2001 BMW 540i transmission

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission applications
Automatic transmissions are identified by code letters found
on a data plate located on the side or rear of the transmission
case. See table below for application information.
Automatic transmission applications
Model Year Engine Transmission
5281 to 911999 M52 A4S 310R
5281 from 911999
M52 TU A5S 360R
5251 to 312001 M54 A5S 390R
5251 from 312001 M54 ASS 3252
530i to 312001 M54
ASS 390R
530i from 312001 M54
A5S 3252
540i from 111997 M62
TU A5S 4402
Automatic transmission basic components
The automatic transmission fitted to BMW 5 Series models is
comprised of
3 main elements:
0 Torque converter capable of torque multiplication at an
infinitely variable ratio
Electrohydraulically controlled valve body
0 Gearbox containing 5 forward speeds and reverse

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
- .- -
Automatic Transmission
Electronics are used to control the operation of these auto-
matic transmissions. Steptronic transmission functions are
also programmed into the transmission control module
(TCM). The TCM monitors transmission operation for faults
and alerts the driver by illuminating the transmission fault indi-
cator on the instrument panel. Diagnostic trouble codes
(DTCs) stored in the TCM may be downloaded and interpret-
ed by trained technicians using special BMW diagnostic
equipment.
Some minor automatic transmission problems can be cor-
rected by changing the automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
and filter. Begin by checking ATF level and condition.
Checlc
to see if the fluid is dirty or has a burned odor indicating over-
heated fluid. The burned odor may be the results of burned
discs in theclutch paclts. The friction material from the burned
disc can clog valve body passages.
NOTE-
The E39 automatic transmission is not equipped with a dip-
stick.
Checking the ATF level must be done while monitoring
the ATF temperature with the engine idling. The
BMW dealer
is equipped with the special equipment to make this check.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
240-6
I Automatic Transmission Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
The E39 automatic transmission is filled with either Dexron Ill
ATF or Texaco 80728, a life time oil.
CA UTIOI\C
Use only the transmission fluid that is approved for use by
BMW All other fluids will cause non warrantable transmis-
I sion damage.
Mixing different types of transmission fluids will lead to
transmission failure.
NOTE-
The type of transmission lubricant used can be found on a
stickeron the transmission pan. Dexron
111ATF (blacksticker)
reads "ATF-Oil': Special life time oil (green sticker) reads
'Life-Time Oil': If in doubt, consult an authorized
BMW dealer
for alternate fluid use and current information regarding
transmission operating fluids.
ATF level, checking
Check ATF level if there is evidence of a leak, a complaint re-
lated to fluid level or afler transmission repairs.
The automatic transmission is not equipped with a dipstick.
Checking the ATF level requires that the transmission be at
operating temperature during the checking procedure.
NOTE-
Vehicle must be level throughout tests
- Drive vehicle to warm up ATF to operating temperature.
- Connect BMW diagnostic scan tool DiSplus, MoDiC, GTI or
equivalent to determine transmission oil temperature.
ATF level checking
Fluid temperature
30' - 50°C (85' - 120" F)
- With engine running, switch on air conditioning to increase
engine idle speed.
- Apply parking brake.
- While applying foot brake firmly move gear shift selector
lever through
all gear positions, pausing in each gear briefly.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Automatic Transmission
- Raise and safely support vehicle.
CA U JIOG
Male sure the car is stable and well supported at all times.
Use a professional automotive lift
orjack stands designed for
the purpose. A floorjack is not adequate support
4 With engine running and selector lever in PARK, remove filler
plug (arrow)
(A5S 360R transmission shown, refer to other
illustrations for location of filler and drain plugs on other
transmissions).
If a small stream of fluid runs out of the filler hole the level
is correct.
If no fluid
leaks out when plug is removed, fluid level is to
low. Add ATF fluid until it starts to overflow.
Install filler plug using a new sealing ring.
Hot ATF can scald. Wear eye protection and protective cloth-
ing andgloves during
the check. If the tmnsmission was over-
filled, hot ATF will spill from the filler hole when the
fill plug is
removed.
ATF, draining and filling
The procedure given here includes removal and installation of
the fluid strainer (filter). Refer to illustrations in Automatic
transmission fluid
pan and strainer.
Remove ATF drain plug
(1) and drain fluid into container.
WARNING-
ATFshould be warm when draining. Hot ATFcan scald. Wear
eye protection, protective clothing and gloves.
Remove transmission pan mounting bolts and remove pan.
Remove pan gasket and clean
gasket sealing surface.
- Pull ATF strainer from transmission pump housing. If strainer
sealing ring remains in pump housing remove using a seal
puller.
- Installation is reverse of removal.
Always replace seal for drain plug and all
gasket(s)
and O-rings.
Clean sump and sump
magnet(s) using a lint-free cloth.
Tighten transmission pan bolts in sequential order.
Using filler plug
(2), fill transmission with approved ATF.
Check fluid level as described earlier.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Automatic Transmission
NOTE-
Use new ATF pan bolts purchased from BMW Alternatively,
clean old bolts and coat with
LoctiteB thread locl pound or equivalent
Automatic transmission fluid capacity
with torque converter
7.8 liters (8.3 US qt)
without torque converter
3.3 liters (3.5 US qt)
A5S 360R 1 A5S 390R
with torque converter
without torque converter 9 liters (9.5 US qt)
4 liters (4.2 US qt)
A5S 3252 (2.5 liter engine)
with torque converter
without torque converter
8.9 liters (9.4 US qt)
6.2 liters (6.5 US qt)
A5S 3252 (3.0 liter engine)
with torque converter
8.7 liters (9.3 US qt)
without torque converter
6.1 liters (6.4 US qt)
A5S 5602
with torque converter 13.1 liters (13.8 US qt)
without torque converter
5.5 liters (5.8 US qt)
A5S 4402
with torque converter
without torque converter 9.7 liters (10.2 US qt)
4.0 liters (4.2 US qt)
Tightening torques
ATF drain plug to ATF pan
A4S 310R 33 Nm (24 ft-lb)
A5S 360R I A5S 390R (M14) 20 Nm (15 It-lb)
A5S
3252 35 Nm (26 ft-lb)
A5S 560Z 50 Nm (37 ft-lb)
A5S
4402 (MI 6) 30 Nm (23 ft-lb)
ATF fill plug
to transmission housing
A4S 31 OR 25 Nm (I8 ft-lb)
A5S 360R 1 A5S 390R (M14) 20 Nm (1 5 ft-lb)
A5S 3252 30 Nm (23 ft-ib)
A5S 5602 100 Nm (74 ft-lb)
A5S 4402 (M18) 35 Nm (26 ft-lb)
ATF pan to transmission (M6)
A4S 310R
A5S
360R 1 A5S 390R
A5S 3252
A5S
5602
A5S 4402
12 Nm (9 ft-lb)
10 Nm (7 ft-ib)
6 Nm (4 ft-lb)
10 Nm (7 ft-lb)
10 Nm (7 ft-lb)

