Bmw e39 - 5series owners handbook

Owner's Handbook for the vehicle.
With quick reference guide.
Contents
A-Z
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 791 301 - © 01/99 BMW AG

Saloon
touring
520i
523i
528i
535i
540i
525td
525tds
530d

Congratulations on your choice of a BMW.
The better you are acquainted with your car, the easier you will discover driving it to
be. We would therefore like to offer you the following advice.
This Owner's Handbook contains important information on operating and looking
after your BMW. Please read it carefully before setting out in your new car, so that
you are fully familiar with the technical advantages of your BMW. It also contains
useful information on care and maintenance, to uphold both the car's operating
safety and its full resale value.
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG

© 1998 BMW AG
Munich, Germany
Not to be reproduced wholly or in part without
written permission from BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 9 791 301
English VIII/98
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
4n
Notes on this Owner's Handbook
We have tried to make all the informa-
tion in this Owner's Handbook easy to
find. The quickest access to a particular
topic or item is by consulting the de-
tailed alphabetical index at the end.
Consult the first chapter for an initial
overview of your car. The detailed list of
contents immediately following the list
of main headings is intended to arouse
your curiosity about your new BMW and
encourage you to read this information
carefully.
When the time comes to sell your BMW,
please remember to hand over this
Owner's Handbook; it is regarded le-
gally as part of the vehicle.
If you have any queries, BMW Service
will be glad to advise you.
Symbols used
indicates instructions or precau-
tions which you should definitely
read for your safety and that of others,
and to prevent damage to the car.<
is used to identify details of spe-
cial features.<
refers to recycling methods or
procedures.<
< indicates the end of a particular in-
struction or description.
* identifies special equipment or items
to a particular national-market specifi-
cation, and also accessories.
indicates vehicle components
where it is advisable to consult
this Owner's Handbook.
draws your attention to functions
which BMW Service can adjust to
suit your own personal preferences
("Car Memory", "Key Memory"). See
page 57.<
Your own car
When you ordered your BMW, you
chose various items of equipment. This
handbook describes all models and
equipment specifications which BMW
offers within this particular model line.
This explains why the handbook may
also contain details of items which you
have not ordered. The differences can
easily be identified by the asterisk *
shown against optional extras.
If your BMW contains equipment that is
not described in this Owner's Hand-
book (e.g. a car radio or telephone),
supplementary operating instructions
will be supplied and you are requested
to study and comply with them.

5n
Print status
Fuel consumption data are as deter-
mined at the time of closing for print. All
dimensional, weight and performance
figures in the Owner's Handbook refer
to the the German Standards Institute
(DIN e.V.) and comply with these toler-
ances. Deviations may occur with
respect to certain national-market ver-
sions of the cars. In cars with right-
hand drive, some controls will be lo-
cated differently from those illustrated
in this handbook.
The high safety and quality standards of
BMW vehicles are maintained by un-
ceasing development work on designs,
equipment and accessories. Because
of this, your car may differ from the in-
formation supplied in the Owner's
Handbook. Nor can errors and omis-
sions be entirely ruled out. You are
therefore asked to appreciate that no
legal claims can be entertained on the
basis of the data, illustrations or de-
scriptions in this handbook.
For your own safety
Use only parts and accessory
products which BMW has ap-
proved for your car.
Parts and products which BMW has ap-
proved for your car have been checked
for safety, function and suitability. BMW
accepts product liability for them.
BMW cannot accept liability for parts or
accessory products of any kind which it
has not approved.
BMW is unable to assess each individ-
ual product of outside origin as to its
suitability for use on BMW vehicles
without safety risk. Nor can suitability
be assured, for example, even if an offi-
cial inspection authority (such as the
German TÜV) has approved the product
or it has been granted a General Oper-
ating Permit. These tests cannot always
take into account the full range of oper-
ating conditions applicable to BMW ve-
hicles and may therefore be inade-
quate.
In short, the functional efficiency or
road safety of your BMW, and also its
value, may be affected if its specifica-
tion is altered by installing parts not ap-
proved for it. Original BMW parts and
accessories, other BMW-approved
products and competent advice on all
related matters are obtainable from
BMW Service.<

6n

Initial overview
Controls in detail
Operation, maintenance
and general care
Minor repairs
Technical data
Index
Technical items of interest
7n
MinorrepairsKeywordsOverviewControlsMaintenanceTechnicalData

Contents
Initialoverview
Controlsindetail
Driving area 14
Instrument panel 16
Telltale and warning lamps 20
Multifunctional steering
wheel 23
Hazard warning flashers 24
Warning triangle 24
First aid box 24
Refuelling 25
Fuel grades 25
Tyre pressures 27
Opening and closing:
Keys 34
Electronic immobilizer 35
Central locking system 36
Doors – from outside 36
Radio remote control 37
Doors – from inside 39
Luggage comparement lid 40
Rear window 41
Luggage compartment 43
Alarm system 44
Electric windows 46
Sliding/tilt sunroof 47
Adjusting:
Seats 49
Steering wheel 52
Mirrors 53
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
position memory 55
Car Memory, Key Memory 57
Safety systems:
Seat belts 58
Airbags 59
Child restraint systems 61
Childproof door locks 62
Driving:
Ignition switch 63
Starting the engine 63
Stopping the engine 65
Handbrake 65
Manual gearbox 66
Automatic transmission 67
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 69
Turn indicators/headlamp
flasher 72
Wipers/rain sensor 72
Heated rear window 75
Cruise control 75
Everything under control:
Trip distance recorder; outside
temperature display 77
Revolution counter 77
Energy Control 78
Fuel level indicator 78
Coolant thermometer 79
Service Interval indicator 79
Check Control 80
On-board computer 83
Technical features for journey
comfort and safety:
Park Distance Control (PDC) 85
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 86
Electronic Damping Control
(EDC) 87
Tyre Pressure Control (RDC) 88

9n
Controlsindetail
Operation,maintenanceandgeneralcare
Lights:
Sidelights/low-beam
headlamps 90
Instrument lighting 90
Headlamp range control 91
High-beam headlamps/parking
lights 91
Fog lamps 92
Interior light/load-area light 92
Reading lights 93
Controlled-temperature air for a
pleasant interior climate:
Air conditioning 95
Automatic air conditioning 100
Seat heating 106
Heated steering wheel 106
Roller sun blind 106
Auxiliary heater 107
Auxiliary ventilation control 107
Auxiliary heater remote
control 108
Practical interior equipment:
Glove box 109
Storage compartments 109
Drink can holders 110
Ashtrays 111
Cigarette lighter 111
Loading and load-carrying:
Through-loading system 113
Ski bag 114
touring:
Roller-blind cover 117
Net in front of load area 117
Compartments in luggage
area 118
Removable floor in luggage
area 120
Load 121
Roof rack 122
Towing a trailer 123
Driving precautions:
Running in 128
Driving hints 128
Catalytic converter 129
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS) 130
Disc brakes 131
Brakes 132
Winter operation 133
Power steering 135
Self-levelling suspension 135
Digital Diesel Electronics
(DDE) 136
Car telephone 136
Radio reception 136
Wheels and tyres:
Tyre pressures 137
Condition of tyres 137
New tyres 138
Changing wheels 138
Wheel and tyre
combinations 139
Winter tyres 140
Snow chains 140
Approved wheel and tyre
sizes 141

Contents
Operation,maintenanceandgeneralcare
Minorrepairs
Technicalitemsofinterest
In the engine compartment:
Engine hood 147
Engine compartment 148
Washer fluid 156
Washer jets 156
Engine oil 157
Coolant 160
Brake fluid 161
Power steering oil 162
Vehicle identification
number 162
Type plate 162
Maintenance and general care:
The BMW maintenance
system 163
Care of the car 164
Airbags 170
Laying up out of use 170
Legal requirements and
regulations:
Rule of the road 171
Registration abroad 171
Technical modifications 172
OBD socket 172
Recycling:
Recycling in the Service
area 173
Returning the car 173
Replacing parts:
Toolkit 176
Wiper blades 176
Lights and bulbs 177
Auxiliary heater remote
control 185
Wheel-changing 186
Lockable wheel studs 189
Battery 190
Fuses 192
If an electrical fault occurs:
Fuel filler flap 194
touring: tailgate 195
Mutual aid:
BMW Emergency Service 196
Starting with a flat battery 196
Tow-starting, towing away 197
Fire extinguisher 199
Adaptive transmission control
(AGS) 202
Airbags 203
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC) 203
Car radio 204
Seat belt catch tensioner 204
Hi-fi system (DSP) 205
Interior mirror, automatic-
dip 205
Integral-link rear
suspension 206
Latent heat store 206
Rain sensor 207
Tyre pressure control (RDC) 208
Xenon headlamps 208
Water- and dirt-repellent
windscreen 209

11n
Technicaldata
Index
Engine data 212
Fuel consumption, carbon diox-
ide/O emissions 213
Dimensions 215
Weights 217
Performance 221
Filling capacities 223
Electrical system 224
V-belts 224
From A to Z 228
Minor repairs from A to Z 234

12n

Initial overview
Controls in detail
and general care
Minor repairs
Technical data
Index
13n
Driving area 14
Instrument panel 16
Telltale and warning lights 20
Multi-functional steering wheel
(MFL) 23
Warning triangle 24
First aid kit 24
Refuelling 25
Fuel grade 25
Tyre pressures 27

14n
390de001
Driving area

15n
1 Sidelights/low beam (dipped)
headlamps 90
2 d Flashing turn indicators 72
> Parking lights 91
> High-beam headlamps 91
> Headlight flasher 72
> Computer 83
3 Fog lights 92
4 Wipers/washer 72
5 Central locking system 36
6 Hazard warning flashers 24
7 Heated rear window 75
8 Horn, entire surface
9 Electric steering wheel
adjustment* 53
Driving area

16nInstrument panel
390de338

17n
Instrument panel
There are two versions, depending on
your car's equipment
1 Fuel display with telltale to indicate
when fuel is running out 78
2 Flashing turn indicator repeater 22
3 Speedometer
4 High beam telltale 22
5 Revolution counter and Energy
Control 77, 78
6 Engine coolant thermometer with
telltale "Coolant temperature too
high" 79
7 Telltale and warning lights (arranged
clockwise) for
> Handbrake/brake hydraulics, Dy-
namic Brake Control (DBC)* 22
> Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 21
> Brake pads 21
> Tyre pressure control (RDC)* 22
> Airbags 21
> Automatic transmission* 21
> Fasten seat belts 21
> Cruise control* 22
8 Selector lever position and pro-
gram displays for automatic
transmission* 67
9 Computer display –
For operation from turn indicator
lever, see page 83:
> Outside temperature
> Average fuel consumption,
> Before refuelling
> Average speed
10 Telltale/warning lights for
> Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stabil-
ity Control (DSC)* 21
> Self-levelling suspension* 22
11 Distance recorder (odometer) and
trip distance recorder 77
12 Display for Check Control 80
13 Trip distance control zeroing 77
clockwise) for
> Fog lights* 22
> Rear fog lights* 22
> Battery charge 20
> Engine oil level/pressure 20
> Electronic engine output control
(EML) 22
> Diesel engine preheat/Digital
Diesel Electronics (DDE)* 22
> Engine management 22
You can also have outside tem-
perature and the distance covered
displayed in another unit of measure-
ment.<

18nInstrument panel*
390de339

19n
Instrument panel*
There are two versions, depending on
your car's equipment
1 Fuel display with telltale to indicate
when fuel is running out 78
2 Flashing turn indicator repeater 22
3 Speedometer
4 High beam telltale 22
5 Revolution counter and Energy
Control 77
6 Coolant thermometer 79
clockwise) for
> Handbrake 21
> Brake hydraulics/Dynamic Brake
Control (DBC)* 22
> Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 21
> Airbags 21
> Fasten seat belts 21
> Cruise control* 22
8 Check Control button 79
9 Selector lever position and pro-
gram displays for automatic
transmission* 67, 69
10 Otside temperature display 77
11 Telltale for Automatic Stability Con-
trol plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)* 21
12 Trip distance recorder 77
13 Display for
> Check Control 80
> Computer: see radio operating
instructions
and on version with multi-func-
tional steering wheel (MFL), also
for
> Radio and telephone, see sepa-
rate operating instructions
14 Odometer (distance recorder) 77
15 Service Interval indicator 79
16 Trip distance control zeroing 77
clockwise) for
> Fog lights* 22
> Rear fog lights* 22
> Battery charge 20
> Engine oil pressure 20
> Engine management 22
You can also have the outside
temperature displayed in different
units of measurement or the Check
Control messages and computer infor-
mation displayed in a different lan-
guage.<

20nTelltale and warning lights
Technical equipment that
monitors itself
Numerous systems on your BMW are
self-monitoring, both when starting and
during the journey. The function of tell-
tale and warning lights marked "q" is
checked when the ignition is switched
on. They come on once for varying peri-
ods.
If a defect occurs in one of the systems,
the corresponding light will remain on
when the engine is started or will come
on again during the journey. The correct
response on your part to this is de-
scribed below.
Red: stop as soon as possible
Battery charge q
The battery is not being
charged. The alternator V-belt is
defective or there is a fault in the alter-
nator charging circuit. Consult the near-
est BMW Service.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue the journey, as there is a
risk of the engine overheating and suf-
fering damage. A defective V-belt also
increases the effort needed to turn the
steering wheel.<
Engine oil pressure q
The message "STOP! ENGINE
OIL PRESS" may also appear in
the Check Control*: Stop immediately
and switch off the engine. Check
engine oil level and top up if necessary.
If the oil level is correct: Consult the
nearest BMW Service.
Do not continue the journey, as
the engine may otherwise be dam-
aged by inadequate lubrication.<
Tyre Pressure Control (RDC)* q
A gong signal is also heard: the
tyre is punctured or otherwise
damaged. Immediately reduce speed
and stop, avoiding violent braking and
sudden steering wheel movements.
Further details: page 88
Brake hydraulics q
If light remains on after releasing
handbrake: have the brake fluid
level checked. Before continuing on
your journey, read instructions on
pages 132 and 161.

21n
Telltale and warning lights
Yellow: stop as soon as possible
Engine oil level*
If light comes on during journey:
stop immediately and switch off
the engine. The engine oil is at its abso-
lute minimum permitted level.
Do not continue the journey, as
the engine may otherwise be dam-
aged by inadequate lubrication.<
Red: important reminder
Handbrake* q
Lights up when handbrake is ap-
plied. Further details: page 65.
Handbrake* q
Lights up when handbrake is ap-
plied. Further details: page 65.
Also lights up when the message
"CHECK BRAKE LININGS" appears on
the Check Control.
Fasten seat beltsq
Depending on the version, a sig-
nal sounds at the same time* or
a message appears* in the Check Con-
trol display. Comes on for several sec-
onds or, depending on version, until the
seat belts are fastened. Further details:
page 58.
Airbags q
Please arrange for the problem
to be examined by BMW Serv-
ice. Further details: page 59, 203.
Yellow: have a check performed
soon
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) q
ABS is switched off because a
fault has developed. Normal
brake action is not affected (no restric-
tions). Please arrange for the problem
to be examined by BMW Service. Fur-
ther details: page 130.
Engine oil level*
If light comes on when engine is
switched off: check engine oil
level. Further details: page 157.
Automatic transmission* q
A fault has caused the auto-
matic transmission to switch to
the emergency-run program. Please
consult your nearest BMW Service.
Further details: page 68.
Brake pads* q
Check the condition of your
brake pads. Further details:
page 133.
Stability Control (DSC)* q
ASC+T/DSC has been switched off by
pressing the control button, or due to a
fault. If there is a fault, please have it
checked by BMW Service. Further de-
tails: page 86.

22nTelltale and warning lights
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)* q
Malfunction in DBC system. Nor-
mal brake action is not affected
(no restrictions). Further details:
page 132.
Tyre Pressure Control (RDC)* q
To check tyre pressures, see
page 27, 88.
Self-levelling suspension* q
The self-levelling suspension is
out of action. Please consult
your nearest BMW Service. Further de-
tails: page 135.
Engine management system q
Engine control system malfunc-
tion. Please arrange for the
problem to be examined by BMW Serv-
ice.
Electronic engine output control
(EML)* q
EML malfunction. Higher pedal
pressure and longer pedal travel may
be needed when braking. Please ar-
range for the problem to be examined
by BMW Service.
(DDE)* q
If light comes on during journey:
please arrange for the problem to be
examined by BMW Service. Further de-
tails: page 136.
Yellow: for your information
Rear foglights*
Lights up when the rear fog
lights are switched on. Further
details: page 92.
Diesel engine preheat* q
Do not start the engine until the
light has gone out. Further de-
tails: page 63.
Green: for your information
Flashing turn indicators
Flashes rhythmically when a turn
is selected; also applies to
trailer if one is being towed. Rapid
flashing: system malfunction. Further
details: page 72.
Cruise control*
Comes on when the system is
switched on: Ready to operate
using the multi-function steering wheel.
Further details: page 75.
Fog lights*
Lights up when the foglights are
switched on. Further details:
page 92.
Blue: for your information
High-beam headlamps
Comes on when the high head-
lamp beams are in use or the
headlamp flasher is used. Further de-
tails: page 72, 91

23n
Multifunctional steering wheel (MFL)*
Integrated into the multifunctional
steering wheel (MFL) are buttons to
permit the following functions to be per-
formed quickly and without the driver's
attention being distracted from the
traffic:
> Various radio functions
> Recirculated-air mode for air condi-
tioning or
> Heated steering wheel
> Cruise control
> Some telephone functions.
The systems in question must be
switched on before they can be
controlled from the multifunctional
steering wheel.<
The illustration shows a full set of con-
trols. For further details, please refer to
the description of the item concerned.
1 Telephone: accepting call, starting
dialling or terminating call. With
voice input*: switching on and off
2 Radio/telephone: change over
switch
3 Radio/telephone: search in reverse
or station keys (or browse in list of
names)
4 Radio/telephone: volume control
5 Radio/telephone: search forwards
or station keys (or browse in list of
names)
390de110
6 Horn, entire surface
7 Cruise control: recall
8 Cruise control: memorise and
accelerate (+), decelerate and
memorise (–)
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/
de-activate
10 Recirculated air and AUC or steer-
ing wheel heating: switching on and
off.

24nHazard warning flashers Warning triangle* First aid box*
The pushbutton lights up in a regular
rhythm when the hazard warning flash-
ers are operating.
When the car's lights are in use, the
pushbutton is also lit so that it can be
located more easily after dark.
The turn signals have priority over
the hazard warning lights. For this
reason, from ignition key setting 1, you
are able to operate the turn signals,
even if the hazard warning lights are
switched on.<
390de039
The warning triangle is kept in the tool
holder in the luggage compartment lid
or tailgate, and easily reached when
needed.
To open the toolkit, unscrew the wing
bolt(s).
Please note that you may be re-
quired by law to carry a warning
triangle in the car.<
394de053
Under the front passenger's seat.
To remove: lift up the pushbutton catch
at the front (arrow) and pull the first aid
kit forwards out of its holder.
To replace in position: insert the first aid
kit in its holder and push to the rear until
the catch engages.
Certain of the items in the first aid
kit have a limited useful life. The
contents should therefore be checked
regularly and life-expired items re-
placed. Replacements can be obtained
from any pharmacy.
Comply with legal requirements con-
cerning the need to carry a first-aid box
in the car.<
390de086

25n
Refuelling Fuel grade
Press front edge of fuel filler flap to
open.
To release the fuel filler flap if the cen-
tral locking system has failed, see
page 194.
When handling fuel, comply with
the safety regulations displayed
by garages and filling stations.<
394de011
Place the screw cap in the holder on
the flap.
When refuelling, insert the filler nozzle
fully into the filler neck. If the filler
nozzle is raised during refuelling,
> the supply of fuel will be cut off pre-
maturely
> and on filler nozzles with fuel vapour
recovery, the recirculating function
will be less effective.
394de120
Spark-ignition engine with
catalytic converter
The engine should be run exclusively on
unleaded fuel. Since the engines have a
knock control function, they can run on
different grades of fuel.
Your BMW's engine is rated to run on:
> Super Plus/premium plus fuel (octane
number 98, Research Method).
Fill up with petrol of this grade when-
ever possible, so that the nominal per-
formance and fuel consumption values
are achieved.
You can also run the engine on:
> Premium-grade unleaded fuel (oc-
tane number 95, Research Method).
This fuel is also known as:
DIN EN 228 or Euro-Super.
The minimum permissible grade is:
> Regular-grade unleaded fuel (octane
number 91, Research Method).
In view of the engine ratings, you are
recommended to use this fuel only in
exceptional circumstances.
Never use fuel containing lead if
the car is equipped with a catalytic
converter, otherwise the lambda probe
and the converter will be permanently
damaged.<

26nFuel grade
Spark-ignition engines without
catalytic converter*
(the catalytic converter can be retro-
fitted)
The engine is designed to run on both
unleaded and leaded fuel. Since the
engines have a knock control function,
they can run on different grades of fuel.
Your BMW's engine is rated to run on:
> Super Plus/premium plus unleaded
fuel (octane number 98, Research
Method) or
> Super Plus/premium plus leaded fuel
(octane number 98, Research
Method). Super (premium) grade pet-
rol (gasoline) can be identified by its
conformity with German Industrial
Standard DIN 51 600.
Fill up with petrol of this grade when-
ever possible, so that the nominal per-
formance and fuel consumption values
are achieved.
You can also run the engine on:
> Premium-grade unleaded fuel (oc-
tane number 95, Research Method).
This fuel is also known as:
DIN EN 228 or Euro-Super.
The minimum permissible grade is:
> Regular-grade unleaded or leaded
fuel (octane number 91, Research
Method).
In view of the engine ratings, you are
recommended to use this fuel only in
exceptional circumstances.
Diesel engines
> Diesel oil to DIN EN 590 standard.
For winter-grade diesel oil, see
page 133.
Do not use rapeseed oil methyl
ester (RME) or Biodiesel, or you
risk damaging the engine.<

27n
Tyre pressures
Tyre pressures are also shown on the
driver's door post (visible when the
door is open).
Checking tyre pressures
All pressure values in the table (see also
the following pages) are in bar (pounds
per square inch in brackets) and are
quoted for cold tyres (cold = no higher
than ambient temperature).
When towing a trailer, always use the
values for the higher load.
Cars with Tyre Pressure Control
(RDC)*:
After correcting tyre pressures, re-acti-
vate the system; see page 88.
390de351
Check tyre pressures regularly (at
least every two weeks and before
starting a long journey). Incorrect tyre
pressures can adversely affect the car's
roadholding and cause tyre damage,
which could result in an accident.
Remember to check the spare wheel
tyre pressure as well. It should be at the
highest pressure needed for any of your
car's tyres.<
Make sure that only approved
tyres are fitted
These tyre pressures apply to makes of
tyre approved by BMW and known to
BMW Service. If other makes of tyre are
fitted to the car, higher tyre pressures
may be needed. Approved tyre sizes
are shown on page 141 onwards.

28nTyre pressures
BMW
saloon
Tyre size
525td
205/65 R 15 94 H
225/60 R 15 96 V
225/55 R 16 95 V
1.9
(27.0)
2.1
(29.8)
2.1
(29.8)
2.6
(37.0)
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
255/40 R 17 94 W/Y
1.9
(27.0)
–
2.1
(29.8)
2.1
(29.8)
2.1
(29.8)
–
2.6
(37.0)
2.6
(37.0)
205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.1
(29.8)
2.3
(32.7)
2.3
(32.7)
2.8
(39.8)
520i
523i
525tds
205/65 R 15 94 V
225/60 R 15 96 V
225/55 R 16 95 V
1.9
(27.0)
2.3
(32.7)
2.3
(32.7)
2.8
(39.8)
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
255/40 R 17 94 W/Y
1.9
(27.0)
–
2.3
(32.7)
2.3
(32.7)
2.3
(32.7)
–
2.8
(39.8)
2.8
(39.8)
205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.1
(29.8)
2.5
(35.6)
2.5
(35.6)
3.0
(42.7)

29n
Tyre pressures
528i
530d
225/60 R 15 96 W
225/55 R 16 95 W
2.0
(28.5)
2.4
(34.1)
2.5
(35.6)
3.0
(42.7)
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
255/40 R 17 94 W/Y
2.2
(31.3)
–
2.6
(37.0)
2.6
(37.0)
2.7
(38.4)
–
3.2
(45.5)
3.2
(45.5)
205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.2
(31.3)
2.6
(37.0)
2.7
(38.4)
3.2
(45.5)
535i
540i
225/55 R 16 95 W 2.3
(32.7)
2.6
(37.0)
2.7
(38.4)
3.2
(45.5)
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
255/40 R 17 94 W/Y
2.5
(35.6)
–
2.8
(39.8)
2.8
(39.8)
2.9
(41.2)
–
3.4
(48.4)
3.4
(48.4)
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.5
(35.6)
2.8
(39.8)
2.9
(41.2)
3.4
(48.4)
BMW
saloon
Tyre size

30nTyre pressures
Tyre size 205/65 R 15 94 V is not
approved for the BMW 523i touring.<
BMW
touring
Tyre size
520i
523i
525tds
205/65 R 15 94 V
225/60 R 15 96 V
225/55 R 16 95 V
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
2.0
(28.5)
2.4
(34.1)
2.6
(37.0)
3.1
(44.1)
205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.2
(31.3)
2.6
(37.0)
2.8
(39.8)
3.3
(46.9)
528i
530d
225/60 R 15 96 W
225/55 R 16 95 W
2.1
(29.8)
2.5
(35.6)
2.6
(37.0)
3.1
(44.1)
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.3
(32.7)
2.7
(38.4)
2.8
(39.8)
3.3
(46.9)
540i
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 Y
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.4
(34.1)
2.8
(39.8)
2.8
(39.8)
3.3
(46.9)

31n

32n
Opening and closing:
Keys 34
Electronic immobiliser 35
Central locking system 36
Doors – from outside 36
Doors – from inside 39
Luggage compartment lid 40
Rear window 41
Load area 43
Alarm system 44
Electric windows 46
Sliding/tilting sunroof 47
Adjusting:
Seats 49
Steering wheel 52
Mirrors 53
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
position memory 55
Safety systems:
Seat belts 58
Airbags 59
Driving:
Ignition switch 63
Handbrake 65
Manual gearbox 66
Automatic transmission 67
Steptronic 69
Turn indicators/headlamp
flasher 72
Wipers/rain sensor 72
Heated rear window 75
Cruise control 75
Everything under control:
Trip distance recorder; outside
temperature display 77
Energy Control 78
Fuel gauge 78
Check Control 80
On-board computer 83
Technical features for journey
comfort and safety:
Park Distance Control (PDC) 85
(EDC) 87
Tyre Pressure Control (RDC) 88

Initial overview
Controls in detail
and general care
Minor repairs
Technical data
Index
33n
Lights:
Sidelights/low-beam (dipped)
headlamps 90
Headlight beam angle control 91
High-beam headlamps/parking
lights 91
Fog lights 92
Interior light/load-area light 92
Reading lights 93
Controlled-temperature air for
pleasant interior conditions:
Air conditioning 95
Automatic air conditioning 100
Seat heating 106
Roller sun blind 106
Auxiliary ventilation control 107
Remote control for auxiliary
heater 108
Practical interior equipment:
Glove box 109
Drink can holders 110
Ashtrays 111
Loading and load carrying:
Ski bag 114
touring:
Load area 117
Roller-blind cover 117
Net in front of load area 117
Compartments in luggage
area 118
Pull-out load floor 120
Load 121
Roof rack 122
Towing a trailer 123

34nKeys
Key with radio remote control
1 Master key with radio remote control
transmitter
2 Spare key, to be kept in a safe place,
for instance in a purse or wallet. This
is a master key, but is not intended
for regular use
3 Key for doors and ignition.
This key does not open the luggage
compartment/tailgate or the glove
box – this can be useful for instance
at a hotel or restaurant with car park-
ing service.
390de326
Replacement keys
A replacement key can only be ob-
tained from BMW Service. Please note
that BMW Service is required to check
that you are entitled to order spare
keys, since the keys are part of the car's
security system (see Electronic immobi-
lizer, page 35).

35n
Electronic immobiliser
The high-security key
The electronic immobiliser is an addi-
tional means of protecting your BMW
against theft, and operates without you
having to perform any selection or ad-
justing processes yourself. It ensures
that the engine will only start if an igni-
tion key which the immobiliser recog-
nises as belonging to the car is used.
You can also ask BMW Service to inval-
idate individual keys, for instance if they
are lost. If a key has been invalidated,
it can no longer be used to start the
engine.
390de015
What the electronics system can
do
A special electronic component is inte-
grated into the key. The vehicle's elec-
tronics exchange constantly updated
signals, which are individualized for
every vehicle, between the ignition
switch and the electronic components
in the key. The ignition, fuel supply and
starter motor are only released once the
key is identified as authorised.
The electronics integrated into the
key are exposed to mechanical
damage. This could prevent you from
starting the engine.<

36nCentral locking system Doors – from outside
The principle
The central locking system cannot take
effect until both front doors are closed.
The following are unlocked and locked
together:
> Doors
> Trunk lid/tailgate and rear window*
> Tank flap.
The central locking system can be
operated
> from outside using the door or tail-
gate lock* and by the radio remote
control
> from inside using a button.
When operated from the outside, the
deadlocks are engaged at the same
time. It prevents the doors from being
unlocked either at the safety lock but-
tons or door handles. The alarm sys-
tem* is also activated or deactivated.
In the event of a collision, the central
locking system is released automati-
cally, but only at doors which were not
locked separately by means of the in-
side buttons; see page 39. The hazard
warning flashers and interior light are
also switched on.
Locking and unlocking
Do not lock the car when there is
anyone inside it, as it cannot then
be unlocked from the inside.<
On certain national-market ver-
sions, the alarm system can only
be operated from the radio remote con-
trol. On these cars, unlocking with a key
triggers off the alarm.
To switch off the alarm: press button 1
(unlock) or turn the ignition key to posi-
tion 1.<
For further details of the alarm system,
see page 44.
380de015
Comfort operation
You can also operate windows and the
sliding/tilting sunroof using the door
lock.
> To open: when the door is closed,
turn the key in the door lock to the re-
lease position and hold it there.
> To close: when the door is closed,
turn the key to the locking position
and hold it there.
Watch the closing movement to
ensure that no-one is trapped. The
movement is stopped when the key is
released.<
Manual operation
if an electrical fault has occurred
By turning the key to the limit positions
in the door lock, you can lock and un-
lock the driver's door.

37n
Radio remote control
Unlocking
Press button 1.
At the same time the deadlocks are re-
leased, the alarm system* de-activated
and the interior light switched on.
On versions for certain markets,
pressing the button once only un-
locks the driver's door; it must be
pressed a second time to release the
remainder of the central locking sys-
tem.<
If you wish, you can have this spe-
cial arrangement programmed for
each specific remote control.<
394de013
Convenient opening
You can also open the windows and
sliding/tilting sunroof using the remote
control unit:
Hold button 1 down. When you release
the button, the opening process is in-
terrupted immediately.
Locking and thiefproofing
Press button 2.
The antitheft deadlock is simultane-
ously engaged and the alarm system
activated.
Do not lock the car when there is
someone inside it, as it cannot
then be unlocked from the inside.<
Convenient closure
You can also close the windows and
sliding/tilting sunroof using the remote
control unit:
Hold button 2 depressed. The closing
procedure is interrupted if the button is
released.
Watch the closing movement to
ensure that no-one is trapped. The
closing procedure is interrupted if the
button is released.<
On cars with an alarm system (see
page 44): if the convenient closure
movement is interrupted, the car must
be unlocked again with button 1 before
convenient closure is undertaken again.
Failing this, the tilt alarm sensor and in-
terior movement detector will be out of
action.<
Switching on the interior lighting
If the car is locked, press button 2.
Subject to the remote control's range,
this function can be used to locate your
car on a large car park, for example.
Switching off tilt alarm sensor
Briefly press button 2 again after lock-
ing the car.
This also switches off the alarm sys-
tem's interior movement detecting
function (see page 44).
LED (light-emitting diode) 3 comes
on briefly when any button is
pressed. Certain symbols on the radio
remote control may differ from those il-
lustrated here.<

38nRadio remote control
Opening luggage compartment/
tailgate
Press button 4.
The boot lid/tailgate opens slightly,
regardless of whether it was previously
locked or unlocked.
394de013
Master keys
Keys with a radio remote control trans-
mitter are master keys.
Apart from "Switch on interior light" and
"Open boot lid/tailgate", all radio re-
mote control functions can also be op-
erated with the key in the driver's door
lock or the boot lid/tailgate lock.
The front passenger's door has no out-
side lock, in order to reduce the risk of
theft.
To switch off the alarm: Press button 1
tion 1.<
Note that children could lock the
doors from the inside if they are
alone in the car. Always take the car
keys with you so that the car can be
opened from the outside.<
Interference
The radio remote control may be sus-
ceptible to local interference from other
systems or equipment operating on the
same frequency.

