2001 BMW 540I SEDAN windshield wipers

78n
Indicator/Headlamp flasher Wiper/Washer system1 High beam (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher
(blue indicator lamp)
3 Turn signal indicator
(green indicator lamp accompanied
by periodic clicking sound from the
relay)
If the indicator lamp and the clicking
from the relay are both faster than
normal, one of the turn signal indicators
has failed.To signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond
the detent. It then returns to the center
position when released.390de335
0 Wipers retracted
1 Intermittent mode or rain sensor
*
2 Normal wiper speed
3 Fast wiper speed
4 Brief wipe
5 Cleaning windshield
6 Intensive cleaning
*
7 Rotary dial for control of the wipe in-
terval or the sensitivity of the rain
sensor
*
394de041
1 Intermittent mode or
rain sensor*Intermittent mode:
You can set the wipe interval to four
stages with rotary dial 7.
In addition, the wipe interval is varied
automatically depending on road
speed.
Rain sensor:
When the rain sensor is activated, the
windshield wiper is controlled automati-
cally, depending on the degree of wet-
ness of the windshield (in both snow
and rain). You do not have to be con-
cerned with switching the windshield
wiper on or off or adjusting the wipe in-
terval between intermittent and full
wipe. Instead, you can concentrate fully
on the traffic conditions. This is espe-
cially important under adverse weather
conditions.
The rain sensor is positioned on the
windshield, directly ahead of the inte-
rior rearview mirror.
To activate the rain sensor:
From ignition key position 1 and up,
move the lever to position 1. The wipers
travel once across the windshield,
regardless of the weather.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
79n
Wiper/Washer systemYou can leave the lever permanently in
position 1. It is then only necessary to
activate the rain sensor from ignition
key position 1 and up. To do this
>turn rotary dial 7 briefly or
>use either the cleaning windshield 5
or the intensive cleaning 6.
To modify the sensitivity of the rain
sensor:
Turn rotary dial 7.
To deactivate the rain sensor:
Move lever to position 0.
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-
matic car washes. Failure to do so
could result in damage caused by un-
desired wiper activation.< 2 Normal wiper speedThe wipers automatically revert to inter-
mittent operation when the vehicle is
stationary (not on vehicles with rain
sensor
*).
3 Fast wiper speedThe wipers automatically revert to nor-
mal speed when the vehicle is station-
ary (not on vehicles with rain sensor
*).
5 Cleaning windshieldThe system sprays washer fluid against
the windshield and activates the wipers
for a brief period.
If you only pull the lever briefly, the sys-
tem sprays washer fluid onto the wind-
shield without activating the wipers.6 Intensive cleaning
*
As in setting 5. In addition, an intensive-
action washer fluid is first sprayed on
the windshield.
For changing the wiper blades, refer to
page 182.
Cleaning headlamps
*
If they are on, the headlamps will also
be cleaned every fifth time you activate
cleaning windshield (5) or intensive
cleaning (6).
Do not use the washers if there is
any danger that the fluid will
freeze on the windshield, otherwise vi-
sion could be obscured. For this rea-
son, use an antifreeze agent. Refer to
page 164.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty, since this could cause
damage to the washer pump. Windshield washer jetsThe windshield washer jets are warmed
automatically when the ignition key is in
position 2.

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
171nCaring for your car
Washing your car
You can have your new BMW washed
in an automatic car wash. Car wash
systems that do not employ brushes
are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
To prevent spots, avoid washing when
the hood is still warm, or immediately
after and during exposure to strong
sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle.
> No damage will occur on vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). If you are
uncertain, consult the manager of the
car wash.
> The wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system.
> The vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing. Vehicles with rain sensor
*:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
from automatic car washes or insects,
for example, can cause malfunctions in
the function of the rain sensor.
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-
matic car washes. If you do not,
damage may occur if the wipers switch
on unintentionally. <
Parts of the vehicle which are inacces-
sible to the automatic washer – such as
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. –
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially im-
portant to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also cause damage to
the vehicle. If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's sur-
face. Inadequate distance and exces-
sive pressure can damage or weaken
the finish, making it more susceptible to
subsequent attack. In addition, mois-
ture could penetrate to vehicle compo-
nents, leading to long-term damage. < When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
> Do not wipe dry (scratches). Never
use abrasives or strong
solvents to clean the covers
> Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water
> Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow – never
use an ice scraper. <
After washing the car, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them. Braking
efficiency might otherwise be reduced
by the moisture, and the brake rotors
could also be corroded. <

202nTowing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response. <
Tow-starting
It is not possible to start the engine of
vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting, refer
to page 200.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission
1 Place the selector lever in position N.
2 Towing speed: Max. 45 mph (70 km/h).
3 Towing distance: Max. 95 miles (150 km).
4 Leave the ignition key in position 1 to ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers re-
main operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging.
5 Switch on the hazard warning flash- ers (observe country-specific regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the ve-
hicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to pre-
vent the steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking. <
Towing with a commercial
tow truck
> Do not tow with sling-type equip-
ment.
> Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier.
> Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason. <
380us124

212nRain sensor*
Depending on the degree of wetness
on the windshield, the rain sensor
controls the operation of the windshield
wipers.
Infrared light is carried along the
surface of the windshield in an optical
conductor in such a manner that it is
reflected completely when the wind-
shield is dry. The quantity of reflected
light is measured.
If the window is covered with beads of
water, the amount of light that is
reflected is decreased since the infra-
red light at the surface of the wind-
shield can then escape. The quantity of
reflected light is thus a means of
gauging the degree of wetness on the
windshield.
390de133
When the system is set to the "Intermit-
tent" wiper speed, the wipers react
immediately – if water is splashed onto
the windshield by vehicles traveling
ahead of you, for example. As a result,
the rain sensor provides a contribution
to driving safety and comfort.

Everything from A to Z
235n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Used batteries195
Used oil, disposal167VValve caps154
Vanity mirror57
Vehicle battery193
Vehicle care
exterior172
interior174
Vehicle Identification
Number169
Vehicle immobilizer37
Vehicle painting172
Vehicle removal from
service176
Vehicle storage176
Ventilation108, 112, 114
draft-free111, 118
in the rear111, 119
while parked120
Vinyl upholstery, care174
Viscosity166
Voice recognition26
refer also to the Radio
Owner's ManualWWarm feet – cool
head111, 119
Warning lamp "Please fasten
safety belts"23Warning lamps22t
Warning messages86t
Warning triangle27t
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian
models)170
Washer fluid reservoir,
filling164
Washer nozzles164
Washing your car171
Water on the roads141
Waxing, paintwork173
Wear indicator in the
tires150
Weight221
Wheel, changing190t
Wheelbase219
Wheels and tires153, 156
Width219
Windows
convenience operation38
remote control40
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment164
Windshield washer reservoir,
filling164
Windshield wipers78
Winter driving146
Winter operation146
Winter tires154
Wiper blade
replacement182tWiper/Washer system78
Work in the engine
compartment159t
XXenon lamps105, 184, 215