2002 BMW 540I SEDAN automatic transmission

156n
Lamps and bulbs Changing a wheelLicense plate lamps5 watt bulb
1. Insert a screwdriver into the slot and
press to the left (arrow); this disen-
gages the lamp
2. Remove the lamp and replace the
bulb.394de772
Safety measures in the event of a
flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat,
surface. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse (selector lever in Park with
automatic transmission) and engage
the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
If necessary, set up your warning
triangle or portable hazard warning
lamp on the roadside at an appropriate
distance from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and
regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle up on a soft or slip-
pery surface (snow, ice, very smooth
surfaces, etc.), since it could slide side-
ways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack Ð risk of fatal injury.<

164n
Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response.<
Tow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of
vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump-starting: refer
to page 162.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission1. Place the selector lever in position N
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4. Leave the ignition key in position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn
signals, horn and windshield wipers
remain operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers (observe official regulations).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to
prevent the steering lock from
engaging. The steering and brakes are
without power-assist when the engine
is off. This means that increased effort
is required for steering and braking.<
Towing with a commercial
tow truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel-lift or flatbed carrier
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.< 380us124

171n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Weights Ð sedan
BMW 525i BMW 530i BMW 540i
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)3,450 (1,565)
3,505 (1,590)3,494 (1,585)
3,549 (1,610)3,748 (1,700)
3,803 (1,725)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)4,464 (2,025)
4,520 (2,050)4,509 (2,045)
4,563 (2,070)4,762 (2,160)
4,817 (2,185)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg)
2,138 (970)2,138 (970) 2,381 (1,080)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,579 (1,170) 2,579 (1,170) 2,635 (1,195)
Approved roof load capacity lbs. (kg) 220 (100) 220 (100) 220 (100)
Never exceed either the approved axle weights or the gross vehicle weight.
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (l) 16.2 (460) 16.2 (460) 16.2 (460)

172n
Weights Ð sport wagon
BMW 525i BMW 540i
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)3,682 (1,670)
3,715 (1,695)Ð
4,056 (1,840)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)4,773 (2,165)
4,828 (2,190)Ð
5,093 (2,310)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg)
2,116 (960)2,381 (1,080)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,844 (1,290) 2,910 (1,320)
Approved roof load capacity lbs. (kg) 220 (100) 220 (100)
Never exceed either the approved axle weights or the gross vehicle weight.
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (l) 14.5 Ð 53.9 (410 Ð 1,525) 14.5 Ð 53.9 (410 Ð 1,525)

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 ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)20, 131
Accessories10
Activated-charcoal
filter112
Active seat52
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)70, 73
Add
antifreeze142t
brake fluid143t
engine coolant142t
engine oil140t
washer fluid139t
Adjusting
backrest50
head restraints52
mirrors57
seats48
steering wheel56
temperature105, 109
thigh support50
Air conditioning104
Air distribution105, 109
Air outlets104, 107
Air pressure26t, 133
Air supply105, 109
Air vent104, 107 Airbags20, 58
Alarm system42
Anchorages to secure the
load126
Antifreeze, disposal142t
Antifreeze, radiator142
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)20, 131
Anti-theft alarm system42
Anti-theft protection34
Approved axle weight171
Approved gross vehicle
weight171
Aquaplaning131, 133
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)21
ASC+T/DSC (Automatic
Stability Control plus
Traction/Dynamic Stability
Control)97
Ashtray, front117
Ashtray, rear118
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)70, 73
Attach vacuum cleaner118
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)110 Automatic climate
control107
removing condensation
from windows109
Automatic cruise control78
Automatic curb monitor55
Automatic rear window
cleaning77
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)110
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)21
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction/Dynamic
Stability Control (ASC+T/
DSC)97
Automatic
transmission20, 70
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic20, 73
Average fuel
consumption86
Average speed86, 94
Avoid false alarms43t
Avoiding unintentional
alarms44
B
Backrest, adjusting50
Backup lamps
bulb replacement154t
Battery160
care160t
charging160t
discharged162t
disposal160t
Belts53
Beverage holder117
Blower105, 109
BMW active seat52
BMW comfort seat51
BMW Maintenance
System144t
BMW Universal
Transmitter113
Bottle holder, refer to
beverage holder117
Brake fluid143
adding143
Brake hydraulic system19
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement154t
Brake malfunctions132