39n
Doors – from inside
This button is used to operate the cen-
tral locking system when the front doors
are closed. This only unlocks or locks
the doors, luggage compartment lid/
window and fuel filler flap – it does not
activate the burglar alarm for them.
If you wish, the central locking
system can be set to engage as
soon as the car is driven away. You can
have this setting programmed as part of
the Key Memory facility.<
390de016
Unlocking and opening
> Either use the central locking button
to unlock all doors at once, then pull
the door handle above the armrest, or
> Pull the door handle out twice at any
door: the first pull will unlock the
door, the second pull will open it.
Locking
> Either lock all doors at the central
locking pushbutton, or
> Press the door safety buttons down.
To avoid being shut out of the car ac-
cidentally, the driver's door cannot be
locked with the safety button when it
is open.
Do not lock the doors with the
safety buttons during the journey,
or else the central locking system will
not be released in the event of an acci-
dent.
Note that children could lock the doors
from the inside if they are alone in the
car. Always take the key with you, so
that the car can be opened from the
outside.<

40nLuggage compartment lid
Lock – saloon only
Only the central keys (see page 34) fit
the boot lid lock.
394de017
Locking separately
Turn the master key to the right past the
pressure point and take it out when hor-
izontal.
This locks the luggage compartment
and disconnects it from the central
locking system. If you then hand over
only door and ignition key 3 (see
page 34), the boot lid cannot be
opened. This extra security can be
useful, for instance, when arriving at a
hotel.
394de064
Opening from outside
Press the button (arrow): the boot lid
opens slightly.
The boot or luggage area is lit when you
open the boot lid/tailgate (also refer to
page 92).
Manual operation
if an electrical fault has occurred
Saloon:
Insert a master key into the luggage
compartment lid lock and turn fully to
the left – the lid will open slightly.
The luggage compartment is locked
again as soon as its lid is closed.
touring: See page 195.
394de009

41n
Luggage compartment lid
Opening from inside car
With this button, you can open the lug-
gage compartment lid or tailgate while
the vehicle is stationary, provided it is
not deadlocked.
390de324
Rear window – touring
It is quick and easy to load and unload
small items if the rear window can be
opened separately.
Press the button (arrow): the rear win-
dow opens slightly. It can be swung up-
wards.
To close the window, press down on
the glass.
Protect the window if it is likely to
be struck by sharp-pointed or
sharp-edged objects on the load area
during the journey; this is to prevent
damage to the rear-window heating el-
ements.<
392de159
Closing – saloon
A recessed handle (arrow) next to the
lock mechanism makes it easier to pull
the lid down.
394de128

42nLuggage compartment lid
Closing – touring
You can pull the tailgate down with both
hands if required (arrows) at the re-
cessed handles provided.
To close the tailgate, press it down only
lightly. The actual closing action is au-
tomatic.
To avoid injuries, as with any clos-
ing process, ensure that the clos-
ing area of the boot lid/tailgate is unob-
structed.<
When the tailgate on the touring is
open, the tip of the tailgate is
more than two metres off the ground.
Please note this if, for instance, you are
opening the tailgate in a garage.<
392de160
If possible, drive only with the tail-
gate and rear window fully closed,
to prevent exhaust gases from entering
the passenger compartment. If you are
obliged to drive the car with the lid, tail-
gate or rear window open:
> Close all other windows and the sun-
roof
> Increase the volume of air in the heat-
ing and ventilation system or the air
conditioner, refer to page 94 or 100.<

43n
Load area
Tensioning straps
Use the tensioning straps on the floor of
the load area to prevent small objects
from slipping.
If you place objects on the lashing
straps, they form a non-slip base.
There are lashing points at the corners
of the load area to which a load area
net* or retaining straps can be attached
when loads have to be secured.
See also under "Loading", page 121.
394de302
Hanger*
There is a hook on the left in the load
area for hanging up carrier bags or sim-
ilar.
394de144

44nAlarm system*
The alarm system reacts if:
> a door, the engine compartment, the
load area or load area or the rear win-
dow are opened
> there is any movement inside the car
(interior movement detector)
> there is a change in the car's attitude,
for instance if it is jacked up to re-
move a wheel or if it is towed away
> there is an interruption in the power
supply from the battery.
Depending on the national-market ver-
sion of the car, the alarm system indi-
cates unauthorised entry or tampering
in different ways:
> 30-second acoustic alarm
> Switching on the hazard warning
flashers for approx. 5 minutes*.
Activating and de-activating
Whenever the car is locked or un-
locked, whether at a lock or with the re-
mote control, the alarm system is acti-
vated or de-activated at the same time.
The interior movement detector is acti-
vated about 30 seconds after the last
locking action.
If the alarm system has been activated
correctly, the hazard warning flashers
come on once*.
Even when the system has been acti-
vated, you can open the lid/tailgate by
pressing button 4 on the radio remote
control. As soon as the lid/tailgate is
closed again, it is locked.
To switch off the alarm: press button 1
tion 1.<
Alarm system telltale
> If the telltale lamp under the inside
mirror flashes steadily: the system is
activated.
> If the telltale flashes when the system
is being activated: not all doors, lids
or the rear window are properly
closed. Even if an item is not closed
fully, the remaining items are pro-
tected and the telltale lamp begins to
flash steadily after 10 seconds. How-
ever, the interior movement detector
is not activated.
> If the telltale goes out when the sys-
tem is de-activated, no attempt was
made to tamper with the car during
your absence.
390de020

45n
Alarm system*
> If the telltale flashes for 10 seconds
when the system is de-activated, an
attempt was made to tamper with the
car.
After the alarm has stopped, the telltale
once again flashes intermittently.
Tilt sensor
The tilt alarm sensor and the interior
movement detector can be switched off
together. This prevents the alarm from
being triggered off when not wanted,
for instance in two-level garage parking
or when travelling on a car train or ferry:
Perform the locking movement (acti-
vate) twice, by pressing button 2 on the
radio remote control twice in succes-
sion, or repeating the locking move-
ment with the key.
The telltale comes on briefly, then
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sen-
sor and interior movement detector are
then switched off until the system is de-
activated again.
Interior movement detector
The illustration shows the interior move-
ment detector's transmitter and re-
ceiver.
Before the interior movement detector
can operate correctly, the windows and
sunroof must be closed.
However, switch the interior movement
detector off (see under "Tilt alarm sen-
sor" in previous column) if
> children or animals remain in the car
> a window or the sunroof is to remain
open.
390de153
The tilt alarm sensor and interior
movement detector will be
switched off inadvertently if the con-
venient closure movement of the win-
dows and sunroof is interrupted and re-
started within the first 10 seconds. In
this case the complete system must be
de-activated and re-activated.<

46nElectric windows
Opening and closing windows
From ignition key position 1:
> Press the rocker switch in until the
pressure point is felt:
the window continues to move for as
long as the rocker switch is pressed.
> Press the toggle switch over beyond
the pressure point:
the window then continues to move
automatically.
Press the switch briefly again to halt
the movement.
390de055
After the ignition is switched off:
> You can still operate the electric win-
dows for up to 15 minutes, unless a
front door was opened and closed
again. To open, press the rocker
switch beyond the normal detent
point.
When leaving the car, always take
out the ignition key and close the
doors, so that children cannot operate
the electric windows and possibly injure
themselves.<
For details of comfort operation using
the door lock and/or the radio remote
control unit, refer to page 36 or 37.
Protective function
There is a contact strip on the inside of
each window surround, at the top. If it is
compressed as the window closes, the
closing action is interrupted immedi-
ately and the window re-opens slightly.
Despite this protective function,
make sure that the window is not
obstructed as it closes; if this precau-
tion is not taken, the risk remains that
thin objects, for instance, may not actu-
ate the contact strip correctly.
The protective function is switched off
by pressing the switch beyond its nor-
mal pressure point and holding it
there.<

47n
Electric windows Sliding/tilting sunroof*
Safety switch
This prevents the electric rear side win-
dows from being opened and closed at
the switches on the rear doors, for in-
stance by children.
Always press the childproof safety
switch when carrying children on
the rear seat. Careless closure of elec-
tric windows can cause injury.<
390de131
Always close the sliding/tilting
sunroof carefully, so that injuries
are avoided.
When leaving the car, always take out
the ignition key and close the doors, so
that children cannot operate the electric
windows and possibly injure them-
selves.<
Low air pressure or draughts inside the
car when the sunroof is slid back or
tilted up can be avoided by keeping the
ventilation outlets on the fascia open
and increasing the airflow if necessary.
See page 96, 103.
For details of comfort operation using
the door lock and/or the radio remote
control unit, refer to page 36 or 37.
Raising – opening – closing
From ignition key setting 1, press down
the switch and/or slide in the desired
direction up to the pressure point.
When being raised, the roof lining only
retracts a few centimetres.
You can operate the electric sunroof for
up to 15 minutes after switching off the
ignition, provided that a front door has
not been opened and closed again in
the meantime.
Automatic* opening and closing
Press the button and hold down beyond
the pressure point.
Furthermore, the following movements
are automated:
390de327

48nSliding/tilting sunroof*
> When the roof is open, press the
switch in the "Raise" direction: the
roof moves to the limit position for
"Raising".
> When the roof is raised, press the
switch towards "Opening": the sun-
roof panel moves to the fully open
position.
Pressing the switch stops this move-
ment.
Protective function
If the sliding/tilting sunroof encounters
resistance when closing with the roof
roughly half closed, the closing opera-
tion is interrupted and the roof re-opens
slightly.
Despite this protective function,
make sure that the roof is not ob-
structed as it closes; if this precaution is
not taken, the risk remains that thin ob-
jects, for instance, may not actuate the
closing-force limiter correctly.
The protective function is switched off
by pressing the switch beyond its nor-
mal pressure point and holding it
there.<
Sunroof with glass panel*
Operation and function are as de-
scribed above for the conventional slid-
ing/tilting sunroof. To open the roof
from the raised position, hold the switch
in the opening direction until the roof
has reached the desired position.
When the roof panel is raised, the slid-
ing trim is pushed back slightly; when
the roof is slid open, it moves with the
roof panel. It remains in the open posi-
tion and can be moved to a new posi-
tion whenever required. Power supply failed or interrupted
After the power supply has been inter-
rupted (e.g. by disconnecting the bat-
tery), it is only possible to tilt up the
sunroof panel initially. To restore its full
range of functions:
1 Move the sliding/tilting roof to the
fully raised position
2 Hold the switch down for approx.
20 seconds.
If there is an electrical defect, the slid-
ing/tilting sunroof can be operated
manually, see page 194.
390de328

49n
For your own personal safety, please
note the following precautions when
adjusting the seat position:
Do not reposition the driver's seat
while the car is in motion. Other-
wise an unexpected seat movement
could cause the driver to lose control of
the car and lead to an accident.
The seat belt should pass as closely as
possible over the wearer's body. In the
event of a head-on collision, the lap belt
could otherwise slide over the hips and
injure the lower part of the body. In ad-
dition, the restraining effect is reduced
if the seat belt is slack against the
wearer's body.
Do not recline the seat back too far
when the car is being driven (this ap-
plies in particular to the front passen-
ger), or there will be a risk of "submarin-
ing" under the seat belt, so that the belt
loses its full protective effect.
Do not slide the seats to the rear if the
car is inclined at an angle (for instance a
garage ramp or a slope). This could
lead to the automatic seat belt height
adjuster becoming disconnected.<
1 Forward/back
Pull the lever up and slide the seat to
the preferred position.
After releasing the lever, slide the
seat backwards or forwards very
slightly until engages correctly
2 Height
Pull up the lever and apply your
weight to the seat or allow it to rise380de021
3 Seat back
Pull the lever and either apply your
weight to the seat back, or lean for-
ward to relieve it of load
4 Seat angle (driver's seat only)
Pull the lever up and move the seat to
the desired angle.
380de022
Seats, adjusting Manual seat adjustment

50nManual seat adjustment BMW Sport seat*
Correct seated position
To relieve the load on the discs of the
spine, sit well back in the seat with your
back resting firmly against the seat
back.
The ideal position is when the head is
a straight-line extension of the spinal
column.
On long journeys the seat back can be
reclined rearwards to a slightly greater
angle, in order to reduce muscle strain.
You should still be able to reach the
highest point on the steering wheel with
the arms slightly bent.
Lumbar support*
See BMW Comfort seat, next page.
Head restraints
To adjust height: pull out or push in.
Adjusting front head restraint angle:
swing forwards or back.
Head restraints reduce the risk of
neck injuries in the event of an ac-
cident.
The head restraint should therefore be
positioned with its centre at approxi-
mately the same height as the ears of
the seat's occupant.
The centre rear head restraint should
be left fully retracted; if it is pulled out
more than a very short distance, it will
not function correctly.<
390de065
Manual
On this seat, the thigh support area can
also be adjusted:
Pull the lever and move the thigh sec-
tion until it provides the necessary sup-
port.
The angle of the passenger's seat can
also be adjusted.
390de137

51n
Electrically adjusted seat* BMW Comfort seat*
1 Angle
2 Forward/back
3 Height
4 Seat back
5 Head restraint height
Tilt the head restraint to alter its angle.
Comply with the adjusting instruc-
tions on page 49, or there may be
a risk to your personal safety.<
380de023
This seat has additional lumbar and
shoulder support settings.
1 Lumbar support
> Push the switch forward or back: the
curvature is increased or decreased.
> Press the switch at top or bottom:
curvature moves up or down.
The seat back contour can be altered to
provide more support to the curved
(lumbar) section of the spine.
The upper edge of the pelvis and the
spinal column are supported, to en-
courage an upright but relaxed seated
position.
380de024
2 Shoulder support
Press the switch: the angle of the upper
part of the seat back changes.
The adjustable upper section of the
seat back supports the shoulder area of
the seat occupant's body. It enables a
relaxed seat position to be found and
reduces the load on the shoulder mus-
cles.
To obtain the recommended optimum
settings:
Driver's and front passenger's side:
1 Tilt the upper part of the seat back
fully to the rear
2 Adjust to the most suitable position,
as described on page 50
3 Tilt the upper section of the seat back
forwards until adequate shoulder
support is obtained.
380de024

52nBMW Comfort seat* BMW Sport seat* Adjusting steering wheel
Passenger's seat in rest position:
1 Tilt the upper part of the seat back
fully to the rear
2 Set the seat angle to a slightly more
upright position
3 Recline the seat back slightly more to
the rear
4 Tilt the upper section of the seat back
further forwards.
Correct the forward/back position
of the seat if necessary to ensure
that the seat belt still passes closely
over the wearer's body, otherwise the
belt's protective action may be af-
fected.<
380de064
Electric
This seat has electric thigh support
adjustment.
To operate it, press the switch.
390de371
Manual
1 Swing out the clamp lever
2 Move the steering wheel to the pre-
ferred reach and angle to suit your
seated position
3 Fold the lever back in to clamp the
steering column in the new position.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
position while the vehicle is in mo-
tion, otherwise an accident may result
from any unexpected movement.<
390de027

53n
Adjusting steering wheel Mirrors
Electrical*
The steering wheel can be repositioned
in four directions, corresponding to the
lever movements.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
position while the vehicle is in mo-
tion, otherwise an accident may result
from any unexpected movement.<
To memorise steering wheel position,
see "seat, mirror and steering wheel
position memory", page 55.
390de028
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment
(only in conjunction with seat, mirror
and steering wheel memory*)
To make it easier to get in and out of
the driver's seat, the steering wheel au-
tomatically rises into its uppermost po-
sition before returning to the driving po-
sition (memory).
This automatic system responds to the
ignition key setting and the driver's
door. Outside mirrors
1 Switch for adjustment in all four
directions
2 Changeover switch for mirror on
other side of car
3 Button for folding the mirrors in and
out (only with automatic-dip outside
mirrors* – see page 55).
Press the button once to fold the mirrors
in, and again to fold them out. This can,
for example, be useful in car washes,
narrow streets or to reset a mirror to the
correct position if it was previously
folded forwards.
The mirrors can be folded in at a
road speed up to 10 km/h (approx.
6 mph).<
390de029

54nMirrors
The mirrors can also be adjusted manu-
ally by pressing the edge of the glass.
To memorise mirror positions, see
"seat, mirror and steering wheel posi-
tion memory", page 55.
The outer, aspherically curved* section
of the mirror displays a larger field of
view, though slightly distorted, than the
inner, convex* section. In this way, the
view to the rear is extended and the
blind spot is reduced in size.
The mirror on the passenger's
side is more convex than the mir-
ror on the driver's side, and therefore
reflected objects are closer than they
appear. It may be difficult to estimate
the precise distance at which another
vehicle is following your car. The same
applies to the aspherical outer section
of the mirrors.<
Electric mirror heating
Both mirrors are heated automatically in
ignition key position 2.
Inside mirror
To reduce glare from following vehicles
after dark, tilt the mirror image by mov-
ing the small lever.
Illuminated make-up mirror*
Fold the sun visor down and slide the
mirror cover (if fitted) sideways.
The mirrors are illuminated from ignition
key position 1 on.
Sun visors
The sun visors can also be pivoted to
the side, against the door windows.
390de030
Interor mirror, automatic
anti-glare*
This mirror dims automatically and
steplessly in accordance with the inten-
sity of the light received (ambient light
and the effect of glare from headlamps).
The mirror switches automatically to the
clear, non-dimmed position when the
driver engages reverse gear or selects
R.
To ensure that the mirror always func-
tions correctly, keep the two photo-
cells clean and unobstructed. One
photo-cell (arrow) is in the mirror glass,
the other is slightly offset on the back of
the mirror.
For details of the electrochromic mirror
principle, refer to page 205.
390de031

55n
Mirrors Seat, mirror and steering wheel position memory*
Automatic-dip outside mirrors*
These mirrors can be folded in or out at
button 3 (see page 53). They have the
same automatic-dip action as the inside
mirror.
You can memorise and call up three dif-
ferent driver's seat, outside mirror and
(with an electrically adjustable steering
wheel) steering wheel positions. The
picture shows the buttons on the
driver's door.
The setting of the lumbar support
is not recorded in the memory.<
Memorising
1 Ignition key in position 1 or 2
2 Select the desired seat, outside mir-
ror and steering wheel positions
3 Press the MEMORY button: the tell-
tale lamp in the switch comes on
4 Press memory button 1, 2 or 3: the
telltale lamp goes out.
390de032
Calling up
Driver's door open after being un-
locked, or ignition key in position 1:
> Press the appropriate memory button
1, 2 or 3 briefly.
The positioning movement is inter-
rupted immediately if you operate a
seat adjustment switch or one of the
memory buttons.
With the driver's door closed and the
ignition key either removed or in posi-
tion 0 or 2:
> Press memory button 1, 2 or 3 until
the adjusting procedure has been
completed.
If the MEMORY button was pressed
accidentally: press it again; the telltale
goes out.
Do not call up the memory while
the car is in motion, otherwise an
unexpected seat or steering wheel
movement may cause an accident.<

56nSeat, mirror and steering wheel position memory*
You can have your car pro-
grammed so that when it is un-
locked with your own personal remote-
control key your preferred seat, mirror
and steering wheel positions are ob-
tained automatically.<
If you use this setting, make sure
before unlocking that the footwell
behind the driver's seat is unobstructed.
Otherwise damage could be caused if
the seat moves back automatically to
the previously selected position.< Passenger's side mirror tilt-down
(parking position)
1 Move the mirror changeover switch
(arrow) to the "Driver's mirror" posi-
tion
2 When reverse gear (or automatic
transmission selector lever position R)
is selected, The driver can then see
the ground close to the car (for in-
stance, the edge of the kerb).
This automatic function can be switched
off if not required: move the mirror
changeover switch to the passenger's
side mirror position.
390de147

57n
Car Memory, Key Memory
How it works
You may often have wished that you
could modify the operation of certain
features of your car to suit your own in-
dividual preferences. When developing
the car, BMW therefore "designed in" a
number of freely programmable options
for the car, which BMW Service will
gladly adjust as you wish.
There are "Car Memory" and "Key
Memory" settings, the former relating to
the car itself, the latter to your personal
requirements. You can have up to four
sets of basic settings programmed for
two different persons. This presup-
poses that each person has his or her
own remote control key. By means of
data exchange with the key, the car
identifies the user when the car is un-
locked and performs the necessary ad-
justments.
390de329
Coloured adhesive labels are supplied
with the keys so that they can be identi-
fied by the users.
What can be selected
BMW Service will gladly inform you of
the facilities available with Car Memory
and Key Memory.
At the appropriate points in this
Owner's Handbook you will find
this symbol, as an indication that spe-
cial settings as described above are
available.<
An example of Key Memory is the auto-
matic repositioning of the electrically
adjusted driver's seat for the intending
user each time the car is unlocked.

58n
Wear the seat belts whenever the car is
driven.
To fasten: the seat belt buckle must be
heard to engage.
To open: press the red release button
on the belt buckle and guide the belt
back if necessary to reinforce the action
of the automatic reel.
As the seat is moved forwards and
back, the upper belt loop is automati-
cally adjusted to the wearer's size.
The two seat belt buckles integrated
into the rear seat are intended for the
left and right seat occupants. The
buckle marked "CENTER" is only to be
used by a person occupying the center
rear seat.
390de033
Comply with the following instruc-
tions concerning the wearing of
seat belts in order to avoid any adverse
effects on personal safety or reduction
in the belt's protective function. These
instructions also apply to passengers in
the car. Never restrain more than one
person with each seat belt. Babies or
small children must not travel on the lap
of another occupant.
The belts should not be twisted and
must run firmly across the pelvis and
shoulder. They should not pass over
hard or fragile objects in your pockets.
It should not pass over any sharp, solid
or breakable objects in pockets etc.
The seat belt must not run across the
wearer's neck, nor should it be trapped
or abraded by coming into contact with
sharp edges or objects.
The seat belt should always be worn as
close to the seat occupant's body as
possible. If possible, avoid bulky cloth-
ing and remember to tauten the belt fre-
quently where it runs over the shoulder.
In the event of a head-on collision, the
lap belt could otherwise slide over the
hips and injure the lower part of the
body. In addition, the restraining effect
is reduced if the seat belt is slack
against the wearer's body. Pregnant
women should also wear the seat belt,
making sure that the lap strap is well
down on the hips and does not press
on the abdominal region of the body.<
For care of seat belts, see page 167.
Saloon with through-load system*:
please note the instructions for the
centre rear seat belt on page 113.
touring: If the centre belt cannot be
pulled out, the larger section of the rear
seat back is not properly locked into po-
sition; see page 117.<
If exposed to severe loads in an
accident, or if the belt system in-
cluding the buckle tensioner and any
child restraint systems* installed in the
car have been damaged, BMW Service
should renew them and check the belt
anchorages.<
Seat belts

59n
Airbags
1 Front airbags for the driver and front
passenger
2 Head airbags (front)
3 Side airbags (front and at rear*)
Protective effect
The front airbags protect the occupants
of the front seats in the event of a head-
on collision, where the restraining effect
of the seat belts alone would no longer
be adequate. The head and side air-
bags provide protection in the event
of a side-on collision. The side airbag
which inflates has the effect of support-
ing the upper body from the side.
380de647
The picture shows the main directions
of impact to which the airbags respond.
390de142
Telltale light
The telltale lamp confirms that
the airbag system is ready to
operate (from ignition key posi-
tion 1 onwards).
System operational:
> The telltale lamp comes on briefly
and then goes out.
System defective:
> The telltale lamp does not come on,
or
> the telltale comes on briefly, goes out
briefly and then comes on again.
If there is a system fault, there is a risk
that it will not be triggered off even if a
sufficiently severe accident occurs
within the airbag range.
Please have it checked by BMW Serv-
ice without delay.

60nAirbags
Note the following instructions
concerning airbags, in order to
ensure that personal safety is not re-
stricted or the airbags's protective func-
tion adversely affected. These instruc-
tions also apply to passengers in the
car.
Always fasten your seat belt on every
journey, despite the presence of an air-
bag: the airbags are an additional safety
feature, not a substitute. The airbags
are not triggered off in minor accidents,
nor if the car rolls over or is struck from
the rear. In such circumstances the seat
belt provides optimum protection.
Choose a seated position that is com-
fortable but also at the maximum possi-
ble distance from the steering wheel or
fascia and door.
Always grip the steering wheel on the
rim otherwise you may suffer hand and
arm injuries when the airbag is trig-
gered. No objects should be held or
allowed to rest between the airbag and
seat occupant.
The cover of the front passenger's air-
bag should not be used as a storage
tray.
Do not use adhesive on, cover over or
otherwise modify the upholstered cov-
ers on the steering wheel, the dash-
board, the side panels on front and rear
doors and the roof struts, nor the sides
of the roof liners.
Never install child restraint systems on
the front passenger's seat. Children
under 12 and those who are smaller
than 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) should travel on
the rear seats and may be required to
do so by law.
When side airbags are fitted for back
seat passengers, ensure that child
seats are correctly mounted as far as
possible from the doors. Do not allow
children to lean out of the seat towards
the door, as this could result in consid-
erable injury in the event of the airbags
being triggered.<
Even if all these instructions are com-
plied with, injury to the face, arms or
hands as a result of the airbag inflating
cannot be entirely ruled out, depending
on the circumstances in which an acci-
dent occurs. If the car's occupants are
unduly sensitive to the ignition and in-
flation noise generated by the airbag
systems, their hearing may be tempo-
rarily affected.
For further information on the airbag
system, see pages 170 and 203.

61n
Child restraint systems*
For children up to 12 years of age and
less than 150 cm (approx. 4 ft 11 in) tall,
suitable approved restraint systems
may have to be installed; comply with
local regulations.
Small children up to about 18 months
old can be secured with a rear-facing
restraint system on the back seats,
using standard seat belts.
BMW Service can supply suitable child
restraint systems for every age group.
Please comply with the notes in the in-
stallation instructions when using these
products.
Do not install child restraint sys-
tems on the front seat, as injury
could be caused if the passenger's air-
bag is triggered off.
In no circumstances are child restraint
systems to be modified, as their protec-
tive effect may otherwise be impaired.<
Integral child's seat*
These child's seats, in the two outer rear
seat positions, satisfy the legal require-
ments of ECE Directive R-44 and are
suitable for children between about 3g
and 12 years of age (weighing 15 to
36 kg/33 to 80 lbs).
Forchildrenagedfromapprox.18months
to 3g a years (weighing between 9 and
18 kg (20 and 40 lbs), use these seats in
conjunction with the "Comfort" seat
back and impact-absorbing table; these
are available from BMW Service.
Unfolding the child's seat:
Reach under the front of the seat and
pull it upwards diagonally to the rear
(arrow). Then press the child's seat to
the rear until it engages in position.
394de149
Folding away the child's seat:
Release by pulling the loop forwards
and down (arrow). Then press down
from the top until the child's seat en-
gages.
Use the integral child's seats only
in conjunction with the head re-
straints.
When repositioning the car's front
seats, make sure that the child's feet
are not trapped.
Never leave children in the car on their
own – even when occupying a child's
seat.<
394de150

62nChild restraint systems* Childproof door locks
Note the safety instructions re-
garding seat belts on page 58, to
ensure that the full protective action of
the belts is maintained.
If damaged or subjected to severe
loads in an accident, have the integral
child's seat (and other accessories if
necessary) renewed by BMW Service.<
394de152
Insert key into slot on rear door and turn
outwards:
This door can now only be opened from
the outside.
390de019

63n
0 Steering locked
The key can only be inserted and re-
moved in this position.
After removing the key, turn the steer-
ing wheel slightly if necessary until the
steering lock engages.
Automatic transmission cars: Do
not move the selector lever away
from position P until the engine is run-
ning (ignition key position 2).
Before the ignition key can be returned
to position 0 or pulled out, the auto-
matic transmission selector lever must
be moved to position P (interlock).<
390de010
1 Steering released
A slight movement of the steering wheel
often makes it easier to turn the key in
the ignition from 0 to 1.
Individual power consumers can then
operate.
2 Ignition switched on/
BMW 525td/tds, 530d:
preheating
All electrical consumers are ready to
operate.
3 Starting the engine
Before starting
> Apply the handbrake
> Move the gear lever to neutral (or
automatic transmission selector to
P or N)
> At low temperatures, depress the
clutch pedal.
Never run the engine in an en-
closed space. The exhaust gas
contains carbon monoxide, which is
colourless and odourless, but highly
toxic. Inhaling exhaust gas constitutes a
severe health risk and can lead to loss
of consciousness with fatal conse-
quences.
Do not leave the car unattended with
the engine running, as it then consti-
tutes a considerable potential hazard.<
Ignition switch Starting the engine

64nStarting the engine
Cars with spark-ignition engine
> Start the engine without depressing
the accelerator pedal.
Allow the starter motor to run for a
reasonable time, but not for more
than about 20 seconds. As soon as the
engine fires, release the ignition key.
Do not allow the engine to warm up at a
standstill, but drive off as soon as pos-
sible, using moderate engine speeds.
BMW 535iA, 540iA:
Your BMW is equipped with a conven-
ient-start system. It is sufficient to turn
the ignition key briefly to position 3 (to
operate the starter motor), then to re-
lease it.
The starter then runs automatically for a
predetermined period, and cuts out as
soon as the engine has started.
If the battery voltage is low, automatic
starting cannot be activated, or the
function is interrupted. The engine can
be jump started (refer to page 196).<
If the engine does not start first time, for
instance if it is very cold or very hot:
> Depress the accelerator pedal half-
way while starting the engine.
Cold starts at very low ambient temper-
atures (below approx. –156) at high
altitude (more than 1000 m above sea
level):
> On the first occasion, take longer
over the starting operation (approx.
10 seconds)
> Depress the accelerator pedal half-
way while starting the engine.
Cars with diesel engine
When the engine is cold:
> Hold the ignition key in position 2 un-
til the preheat telltale or display goes
out
> Start the engine.
At extremely low temperatures, the
starter motor may have to be run for
up to 40 seconds.
When the engine is warm:
> The preheat telltale or display does
not come on. Start the engine imme-
diately.
Movement of the accelerator pedal has
no influence on the starting process.
Do not allow the engine to warm up at a
standstill, but drive off as soon as pos-
sible, using moderate engine speeds.
Bleeding the the fuel system:
Even if the fuel tank has been run dry,
the fuel system does not normally need
to be bled.
If you nevertheless encounter difficul-
ties in starting the engine:
> Run the starter motor for approx.
20 seconds.

65n
Stopping the engine Handbrake
Turn the ignition key back to 1 or 0.
BMW 530d:
When the engine is cold, a fuel-burning
auxiliary heater is used to warm the
car's interior more rapidly. Its exhaust
fumes are discharged under the door
sill on the driver's side.
If the engine is stopped before it has
reached its regular operating tempera-
ture, the auxiliary heater continues to
run for a short time, and therefore pro-
duces exhaust fumes.
Never take out the ignition key
when the car is still moving, in
order to prevent the steering lock from
engaging.
When leaving the car, always remove
the ignition key and lock the steering.
Manual-gearbox cars:
When parking on a slope, apply the
handbrake, because merely engaging
first or reverse gear may not prevent the
car reliably from rolling away.
Automatic transmission cars:
Select position P.<
Applying
The lever engages automatically and
the telltale in the instrument cluster
lights up in ignition setting 2, refer to
page 20.
Releasing
Raise slightly, press the knob and move
the lever down.
The handbrake is primarily intended for
preventing a stationary vehicle from
rolling away, and acts on the rear
wheels.
In exceptional cases, if the hand-
brake has to be used to slow or
stop the car, do not pull the lever up too
hard. Keep the knob on the lever held in
all the time.
390de042
Too violent an application of the hand-
brake could over-brake the rear wheels
and cause the rear of the car to skid.
The brake lights do not come on when
the handbrake is applied.
Manual-gearbox cars:
When parking on a slope, apply the
handbrake, because merely engaging
first or reverse gear may not prevent the
car reliably from rolling away.
Automatic transmission cars:
Select position P.<
To avoid corrosion, apply the hand-
brake lightly from time to time when
coasting to a standstill, for instance at
a traffic signal, provided that it is safe
to do so.

