2001 BMW 540I SEDAN check oil

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
167nEngine 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 corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene glycol. For this rea-
son, do not spill antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor 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 level
Correct coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. 68 7/20 6):
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck (refer to the arrow in the illustra-
tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it – that is, up to the second mark
on the float (refer also to the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck).
380de081

170n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety – 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 Display
Advanced 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 a maintenance standpoint,
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.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those who
drive only short distances – significantly
less than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annu-
ally – 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

Everything from A to Z

229n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Car jack190

t

Car keys36
Car Memory60
Car phones, refer to the
seperate Owner's Manual
Car radio reception149
Car telephone125
Car wash171
Care
vehicle exterior172
vehicle interior174
Cargo loading136
Caring for the vehicle
finish173
Catalytic converter142
Cellular phone149
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp, bulb
replacement187
Central locking
system38, 42
Changing a tire190

t

Changing a wheel190

t

Charge indicator lamp22
Charging the battery194

t

Check air pressure30
Check button86
Check Control86

t

Check engine oil
level165

t

Check tire pressures29

t

Child restraint systems62
Child seat62, 66Child seat security67
Child-safety locks67
Cigarette lighter126
Cleaning headlamps79
Cleaning windshield78, 79
Clock92
Clock, refer also to the
onboard monitor
Cockpit16
Code98
activating98
de-activating98
selecting98
Cold start69
Combination switch78
Comfort seat54
Compartments124
Computer89, 95
average fuel
consumption89
average speed89
cruising range89
outside temperature89
remote control99
Computer, refer also to the
onboard monitor Owner's
Manual
Configure settings60
Consumption display84
Consumption, fuel97
Contamination on
paintwork172Convenience operation
sliding/tilt sunroof38
windows38
Convenience starting
feature69
Coolant146, 167
antifreeze146
temperature gauge85
Copyright notice4
Courtesy lamp, bulb
replacement189

t

Cover, sun blinds120
Cruise control81
Cruising range89, 97
Cup holder125
Curb weight221

D
Dashboard16
Data link connector for
Onboard Diagnostics178
Date
calling up92
changing92
Date, refer also to the
onboard monitor Owner's
Manual
Daytime-driving lamp105
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)23, 100, 145Deactivating99
interior motion
sensor40, 48
tilt sensor alarm
system40, 48
Deep water141
Defrost
rear window80

t

Defrost position113, 117
Defrost
windows113, 117

t

Difficult steering148

t

Digital clock92
Digital sound
processing211
Dimensions219
Dipstick, engine oil165

t

Disc brakes144
Disconnect the
battery195

t

Displacement218
Display lighting105
Displays18, 20
Distance96
Distance warning100
Diversity Antenna
system209
Divided rear-seat
backrest128
Door keys36