2001 BMW 540I SEDAN ESP

122n
BMW Universal Transmitter
*
Programming1 Channel buttons
2 Indicator lamp
3 Receiver for programming
Read and comply with the safety
precautions on page 121.<
1 Ignition key in position 2.
2 For initial operation: press and hold
the two outer buttons 1 until the indi-
cator lamp 2 flashes. Release the
buttons. The three channel buttons
are cleared.390de640
3 Hold the original hand-held transmit-
ter at the receiver 3 a maximum of
2 in (5 cm) away.
4 Simultaneously press the transmitting
key of the original hand-held trans-
mitter (arrow 2) and the desired chan-
nel button of the BMW Universal
Transmitter (arrow 1). Release both
buttons as soon as the indicator lamp
flashes rapidly.
5 To program other original hand-held
transmitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
The corresponding channel button is
now programmed with the signal of the
original hand-held transmitter.380de712
Programming a hand-held
transmitter with change code
Read and comply with the safety
precautions on page 121.<
Consult the operating instructions for
the individual device when program-
ming the BMW Universal Transmitter.
Read and comply with the following
programming instructions for the use of
the BMW Universal Transmitter with a
change code system:
A second person simplifies pro-
gramming of the BMW Universal
Transmitter.<

128nThrough-loading system*
The backrest of the rear seat is divided
into two portions, one-third and two-
thirds of the seat respectively. For stor-
ing longer objects, you can fold down
either side individually.
To open:
Reach into the recess and pull forward
(arrow 1).
When you close the backrest, be sure
that the catch engages securely. The
red slide (arrow 2) must go underneath.
394de117
The central belt has an additional small
buckle.
>If you connect the two belt sections,
you can use the central belt as any
normal 3-point belt.
> It is easier to fold the rear seat back-
rest up and down if you unbuckle the
belt (arrow).
394de303
With a master key, you can lock each
backrest in the rear seat.
This also prevents access to the lug-
gage compartment from the interior of
the vehicle when you turn over the door
and ignition key 3 to someone else
(refer to page 36), for valet parking for
instance.
394de118

132nLuggage compartment – sport wagon
Fold down the rear backrests
Reach into the recess and pull upward
(arrow).
The rear backrest is divided into two
sections, one-third and two-thirds of
the seat respectively. You can fold ei-
ther section of the backrest down sepa-
rately in order to increase luggage com-
partment capacity.
When you close the backrest, be
sure that the catch engages se-
curely. The red warning indicator disap-
pears in the recess when the retainer is
locked.
The center safety belt can be retracted
only when the larger backrest is en-
gaged. <
392de161
Roll-up cover
Pull the roll-up cover out and hook it
into the rear bracket.
The cover will support light objects
such as items of clothing.
Do not place heavy or bulky
objects on the roll-up cover,
otherwise, they could endanger occu-
pants while braking hard, during eva-
sive maneuvers, or in an accident, for
example.
Do not allow the cover to snap back,
since this could damage it. <
For storing the case, refer to the next
page.
392de162
Partition net
Pull out the partition net by the strap
and hold the bar firmly in the other
hand. Then grasp the bar on both sides,
pull it up and engage it in the holders. It
is easiest to do this from the back seat. Do not allow the partition net to
snap back. Doing so could pose a
risk of injury and the partition net could
be damaged. <
When the rear backrests are folded
down, you can store the case in front of
the rear seats, pull the partition net out
from there and insert it in the front hold-
ers (refer to the next page).
392de163

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
137nRoof-mounted luggage rack
Mounting points
Access to the mounting points:
To fold up the cover (arrow), please use
the tool which is provided with the lug-
gage system.
A special luggage system is available
as an option for your BMW. Please
comply with the precautions included
with the installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the car when loaded, they ex-
ercise a major effect on its handling and
steering response.
394de369
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof
weight, the approved gross vehicle
weight or the axle weights when load-
ing the rack. You will find the specifica-
tions under "Technical data" on
page 221.
Make sure that the load is not too bulky,
and attempt to distribute it evenly.
Always load the heaviest pieces first (on
the bottom). Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the
sliding/tilt sunroof, and that objects do
not project into the opening path of the
luggage compartment lid/tailgate.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
tightly to prevent it from shifting or be-
ing lost during driving (danger to follow-
ing traffic).
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden accelera-
tion and braking maneuvers. Take cor-
ners gently.
The roof load increases aerodynamic
resistance: increased fuel consumption
and stress on the roof are the immedi-
ate results.