66nManual gearbox
The gear lever comes to rest when not
in use in the 3rd/4th gear gate plane
(dot in picture).
When the lever is moved from a forward
or reverse gear into neutral, it is auto-
matically spring-loaded to return to this
plane of the gate.
360de044
BMW 540i
The gear lever comes to rest when not
in use in the 3rd/4th gear gate plane
(dot in picture).
When the lever is moved from a forward
or reverse gear into neutral, it is auto-
matically spring-loaded to return to this
plane of the gate.
When selecting a gear in the 5th/
6th gear plane, always press the
lever to the right, to avoid accidentally
selecting a gear in the 3rd/4th plane of
the gate.<
380de044
Reverse
Engage this gear only when the car is
standing still. Press the gear lever to the
left until slight resistance is overcome.
The reversing lamps then come on au-
tomatically in ignition key position 2.
Never try to prevent the car from
rolling back on an uphill gradient
by slipping the clutch; always apply the
handbrake. A clutch that is allowed to
slip will wear rapidly.<

67n
Automatic transmission*
Your BMW is equipped with Adaptive
Transmission Control (AGS). It re-
sponds sensitively to your individual
driving style and the actual road and
traffic situation. Various shift programs
are used for this purpose.
You will find more details on the AGS in
the chapter headed "Technical Items of
Interest" on page 202.
390de044
Selector lever positions
P R N D S 3 2
Starting the engine
The engine can only be started in posi-
tions P or N.
The gear display differs according to
your car's equipment specification (see
pictures).
390de045
Moving the selector lever
A locking mechanism is provided to pre-
vent accidental movement of the selec-
tor lever to certain positions. To release
the lock, press the button on the front of
the selector lever knob (arrow).
Before moving the selector lever
away from P or N with the car at a
standstill, you must press the brake pedal
down to release the lever (shiftlock).
Keep the brake pedal pressed down until
ready to move away, so that the car does
not creep forwards (or backwards as the
case may be) with the gear engaged.<
Before leaving the car with the en-
gine running, move the automatic
transmission selector lever to position P
or N and apply the handbrake to prevent
the car from moving.
390de046

68nAutomatic transmission*
the engine running, as this constitutes a
potentially severe accident risk.<
P Park
standing still. The driven wheels are
locked.
R Reverse
standing still.
N Neutral
Select only if the journey is interrupted
for a fairly long time.
D Drive (automatic shift position)
Use this position for all normal driving.
The system shifts up through all forward
gears and the AGS functions in an unre-
stricted manner.
S Sport program
This position is recommended if it is in-
tended to make full use of the car's per-
formance.
3 and 2 Shift-limiting positions
Select these positions if you wish to
restrict gear selection, for instance on
steep uphill or downhill gradients in
mountainous regions. The transmission
continues to shift automatically, but
only up to the selected gear.
Position 2 is also particularly suitable
for use when towing a trailer.
Kick-Down
In the "kick-down" position, maximum
acceleration and top speed are availa-
ble in position D.
Press the accelerator pedal down be-
yond the regular full-throttle position;
increased resistance will be felt.
Shift electronics
If the warning lamp comes on or
the message "TRANS. FAIL-
SAFE PROG" appears in the
Check Control, an automatic transmis-
sion malfunction has occurred.
All lever positions can still be selected,
but in the forward positions only certain
gears are actually available when the
car is driven.
Avoid excessive loads, and take the car
to the nearest BMW Service.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment with the selector lever in
a driving position, in case the car be-
gins to move unexpectedly.<
For towing away, tow-starting and jump
starting see page 197 onwards.

69n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
You can either drive the car as with a
conventional automatic transmission, or
shift between gears yourself.
If you move the selector lever from po-
sition D to the left, into the M/S lever
plane, this will activate automatic-trans-
mission shift programs that will appeal
to those who wish to adopt a more en-
thusiastic driving style. As soon as you
move the lever in the "+" or "–" direc-
tion, the Steptronic transmission's man-
ual gear shift mode is activated. If you
wish to return to fully automatic gear
shifts, move the lever back to the right,
to position D.
Your BMW is equipped with Adaptive
Transmission Control (AGS). It re-
sponds sensitively to your individual
driving style and the actual road and
390de138
traffic situation. Various shift programs
are used for this purpose.
You will find more details on the AGS in
the Chapter "Technical Items of Inter-
est" on page 202.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Starting the engine
The engine can only be started in posi-
tions P or N.
The gear display differs according to
your car's equipment specification (see
pictures).
390de139
Moving the selector lever
A locking mechanism is provided to
prevent accidental movement of the se-
lector lever to certain positions. To re-
lease the lock, press the button on the
front of the selector lever knob (arrow).
Before moving the selector lever
away from P or N with the car at a
standstill, you must press the brake
pedal down to release the lever (shift-
lock).
Keep the brake pedal pressed down
until ready to move away, so that the
car does not creep forwards (or back-
wards as the case may be) with the
gear engaged.<
390de140

70n Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
Before leaving the car with the en-
gine running, move the automatic
transmission selector lever to position P
or N and apply the handbrake to pre-
vent the car from moving.
the engine running, as this constitutes a
potentially severe accident risk.<
P Park
standing still. The driven wheels are
locked.
R Reverse
standing still.
N Neutral
Select only if the journey is interrupted
for a fairly long time.
D Drive (automatic shift position)
Use this position for all normal driving.
All forward gears are selected as nec-
essary and the AGS is fully operational.
Kick-Down
In the "kick-down" position, maximum
acceleration and top speed are availa-
ble in position D.
Press the accelerator pedal down be-
yond the regular full-throttle position;
increased resistance will be felt.
M/S Manual mode and Sport
program
When changing from D to M/S, the
Sport program is activated and D S dis-
played on the instrument panel. This po-
sition is recommended if it is intended to
make full use of the car's available per-
formance.
When the lever is next moved, the auto-
matic transmission will switch from the
Sport program to the manual-shift
mode. If you move the lever forwards in
the "+" direction, the transmission shifts
up; if you move it to the rear, in the "–"
direction, a downshift takes place. The
gear display reads 1 to 5 or M1 to M5
according to version.
390de323

71n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
The AGS performs up- and down-shifts
only at a suitable engine or road speed;
for example, it will not shift down if the
resulting engine speed would be too
high. The instrument panel shows the
selected gear briefly, followed by the
gear actually in use.
For rapid acceleration in the man-
ual-shift mode – for example when
overtaking – shift down manually or use
the kick-down to shift to a lower gear.<
The selector lever can only be moved
from M/S to the positions P, R and N if
it has first been moved back to D.
In the following situations, Steptronic
"thinks for you" in the manual-shift
mode:
> To prevent the engine from over-
speeding, an up-shift to the next-
higher gear takes place automatically
shortly before the governed speed
limit is reached in an intermediate
gear
> At low speeds, a lower gear is se-
lected automatically without any
action on the driver's part
> The kick-down, when used, selects
the lowest gear which can still be
used without risk of the engine over-
speeding.
Shift electronics
If the warning lamp comes on or
the message "TRANS. FAIL-
SAFE PROG" appears in the
Check Control, an automatic transmis-
sion malfunction has occurred.
All lever positions can still be selected,
but in the forward positions only certain
gears are actually available when the
car is driven.
Avoid excessive loads, and take the car
to the nearest BMW Service.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment with the selector lever in
a driving position, in case the car be-
gins to move unexpectedly.<
For towing away, tow-starting and
jumpstarting, see page 197 onwards.

72nTurn indicator/headlamp flasher Wipers
1 High beam headlamps (blue telltale
lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Flashing turn indicators (green re-
peater lamps with rhythmic ticking of
flasher relay).
If the telltale flashes and the relay ticks
more rapidly than usual, a flashing turn
indicator has failed; if towing a trailer,
the failed lamp could be on the trailer.
390de335
To indicate a turn briefly
Move the lever lightly, only as far as
the first detent. It will cancel when re-
leased.
0 Parked position of wipers
1 Intermittent wipe setting or rain
sensor*
2 Normal wiper speed
3 Fast wiper speed
4 Flick wipe
5 Automatic windscreen wash
6 Automatic intensive cleaning*
7 Knurled wheel for controlling the in-
termittent wipe intervals andthe sen-
sitivity of the rain sensor
394de041

73n
Wipers
1 Intermittent wipe interval or
rain sensor*
Intermittent wipe interval:
Using knurled wheel 7 you can select
four intermittent wipe intervals.
The wipe speed is also varied automati-
cally, according to road speed.
Rain sensor:
When the rain sensor is activated, the
wind screen wipers are controlled auto-
matically in response to wetting of the
windscreen (they of course also re-
spond to snow). This means you do not
need to involve yourself in switching the
windscreen wipers on and off, nor do
you need to concern yourself with any
of the settings between intermittent
wipe and continuous wipe. Instead, you
can focus your entire attention on pre-
vailing road and traffic conditions. This
advantage is particularly important in
adverse weather conditions.
Activating the rain sensor:
From ignition setting 1, shift into lever
setting 1. In any event, the wipers will
now cross the windscreen once.
You can leave the lever in setting 1 all
the time, then all you need to do is to
activate the rain sensor from ignition
setting 1. To do this,
> turn knurled wheel 7 briefly or
> use the automatic windscreen clean-
ing function (5) or the automatic in-
tensive cleaning function (6).
To vary the sensitivity of the rain sensor:
turn knurled wheel 7.
Switch off the rain sensor in an au-
tomatic car wash, or else the car’s
wipers may operate and be damaged.<
2 Normal wiper speed
The wipers change over automatically
to the intermittent wipe mode when the
car comes to a standstill (not on cars
with rain sensor).
3 Fast wiper speed
The wipers switch to normal speed
when the car comes to a standstill (not
on cars with rain sensor).
5 Automatic windscreen wash
Fluid from the washer tank is sprayed
on to the windscreen and the wipers
are operated for a short time.
If the lever is pulled only briefly, washer
fluid will be sprayed on to the wind-
screen, but the wipers will not be
switched on.
6 Intensive cleaning, automatic*
Same as 5, but intensive cleaning fluid
is first sprayed on to the windscreen.
Changing the wiper blades: see
page 176.

74nWipers
Headlamp cleaning*
If the headlamps are switched on, they
are automatically cleaned as well on
each fifth occasion that the windscreen
wiper or intensive cleaning system is
operated.
The driver should only operate the
washers and cleaning equipment
if certain that the fluid will not freeze to
the windscreen and interfere with the
view ahead. Antifreeze should therefore
be added to the fluid; see page 156.
Do not run the washer systems if the
fluid reservoirs are empty, or the
washer pump will be damaged.<
Windscreen washer jets
The windscreen washer jets are auto-
matically heated when the ignition key
is in position 2.
Rear window wiper – touring
0 Parked position of rear window wiper
1 Rear window wiper operates intermit-
tently. When reverse gear is engaged,
the wiper operates continuously.
2 Automatic rear window washer
You can program the desired wipe
interval:
> Move the lever briefly from position 0
to position 1 and back
> The time which elapses before switch-
ing on again (from 0 to 1) is the pro-
grammed wipe interval (max. 30 sec-
onds).
392de158
Programming is cancelled:
> move the lever to position 0 for
approx. 10 seconds, or
> when the engine is switched off.
When the rear window is opened, its
wiper is switched off. After closing the
window it then has to be restarted if re-
quired.
To renew the wiper blade, see
page 176.

75n
Heated rear window Cruise control*
Switching on
Press the button: while the telltale is lit,
the heated rear window is operating at
high power (fast thawing).
When the telltale lamp goes out, the
rear window heating continues to oper-
ate at reduced output, then switches it-
self off automatically.
Switching off
If the telltale lamp is on, press the but-
ton.
390de362
Above about 30 km/h (approx. 19 mph),
you can memorise and call up the car's
road speed.
Activating the system
From ignition key setting 2:
Press button 1: the telltale in the instru-
ment cluster lights up. You can then use
the cruise control.
Maintaining and memorising
speed, accelerating
Press button 2 briefly:
The car's actual speed is maintained
and memorised. Each time the switch is
pressed briefly again, road speed is in-
creased by approx. 1 km/h.
390de332
Hold button 2 in:
The car accelerates without the accel-
erator pedal being touched. As soon as
you release the switch, the speed the
car has reached will be maintained and
memorised.
If engine braking alone is insuffi-
cient on a downhill gradient, the
controlled speed may be exceeded. It
may also prove impossible to maintain
with the available engine power on up-
hill gradients.<
Decelerating
Press button 3 briefly:
Every time you press the button, road
speed drops by approx. 1 km/h if you
are already running with cruise control.
Hold button 3 in:
The car slows down by automatically
cutting the throttle if you are already
running on cruise control. As soon as
you release the switch, the speed the
car has reached will be maintained and
memorised.

76n Cruise control
Cancelling the cruise control
When activated, press button 1: the tell-
tale remains lit. You can use the cruise
control again when required.
In addition, you interrupt the cruise con-
trol function automatically:
> When braking
> When operating the clutch or when
moving the automatic transmission
selector lever from D to N
> If the selected speed is exceeded or
not reached for a lengthy period, for
instance by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal.
Calling up memorised speed
Press button 4:
The speed last memorised is recalled
and maintained once it has been
reached again. If you turn the ignition
key to setting 0, the stored road speed
is cleared from memory and the system
is de-activated.
De-activating the system
If you have interrupted the cruise con-
trol function, press button 1 once again.
The telltale lamp goes out and the
stored road speed is cancelled.
Do not use the cruise control on
twisting roads, in heavy traffic
which prevents a constant speed from
being maintained or if the road surface
is slippery (snow, rain, ice) or loose
(stones, sand).<

77n
Odometer (distance recorder)
You can activate the displays shown on
this Figure in ignition setting 0 by press-
ing the button (arrow) on the instrument
cluster.
The layout of the displays differs ac-
cording to your car's equipment.
Trip distance recorder
To reset to zero, press the knob (arrow)
in ignition key position 1 or beyond.
Outside temperature display
The outside temperature is displayed
from ignition key position 1 on.
You can change the dimensional unit
(6/7) by pressing
390de025
1 the button (arrow) in ignition setting 1
and holding it down
2 then turning the ignition key to 0.
Ice warning
If the outside temperature falls to ap-
prox. +36, a warning signal is heard
and the display flashes for a short pe-
riod.
The warning is repeated if the tempera-
ture rises again to at least +66 and
then drops a second time to +36.
The ice warning does not rule out
the possibility of black ice also
occurring at temperatures that are other-
wise above +36, for instance on bridges
or where the road is in shadow.<
Never allow the engine to run in the red
zone of the revolution counter.
In this zone the fuel supply is inter-
rupted to protect the engine. This be-
comes evident as an intermittent reduc-
tion in available power.
390de004
Trip distance recorder; outside temperature display Revolution counter

78nEnergy Control Fuel gauge
Indicates current fuel consumption in
l/100 km. This enables you to check
how economical and environmentally
friendly your current driving style is.
When the car is halted, the needle
moves back to zero.
390de005
The warning light comes on briefly as
an operating check when the ignition is
switched on.
When the warning light comes on, there
are about
> 8l – BMW 520i, 523i, 528i,
525td/tds, 530d
> 10l – BMW 535i, 540i
of fuel left in the tank.
Fuel tank capacity: see page 223.
Certain vehicle positions, e.g. driving
uphill for prolonged periods, may cause
slight fluctuations in the fuel gauge
reading.
390de006
Add fuel in good time, or else
there is a risk of running the tank
dry and causing damage to the engine
or the catalytic converter.<

79n
Coolant thermometer Service Interval indicator
Blue
The engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and road speeds.
Red
If the warning light comes on or the
COOLANT TEMPERATURE Check
Control display appears*: the engine is
too hot. Switch it off at once and allow
to cool down.
Between the coloured zones
Normal operating temperature. At high
outside temperatures or when loads on
the car are severe, the needle may
move up as far as the beginning of the
red zone.
Checking coolant level: see page 160.
390de007
The display layout varies according to
your car's equipment specification.
Green light-emitting diodes
The fewer are on, the sooner the next
service will be due.
Yellow LED
This lights up in conjunction with
OILSERVICE or INSPECTION.
A service routine is due. Make arrange-
ments with BMW Service.
Red LED
The service routine is overdue.
390de008
Clock symbol
Shows that brake fluid renewal is due.
Periods during which the battery
was disconnected are ignored by
the display.
In such cases you must ensure that the
brake fluid is renewed every two years
regardless of the display. Also see
page 161.<

80n
Graphic display
The following instructions and status
messages are depicted as symbols and
sound a gong from ignition setting 2.
They remain on display until the faults
have been remedied:
1 Check low- and high-beam head-
lamps and parking lights
2 Top up washer fluid – goes out after
approx. 1 minute
3 Door open
4 Luggage compartment lid/tailgate
open
5 Check rear light or brake light. A de-
fective third (centre) brake light is in-
dicated by the upper symbol.
At the end of a journey, when the
driver's door is opened, the LIGHTS ON
signal may be heard without any visual
display.
390de121
Alphanumeric display*
Clear-text instructions and reminders
are shown in ignition key position 2 and
beyond. A gong signal is always heard
at the same time.
1 Symbol that a warning is present
2 Display
3 CHECK button
The system malfunction displays are di-
vided into two priority categories:
390en111
Priority 1
These displays appear immediately,
accompanied by a gong signal and by
flashing fault display symbols 1. If sev-
eral faults occur at the same time, they
are displayed in succession. The dis-
plays remain in force until the faults
have been rectified, and cannot be
erased with CHECK button 3:
> RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE
> COOLANT TEMPERATURE
The temperature is too high. Stop the
car immediately and switch off the
engine; see page 160
> STOP! ENGINE OILPRESS
Engine oil pressure has dropped too
low. Stop the car immediately and
switch off the engine; see page 157
Check Control

81n
Check Control
> CHECK BRAKE FLUID
The level is close to the minimum
mark. Add fluid at the earliest oppor-
tunity; see page 161. Have the cause
of brake fluid loss traced and rectified
by BMW Service
> TYRE DEFECT*
Immediately reduce speed ready to
stop, avoiding any pronounced brak-
ing and steering manoeuvres while
doing so.
See pages 89
> SELFLEVEL SUSP. INACT*
Have the car checked by the nearest
BMW Service; see page 135
> FUEL INJECT.SYS.*
Have a check performed by BMW
Service; see also page 136
> LIMIT*
Display shows whenever you are ex-
ceeding the legal speed limit in a
given country.
Priority 2
These faults or reminders are shown for
20 seconds in ignition key position 2
and beyond. After the text displays
have gone out, symbols remain visible
to indicate that there are fault mes-
sages in the Check Control. The mes-
sages can be called up again by press-
ing CHECK button 3.
> BOOTLID OPEN
Display only appears when car is
driven away from a standstill for the
first time
> DOOR OPEN
Display appears when the car has
reached a given (low) speed
> FASTEN SEAT BELTS*
The warning lamp with belt symbol
also comes on
> PRE-HEATING*
Do not start the engine until the dis-
play has gone out
> WASHER FLUID LOW
Restore the correct level at the earli-
est opportunity; see page 156
> CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
Add engine oil as soon as possible;
see page 157
> SET TYRE PRESSURE*
The RDC has accepted the prevailing
tyre pressure as the nominal value it
has to monitor.
See pages 88
> CHECK TYRE PRESSURE*
Check the tyre pressure at the next
available opportunity (refueling stop)
and correct to the specified levels.
See pages 88
> TYRE CONTROL INACTIVE*
Brief fault in RDC or system fault,
refer to page 89
> CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS
A bulb has failed or there is a fault in
the electrical circuit; see page 179
and 192 or consult BMW Service
> CHECK LOWBEAM LIGHTS
CHECK PARK LIGHTS
CHECK TAIL LIGHTS
CHECK FRONT FOGLAMPS*
CHECK REAR FOGLIGHTS
CHECK NUMPLATE LIGHT
CHECK TRAILER LIGHTS*
CHECK HIGHBEAM LIGHT
CHECK REVERSE LIGHTS
In each case a bulb may have failed
or the electrical circuit may have a
fault. See page 177 onwards and 192
or consult BMW Service

82nCheck Control
> TRANS FAILSAFE PROG*
Please visit your nearest BMW Serv-
ice centre, refer to page 67 or 69
> CHECK BRAKE LININGS
Have the brake pads checked by
BMW Service; see page 132
> RADIO KEY, BATTERY
Renew the battery; see page 183
> CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
Coolant level is too low and should
be topped up at the earliest opportu-
nity; see page 160
> ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG*
The Electronic Engine Output Control
(EML) has a fault. Higher pedal pres-
sure and longer pedal travel may be
needed when braking. Please have a
check performed by BMW Service
The following message cannot be
called up again:
> EXT. TEMP–5.06
This is an example of the display. The
actual outside temperature is shown
if it is +36 or below; see also
page 77.
Messages displayed at the end
of a journey
All malfunctions which have been indi-
cated during a journey are displayed
again in succession when the ignition
key is turned back to position 0.
The following information is also pro-
vided if appropriate:
> LIGHTS ON
Warning at end of journey, when
driver's door is opened
> CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
Add engine oil at the earliest opportu-
nity (when refuelling); see page 157.
After the ignition key has been removed
and the display has gone out, you can
call up CHECK CONTROL displays for
up to approx. three minutes by pressing
the CHECK button 3. If there are sev-
eral displays, the CHECK button must
be pressed more than once.
Check Control test
Press the CHECK button 3 in ignition
key setting 2: the display should show
CHECK CONTROL OK.
There are no malfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored.
Computer
A description of the computer is to be
found in "Radio and information sys-
tems" and "Monitor".
You can also have Check Control
messages and computer informa-
tion displayed in another language.<

83n
On-board computer
Calling up functions
Using the button in the turn indicator
lever, from ignition key setting 1, you
can call up on-board computer informa-
tion in the instrument cluster display
unit. Every time you press the button
towards the steering column, another
function is displayed on screen (i.e.
scrolling function).
The sequence of displays is:
ambient temperature, average fuel con-
sumption, range, average road speed.
From ignition setting 1, the most recent
setting appears on the display.
The layout of the displays differs
according to your car's equipment.
390de336
Outside temperature and average
fuel consumption
You can change the unit of measure-
ment for the ambient temperature dis-
play (6/7), by
1 pressing and holding down the reset
button for the trip distance display
(odometer)
2 then turning the ignition key to 0.
See also page 77.
390de126
Operating range and average
speed
The range is calculated on the basis of
distance actually covered.
The average speed display ignores any
stationary periods where the engine
was switched off.
390de125

84nOn-board computer
Clearing the display
While average speed is being dis-
played, if you press the turn indicator
lever briefly, the on-board computer
display can be switched off.
Recalculating
If you hold the button down longer, the
average values displayed for fuel con-
sumption and road speed are recalcu-
lated, starting from this point in time.
The engine must be running.
Computer with alpha-numerical
display*
If your car has Check Control with an
alpha-numerical display, the computer
is described in the operating instruc-
tions "Radio and information systems".

85n
PDC assists you when reversing the car
into a parking space. An audible warn-
ing signal tells you how far you are from
obstructions behind the car. To do this,
four ultrasonic sensors in the back
bumper measure the distance to the
nearest object. The measuring range for
the two corner sensors ends approx.
60 cm (approx. 2 ft) behind the bumper.
The two centre sensors have a range of
approx. 1.50 m (approx. 5 ft).
In ignition key position 2, the system is
activated automatically after approx. 1
second when reverse gear is selected
or the automatic transmission selector
lever moved to R. It is switched off
when the lever is moved out of reverse
gear or away from position R. If you are
towing a trailer, of course, the system
cannot make the appropriate measure-
ments and is therefore out of action.
Audible warning signals
The distance from an obstruction is in-
dicated by an intermittent audible sig-
nal. The closer the car approaches the
obstruction, the more rapid the se-
quence of signals. When the distance is
less than 30 cm (approx. 12 in), the sig-
nal becomes continuous.
The signal is interrupted after approx.
3 seconds if the distance from the ob-
stacle remains constant during this
time, for instance when reversing paral-
lel to a wall.
If a continuous signal at a pitch higher
than usual is heard when the system is
first activated, it is malfunctioning. Have
the cause traced and rectified by BMW
Service.
The PDC cannot act as a substi-
tute for your personal assessment
of obstructions. The sensors have cer-
tain "dead areas" in which objects can-
not always be detected. In addition, the
detection of obstacles can reach the
physical limits of ultrasonic measure-
ment, e.g. trailer towbars and couplings
or thin and painted objects.
Loud sound sources such as loud ra-
dios can overpower the signal tone of
the PDC.<
Keep the sensors clean and free
from ice, so that they always oper-
ate reliably.
Do not spray the sensors for any length
of time with a high-pressure cleaning
jet. Keep such jets at least 10 cm (ap-
prox. 4 in) away from the sensors.<
Park Distance Control (PDC)*

86nASC+T/DSC*
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)*
These systems ensure additional dy-
namic stability, particularly when accel-
erating and cornering.
The DSC adds to the advantages of
ASC+T. In addition to achieving opti-
mum dynamic stability when accelerat-
ing and starting from a standstill, a gain
in stability is obtained when cornering.
Note however that the car always re-
mains subject to the limits imposed by
the basic laws of dynamics.
The system is in operation whenever
the engine has been started.
390de359
Telltale lamp
The telltale lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after the engine has been
started. See page 21.
If the telltale lamp flashes:
The system is active, that is to say it is
compensating for fluctuations in trac-
tion caused by the road surface.
If the telltale lamp does not go out after
the engine has been started or comes
on during the journey:
The system is defective, but the car it-
self is fully operational with the excep-
tion of the ASC+T/DSC stability control
function. Please visit BMW Service for
repair work.
Switching off
Press the button; the telltale lamp will
come on.
Depending on the car's equipment, the
button is marked either ASC or DSC.
When ASC+T/DSC is switched off, you
are driving conventionally. It is advisa-
ble to switch off the system to improve
traction:
> if the car has to be rocked out of a
hollow or a soft surface, or started in
deep snow or on a loose surface
> if snow chains are fitted.
See also page 133.
Switching on again
Press the button a second time; the tell-
tale lamp will go out.
Not even ASC+T/DSC can over-
come the laws of physics. If the
limit speed is exceeded, the driver is re-
sponsible for the consequences: a lack
of traction and poor lateral roadholding.
The extra safety potential offered by
this system must never be understood
as an invitation to take additional risks.<
You will find further details on ASC+T/
DSC in the Chapter "Technical items of
interest", page 203.

87n
Electronic Damping Control (EDC)*
This system automatically ensures
that movement of the road wheels is
damped according to the car's needs,
and therefore enhances both ride com-
fort and safety.
390de358
Automatic control
Automatic control is activated each
time the engine is started. It takes effect
over the entire road-speed range and
regardless of the load on the car. If the
influencing factors change (road sur-
face and other operating factors such
as steering, braking etc.), the damping
force exerted by the shock absorbers is
automatically varied within a fraction of
a second.
Sport program
With the ignition key in position 2, press
the EDC button (arrow); the telltale lamp
next to the S will come on.
The Sport program should be selected
if you require a firmer response from the
suspension in all operating situations.
To change over to automatic control:
Press the button again; the telltale lamp
will go out.

88n Tyre pressure control (RDC)*
The principle
The RDC monitors tyre pressures at all
four road wheels, both at a standstill
and when the car is being driven. The
system reports any sudden loss of
pressure in one or more tyres.
To enable the RDC to "get to know" the
correct tyre pressure, check tyre pres-
sures in all tyres against the tyre pres-
sure table on page 27 and correct if
necessary. Then activate the system.
This telltale in the instrument
cluster or the Check Control in-
forms you whenever tyre pres-
sure is not normal.
Activating the system
1 Turn the ignition key to position 2 (but
do not start the engine)
2 Keep the button pressed in (arrow)
until the yellow telltale lamp on the in-
strument panel comes on for a few
seconds or the Check Control dis-
plays "SET TYRE PRESSURE"
3 After the car has been driven for sev-
eral minutes, the RDC adopts the ac-
tual tyre pressures as the nominal
values which it is to monitor.
Do not repeat this process until you
have ensured that tyre pressures are
correct. Otherwise RDC operates auto-
matically in ignition setting 2 and there-
fore takes effect during every journey.
390de320
If there is a loss of tyre pressure
If the tyre pressure has dropped too far
after a short time (quite normal on any
tyre), the yellow telltale lamps up or the
message "check tyre pressure" appears
in the Check Control.
This is to remind you that the tyre pres-
sure should be corrected to the speci-
fied values again as soon as possible.
If you are asked to check tyre
pressures shortly after correcting
them, the corrected pressure values
were not plausible. Please check the
tyre pressures again and correct them
to the values specified in the tyre pres-
sure table. After this, re-activate the
system.<

89n
Tyre pressure control (RDC)*
With a burst tyre
If you suffer a tyre defect involving loss
of pressure, the red telltale lamps up, or
the message "TYRE DEFECT" appears
in the Check Control. In addition, a
gong sounds.
When this occurs, slow down to a stop
immediately, avoiding harsh braking
and steering manoeuvres. Replace the
defective wheel with tyre.
The spare wheel supplied as
standard with your car is equipped
with the necessary RDC electronics and
is therefore also monitored automati-
cally after fitting, when the system has
been activated.<
The RDC system cannot provide
advance notification of any serious
sudden tyre damage caused by external
influences.<
Have your tyres changed by BMW
Service.
BMW Service is informed about how to
handle RDC and is equipped with the
necessary special tools.<
Faults
The RDC can be subjected to brief in-
terference locally by outside equipment
or devices which use the same radio
frequency.
While there is a fault in the system, the
yellow telltale lamps up or the message
"Tyre pressure control inactive" ap-
pears in the Check Control.
The same display appears
> in the event of a system fault
> if a wheel not equipped with RDC is
fitted to the car
> if one or more wheels equipped with
RDC electronics are carried on the
car in addition to the spare wheel.
Consult BMW Service if necessary.

