
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
240-1 3
Automatic ~ransmissionl
- Blow out oil cooler lines with low-pressure compressed air
and flush cooler with clean ATF twice before reattaching lines
to transmission.
CA UTIOG
Wear safety glasses when worling with compressed air:
@ Do not reuse ATF used for flushing.
- Remainder of installation is reverse of removal, noting the fol-
lowing:
Reinstall driveshafl using new nuts.
Install new sealing washers on transmission cooling line
banjo bolts.
Install new O-rings on transmission cooler lines, where
applicable.
Inspect engine drive plate (flywheel) for cracks or elongat-
ed holes. Replace
if necessary.
Be sure bellhousing alignment dowel sleeves are located
correctly. Replace damaged sleeves.
Checlc to be sure torque converter is seated correctly in
transmission during final installation.
Use
BMW special tool 24 2 300 to align three mounting
tabs on torque converter with indentations on drive plate
(flywheel).
Fill transmission with clean ATF until oil level is even with
fill hole. Then check fluid level as described earlier.
Adjust gearshift mechanism. See
250 Gearshift Linkage.
NOTE-
In order to avoid difficulties in transmission removal at a fu-
ture time, use washers with Torx-head mounting bolts.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
. .
l~utomatic Transmission
Tightening torques
ATF drain plug to ATF pan
A4S 310R 25 Nm (I8 ft-lb)
A5S 360R I A5S
390R (M14) 18 Nm (14 ft-lb)
A5S 3252 35 Nm (26 ft-lb)
A5S 5602 50 Nm (37 ft-lb)
A5S 4402 (M
16) 30 Nm (23 ft-lb)
ATF fill plug
to transmission housing
A4S 310R 33 Nm (24 ft-lb)
A5S 360R I A5S 390R (M14) 18 Nm (14 ft-lb)
A5S
3252 30 Nm (23 ft-lb)
A5S 5602 100 Nm (74 ft-lb)
A5S
4402 (M18) 35 Nm (26 ft-lb)
Flex-disc to transmission output flange
MI0 (8.8 grade) 48 Nm (35 it-lb)
MI 0 (1 0.9 grade) 60 Nm (44 R-lb)
MI2 (8.8 grade) 81 Nm (60 ft-lb)
MI 2 (1 0.9 grade) 100 Nm (74 ft-lb)
MI4 140 Nm (103 it-lb)
Torque converter to drive plate 45 Nm (33 ft-lb)
(flywheel)
(MIO)
Transmission crossmember to chassis or transmission
M8 21 Nm (15 ft-lb)
MI0 42 Nm (32 it-lb)
Transmission cooler lines to transmission
Banjo bolt
(M18. A5S 4402 transmission)
Banio bolt
(M16)
25 Nm (18 ft-lb)
37 Nm (27 ft-lb) . . Banjo bolt cap screw
(M18, A5S 4402 transmission) 20 Nm (15 it-lb
Compression fitting
(MI4 or M16) 37 Nm (27 ft-lb)
Oil cooler
bracket to transmission
(M8) 21 Nm (15 ft-lb)
Transmission to engine
21 Nm (15 ft-lb)
42 Nm (31 ft-lb)
72 Nm (53 ft-lb)

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Driveshaft
4 Driveshaft center slide nut spanner
(Tool No. BMW
26 1 040)
7, 25 1 Ho 4 cv joint removal tool
(Tool No. BMW 26 1 11 0)
support assembly
Driveshaft description
4 The two-piece driveshaft is connected to the transmission by
a rubber flex-disc and to the rear final drive by a constant ve-
locity (CV) joint.
A universal joint is used at the center of the driveshaft and
the shaft is supported in the middle by a center support
bearing. The bearing is mounted in rubber to isolate vibra-
tion.
- The rear constant velocity joint compensates for fore and
aft movement of the drive line.
Troubleshooting
The source of driveline vibrations and noise can be difficultto pin-
point. Engine, transmission, rear axle, or wheel vibrations can be
transmitted through thedriveshaftto the car body. Noises from
thecar may be caused by final drive problems, or by faulty wheel
bearings, drive axles, or even
wom or improperly inflated tires.
NOTE-
For drive axle repair information, see 331 Final Drive
Driveshaft noise or vibration may be caused by worn
ordam-
aged components. Check the universal joint for play. With the
driveshaft installed, pull and twist the driveshaft while watch-
ing the joint. The
BMW specification for play is very small, so
almost any noticeable play could indicate a problem.
Check the torque of the fasteners at the flange connections.
Check the rubber of the flex-disc and center bearing for dete-
rioration or tearing. Check the driveshaft for broken or miss-
ing balance weights. The weights are welded tabs on the
driveshaft tubes. In addition to inspecting for faulty driveshaft
parts, the installed angles of the driveshaft should also be
considered.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
260-14
Driveshaft
Constant velocity (CV) joint, replacing
The CV joint at the rear of the driveshaft is available from
BMW as a separate part.
- Remove complete driveshaft as described earlier in this
section.
< Clean grease off CV joint. Remove retaining circlip (arrow)
from CV joint end of driveshaft.
- Drive out bolts from CV joint.
4 Remove CV joint from driveshaft:
Pry back protective boot
(A).
- Using BMW special tool 26 1 110 on inner race (B), press
or pull joint off shaft.
- Check protective boot for damage. Replace if necessary.
- lnstall new CV joint:
. Working from both sides of joint, inject approximately 80
grams of
OptimolB grease (or equivalent) into joint.
Install new sealing gasket on joint face that mates with pro-
tective boot. Seal fits in groove on outer race of joint.
Clean grease off driveshaft and mating splines on joint.
Apply
LoctiteO 648 to driveshaft splines.
