The BMW 540i, chassis code E39, represents a pinnacle of executive sedan engineering from the year 2000. Powered by the robust M62B44 engine, a 4.4-liter V8 producing 290 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque, this model is celebrated for its blend of potent performance and refined luxury. Its rear-wheel-drive dynamics, coupled with a balanced chassis and a sophisticated ZF 5HP30 5-speed automatic transmission, deliver the hallmark associated with BMW. The E39 generation, and specifically the 540i, was widely acclaimed by automotive journalists and recognized with awards such as Car and Driver's 10Best for its exceptional handling, build quality, and advanced technology, making it a benchmark in its segment. This comprehensive factory service repair manual provides detailed guidance for maintaining and repairing your 2000 BMW 540i. It covers all essential systems, including detailed engine mechanicals, the M62B44TU engine management, the ZF 5HP30 automatic transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, and the complete electrical system. You will find step-by-step instructions for routine maintenance tasks, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting common issues, and in-depth overhaul procedures for major components. This manual is an indispensable resource for owners and technicians aiming to preserve the vehicle's performance, reliability, and longevity, ensuring it continues to meet exacting standards. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 540i Year: 2000 Codes Chassis Code: E39 Engine Code 540I: M62B44 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Executive Sedan Target Audience: Affluent consumers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2000: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS Key Features Vehicle Performance Focus: V8 engine, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive dynamics Luxury Appointments: High-quality interior materials, advanced features for its era Key Features Manual Value Proposition: Enables owners and independent mechanics to perform expert-level maintenance and repairs, saving on dealership costs. Accuracy Source: Official BMW factory documentation, ensuring precision and adherence to manufacturer standards. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Complete Factory Service and Repair Secondary Coverage: Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting, Maintenance Page Count Estimated Pages: Hundreds (Specific count not provided, but reflects a comprehensive manual) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed overhaul, component testing, timing, lubrication, cooling system Engine Management: Fuel injection system (Siemens MS43/MS43.1), ignition system, emissions control (OBD-II) Transmission Automatic: ZF 5HP30: overhaul, fluid service, electronic control unit (TCU), torque converter Drivetrain: Driveshafts, differential, rear axle components Suspension And Steering: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, power steering system Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake disc and pad replacement, hydraulic component testing Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, component locations, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, frame specifications HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant handling, component diagnosis Comfort Features: Power seats, central locking, mirrors, cruise control Procedures Included Maintenance Tasks: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting flowcharts, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), component testing methods Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for major component removal and installation (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes) Electrical Diagnostics: Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic scan tools; interpreting wiring diagrams Overhaul Procedures: Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to major component overhauls and complex diagnostics Diagnostic Scope: Advanced: Includes diagnosis of electronic control units (ECUs) and sensor data interpretation Rebuild Scope: Complete: Detailed procedures for rebuilding major mechanical assemblies 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Typically searchable text within PDF for easy information retrieval Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans of original factory documentation Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M62B44TU (Technical Update) Engine Type: 4.4L V8, Naturally Aspirated Displacement: 4398 cc Performance Horsepower: 290 hp @ 5400 rpm Torque: 324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Bore X Stroke: 92 mm x 82.7 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended) Engine Management ECU Type: Siemens MS43/MS43.1 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: ZF 5HP30 5-Speed Automatic Optional Type: None (All 540i models for this year featured the automatic) Features Electronic Control: Steptronic (Manual shifting capability) Fluid Type: BMW ATF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 188.5 inches (4788 mm) Width: 71.0 inches (1803 mm) Height: 56.2 inches (1427 mm) Wheelbase: 111.4 inches (2830 mm) Front Track: 60.4 inches (1534 mm) Rear Track: 60.7 inches (1542 mm) Weights Curb Weight: 3792 lbs (1720 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: 4784 lbs (2170 kg) Cargo Trunk Volume: 15.0 cu ft (425 L) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact: 4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger) NHTSA Side Impact: 4/5 Stars (Front/Rear Passenger) - Note: Side impact testing...
