Page 13 of 238
13n
Technical data
Index
Engine specifications218
Dimensions219
Weights221
Capacities223
Electrical system224
Drive belts224Everything from A to Z228
Page 153 of 238

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
153nTire rotation Wheel and tire combinations
Should you decide to rotate the tires, it
is essential to comply with the follow-
ing: rotate tires on the same side only,
since braking characteristics and road
grip could otherwise be adversely
affected.
Following tire rotation, correct the tire
inflation pressure.
If different tire sizes are mounted
on the front and rear axles (refer to
page 156), the wheels may not be
rotated from one axle to the other.
Use only tires approved by BMW.
Refer to the information beginning on
page 156.
Because of the high speeds this vehicle
can reach, the use of specific tire
brands, specifications and dimensions
is mandatory. Consult any BMW center
for details.
Comply with national, state, or province
regulations.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such
as ABS, ATC, ASC+T/DSC. The func-
tion of these systems is impaired if im-
proper wheel-tire combinations are
used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern. In the
event of a flat tire if you have mounted
winter tires, for example, remount the
approved wheel-tire combination as
soon as possible. <
Codes on tires and wheels
The tire codes will aid you in selecting
the correct tire.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the ap-
proved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR= over 150 mph (240 km/h)Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
235/60 R 16 100 W
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 217 of 238
Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
Overview
Controls and features Operation, care
and maintenance
Technical data Index
Advanced technology
217
n
Owner service procedures
Engine specifications 218
Dimensions 219
Weights 221
Capacities 223
Electrical system 224
Drive belts 224
Data
Page 219 of 238
Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
219n
394us723
Dimensions – sedan
All dimensions are given in inches (mm).
Min. turning circle dia.: BMW 525i, 530i 37.1 ft (11.3 m), BMW 540i 37\
.4 ft (11.4 m)
Page 220 of 238
220nDimensions – sport wagon
392us724All dimensions are given in inches (mm). Height with roof-mounted lugg\
age rack*: 57.4 (1,459)
Min. turning circle dia.: BMW 525i 37.1 ft (11.3 m), BMW 540i 37.4 ft \
(11.4 m)
Page 229 of 238

Everything from A to Z
229n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Car jack190
t
Car keys36
Car Memory60
Car phones, refer to the
seperate Owner's Manual
Car radio reception149
Car telephone125
Car wash171
Care
vehicle exterior172
vehicle interior174
Cargo loading136
Caring for the vehicle
finish173
Catalytic converter142
Cellular phone149
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp, bulb
replacement187
Central locking
system38, 42
Changing a tire190
t
Changing a wheel190
t
Charge indicator lamp22
Charging the battery194
t
Check air pressure30
Check button86
Check Control86
t
Check engine oil
level165
t
Check tire pressures29
t
Child restraint systems62
Child seat62, 66Child seat security67
Child-safety locks67
Cigarette lighter126
Cleaning headlamps79
Cleaning windshield78, 79
Clock92
Clock, refer also to the
onboard monitor
Cockpit16
Code98
activating98
de-activating98
selecting98
Cold start69
Combination switch78
Comfort seat54
Compartments124
Computer89, 95
average fuel
consumption89
average speed89
cruising range89
outside temperature89
remote control99
Computer, refer also to the
onboard monitor Owner's
Manual
Configure settings60
Consumption display84
Consumption, fuel97
Contamination on
paintwork172Convenience operation
sliding/tilt sunroof38
windows38
Convenience starting
feature69
Coolant146, 167
antifreeze146
temperature gauge85
Copyright notice4
Courtesy lamp, bulb
replacement189
t
Cover, sun blinds120
Cruise control81
Cruising range89, 97
Cup holder125
Curb weight221
D
Dashboard16
Data link connector for
Onboard Diagnostics178
Date
calling up92
changing92
Date, refer also to the
onboard monitor Owner's
Manual
Daytime-driving lamp105
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)23, 100, 145Deactivating99
interior motion
sensor40, 48
tilt sensor alarm
system40, 48
Deep water141
Defrost
rear window80
t
Defrost position113, 117
Defrost
windows113, 117
t
Difficult steering148
t
Digital clock92
Digital sound
processing211
Dimensions219
Dipstick, engine oil165
t
Disc brakes144
Disconnect the
battery195
t
Displacement218
Display lighting105
Displays18, 20
Distance96
Distance warning100
Diversity Antenna
system209
Divided rear-seat
backrest128
Door keys36