2002 BMW 540I SEDAN change time

143n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake fluid
The warning lamp for the brake
system's hydraulic circuits
comes on/the message
"CHECK BRAKE FLUID"
appears in the Check Control
display panel: Brake fluid level
too low.
To add brake fluidThe brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing on the
driver's side of the vehicle. For adding
brake fluid or for determining and
correcting the cause of brake fluid loss,
consult your BMW center. Your BMW
center is familiar with the specifications
for factory-approved brake fluids
(DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. Should this occur,
refer to the notes on page 132.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have
the brake fluid changed every two years
by a BMW center. Refer also to the
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or to the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the MAX
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<

144n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and oper-
ating safety Ð and as cost-effectively as
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining its resale
value.
390us702
Service Interval DisplayWhile conventional systems rely on
distance traveled alone to determine
when service is due, the BMW Mainte-
nance System has for years considered
the actual conditions under which the
vehicle operates, because mileage can
be accumulated in very different ways.
From a maintenance standpoint,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those who
drive only short distances Ð significantly
less than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annu-
ally Ð should have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years since oil
deteriorates over time, regardless of
use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
As a precaution against corrosion, it is
advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW center do the
maintenance and repair.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in
the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian models).
These entries will constitute your proof
that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also required in
the event of a warranty claim.<
The BMW Maintenance System

152n
Lamps and bulbsXenon lamps
*
The operating life of these lamp units is
extremely long and the likelihood of
failure very low, provided that they are
not switched on and off an excessive
number of times. If one of these bulbs
should nevertheless fail, it is possible to
continue driving with great caution
using the fog lamps, provided traffic
laws in your area do not prohibit this.
Because of the extremely high
voltages involved, any work on the
lighting system should be carried out by
technically-qualified personnel only.
Otherwise, there is a risk of fatal
injury.<
Standing lamps10 watt bulb
The bulb holder and reflector are a
single unit and are both changed
at the same time.<
1. Turn the bulb holder with reflector to
the left and remove
2. Disconnect the plug
3. Plug the new bulb holder into the
plug connector. Be sure that it is
securely engaged
4. Insert the reflector with bulb holder
and turn to the right as far as
possible.390de669
Turn signal indicator/Parking
lamps (side marker lamps)Dual-filament bulb, 21 watt
1. Turn the bulb to the left and remove
2. Remove and replace the bulb.390de670

173n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Capacities

Notes
Fuel tank
Reservegal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 18.5 (approx. 70)
approx. 2.0 (approx. 8) Ð BMW 525i, 530i
approx. 2.5 (approx. 10) Ð BMW 540iFuel specification: page 25
Windshield washer system
with headlamp washer system
Intensive cleaning systemquarts (liters)
quarts (liters)
quarts (liters)approx. 3.7 (approx. 3.5)
approx. 6.3 (approx 6.0)
approx. 1.1 (approx 1.0)For details: page 139
Cooling system including
heater circuitquarts (liters) 11.1 (10.5) Ð BMW 525i, 530i
12.7 (12.0) Ð BMW 540iFor details: page 142
Engine oil and filter change quarts (liters) 6.9 (6.5) Ð BMW 525i, 530i
7.9 (7.5) Ð BMW 540i"BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil."
For details: page 141
Manual transmission, automatic
transmission and differentialÐ Ð Lifetime fluid, no fluid
change required

Everything from A to ZSummer tires135
Sun blind cover112
Sunroof46
Switching off the engine68
Switch-on times for parked-
car ventilation90
Symbols8 T
Tachometer81
Tail lamps154
bulb replacement154t
Tailgate
manual operation39
manual release39
opening from the
inside40
opening from the
outside39
Technical
modifications10, 145
Telephone hookup117
Temperature display80, 86
Temperature gauge82
Temperature
layering106, 111
Third brake lamp155 Through-loading
system119
Tilt alarm sensor42, 43
avoiding unintentional
alarms44
deactivate35
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror55
Time
calling up88
changing88
of arrival, estimated93
Timer88
for additional information
refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Tire
change157t
damage133t
inflation pressure26, 133
pressure
monitoring99, 133
renewal134
tread133
Tire inflation pressure26
Tire Pressure Monitor
(RDC)99
Tire Quality Grading135
Tools150t Torque168
Tow fittings163t
Towing the vehicle163t
Track169
Traction control system,
refer to ASC+T/DSC
Transmission69, 70, 73
Transmitter key32
Transporting children
safely61
Tread depth, tires133
Trip odometer80
Trunk lid
refer to luggage
compartment lid38
Trunk, refer to luggage
compartment42
Turn signal
bulb replacement152t
Turn signal indicator76
Turning circle169
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQR)135
Universal Transmitter113
Use antifreeze,
radiator142t
Used batteries,
disposal160t Used oils, disposal141t
V
Vacuum cleaner, attach118
Valve caps159
Vehicle Memory64
Ventilation104, 106, 111
draft-free106, 111
in the rear106
Ventilation while
parked112
for more information on
ventilation with vehicle
stationary, refer to the
"Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer"
Viscosity ratings, oils141 W

Warm feet Ð cool
head106, 111
Warning and indicator
lamps19
Warning lamps19t
Warning messages83t
Warning triangle23