90n
Side lights
Low beam headlamps
If you switch off the ignition
while the low-beam headlamps
are switched on, only the park-
ing lights remain lit.
You can also have the "Delayed
switch-off" ("Follow-me-home")
headlamp setting selected: if the head-
lamp flasher lever is operated, the low-
beam headlamps then remain on for a
short time after the ignition has been
switched off.<
390de034
LIGHTS ON warning
When the ignition key is turned back to
0 and the driver's door is opened, a
buzzer sounds for several seconds as a
reminder if the lights are still on.
On cars with alphanumerical Check
Control*:
the reminder appears on the Check
Control; see page 81.
Daytime (dim-dip) circuit*
If desired, the light switch can remain in
the second position: when the ignition
is turned off, the car's lights go out.
You can have the daytime dipped
headlamp setting selected on your
car.<
Turn the knurled wheel to vary the
intensity of the lighting.
390de036
Sidelights/low-beam (dipped) headlamps Instrument lighting

91n
Headlight beam throw adjustment* High-beam/parking lights
To avoid dazzling the drivers of oncom-
ing vehicles, the beam throw of the low
beam headlamps must be adjusted to
suit the load carried in the car:
Values in ( ) apply when towing a trailer.
0 (1) = 1 to 2 persons without luggage
1 (1) = 5 persons without luggage
1 (2) = 5 persons with luggage
2 (2) = 1 person, load area or
luggage compartment full
390de035
Cars with self-levelling suspension*:
All load conditions: position 0.
Exception:
1 person, luggage compartment or load
area full or when towing a trailer: posi-
tion 1.
Comply with permitted rear axle load,
see page 217.
Please use the correct settings to
avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.<
Xenon headlamps*
Cars with xenon headlamps are
equipped with automatic beam angle
adjustment.
1 High-beam headlamps
2 Headlight flasher (blue telltale lamp)
3 Parking lights
Right or left parking lights
In ignition key position 0, move the turn
indicator lever beyond its normal left or
right turn position until it reaches a final
detent and is retained there.
390de335

92nFog lights Interior lighting
Fog lights*
The green telltale lamp on the
instrument panel comes on
when the fog lights are in use.
Rear fog lights*
The yellow telltale lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on
when the rear foglights are lit.
390de037
Foglights and rear foglights
Please comply with local leg-
islation concerning the use of
front and rear fog lights.
The interior lights are controlled auto-
matically.
Switching interior light on and off
manually
Press the button (arrow) briefly.
To switch off the light permanently, hold
the button depressed for about 3 sec-
onds.
To cancel this mode, press the button.
The load-area light in the touring oper-
ates similarly.
390de040

93n
Interior lighting Reading lights
Footwell lights
The footwell lights operate in the same
way as the interior light.
There are reading lights at the front next
to the interior light, and in the rear pas-
senger area. They can be switched on
and off using the buttons beside them.
To protect the battery, all lights in-
side the car are switched off about
15 minutes after the ignition key has
been turned to 0.<394de301

94n
390de340
Air conditioning

95n
Air conditioning
1 Air supply to windscreen and side
windows
2 Air to the upper body area
The knurled wheels down the sides
open and close the air vents (any in-
termediate setting possible) and the
levers alter the direction of air flow.
The centre knurled wheel varies the
temperature of the airflow; see
page 97
3 Airflow to footwells
4 Airflow to rear-seat footwells
5 Airflow to upper-body area, rear-
seat passengers 97
6 Temperature 96
7 Air flow directed on to the
> Windows
> Upper body area
> Footwell
Any intermediate position is pos-
sible; see page 96
8 Air supply 96
Air temperature control takes effect
when the fan is switched on
9 Heated rear window 96
10 Cooling 96
11 Recirculated air mode 96

96nAir conditioning
Tips for pleasant driving
For the air temperature 6 the setting
226 will normally result in pleasant
driving conditions. For air distribution
setting 7, move selector to "6 o'clock".
For setting 8, move to centre position.
Turn outlets 2 so that the airflow passes
the occupants without striking their
bodies directly. Turn the knurled wheel
between air vents 2 into a central posi-
tion to allow slightly cooler air to en-
hance fatigue-free driving.
The description below tells you how to
obtain various settings which may be
individually preferred.
Temperature
The scale values are guide fig-
ures for the interior tempera-
ture. 226 has been found to
be a pleasant setting. When
the car is in motion, the selected tem-
perature is reached as soon as possible
and held constant.
Air distribution
You can direct air on to the
windows, on to the upper
body and into the foot-
well. Any intermediate setting
is possible. In position a small
amount of air continues to reach the
windows in order to prevent them from
fogging over. The 6 o'clock setting is
recommended in normal conditions
(see illustration and overview of system
on page 94).
Air supply
The airflow volume can be
continuously varied. The
greater the incoming flow of
air, the more effective heating
and ventilation will be. In position 0 the
blower and air conditioning are
switched off and the fresh air supply
from outside the car is entirely shut off.
Heated rear window
When the heated rear window
is switched on, the telltale
lamp comes on. The heated
rear window switches itself off automat-
ically.
Cooling
Air is cooled when the air con-
ditioner is switched on, then is
heated back to suit the tem-
perature setting. Depending on weather
conditions, the windscreen may fog
over momentarily when the engine is
started.
Switch off the air conditioning at out-
side temperatures below approx. 56.
This helps to prevent the windows from
misting up.
If the windows fog over immediately
after switching off the air conditioning,
switch it on again.
Moisture condensate forms in the
air conditioning and is discharged
underneath the car. Traces of water on
the ground are therefore normal.<
Recirculated air mode
If there are strong smells out-
side, you can shut off the sup-
ply of outside air for temporary
periods. The air inside the car is then
recirculated.
If your car has a multifunctional steering
wheel with recirculated air button, this
can also be used to shut off the incom-
ing airflow (see page 23).
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch it off
and, if necessary, increase the airflow.<

97n
Air conditioning
Draught-free ventilation
The outlets for the occupants' upper
body area can be adjusted to suit your
personal preferences:
Turn knurled wheels 1 to open or close
the outlets steplessly. Alter the direc-
tion of the airflow by moving levers 2.
Turn outlets so that the airflow passes
bodies directly.
Knurled wheel 3 blends a varying
amount of cool air with the air for the
upper body area outlets:
> Turn towards the blue mark – cooler
> Turn towards the red mark – warmer.
390de051
Rear-seat area ventilation
Knurled wheel 1 opens the outlets step-
lessly. The airflow direction is varied at
levers 2.
The air emerging here is slightly cooler
that the air for the footwells.
390de355
Micro-filter
The micro-filter traps dust and pollen in
the incoming airflow. It is renewed
when your BMW Service carries out
routine maintenance work. If airflow is
noticeably less than usual, this may in-
dicate that the filter should be renewed
earlier.

98nAir conditioning
Cooling
1 Select an interior temperature which
you find pleasant at the rotary tem-
perature control, e.g. 226
2 Switch on the air conditioning
3 Turn the rotary air distribution control
to position
4 Set the rotary blower control (air sup-
ply) to a central position
5 Open the air outlets for the upper
body zone
6 Turn knurled wheel 3 to a tempera-
ture setting which you find pleasant;
see "Draught-free ventilation",
page 97.
390de341
Rapid ventilation
2 Switch on the air conditioning and
select the recirculated-air mode
to position
4 Turn the rotary blower control (air
supply) fully to the right
5 Open the air outlets for the upper
body zone
6 Set knurled wheel 3 to cold (blue);
see page 97.
390de342
Rapid heating
to position
4 Close the rear seat-area outlets.
390de343

99n
Air conditioning
Defrosting and demisting
windows
to position
4 Close the rear seat-area outlets
5 To defrost the rear window, switch on
rear window heating.
The latent heat store* enables heat to
be obtained from ignition key position 1
on, even if the engine is not running.
390de344
Heating
If the windows are free from ice and
condensation, the following settings are
recommended:
to position
3 Set the rotary blower control (air sup-
ply) to a central position
4 Close the rear seat-area outlets.
390de127390de345

100n
390de365
Automatic air conditioning*

101n
1 Air supply to windscreen and side
windows
2 Air to the upper body area
The knurled wheels down the sides
open and close the air vents (any in-
termediate setting possible) and the
levers alter the direction of air flow.
The centre knurled wheel varies the
temperature of the emerging air;
see page 104
3 Air to footwells
4 Air to rear-seat footwells
5 Air to upper body area, rear-seat
passengers 105
6 Automatic air distribution 102
7 Individual air distribution 102
8 Temperature – left side 102
9 Temperature display, air
supply 102
10 Temperature – right side 102
11 Defrosting and demisting
windows 103
12 Air conditioning 103
13 Automatic Recirculated Air Control
(AUC) 103
14 Heated rear window 75, 104
15 Air supply 103
16 Residual heat utilisation 104
17 Air inlet grille for interior tempera-
ture sensor – keep unobstructed

102nAutomatic air conditioning*
A pleasant interior temperature
Press AUTO key 4 to switch on the au-
tomatic mode. Choose an interior tem-
perature which you find pleasant, e.g.
226. Above ambient temperatures of
56 you can also use the air conditioner
10. This dries the air and prevents the
windows from misting up, for instance if
someone sits in the car with wet cloth-
ing. Turn outlets 2 so that the airflow
passes the occupants without striking
their bodies directly. The knurled wheel
between outlets 2 for the upper body
area should be turned to a central set-
ting, since slightly cooler air at this level
helps to avoid driving fatigue.
The description below tells you how to
obtain various settings which may be
individually preferred.
You can have your car pro-
grammed so that your preferred
automatic air conditioning settings are
obtained whenever you unlock the car
with your personal remote-control key.<
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program handles the
setting of air distribution for you
and also adapts your temperature pref-
erences to suit ambient conditions
(summer, winter). It ensures a pleasant
interior climate at every time of year.
Select a pleasant interior temperature
for yourself, e.g. 226. Selected tem-
peratures and the reminder AUTO for
the airflow appear on display 7; see
overview on page 100. Open the outlets
for the occupants' upper body zone.
Switch the air conditioning on in the
warm season of the year. Maximum
cooling effect is obtained when knurled
wheel 3 (see page 104) is in the cold
setting.
Individual air distribution
You can also switch off the
AUTO program and choose your
own combination of air distribu-
tion settings. Air flows on to the
windows, to the upper body zone
and to the footwell .
Temperature
You can also select your own in-
dividual temperature setting on
driver and passenger sides of
the car. The displayed values are a
guide to the actual interior temperature.
226 is recommended as a pleasant
setting, whether or not the air condi-
tioning is in operation. During the jour-
ney, the chosen temperature is reached
as quickly as possible – in summer and
in winter – and maintained at a constant
value.
Turn knurled wheel 3 (see "Draught-free
ventilation", page 104) to a central set-
ting, since slightly cooler air at this level
helps to prevent driving fatigue.
This feature can be used primarily for
blending air to make slight adjustments
and enhance personal comfort.
You can obtain full output from the
heater (non-regulated) at the 326
setting. At 166 the full cool air output
is obtained when the air conditioning is
switched on.<

103n
Air supply
In the AUTO program, air sup-
ply is controlled automatically;
AUTO appears in display 7 – see the
summary on page 100. Using "+" and
"–" you can vary the air supply. Your en-
try is indicated by a bar display, the au-
tomatic air supply is switched off and
the automatic airflow distribution sys-
tem remains unchanged. However, you
can switch the automatic air supply sys-
tem back on by pressing the AUTO but-
ton.
In the lowest fan setting, if you press
"–", all displays disappear: blower,
heating and air conditioning are
switched off and the air supply shut off.
The automatic air conditioning can be
switched on again by pressing any but-
ton (except REST button 14).
Defrosting and demisting
windows
This program removes ice and
condensation quickly from the
windscreen and from the side windows.
Air conditioning
Air is cooled and dried when the
air conditioner is switched on,
then is heated back up to suit the tem-
perature setting.
Depending on weather conditions, the
windscreen may fog over momentarily
when the engine is started.
At outside temperatures below approx.
56, switch off the air conditioning. This
helps to prevent the windows from
misting up.
If the windows fog over immediately the
air conditioning is switched off, switch it
on again.
Moisture condensate forms in the
air conditioning and is discharged
underneath the car. Traces of water on
the ground are therefore normal.<
Automatic Recirculated Air
Control (AUC)
If the air outside the car has an
unpleasant odour or contains
pollutants, you can shut off the suply to
the interior of the car temporarily. The
air inside the car is then recirculated.
Obtain the desired operating mode by
pressing the button as often as neces-
sary.
> Telltale lights off: fresh air enters car
from the outside.
> Left telltale lamp on – AUC operation:
the system identifies pollutants in the
outside air and shuts off the supply if
necessary. The air inside the car is
then recirculated.
After this, the automatic system
switches between outside air supply
and recirculated air according to the
available air quality.
> Right telltale lamp on: the outside air
supply is permanently shut off. The
air inside the car is recirculated.
wheel with recirculating air switch (see
page 23), you can use it to change be-
tween "Off" and the recirculating air
mode (or between AUC and the recircu-
lating air mode).

104nAutomatic air conditioning*
If the windows fog over in the re-
circulated air mode, switch it off
and, if necessary, increase the airflow.<
Heated rear window
When the heated rear window is
switched on, the telltale lamp
comes on. The heated rear window
switches itself off automatically.
Residual heat utilisation
Heat from the engine is stored
and used to heat the car's interior
when the ignition is switched off, for in-
stance when waiting at a level crossing.
In ignition setting 1, you can adjust the
settings of the automatic air condition-
ing system. In ignition key position 0,
the heated air is directed automatically
to the windscreen, side windows and
footwells.
This function can be activated if
outside temperature is below ap-
prox. +156, the engine is at its regular
operating temperature and the battery
is sufficiently charged.<
Latent heat store*
Automatically activated in ignition key
position 1 when residual heat is used.
Draught-free ventilation
The outlets for the occupants' upper
body area can be adjusted to suit your
personal preferences:
Turn knurled wheels 1 to open or close
the outlets steplessly. Alter the direc-
tion of the airflow by moving levers 2.
Turn outlets so that the airflow passes
bodies directly.
Knurled wheel 3 blends a varying
amount of cool air with the air for the
upper body area outlets:
> Turn towards the blue mark – cooler
> Turn towards the red mark – warmer
390de051

105n
Rear-seat area ventilation
Knurled wheel 1 opens the outlets step-
lessly. Use knurled wheel 3 to vary the
temperature of the airflow, subject to
the position of the knurled wheel at the
front of the car.
You can vary the airflow direction at
levers 2.
390de354
Micro-filter and activated
charcoal filter
The micro-filter traps dust and pollen
in the incoming airflow. The activated
charcoal filter in addition removes gas-
eous pollutants from the air entering the
car. This combined filter is changed by
BMW Service during routine mainte-
nance work. If the airflow is noticeably
less than usual, this may indicate that
the filter should be renewed earlier.

106nHeated seats* Steering wheel heating* Roller sunblind*
The seat cushion and seat back can be
heated when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 2.
By pressing the button repeatedly, you
can obtain different heat outputs.
The maximum heat output is obtained
when three telltale lamps are on, the
minimum heat output when only one is
on. Temperature control is by thermo-
stat.
Direct switching off is also possible
when a higher heat output has been
selected:
keep the button pressed in for a longer
period.
390de356
The steering wheel heating is opera-
tional in ignition key position 2; to
switch on and off, press the key (arrow).
When the steering wheel is being heat-
ed, the telltale lamp in the button is on.
wheel without steering wheel heating,
this position is occupied by the recircu-
lated air button (see page 23).
390de014
From ignition setting 1, press the button
to operate.
Roller sun blinds for rear side
windows*
Pull the blind out at its loop and secure
it to the retainer.
390de357

107n
Auxiliary heater* Auxiliary ventilation*
If your car has an auxiliary fuel-burning
heater, it is also equipped with inde-
pendent ventilation control. Cars are
also supplied with independent ventila-
tion control only.
Both systems are operated by the
Multi-Information-Display (MID) or the
on-board monitor; refer to the Operat-
ing Manual.
Two different switch-on times can be
preselected, so that you can be sure
that the car's interior is warm when it is
next entered. Snow and ice are also
easier to remove from the windows.
The auxiliary heater runs for 30 minutes.
It can also be switched on and off di-
rectly. Since its current consumption is
high, it should not be run twice in suc-
cession unless there has in the mean-
time been an opportunity to recharge
the car's battery by driving the car.
The auxiliary fuel-burning heater can be
operated at outside temperatures be-
low 166 if the switch-on time is prese-
lected, or switched on directly at any
outside temperature. This only applies
when the car is driven, however, until
the engine has reached its regular oper-
ating temperature.
The heated air is directed automatically
to the windscreen, side windows and
footwell; maximum heating output is al-
ways used.
In ignition key position 1 you can adjust
the interior temperature, air supply and
air distribution.
The auxiliary heater continues to run
for a short period after it has been
switched off (telltale lamp out).
Even during the warm season of
the year the auxiliary heater
should be switched on directly about
once a month, then switched off again
after about 5 minutes.<
Do not operate the auxiliary heater
in confined spaces (closed
rooms). Always switch off the auxiliary
heater before refuelling the car.<
Ventilates the interior of the car and
lowers its temperature by means of the
(automatic) air conditioning blower.
The auxiliary ventilation is operated by
the Multi-Information-Display (MID) or
the on-board monitor; refer to your
Operating Manual.
Two different switch-on times can be
preselected; the ventilation system then
runs for 30 minutes. It can also be
switched on and off directly. Since its
current consumption is high, it should
not be run twice in succession unless
there has in the meantime been an op-
portunity to recharge the car's battery
by driving the car.
Independent ventilation control can be
operated at any outside temperature
above 166 if the switch-on time is
preselected, or switched on directly at
any outside temperature, but not when
the car is being driven.
Air emerges from the variable-flow,
controlled-direction outlets for the up-
per body zone on the fascia. These out-
lets must therefore remain open if the
independent ventilation system is to be
used.
In ignition key position 1, the airflow
volume and air distribution are adjusted
in the same way as for auxiliary heating.

108nRemote control for auxiliary heater*
1 Switching on
2 Radio aerial
3 Telltale light
4 Switching off
You can switch the auxiliary heater on
and off with the remote control handset
provided that the outside temperature
is below 166. The average range for
signal reception is approx. 350 metres.
Switching on
1 Extend aerial 2 fully
2 Press button 1. Telltale light 3 comes
on three times, then emits short
rhythmic flashes for the remainder of
the operating period (max. 30 min-
utes)
3 Push the aerial back in, but only after
the first three regular flashes have
been seen.
390de155
Switching off
1 Extend aerial 2 fully
2 Press button 4. The telltale lamp
flashes three times and then goes out
3 Finally, push the aerial back in.
Renewing the battery and operating a
new transmitter: see page 185.
The best signal transmission is
obtained if the remote control is
held either vertical or horizontal. When
switching on and off, do not touch the
aerial or point it at the car.
The remote control only operates the
auxiliary heater if this is not already run-
ning after a preselected time input or
direct switch-on.<
Interference
Operation of the remote control may be
interfered with by outside equipment
operating on the same frequency.

109n
To open
Pull the handle. The lamp comes on
automatically.
To close
Swing the lid up.
Locking
Lock with a master key. The glove box
can only be unlocked with a master key.
If you only hand over the door key
and ignition key, for example to
hotel staff (see page 34), this will pre-
vent unauthorised access to the glove
box.<
390de060
After using the glove box, close its
lid without delay, so that it cannot
cause injury in the event of an acci-
dent.<
Rechargeable hand lamp*
This is inside the glove box, on the left.
The lamp is protected against over-
charging and can therefore remain in
the socket when it is not in use.
Always switch the lamp off before
inserting it into the socket, or else
it could be overcharged and damaged.<
The lid of the compartment on the front,
inclined section of the centre console
can be slid open and closed (arrow).
If a cassette holder* is installed, each
cassette compartment is opened by
pressing the small button next to it.
Compartment on centre console be-
tween front seats: To open, reach into
the recess and pull up. If a car phone is
installed, it will occupy this compart-
ment.
390de043
Glove box Storage compartments

110nStorage compartments Car phone* Drink can holders*
There is an open storage compartment
to the left of the steering column.
There is further storage space in all
doors and on the front seat backs*.
Hands-free telephone system*
On cars prepared for telephone installa-
tion* there is a trim panel for the hands-
free microphone in the roof lining, near
the interior lamp.
For further information on the car
phone, see the separate operating
instructions.390de353
There are two holders for drink cans or
cups at the front of the centre console
(see illustration) and another two at the
end of the centre console, below the
grille.
Press briefly to release and open them;
swing back inwards when not required.
390de363

111n
Ashtray, front* Cigarette lighter*
To open
Press briefly in the direction of the
arrow.
To extinguish a cigarette, knock off the
ash and insert a short distance only into
the funnel-shaped hole.
390de061
To empty
Press the edge of the lid (arrow): the
ashtray will pop up and can be re-
moved.
On cars with non-smoker fittings, the
insert is removed in the same way.
390de062
Press the recess (arrow) briefly, then
press the cigarette lighter in.
The cigarette lighter can be removed
when it pops back out.
Hold the hot cigarette lighter only
by its knob, or else you may suffer
burns.
The cigarette lighter remains opera-
tional when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, do not leave
children in the car unattended.<
390de364

112nCigarette lighter* Ashtray, rear*
Cigarette lighter socket
This can be used for a hand lamp,
vacuum cleaner or similar device, pro-
vided that it runs on 12 V DC and its
power consumption does not exceed
200 Watts. Make sure that the socket is
not damaged by attempting to insert
plugs of the wrong pattern.
On cars with non-smoker fittings, the
socket is at the same point.
To open
Press the recess briefly.
To empty
Press the edge of the lid (arrow). the
ashtray will pop up and can be re-
moved.
390de063

113n
The rear seat back is divided into two
sections, one of them one-third and the
other two-thirds of the total width.
Either side can be folded forwards indi-
vidually if long or bulky objects have to
be carried in the car.
Folding:
Insert the fingers into the recess and
pull forwards (arrow 1).
When the seat backs are returned to
the raised position again, make sure
that their catches engage correctly. The
red panel (arrow 2) must move down.
394de117
The centre seat belt has a small addi-
tional belt lock.
> If you connect up the two belt sec-
tions, you can use the centre seat
belt just like any normal three-point
seat belt.
> Disconnecting the seat belt (arrow)
makes it more convenient to fold
down the larger seat back.394de303
Each seat back can be locked with one
of the car's master keys.
This prevents access to the luggage
compartment from the inside of the car
if you are obliged to hand over door and
ignition key 3 (see page 34). This is an
advantage, e.g. in hotels.
394de118
Through-loading system*

114nSki bag*
This enables a maximum of four pairs of
skis to be carried safely and kept clean.
Using the full length of the ski bag and
the additional space in the luggage
compartment, skis up to a length of
2.10 m can be carried. If skis of this
length are carried, however, the ski
sack will only be able to hold two pairs
before it becomes too narrow.
Removing the centre armrest
(Not on cars with through-loading sys-
tem or on touring; see page 116).
1 Unfold the centre armrest completely
2 Detach the cover over the opening at
the top (it has a burr fastener) and
place it on the armrest
3 Hold the front of the armrest with one
hand, place the other hand under the
armrest and move it sharply upwards
(arrow).
394de067
Installing the centre armrest
Insert the centre armrest from the top
and press it down until it is heard to en-
gage in its holders.
Make sure that the pins at the
sides do not damage the seat up-
holstery.<

115n
Ski bag*
Loading
1 Press the button (arrow 1): this will
unlock the loading flap in the luggage
compartment
2 Press the locking levers together
(arrows 2) and swing the cover for-
wards
3 Lay out the ski bag between the front
seats. The zip fastener simplifies ac-
cess to the contents of the bag, and
makes drying it out easier
394de068
4 Inside the luggage compartment, se-
cure the loading flap to the underside
of the rear window shelf with the
magnetic retainers.
Make sure that the skis are clean before
they are inserted into the bag, and that
any sharp edges on them or their bind-
ings do not damage or pierce the ski
bag.380de069
Secure the skis or any other
stored objects with the retaining
strap on the ski bag. Tighten the turn-
buckle to ensure that the retaining strap
is taut.<
To stow away the ski bag, follow the
opposite procedure.
380de070

116nSki bag*
With through-loading system
1 Swing out the centre armrest, detach
the cover over the opening at the top
(it is secured by a burr fastener) and
2 Press catch 1 down and swing the
cover forwards
3 Press catch button 2: this unlocks the
flap in the luggage compartment.
394de119
In the touring
1 Swing out the centre armrest, detach
the cover over the opening at the top
(it is secured by a burr fastener) and
2 Press catch 1 down and swing the
cover forwards
3 Press button 2: this releases the flap
in the load area.
In conjunction with the removable
luggage floor* (refer to page 120):
removal of floor, unlock the flap and
slide the floor back in – the floor sec-
tion then covers the flap.
392de176
If the flap in the load area is con-
cealed by the pull-out floor panel,
do not fold the larger section of the rear
seat back, otherwise the flap will be
damaged.<

117n
Load area – touring
Folding rear seat back
Insert fingers into the recess and pull
forwards (arrow).
The rear seat back is divided into two
sections, one of them one-third and the
other two-thirds of the total width. You
can fold down both sides to enlarge the
luggage area.
When the seat backs are returned
to the raised position again, make
sure that their catches engage cor-
rectly. The red warning zone in the
recess then disappears.
The centre seat belt can only be pulled
out when the larger section of the rear
seat back is locked into position.<
392de161
Roller-blind cover
Pull out the roller cover and secure it in
the retainers at the back
The cover can support the weight of
light articles, e.g. clothing.
Do not place any heavy or hard
objects on the roller cover or
these could endanger the occupants if
ever you have to brake sharply.
Do not allow the roller cover to run back
too fast, as this could damage it.<
For storage of the roller cover when the
seat is folded, see next page.
392de162
Protective net*
Pull the protective net out by its loop,
then hold the rod at both sides and in-
sert it into the retainers. This is best
done from the back seat.
Do not allow the protective net to
retract too fast, or it could cause
injury and itself become damaged.<
When the rear seat backs are folded,
the net tube can be secured in front of
the rear seats, from which point the net
can still be pulled out and secured at
the front retainers (see next page).
392de163

118nLoad area – touring
Removing roller cover and
protective net
1 Press the buttons at the ends
(arrow 1)
2 Pull the tube out to the rear (arrow 2).
Installing
Simply insert the tube into the two side
catches and push it forward until it en-
gages.
392de164
Storage
Holders for the tube are provided in
front of the rear seat.
Insert the tube from the right, as shown
in the picture. The loop on the protec-
tive net must be at the top and the end
of the roller cover must be placed
around the tube at the bottom rear.
You can pull out the protective net and
insert it in the brackets above it in the
roof area.
392de165
Side flaps
To open, press the button.
392de166

119n
Load area – touring
Compartment in floor
To open: press the recessed section of
the handle and swing up the flap (large
arrow).
The flap is lockable with a master key.
The partitions in the compartment can
be repositioned. If they are removed
and their holders turned to the left and
taken out, a compartment with a flat
floor is obtained.
392de167
Raising the floor panel flap
Swing up the holder (black) on the un-
derside of the flap and attach it to the
upper frame of the tailgate cutout.
Before folding the floor panel flap down
again, return the holder to its original
position.
392de168
Raising the spare wheel cover
Swing the cover up and attach it to the
red holder on the floor panel flap
(arrow).
Before folding the cover back down, re-
turn the holder to its original position.
392de169

120nLoad area – touring
Pull-out load-area floor*
To release, pull the recessed handle up.
Pull out the floor.
Do not drive the car with the load-
area floor extended.
Do not release the load-area floor when
the car is standing on a slope, or it may
run out by itself and cause injury.
If an unsecured load is being carried, it
could slide if the load-area floor extends
accidentally, and fall to the ground when
the floor panel reaches its limit stop.<
392de174
When extended, the panel can with-
stand the following loads:
> Up to 300 kg (660 lb) distributed over
its entire surface
> Up to 75 kg (165 lb) at the rear edge.
Do not place heavier loads on the
panel, or damage may occur.
Do not reach under the load-area floor
when sliding it back in, or injury could
be caused.<
Raising the load-area floor
For access to the area under the floor,
the spare wheel etc.:
> Swing up the load-area floor panel
and retain it with the rod (arrow)
> Open the quick-release fasteners on
the spare wheel cover.
392de175

121n
Load
Loading
If you carry heavy or bulky loads in your
BMW:
> Place heavy loads as far forward as
possible – right behind the back rests
or the load area partition– and keep
load low (this Figure illustrates the
touring)
> Wrap protective material round sharp
corners and edges
> Do not stack loads higher than the
seat backs
> Pull out the protective net* (refer to
page 117f) and ensure that objects
are not able to pass through the sep-
arating net
> When carrying very heavy loads with
no passengers on the back seat, in-
sert each of the outer seat belts into
their opposite locks.
392de177
Securing the load
> Small and light items can be retained
with the tensioning straps, a load-
area net* or other suitable straps (see
page 43)
> BMW Service can supply suitable
means of lashing and securing larger
or heavier loads*. Lashing points are
provided in the corners of the lug-
gage compartment or load area (pic-
ture shows touring)
> Please note the information supplied
with load securing equipment.
392de178
Always stow the load correctly
and secure it so that it cannot en-
danger the car's occupants if the driver
has to brake heavily or swerve.
Do not exceed the gross weight or axle
load limits (see page 217), as this could
endanger the car's operating safety and
infringe the law.
Do not carry heavy or hard objects
loose in the occupant area, in case they
are thrown around and endanger the
occupants when the car is braked heav-
ily or during a sudden avoidance man-
uoeuvre.<

122nRoof rack*
Mounting points
Access to the mounting points:
To open the covers (arrow), use the tool
accompanying the roof rack system.
A special roof rack system is available
as an accessory for your BMW. If it is
used, please comply with the installa-
tion instructions supplied.
A loaded roof rack alters the car's road
behaviour and steering response quite
considerably, by moving its centre of
gravity.
When loading the roof rack, ensure that
the specified roof load limit, the car's
gross weight limit and the axle loads
are not exceeded. The relevant figures
are shown in the technical data section,
page 217.
394de369
The roof load must be uniformly distrib-
uted and should not be too large in
area. Heavy items of luggage should
always be placed at the bottom. Make
sure that sufficient clearance is availa-
ble for raising the sliding/tilting sunroof
and that no objects extend into the
hinge-up area of the tailgate.
Secure loads to the roof rack so that
they cannot shift or fall off during the
journey, and thus endanger following
traffic.
Drive smoothly and avoid violent accel-
eration, braking or cornering.
The roof load increases the car's sur-
face area exposed to the wind, so that
fuel consumption will be higher and the
loads on the roof structure of the car
more severe.

123n
Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer
When a trailer is towed, the demands
on both car and driver are more severe.
A trailer reduces manoeuvrability, the
ability to climb hills, acceleration and
braking capacity and makes the car
handle and corner differently.
The permissible trailer load and nose
weight (towbar downthrust) are stated
in "Technical Data", page 217. The
trailer load limit is also entered in the
car's registration papers. Consult BMW
Service regarding increased trailer
weights.
Trailer tow hitch*
The suspension settings of your BMW
afford optimum safety, ride comfort and
sports performance.
If a trailer tow hitch is fitted by the
manufacturer, the vehicle will also be
equipped with uprated suspension* at
the rear as standard. This compensates
for the weight of the tow hitch and also
ensures optimum road behaviour when
the trailer is not being towed.
If a trailer tow hitch* is retrofitted, it
must be of a type approved by BMW
and be expertly installed by BMW Serv-
ice. You are recommended to have up-
rated suspension fitted as well.
On models with self-levelling suspen-
sion, the trailer-towing suspension
need not be retrofitted.
BMW does not approve of any other
suspension systems offered by the au-
tomotive trade for trailer towing pur-
poses.
Look after a detachable ball end in ac-
cordance with its manufacturer's oper-
ating instructions, to ensure that it can
be fitted and removed without difficulty.
If a trailer tow hitch is installed, the
self-regenerating action of the rear
bumper system may not be able to take
effect.<
The use of a stabilizing device can be
recommended, particularly if the trailer
is a heavy one. Information can be ob-
tained from BMW Service.

