2002 BMW 540I SEDAN tire pressure

Contents

© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 156 213
US English VIII/2001
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
Overview
Controls and features

Cockpit14
Instrument cluster15
Indicator and warning lamps19
Steering wheel with multifunction
buttons22
Warning triangle23
First-aid kit23
Refueling24
Fuel specifications25
Tire inflation pressure26

Locks and security systems:

Keys32
Central locking system32
Opening and closing Ð via the
door lock33
Opening and closing Ð via the
remote control34
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside37
Luggage compartment lid/
Tailgate38
Rear window40
Luggage compartment42
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
Sliding/tilt sunroof46

Adjustments:

Correct sitting posture48
Seats48
Manually-adjusted seat49
Electric power seats50
Head restraints52
BMW actice seat52
Safety belts53
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory54
Seat heating55
Adjusting steering wheel56
Heated steering wheel56
Mirrors57

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags58
Transporting children safely61
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory64

Driving:

Steering/Ignition lock66
Starting the engine66
Switching off the engine68
Parking brake68
Manual transmission69
Automatic transmission70
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic73
Indicator/Headlamp flasher76
Washer/Wiper system/Rain
sensor76
Cruise control78

Everything under control:

Odometer, outside temperature
display80
Tachometer81
Energy control81
Fuel gauge81
Coolant temperature gauge82
Service Interval Display82
Check Control83
Computer86
Multi-Information Display
(MID)87
Digital clock in the MID89
Computer in the MID91

Contents

5n

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Controls and features
Operation, maintenance

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)96
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)97
Level control system99
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)99

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams101
Instrument lighting102
High beams/Standing
lamps102
Fog lamps102
Interior lamps103
Reading lamps103

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Air conditioning104
Automatic climate control107
Roller sun blind112
Parked-car ventilation
system112

Cabin convenience:

BMW Universal Transmitter113
Glove compartment116
Storage compartments116
Cellular phone117
Beverage holder117
Ashtray, front117
Cigarette lighter118
Ashtray, rear118

Loading and transporting
cargo:

Through-loading system119
Ski bag120
sport wagon:
Luggage compartment123
Roll-up cover123
Partition net123
Storage areas in the luggage
compartment124
Cargo loading126
Roof-mounted luggage rack127

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures130
Driving notes131
Antilock Brake System131
Brake system132

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure133
Tire condition133
Tire replacement134
Wheel and tire
combinations135
Special characteristics of winter
tires136
Snow chains136

19n

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

The system runs a check on the
warning and indicator lamps marked by
"

l

" each time you switch on the igni-
tion. They each light up once for
different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
The following section describes how
you should respond.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

l

The battery is no longer being
charged. This indicates a defect
in the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
Stop and switch off the engine
immediately to prevent over-
heating and serious engine damage. If
the drive belt is defective, increased
steering effort is also required.

<


Engine oil pressure

l

May be accompanied by the
message "STOP!ENGINE
OILPRESS" in the Check Control
display panel

*
: stop the vehicle imme-
diately and switch off the engine. Check
the engine oil level; top up as required.
If the oil level is correct: please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious
damage from inadequate lubrication.

<



Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)

*


l

Accompanied by an acoustic
warning signal: a tire failure has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information: refer to
page 98
Parking brake

*
/
brake system hydraulic circuits

l

Comes on when you engage the
parking brake.
For additional information: refer to
page 68
Comes on although the parking brake
is released: have the brake fluid level
checked. Before continuing your
journey, be sure to read the notes on
pages 132 and 143
Also comes on with the message
"CHECK BRAKE LININGS" in the
Check Control.
Parking brake warning lamp

*
/
brake system hydraulic circuits
for Canadian models.

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Red: as important reminder

Parking brake

*
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake.
For additional information: refer to
page 68
Parking brake warning lamp

*
for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts

l

Accompanied by warning tone
and message

*
in the Check
Control panel. Remains on until the
safety belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 53.
Airbags

l

Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 58

Yellow: please have checked at
your earliest opportunity

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

l

ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 131
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level

*
Comes on while driving: the
engine oil level has fallen to the
absolute minimum; refill as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information: refer to
page 140
Engine oil level

*
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add engine oil at
your earliest opportunity (when you
stop to refuel).
For additional information: refer to
page 140

Automatic transmission

*
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 72 and 75
Brake pads

*


l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 132

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

*

l


Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available without limitations.
Have the system repaired by your BMW
center at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.
For additional information: refer to
page 98
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)

*


l

Check the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to pages 26, 98

26n
Tire inflation pressureThe inflation pressures are indicated on
a sticker attached to the B-pillar behind
the driver's door (visible with door
open).Check tire pressuresAll pressure specifications are indicated
in psi (kilopascal) for tires at ambient
temperature (refer also to the next
pages).
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
(RDC)
*:
After correcting tire inflation pressures,
reactivate the system, refer to page 99.
390de697
Check your tire pressures on a
regular basis Ð at least twice a
month Ð and before every extended
journey. Incorrect tire pressure can lead
to driving instability, tire damage and
accidents.
Check the inflation pressure of the
spare tire also. Inflate the spare tire to
the highest pressure of any tire on your
vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the tables
apply to BMW approved tires sizes and
tire manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
from other manufacturers.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US, but also European
standards. We recommend the exclu-
sive use of BMW approved tires.

27n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire inflation pressuresedan Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) with cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
525i225/60 R 15 96 H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 W
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
205/65 R 15 94 Q M+S
225/60 R 15 96 Q M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/YÐ
29 (200)Ð
33 (230)33 (230)
33 (230)41 (280)
41 (280)
530i225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/YÐ
29 (200)Ð
33 (230)33 (230)
33 (230)41 (280)
41 (280)
(outside US/CDN)
(outside US/CDN)(US/CDN)
(US/CDN)

28n
Tire inflation pressuresedan Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) with cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
540i225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y35 (240) 39 (270) 41 (280) 48 (330)
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y35 (240)
ÐÐ
39 (270)41 (280)
ÐÐ
48 (330)
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
540iA225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y30 (210)
ÐÐ
35 (240)36 (250)
ÐÐ
44 (300)

29n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire inflation pressuresport
wagonTires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) with cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
525i225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 W
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
225/60 R 15 96 Q M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S33 (230) 38 (260) 39 (270) 46 (320)
540i225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S33 (230) 38 (260) 39 (270) 46 (320)