2001 BMW 540i AC line

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Technical contact inlormation I
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Errata information
We will evaluate submissions and post appropriate editorial
changes online as text errata or tech discussion. Appropriate
errata will be incorporated with the
boolc text in future printings.
Read errata information for this book before beginning work on
your vehicle. See the following web address tor additional
information:
http://unw.BentleyPublishers.com/errata/
WARNING-important safety notice
Do not use this manual unless vou are familiar with basic automotive reoair orocedures and safe
workshoo oracfices. This manual illustrates
the workshop procedures requked formoslservice work. It is not a subsiituti for full and up-to-date information from thevehiclemanufaciurer
or for proper training as an automotive technician. Note that it is not possible for us to anticipate all of the ways or conditions under which
vehicles may be serviced or to provide cautions as to all of the possible hazards that may result.
The vehicle manufacturer will continue to issue service information updates and parls retrofits
after the editorial closing of this manual. Some
of lhese updates and retrofits will apply lo procedures and specifications in this manual. We regret that we cannot supply updates to
purchasers of this manual.
We have endeavored to ensure the accuracy
of the information in this manual. Please note, however, that considering the vast quantity and
the complexity of the service information involved, we cannot warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this
manual.
FOR
THESE REASONS, NEITHER THE PUBLISHER NOR THE AUTHOR MAICES ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, THATTHE INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK IS FREE OF ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. AND WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILTTY AN0 OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EVEN IFTHE PUBLISHER OR AUTHOR HAVE BEEN ADVISED OFA PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND EVEN IF A PARTICULAR
1 PURPOSE IS INDICATED IN THE MANUAL. THE PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR ALSO DISCLAIM ALL LlABlLrrY FOR DIRECT. INDIRECT. INCIDENTAL OR 1 I CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT RESULT FROM ANY USE OFTHE EXAMPLES, INSTRUCTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION INTHIS BOOK. IN NO EVENT 1
I Your common sense and oood iudoment are crucial to safe and successful service work. Read orocedures throuoh before startino them. I . -- - -~ ~ ---~. - ~ ~~ Think about whether the condition of your car, &r level of mechanical skill, or your level of reading compreh&sion might resill in or
contribute in some way to an occurrence which might cause you injuly, damage your car, or result in an unsafe repair. If you have doubts
for these or other reasons about your ability to pelform safe repair work on your car, have the work done at an authorized BMW dealer or
other qualified shop.
Part numbers listed in this manual are for identification purposes only, not for ordering. Always check wilh your authorized BMW dealer to
verify part numbers and availability before beginning service work lhat may require new
park.
Before anempting any work on your BMW, read the 001 General Warnings and Cautions, and any WARNING or CAUTION that
accompanies a procedure in the service manual. Review the WARNINGS and CAUTIONS each time you prepare to work on your BMW.
I Spec a too s req.1 red to perlorm cena n service operations arc oenl fed n the manLa an0 arc recomrnenoeo lor JSC Jse ol loo s olner than those recommended In lh s serv ce manual may be oelnmcnlal lo lrlc car's sale open1 on as rvec as lne salely 01 lne person servcng I the car. I
Copies of this manual may be purchased from most automotive accessories and parts dealers specializing in BMW automobiles, from
selected booksellers, or directly from the publisher.
This manual was published by Robert Bentley,
Inc., Publishers. BMW has not reviewed and does not vouch for the accuracy of the
technical specifications and procedures described in this manuai.
Libratv of Conaress Cataloaino-in-Publication Data " " -
BMW 5 Series (E39) : service manual : 523. 528i, 530i. 540i, sedan, sport wagon, 1997,
1998, 1999,2000,2001,2002
~Acludes index.
ISBN 0-8376-0317-X (obi<) ,, , 1. BMW 5 series automobiles--Maintenance and repair--Handbooks manuals, etc. 1.
Robert Bentley, Inc.