124nTowing a trailer
Cover flap*
Removing
Take hold of the trailer tow hitch cover
panel in the cutout provided, pull down-
wards and to the rear and remove the
panel from the cutout.
For attaching and removing the ball
head, please see the separate instruc-
tions.
Fitting
first install the cover flap at the top with
the groove in the aperture, then press in
the lower area (arrow).
390de325
Nose weight
This is the load exerted downwards by
the trailer on the ball head of the tow
hitch (it can be determined with the aid
of bathroom scales or similar).
In Germany: a minimum nose weight of
25 kg (55 lb) is laid down by law.
Try to achieve a nose weight close to
the permitted limit (see page 217) with-
out exceeding it.
The trailer's nose weight affects the
towing vehicle, and must not lead to the
car's gross weight limit or rear axle load
limit being exceeded if a trailer is being
towed. The car's payload limit is re-
duced by the weight of the trailer tow
hitch and, if a trailer is being towed, by
its nose weight. The gross weight limit
for the combined car and trailer must
not be exceeded.
Load
When loading the trailer, make sure that
the weight is kept as low as possible
and stowed if possible close to the axle.
A low centre of trailer gravity makes the
outfit much more stable and safe to
drive.
Do not exceed either the trailer's gross
weight or the specified trailer load limit
for the car. The smaller value is the limit
which should be adhered to.
Before purchasing a trailer it is advisa-
ble to obtain a declaration from the
trailer concerning the effective trailer
weight and trailer payload limit.
Gradients
In the interests of safety and to avoid
holding up other traffic, do not attempt
to climb gradients steeper than 12X. If
an application is made to tow a heavier
trailer, the limit is 8X.
As altitude above sea level increases,
engine power output tends to drop. You
should therefore take particular care
when driving through mountainous
country, since the maximum gradient
on which the outfit can be started may
be lower than usual.
BMW 530d: Avoid driving up
lengthy hills in 1st gear alone,
since this could overheat the fuel and
cause bubbles to form, so that the en-
gine is starved of fuel and stalls. Auto-
matic-transmission cars: Select posi-
tion D.<

125n
Towing a trailer
Downhill gradients
Special care must be taken when de-
scending gradients: before doing so, al-
ways change down to the next-lower
gear – and if necessary as far as 1st
gear or automatic transmission selec-
tor lever position 2 – and drive down the
hill slowly.
Speed limit
The maximum speed limit when towing
a trailer is 80 km/h in Germany, and
similar speed limits apply in other coun-
tries also. The trailer load limits have
been chosen to ensure that driving sta-
bility is satisfactory at this speed. If
higher speed limits apply in other coun-
tries, you are none the less recom-
mended not to drive faster for safety
reasons.
If the trailer begins to swing from side
to side, the outfit can only be stabilized
by braking immediately.
Tyre pressures
Check the car's and the trailer's tyre
pressures most carefully. For the trailer,
comply with the manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Outside mirrors
If the standard outside mirror is not suit-
able for towing a trailer, legislation pre-
scribes two outside mirrors which bring
both rear corners of the trailer into your
field of view. Suitable mirrors, some
with adjustable arms, can be obtained
from BMW Service.
Electrical system
Higher electrical consumption
can be expected if a trailer (cara-
van) is towed. Try to avoid operating
electrical equipment for too long peri-
ods at a time, in order to limit the drain
on the car's battery.<
Before starting a journey, check
that the trailer's rear lamps are op-
erating correctly.<

126n

Initial overview
Controls in detail
and general care
Minor repairs
Technical data
Index
127n
Driving precautions:
Running in 128
Driving hints 128
(ABS) 130
Disc brakes 131
Brakes 132
Power steering 135
(DDE) 136
Car telephone 136
Car radio 136
Wheels and tyres:
Tyre pressures 137
Condition of tyres 137
New tyres 138
Wheel-changing 138
Wheel and tyre
combinations 139
Winter tyres 140
Snow chains 140
Approved wheel and tyre
sizes 141
In the engine compartment:
Engine hood 147
Washer fluid 156
Washer jets 156
Engine oil 157
Coolant 160
Brake fluid 161
Vehicle identification
number 162
Type plate 162
Maintenance and general care:
The BMW Maintenance
System 163
Care of the car 164
Airbags 170
Legal requirements and
regulations
Rule of the road 171
Technical modifications 172
OBD socket 172
Recycling:
Recycling in the Service
area 173
Returning the car 173

128n
Please comply with the following in-
structions, which are intended to en-
sure that your car achieves its optimum
operating life and economy.
Engine and final drive
Up to 2000 km (approx. 1300 miles):
drive at varying road and engine
speeds, but do not exceed the follow-
ing maximum values:
> Cars with spark-ignition (petrol, gas-
oline) engine
6-cylinder: 4500 rpm or
160 km/h (99 mph)
8-cylinder: 4500 rpm or
170 km/h (106 mph)
> Cars with diesel engines
3500 rpm or
150 km/h (92 mph)
Avoid full throttle and do not use the
automatic transmission kick-down.
From a distance reading of 2000 km
(approx. 1250 miles) onwards, engine
and road speeds can be gradually in-
creased.
Comply with these running-in instruc-
tions again if an exchange engine or
final drive is fitted later in the car's life.
Tyres
New tyres do not achieve their full road
grip immediately, for production rea-
sons. You should therefore drive in a
restrained manner for the first 300 km
(approx. 200 miles).
Brakes
Brake pads and discs do not achieve a
favourable wear and contact pattern
until the car has covered about 500 km
(approx. 300 miles).
Brakes:
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while the car is in motion. Even
slight continuous pressure on the brake
pedal could cause overheating, brake
pad wear or even brake system failure.
Aquaplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy surfaces,
reduce speed to prevent a wedge of
water from forming between the tyre
and the road. This situation, known as
aquaplaning, means that the tyre can
actually lose contact completely with
the road surface, so that the car can
neither be steered nor can the brakes
be properly applied.
Water on roads:
When there is water on the roads, only
drive through to a max. depth of 30 cm
(12 in), and no faster than a walking
pace, otherwise damage to the engine,
electrical system and transmission may
be caused.
Rear-window shelf:
Do not place heavy or hard objects on
the shelf, or these could injure the car's
occupants when the brakes are ap-
plied.
Running in Driving hints

129n
Driving hints Catalytic converter
Coat hooks:
Items of clothing hung from the hooks
must not obstruct the driver's view. Do
not hang heavy objects from the hooks,
they could cause injury to the car's oc-
cupants during sudden or heavy brak-
ing or avoidance manoeuvres.<
The catalytic converter reduces the pol-
lutant content of the exhaust gas.
Cars with a spark-ignition engine must
be run on unleaded petrol.
Even very small amounts of lead in the
fuel are sufficient to damage the oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter per-
manently.
To ensure that the engine always oper-
ates correctly and reliably, and to avoid
damaging it, the following instructions
should complied with:
> Always comply with the specified
maintenance work
> Do not run the fuel tank empty
> Tow-start the car only when the en-
gine is cold, to prevent unburned fuel
from igniting in the catalytic converter
and causing damage. It is better to
jump-start the car
> Avoid any other situations in which
fuel remains unburned or is only par-
tially burned, for example: running the
starter motor too frequently or for ex-
cessively long periods in rapid suc-
cession if the engine does not start
(though the engine can of course be
stopped and restarted at any time if it
is running correctly). Running the
engine with a spark plug lead de-
tached.
Always comply with the above
precautions, to prevent unburned
fuel from reaching the catalytic con-
verter. Otherwise there is a risk of the
catalytic converter overheating and be-
ing damaged.
High temperatures occur on all vehicles
equipped with a catalytic converter.
Never remove the heat shields protect-
ing the exhaust system, nor apply un-
derseal to them. Make sure that when
driving or parking the car or when the
engine is idling, no material which could
catch fire easily (e.g. hay, leaves, grass
etc.) can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. It could ignite and
cause a fire, with the risk of severe inju-
ries or damage.<

130nAnti-lock brake system (ABS)
The principle
ABS prevents the wheels from locking
when the brakes are applied, and thus
increases active safety. Locked wheels
are dangerous, because the front
wheels cannot then be steered and the
rear wheels may slide sideways and
cause the car to spin or slide off the
road.
With ABS in action, the car achieves the
shortest possible braking distances for
the prevailing conditions (straight-line
braking or cornering, on asphalt, ice,
wet roads etc.).
ABS is capable of satisfying two funda-
mental requirements whenever the
brakes are applied:
> Safe drive stability
> Secure steering and manoeuvrability
on differing road surfaces (asphalt,
cement, mud, rain, snow, ice).
Braking with ABS
The system functions above approx.
8 km/h (5 mph). Below about 3 km/h, it
stops operating. The wheels can there-
fore theoretically tend to lock during the
final stages of braking action. However,
in practice, this is not considered to be
critical.
You use ABS most effectively by apply-
ing maximum brake pressure in situa-
tions which call for this ("full braking").
Since you retain steering control of the
car, you are still able, despite hard
braking, to avoid any obstacles with rel-
atively calm movement of the steering
wheel.
The ABS regulation cycle takes place
within fractions of a second. The brake
pedal pulsates to warn the driver that
the ABS is active and therefore that the
car is reaching the adhesion limit. In ad-
dition, a rattling noise reminds you – as
a consequence of the ABS action – that
the friction coefficient or grip between
tyre and road surface (slippery surface)
is diminishing, and that you should re-
duce your road speed accordingly.
On roads with loose surfaces on a firm
base, e.g. on gravel or snow, and when
driving with snow chains, you may find
the braking distance is greater than
when the wheels are locked. However,
the advantages of greater stability and
the ability to steer while braking are still
available to the driver.
Information for your safety
Even ABS is unable to overcome the
laws of physics. It cannot absolve the
driver from the consequences of brak-
ing too late, maintaining insufficient
space from vehicles ahead, exceeding
the limits of adhesion when cornering at
speed or encountering a poor stretch of
road where aquaplaning occurs. Avoid-
ing such situations remains the driver's
responsibility. Although ABS enhances
active driving safety, this should not be
regarded as an invitation to take corre-
spondingly greater risks.
Make no modifications to the ABS
system.
All work on the ABS should be en-
trusted only to skilled, authorized per-
sonnel.<

131n
ABS Disc brakes
In the event of a fault
the ABS warning lamp lights up,
refer to page 20. The brake sys-
tem then operates as it would in
cars not fitted with ABS. Arrange to
have this examined by BMW Service as
soon as possible. Additional faults to
the brake system could otherwise occur
without being readily apparent.
Disc brakes offer maximum braking effi-
ciency, responsive control of braking
force and the ability to resist severe
loads.
If the car is used only for short dis-
tances, is out of use for lengthy periods
or not subject to more than light loads,
corrosion of the brake discs and con-
tamination of the brake pads may oc-
cur, because the minimum contact
pressure between pads and discs,
which is needed to generate a self-
cleaning effect, has not been reached.
When the brakes are applied, corroded
discs tend to judder, and even lengthy
brake applications usually fail to elimi-
nate this effect entirely.
To ensure that the car's safety is
not affected, use only brake pads
and linings approved by BMW.<
Driving hints
In damp weather or heavy rain it is ad-
visable to apply the brakes with light
pedal pressure every few kilometres.
When doing so, make sure that no other
road-user is endangered. This will gen-
erate sufficient heat to dry out the discs
and pads.
It is a well-known fact that the most ef-
fective braking is obtained not with
locked wheels but when they are still
just rotating. ABS maintains this state of
affairs automatically. Should the ABS
malfunction, the driver should adopt the
cadence braking principle if possible
(see page 134).
To avoid any risk of brake fade when
descending long or steep hills, select
the gear which calls for a minimum
amount of braking (or shift the auto-
matic transmission down to an equiva-
lent speed stage).
The engine's braking effect can be fur-
ther increased by selecting a lower gear
or, with automatic transmission, 1st gear
or lever position 2.

132nDisc brakes Brakes
If engine braking alone is insufficient,
do not apply the brakes for too long
with only slight or moderate force. In-
stead, it is better to brake the car quite
hard (providing that the road behind you
is clear) so that your speed is reduced
noticeably, and to repeat this process
at brief intervals as necessary. The
cooling-down phases between these
brake applications should avoid over-
heating and maintain full braking effi-
ciency.
Never drive with the clutch pedal-
held on, with the shift or selector
lever in neutral, or while the engine is
switched off, otherwise engine braking
action will not be present with the
transmission in neutral and there will be
no power assistance to the brakes
while the engine is switched off.
Make sure that the full travel of the
brake, clutch and accelerator pedals is
not obstructed by floor mats, carpets or
other objects.<
Dynamic Brake Control DBC*
If the brake pedal is pressed down rap-
idly, this system automatically boosts
the braking force to a maximum and
thus helps to pull the car up in the
shortest possible distance when a full
brake application is made. It also makes
full use of the advantages offered by
ABS.
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal
during the entire brake application. If
the brake pedal is released, DBC will be
switched off.
If a malfunction occurs, the yel-
low warning lamp comes on.
Normal brake action remains
available without restriction.
Have the system checked at the next
opportunity by BMW Service.
Please note the "Information for
your safety" concerning ABS on
page 130. It also applies to DBC where
appropriate.<
Brake fluid level
The brake hydraulics warning
lamp lights up or the message
"Check brake fluid" appears in
the Check Control display:
The brake fluid level in the reservoir is
too low (see page 161).
If the brake fluid level is too low and if
brake pedal travel is much longer than
usual, one of the two hydraulic brake
circuits may have failed.
Braking performance is still adequate
with the remaining brake circuit in use.
Visit your nearest BMW Service.
When driving the car in this condi-
tion, note that higher brake pedal pres-
sure and considerably longer brake
pedal travel may be necessary. Modify
your driving style accordingly.<
The warning lamp also comes on when
the CHECK BRAKE LININGS warning
appears on the Check Control display.

133n
Brakes Winter operation
Brake pads
The warning lamp for the brake
linings lights up, or the message
"Check brake linings" appears in
the Check Control display:
The brake linings have reached the safe
limit for lining wear. To replace them,
visit your nearest BMW Service at the
next available opportunity.
To ensure that the car's safety is
not affected, use only brake pads
and linings approved by BMW.<
The winter, with its frequently changing
weather conditions, not only calls for
your style of driving to be modified as
appropriate but also for certain mea-
sures to be taken to ensure that your
car can be driven safely and reliably
Coolant
Ensure that the 50:50 mix ratio (water/
long-term anti-freeze and corrosion in-
hibitor) is present. This is equivalent to
frost resistance down to approx. –376.
Renew the coolant every 4 years.
Locks
BMW door lock de-icer can be used to
free them if frozen. This de-icer also
contains lubricant.
After its use, treatment with BMW lock
barrel grease is recommended.
Rubber parts
To prevent rubber parts on doors, bon-
net and boot from freezing solid, coat
them with a rubber care agent or with
BMW silicone spray.
BMW Service can supply suitable
car-care products.<
Diesel fuel
To ensure that the diesel engine oper-
ates reliably during the cold season of
the year, it must be run on winter-grade
diesel oil, which garages usually sell
during the period in question. Fuel filter
heating is installed as standard equip-
ment to prevent the fuel from solidifying
during operation.
The use of flow improvers is not permit-
ted, as these can lead to problems in
the fuel system.
Snow chains
BMW snow chains* may be fitted to
both summer and winter tyres, but only
to both rear wheels. Always observe the
manufacturer's safety recommenda-
tions. When snow chains are in use, do
not exceed 50 km/h (approx. 30 mph).
To improve traction, it is advisable to
switch off the ASC+T/DSC* when snow
chains are fitted, refer to page 86.

134nWinter operation
Moving away from a standstill
To set off in deep snow, or to "rock the
car free", it is advisable to switch off the
ASC+T/DSC*, refer to page 86.
Driving on slippery roads
Operate the accelerator pedal gently,
avoid high engine speeds and shift up
to the next higher gear early. On uphill
or downhill gradients, change down to
the next lower gear in good time.
Maintain a safe distance from the vehi-
cle in front.
Brakes
Winter road conditions greatly reduce
the amount of tyre grip that is available,
so that the driver must expect braking
distances to be considerably longer
than usual in every situation.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking,
so that the car remains stable and can
always be steered.
Should the ABS fail and the road
wheels lock, reduce pressure on the
brake pedal until the wheels just start to
turn, but still remain braked.
Then increase pedal pressure again, re-
duce when the wheels start to lock then
increase again etc.
This intermittent braking action (the ca-
dence braking principle) reduces brak-
ing distances and you retain steering
control of your car at the same time.
You can still try to drive round danger
areas once you have reduced the brake
pedal pressure.
If the road surface is slippery, do
not shift to a lower gear in order to
slow the car, or else the rear wheels
may slip and you could lose control of
the car as a result.<
When applying the brakes hard on
slippery roads or if the amount of
surface grip varies widely, always de-
clutch as well.<
Correcting a skid
Depress the clutch pedal, release the
accelerator pedal or set the automatic
transmission selector lever to N. Try to
steer into the skid and bring the car
under control in this way.

135n
Winter operation Power steering Self-levelling suspension*
Parking
Select 1st gear or reverse, or move the
automatic transmission selector lever to
P. If the gradient makes it necessary,
apply the handbrake as well on cars
with a manual-shift gearbox. To prevent
the handbrake linings from sticking to
the drums in freezing weather or as a
result of corrosion, dry out the hand-
brake briefly first, by applying it as the
car is coming to a halt. Make sure that
following traffic is not endangered.
The brake lights do not come on
when the handbrake is applied.<
If the steering is stiff to turn:
Check oil level; see page 162.
Steering becomes heavy when you turn
the steering wheel rapidly:
Without fail, visit BMW Service to have
your steering system checked.
Special instruction for
Servotronic*
If steering becomes lighter as speed in-
creases:
An electronic fault has occurred. Have it
rectified by BMW Service.
If the power assistance should fail,
greater effort will be required at
the steering wheel.<
If the self-levelling suspension
telltale lamp comes on or the
Check Control displays SELF-
LEVEL SUSP.INACT., a malfunction has
occurred in the self-levelling suspen-
sion.
Stop the car and examine it. If the body
is distinctly lower at the back than at
the front, and possibly standing at an
angle (for instance, lower at the left than
at the right), take it to the nearest BMW
Service. Drive cautiously while the car
is in this condition. The car's ground
clearance is reduced and its ride com-
fort below the usual standard.
Even if the car appears to be at its nor-
mal ride height and attitude, always
take it to a BMW Service if a malfunc-
tion is displayed.

136nDDE Car phone* Car radio
Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE)
If the DDE warning lamp comes
on during a journey or the Check
Control displays FUEL INJECT.
SYS, a malfunction of the electronic fuel
injection system has occurred.
Except in an extreme situation where
the engine refuses to run, the car can
still be driven, since the engine man-
agement system has an emergency-run
program. Note, however, that full per-
formance may not be available when
this program is in use. For this reason,
the fuel injection system should be
checked as soon as possible by BMW
Service.
Only mobile communication systems
(car phone, radio telephone etc.) with a
rating of max. 10 Watts are permitted.
They can still cause malfunctions when
the car is being operated if they are not
intended for use with your car. Since
BMW cannot examine and test each
product, it is unable to accept any re-
sponsibility for the installation of items it
has not approved. Before purchasing
any such system you are recommended
to obtain advice from BMW Service.
In order to safeguard your BMW's oper-
ating reliability, do not operate any in-
car telephones or other mobile radio
equipment with an aerial inside the car
or not fitted to the car's exterior.
Detach the telephone aerial before
driving the car on to a car train or
into a car wash.<
The reception and reproduction quality
of a mobile radio system depends on
the range of the desired station, your lo-
cation for reception and the alignment
of the aerial.
Adverse factors such as high voltage
wires, buildings or natural obstacles
can cause noise interference even if
your car is equipped with optimum sup-
pression.
Climatic influences such as the intensity
of solar radiation, fog, rain or snowfall
can also interfere with radio reception.
Car phones not recommended by BMW
or mobile phones may also interfere
with the car's radio when they are used.
In such cases, a low-frequency hum is
often heard.
Operation and tuning of your car radio
are described in the separate instruc-
tions accompanying this handbook.

137n
Information for your safety
The radial-ply tyres approved for your
car are matched to its characteristics
and ensure not only optimum road
safety but also the desired level of ride
comfort
The condition of the tyres and mainte-
nance of the specified tyre pressures
not only influence tyre life but also road
safety to a very considerable extent.
Incorrect pressures are often a cause of
tyre problems. They also have a consid-
erable effect on the roadholding of your
BMW.
Check the tyre pressure – also of
the spare wheel – at regular inter-
vals, at least twice a month and before
setting out on any long journeys. Incor-
rect tyre pressures can adversely affect
the car's roadholding and cause tyre
damage, which could result in an acci-
dent.<
Tyre tread – tyre damage
Inspect the tyres frequently for damage,
the presence of foreign bodies, unusual
wear and sufficient tread depth.
Tread depth should if possible not be
allowed to drop below 3 mm (approx.
0.12 in). Wear indicators (arrow) in the
tread recesses indicate when a tread
depth of 1.6 mm has been reached; this
is the European legal limit for passenger
car tyres in Europe. Below a tread
depth of 3 mm there is a risk of aqua-
planing at fairly high road speeds even
if the water is not very deep.
390de331
Do not continue driving with a flat
tyre. If air pressure is lost from a
tyre, this seriously affects the car's han-
dling and braking, and could cause the
driver to lose control.
Avoid overloading the car, as this could
cause the tyres' load capacity limit to be
exceeded. Otherwise you could over-
heat the tyres and cause internal dam-
age to them in the short to medium
term. In some cases, this can result in
sudden loss of tyre pressure.
Unusual vibration while the car is being
driven could indicate a tyre fault or
some other defect on your car. The
same applies to any other abnormal
road behaviour, such as pulling severely
to the right or left. In such cases, reduce
speed immediately. Proceed carefully to
the nearest BMW Service or tyre dealer,
or have the car towed there so that it
can be checked or its tyres inspected.
All forms of tyre damage (which could in
the worst case lead to sudden and total
loss of pressure) represent a risk of seri-
ous or even fatal injury to the car's oc-
cupants and to all other road users.<
Tyre pressures Condition of tyres

138n New tyres Wheel-changing
To maintain the car's good road behav-
iour, always fit tyres of the same make
and tread pattern to all wheels.
Do not use retreaded tyres, as
these could have adverse effects
on the car's safety. Their carcases may
differ in internal construction or have
aged sufficiently to cast doubt on their
durability.<
Age of tyres
A tyre's date of manufacture is shown
as part of the inscription on the tyre
wall:
DOT ... 328 means for instance that the
tyre was manufactured in Week 32 of
the year 1998.
BMW recommends tyre replacement
after not more than 6 years, even if
tyres up to 10 years old may still be
suitable.
Spare tyres more than 6 years old
should be reserved for genuine emer-
gencies, e.g. if a regular tyre has be-
come punctured. New tyres should be
fitted in their place as soon as possible,
and they should no longer be brought
into regular service when new tyres are
fitted.
Between the axles
Tread wear patterns differ at the front
and rear wheels according to individual
operating conditions. In the interests of
safety and the car's road behaviour, in-
terchanging them is not recommended.
If a cost advantage is anticipated as a
result of interchanging the wheels from
front to rear, always remember that the
actual removal and fitting of the wheels
may incur additional cost which may
not be justified by the expected in-
crease in tyre life. If wheels are inter-
changed, this should always be under-
taken at relatively frequent intervals
(max. 5000 km/3000 miles). BMW Serv-
ice will gladly advise you.
If you do decide to interchange the
wheels, please take the following pre-
cautions:
do so only between front and rear on
each side of the car, otherwise braking
response and road grip may be ad-
versely affected.
Always check tyre pressures after fit-
ting, and adjust as necessary.
Never interchange wheels be-
tween the front and rear axles if
tyres of different sizes are ﬁtted (see
page 141 onwards).<

139n
Wheel and tyre combinations
Choosing the correct tyres
Use only tyres approved by BMW; see
page 141 onwards.
In view of the car's top speed, certain
makes and sizes of tyre are compul-
sory. Details can be obtained from
BMW Service.
Comply with any relevant national or
local regulations.
The correct wheel and tyre combi-
nation has an influence on various
systems, the function of which could
otherwise be adversely affected, for in-
stance ABS, AGS, ASC+T/DSC.
For this reason, use only tyres of the
same make and tread pattern on all
wheels, and after a puncture, for in-
stance, fit the approved wheel and
tyre combination again as soon as pos-
sible.<
Markings on tyres and wheels
The correct choice is made easier if the
meaning of the tyre markings is under-
stood.
Markings on radial-ply tyres:
The speed code letter indicates the
maximum permissible speed at which
the tyre is to be operated.
On summer tyres:
S = up to 180 km/h (112 mph)
T = up to 190 km/h (118 mph)
H = up to 210 km/h (131 mph)
V = up to 240 km/h (149 mph)
W = up to 270 km/h (168 mph)
Y = over 270 km/h (168 mph)
ZR = over 240 km/h (149 mph)
e.g.
Nominal width
in millimetres
Aspect ratio in X
Code letter for radial ply
Rim diameter in inches
Load capacity figure
(not on ZR tyres)
Speed code letter
(ahead of the R on ZR tyres)
225/60 R 15 96 W
On winter tyres:
Q M+S = up to 160 km/h (100 mph)
T M+S = up to 190 km/h (118 mph)
H M+S = up to 210 km/h (131 mph)
Markings on light alloy wheels:
Prevent dirt from entering the tyre
valves by attaching screw-on dust
caps. Dirt in the tyre valve can often
lead to a gradual loss of air pressure.
Rim width
in inches
Shoulder pattern
code letter
Symbol for well-base rim
Rim diameter in inches
Hump on 2 rim flanges
7 x 15 H 2J

140nWinter tyres
The correct tyres
BMW recommends you to fit winter
tyres (M+S radial-ply) if the car is used
for driving in wintery conditions. Al-
though tyres sold for all-year use with
an M+S marking have better winter
characteristics than summer tyres
marked with speed letters H, V, W or
ZR, they do not normally match the per-
formance of winter tyres.
In the interests of reliable directional
stability and steerability, fit winter tyres
of the same make and tread pattern to
all four road wheels.
Fit only winter tyres approved by BMW.
BMW Service will gladly advise you on
the correct winter tyres for the condi-
tions in which your car has to operate.
Note the speed limit applicable to
these tyres
In Germany: a warning notice stating
the maximum permitted speed with
winter tyres fitted must be displayed in
the driver's field of view if the car is ca-
pable speed higher than that permitted
for the tyres (please check for similar lo-
cal legislation). Tyre dealers and BMW
Service can supply these labels.
Never exceed the maximum speed
laid down for the winter tyres ﬁtted
to your car.
Lack of expert knowledge or incorrect
handling of tyres can cause damage
and lead to accidents.
All work on tyres should therefore be
carried out only by experts. BMW Serv-
ice will gladly place its specialised
knowledge and facilities at your dis-
posal.<
Tyre condition and tyre pressures
Below a tread depth of 4 mm (0.16 in),
winter tyres become noticeably less
suitable for winter driving conditions
and should therefore be replaced for
safety reasons.
Keep to the specified tyre pressures
and have the wheels and tyres rebal-
anced each time the wheels are
changed or new tyres fitted.
Tyre storage
Store wheels and tyres in a cool, dry
and preferably dark place when not in
use. Protect tyres against contamina-
tion from oil, grease and fuel.
Snow chains*
Fine-link BMW snow chains may be fit-
ted to either summer or winter tyres,
but only to both rear wheels. When fit-
ting, comply with the manufacturer's in-
structions.

141n
Approved wheel and tyre sizes – saloon
Tyre sizes Pressed-steel
wheel
Alloy wheel
BMW 520i, 523i, 525td/tds
Summer
205/65 R 15 94 V – 6.5Jx15
7Jx15
225/60 R 15 96 V – 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 V – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94W – 9Jx17
Winter (M+S)
205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H 6.5Jx15
7Jx15
6.5Jx15
7Jx15
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H 7Jx15 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17
BMW 525td
For summer tyres, tyres of speed cate-
gory "H" are sufficient.

142n Approved wheel and tyre sizes – saloon
wheel
Alloy wheel
BMW 528i, 530d
Summer
225/60 R 15 96 W – 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94W – 9Jx17
Winter (M+S)
205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H 6.5Jx15
7Jx15
6.5Jx15
7Jx15
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H 7Jx15 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17
BMW 530d
Wheel size 6.5Jx15 is not approved.

143n
Approved wheel and tyre sizes – saloon
wheel
Alloy wheel
BMW 535i, 540i
Summer
225/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94W – 9Jx17
Winter (M+S)
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17
Comply with the tyre and wheel data stated in the car's docu-
ments. If tyre and wheel sizes not stated in the car's official reg-
istration documents are fitted, a special entry must be made.
Snow chains*
Snow chains cannot be fitted to 17-inch
wheels.

144n Approved wheel and tyre sizes – touring
wheel
Alloy wheel
BMW 520i, 523i, 525tds
Summer
205/65 R 15 94 V – 7Jx15
225/60 R 15 96 V – 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 V – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17
Winter (M+S)
205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H 7Jx15 7Jx15
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H 7Jx15 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17
BMW 528i, 530d
Summer
225/60 R 15 96 W – 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17
Winter (M+S)
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H 7Jx15 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17
BMW 523i touring
Tyre size 205/65 R 15 94 V is not
approved.

145n
Approved wheel and tyre sizes – touring
wheel
Alloy wheel
BMW 540i
Summer
225/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Y – 8Jx17
Winter (M+S)
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17
Comply with the tyre and wheel data stated in the car's docu-
ments. If tyre and wheel sizes not stated in the car's official regis-
tration documents are fitted, a special entry must be made.
Snow chains*
Snow chains cannot be fitted to 17-inch
wheels.

146n

147n
Unlocking
Pull the lever at the left under the fascia.
Do not work on the car unless you
possess the appropriate special-
ised knowledge. Before working in the
engine compartment, switch off the en-
gine and allow it time to cool. Discon-
nect the battery before working on the
electrical system. For any work on the
car at all, comply with the relevant
notes and instructions. If unfamiliar with
the regulations which have to be com-
plied with, have the work performed by
BMW Service; incorrect handling of
parts and materials could represent a
safety risk for the car's occupants or
other road users.<
390de071
To open
pull the release lever and open the lid.
390de072
To close
Press the engine compartment lid
lightly at the points illustrated (arrows)
to close it, or allow it to drop from a
height of approx. 10 cm (4 in) until it is
heard to engage.
To avoid injuries, as when closing
all doors or lids on the car, make
sure that the engine compartment lid is
unobstructed.
If you notice during the journey that the
engine compartement has not been
properly closed, stop the car at the ear-
liest possible moment and close it cor-
rectly.<
390de073
Engine hood

148nEngine compartment – BMW 520i, 523i, 528i
390de372

149n
Engine compartment – BMW 520i, 523i, 528i
1 Engine oil dipstick 157
2 Reservoir for brake fluid (under the
microfilter housing) 161
3 Jump-start connection point 196
4 Power steering oil reservoir 162
5 Coolant level-equalizing tank 160
6 Engine oil filler cap 157
7 Reservoir for intensive cleaning
system 156
8 Reservoir for windscreen washer
and headlamp cleaning system 156

150nEngine compartment – BMW 535i, 540i
390de130

151n
Engine compartment – BMW 535i, 540i
system 156

152nEngine compartment – BMW 525td/tds
390de116

153n
Engine compartment – BMW 525td/tds
system 156

154nEngine compartment – BMW 530d
390de352

155n
Engine compartment – BMW 530d
system 156

156nWasher fluid Washer jets
Headlight cleaning system* and
windscreen washer
Capacity in litres (Imp. pints)
Windscreen washer:
approx. 3.5 (6.2) – saloon
approx. 6.0 (10.6) – touring
Incl. headlamp cleaning system:
approx. 6.0 (10.6).
Fill with water and – when required –
with anti-freeze according to manufac-
turer's instructions.
It is best to mix the water and
additive before filling the washer
fluid tank.<
390de082
Intensive cleaning system*
Content app. 1.0 litre (1.8 pints).
Fill with intensive cleaning agent. This is
frost-resistant down to approx. –276
and can be obtained from BMW Serv-
ice.
Antifreeze for the cleaning or in-
tensive cleaning systems is easily
flammable. Keep it away from possible
ignition sources and store it only in the
carefully sealed original packs, out of
reach of children. Comply with the in-
structions on the pack.<
390de083
Windscreen washer
Windscreen:
The jets of liquid should strike the wind-
screen in such a way that reliable
cleaning is assured even at high
speeds. Correct the direction of the jet
if necessary by inserting a needle and
moving the jet as required, or have this
work performed by BMW Service.
Rear window:
Have these jets adjusted by BMW Serv-
ice if necessary.
Headlight cleaning system
Have these jets adjusted by BMW Serv-
ice if necessary.