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
240-9
Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission
fluid pan and strainer
1. ATF strainer
2. ATF strainer seal
3. Pan gasket
4. Sump magnet
5. ATFpan
6. Filler plug
7. Drain plug

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
240-1 0
Automatic Transmission
TRANSMISSION REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION
Removal and installation of the transmission is best accorn-
plished on an automotive lift using a transmission jack. Use
caution and safe workshop practices when working beneath
car and lowering transmission.
Torx-head bolts are used to mount the transmission to the
bellhousing.
Besure to have appropriate tools on hand before
starting the job.
WARNING-
Be sure the vehicle is properly supported. The removal of the
transmission may upset the balance of the vehicle on a lift
CAUJION-
Tilting the engine to remove the transmission can lead to
damaae to various components due to
laclc of clearance. 1
Transmission, removing and installing
WARNING -
Allow engine and transmission to cool down before starting
work on the transmission.
- Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery.
CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery discon-
nection cautions given in
001 General Cautions and
Warninas.
4 V-8 engine: Remove plastic engine cover.
Early models: pry out protective caps
(arrows), then re-
move nuts securing cover.
Lift off cover.
Later models: depress four studs to release, then lift off
cover.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Automatic ~ransmissionl
II I
4 Install engine support across engine bay. Raise and safely
support vehicle.
Make sure the car is stable and
we1 supported at all times.
Use a professional automotive lift
orjaclc stands designed for
CAUTIOI\C
Removal of transmission will cause engine to tip unless en-
gine support is used.
- Remove splash shields from underside of vehicle.
- &cylinder models: Detach front stabilizer bar from stabilizer
bar
links. Swivel stabilizer bar upward.
- Drain ATF from transmission as described earlier.
- Remove exhaust system and exhaust heat shield. See 180
Exhaust System.
- Disconnect driveshaft from transmission and hang to one
side. See
260 Driveshaft.
4 With selector lever in park:
Hold
linkage clamping bolt (A) stationary when loosening
selector lever cable clamping nut
(6).
- Loosen cable clamping nut and remove cable from bracket
(ASS
3252 transmission shown).
- Where applicable, disconnect vehicle speed sensor harness
connector.
4 Disconnect main electrical harness connector(s) from trans-
mission by turning bayonet lock
ring(s) (arrows) counter-
clocltwise.
A4S
310R transmission: Harness connector at right rear of
transmission.
ASS
360R / ASS 390R transmission: Harness connector
(arrow) at right rear of transmission.
ASS 3252 transmission: Two connectors (arrows) on left
side of transmission.
ASS 5602 transmission: Harness connector at right rear of
transmission.
- ASS 4402 transmission: Harness connector at top left rear
of transmission.
- Remove wiring harness from transmission housing