TL215.8258623 2003 629.28'722--dc23 2003052231
Bentley Stock No. 8502
Editorial closing 08/03
090807 10987654
The paper used in this publication is acid
free and meets the requirements of the National Standard for Information Sciences-
Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials. @
OCopyright 2007 Robert Bentley. Inc. Bentiey Publishers is a trademark of Robert Bentley, Inc.
All rights reserved. All information contained in this manual is based on the information available to the publisher at the time of editorial
closing. The right is reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
ofhenvise, without the
prior written consent of the publisher. This includes text, figures, and tables. All rights reserved under Berne and Pan-American Copyright
conventions.
Cover photos of car exteriors by Jonathan Richard for
Bentley Publishers @ Robert Bentley, Inc. Cover design and use of blue band on
spine and back cover are trademarks
of Bentley Publishers. All rights reserved.
Manufactured in the United States of America

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Selected Boolcs and Repair Information from Bentley Publishers
MINI Cooper
MINI Cooper Service Manual: 2002-2004 Bc,illc!! Pirl~lisl!~~ ISBN 0-8376-1068-0 AlexZanardi - My Swectest Victory rllex Zmmrdi itjill! Ginrz11,cn Gns~x~ri,,i ISBN (1-8376-1249-7
BMW 3 Series IE36) Scrvire Manual: 1992-1998,318ilisliC. 323is/iC, 3?5i/is/iC, 328ilisliC, M3 Be~iili.!~ Pirl?lisliers ISBN 0-8376-0326-9
BMW
5 Series Scrvicc Manual: 1997-2002 525i, 528i. 530i. 540i, Sedan, Sport Wagon Bcrrlluy P~rlilishens ISBN 0-8376-0317-X
Porsclze Tl~c Unfair Advantage hlirrk Do,~ult,re ISBN 0-8376-0073-Iilrcj; Porsche: Excellcncc Was Expected I Going Faster! Mastering the Art of Race Porsche 911 Carrcm Service Manual: 198G1989 B~.~iile!/ Pllblislters ISBN 0-8376-0291-2
Porschc 911 Enthusiast's CompanionT3' Aiirinri Slr~,tzlli~~r ISBN 0-8376-0293-9
BMW 6 Scries Enthusiasl's CompanionTh1 Jc~.li'iil!/ liV0l10li ISBN 0-8376-0193-2 Driving Tlw Skip Bizl.bul- Riicing Sclaiol ISBN 0-8376-0227-0
BMW 7 Series Servicc Manual:1988-1994, 735i,735iL, 74%. 740iL. 750iL Beritlc!/ I'irblislrens ISBN 0-8376-0328-5
A French I Making of LC M,!r~s hliclael i(ei/scr ISBN 0-8376-0234-3 Porschc911 SC Coupc,Targo,and Cabriolet Scrvict. Manual: 1978-1983 Br>illu!y Ptibiishers ISBN 0-8376-0290-4 Bosclz Soorts Car and Comoctition Drivins P;url ~ri'rp ~vilh forc&rd I)!/ Phil Hill " ISBN 0-8376-0202-5 Boscl~ Aulomativc Handbook 6th Edition Robul.1 Boscli, CIII~H ISBN 0-8376-1243-8
Bosch 1-landbook for Automotive Elcctrics and Elcchonics Rillrcr I Bwcli, GrjilrH ISBN 0-8376-1050-8
Bosch Handbook for Diesel-Engine Managcmcnt Ril1iei.t Bosdl, ClrrbH ISBN 0-8376-1051-6
Bosch Handbook for
Gasolinc-Engine Management Robcrf Bosclr, G~ribH ISBN 0-8376-1052-4
'7
Battle for lhe Bcelle It ISBN 0-8376-0071-5
Jells, Golf, GTI Scrvicc Manual: 1999-2005 1.8L lurbo, 1.9LTDI diesel, PD dicscl, 2.0L ga5aline. 2.81 VRG B~.!iIlcy Pt,blislicrs ISBN 0-8376-125-9
New Bcctle ServiceManual:1998-20021.8L turbo, 1.91 TDI diesel, 2.0L gasoline Bailicy P~irirlishers ISBN 0-8376-0376-5
New Bcctle 1998-2005, New Beetle Convcrtible2003-2005 Official Factory
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I~olkiatgurr ~JAriicricn ISBN 9784-8376-1265-2
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Passat. Passat Waron 1998-2005 Official
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Alfa Romco All-Alloy Twin Cam
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Ford
Ford Fuel Injection and Electronic Engine