157n
Engine oil
Checking engine oil level
1 Position the car on a flat, level sur-
face
2 Switch off the engine, which should
be at its regular operating tempera-
ture
3 After about 5 minutes, take out the
dipstick and wipe it clean with a non-
fluffy cloth, paper tissue or similar
4 Push the dipstick fully back into the
tube, then pull it out again
5 The oil level must be between the two
marks on the dipstick.
Like fuel consumption, engine oil con-
sumption depends on driving style and
operating conditions.
390de076
The quantity of oil between the two
dipstick marks is approx. 1 litre
(1.75 pints). Do not add oil above the
upper dipstick mark. Adding too much
oil will harm the engine.
460de189
Adding engine oil
Do not add more oil until the level has
dropped almost as far as the lower dip-
stick mark. However, the oil level should
not be allowed to fall below the lower
dipstick mark.
BMW engines are designed not to
need separate additives in the en-
gine oil, and indeed adding these sub-
stances could even be harmful in cer-
tain circumstances. This applies to
manual-shift gearbox or automatic
transmission, final drive and power
steering.<
390de077

158nEngine oil
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil is a deci-
sive factor for the correct operation and
long life of your car's engine. BMW has
conducted extensive tests before ap-
proving certain grades of engine oil.
Spark-ignition engines:
Use only an approved grade of "long-
life" oil.
If you are unable to purchase an ap-
proved grade of "Longlife" oil, you can
top up the oil level in between oil
changes, if only a small amount of oil is
needed, with a BMW-approved grade
of "Special oil". Only if no such oil is
available should you top up the engine
oil level with an oil to ACEA: A3 specifi-
cation.
BMW Service can provide details
of the "long-life" and "special" oils
approved by BMW for your car's en-
gine.<
Diesel engines:
The engine oil must always comply with
the ACEA A3 and ACEA B3 specifica-
tions.
Viscosities
The viscosity of an oil determines its
ability to flow and is quoted as an SAE
classification.
Choice of the correct SAE oil classifica-
tion depends on the climatic conditions
in which your BMW is operated.
BMW recommends the use of oils in
SAE categories SAE 0W-X or SAE 5W-
X. X indicates any suitable higher value,
e.g. 30, 40 or 50.
These oils can be used at any outside
temperatures.
If an SAE 10W-X oil is used, tempera-
tures under the lower limit are permitted
for short periods. However, the engine
may not start as easily from cold.
460de162

159n
Engine oil
Comply with local and national
hazardous-material disposal regu-
lations when discarding used oil.<
Recommendation: have oil changes
carried out only by BMW Service.
In laboratory tests, prolonged
contact with used oils has caused
cancer.
For this reason, always wash the af-
fected skin areas thoroughly with soap
and water after work.
Keep all oils, greases etc. in a place
which is inaccessible for children and
always read and comply with any warn-
ing instructions on the containers.<

160nCoolant
Do not top up the cooling system
while the engine is hot otherwise
you may scald yourself on the resultant
coolant steam.
To avoid the risk of subsequent dam-
age, use only long-life antifreeze and
corrosion inhibitor free from nitrites and
amino compounds, and approved by
the manufacturer. BMW Service is fa-
miliar with these products.
Antifreezes and corrosion inhibitors are
hazardous to health. Keep them in
sealed original packs, out of reach of
children.
Long-life antifreeze and corrosion inhib-
itor contain ethylene glycol, which is
flammable. For this reason, try to avoid
spilling long-life antifreeze and corro-
sion inhibitor on hot parts of the engine,
since it could cause burns if it were to
ignite.<
When disposing of used long-life
antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor,
comply with the relevant environmental
protection laws.<
Checking coolant level
Diesel engine:
Correct coolant level with engine cold
(approx. 206):
Add to just below the KALT/COLD mark
on the translucent reservoir.
390de373
Spark-ignition engine:
Correct coolant level with engine cold
(approx. 206):
Unscrew the cap on the header tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float rod is level
with the edge of the filler pipe (see
arrow in picture or drawing next to filler
cap).
380de081

161n
Coolant Brake fluid
Adding coolant
Open the cap on the equalizing tank
only when the engine has cooled down.
The needle of the coolant thermometer
on the instrument panel must be in the
blue zone, otherwise there is a risk of
being scalded.
1 Turn the cap slightly counter-clock-
wise until it starts to open, then allow
the pressure to escape before open-
ing it fully
2 Top up slowly until the correct level is
reached – do not overfill.
The coolant consists of water to which
a long-life antifreeze and corrosion in-
hibitor has been added. The 50:50 mix-
ing ratio must be maintained all the year
round to ensure protection against cor-
rosion. No other additives are needed.
Renew the coolant every 4 years.
If the warning lamp lights up for
brake hydraulics, or the mes-
sage "Check brake fluid" ap-
pears in the Check Control: The brake
fluid level is too low in the reservoir.
The brake fluid reservoir is located un-
der the micro-filter housing on the
driver's side. To top up the brake fluid,
or to rectify the cause of any loss of
brake fluid, please consult BMW Serv-
ice whose staff is familiar with the fac-
tory-approved grades of brake fluid
(DOT 4).
Loss of fluid will increase brake pedal
travel. Comply with the instructions on
page 132.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is
to say it absorbs moisture gradu-
ally from the air.
To ensure that the car's brake system
remains in good working order, have
the brake fluid renewed every two years
by BMW Service; see also page 79, 191
and the Service Booklet.
Brake fluid is hazardous to health, and
also attacks the car's paintwork. Keep it
in sealed original packs, out of reach of
children.
Do not spill brake fluid; add it only up to
the MAX mark on the reservoir. If it
comes into contact with hot parts of the
engine, brake fluid may ignite and
cause burns.<
When disposing of old brake fluid,
comply with the relevant environ-
mental protection laws.<

162nPower steering oil Vehicle identification Type plate
Illustration shows oil reservoir for BMW
520i, 523i and 528i as an example.
Oil reservoirs on other models:
see the engine compartment illustra-
tions starting on page 150.
With the engine stationary, unscrew the
container lid and insert the dipstick
once again with its cover, but without
screwing it on.
The oil level must be between the
marks on the dipstick.
After checking, screw on the container
lid.
Consult your local BMW Service agent
if there is a shortage of oil because only
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) can
be used, and specialist knowledge is
required when topping up.
390de078
In the engine compartment, on the left
spring strut mounting (arrow).
390de074
In the engine compartment down the
left side wall, and also where necessary
on the left upper side of the dash-
board*.
The data on the type plate must agree
with those in the car's documents.
The car's data are needed as a refer-
ence for all queries, checks and spare
part orders.
390de322

163n
The BMW maintenance system has
been designed to ensure that minimum
cost and effort are involved in ensuring
that your car remains safe and reliable
at all times.
Please remember that regular mainte-
nance is not only essential to ensure
that your car remains safe, but also to
enhance its resale value.
390de008
Service Interval indicator
Advanced technologies have been
adopted as a means of computing
maintenance requirements, which are
then shown on the Service Interval indi-
cator. Whereas conventional systems
call for maintenance when a fixed dis-
tance in kilometres/miles has been cov-
ered, the BMW Maintenance System
has for many years now taken the car's
operating conditions into account as
well, since one kilometre is by no means
the same as another.
100,000 kilometres completed exclu-
sively in the form of short journeys can-
not be equated with 100,000 kilometres
made up of long main-road journeys
only.
The maintenance routines based on
actual use of the car consist of the Oil
Service and Inspections I and II.
The principle of determining mainte-
nance intervals according to load effec-
tively covers all the operating condi-
tions to which the car is likely to be
exposed. Drivers who cover only very
short annual distances – well below
10,000 km (approx. 6,000 miles) –
should nonetheless have an engine oil
change carried out every two years,
since engine oil ages regardless of the
loads imposed on it.
Service Booklet
For further information on maintenance
points and the scope of maintenance
work, please refer to the car's Service
Booklet.
Depending on the circumstances in
which the car is used, it may be worth-
while to inspect it for damage caused
by stones flung up from the road, in
order to guard against subsequent cor-
rosion.
Have maintenance and repair work
carried out by BMW Service.
BMW Service is in possession of the
latest information on maintenance and
repair procedures and equipped with
the special tools needed for your car.
A check on parts subject to wear is in-
cluded in the maintenance schedules.
Make sure that maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service Booklet after it
has been carried out. These entries are
evidence that your car has been serv-
iced regularly and correctly, and are
also the basis of any warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System

164n Care of the car
Car wash
You can put your new BMW through an
automatic car wash right from the start.
Ideally, you should try to find one that
operates without brushes.
Before washing the car, soak dead in-
sects and obstinate dirt marks and
wash them off.
To prevent patches from forming, do
not wash the car when the engine hood
is still hot, directly after it has been ex-
posed to strong sunlight or if it is
parked in the sun.
If an automatic car wash is used, make
sure
> that it can safely accommodate your
size of car
> that it cannot damage add-on body
elements (e.g. spoilers or a car phone
aerial). If necessary, consult the oper-
ator of the car wash first
> that your car's wheels and tyres can-
not be damaged by the mechanism
used to move the car through the au-
tomatic wash
> the brush pressure is as low as possi-
ble, and the car wash operates with
ample rinsing water.
Cars with a rain sensor:
clean the windscreen regularly. Wax or
silicone coatings from car washes, and
also insects adhering to the glass could
prevent the rain sensor from operating
correctly.
Switch off the rain sensor in an
automatic car wash, otherwise the
car’s wipers may operate and be dam-
aged.<
Clean the areas not reached in the
automatic wash by hand, for example
door sills, folds in door and lid panels
etc.
During the winter months in particular,
wash the car more frequently. Severe
dirt deposits and road salt are difficult
to remove and tend to damage the
paintwork if not attended to promptly.
If a steam jet or high-pressure
washer is used, make sure that it
is held sufficiently far away from the
car's panel surfaces. High pressure jets
striking it from only a short distance
away could cause damage, or surface
deterioration leading to damage at a
later date. In addition, water could pen-
etrate various components on the car
and cause long-term damage or fail-
ure.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please note:
> do not rub them when dry or use
caustic or abrasive cleaning agents
> soak dirt or other deposits (e.g. dead
insects) with BMW Shampoo and
wash down with plenty of water
> use a de-icer spray to remove ice de-
posits – not a scraper or other hard
tool.<
After washing the car, drive it
briefly and apply the brakes to dry
them out; this is necessary to prevent
reduced braking effect when the brakes
are wet, and also to avoid corrosion of
the brake discs.<

165n
Care of the car
Paintwork
The car's paintwork is built up in several
layers, for protection against corrosion.
In addition to cataphoretic dip coating
with primer, the body cavities are spe-
cially protected with materials that have
been subjected to stringent and suc-
cessful testing for a number of years.
The underside of the body has a resil-
ient PVC coating applied to it, followed
by complete wax-based undersealing
for additional protection.
Always remember that regular care of
your car will go a long way towards
maintaining not only its safe condition
but also its resale value.
Increasing awareness of the damage
which unfavourable environmental con-
ditions can cause to paintwork has led
to paint suppliers and automobile man-
ufacturers steadily increasing the dura-
bility of the paint finishes. Nonetheless,
regional environmental factors could
have adverse effects on the car's paint-
work. Please wash and clean the car as
frequently as needed.
In the case of mechanical loads caused
by sand, road salt, stone chippings or
similar, the paint surface may be broken
and corrosion may then be able to de-
velop under the paint, and spread out
from the damaged areas.
Mud and dirt from the roads, tar stains,
dead insects, bird droppings (strongly
alkaline) and even resin and pollen from
trees all contain substances that can
damage the paintwork if not removed
promptly (by causing patches, blisters,
caustic burns or flaking off of the top
coat).
In industrial areas, airborne fly ash,
lime, oily soot, acid rain or sulphur diox-
ide as well as other impurities in the air
are bound to attack the paintwork if not
cleaned with sufficient regularity,
though in most cases only the horizon-
tal panel surfaces are affected.
In coastal regions the high salt content
and humidity of the air encourages
more rapid corrosion.
In tropical zones, strong ultra-violet ra-
diation and high atmospheric humidity
are often accompanied by temperatures
above 406 in the shade. Light-col-
oured cars can reach a temperature as
high as 806 and dark-coloured cars up
to 1206.
Care of paintwork
The long-term effects of substances
which could damage the paint can be
counteracted by washing the car regu-
larly, particularly if it is used in an area
suffering from severe atmospheric pol-
lution or natural forms of contamination
(tree sap, pollen etc.).
However, always remove particularly
aggressive substances as soon as pos-
sible, to avoid the risk of paint damage
or discoloration. These may include
spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid or
bird droppings.
Contamination of the paint surface is
particularly easy to identify after the car
has been washed. Remove such resi-
dues without delay, using cleaning-
grade petroleum spirit or alcohol on
a clean cloth or wadding. Remove tar
splashes with a suitable tar stain re-
mover. Finally, apply a paint preserving
product to the treated areas.
Cleaning and care products can
be obtained from BMW Service.<

166n Care of the car
Protecting the paintwork
Polish the paintwork only with products
containing Carnauba or synthetic
waxes.
A sure sign that the paintwork needs
protective treatment is when water no
longer forms large droplets and rolls off
the surface.
Remove care product residues and sili-
cone from the windscreen with glass
cleaner.
Touching in paint damage
Minor paint damage can be touched in
with a BMW paint spray aerosol or
BMW paint pencil.
The colour of your car's paintwork is
stated on the type plate (see page 162)
and on the first page of the Service
Booklet.
Scratches and damage caused by flying
stones must be repaired immediately,
to prevent rust from forming.
If any areas of the body have already
started to rust as a result of paint dam-
age, remove the rust and clean them.
Apply primer coating with a BMW
primer stick, allow to dry thoroughly,
then apply the top coat. After a few
days, polish the touched-in areas and
apply a paint protection product.
You can have more widespread paint
damage expertly repaired by BMW
Service in accordance with the manu-
facturer's directives, using original
BMW paint materials.
Care of windows
Water- and dirt-repellent windscreen (in
preparation)
The coating is not affected by wax from
automatic car washes or windscreen
washer additives.
Depending on the how often the wipers
are used, and also on environmental in-
fluences, the windscreen coating will
incur an unavoidable degree of wear.
The properties of the coating then dete-
riorate to an increasing extent. After ap-
prox. 20,000 to 25,000 km, the glass
begins to resemble a non-coated wind-
screen. BMW Service can then renew
the windscreen coating.
Keep the inside surfaces of windows,
and the mirrors, clean and free from
smears with a glass cleaner. Never use
cleaning agents or polishing pastes
containing quarz powder on the mirrors.
For care of the protective glass*,
please note:
The inside surfaces of the car's side
windows have a plastic film applied to
them. For this reason, avoid attaching
any adhesive labels unless it is not in-
tended to remove them again.
Clean only with water, to which a com-
mercially available dishwasher deter-
gent can be added if desired. Do not
use abrasive cleaning products.

167n
Care of the car
Fogged-over or iced-up windows can
be treated inside the car with a demist-
ing cloth or de-icing spray – do not use
an ice scraper.<
Clean the wiper blades with soapy wa-
ter. Renew the windscreen wipers twice
a year, before and after the cold sea-
son. This is particularly important on
cars with a rain sensor.
Use only BMW-approved wiper
blades.<
Care of special components
Alloy wheels should be treated with a
suitable cleaner, particularly in the win-
ter months, but do not use aggressive,
acid, strongly alkaline or abrasive
cleaning agents or steam jets at more
than 606 (comply with the manufac-
turer's instructions for use).
If your car has chrome-plated parts*
such as window surrounds, door han-
dles etc., they should be cleaned most
carefully with plenty of water to which a
shampoo can be added; this is particu-
larly important if the car is exposed to
road salt in winter. Use chrome polish
to buff up these parts.
Clean plastic parts, imitation leather
surfaces, the roof lining, the light
glasses, the glass over the instruments
and parts that are sprayed matt black
with water and possibly a plastic care
product. Do not soak the seats or roof
lining right through. Never use solvents
such as nitro thinners, cold cleanser,
fuel or similar.
Apart from water, treat rubber parts
only with rubber care products or sili-
cone spray.
Seat belts should only be cleaned with
mild soap suds (without removing them
from the car). Do not dry-clean or use
chemical products, or the fabric may be
weakened.
Never allow inertia reel seat belts to re-
tract unless they are dry. Dirt on the
seat belts can interfere with the action
of the reel and represent a safety haz-
ard.
Floor carpets and mats* can be treated
with a car interior cleaner if very dirty.
The floor mats can be taken out of the
car to enable the interior to be cleaned
more thoroughly.
Real wood trims and wooden parts
should only be cleaned using a damp
cloth. Then rub dry with a second soft
cloth.

168nCare of the car
Care of upholstery materials
The pressure areas which occur when
cloth seats are in daily use can be re-
stored by brushing against the pile di-
rection with a slightly moistened brush.
The tendency of the pile to lie in a par-
ticular direction on velour upholstery is
not a quality defect and, just as on
home textiles or clothing, cannot be
avoided.
Remove fluff from cloth upholstery and
rubbed-in threads or scraps of cloth or
suede with a suitable fluff roller or burr
brush. A cleaning glove is available for
particularly obstinate fluff. Stains and
fairly large areas of dirt should be
cleaned off without delay, using luke-
warm water and an interior cleaner,
stain remover or cleaning-grade ben-
zene. Brush the fabric afterwards to
restore its appearance.
If the car is likely to be exposed to
strong sunlight for a lengthy period,
either cover the seats or mask off the
windows in order to prevent a bleaching
effect.
The build-up of a static electrical
charge on the seats, particularly if at-
mospheric humidity is low, can give the
occupants an unpleasant electric shock
if they touch metal parts of the car after
leaving it. Although this is not danger-
ous in any way, it can be avoided by
holding on to a bare or polished metal
part of the car while getting out.
Care of leather
The leather* used by BMW is a natural
product of the highest quality, proc-
essed by the very latest methods, and
will remain in good condition for many
years if correctly treated.
Since this is an authentic natural prod-
uct, its special characteristics and how
it is used and looked after must be
given due consideration.
Regular cleaning and care are needed,
since dust and dirt, for instance from
the roads, collect in pores and creases,
cause severe abrasion and can lead to
the leather surface becoming prema-
turely brittle. You are therefore recom-
mended to remove dust from the
leather at regular intervals with a cloth
or vacuum cleaner.
For cleaning, please use BMW leather
cleaning foam.
Owing to the fact that dirt and grease
can, over time, permeate the protective
coating on the leather, cleaned leather
surfaces must be treated with a BMW
leather care product. This also helps to
prevent a static electrical charge from
building up.

169n
Care of the car
To protect it against moisture and
damp, the leather can be treated with
BMW impregnating agent.
This treatment is recommended every
six months, assuming normal use of the
car.
If any liquids are spilled, wipe them off
immediately. Dab grease or oil stains
carefully with stain remover.
If exposed to strong sunlight when the
car is parked for a lengthy period,
leather seats should be covered or the
windows blanked off to prevent fading.
Cleaning agents can contain haz-
ardous substances or constitute a
health risk. Always comply with the
warning and hazard avoidance instruc-
tions on the pack.
When cleaning the interior of the car,
leave the doors or windows open.
Never use any solvents or other sub-
stances not specifically intended for
cleaning the car.<

170nAirbags Laying up out of use
1 Front airbags for the driver and pas-
senger
2 Head airbags (at front)
3 Side airbags (front and rear seats*)
Important safety instructions
Do not remove the airbag gas
generators. Have testing and as-
sembly work performed only by spe-
cially trained personnel. If the airbag
occupant restraint system develops a
fault, is shut down out of use or has
been triggered off in an accident, have
it repaired or dismantled only by BMW
Service.
Never make any modifications to the in-
dividual components of the system or
its wiring. This includes the upholstered
covers on the steering wheel, dash-
380de647
board, side panels on front and rear
doors and roof struts as well as down
the sides of the roof liners. Do not apply
adhesive or any surface material to
these covers or modify or process them
in any other way. Do not remove the
steering wheel.
In order to comply with valid safety
regulations, have airbag generators
scrapped only by BMW Service.
Any careless or unskilled interference
with the system could lead to its failure
or to accidental triggering off with the
risk of injury.<
Please ask BMW Service what precau-
tions are necessary if the car is to be
laid up out of use for more than three
months.

171n
When entering another country involves
a switch to driving on the other side of
the road:
Cars with xenon headlamps, right-
hand-drive cars:
1 Remove the plugs above the head-
lamps
2 For driving on the left: slide lever to-
wards centre of car
For driving on the right: slide lever to-
wards outside of car
Left-hand-drive cars without xenon
headlamps:
Please contact BMW Service or, to
avoid dazzle from the headlamps, have
BMW Service carry out the necessary
modification.
390de143
Cars are always supplied to conform
with the registration laws of the country
in which they are intended for use.
If the owner moves to another country,
it is important to check beforehand that
import regulations and vehicle licensing
laws do not make it too difficult to im-
port the car.
You can obtain this information in Ger-
many by calling Tel. 089/382-0 and
stating the model, the vehicle identifica-
tion number and the date first regis-
tered.
In other countries, please contact BMW
Service or the importer.
Rule of the road Registration abroad

172nTechnical modifications OBD socket
Any BMW Service will gladly advise you
concerning the value of proposed tech-
nical modifications to your car, the legal
requirements and the manufacturer's
recommendations. Enquiries should be
accompanied by the vehicle identifica-
tion number and, if relevant, the engine
number.
Light-emitting diodes (LED)
Controls, displays and other equipment
items inside your car have light-emitting
diodes (LEDs) behind a cover as their
light source. These LEDs resemble con-
ventional lasers and are classified by
law as "Class 1 light-emitting diodes".
Do not remove the cover or ex-
pose the eyes directly to the unfil-
tered light source for several hours at a
time, as this could cause irritation to the
iris.< Access to socket for On-Board Diagno-
sis (OBD):
Lift the cover on the top of the compart-
ment next to the steering column
(arrow).
Components which have a decisive
effect on exhaust emissions can be
tested at this interface with a suitable
device.
390de346

173n
In many countries, BMW Service col-
lects residual materials during mainte-
nance and repair work according to
specific categories, for example:
> old oil
> oil filters
> antifreeze
> brake fluid
> batteries
> tyres
> air cleaner elements
> airbags
> windscreens and rear windows
BMW organises, pays for and super-
vises the removal and disposal of these
substances and has drawn up handling
principles far in excess of anything cur-
rently called for by law.
When your car reaches the end of its
useful life, the fact that it is largely suit-
able for recycling will avoid unneces-
sary expense for you and undue burden
on the environment. Easily removable
components and assemblies containing
re-usable materials wherever possible
increase the value of a scrapped vehi-
cle.
BMW cooperates with selected, li-
censed disposal and recycling compa-
nies in its various countries; these ac-
cept your vehicle at the end of its useful
life and recycle or dispose of it and its
component parts according to the prin-
ciples laid down by BMW.
Your BMW Service station will
gladly advise you on returning the
car for disposal as and when it has to
be withdrawn from use.<
Recycling in the Service areaReturning the car

174n

Initial overview
Controls in detail
and general care
Minor repairs
Technical data
Index
175n
Replacing parts:
Toolkit 176
Wiper blades 176
Lights and bulbs 177
Auxiliar heater remote
control 185
Wheel-changing 186
Battery 190
Fuses 192
If an electrical fault occurs:
touring: Tailgate 195
Mutual aid:
BMW Emergency Service 196
Starting with a flat battery 196
Tow-starting, towing away 197

176n
The toolkit is located in the luggage
compartment lid/tailgate.
To open, undo the wing bolt(s).
394de080
Front
1 Raise the wiper arm slightly and hold
it firmly
2 Move the sliding safety catch (arrow)
and take off the wiper blade towards
the windscreen
3 Attach the new wiper blade and slide
the safety catch back.390de097
Rear*
1 Hold the wiper blade against the
glass and pull the wiper arm off/un-
clip it (arrow) at the outer pivot
2 Offer up the new wiper blade and
press it against the wiper arm (clip
into position).
Use only BMW-approved wiper
blades.<
392de173
Toolkit Wiper blades

177n
Lights and bulbs
Bulbs and lights are crucial safety fea-
tures of your car. Appropriate care and
attention should therefore be taken
when handling these components. If
you are unfamiliar with such tasks, it is
better to entrust them to BMW Service.
Do not touch the glass of a new
bulb with the fingers, because
even slight amounts of dirt or grease
will then be burned into the bulb and re-
duce its working life. Use a clean tissue,
cloth or similar, or hold the bulb by its
base.<
A box containing spare bulbs is availa-
ble from BMW Service.
Before any work is done on the
electrical system, switch off the
affected consumer equipment or dis-
connect the negative terminal from the
battery, to prevent any risk of short-cir-
cuits occurring.
Observe any instructions supplied by
the bulb manufacturer, to avoid causing
injury or damage when changing
bulbs.<
1 Low-beam headlamps
H7 bulb, 55 Watt
Right-hand-drive cars: HB4 bulb
The H7 bulb is pressurised, so
wear goggles and gloves. There is
otherwise a risk of physical injury if the
bulb should be damaged.<
1 Turn the bulb holder to the left (arrow)
and take it off
2 Pull out the bulb and change it.
2 High-beam headlamps
HB3 bulb, 60 Watt
1 Turn the bulb holder to the left and
take it off
2 Detach the cable connector
390de098
3 Attach new bulb holder with bulb to
plug connector – making sure that it
engages correctly
4 Install in the opposite order of work.
Please note when cleaning the
headlamps:
> Do not rub them when dry or use
caustic or abrasive cleaning agents
> Soak dirt or other deposits (e.g. dead
insects) with BMW Shampoo and
wash down with plenty of water
> Use a de-icer spray to remove ice de-
posits – not a scraper or other hard
tool.<

178nLights and bulbs
Xenon headlamps*
The operating life of these light units is
extremely long and the likelihood of fail-
ure very low, provided that they are not
switched on and off a very great
number of times. If a Xenon headlamp
should nonetheless fail, switch on the
fog lights and continue the journey with
great care, provided that local legisla-
tion does not prohibit this.
In view of the high voltages that
are present, work on the entire
lighting system should only be carried
out by skilled personnel, to avoid the
risk of possibly fatal injury.<
Side and parking lights
5 Watt bulb
1 Turn the bulb holder to the left (arrow)
and take it off
2 Pull out the bulb and change it.
390de099
Front flashing turn indicator
21 Watt bulb
1 Press bulb holder together at the lugs
(arrows) and remove to the rear
2 Press the bulb in slightly, turn to the
left and remove
3 After changing the bulb, insert the
bulb holder (note correct position of
lugs) and engage.
390de100

179n
Lights and bulbs
Side turn indicator repeater*
5 Watt bulb
1 Press the light forwards with the fin-
gertip at its rear edge (arrow) and
take it out
left and remove.
390de106
Fog lights
H7 bulb, 55 Watt
The bulb is pressurised, so protect
the eyes and wear gloves. There is
otherwise a risk of physical injury if the
bulb should be damaged.<
1 Pull the cover next to the fog light for-
wards and remove it
2 Take out the two screws (arrows) and
swing the fog light out
3 Release the spring on the back of the
fog light and turn the cap to the left
4 Disconnect the wire spring clip and
renew the bulb after pulling off the
contact cap.
390de101
Rear lights – saloon
Rear lights: 5 Watt bulbs
Other lights: 21 Watt
1 Flashing turn indicators yellow
2 Rear lights, rear fog lights red
3 Rear fog lights red
4 Reversing lights white
5 Brake lights red
If both bulbs fail in the rear lights,
the brake lights take on the func-
tion of the rear lights.<
394de102

1 Fold down the side trim in the lug-
gage compartment, using the handle
at the top
2 Turn the quick-release bulb holder to
the left (arrow) and take it off
left and remove.
394de103
Rear lights – touring
Rear lights: 5 Watt bulbs
Other lights: 21 Watt
1 Flashing turn indicators yellow
2 Rear lights red
3 Rear fog lights red
4 Reversing lights white
5 Brake light, reflector red
If both bulbs fail in the rear lights,
the brake lights take on the func-
tion of the rear lights.<
392de104
Lights in rear panel:
1 Open the flap in the side panel trim
2 Turn the quick-release fastener and
take off the trim in front of the bulb
holder
3 Turn the quick-release fastener
(arrow) and take off the bulb holder
left and remove.
If a sub-woofer loudspeaker* is in-
stalled behind the right-hand flap, re-
lease the toggle screw and swing the
sub-woofer to one side.
392de170

181n
Lights and bulbs
Lights in tailgate:
1 Open the trim in the tailgate
2 Turn the quick-release fastener
(arrow) and take off the bulb holder
left and remove.
392de171
Central brake light*
21 Watt bulb
1 Open the luggage compartment lid
2 Use a screwdriver to unclip the cover
on the underside of the rear window
shelf (arrow)
3 Turn the bulb holder to the left and
take it off
left and remove.
touring: LED strip light in tailgate.
394de123
Licence plate lights
5 Watt bulb
1 Insert screwdriver into slot and press
to the right (arrow); this will release
the light
2 Take out the light and change the
bulb.
394de105

Interior lights
Front
Interior light (10 Watt bulb) with reading
lights (10 Watt bulbs)
1 Interior light: Press the light out to the
side with a screwdriver and take off
the cover. Pull the bulb out of its con-
tact tabs
2 Reading light: press the bulb in
slightly, turn to the left and remove.
Indirect lighting
1 Watt bulb
1 Unclip the bulb holder
2 Take out the bulb.
Rear – saloon
1 Insert a screwdriver at the top and
press the light out of the cutouts
2 Interior light: press the lug back at the
reflector and change the bulb
3 Reading light: press the bulb in
slightly, turn to the left and remove.
Rear – touring
Interior light: 5 Watt bulbs
1 Press the light out from the top with a
screwdriver
2 Take off the glass
3 Change the bulb.
1 Press the light out at the side next to
the switch with a screwdriver
2 Take off the glass
3 Change the bulb.
Footwell lights
5 Watt bulb
1 Lever the cover out at one side with a
screwdriver
2 Change the bulb.
Glove box light
5 Watt bulb
1 Press light out of recess with a
screwdriver
2 Take off the reflector
3 Change the bulb.
Luggage compartment lights
Light on underside of rear window
shelf: Halogen bulb, 10 Watt.
Light in the luggage compartment lid:
10 Watt bulb.
1 Press light out of recess with a
screwdriver
3 Change the bulb.
Load-area lights
Light on roof lining:
10 Watt bulbs.
1 Press the glass out at the side with a
screwdriver
2 Change the bulb.
Light at end of tailgate: 10 Watt bulb
1 Press the light out at the upper edge
with a screwdriver
3 Change the bulb.

183n
Radio remote control
Changing the battery
Renew the battery when the Check
Control displays "REMOTE KEY
BATTERY". The LED no longer lights up
when a button is pressed, and the re-
mote control will not perform the lock-
ing action.
Use only one battery of the type stated
in the battery compartment (CR 2016),
and make quite sure that it is installed in
the correct position.
1 Using a screwdriver, lift the cover out
at the recess (arrow)
365de017
2 Remove the two screws (arrows) and
take off the cover.
The battery type and correct installed
position are marked on the base of the
battery compartment.
Dispose of old batteries only to an
authorised collecting point or re-
turn them to BMW Service.<365de018

184nRadio remote control
New transmitter
If you begin to operate a new remote
control (a replacement or an additional
transmitter), it must first be initialised:
1 Enter the car and close the doors
2 Insert the ignition key into the steer-
ing lock, turn briefly to position 1
(max. 5 seconds) then back to 0; re-
move the key
3 Press button 1 (see picture) and hold
it in. Press button 2 three times in
rapid succession (within 10 seconds)
without releasing button 1
4 Release button 1. LED 3 will flash
slowly for a maximum of 10 seconds
5 The central locking system indicates
that initialisation has been performed
successfully by closing and releasing
the locks in rapid succession.
380de014
If the LED does not flash and the central
locking system does not operate, the
initialising procedure must be repeated.
If you use further remote control trans-
mitters for this car, all of them (up to
four) must be re-initialized within
30 seconds each. Repeat steps 3 and 4
above for each of the transmitters. The
central locking will confirm each initial-
ising operation as described in step 5.
In the event of faults, contact BMW
Service, which can also supply replace-
ment transmitters.
Prevent unauthorised use of the
transmitter, for example by hand-
ing over only door and ignition key 3 or
the spare key (see page 34) to hotel
staff.<

185n
Remote control for auxiliary heater*
Changing the batteries
Renew the batteries if the telltale lamp
no longer flashes when the auxiliary
heater is switched on.
1 Pull open cover 1 for battery com-
partment
2 Insert two batteries of the same type
as before (LR 1). Battery type and
installed position are marked on the
base of the battery compartment
3 Press the cover back into position.
turn them to BMW Service.<
390de156
New transmitter
If you begin to use a new transmitter (a
replacement or additional transmitter), it
must first be initialised. Either one or
two transmitters can be used.
Observe the times stated below
accurately, otherwise initialising
will fail and have to be repeated.<
1 Remove the fuse for the auxiliary
heater (in luggage compartment or
load area on right, see page 193) and
insert it again after 10 seconds
2 Within 3 seconds of having inserted
the fuse again, press button 3
3 Next, press button 4 within 5 seconds
4 After a further 3 seconds, the system
is operational.

