Test battery and replace if necessary.
Short driving trips and high electrical drain
on
charging system does not allow battery to
recharge.
. I
I Battery cables loose, dirty or corroded. Iclean or replace cables. See 020 Maintenance.
Evaluate driving
style. Where possible, reduce
electrical
consumption when malting short trips.
Drive
belt@) loose, worn or damaged.
IAlternator or voltage regulator faulty. /Test alternator and voltage regulator.
Inspect
or replace ribbed
belt@). See 020
Maintenance.

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Radiator and Cooling System
Remove rubber trim strip between top of shroud and radiator.
Using 32 mm wrench
(BMW special tool 11 5 040) on fan
clutch nut (arrow), turn wrench in a clockwise direction
(working from front of car) while counterholding pulley with
BMW special tool
11 5 030. Spin fan off coolant pump.
NOTE-
The radiator cooling fan nut (32 mm wrench) has left-hand
threads.
Unclip AUC (air quality) sensor from shroud,
M54 engine: Disconnect auxiliary coolant pump from base of
fan shroud.
Lift fan and shroud together out of engine compartment.
To replace fan clutch, remove fan mounting bolts and sepa-
rate viscous clutch from fan.
Installation is reverse of removal.
Tightening
torques
Clutch nut to pump
Without
BMW tool 11 5 040 40 Nm (29 ft-lb)
With BMW tool 11 5 040 30 Nm
(22 ft-lb)
Fan to viscous clutch 10 Nm (89 in-lb)
Electric cooling fan, removing and
installing
The electric cooling fan is mounted behind the front bumper,
in front of the
A/C condenser.
- Remove front bumper. See 510 Exterior Trim, Bumpers.
- Remove left and right headlights. See 630 Lights,
- Where applicable, detach horizontal air ducts behind front
bumper and fold to side.
- Disconnect fan electrical connector on right side of radiator
shroud and lay aside.
- Detach wire loom from air duct in front of cooling fan
- Pry out expansion rivets holding air duct. Slide air duct down-
ward to remove.

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400 Body-General
........................ General ........................... .40 0.2 Roof paddin~ 400-7
Body Assembly ................... .40 0.2
Body dimensions (in inches)
............ .40 0.2
Bodyshell
........................... 400-3
Exterior and aerodynamics
............. .40 0.3
Sport Wagon ...................... .40 0.4
Tailgate
............................ .40 0.5
Tailgate lock system
.................. .40 0.5
Rear wiper system ................... .40 0.6
Antenna and sound system ............ .40 0.6
Safety and Security Features ....... .40 0.7
Safety cage
......................... .40 0.7
Door locks and door handles
........... .40 0.7
.
........................... Seat belts 400-7
Airbags ............................ 400-8
Battery safety terminal (BST)
........... 400-9
Security
............................ 400-9
Interior Features ................... 400-9
............................. Seats 400-10
Instruments and controls .............. 400-10
Central body electronics
.............. 400-1 1
Heating and Air
Conditioning (IHKA)
............... 400-12