The BMW 540i, chassis code E39, represents a pinnacle of executive sedan engineering from the year 2000. Powered by the robust M62B44 engine, a 4.4-liter V8 producing 290 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque, this model is celebrated for its blend of potent performance and refined luxury. Its rear-wheel-drive dynamics, coupled with a balanced chassis and a sophisticated ZF 5HP30 5-speed automatic transmission, deliver the hallmark associated with BMW. The E39 generation, and specifically the 540i, was widely acclaimed by automotive journalists and recognized with awards such as Car and Driver's 10Best for its exceptional handling, build quality, and advanced technology, making it a benchmark in its segment.
This comprehensive factory service repair manual provides detailed guidance for maintaining and repairing your 2000 BMW 540i. It covers all essential systems, including detailed engine mechanicals, the M62B44TU engine management, the ZF 5HP30 automatic transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, and the complete electrical system. You will find step-by-step instructions for routine maintenance tasks, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting common issues, and in-depth overhaul procedures for major components. This manual is an indispensable resource for owners and technicians aiming to preserve the vehicle's performance, reliability, and longevity, ensuring it continues to meet exacting standards.
🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
BMW
Model:
540i
Year:
2000
Codes
Chassis Code:
E39
Engine Code 540I:
M62B44
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Segment:
Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors 2000:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS
Step-by-step instructions for major component removal and installation (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic scan tools; interpreting wiring diagrams
Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to major component overhauls and complex diagnostics
Diagnostic Scope:
Advanced: Includes diagnosis of electronic control units (ECUs) and sensor data interpretation
Rebuild Scope:
Complete: Detailed procedures for rebuilding major mechanical assemblies
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Typically searchable text within PDF for easy information retrieval
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M62B44TU (Technical Update)
Engine Type:
4.4L V8, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
4398 cc
Performance
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Bore X Stroke:
92 mm x 82.7 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Siemens MS43/MS43.1
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
ZF 5HP30 5-Speed Automatic
Optional
Type:
None (All 540i models for this year featured the automatic)
Features
Electronic Control:
Steptronic (Manual shifting capability)
Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
188.5 inches (4788 mm)
Width:
71.0 inches (1803 mm)
Height:
56.2 inches (1427 mm)
Wheelbase:
111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Front Track:
60.4 inches (1534 mm)
Rear Track:
60.7 inches (1542 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
3792 lbs (1720 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
4784 lbs (2170 kg)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
15.0 cu ft (425 L)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4/5 Stars (Front/Rear Passenger) - Note: Side impact testing protocols varied significantly in 2000.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Dsc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD with optional navigation system (MK III or MK IV).
Display:
Central monochrome or color display for navigation, climate, and vehicle settings.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth phone preparation with cradle.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II port for engine and emissions diagnostics, BMW proprietary diagnostic connectors (e.g., 20-pin under the hood) for deeper system access.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific CBS reset procedures.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact interval and part number, typically Bosch FGR7DQP+).
Transmission Fluid Service:
BMW originally stated 'lifetime' fluid, but recommended fluid and filter changes every 50,000-80,000 miles for longevity, especially for the ZF 5HP30. Manual provides detailed procedure.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) certified synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Capacity: ~6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: ~10.5 liters (11.1 US quarts).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus. Replace every 2 years. Capacity: ~1 liter.
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (often with plastic impeller), coolant hoses degradation.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, oil separator (PCV) system issues.
Transmission Issues:
Mechatronic sealing sleeve leaks (on later variants of ZF transmissions), torque converter lock-up clutch issues. Proper fluid maintenance is crucial.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings, tie rod ends, ball joints, and rear subframe bushings are common wear items due to the vehicle's weight and performance.
Electrical Gremlins:
Water ingress into LCM (Light Control Module), ABS/DSC sensor failures, pixelation on instrument cluster displays, faulty door lock actuators.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
E39 Generation:
Introduced in 1995 (Europe) / 1997 (North America), the E39 was the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series. It was renowned for its improved handling, refined interior, and advanced technology over its predecessor (E34).
540I Positioning:
The 540i served as the flagship model in the E39 lineup, offering a powerful V8 engine in a more compact and agile package compared to the larger 7 Series.
Production
Production Years E39:
1995-2003 (Sedan), 1997-2003 (Touring)
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; also assembled in various other international locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E39 5 Series (including the 540i) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run, highlighting its exceptional balance of performance, luxury, and handling.
Automotive Journalism Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated engineering, solidifying its status as a benchmark in the executive sedan class.