Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
53nAdjusting steering wheel Mirrors
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment
(only in conjunction with seat, mirror
and steering wheel memory)
In order to make it easier to get into and
out of the vehicle, the steering wheel
automatically moves into the top posi-
tion and returns to the driving (memory)
position.
This automatic feature is controlled by
the position of the ignition key and by
the driver's door.
Exterior mirrors
1 Mirror switch for 4-way adjustment
2 Left/right selection switch
You can also adjust the mirrors manu-
ally by pressing against the outer edges
of their lenses.
To store the mirror settings, refer to
"Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory" on page 55.
Before going through a car wash,
manually fold the outside mirrors
inward, otherwise they could be
damaged, depending on the width of
the car wash system. <
530us029
The mirror on the passenger's
side features a lens with a more
convex surface than the mirror installed
on the driver's side. When estimating
the distance between yourself and
other traffic, bear in mind that the
objects reflected in the mirror are closer
than they appear. This means that esti-
mations of the distance to following
traffic should not be regarded as
precise. <
Self-defrosting mirrors
Both mirrors are defrosted automati-
cally when the ignition key is in
position 2.
124n
Cargo areaFold the rear backrests downReach into the recess and pull forward
(arrow).
The rear backrest is divided into two
sections (one-third and two-thirds of
the width of the seat). You can fold
either section of the backrest down
separately in order to increase the
capacity of the cargo area.
When you close the backrest, be
sure that the catch engages
securely. The red warning indicator
disappears in the recess when the
retainer is locked.
The center safety belt can be retracted
only when the larger backrest is
engaged.< 530us076
Cargo area coverPull the cover out by the handle and
hook it in the rear holders.
You can carry light objects such as
articles of clothing on the cover.
Do not place heavy or hard
objects on the cover. If you do so,
they could pose a danger to vehicle
occupants during a braking or evasive
maneuver.<
Before you slide it back into position,
place the grip in the rear fold of the
cover.530us079
When the cover is pulled out, it can be
opened behind the rear-seat backrest
to gain access to the cargo area from
the rear seats during a trip, for example.
For removing the cover: refer to the
next page. 530us154
146n
Tire replacement To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. BMW tests and approves
wheel/tire combinations. Refer to
page 148. DOT Quality GradesTreadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must
conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these
grades.< TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half (1g) times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering,
aquaplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to a sudden flat
tire. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible a flat tire.< Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
Do not use retreaded tires, since
driving safety may be impaired by
their use. This is due to the possible
variations in casing structures and, in
some cases, to their extreme age,
which can lead to a decrease in their
durability.<
148n
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
Use only wheels and tires
approved by BMW for the corre-
sponding vehicle model, as otherwise
the tires may make contact with the
body as the result of tolerances despite
the same nominal size being used,
resulting in serious accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
For wheel and tire specifications
approved by BMW, refer to page 150.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such
as ABS, ATC and DSC. The function of
these systems is impaired if improper
wheel-tire combinations are used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern on the
vehicle and, for example, restore the
approved wheel-tire combination
following a flat tire as soon as
possible.<
Codes on the tires and wheels The code on tires has the following
meaning.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the
approved 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 X
Belt rating code for
radial tires
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
235/65 R 17 104 H
All-season, all-terrain and winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes on light-alloy wheels:
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in
the valves frequently leads to slow
leaks. Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light when-
ever possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel. Example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Special extended hump
on the 2 rim shoulders
7.5 x 17 SEH 2
J
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
163n
Caring for your vehicleWashing your vehicle 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.
Before washing the vehicle in a
car wash, fold in the exterior
mirrors manually, otherwise they may
be damaged on account of the width of
the 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.
Deactivate the rain sensor in auto-
matic car washes. If you do not,
damage may occur if the wipers switch
on unintentionally.<
Parts of the vehicle that are inacces-
sible to the automatic car wash — such
as door sills, door and hood edges, etc.
— should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially
important 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
surface. Inadequate distance and
excessive pressure can damage or
weaken the finish, making it more
susceptible to subsequent attack. In
addition, moisture could penetrate to
vehicle components, 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 a scraper.<
After washing the vehicle, apply
the brakes briefly to dry them.
Braking efficiency might otherwise be
reduced by the moisture and the brake
rotors could also be corroded.<
Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
207nDimensions
530de210
All dimensions are given in inch (mm). Height: with level control system 67.2 (1,707); without level control system:
67.5 (1,715). Height with roof-mounted luggage rack: with level control system 68.5 \
(1,740); without level control system: 68.8 (1,748). Track width X5 3.0i: 62 (1,576). Min. turning circle dia.: 39.7 ft (12\
.1 meters)
73.7 (1872)85.8 (2180)
61.4 (1560)61.4 (1560)
111 (2820)
184 (4667)
67.2 (1707
)
81.7 (2076
)
Everything from A to Z
renewal146
rotation between front and
rear 147
specifications 150
tread 145
Tire Quality Grading 146
Tools 174t
Torque 206
Tow fittings 191t
Towing the vehicle 191t
Tow-starting 192t
Track width 207
Traction Control System, refer to DSC 94
Transmission 67, 68
Transporting children safely 61
Tread depth, tires 145
Trip odometer 76
Turn signal indicator 70
bulb replacement 176t
Turning circle 207
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQR) 146
Universal Transmitter 115
Used batteries, disposal 186t
Used oil, disposal 159t
V
Vacuum cleaner
power outlet 127t
socket 121t
Valve caps 148
Vanity mirror 54
Vehicle battery 185, 210
Vehicle care, interior 166
Vehicle Identification Number 161
Vehicle immobilizer 35
Vehicle removal from service 168
Vehicle storage 168
Ventilation 100, 104 , 111
draft-free 103, 111
in the rear 103, 111
while parked 114
Ventilation while parked
Vinyl care 166
Viscosity 158
Voice recognition 26, 27
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
W
Warm feet – cool head 103
Warning lamps 22
Warning messages 79t
Warning triangle 28Warnings
79
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian models) 162
Washer fluid 156
Washer reservoir, filling 156t
Washer/wiper system 71
Washing your vehicle 163
Waxing, paintwork 165
Weights 208
Wheelbase 207
Wheels and tires 148, 150
Width 207
Windows 45
care 166t
convenience operation 36
remote control 38
Windshield cleaning 72
intensive cleaning
program 71
special wash program 71
Windshield washer filling reservoir 156t
nozzle adjustment 156t
Windshield wiper 71
blade replacement 174t
Winter driving 142
Winter operation 141
Winter tires 148, 149 Wiper blade
replacement 174t
Wipers 71
Work in the engine compartment 151t
X
Xenon lamps 176, 202