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Clinrlcs 0. Pmirsl, SrlE ISBN 0-8376-03Lll-3 Arldi
Audi A4 Repair Manual: 1996-2001.1.8L lurbo, 2.8L. including Avant and quatlro Buirile!/ Ptrhlislters ISBN 0-8376-0371-.I
EuroVan Official Factory Rcp.,ir Manual:
1992-1999
I/~llhio~sar, ifAii!wicn ISBN 0-8376-0335-8
Tbc Official Ford Mustang 5.0 Technical
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1979-1993
A1 l Audi A6 Sedan
1998-2004, Avant 1999- 2004, allroad quallro 2001-2005, 56 Avant 2002-2004, RS6 2003-2004 Official
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BMW
BMW 23 Sarvicc Manual: 1996-2002. including 23 Roadster, 23 Coupe, M
Roadster, M Coupe
Be~illq Pi,blislicis ISBN 0-8376-1250-0
BMW 3 Scrics (Ed61 Scrvicc Manual:
Mcrcedes-Bcnz Technical C~mpanion'~~' Bu,rllu!! P,rlilislio.i ISBN 11-8376-1033-8
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.
General
WARNING-
Never run the engine in tile work area unless it is well-ven-
tilated. The exhaust should be vented to the outside. Car-
bon monoxide (CO) in exhaust kills.
Remove all neckties,
scarfs, loose clothing, or jewelry
when working near a running engine or power tools.
Tuck in shirts. Tie long hair and secure it under a cap.
Severe injury can result from these things being
caugiit
in rotating parts.
Remove rings, watches, and bracelets. Aside from the
dangers of moving parts, metallic jewelry conducts
electricity and may cause shorts, sparks, burns, or
damage to the electricalsystem when accidentally con-
tacting the battery or other electrical terminals.
Disconnect the battery negative
(-) cable whenever
working on or near the fuel system or anything that is
electrically powered. Accidental electrical contact may
damage the electrical system or cause a fire.
Fuelis highly flammable. When working around fuel, do
not
smoke or work near heaters or other fire hazards.
Keep an approved fire extinguisher handy.
The fuel system is designed to retain pressure even
when the ignition is off When worlcing with the
fuelsys-
tem, loosen the fuel lines slowly to allow the residual
pressure to dissipate gradually. Take precautions to
avoid spraying fuel.
. Illuminate the worlc area adequately and safely Use a
portable safety light for worlcing inside or under the car.
A fluorescent type
light is best because it gives off less
heat. If using a light with a normal incandescent bulb,
use rough service bulbs to avoid
breakage. The hot fil-
ament of an accidentally broken bulb can ignite spilled
fuel or oil.
Keep sparks, lighted matches, and any open flame
away from the top of the battery. Hydrogen gas
emitted
by the battery is highly flammable. Any nearby source
of ignition may cause the battery to explode.
Never lay
tools or parts in the engine compartment or
on top of the battery. They may
fallinto confinedspaces
and be difficult to retrieve, become caught in belts or
other rotating parts when the engine is started, or
cause electrical shorts and damage to the electrical
system.

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BMW dealers are uniquely qualified to provide service for
BMW cars. Their authorized relationship with the large BMW
service organization means that they have access to special
tools and equipment, together with the latest and most accu-
rate repair information.
The BMW dealer's service technicians are highly trained and
very capable. Authorized BMW dealers are committed to sup-
porting the BMW product. On the other hand, there are many
independent shops that provide quality repairwork.
