2001 BMW 540i automatic transmission fluid

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I Radiator and Cooling System
Mechanical thermostat
(M52 engine)
4 The mechanical thermostat relies on coolant temperature to
operate. While coolant is cold, it remains closed, and circu-
lating coolant bypasses the radiator for rapid engine warm
up. At higher coolant temperature, the thermostat progres-
sively opens to allow coolant flow through the radiator, thus
controlling engine temperature. Port
A restricts coolant flow
from radiator, and port
B restricts coolant flow to radiator.
Electrically heated thermostat
4 The electrically heated thermostat is DME map-controlled.
The engine control module (ECM) activates the thermostat to
maintain engine coolant temperature within a narrow range.
In case of failure of the electronics, the mechanical function of
the thermostat acts as a fail-safe.
Radiator and expansion tank
The radiator is a crossflow design. An expansion tank pro-
vides for coolant expansion at higher temperatures and easy
monitoring of the coolant level.
On cars with automatic transmission, ATF is circulated
through an additional heat exchanger (ATF cooler).
Mechanical cooling fan with viscous clutch
The mechanical cooling fan is belt-driven via a viscous fluid
coupling (clutch) attached to the front of the coolant pump.
The fan clutch controls the speed of the fan based on the tem-
perature of the air flowing through the radiator core.
Electric (auxiliary) cooling fan
The electric cooling fan is mounted on the bumper side of the
radiator.
In models manufactured up to
911 998 (M52 or 1997 M62 en-
gine), the electric cooling fan is controlled by a dual tempera-
ture fan switch mounted in the side of the radiator.

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170-5
Radiator and Cooling System
Fan switch calibration (M52, M62 engine)
coniprairoi OUt rlgnal
Auto. ciimilte ~ontioi inpuls via CAN bus
Electric fan activation:
Low speed
91°C (196°F)
High speed 104' C (21 9' F)
< In models manufactured after 911998 (M52 TU engine, M54
engine.
M62 TU engine), the electric cooling fan is controlled
by the engine control module (ECM) via the output final
stage.
The output final stage is mounted on the fan housing, next to
the fan motor. The fan is operated using a pulse width modu-
lated signal. Fan circuit wiring is protected by a 50-amp fuse.
Electric fan activation is based on the following inputs to the
ECM:
Radiator outlet temperature
Calculated catalytic converter temperature
Vehicle speed
* Battery voltage
Calculated
A/C pressure
When the vehicle is first started, the ECM activates the elec-
tric fan briefly at 20% of its maximum speed, then switches
off. This is for diagnostic monitoring. The voltage generated
by the fan when it slows down (acting as a generator) must
match the stored rpm values in the fan output stage toconfirm
that the fan is operating correctly.
NOTE-
If the ECM fault memory indicates a cooling fan fault, check
that the fan is not seized and that it spins freely.
When
A/C is switched ON, the electric fan is not immedi-
ately turned on.
After the engine is switched
OFF the fan may continue to
run at varying speeds for up to 10 minutes, based on cal-
culated catalyst temperature.
Transmission fluid heat exchanger
Automatic transmission fluid lines circulate transmission fluid
(ATF) to and from a heat exchanger at the radiator.
All 6-cylinder
models andV-8 models produced to 911998 are
equipped with a transmission cooler located in a cooling cas-
sette in front of the radiator.

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The lubricant used varies, depending on transmission and
model year. Fluid application information is clearly marked on
a label on transmission.
On manual transmission, either ATF (orange label reads
ATF-Oil) or a special BMW lubricant (yellow label reads MTF-
LT
I) is used. See 230 Manual Transmission.
Automatic transmission is filled with either Dexron
Ill ATF
(black transmission ID plate reads ATF-Oil), or special life-
time oil (green transmission ID plate reads Life-Time Oil). See
240 Automatic Transmission.
CAUTION--
If in doubt as to the type of fluid installed in a particular trans-
mission, consult an authorized
BMW dealer service depari-
ment for the latest in operating fluids.

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240 Automatic Transmission
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission applications
. . . . . ,240-2 ATF, draining and filling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-7
. . . . . ,240-2 Automatic transmission fluid
. . . . . ,240-4 pan and strainer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-9
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240-4 Transmission Removal
and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-10 Automatic Transmission Fluid Transmission, removing and installing . . . 240-10 (ATF) Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,240-6
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . . . . . ,240-6
ATF level, checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,240-6

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)