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
143nAntilock Brake System (ABS)
The concept
ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking un-
der braking. The reason: locked wheels
are dangerous, because the vehicle
cannot be steered when the front
wheels slip, and loss of traction 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, concrete, dirt,
moisture, snow and ice).
With ABS, the shortest possible braking
distances are achieved under most
conditions (on straight-aways and in
curves, with different road surfaces).
Braking with ABS
The 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 – a factor of no significance
in actual use.
The ABS system works best in situa-
tions requiring maximum pressure on
the pedal (full braking). Since the vehi-
cle maintains steering responsiveness,
you can nevertheless avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
The ABS closed-loop control circuit cy-
cles in fractions of a second. A pulsing
of the brake pedal, combined with the
sounds associated with the hydraulic
controls, tells you that the brake system
is within its maximum limit range and
reminds you that you should adapt your
vehicle's speed 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. This also applies to
driving with snow chains. However,
ABS continues to provide enhanced
vehicle stability and steering response
under these conditions.

144nAntilock Brake System (ABS) Disc brakes
Information for your safety
Not even ABS can suspend the laws of
physics. The consequences of brake
applications with inadequate safety
clearances between vehicles, exces-
sive speed or if aquaplaning occurs are
always the responsibility of the driver.
You should never allow the added
safety margin of ABS to mislead you
into taking risks of any kind.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only. <
In the event of a fault
The ABS warning lamp in the in-
strument cluster comes on, refer
to page 23. The brake system
then reverts to conventional op-
eration as on vehicles without
ABS. However, have the brake
system checked by your BMW center
as soon as possible. To prevent unde-
tected defects and cumulative faults
from adversely affecting the brake sys-
tem, refer any problems to your BMW
center at the earliest opportunity.
Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure which
must be exerted by the pads during
brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect which even extended
application will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed. <

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
147nWinter operation
Rubber 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 chains
BMW 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 102.
Starting off
We recommend that you use the
manual control switch to deactivate
ASC+T/ DSC
* when starting off in deep
snow or when rocking the car to free it
(refer to page 102).
Driving on low-traction road
surfaces
Use 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 vehicle ahead.
Brakes
Winter 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 braking distance, and the
vehicle still remains 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. <

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
149nCellular phone*Radio reception
Mobile communications systems (cellu-
lar phone, radio, etc.) are permitted
with an output of up to 10 watts only.
Even these systems may trigger mal-
functions in the operation of your vehi-
cle if they are not specifically designed
for use with the vehicle. BMW can nei-
ther test nor assume responsibility for
every individual product being offered
on the market. We recommend that you
consult your BMW center before pur-
chasing any device of this kind.
To ensure that your BMW continues to
provide reliable and trouble-free opera-
tion, do not use a cellular phone or
other radio device with an antenna
located inside the passenger compart-
ment. The antenna should always be
mounted on the outside of the vehicle.
Before loading the vehicle on a
car-carrier train or driving it
through a car wash, remove the
antenna. < The reception and sound quality
obtained from mobile radios varies
according to a variety of factors, includ-
ing the broadcast range of the transmit-
ter and the directional orientation of the
antenna. Interference factors such as
high-tension power lines, buildings and
natural obstructions can all lead to
unavoidable reception interference,
regardless of how well the vehicle
sound system is operating.
Climatic factors such as intense solar
radiation, fog, rain and snow can also
interfere with reception.
Cellular phones without official BMW
approval can also generate interfer-
ence. This phenomenon assumes the
form of a low-pitched hum emanating
from the speaker system.
Please refer to the Owner's Manual
provided with your audio system for
detailed information on its use.