Checking
with other BMW owners for recommendations on service fa-
cilities is good way to learn of reputable BMW shops in your
area.
Most maintenance can be accomplished with a small selec-
tion of tools. Tools range in quality from inexpensive junk,
which may break at first use, to very expensive and
well-
made tools for the professional. The best tools for most do-it-
yourself BMW owners lie somewhere in between.
Many reputable tool manufacturers offer good quality, moder-
ately priced tools with a lifetime guarantee. These are your
best buy. They cost a little more, but they are good quality
tools that will do what
Is expected of them. Sears' Craftsman@
line is one such source of good quality tools.
Some of the repairs covered in this manual require the use of
special tools, such as a custom puller or specialized electrical
test equipment. These special tools are called out in the text
and can be purchased through an authorized BMW dealer.
As an alternative, some special tools mentioned may be pur-
chased from the following tool manufacturers and/or distribu-
tors:
Specialty tool suppliers
Assenmacher Specialty Tools
6440 Odeli Place
Boulder. CO 80301
Baum Tools Unlimited, Inc.
P.O. Box 5867
Sarasota.
FL 34277-5867

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01 0-1 4
General
Specialty tool suppliers
Peake Research, Automotive Products Division
P.O. Box 28776
San Jose, CA 95159
408-369-0406
[email protected]
http://www.peakeresearch.com
Basic tool requirements
The basic hand tools described below can be used to accom-
plish most of the simple maintenance and repair tasks.
Screwdrivers
4 The common flat-blade type, Phillips type, and TorxO type
screwdrivers will handle almost all screws used on
BMWs.
Two or three different sizes of each type will be required,
since a screwdriver of the wrong size will damage the screw
head.
Wrenches
4 Wrenches come in different styles, including open-end. 12
point box-end,
6 point box-end and flare nut. The basic open-
end wrench is the most widely used, but grips on only two
sides. The box-end wrench has better grip on all six sides of
a nut or bolt.
A 12 point box-end can loosen a nut or bolt where there is less
room for movement, while
a 6 point box-end provides better
grip. For hex fasteners on fluid lines, like brake lines and fuel
lines, a flare-nut wrench offers the advantages of a box-end
wrench with a slot that allows it to fit over the line.
The combination wrench is the most universal. It has one
open-end and one box-end. 10 mm and 13 mm wrenches are
the most common sizes needed.
A more complete set of
wrenches would include
6 mm through 19 mm sizes.

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020 Maintenance
General ........................... .02 0.2
Special tools ........................ .02 0.2
Service Interval Indicator (Sll) ........... .02 0.3
Service Interval Indicator (Sll), resetting ... .02 0.3
Inspection I, Inspection 11 ............... .02 0.5
Maintenance Tables ................ .02 0.6
Fluid and Lubricant Specifications .. .02 0.9
Fluids and lubricants ................. .02 0.10
Engine Oil Service ................ .02 0.1 I
Engine oil. checking level ............. .02 0.12
Engine oil and filter. changing .......... .02 0-13
Engine Compartment Maintenance . .02 0.14
Accelerator and linkage ............... .02 0.14
Air filter. replacing ................... .02 0.1 4
Cooling system service ............... .02 0.15
Engine drive belt service .............. .02 0.16
Idlespeed .......................... 020-19
Catalytic converter and oxygen sensors .. .02 0.19
Power steering fluid, checking level ..... .02 0.20
Spark plugs ........................ .02 0.20
Spark plugs, replacing ................ .02 0.21
Interior ventilation microfilter, replacing ... .02 0.22
Other Mechanical Maintenance ..... .02 0.22
Battery, checking. cleaning. and replacing .02 0-22
Brake fluid. replacing ................. .02 0-24
Brake pad 1 rotor wear. checking ........ .02 0.24
Brake system, inspecting ............. .02 0.25
Parking brake. checking ............... 020-25
Clutch fluid. checking ................. 020-26
Differential oil level. checking ........... 020-26
Drive axle joint (CV joint) boots. inspecting 020-27
Exhaust system. inspecting ............ 020-27
Fuel filter. replacing .................. 020-27
Fuel tank and fuel lines. inspecting ...... 020-28
Suspension. front. inspecting ........... 020-29
Suspension. rear. inspecting ........... 020-29
Tires. checking inflation pressure ........ 020-29
Tires. rotating ....................... 020-29
Transmission service. automatic ........ 020-29
Transmission service. manual .......... 020-30
Transmission fluid. checking and filling
(manual transmission)
................ 020-30
Wheels. aligning ..................... 020-30
Body and Interior Maintenance ..... 020-31
Body and hinges. lubricating ........... 020-31
Exterior washing ..................... 020-31
Interior care ........................ 020-31
Leather upholstery and trim ............ 020-31
Polishing ........................... 020-32
Seat belts .......................... 020-32
Special cleaning ..................... 020-32
Washing chassis ..................... 020-32
Waxing ............................ 020-32
Windshield wiper blade maintenance ..... 020-33

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Table b. Inspection I Service (continued)
Checlt transmission and differential for
external lealts.
