Page 158 of 238

158nApproved wheel and tire specifications – sport wagon
Tire specifications Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel
BMW 525i
All season tires
225/60 R 15 96 H M+S – 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S – 7Jx16
Summer tires
225/60 R 15 96 W – 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y – 8Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
225/60 R 15 96 Q 7Jx15 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 Q – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q – 8Jx17
BMW 540i
All season tires
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S – 7Jx16
Summer tires
225/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y – 8Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
225/55 R 16 95 Q – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q – 8Jx17Pay attention to the specifications for
tires and wheels in the vehicle's docu-
ments. If sizes not approved by the
manufacturer are mounted, an entry in
the vehicle's documents may be neces-
sary. Comply with local legislation.
Snow chains*
For tires on 17-inch wheels, it is not
possible to mount snow chains. The use of rims and wheel bolts
that do not meet the specifica-
tions of the original factory-installed
equipment will affect the safe operation
of your vehicle and may cause an acci-
dent and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol. <
Page 171 of 238

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
171nCaring for your car
Washing your car
You can have your new BMW washed
in an automatic car wash. Car wash
systems that do not employ brushes
are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
To prevent spots, avoid washing when
the hood is still warm, or immediately
after and during exposure to strong
sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle.
> No damage will occur on vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). If you are
uncertain, consult the manager of the
car wash.
> The wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system.
> The vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing. Vehicles with rain sensor
*:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
from automatic car washes or insects,
for example, can cause malfunctions in
the function of the rain sensor.
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-
matic car washes. If you do not,
damage may occur if the wipers switch
on unintentionally. <
Parts of the vehicle which are inacces-
sible to the automatic washer – such as
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. –
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially im-
portant to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also cause damage to
the vehicle. If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's sur-
face. Inadequate distance and exces-
sive pressure can damage or weaken
the finish, making it more susceptible to
subsequent attack. In addition, mois-
ture could penetrate to vehicle compo-
nents, leading to long-term damage. < When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
> Do not wipe dry (scratches). Never
use abrasives or strong
solvents to clean the covers
> Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water
> Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow – never
use an ice scraper. <
After washing the car, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them. Braking
efficiency might otherwise be reduced
by the moisture, and the brake rotors
could also be corroded. <
Page 232 of 238

Everything from A to ZManual operation
doors38t
fuel filler door198t
luggage compartment lid/
tailgate43, 199
sliding/tilt sunroof198t
tailgate199t
Manual transmission70
Manually controlled
recirculated-air117
Master key36
Mechanical seat53
Memo93
Memory58
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)25
Microfilter112, 119
MID (Multi-Information
Display)91
computer95
digital clock92
Mirror56
heating57
memory58
Mirrors with automatic
dimming feature211
Mobile communication
systems, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobile phones149
Modifications,
technical6, 177
Moonroof51Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)25
Multi-Information Display
(MID)91
NNeck rest53
Nonsmoker equipment126
Nozzles114OOBD connector178
OBD interface socket178
Odometer83
Oil
additives165
consumption165
grades166
Oil change interval, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or to the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Oil dipstick165
Oil level, indicator lamp23
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp23
Oil specifications166t
OILSERVICE85
Old batteries195Onboard computer, refer
also to computer
Onboard monitor, refer also
to the separate Owner's
Manual
Onboard tool kit182t
Opening and closing
from the inside42
from the outside38
Operating range89
Outlets, ventilation108, 114
Outside temperature89
display83
PPaint
blemishes172
care172
minor repairs173
waxing173
Paintwork, refer to paint
Park Distance Control
(PDC)100
Parking184
Parking brake23, 70
Parking help100
Parking lamp, bulb
replacement184t
Parking lamps106
Parking, winter148PDC (Park Distance
Control)100
Playing cassettes, refer to
the Radio Owner's Manual
Playing CDs, refer to the
Radio Owner's Manual
Pocket light124
Pollen112
Pollen filter119
Power51
Power steering148
Power windows49
safety switch50
Power-slip control, refer to
ASC+T/DSC102
Pressure, tire30, 150
monitoring103, 213
Pressure, tires29t, 150t
RRadio149
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Radio reception149, 209
Rain sensor78, 171, 212
RDC (Tire Pressure
Control)103, 213
Reading lamps107
Rear window blind120
Rear window
defroster80, 110, 118
Rear window wiper80
Page 235 of 238

Everything from A to Z
235n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Used batteries195
Used oil, disposal167VValve caps154
Vanity mirror57
Vehicle battery193
Vehicle care
exterior172
interior174
Vehicle Identification
Number169
Vehicle immobilizer37
Vehicle painting172
Vehicle removal from
service176
Vehicle storage176
Ventilation108, 112, 114
draft-free111, 118
in the rear111, 119
while parked120
Vinyl upholstery, care174
Viscosity166
Voice recognition26
refer also to the Radio
Owner's ManualWWarm feet – cool
head111, 119
Warning lamp "Please fasten
safety belts"23Warning lamps22t
Warning messages86t
Warning triangle27t
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian
models)170
Washer fluid reservoir,
filling164
Washer nozzles164
Washing your car171
Water on the roads141
Waxing, paintwork173
Wear indicator in the
tires150
Weight221
Wheel, changing190t
Wheelbase219
Wheels and tires153, 156
Width219
Windows
convenience operation38
remote control40
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment164
Windshield washer reservoir,
filling164
Windshield wipers78
Winter driving146
Winter operation146
Winter tires154
Wiper blade
replacement182tWiper/Washer system78
Work in the engine
compartment159t
XXenon lamps105, 184, 215