186nWheel-changing
Safety precautions in the event of
a puncture or tyre failure:
Halt the car as far away from the main
traffic flow as possible, on a firm sur-
face; switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Engage the steering lock in the straight-
ahead position, apply the handbrake
and select first or reverse gear or selec-
tor lever position P.
All occupants must leave the car and be
led to a point where they are not ex-
posed to risk, for example behind a
crash barrier at the side of the road.
If necessary, set up the warning triangle
or a flashing warning light at a sufficient
distance to the rear. Comply with rele-
vant local laws.
Only change wheels on flat, firm and
non-slip surface. On a soft or low-grip
surface (snow, ice, tiles or similar) there
is a risk of the car or the jack sliding
sideways.
Position the car's jack on a firm surface.
Never place wood blocks or similar un-
der the jack, or the maximum lifting ca-
pacity may be exceeded. When the car
has been jacked up, do not lie under it
or start the engine, as this could lead to
a potentially fatal accident.<
What you need
To avoid rattling noises later, please
make a note of the positions of the tools
when they are removed, and re-attach
them in the same positions later.
> Jack
Saloon: fold back the floor mat in the
luggage compartment and loosen the
wing nut (arrow).
touring: raise the floor panel and the
spare wheel cover (see page 119).
After using the jack, retract it fully,
swing the crank handle back in and
clip it securely
> Wheel chock
Next to the jack. Unscrew the wing
nut to remove it
394de090

187n
Wheel-changing
> Spare wheel and adapter* for re-
moval of hub cap* (see next column)
Both are kept next to the jack. Take
off the adapter or the plastic cap. Un-
screw the wing nut (arrow) by hand
and take out the wheel
> Wheel stud wrench and screwdriver
In the car's toolkit under the luggage
compartment lid (see page 176).
touring: the wheel stud wrench is
next to the spare wheel.
394de091
Procedure
1 Note the safety precautions on the
previous page
2 Prevent the car from rolling away:
place the wheel chock behind the
front wheel on the side opposite to
where the wheel is to be removed
(or in front of the front wheel on a
downhill gradient). If the car cannot
be moved to a point on a less se-
vere gradient, you must protect it
reliably against rolling away
3 If full-width wheel covers are in-
stalled*: insert the fingers into the
vent holes and pull the cover off
4 Version with adapter*: Place the
adapter on the wheel stud cover, at-
tach the wheel stud wrench and
press to the left (see illustration)
380de092
5 If hub covers are fitted*: lever the
cover off by inserting a screwdriver
into the slot. For thiefproof wheel
studs, see page 189
6 Slacken off the wheel studs by a
1/2 turn
7 Attach the jack to the nearest
mounting point to the wheel which it
is intended to remove; the full sur-
face area of the base of the jack
should make contact with the
ground, and the jack head should
enter the rectangular recess of the
mounting point (see picture detail)
as the jack is raised
8 Continue to turn the crank handle
until the wheel you wish to change
is lifted clear of the ground
9 Take out the wheel studs and re-
move the wheel
390de350

188nWheel-changing
10 Remove heavy dirt deposits from
the wheel and hub contact faces
and clean the wheel studs
11 Offer up the new wheel and secure
it with at least two studs inserted on
opposite sides of the hub
12 Insert and screw up the remaining
wheel studs, then tighten them all
firmly, working across the hub
rather than round it
13 Lower the car and remove the jack
14 Tighten the studs alternately on op-
posite sides of the hub
15 With full-width wheel covers: place
the cover in position so that the
valve cutout is aligned with the tyre
valve, then press the cover on to the
wheel with both hands
390de360
For this lightweight wheel, use
only the special full-width cover
supplied with the car, otherwise the
cover may not be held firmly.<
16 With hub cap: offer up the cap and
press into position
17 On wheels with a wheel stud cover
(hub cap): align the arrow on the
cover with the line on the wheel,
then press the cover on
18 Correct the tyre pressure at the ear-
liest opportunity.
Use the jack only for wheel chang-
ing. Do not attempt to raise an-
other type of vehicle or any other load
with this jack; this could result in injury
or damage.
For safety reasons, have the wheel stud
tightening torque checked without de-
lay, using a suitable calibrated torque
wrench (correct tightening torque =
100 Nm).<
When replacing a wheel in the spare
wheel well, make sure that the central
threaded rod in the well is not bent or
damaged.
If the car is fitted with alloy wheels not
of the Original BMW type, note that dif-
ferent wheel studs may be needed.
Have a flat tyre repaired as soon as
possible, and the wheel and tyre rebal-
anced before fitting.
For the lightweight wheel, use
only BMW approved balance
weights for alloy wheels. Do not at-
tempt to use hammer-on steel balance
weights on these wheels.<

189n
Wheel-changing Thiefproof wheel studs*
Tyre size 255/40 R 17 94W* on
the rear wheels:
In the event of a puncture or similar, it
may be necessary to fit the spare wheel
and tyre (of different size) at the rear.
The car's spare wheel and tyre are of
full capacity in all load and speed
ranges. In such cases, fit a wheel and
tyre of the correct size as soon as pos-
sible.<
1 Cap (not needed for wheels with
wheel stud cover or hub cap)
2 Wheel stud for adapter
3 Adapter (in toolkit, next to spare
wheel in the touring)
To remove:
1 Turn cap 1 slightly to the left with the
wheel stud wrench, and take it off
2 Take adapter 3 out of the toolkit and
insert it into the wheel stud
3 Unscrew wheel stud 2.
After inserting and tightening the wheel
stud again, remove the adapter and
press on the stud cap.
The cap is located correctly if the
M of the BMW badge is over a
raised section on the wheel stud when
pressed on.<
360de094
The code number is embossed on the
front of the adapter. Please make a
careful note of this number and keep it
in a safe place, in case the adapter is
lost.

190nBattery
Location
The battery is behind the right-hand
side trim in the luggage compartment/
load area.
Swing the trim panel down by pulling
the handle at the top; on the touring,
press the button.
If, on the touring, a sub-woofer loud-
speaker* is installed, release the toggle
screw and swing the sub-woofer to one
side.
394de305
Symbols
Your car's battery is marked with the
following symbols. For your own safety,
check the meaning of these symbols
before handling or working on the bat-
tery.
Before handling or working on
the battery, please note the fol-
lowing precautions.
Always wear eye protection.
Do not allow any particles con-
taining acid or lead to enter the
eyes, or to make contact with skin or
clothing.
Battery acid is highly caustic. Al-
ways wear protective gloves
and goggles. Do not tilt battery:
acid could then escape from breather
vents.
Keep the acid and the battery
out of the reach of children.
Naked flames and sparks must
be avoided; smoking is prohib-
ited. Avoid sparks when working
on wiring and electrical equipment. The
ignition key must be in position 0 when
disconnecting or reconnecting the bat-
tery. Never short-circuit the battery ter-
minals, or a powerful spark could result
and cause injury.
A highly explosive detonating
gas is generated when the bat-
tery is charged.
If acid comes into contact with
the eyes, rinse immediately with
clean water for several minutes.
Then immediately seek medical assist-
ance. Neutralize acid spillage on the
skin or clothes immediately with soap
and rinse off with plenty of water. If acid
has been swallowed, consult a physi-
cian immediately.
To protect the housing from
ultra-violet rays, do not expose
battery to direct sunlight. As
batteries which have run flat could
freeze, store in a place where there is
no risk of frost damage.
Maintenance
The battery is entirely maintenance-free
in accordance with German Industrial
Standard DIN 43 539/2, that is to say
one acid filling is sufficient for the whole
operating life of the battery.

191n
Battery
State of charge
The "Magic Eye" (hydrometer, in prepa-
ration) can be used to read off the state
of battery charge:
> green: adequate charge
> black: state of charge is too low. The
battery needs to be recharged.
Please contact BMW Service and ar-
range for this to be done
> yellow: the battery must be replaced.
The battery will not achieve its full
operating life unless it is kept ade-
quately charged. Have the state of
charge checked more frequently if the
car is mainly used for short journeys.<
394de368
Removing and installing
Do not disconnect battery leads
while the engine is running, other-
wise excess current will destroy the ve-
hicle electronics unit.
Do not make any modifications to the
leads at the positive terminal, since this
could render the protective function of
the safety battery terminal ineffective.
Repairs and disposal should only be
undertaken by properly trained person-
nel.<
When removing the battery, first dis-
connect the lead at the negative termi-
nal, then the lead at the positive termi-
nal. Dismantle the battery retaining
bracket (1) and unfasten the screw con-
nection on the battery (2).
394de306
When installing the battery, connect the
lead to its positive terminal first, then
the lead to its negative terminal.
During installation, check that the
battery is correctly mounted and
fit the protective hoop, otherwise the
battery will not be secure enough in the
event of an accident.<
Recharging the battery
Recharge the battery only with the en-
gine stopped, or remove it from the car.
Before undertaking any work on
the car's electrical system, dis-
connect the lead from the negative ter-
minal of the battery in order to avoid the
risk of short-circuits and fire or injury.<
If the car is laid up out of use for more
than 4 weeks, disconnect the negative
lead from the battery in order to sepa-
rate it from the car's electrical system.
If the car is not to be used for more than
six weeks, remove the battery, recharge
it and store it in a cool place where is
no risk of frost damage. After 6 months
at the latest, and always before the bat-
tery is installed again, it must be re-
charged to prevent it from becoming

192nBattery Fuses
useless. Every time a battery is allowed
to run flat, particularly if left in this state
for some time, its operating life is re-
duced.
turn them to BMW Service. Batteries
filled with acid should be transported
and stored upright. Protect batteries
against falling over when in transit.<
Periods of time in which the car's
battery is disconnected are not
counted by the Service Interval indica-
tor when the brake fluid renewal warn-
ing is given.
In such cases you must ensure that the
brake fluid is renewed every two years
regardless of the display.<
If an electrical consumer fails, switch it
off and check its fuse.
In glove box
1 Open the glove box and turn the two
white quick-release fasteners to the
left. The fuse strip also contains
spare fuses and plastic tweezers for
changing the fuses
2 Pull the fuse for the failed electrical
consumer out of its holder with the
tweezers
3 A blown fuse – identifiable by the
melted wire must be replaced by an-
other of the same colour and ampere
rating.
A list of fuses with ampere ratings and
consumers is located under the fuse
strip.
390de085
Close the fuse strip by pressing on the
lid at the top and turning the two quick-
release fasteners to the right.
There are additional fuses in the lug-
gage compartment/load area (see next
page).
On cars equipped for towing a trailer*
there are additional fuses for the trailer
lights in the trailer module, which is be-
hind the right trim panel in the luggage
compartment.
The fuse for the permanent positive line
is above the battery in a separate fuse
box. If a fault develops, have this fuse
changed by BMW Service.
Do not repair burnt out fuses or
replace them with fuses with dif-
ferent colours or ampere ratings other-
wise overloaded electrical wires can
cause a fire in the vehicle.<
If the fuse burns out several times, have
the cause of the fault rectified by BMW
Service.

193n
Fuses
In luggage compartment
Fold the right side trim down with the
handle provided.
The list of fuses with ratings in amperes
and equipment connections is on the
back of the side trim.
394de124
In the load area
Press the button on the right-hand flap
to open it, and pull the trim to one side.
There is a list of fuses with current rat-
ings and attached consumers on the
back of the flap.
392de172

194n
Manual release – saloon
1 Swing the right side trim in the lug-
gage compartment down by means
of the handle at the top
2 Pull the button with the fuel pump
symbol (arrow).
394de095
Manual release – touring
1 Open the right-hand flap in the load
area by pressing the button, and
swing it down
2 Pull the button with the fuel pump
symbol (arrow).
392de157
Operate manually
1 Take out the interior lamp (see
page 182), reach into the aperture
and press out the cover
2 Remove the plug (arrow) and turn the
sunroof panel in the desired direction
with the Allen key from the car's
toolkit (see page 176).
380de096
Fuel filler flap Sliding/tilting sunroof*

195n
Tailgate
Manual release – touring
If an electrical defect occurs, you can
operate the tailgate manually.
1 Working from the load area, open and
take out the two side flaps (arrow)
392de166
2 In the tailgate, open the two quick-re-
lease fasteners for the toolkit cover
and raise the cover
3 Take out the plastic plug (arrow) and
pull towards the interior of the car to
release the tailgate
4 Open the tailgate, press the plug
back in and close the cover at the
quick-release fasteners
5 Insert and close the two side flaps.
392de301

196n
The BMW Emergency Service is there
to assist you, even in the evenings, at
weekends and on public holidays.
If you have a breakdown, just call the
BMW Emergency Service control centre
for the country in which you are situ-
ated. Telephone numbers are shown at
the end of the list of BMW European
Service points.
If you cannot obtain the assistance you
require (e.g. because of difficulties in
obtaining a telephone connection or
communicating in the local language),
please call the BMW Emergency Serv-
ice in Munich, Germany:
National dialling code for Germany
(usually 0049) 89 - 260 99 09.
There is a list of national dialling codes
at the end of the list of BMW European
Service points.
Do not use the spray products sold as
starting aids.
If the car's own battery is flat, the en-
gine can be started by using two jumper
cables from another vehicle's battery.
Use only cables with fully insulated bat-
tery post clips, e.g. to German DIN
72551 standard or equivalent.
Do not touch any electrically live
parts when the engine is running
or a fatal accident may occur.<
Do not depart from the procedure de-
scribed below, or else personal injury
could result or one or both vehicles be
damaged.
1 Check that the other vehicle's battery
has a voltage of 12 V and approxi-
mately the same capacity in Amp/h
(this should be printed on the battery)
2 Do not disconnect the flat battery
from the car's electrical system
3 The two vehicles' bodies must not
touch – risk of short-circuit
4 Use one jumper lead to connect the
positive terminal of the other battery
to the jump-starting connection in
your car's engine compartment. The
cap over this connection is marked
Batt. + (see illustration). Pull the cap
up to remove it. This Figure illus-
trates, by way of example, the jump
start point on the BMW 520i, 523i
and 528i. For other models, see de-
scription of engine compartment,
starting on page 150
5 Connect the negative terminals of the
two batteries as follows: Make the
first connection to the negative termi-
nal of the donor battery or to earth
(ground) on the engine or body of the
donor vehicle, and then to earth
(ground) on the vehicle which you
wish to start. On your BMW a special
390de145
BMW Emergency Service Starting with a flat battery

197n
Starting with a flat battery Tow-starting,towing away
nut is provided for this purpose on
the suspension strut housing; see
arrow in illustration
Connect the jumper leads in the
correct order when you are assist-
ing the driver of another vehicle as well,
so that no sparks occur at the battery
and possibly cause injury.<
6 If the donor vehicle's battery is not
strongly charged, run its engine
7 Start the engine of the affected vehi-
cle in the usual way, and allow it to
run as well as the other vehicle's en-
gine. If an initial attempt to start the
engine fails, wait several minutes until
the flat battery has been recharged to
a slightly greater degree
390de146
8 Before disconnecting the jumper
leads from your BMW, switch on the
lights, heated rear window and maxi-
mum heater blower speed and then
keep the engine running for at least
10 seconds, in order to avoid voltage
peaks reaching the electrical con-
sumers from the voltage regulator
9 Disconnect the jumper leads in the
opposite order from that in which
they were originally attached.
Have the battery recharged (depending
on the cause of the fault). Towing eye
The screw-in towing eye is kept in the
car's toolkit (on the touring, next to the
spare wheel) and should always be car-
ried on the car. It can be screwed in at
the front or the rear of the car, and is
only to be used for towing on a firm
road surface.
Access to threaded hole
Front:
Press the arrow symbol on the cover
and swing it out to remove.
390de087

198nTow-starting, towing away
Rear:
Press the arrow symbol on the cover
and swing it out to remove.
Screw the towing eye in fully to
avoid the risk of its thread being
damaged.
Never tow the car or lash it down at any
of the suspension elements, as this
could cause damage and lead to acci-
dents occurring later.<
For towing, either use a towbar or a ny-
lon rope or tape to help avoid sudden
tensile loads.
394de088
Using a towbar
The towing eyes of both vehicles should
be on the same side.
If it is impossible to avoid attaching the
towbar at an angle, note the following:
> Towbar clearance may be restricted
when cornering
> The angled towbar generates lateral
forces which could be critical if the
road surface is slippery
> To compensate for the angled tow-
bar, the towed and towing vehicles
may have to be offset in relation to
one another
> there is a risk of skidding to one side
when the towing vehicle's brakes are
applied.
Do not tow a vehicle heavier than
your own, as there is otherwise a
risk of losing control.<
Tow-starting
Cars with catalytic converter should
only be tow-started if the engine is
cold. It is always preferable to use
jumper leads.
1 Switch on the hazard warning
flashers
(comply with local regulations)
2 Turn the ignition key to position 2
3 Select 3rd gear
4 Keep the clutch pedal down. When
the car is moving, gradually release
the clutch pedal. After the engine has
fired and is running, depress the
clutch pedal again
5 Switch off the hazard warning flash-
ers.
Have the cause of starting problems
traced and rectified by BMW Service.
Automatic-transmission cars:
These cars cannot be tow-started.
Starting with jumper leads: see
page 196.

199n
Tow-starting, towing away Fire extinguisher*
Towing away
1 Ignition key in setting 1 to enable
brake lights, headlamp flashers, horn
and windscreen wipers to be acti-
vated
2 Switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers. (comply with local regulations).
If the car's electrical system has failed,
the car must be rendered identifiable to
following vehicles, for instance by plac-
ing a notice or the warning triangle in
the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key is
turned to position 1 even if the
electrical system has failed; this is to
ensure that the steering lock cannot en-
gage and prevent the car from being
steered.
When the engine is not running, there is
no power assistance and the brake
servo is out of action. The steering and
brakes will require extra effort to oper-
ate.<
Automatic-transmission cars:
1 Set the selector lever to N
2 Maximum towing speed:
70 km/h (approx. 43 mph)
3 Maximum towing distance: 150 km
(approx. 93 miles).
Holder* on driver's seat, or on front
passenger's seat unless this space is
occupied by a first aid box.
To ensure that the fire extinguisher re-
mains operational, have it checked
every two years by its manufacturer's
authorised after-sales service organisa-
tion.
If these service points are not listed on
the extinguisher or in any documenta-
tion available to you, please consult a
local trade directory or the "yellow
pages" of the telephone service to ob-
tain the address.

200n

Initial overview
Controls in detail
and general care
Minor repairs
Technical data
Index
201n
Adaptive transmission control
(AGS) 202
Airbags 203
Car radio 204
Hi-fi system (DSP) 205
dip 205
Integral-link rear
suspension 206
Latent heat store 206
Rain sensor 207
Tyre Pressure Control
(RDC) 208
Xenon headlamps 208
windscreen 209

202n
Adaptive transmission control (AGS)
evaluates a number of factors before
determining the best possible auto-
matic transmission shift points. It takes
your individual driving style and the ac-
tual road and traffic situation into ac-
count.
AGS identifies driving style from the
opening angle and speed of movement
of the accelerator pedal, the rate of re-
tardation when braking and lateral ac-
celeration when cornering. It then se-
lects a suitable shift characteristic –
which can range all the way from re-
laxed travel with the emphasis on re-
finement to harder, highly enthusiastic
driving.
390de334
In order to take driving conditions into
account, AGS registers corners and
both uphill and downhill gradients. It
suppresses up-shifts, for instance,
when cornering fast. On uphill gradients
it delays the up-shift until a higher en-
gine speed has been reached, in order
to make better use of the engine's
power reserves. When driving downhill,
on the other hand, AGS shifts down
more rapidly as the car becomes faster
and the driver applies the brakes.
AGS*

203n
Retardation sensors continuously moni-
tor the acceleration forces acting on the
car. If a frontal impact causes a rate of
retardation at which the seat belts alone
could not provide sufﬁcient occupant
protection, the gas generators for the
driver's and front passenger's airbags
are ignited in parallel. However, the front
passenger's airbag is only triggered off
if a further sensor has identiﬁed that the
seat is occupied.
In the event of a side impact, the front
and rear* airbags are triggered off as
necessary.
390de319
The airbags located under the marked
covers are inflated within a few millisec-
onds by the gas which is generated,
causing them to emerge. When they do
so, they split open at the programmed
rupture lines down the upholstered cov-
ers and force these covers outwards.
In view of the very brief system re-
sponse time, the noise of propellant
ignition and inflation is lost in the gen-
eral accident situation. The gas re-
quired for filling the airbags is not dan-
gerous and escapes after a very short
period of time (emerging as smoke).
The entire process is over in a fraction
of a second.
Extremely responsive sensors monitor
the speeds of rotation of the road
wheels and in the case of DSC also the
steering lock angle, lateral acceleration,
braking pressure and the car's move-
ment round its vertical axis.
If differences in the wheel rotating
speeds are detected by the system,
there is a risk of wheelspin occurring,
and the power input is therefore re-
duced; in addition, the rear wheel
brakes are applied if necessary.
If an unstable driving condition is de-
tected by DSC, the front brakes may
also be applied in order to stabilise the
car.
The driver may find it difficult initially to
grow accustomed to the action of the
system. However, it ensures the best
possible forward traction and dynamic
stability at all times.
When the brakes are applied by the
system, some noise will be heard.
Airbags ASC+T/DSC*

204nCar radio Seat belt catch tensioner
The medium wave (MW), long wave
(LW) and short wave (SW) bands can be
picked up a long way from the transmit-
ter, because the signals are broadcast
both as ground waves and through the
air – reflected by the ionosphere.
VHF (FM) reception provides far higher
listening quality than any of the AM
wavebands. The range of each trans-
mitter, however, is low, since the sig-
nals are transmitted by line of sight.
360de084
The limitations from which all non-sta-
tionary radio receivers suffer are com-
pensated for by a variety of ingenious
systems:
The Radio Data System (RDS) ensures
that when a radio station is being
broadcast on several frequencies, the
set automatically switches to whichever
frequency offers the best reception.
For aerial diversity, several VHF aerials
must be available. An integrated micro-
processor automatically selects the aer-
ial which provides the best reception of
the incoming VHF signal. The change to
the best aerial field occurs within a few
milliseconds, and is not apparent to the
listener.
The seat belt catch tensioner ensures
that in the event of a collision the seat
belt is tautened across the wearer's
body and holds it firmly in the seat.
Within a fraction of a second, the belt
catch is retracted by gas pressure, so
that the lap and shoulder straps of the
seat belt are both tautened at the same
time. This provides further protection
against slipping under the lap belt.
390de330

205n
HiFi system (DSP)* Inside mirror, automatic anti-glare*
The Professional DSP hi-fi system with
top-quality hi-fi amplifier, Digital Sound
Processor (DSP) and integrated loud-
speakers yields a fascinatingly natural,
precise sound quality. The loudspeaker
system employs sub-woofers, woofers,
mid-range units and dome-pattern
tweeters to create a most impressive
spatial effect. The loudspeakers are lo-
cated in such a way that all the car's
occupants have the impression that the
sound image comes from the front, as
in a concert hall. During the journey, the
sound image is automatically modified
to take road speed and noise levels into
account.
390de109
The automatic-dip interior mirror coun-
teracts the glare caused by following
vehicles according to its intensity, and
restores the original reflecting capacity
of the mirror as soon as the offending
light source is no longer present. A light
sensor facing forwards in the mirror
casing measures light intensity in front
of the car. There is a second light sen-
sor in the mirror glass. An electronic
regulating system compares the light
intensities at the front and rear. The dif-
ference between them generates an
electrical voltage which is applied to a
gel coating on the mirror glass.
390de113
This gel undergoes a chemical reaction
when the voltage reaches it, and dark-
ens the mirror steplessly (electrochro-
mic principle).
The mirror no longer has to be reset
manually to avoid being dazzled by fol-
lowing vehicles, so that the driver can
concentrate fully on the general traffic
situation.

206nIntegral-linkrearsuspension Latent heat store*
The control arms of the patented inte-
gral link rear suspension system, which
are made of aluminium, are not pivoted
directly to the body. They are resiliently
mounted on a sub-frame, which in turn
is resiliently attached to the bodyshell.
Even the slightest road surface irregu-
larities are absorbed by this double re-
silient mounting principle.
The wheel locating arms of the integral
link rear suspension have pivots with a
precisely computed degree of elasticity,
so that a predetermined self-steering
effect is achieved. This enhances driv-
ing safety in all situations.
The picture shows the saloon's rear
axle. The touring's compact, weight-
saving rear axle the shock absorbers
mounted at an angle from the vertical.
390de114
The latent heat store is capable of re-
taining waste heat from the engine for
several days, even at very low outside
temperatures. When the engine is re-
started, this heat is available for imme-
diate use, for instance to defrost the
windscreen and side windows. The
times required for heating the car inte-
rior and the time taken by the engine to
reach operating temperature are re-
duced substantially (arrow).
The latent heat accumulator consists of
an extremely well-insulated reservoir
connected to the engine's cooling sys-
tem.
390de115
The principle uses the latent heat re-
leased from an environmentally accept-
able salt mixture when it changes from
a liquid to a solid state. Like the heat
which is released when ice melts, the
heat from the warm engine is stored by
converting the salt mixture into a fluid.
If "empty", the latent heat accumulator
will be ready for further use after the car
has been driven for about 15 minutes.
In this way, the latent heat accumulator
is able to increase driving safety by im-
proving conditions within the car and
engine response, but without imposing
any burden on the environment.
No action on the driver's part is needed,
as the device is electronically control-
led.

207n
Self-levelling suspension* Rain sensor*
Self-levelling rear suspension keeps the
car's ground clearance constant de-
spite load changes.
The car is equipped with air spring
struts at the rear instead of the conven-
tional steel springs and shock absorb-
ers. An electronic control unit deter-
mines body ride height at any given
moment with the help of two sensors,
and injects air from a compressor into
the air springs if necessary.
By increasing air spring pressure in re-
sponse to load, the self-levelling sus-
pension not only ensures a constant
ride height but also a consistently high
standard of ride comfort regardless of
the load being carried.
390de136
The rain sensor operates the wind-
screen wipers when rain is detected on
the glass.
An infra-red beam is directed against
the glass through an optical device, and
reflected fully if the windscreen is dry.
The amount of reflected light is meas-
ured by the device.
If there are droplets of water on the
windscreen, the amount of light re-
flected directly back is reduced, since
the infra-red beam can escape at the
glass surface. In other words, the pro-
portion of reflected light determines the
amount of rain striking the windscreen.
390de133
If the intermittent-wipe mode has been
selected, the wipers respond immedi-
ately, for instance, if the vehicle in front
splashes water on to the windscreen. In
this way, the rain sensor makes a con-
tribution to greater safety as well as
more convenient driving.

208nTyre pressure control (RDC)* Xenon headlamps*
This system performs regular tyre pres-
sure checks for you and monitors the
pressure of all four tyres, even while
you are driving.
There is an electronic unit in every
wheel, designed to withstand high
stresses and strains and to cope with a
long service life. It contains a pressure
sensor, a transmitter and a battery.
Pressure is measured at frequent, regu-
lar intervals and the reading transmitted
by radio. If there is any irregularity, the
transmission rate is increased.
394de304
There are aerials in the body beside
each wheel which receive signals from
all four wheels. A central electronic
control unit evaluates these multiple
signals and reports any changes as
they appear.
RDC makes a significant contribution to
road safety.
Xenon light greatly increases the illumi-
nation of the areas in front of the car
and at the side of the road; it is consid-
erably brighter and more uniform than
conventional halogen headlamps.
In the xenon headlamp an electric arc
takes the place of the filament, and
generates an intensive light source. A
mixture of an inert gas and a metallic
vapour in a quartz glass sleeve is ig-
nited by a high electrical voltage. The
resulting arc is maintained by a lower
voltage. When the xenon headlamps
are switched on, a brief period is
needed for the full beam strength to
build up. Maximum brightness is
achieved after about 15 seconds.
390de134

209n
Xenon headlamps* Water- and dirt-repellent windscreen
Xenon light helps the driver to locate
the car's position effectively, particu-
larly in poor weather and difficult driving
conditions for instance at night, in
heavy rain or if road works are encoun-
tered and the markings on the road sur-
face are missing.
Cars with xenon headlamps are also
equipped with automatic headlamp
beam angle control. The road surface is
thus illuminated effectively despite
changes in the load on the car, and on-
coming traffic is not dazzled. See also
page 91.
Xenon light also makes an important
contribution towards road safety by en-
abling the driver to see other road
users, particularly pedestrians, cyclists
and motorcyclists, at the side of the
road.
This windscreen (in preparation) has a
specially smoothed surface to which
water droplets do not adhere; as they
roll off they take dirt particles with them.
Even when new, glass in conventional
windows has a rough surface when
viewed under a microscope (1). The
water- and dirt-repellent windscreen is
given an absolutely transparent liquid
coating.
Depending on how clean the windscreen
is, droplets of water blow off at a speed
of approx. 60 km/h (approx. 37 mph).
The coating, which is absolutely trans-
parent,has no adverse effect on the view
through the windscreen.
390de337
Other advantages:
> A clear view and therefore greater
safety when weather conditions are
poor
> Less glare when driving after dark in
rainy weather.

210n

Initial overview
Controls in detail
Minor repairs
Technical data
Index
211n
Engine data 212
Fuel consumption, carbon diox-
ide/O emission level 213
Dimensions 215
Weights 217
Performance 221
Electrical system 224
V-belts 224
and general care

212n
BMW 520i/touring BMW 523i/touring BMW 528i/touring BMW 535i
Displacement
Number of cylinders
cc 1991
6
2494
6
2793
6
3498
8
Max. power output
– at engine speed
kW/bhp
rpm
110/150
5900
125/170
5500
142/193
5500
180/245
5800
Max. torque
– at engine speed
Nm
rpm
190
3500
245
3500
280
3500
345
3800
Compression ratio e 11 10,5 10,2 10
Stroke
Bore
mm
mm
66
80
75
84
84
84
78,9
84
Mixture preparation Digital Motor Electronics
BMW 540i/touring BMW 525td BMW 525tds/touring BMW 530d/touring
Displacement
Number of cylinders
cc 4398
8
2497
6
2497
6
2926
6
Max. power output
– at engine speed
kW/bhp
rpm
210/286
5400
85/115
4800
105/143
4600
135/184
4000
Max. torque
– at engine speed
Nm
rpm
440
3600
230
1900
280
2200
390
1750 to 3200
Compression ratio e 10 22 22 18
Stroke
Bore
mm
mm
82.7
92
82.8
80
82.8
80
88
84
Mixture preparation Digital Motor
Electronics
Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE)
Engine data

213n
BMW 520i BMW 520i BMW 523i BMW 523i
Town
Country
Total
O emissions
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
grammes/km
5-sp. gearbox
12.6/13.7
(22.4/20.6)
9.0/9.6
(31.4/29.4)
8.1/8.3
(34.9/34.0)
215/220
Automatic
14.5/15.3
(19.5/18.5)
9.9/10.5 (
28.5/26.9)
9.1/9.4
(31.0/30.1)
242/250
5-sp. gearbox
13.1/13.4
(21.6/21.1)
9.4/9.8
(30.1/28.8)
8.1/8.3
(34.9/34.0)
215/220
Automatic
15.0/15.6
(18.8/18.1)
10.3/10.7
(27.4/26.4)
9.1/9.4
(31.0/30.1)
242/250
Town
Country
Total
O emissions
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
grammes/km
5-sp. gearbox
13.6/13.8
(20.8/20.5)
9.5/9.8
(29.7/28.8)
8.1/8.3
(34.9/34.0)
215/220
Automatic
15.6/15.5
(18.1/18.2)
10.5/10.7
(26.9/26.4)
9.1/9.4
(31.0/30.1)
242/250
5-sp. gearbox
16.9
(16.7)
11.6
(24.4)
11.9
(23.7)
283
Automatic
16.7
(16.9)
11.7
(24.1)
10.1
(28.0)
241
BMW 540i BMW 540i BMW 525td
Town
Country
Total
O emissions
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
grammes/km
6-sp. gearbox
17.7/18.0
(16.0/15.7)
12.1/12.4
(23.3/22.8)
12.3/12.7
(23.0/22.2)
293/302
Automatic
17.2/17.6
(16.4/16.1)
12.1/12.6
(23.3/22.4)
9.1/9.4
(31.0/30.1)
242/250
5-sp. gearbox
11.3
(25.0)
6.0
(47.1)
7.9
(35.8)
210
First value: saloon; second value: touring
Fuel consumption, carbon dioxide (CO ) emissions2

214nFuel consumption, carbon dioxide (CO ) emissions2
BMW 525tds BMW 525tds BMW 530d BMW 530d
Town
Country
Total
O emissions
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
litres/100 km
(Imp. mpg)
grammes/km
5-sp. gearbox
11.5/11.7
(24.6/24.1)
6.2/6.3
(45.6/44.8)
8.1/8.3
(34.9/34.0)
215/220
Automatic
13.0/13.4
(21.7/21.1)
7.0/7.2
(40.4/39.2)
9.1/9.4
(31.0/30.1)
242/250
5-sp. gearbox
9.8/10.0
(28.8/28.2)
7.2/7.4
(39.2/38.2)
8.1/8.3
(34.9/34.0)
215/220
Automatic
11.7/11.9
(24.1/23.7)
8.3/8.5
(34.0/33.2)
9.1/9.4
(31.0/30.1)
242/250
First value: saloon; second value: touring
Fuel consumption is determined according to a standard test method (93/116/EU). It is not the same as the average fuel
consumption in practice, which depends on a great many different factors such as driving style, load, road condition, traffic
density and flow, weather, tyre pressures etc. Engine power output and road performance data are measured in the condi-
tions laid down by 80/1269 EU and DIN 70020 (with the car to standard specification). This standard specifies the permit-
ted tolerances. Additional equipment on the car may have quite a significant influence on both performance and fuel con-
sumption, since it usually affects the car's weight and c value (drag coefficient), for instance roof rack, wider tyres,
additional mirrors etc.