Everything from A to Z
179n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
I
Ice warning80
Identification, tires135
Ignition lock66
Immoblizer function94
activating code94
deactivating code94
selecting code94
Important in the engine
compartment138
Imprint4
Independent ventilation
system112
Indicator and warning
lamps19
Inflation pressure26t
monitoring99
Inflation pressure,
tires26, 133
INSPECTION82
Instrument
cluster15, 16, 17
Instrument displays15
Instrument lighting102
Instrument panel16, 17
Instrument panel switch76
Instruments15
Intensive cleaning139 Interior lamps103
Interior mirror58
Interior motion sensor42
avoiding unintentional
alarms44
deactivate35
Interior rearview mirror57
automatic dimmer58
Interlock66
J
Jack157
Jump-starting162t K
Key Memory64
Key with remote control32
Keys32
Kickdown71, 74 L
Lamps and bulbs151t
LATCH child-restraint
system63
LATCH child-restraint
system, sport wagon64 Leather care, refer to the
"Caring for your vehicle"
manual
Length of vehicle169
Level control system21, 99
inactive99t
License plate lamps
bulb replacement156t
Liftgate, refer to tailgate40
Light switch101
Lighter118
LIGHTS ON warning101
LIMIT91
Load-securing devices126
Louvers104, 107
Low beams101
bulb replacement151t
Low-fuel warning lamp81
Lug bolts158
Lug wrench157t
Luggage
compartment38, 42, 123
capacity171
manual operation38t
Luggage compartment
lid38
electrical malfunction38
emergency release from
luggage compartment's
interior41 opening from the
outside39
opening separately38
remote control35
secure separately38
Luggage compartment's
interior, emergency
release41
Luggage net42
Luggage straps42
Lumbar support50
M
M+S tires136
Maintenance82, 144t
Malfunction displays83t
Manual operation
doors33
fuel filler door24
luggage compartment
lid38
sliding/tilt sunroof47
tailgate39
Manual transmission69
Manually controlled
recirculated-air110
Manually-adjusted seat50
Master key32
Maximum cooling110
Memory settings

Everything from A to Z
181n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Reminder signal (Memo)89
Remote control34
computer95
Removable rear-seat
backrest119
Remove condensation from
windows106, 109
Replacing
fuses160t
lamps and bulbs151t
wiper blades150t
Reporting safety defects11
Reservoir, washer
system139t
Residual heat111
Rims135
Roller sun blind112
Roll-up cover123
Roof load capacity171
Roof-mounted luggage
rack127 S
Safety belts53
Safety defects, reporting11
Safety lock buttons37
Seat belts53
Seats electric power50
manually-adjusted50
memory setting54
Secure the load126
Securing cargo42, 126
Selector lever, automatic
transmission70, 73
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models)144
Service Interval
Display82, 144
Shiftlock70, 73
Shoulder support51
Side airbags58
Side Impact Head Protection
System58
Side lamps
bulb replacement152t
Side turn signal
bulb replacement153t
Ski bag120
Ski bag in the sport
wagon122
Sliding/tilt sunroof46
manual operation47
with glass moonroof47
Snow chains136 Socket for attaching
electrical appliances118
Spare tire157t
Speaker117
Special characteristics of
winter tires136
Special oil141t
Speed94
Speed limit91
Speed, average86, 94
Speedometer15, 16, 17
sport wagon
anchorages126
compartments in the
luggage
compartment124
cover in the luggage
compartment124
folding down the rear
backrest123
LATCH child-restraint
system64
load-securing
devices126
luggage
compartment123
opening the rear
window40
partition net123 rear window wiper, blade
replacement150t
releasing the tailgate after
an electrical
malfunction39
roll-up cover123
securing a load126
ski bag122
tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement154t
transporting children
safely64
Standing lamps102
Starting assistance162t
Starting problems67t
Starting the engine67
Steering wheel
heating56
lock66
memory setting54
Steering wheel with
multifunction buttons22
Steptronic73
Stopwatch89
for additional information
refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Storage compartments116
in the cargo area124