🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Model Variant: 540i Year: 1999 Codes Chassis Code: E39 Engine Code Family: M62 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Executive Sedan Competitors 1999: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS300, Volvo S80 Competitive Analysis Key Selling Points: Performance (V8 engine), refined handling, luxury interior, advanced technology for its era Key Features Model Emphasis: Focus on the 540i variant, highlighting its V8 engine and premium features. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Systems: Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Interior, Emissions, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 1000-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul procedures, component testing, torque specifications, timing, lubrication, cooling system Engine Management: DME (Digital Motor Electronics) system, sensor diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions control Transmission Automatic: GM 5L40-E (S5D 320Z for manual transmission variant, though 540i typically automatic), overhaul, fluid specifications, diagnostic codes, control modules Suspension: Front struts, rear multi-link, bushings, control arms, shock absorbers, spring replacement, wheel alignment procedures Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, diagnostic and repair procedures Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid type, bleeding procedures, component replacement Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay assignments, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, central locking, diagnostic connector (OBD-II) HVAC: Climate control system, blower motor, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, diagnostic and repair Body And Interior: Panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, trim components, sound insulation Emissions Control: Oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, EVAP system, EGR system (if applicable) Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections/replacement Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting common faults, fault code retrieval and interpretation (OBD-II), component testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes Repair Procedures: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair, including engine, transmission, suspension, brake, and electrical components Installation Procedures: Installation guidelines for various replacement parts and accessories Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting flowcharts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable (typically, depending on PDF creation) Print Quality Printability: Printable pages for easy reference in a workshop environment Binding Type Binding: Not applicable (digital download) Paper Type Paper Quality: Not applicable (digital download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Code: M62B44 Displacement: 4.4 Liters (4398 cc) Performance Horsepower: 282 hp @ 5400 rpm Torque: 324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Engine Features Valve Train: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 32 Valves Bore X Stroke: 92.0 mm x 82.7 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E / S5D 320Z) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G - rarer option for 540i) Features Automatic Features: Steptronic (manual shift mode), electronic control 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 190.7 inches (4844 mm) Width: 71.5 inches (1816 mm) Height: 57.1 inches (1450 mm) Wheelbase: 111.4 inches (2830 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3700-3800 lbs (1680-1725 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4780 lbs (2170 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 4 Stars (1999 Model Year Data) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 4 Stars (1999 Model Year Data) Active Features ABS: Standard (Anti-lock Braking System) Traction Control: Standard (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control and Traction) Stability Control: Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control - on some models/packages) Passive Features Airbags: Front dual airbags, optional side airbags Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Optional professional sound systems, CD changer, cassette player. Navigation: Optional BMW Professional Navigation system (MKII/MKIII). Driver Assistance Parking Assist: Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC). Connectivity Cellular: Optional integrated car phone. Comfort Features Seats: Power adjustable front seats with memory, optional heated and ventilated seats. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specifics. Spark Plug Replacement: Typically around 60,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and interval). Coolant Flush: Recommended every 2-3 years or as indicated by CBS. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent, e.g., Castrol SYNTEC/EDGE) Coolant: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water Brake Fluid: DOT 4 (Low Viscosity) Transmission Fluid Auto: GM Dexron III or equivalent (consult manual for exact spec and filter part number) Known Issues Cooling System: Plastic coolant expansion tank failures, water pump failures, hose...
DME (Digital Motor Electronics) system, sensor diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions control
Transmission Automatic:
GM 5L40-E (S5D 320Z for manual transmission variant, though 540i typically automatic), overhaul, fluid specifications, diagnostic codes, control modules
Suspension:
Front struts, rear multi-link, bushings, control arms, shock absorbers, spring replacement, wheel alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, diagnostic and repair procedures
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid type, bleeding procedures, component replacement
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay assignments, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, central locking, diagnostic connector (OBD-II)
HVAC:
Climate control system, blower motor, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, diagnostic and repair
Body And Interior:
Panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, trim components, sound insulation
Emissions Control:
Oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, EVAP system, EGR system (if applicable)
Troubleshooting common faults, fault code retrieval and interpretation (OBD-II), component testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair, including engine, transmission, suspension, brake, and electrical components
Installation Procedures:
Installation guidelines for various replacement parts and accessories
Technical Depth
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting flowcharts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Text-searchable (typically, depending on PDF creation)
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages for easy reference in a workshop environment
Binding Type
Binding:
Not applicable (digital download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
Not applicable (digital download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Engine Code:
M62B44
Displacement:
4.4 Liters (4398 cc)
Performance
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Features
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 32 Valves
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 82.7 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E / S5D 320Z)
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G - rarer option for 540i)
Features
Automatic Features:
Steptronic (manual shift mode), electronic control
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
190.7 inches (4844 mm)
Width:
71.5 inches (1816 mm)
Height:
57.1 inches (1450 mm)
Wheelbase:
111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700-3800 lbs (1680-1725 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4780 lbs (2170 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1999 Model Year Data)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1999 Model Year Data)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control - on some models/packages)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front dual airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Optional professional sound systems, CD changer, cassette player.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation system (MKII/MKIII).
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Connectivity
Cellular:
Optional integrated car phone.
Comfort Features
Seats:
Power adjustable front seats with memory, optional heated and ventilated seats.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specifics.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and interval).
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or as indicated by CBS.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent, e.g., Castrol SYNTEC/EDGE)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (Low Viscosity)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
GM Dexron III or equivalent (consult manual for exact spec and filter part number)
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank failures, water pump failures, hose degradation.
Vibrations:
Driveshaft center support bearing, guibo (flex disc), rear subframe bushings.