2003 BMW 540I SEDAN display

109n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
1 Airflow directed toward the wind-
shield and side windows
2 Airflow for the upper body
area113
3 Footwell ventilation4 Rear footwell ventilation
5 Airflow for the upper body area in
the rear113
6 Automatic air distribution1117 Individual air distribution111
8 Temperature control Ð
left-hand side111
9 Display for temperature and
air supply111Automatic climate control
*
390us743

111n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system, that is,
press AUTO button 6. Select an interior
temperature that you find comfortable.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Your BMW center can program
the settings of your vehicle in such
a manner that, when you unlock the
vehicle with your individualized key,
your own personalized setting for the
automatic climate control is initiated.< Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program
assumes the adjustment of
the air distribution and the air supply for
you and also adapts the temperature to
external influences (summer, winter) to
meet preferences you can specify.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting
specific distribution patterns
to suit your own individual
requirements. While the
AUTO program is then deactivated, the
automatic airflow control remains in
operation. The system directs air to the
windows , the upper body and
into the footwells . You can reacti-
vate the automatic air distribution mode
by selecting the AUTO button.
Temperature
You can make individual
temperature settings on the
driver's side or the front
passenger side. Your selection appears
in display 7. The numbers that appear
in the display are reference figures for
interior temperature. We recommend a
setting of 72 7 (22 6) for a congenial
interior climate, even when the air con-
ditioner is in operation. When you start
the vehicle, the system ensures that the
selected temperature is achieved as
quickly as possible. It then maintains
this temperature, regardless of the
season.
Air supply
AUTO appears in
display 9, while the AUTO
program automatically controls the flow
of incoming air, refer to overview on
page 109. You can use "+" and "Ð" to
vary the airflow. When your setting is
displayed by bars, the automatic airflow
is switched off. Automatic air distribu-
tion maintains its setting. You can reac-
tivate the automatic airflow by pressing
the AUTO button.
When you press "Ð " during operation at
minimum blower speed all displays are
canceled: the blower, heating and air
conditioner are switched off. The out-
side air supply is deactivated. By
pressing any button of the automatic
climate control (except the MAX
button 16), you can switch the system
back on.
To defrost windows and remove
condensation
This program quickly
removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and the side
windows.

112n
Automatic climate control
*
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and
dehumidified and Ð
depending on the temperature setting Ð
warmed again when the air conditioning
is switched on. Depending on the
weather, the windshield may fog over
briefly when the engine is started. You
can reduce condensation forming on
the windows by switching on the air
conditioning.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioning system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Maximum cooling
With the engine running
this program provides
maximum cooling at outside tempera-
tures above approx. 41 7 (5 6).
60 7 (16 6) appears in the tempera-
ture display 9, and the system reverts to
the recirculated-air mode while simulta-
neously providing maximum airflow
through the vent outlets only. That is
why you need to keep these open if you
select this program.
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)
You can respond to
unpleasant external odors
by temporarily stopping the flow of out-
side air. The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.
Press the button repeatedly to run
through the following control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside airflow
operational
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system recognizes pollut-
ants in the outside air and blocks the
flow of air when necessary. The
system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle.
Depending on the air quality, the
automatic system then switches back
and forth between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
flow of external air into the vehicle is
permanently blocked. The system
then recirculates the air currently
within the vehicle.
If you have a multifunction steering
wheel with the recirculated-air button
(refer to page 22), you can also use it to
switch between "Off" and the recircu-
lated-air mode or AUC and the recircu-
lated-air mode.
If the windows should fog over in
the recirculated-air mode, switch
the recirculated-air mode off and
increase the air supply as required.< Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated, the
indicator lamp comes on. The rear
window defroster switches off automat-
ically.

138n
Special characteristics of winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under
inclement winter driving conditions.
While all-season tires (M+S designa-
tion) provide better winter traction than
summer tires with the load ratings H, V,
W, Y and ZR, they generally do not
achieve the performance of winter tires.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires.Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire inflation
pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus
be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the wheels/tires.BMW narrow-link snow chains
are
approved exclusively for use in combi-
nation with winter tires on the rear
wheels only. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains. Do not exceed a
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) while
driving with mounted snow chains.
It is not possible to mount snow
chains on tires with 17-inch
wheels.<

146n
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 dis-
tance traveled alone to determine when
service is due, the BMW Maintenance
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