Press new CV joint onto shaft as far as it will go.
CAUTIOI\C
Only press on inner CVjoint race.
- Install new retaining circlip to end of driveshaft,
- Insert CV joint mounting bolts. Be sure to reuse washers.
- Install driveshaft as described earlier in this section.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
I Steerina and Wheel Alianment
Steering
system
Two types of steering gear are used in the E39 series models.
6-cylinder
(5251, 528i and 530i) models are equipped with
rack and pinion steering. The steering rack is mounted to
an aluminum subframe.
V-8
(540i) models are equipped with a recirculating ball
and nut steering gearbox mounted to a steel subframe.
At low speeds, maximum power assist is provided to ease
parking and city driving. At high speeds, assist is reduced to
ensure stability. The power steering system varies assist
based on engine speed.
Power boost for the steering is provided by an engine-driven
hydraulic pump. A hydraulic control valve is used to control
boost pressure.
The steering wheel connects to the steering gear via an ad-
justable steering column which incorporates a rubber cou-
pling ("guibo") to dampen vibration and noise.
Power steering fluid is supplied from the fluid
reservoir to the
pump and to the steering gear via rubberlmetal hoses.
The return line from the steering gear to the
reservoir loops
into the airstream in front of the radiator and connects to the
steering fluid cooler. The fluid cooler is attached to a cassette
which also includes cooling coils for engine oil, transmission
fluid and AIC condenser.
The steering gear requires no maintenance other than align-
ment and periodic inspection for worn components. Inspect
rubber rack boots
(rack and pinion system) and tie-rod end
boots periodically for tears or damage. Replace
if necessary.
-
NOTE-
The airbag system is traditionally referred to as Supplemen-
tal Restraint System (SRS). The
BMW versfon of SRS used
m the E39 models is known as the Multiple Restraint System - (MRS). - -

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Steering and Wheel Alignment
Steering system warnings and cautions
WARNING -
The BMW airbag system is complex. Special precautions
must be observed when servicing the system. Serious in-
jury may result if system service is attempted by persons
unfamiliar with the BMW
airbag system and its approved
service procedures. BMW specifies that all inspection and
service should be
peiformed by an authorized BMW deal-
e,:
The BMW E39 is equipped with an airbag mounted in
the steering wheel. The
airbag is an explosive device
and should be treated with extreme caution. Always fol-
low the
airbag removal procedure as outlined in 721
Airbag System (SRS).
BMW airbags are equipped with a bacli-up power sup-
ply inside the
airbag control module. A 5 second wait-
ing period should be observed after the battery cable
has been disconnected. This will allow the reserve
power supply to discharge.
Do not reuse self-locking nuts. They are designed to
be used only once and may fail if reused. Always re-
place them with new locliing nuts.
* Do not install bolts and nuts coated with undercoating
wax, as correct tightening torque cannot be assured.
Always clean the threads with solvent before installa-
tion, or install new parts.
Do not attempt to weld or straighten any steering com-
ponents. Always replace damagedparts.
CAUTION--
- Some E39 models are equipped with aluminum suspen.
sion components. The following cautions apply:
Due to the chemical and corrosion characteristics of
aluminum, do not bring into contact with battery acid.
Do not clean with wire brushes with brass or iron bris-
tles. Only use brushes with stainless steel bristles.
Do
not expose to flying sparks from grindinghutting op-
erations.
Do not subject to steel welding splashes.
* Do not expose to temperatures over 80% (176°F).
even for short periods. Temperatures in painting iacili-
ties are not a problem.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Steering and Wheel Alignment
Power assist is provided by a belt-driven pump at the lower
left front of the engine. The power steering fluid reservoir is lo-
cated at the left side of the engine compartment.
Power steering pump, removing and
installing
When working with power steering components, absolute
cleanliness is needed to ensure proper operation of the hy-
- Empty power steering fluid reservoir using clean syringe. Do
not reuse fluid.
- Raise front of car. Remove splash shield from under engine.
WARNING-
Make sure the car is firmly supported on jack stands de-
signed for the purpose. Place jack stands beneath structural
chassis points. Do not place jack stands under suspension
Darts.
Remove drive belt from power steering pump. See
020 Main-
tenance.
Remove alternator cooling duct
Remove fluid hoses from pump. Plug openings in pump and
hose ends.
Remove pump front mounting bolts
(A).
Remove fluid line support bracket (B)
Remove pump rear mounting bolt (arrow)
- Installation is reverse of removal, noting the following:
Make sure all thread bores, bolts, nuts, fluid couplings and
mating
surfaces are clean, and inside surface of multi-
ribbed-belt is free of grease and dirt.
Use new sealing washers when reattaching power steer-
ing pressure lines.
Make sure hoses have adequate clearance from chassis.
Install front pump fasteners.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
-
-steering and wheel -. Alignment I
< Hand tighten rear suppoll nut (arrow) against mounting
bracket.
Install rear mounting nut and tighten.
Do not over-torque banjo bolts.
* Fill and bleed power steering system as described later.
Tightening torques
Hydraulic lines to steering pump (banjo bolts)
a MlO 12 Nm (9 ft-lb)
. M14 35 Nm (26 ft-lb)
MI6 40 Nm (30 ft-lb)
. MI8 45 Nm (33 ft-lb)
Pump
brackets to engine block 25 Nm (18 ft-lb)
Rear pump support stud to pump housing
22 Nm (16 ft-lb)
Power steering system, bleeding and filling
- With engine off, fill power steering fluid reservoir with clean
fluid. Fill level to MAX
mark on dip stick.
- Start engine. Turn steering wheel twice to left lock and right I
lock.
- Recheck fluid level with engine off. Fill to MAX.