215n
Dimensions
394de367
All dimensions in millimetres (mm). Value after /: with automatic-dip outside mirrors
Minimum turning circle (dia.)11.3 m (37.1 ft); BMW 535i, 540i: 11.4 m (37.4 ft)

216nDimensions
392de366
All dimensions in millimetres (mm). Value after /: with automatic-dip outside mirrors
Minimum turning circle (dia.): 11.3 m (37.1 ft); BMW 540i: 11.4 m (37.4 ft)

217n
Weights – saloon
Weight of car, unladen (with one occupant, ready for road, tank full, excluding optional extras)
with manual gearbox
with automatic transmission
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
1545 (3406)
1575 (3472)
1550 (3417)
1580 (3483)
1575 (3472)
1605 (3538)
1685 (3715)
1730 (3814)
Permitted gross weight
with manual gearbox
while towing a trailer
with manual gearbox
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
1980 (4365)
2010 (4431)
2020 (4453)
2050 (4519)
1985 (4376)
2015 (4442)
2030 (4475)
2060 (4541)
2040 (4497)
2070 (2070)
2050 (4519)
2080 (4586)
2150 (4740)
2195 (4839)
2240 (4938)
2285 (5038)
Front axle load limit kg (lb) 975 (2149) 975 (2149) 1000 (2205) 1090 (2403)
Rear axle load limit for trailer towing kg (lb)
kg (lb)
1125 (2480)
1230 (2712)
1125 (2480)
1230 (2712)
1170 (2580)
1250 (2756)
1200 (2646)
1305 (2877)
Towing loads according to EU operating permit (acc. to factory specification and legally permitted in Germany).
BMW Service will have details of possible increases. Note and comply with different values in certain countries.
unbraked
braked, max. gradient 12X (manual gearbox/auto-
matic transmission)
braked, max. gradient 8X (supplementary permit)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
750 (1653)
1500/1700
(3307/3748)
1900 (4189)
750 (1653)
1800/1900
(3968/4189)
1900 (4189)
750 (1653)
2000/2000
(4409/4409)
2000 (4409)
750 (1653)
2000/2000
(4409/4409)
2000 (4409)
Trailer nose weight kg (lb) 90 (198)
Roof load kg (lb) 100 (220)
Luggage compartment capacity acc. to VDA test l (cu.ft) 460 (16.2)
If you make full use of the quoted trailer load limit on gradients up to 12X and also wish to load the car itself up to its per-
missible gross weight limit, you are recommended not to drive up gradients steeper than 10X.
Do not exceed either the axle load limits or the car's gross weight limit.

218nWeights – saloon
BMW 540i BMW 525td BMW 525tds BMW 530d
with manual gearbox
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
1705 (3759)
1735 (3825)
1580 (3483)
–
1585 (3494)
1615 (3560)
1650 (3638)
1660 (3660)
with manual gearbox
with manual gearbox
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
2170 (4784)
2200 (4850)
2260 (4982)
2290 (5049)
2015 (4442)
–
2080 (4586)
–
2020 (4453)
2050 (4519)
2090 (4608)
2120 (4674)
2115 (4663)
2125 (4685)
2205 (4861)
2215 (4883)
Front axle load limit kg (lb) 1090 (2403) 1020 (2249) 1020 (2249) 1060 (2337)
kg (lb)
1200 (2646)
1305 (2877)
1135 (2502)
1240 (2734)
1135 (2502)
1240 (2734)
1170 (2579)
1275 (2811)
unbraked
braked, gradients up to 12X
(supplementary permit)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
750 (1653)
2000 (4409)
2000 (4409)
750 (1653)
1900 (4189)
1900 (4189)
750 (1653)
1900 (4189)
1900 (4189)
750 (1653)
2000 (4409)
2000 (4409)
Luggage compartment capacity acc. to VDA test litres
(cu.ft)
460 (16.2)

219n
Weights – touring
BMW 520i BMW 523i BMW 528i
with manual gearbox
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
1645 (3627)
1675 (3693)
1655 (3649)
1685 (3715)
1690 (3726)
1720 (3792)
with manual gearbox
with manual gearbox
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
2195 (4839)
2225 (4905)
2125 (4685) or
2195 (4839)
2225 (4905)
2205 (4861)
2235 (4927)
2205 (4861)
2235 (4927)
2200 (4850)
2230 (4916)
2200 (4850)
2230 (4916)
Front axle load limit kg (lb) 1000 (2205) 1000 (2205) 1010 (2227)
kg (lb)
1275 (2811)
1360 (2998)
1275 (2811)
1360 (2998)
1290 (2844)
1380 (3042)
unbraked
braked, gradients up to 12X (manual gearbox/auto-
matic transmission)
braked, max. gradient 8X (with supplementary permit)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
750 (1653)
1600/1700
(3527/3748)
1900 (4189)
750 (1653)
1800/1900
(3968/4189)
1900 (4189)
750 (1653)
2000/2000
(4409/4409)
2000 (4409
Luggage compartment capacity acc. to VDA test l (cu.ft) 410–1525 (14.5–53.8)
BMW 520i with manual gearbox: 1600 kg (3527 lb) trailer load only up to a gross vehicle weight of 2125 kg (4685 lb). If the
full gross vehicle weight of 2195 kg (4839 lb) is utilised, the max. towing load is only 1530 kg (3373 lb).

220nWeights – touring
BMW 540i BMW 525tds BMW 530d
with manual gearbox
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
1815 (4001)
1845 (4067)
1695 (3737)
1725 (1725)
1760 (3880)
1770 (3902)
with manual gearbox
with manual gearbox
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
2280 (5026)
2310 (5093)
2370 (5225)
2400 (5291)
2205 (4861)
2235 (4927)
2205 (4861)
2235 (4927)
2310 (5093)
2320 (5115)
2310 (5093)
2320 (5115)
Front axle load limit kg (lb) 1095 (2414) 1040 (2293) 1065 (2348)
kg (lb)
1275 (2811)
1410 (3108)
1280 (2822)
1370 (3020)
1300 (2866)
1390 (3064)
unbraked
braked, gradients up to 8X (supplementary permit)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
kg (lb)
750 (1653)
2000 (4409)
2000 (4409)
750 (1653)
1900 (4189)
1900 (4189)
750 (1653)
2000 (4409)
2000 (4409)
Luggage compartment capacity acc. to VDA test l (cu.ft) 410–1525 (14.5–53.8)

221n
Performance – saloon
Top speed
km/h (mph)
km/h (mph)
220 (136)
210 (130)
228 (141)
226 (140)
240 (149)
235 (146)
250 (155)
247 (153)
Acceleration from
0 to 50 km/h (0 to 31 mph) s 3.3 2.8 2.6 2.5
0 to 80 km/h (0 to 50 mph) s 6.8 5.8 5.3 5.0
0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) s 10.2 (11.5) 8.5 (9.7) 7.5 (8.8) 6.9 (7.6)
0 to 120 km/h (0 to 75 mph) s 13.9 11.6 10.6 9.7
80 to 120 km/h
(50 to 75 mph) in 4th gear
s 10.7 9.2 8.2 7.4
Standing-start kilometre s 31.1 (32.7) 29.2 (30.5) 28.2 (29.4) 27.1 (28.1)
BMW 540i BMW 525td BMW 525tds BMW 530d
Top speed
km/h (mph)
km/h (mph)
250 (155)
(governed)
250 (155)
(governed)
198 (123)
–
211 (131)
205 (127)
225 (139)
225 (139)
Acceleration from
0 to 50 km/h (0 to 31 mph) s 2.5 3.8 3.4 2.9
0 to 80 km/h (0 to 50 mph) s 4.6 8.0 7.0 5.6
0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) s 6.2 (6.5) 11.9 10.4 (11.0) 8.1 (8.4)
0 to 120 km/h (0 to 75 mph) s 8.5 17.1 14.4 11.1
80 to 120 km/h
s 6.2 11.7 9.4 7.2
Standing-start kilometre s 25.9 (26.5) 33.3 31.6 (32.3) 28.8 (29.6)
Values in ( ): – with automatic transmission

222nPerformance – touring
BMW 520i BMW 523i BMW 528i
Top speed
km/h (mph)
km/h (mph)
212 (131)
209 (129)
224 (139)
222 (137)
233 (144)
229 (142)
Acceleration from
0 to 50 km/h (0 to 31 mph) s 3.3 2.9 2.6
0 to 80 km/h (0 to 50 mph) s 7.0 6.0 5.5
0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) s 10.6 (11.9) 8.9 (10.2) 7.9 (9.3)
0 to 120 km/h (0 to 75 mph) s 14.5 12.2 11.1
80 to 120 km/h
s 10.7 9.0 8.4
Standing-start kilometre s 31.6 (33.4) 29.7 (31.1) 28.8 (30.1)
BMW 540i BMW 525tds BMW 530d
Top speed
km/h (mph)
km/h (mph)
250 (155) (governed)
250 (155) (governed)
210 (130)
203 (126)
222 (137)
222 (137)
Acceleration from
0 to 50 km/h (0 to 31 mph) s 2.4 3.4 2.9
0 to 80 km/h (0 to 50 mph) s 4.6 7.2 5.7
0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) s 6.3 (6.7) 10.7 (11.4) 8.3 (8.9)
0 to 120 km/h (0 to 75 mph) s 8.8 14.9 11.6
80 to 120 km/h
s 6.6 9.9 7.6
Standing-start kilometre s 26.2 (26.9) 32.0 (32.7) 29.3 (30.2)
Values in ( ): – with automatic transmission

223n
Filling capacities
Litres (Imp. units) Note
Fuel tank
– including reserve of
approx. 70 (15.4 gal.)
approx. 8 (1.8 gal.) – with 6-cylinder engine
approx. 10 (2.1 gal.) – with 8-cylinder engine
Fuel grade: page 25
Windscreen washer
incl. headlamp cleaning system
Intensive cleaning system
approx. 3.5 (6.2 pints) – Saloon
approx. 6.0 (10.6 pints) – touring
approx. 6.0 (10.6 pints)
approx. 1.0 (1.8 pints)
For further details, page 156
Cooling system, incl. heater circuit 8.5 (99.9 pints) – BMW 520i, 523i, 528i
12.5 (22.0 pints) – BMW 535i, 540i
10.0 (99.9 pints) – BMW 525td/tds
9.2 (16.2 pints) – BMW 530d
For further details, page 160
Engine oil with filter renewal 6.5 (11.4 pints) – BMW 520i, 523i, 528i
7.5 (13.2 pints) – BMW 535i, 540i
6.75 (99.9 pints) – BMW 525td/tds
7.0 (12.3 pints) – BMW 530d
Long-life oil for spark-ignition
and diesel engines.
Oil grades: page 158
Manual gearbox, automatic transmission
and final drive
– Permanently filled, no oil
changes

224nElectrical system V-belts
Battery
BMW 520i, 523i, 528i:
12 V, 70 Amp/h
BMW 535i, 540i:
12 V, 90 Amp/h
BMW 525td/tds, 530d:
12 V, 95 Amp/h
Spark plugs
NGK BKR 6 EQUP
Bosch FGR 7 DQP
BMW 520i, 523i, 528i
Coolant pump – alternator – power
steering
Ribbed, 6 K x 1538
Air conditioning compressor
Ribbed, 5 K x 906
BMW 535i, 540i
steering
Ribbed, 7 K–LB x 1635
Ribbed, 5 K x 1007
BMW 525td/tds
steering
Ribbed, 5 K x 1815
Ribbed, 4 PK x 781
BMW 530d
steering
Ribbed, 5 PK x 2063
Ribbed, 5 PK x 810
You can obtain Original BMW
Parts and Accessories together
with competent advice from BMW Serv-
ice.<

225n

226n

Initial overview
Controls in detail
and general care
Minor repairs
Technical data
Index
227n
From A to Z 228
Minor repairs from A to Z 234

From A to Z
A
ABS (anti-lock brake
system) 21, 130
Acceleration 221
Accessories 5
Activated charcoal filter 105
Adaptive Transmission Con-
trol 67, 202
Aerial 136
Aerial diversity 204
Air conditioning,
automatic 102
Air distribution 96, 102
Air outlets 94
Air supply 96, 103
Air vents 100
Airbags 21, 59, 170, 203
Alarm system 44
Alloy wheels 141
Antifreeze 133, 160
Anti-glare interior mirror 205
(ABS) 21, 130
Anti-theft system 44
Aquaplaning 128, 137
Artificial leather, care 167
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)
21, 86, 203
Ashtrays 111
AUC (Automatic Recircu-
lated Air Control) 103
Automatic air
conditioning 100
Automatic Recirculated Air
Control (AUC) 103
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)
21, 86, 203
Automatic transmission
21, 67
Steptronic 69
Changing remote control
battery 185
New transmitter 185
Auxiliary heater control, see
radio operating instruc-
tions
Auxiliary heater, remote con-
trol 108
Average fuel consump-
tion 83
Average speed 83
Axle loads 217
B
Battery 190, 224
Charging 191
Removing and
installing 191
State of charge 191
Battery capacity 224
Battery changing
Remote control for auxil-
iary heater 185
Beam throw adjustment 91
Belt catch tensioner 204
Biodiesel 26
Blower 96, 103
BMW Comfort seat 51
Brake fluid 161
Brake hydraulics, brake
pads 20
Brake lights
Changing bulb 179
Brakes 131
Malfunctions 132
Breakdown Service 196
Bulb-changing 177
C
Can holder 110
Car care, exterior 165
Car care, interior 167
Car keys 34
Car Memory 57
Car phone 110, 136
Car phone malfunctions 136
Car phone, see separate
operating instructions
Car radio reception 136, 204
Car radio, see separate
Car washes 164
Caravan towing 123
Care of car 133
Care of car, exterior 165
Cassette operation,
see radio operating
instructions
CD operation, see radio
Central locking 36
Button, safety buttons on
doors 39
Centre brake light 181
Chassis number 162
Check Control 80
Check Control button 80
Child seat 61
Clock, see radio operating
instructions
O emissions 213
Code, see radio operating
instructions
Comfort seat 51
Compartments in load
area 118
Computer 83
Consumption 78
Controls 14
Coolant 133, 160
A – Z

From A to Z 229n
Cruise control 75
Cup holder 110
D
Date, see radio operating
instructions
Daytime dipped head-
lamps 90
DBC (Dynamic Brake Con-
trol) 22, 132
Deadlock 44
Defogging windows 99
Defrost setting 102
Defrosting windows 99
Demisting windows 99
Diesel fuel 26, 133
Diesel-engine injection sys-
tem 136
Digital clock, see radio oper-
ating instructions
(DDE) 136
Dimensions 215
Dipped headlamps 90
Dipstick 157
Disc brakes 131
Displacement 212
Display lighting 90
Displays 16
Door keys 34
Doors
Locking and unlocking 36
Manual operation 36
Remote control 37
Driving area 14
Driving hints
Aquaplaning 128
DSC (Dynamic Stability Con-
trol) 21, 86, 203
DSP amplifier, refer to Radio
Owner's Manual
DSP Digital Sound Proces-
sor 205
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 22, 132
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 21, 86, 203
E
Eco-diesel 26
EDC (Electronic Damping
Control) 87
Electric mirror heating 54
Electric windows 46
Electrical consumer
failure 192
Electrical defect
Sunroof 194
Tailgate (touring) 195
(EDC) 87
Electronic immobilizer 35
Emergency operation,
doors 36
load area 40
luggage compartment 40
tailgate 40
Emergency Service 196
Energy Control 78
Engine compartment lid
release 147
Engine data 212
Engine oil 157
Engine oil consumption 157
Engine oil grades 158
Engine oil level 20, 21
Engine oil level check 157
Engine oil pressure 20
Engine size 212
Equipment fitted, see Serv-
ice Booklet
F
Failure displays 80
Fault displays 80
First aid kit 24
Flashing turn indicator
repeaters 22
Flat battery 196
Flooding 128
Fog lights 92
Changing bulb 179
Folding rear seat back 113
Foot brake 131
Footwell lights 93
Changing bulb 182
Foreign use 171
Front seat adjustment 49
Frost protection,
radiator 160
Fuel additives 133
Fuel consumption 78
Fuel consumption
figures 213
Fuel consumption,
average 83
Fuel filler flap 25
Release if an electrical
defect occurs 194
Fuel gauge 78
Fuel grade 25
Fuel reserve telltale 78
Fuel tank 223
Fuses 192
G
Gearbox, manual-shift 66
Glove box 109
Glove box light, changing
bulb 182
Grills 100
Gross weight 217

From A to Z
H
Hand lamp 109
Handbrake 21, 65
Hands-free system 110
Head airbags 59
Head restraints 50
Headlamp cleaning
system 74
Headlamp flasher 72
Headlight adjustment driving
on right/left 171
Headlight beam throw
adjustment 91
Headlight cleaning
system 156
Headlight covers, care of
164, 177
Heat accumulator 206
Heated rear window 75, 96
Heated seats 106
Heating and ventilation
94, 100
Heating with engine
stopped 104
Heating, rapid 98
Heavy loads 121
Height 215
HiFi system 205
High-beam headlamps
22, 91
Changing bulb 177
Horn 15
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
see DBC 22, 132
I
Ice warning 77
Ice, removing from
windows 102
Ignition switch 63
Immobilizer 35
Independent ventilation 107
Inside mirror 54
Inspection 79
Instrument cluster 16
instrument cluster switch 72
Instrument panel 14
Integral rear suspension 206
Integrated children's
seats 61
Intensive cleaning
system 156
Intensive cleaning, auto-
matic 73
Interior light 37, 92
Remote control 37
Interior lights
Changing bulb 182
dip 205
Interior movement protec-
tion 44
Interlock 63
Intermittent-wipe setting 72
J
Jack 186
Jump starting 196
K
Key Memory 57
Keys 34
Keys with radio remote con-
trol 34
Keys, replacing 34
Knock control 25
L
Lashing down loads 43, 121
Lashing points 43
Latent heat accumulator 206
Leather, care of 168
Length 215
Licence plate lights, chang-
ing bulb 181
Light switch 90
Lights-on warning 90
Load area 40, 117
Load area capacity 217
Load area cover, touring 117
Load area lights 40
Changing bulb 182
Load area net 43
Load floor, removable 120
Load, securing 121
Locks 133
Long-life oils 158
Low-beam headlamps 90
Changing bulb 177
Capacity 217
Remote control 38
Securing separately 40
Luggage compartment lid 40
Opening from inside car 41
Luggage compartment
lights 92
Changing bulb 182
Lumbar support 51
M
M+S tyres 140
Magic eye, see battery state
of charge 191
Maintenance 79, 163
Make-up mirrors 54
Malfunction displays 80
Manual gearbox 66
Manual operation of
tailgate 40
Memory 55
MFL (multifunctional steering
wheel) 23
Micro-filter 97, 105
Microphone 110

From A to Z 231n
MID (Multi-Information Dis-
play), see radio operating
instructions
Mirror memory 55
Mirror, anti-glare 54
Mirror, inside, automatic-
dip 54
Mirrors 53
Mirrors, outside, automatic-
dip 55
Mobile phone, see separate
Mobile telephones 136
Modifications, technical
5, 172
Multifunctional steering
wheel (MFL) 23
Multi-Information Display
(MID), see radio operating
instructions
N
Navigation system, see
separate operating
instructions
Net, protective (touring) 117
Non-smoker equipment 112
Nose weight 124
Nozzles 100
O
OBD socket 172
Octane numbers 25
Odometer 77
Oil additives 157
Oil change intervals
Oil for power steering 162
Oil grades 158
Oil level
Checking 157
Oil level warning light 21
Oil pressure warning light 20
Oil Service 79
Old batteries 192
On-board computer, see
also radio operating
instructions
Operating range 83
Outside mirrors 53
Outside temperature
display 77
Outside temperature,
computer display 83
P
Paint, protecting 166
Paintwork 165
Paintwork repairs 166
Paintwork, removing dirt 165
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 85
Parking aid 85
Parking brake 65
Parking in winter 134
Parking lights 91
Changing bulb 178
PDC (Park Distance
Control) 85
Performance 212, 221
Petrol 25
Pollen 105
Pollen filter 97
Power socket 112
Power steering 135
Pre-heating 22, 63
Pressed-steel wheels 141
Protective glass, care of 166
Protective net 117
Pull-out load-area floor 120
Punctures 137, 186
R
Radiator 133
Radio Data System
(RDS) 204
Radio reception 136, 204
Radio telephones 136
Radio, see separate operat-
ing instructions
Rain sensor 73, 207
Range 83
Rapeseed oil methyl ester 26
RDC (Tyre Pressure
Control) 88, 208
RDS (Radio Data
System) 204
Reading lights 93
Rear fog lights 92
Changing bulb 179
Rear light 179
Rear lights
Changing bulb 179
Rear lights, changing bulb
(touring) 180
Rear seat back, folding 113
Rear window
Opening 41
Rear window heating 75
Rear window washer, auto-
matic 74
Rear window wiper 74
Renewing wiper blade 176
Rear window, heated
96, 104
Recirculated air mode
96, 103
Reclining seat mecha-
nism 49
Recycling 173
Refuelling 25
Remote control 37
Changing battery 183
New transmitter 184

From A to Z
Remote control, auxiliary
heater 108
Removable load floor 120
Replacement keys 34
Residual heat 104
Restraint system 61
Retaining straps 43
Retreaded tyres 138
Return of vehicles 173
Reverse 66
Reversing lamps 66
Reversing lights
Changing bulb 179
Roller sunblinds 106
Roller-blind cover, touring
Load area cover,
touring 117
Roof load 217
Roof rack 122
Rubber parts 133
Rule of the road
Adjusting headlamps 171
Running-in 128
S
Seat back adjustment 49
Seat belts 58, 59
Seat heating 106
Seat height adjustment
49, 51
Seat memory 55
Seat, electrically adjusted 51
Seat, manually adjusted 49
Seats, adjusting 49
Selecting desired memory
settings 57
Selector lever, automatic
transmission 67
Self-levelling suspension 22,
135, 207
Service Booklet 163
Service Interval indicator
79, 163
Servicemobile, see Emer-
gency Service 196
Servotronic 135
Shiftlock 67, 69
Shoulder support 51
Side airbags 59
Side lights 90
Changing bulb 178
Ski bag 114
Ski bag, touring 116
Skidding 134
Closing if an electrical
defect occurs 194
Snow chains 133, 140
Socket 112
Socket for On-Board Diag-
nosis 172
Spare keys 34
Spare wheel 186
Spark plugs 224
Special oils 158
Speech input (see also
separate operating
instructions) 23
Speedometer 16
Split rear seat back 113
Sport seat 50, 52
Starting difficulties 129, 196
Starting problems 64, 198
Starting with a flat
battery 196
Steering 135
Steering lock 63
Steering wheel heating 106
Steering wheel height
adjustment 52
Steering wheel memory 55
Steering wheel, adjusting 52
Steptronic 69
Stopwatch, see radio operat-
ing instructions
Storage space 109
Stratified temperature con-
trol 97
Rear-seat area ventila-
tion 104
Summer tyres 139
Summer-grade diesel
fuel 133
Sun roller blind 106
Sun visors 54
Sunroof 47
Convenient closure and
opening 36
Manual operation 194
Symbols 4, 190
T
Tailgate
Manual operation 40, 195
Opening from inside car 41
Securing separately 40
Technical modifications
5, 172
Telephone 110
Telephone, preparation for
installing 110
Telephone, see separate
Telltale lights 20
Temperature display, engine
coolant 79
Temperature, adjusting
96, 102
Thiefproof wheel studs 189
Thigh support, adjusting
50, 52
Third brake light 181

From A to Z 233n
Tilt alarm sensor 37, 45
Timer, see radio operating
instructions
Tools 176
Top speed 221
Topping up engine oil 157
Torch 109
Torque 212
touring
Changing load area light
bulb 182
Compartments in load
area 118
Folding rear seat back 117
Lashing loads 121
Load area 117
Opening rear window 41
Rear window wiper 74
Releasing tailgate if an
electrical defect
occurs 195
Renewing rear window
wiper blade 176
Securing load 121
Ski bag 116
Towbar downthrust 124, 217
Towing away 197, 198
Towing eyes 197
Tow-starting 197, 198
Track 215
Traction control, see ASC+T
and/or DSC 86
Trailer loads 217
Trailer nose weight 217
Trailer tow hitch, cover
flap 124
Trailer towing 123
Transmitter initialising
(remote control) 184
Tread depth, tyres 137
Trip distance recorder 77
Turn indicators 72
Changing bulb 178
Turning circle 215
Type plate 162
Tyre changing 138, 186
Tyre damage 137
Tyre inscriptions 139
Tyre markings 139
Tyre Pressure Control
(RDC) 88, 208
Tyre pressure monitoring
88, 208
Tyre pressures 27, 137
Tyre sizes 141
Tyre tread 137
U
Unladen weight 217
Upholstery, care of 168
V
Vacuum cleaner, connect
ing 112
V-belts 224
Vehicle identification 162
Vehicle recycling 173
Ventilation 97, 100
Ventilation grilles 94
Ventilation outlets 94
Ventilation, auxiliary 107
Ventilation, draught-free
97, 104
Ventilation, rear-seat area 97
Vents, ventilation 100
Voice input 23
W
Warm feet – cool head
97, 104
Warning displays 80
Warning lights 20
Warning triangle 24
Washer jets, adjusting 156
Washing the car 164
windscreen 166, 209
Water on road 128
Weights 217
Wheel changing 186
Wheel covers 187
Wheel stud wrench 186
Wheel studs 187
Wheel studs, lockable 189
Wheelbase 215
Wheels 139
Wheels and tyres 139, 141
Wheels, interchanging 138
Width 215
Window lifts 46
Windows
Convenient closure and
opening 36
Remote control 37
Safety switches 46
Windows, defrosting 99, 102
Windscreen washer reser-
voir, refilling 156
Windscreen washer, auto-
matic 73
Windscreen wipers 72
Windscreen, water- and dirt-
repellent 166, 209
Winter driving 133
Winter tyres 139, 140
Winter-grade diesel fuel 133
Wiper blades, renewing 176
Wipers 72
Wool velour, care of 168
Work on engine 147
X
Xenon headlamps 91, 178,
208

A
Anti-freeze, adding 161
B
Battery changing
Remote control for
auxiliary heater 185
Battery, recharging 191
Battery, state of charge 191
Bonnet, opening 147
Brake fluid, adding 161
Brake lights, changing
bulb 179
Brakes, malfunctioning 132
Breakdown Service 196
Bulb changing 177
C
Changing tyres 186
Check-Control 80
Checking oil level 157
Coolant, adding 161
D
Defect tyre 186
Defrosting 103
Defrosting windows 99, 103
De-icing windows 99, 103
Demisting windows 99, 103
Diesel, Fuel injection mal-
function 136
Door, manual operation 36
E
Electrical consumer
failure 192
Electrical fault
Emergency operation
Doors 36
Luggage compartment
lid 40, 195
Emergency Service 196
Engine compartment, open-
ing 147
Engine oil grades 158
Engine oil level check 157
Engine oil, topping up 157
F
Failure indications 80
Fault indications 80
Filling windscreen washer
fluid 156
First aid box 24
Flashing turn indicator,
changing bulb 178
Flat battery 196
Fog lights, changing
bulb 179
Footwell lights, changing
bulb 182
Fuel filler flap, unlocking in
the event of an electrical
fault 194
G
Glove box light, changing
bulb 182
H
Headlamp adjustment, rule
of the road 171
Headlight covers, care
of 177
High-beam headlights, bulb
changing 177
I
Interior lights, changing
bulb 182
L
Licence plate lights, chang-
ing bulb 181
Low-beam headlights, bulb
changing 177
Emergency operation 40
Luggage compartment/load
area lights, changing
bulb 182
M
Maintenance 79, 163
Manual operation
Doors 36
40, 195
N
New transmitter
Remote control for auxilia-
ry heating 185
O
Oil grades 158
P
Parking light, changing
bulb 178
Power steering oil,
adding 162
Protective glass, care of 166
R
Radio interior movement
detector, switching off 45
Rear fog light, changing
bulb 179
Rear lights, changing
bulb 179
Minor repairs from A to Z

235n
Rear lights, changing bulb
(touring) 180
Rear window wiper, renew-
ing blade 176
Rear window wiper, renew-
ing blade (touring) 176
Recharging battery 191
Remote control
Battery changing 183
New transmitter 184
Remote control for auxiliary
heater
Battery changing 185
New transmitter 185
Renewing fuses 192
Reserve wheel 186
Reversing light, changing
bulb 179
Rule of the road
Headlamp adjustment 171
S
Self-levelling suspension
inactive 135
Servicemobile, see Emer-
gency Service 196
Side light, changing bulb 178
Sliding/tilting sunroof
Closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction 194
Power supply failed 48
Sliding/tilting sunroof, clos-
ing (electrical defect) 194
Snow chains 140
Spare wheel 186
Starting difficulties 64, 129,
198
Starting problems 196
Starting with a flat
battery 196
Steering stiff to turn 135
T
Telltale lights 20
Tilt alarm, switching off 45
Toolkit 176
touring
Fuel filler flap, unlocking in
the event of an electrical
fault 194
Luggage compartment lid,
unlocking in the event of
an electrical fault 195
Towing 198
Towing away 197
Towing eyes 197
Tow-starting 197
Tyre damage 137
Tyre pressures, checking 27
W
Warning lights 20
Warning signals 80
Warning triangle 24
Washer fluid, topping up 156
Washer jets, adjusting 156
Washer reservoir, filling 156
Wheel stud wrench 186
Wheel-changing 186
Windows 103
Windows, defrosting 99
Windscreen washer reser-
voir 156
Windscreen wiper blades,
renewing 176
Wiper blades, renewing 176
Working on engine 147
Minor repairs from A to Z

So that you always have access to the
data you need when refuelling, you are
recommended to add the relevant infor-
mation to the table shown here.
Fuel
For description, see page 25
Engine oil
The quantity of oil between the two dip-
stick marks is approx. 1 litre (1.75 pints).
Designation
RON: for nominal power out-
put
RON: also permitted
RON: minimum, use only if
unavoidable
Grade
Tyre pressures
Summer Winter
front rear front rear
4 persons
5 persons or 4 plus luggage
Refuelling stop

The Ultimate Driving Machine
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Bmw e39 - 5series owners handbook

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