Everything from A to Z
179n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
C
California Proposition
65 Warning147
Capacities175
Cargo area
floor compartment127
lamps105
opening from the
inside40
partition net125
roll-up cover125
Cargo loading128
Cellular phone119
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp157
Central locking
system32, 37
Changing a wheel/
tire158t
Charge indicator lamp19
CHECK button85
Check Control85t
Check engine oil
level142t
Child seats62
Child-restraint
installation64
Child-restraint system with
tether strap62
Child-restraint systems62
Child-safety locks66
Cigarette lighter120 Clean rear window79
Cleaning windshield79
Climate control, refer to
Automatic climate
control109
Clock90
for additional information
refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Cockpit14
Code, refer to immobilizer
function96
Cold start69
Comfort seat51
Compartments118
Computer88
for additional information
refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
remote control97
Computer in the MID93
Configuring personal
adjustments, Vehicle and
Key Memory67
Consumption display83
Consumption, fuel88, 95
Convenience operation of
windows and sliding/tilt
sunroof33 Convenience starting
feature69
Coolant144
Coolant temperature
gauge84
Copyright4
Cover, sun blinds114
Cruising range88, 95
Cup holder119
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder119
Curb monitor55
D
Date
calling up90
changing90
Daytime driving lamps103
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)20
Deactivating97
interior motion sensor43
tilt alarm sensor43
Deep water133
Defrost windows108, 111
Defroster mode108, 111
Digital clock in the MID90
Dimensions171
Dipstick, engine oil142t
Displacement170
Display lighting104 Displays16, 17
Disposal
antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor144t
used batteries162t
used oils143t
Distance from
destination94
Distance warning98
Divided rear-seat
backrest121
Doors
manual operation33
opening and closing34
opening/closing from the
inside34
operation via remote
control34
DOT Quality Grades136
Driving notes133
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)21, 99
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)20
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)21, 99
E
Electric power seat50
Electric power windows44

Everything from A to Z
181n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Instrument displays15
Instrument lighting104
Instruments15
Intensive cleaning141
Interior lamps105
Interior mirrors58
Interior motion sensor42
avoiding unintentional
alarms44
deactivate35
Interior rearview mirror57
automatic dimmer58
Interlock68 J
Jack159
Jump-starting164t K
Key Memory67
Key with remote control32
Keys32
Kickdown73, 76 L
Lamp switch103
Lamps and bulbs153t
Lashing eyes to secure the
load128
Length of vehicle171 Level control
system21, 101
License plate lamps
bulb replacement158t
Lighter120
LIGHTS ON warning103
LIMIT93
Load-securing devices128
Louvers106, 109
Low beams103
bulb replacement153t
Low-fuel warning lamp83
Lug bolts160
Lug wrench159t
Luggage
compartment38, 42, 125
capacity173
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 tires138
Maintenance84, 146t
Malfunction displays85t
Manual operation
doors33
fuel filler door24
luggage compartment
lid38
sliding/tilt sunroof47
tailgate39
Manual transmission71
Manually controlled
recirculated-air112
Manually-adjusted seat49
Master key32
Maximum cooling112
Memory settings
for seat, mirror and
steering wheel54
related to individuals ("Key
Memory")67
related to the vehicle
("Vehicle Memory")67
Microfilter108, 114
MID (Multi-Information
Display)89 Mirrors57
adjusting57
automatic dimming
feature58
defrosting57
memory setting54
Modifications,
technical9, 147
Monitoring inflation
pressure, tires101
Moonroof47
Multifunction buttons,
steering wheel22
Multi-Information Display
(MID)89
N
Non-smoker's
equipment120 O
OBD interface socket148
Odometer16, 82
Oil additives142
Oil change interval, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or to the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Oil consumption142

Everything from A to ZOil dipstick142t
Oil level, indicator lamp20
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp19
Oil specifications143t
Oil viscosity143
Oils, disposal143t
OILSERVICE84
Old batteries162
Onboard computer, refer to
the "Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer"
Onboard Diagnostic (OBD)
system148
Onboard Diagnostics
(OBD)148
Onboard tool kit152t
Opening and closing
from the inside37
from the outside33
using the key33
using the remote
control33
Opening the rear
window40
Operating range88
Outlets,
ventilation106, 109
Outside temperature
display82, 88
P
Park Distance Control
(PDC)98
Parked-car ventilation
system114
for additional information
refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Parking aid98
Parking brake20, 70
Parking lamps103
bulb replacement154t
Partition net125
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function55
PDC (Park Distance
Control)98
Pocket light118
Pollen filter108, 114
Power windows45
safety switch45
Power-slip control, refer to
ASC+T/DSC99 Q
Quality Grades, tires136
R
Rain sensor78
RDC (Tire Pressure
Monitor)101
Reading lamps105
Rear ashtray120
Rear window40
defroster107, 112
sun blinds114
wiper79
Rear window cleaning79
Rear-seat backrest
fold121
folding121
Rearview mirror57
Recirculated-air mode107
Reclining seat48
Refueling24
Releasing hood139
Reminder signal (Memo)91
Remote control34
computer97
Remove condensation from
windows108, 111
Replacing
fuses162t
lamps and bulbs153t
wiper blades152t
Reporting safety defects10 Reservoir, washer
system141t
Residual heat113
Rims137
Roller sun blind114
Roll-up cover125
Roof load capacity173
Roof-mounted luggage
rack129
S
Safety belts53
Safety defects, reporting10
Safety lock buttons37
Seat belts53
Seat heating55
Seats
electric power50
heating55
manually-adjusted49
memory setting54
Secure the load128
Securing cargo42, 128
Selector lever, automatic
transmission72, 75
Self-leveling
suspension101
inactive21
Service and Warranty10
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models)146