Check CV joint boots for damage or leaks.
Visually
check fuel tank, fuel lines, and
connections for
leaks.
New parts
Tools Required required
Check condition, position, and mounting
ol
exhaust system. Visually check and adjusl
if necessary.
Check power steering system for lealts.
Check power steering
fluid level and adjust
if necessary.
Check steering racidbox and tie rods for
tightness. Checit condition of front axle
joints, steering
linkage, and steering shaft
joints.
Check overall thickness of front and rear
bralte pads using
BMW special tool. If
replacement is necessary:
Examine brake disc surface.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers
Grease wheel centering hubs.
Checlt thickness of parking brake linings
only when replacing rear brake shoes.
Checit operation of pariting brake and
adjust as necessary.
Checlt front control arm bushings for
damage or wear.
Check brake system connections and
lines
for leaks, damage, and incorrect
positioning Warm
engine
(~ealer service Irepair , required recommended lnformat~on
Check parking braite actuator. Adjust if
necessary
Check ail tire pressure (including spare)
and correct if necessary.
Checlt condition of tires (outer tread
surface), tread wear pattern: in case of
uneven wear, perform wheel alignment.
inspect entire body according to terms of
rust oerforation limited warrantv. (Must be
*:
4:
2 ~ perfdrmed at least every two years). I
Read out on-board diagnostic (OBD 11) fault
codes.
Checkengine coolant
system1 heater hose
connections for
leaks.
Checit coolant level and antifreeze
protection level. Add coolant as necessary.
* 100113010BD
I
170

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7 Maintenance
< Unbolt caliper from steering arm to properly inspect:
Brake pad thickness
(A)
Brake rotor
Condition of caliper seal
(B)
Condition of caliper slider bolts (C)
NOTE-
Brake caliper removal and installation procedures are given
in
340 Brakes.
Brake pad lining minimum thickness
Dimension
A 3.0 mm (0.12 in)
Brake system, inspecting
Routine maintenance of the brake system includes maintain-
ing the brake fluid in the reservoir,
checking bralte pads for
wear, checking parking brake function, and inspecting the
system for fluid lealts or other damage:
- Check that bralte hoses are correctly routed to avoid chafing
or
Itinking.
- lnspect unions and brake calipers for signs of fluid leaks.
- lnspect rigid lines for corrosion, dents, or other damage.
- Inspect flexible hoses for cracking
- Replace faulty hoses or lines as described in 340 Brakes.
WARNING-
Incorrect installation or overtightening hoses, lines, and
unions may cause chafing
orlealage. This can lead to partial
Parking brake, checking
The parking brake system is independent of the main braking
system and may require periodic adjustment depending on
use. Adjust the parking brake if the brake lever can be pulled
up more than
8 clicks. Check that the cable moves freely. A
description of the parking brake and
parlting bralte adjust-
ment can be found in
340 Brakes.