Page 151 of 186

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbsThe lamps and bulbs are essential 
factors contributing to the safety of your 
vehicle. For this reason, you should 
follow the instructions below carefully 
when replacing a bulb. If you are not 
familiar with any of the procedures, 
consult your BMW center.
Do not touch the glass portion of a 
new bulb with your bare hands 
since even small amounts of impurities 
burn into the surface and reduce the 
service life of the bulb. Use a clean 
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic 
base.< 
A replacement bulb set is available from 
your BMW center.
Whenever working on the elec-
trical system, switch off the elec-
trical accessory you are working on or 
disconnect the cable from the negative 
terminal of the battery. Failure to do this 
could result in short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage, 
comply with any instructions provided 
by the bulb manufacturer.< 
The right side of the engine compart-
ment.
1 Low beams
2 High beams
For checking and adjusting head-
lamp aim, please contact your 
BMW center.< Low and high beamsH7 bulb, 55 watts
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, you should always wear 
safety glasses and protective gloves. 
Failure to observe these precautions 
can result in physical injury if the bulb 
breaks.< 390de767
1. Turn the bulb holder to the left 
(arrow) and remove
2. Remove and replace the bulb.
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 Ð never 
use a scraper.<  
     
        
        Page 153 of 186
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Lamps and bulbsSide turn signals5 watt bulb
1. Use finger pressure against the rear 
end of the lens (arrow) to press it 
forward for removal
2. Press gently on the bulb and turn it to 
the left to remove it.390de768
Front fog lampsH8 bulb, 35 watt
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and 
protective gloves. Failure to observe 
these precautions can result in physical 
injury if the bulb breaks.< 
1. Using a screwdriver, remove the 
mounting clip for the air grill (arrow) 
and remove the grill by bringing it 
toward the front390de671
2. Loosen both screws (arrows)
3. Take off the cover panel next to the 
headlamp
4. Turn the headlamp 903 to the left and 
remove it by bringing it toward the 
front
5. Disconnect the plug
6. Turn the lamp to the left and remove 
it.390de672 
     
        
        Page 173 of 186
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Capacities
 
Notes
Fuel tank
Reservegal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 18.5 (approx. 70) 
approx. 2.0 (approx. 8) Ð BMW 525i, 530i
approx. 2.5 (approx. 10) Ð BMW 540iFuel specification: page 25
Windshield washer system
with headlamp washer system
Intensive cleaning systemquarts (liters)
quarts (liters)
quarts (liters)approx. 3.7 (approx. 3.5)
approx. 6.3 (approx 6.0)
approx. 1.1 (approx 1.0)For details: page 139
Cooling system including 
heater circuitquarts (liters) 11.1 (10.5) Ð BMW 525i, 530i
12.7 (12.0) Ð BMW 540iFor details: page 142
Engine oil and filter change quarts (liters) 6.9 (6.5) Ð BMW 525i, 530i
7.9 (7.5) Ð BMW 540i"BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil." 
For details: page 141
Manual transmission, automatic 
transmission and differentialÐ Ð Lifetime fluid, no fluid 
change required 
     
        
        Page 178 of 186

Everything from A to ZDistance from 
destination92 
Distance warning96 
Divided rear-seat 
backrest119 
Doors 
manual operation33 
opening and closing34 
opening/closing from the 
inside34 
operation via remote 
control34 
DOT Quality Grades134 
Driving notes131 
DSC (Dynamic Stability 
Control)21, 97 
Dynamic Brake Control 
(DBC)20 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)21, 97 E 
Electric power seat50 
Electric power windows44 
Electrical malfunction 
doors33 
fuel filler door24 
luggage compartment 
lid38 
sliding/tilt sunroof47 
tailgate39 Elements of operation14 
Emergency release of 
luggage compartment lid 
from luggage 
compartment's interior41 
Energy control81 
Engine compartment138 
Engine coolant82, 142 
Engine oil140 
consumption140 
disposal141t 
level20 
pressure19 
specifications141t 
viscosity ratings141 
Engine specifications168 
Estimated time of arrival93 
Exterior mirrors57 
F 
Failure messages83t 
Filling the washer 
reservoir139t 
First-aid kit23 
Fittings, tow-starting and 
towing163t 
Flashlight116 Flat tire133, 157t 
Fog lamps102 
bulb replacement153t 
Follow me home101 
Front ashtray117 
Front fog lamps102 
Front seat adjustment48 
Fuel25 
gauge81 
quality25 
specifications25 
tank capacity173 
Fuel consumption86, 93 
average86, 93 
indicator81 
Fuel filler door24 
electrical malfunction24 
manual release24 
Fuses160 
G 
Gasoline25 
gauge81 
quality25 
Glass moonroof47 
Glove compartment116 
Grilles107 
Gross vehicle weight171 
H 
Handbrake68 
Hands-free system117 
Hazard warning triangle23 
Head restraints50 
Headlamp covers, 
care151t 
Headlamp flasher76 
Headlight washer 
system139 
Heated steering wheel56 
Heating and 
ventilation104, 107 
Heating while stopped111 
Heavy cargo126 
Height adjustment 
seats50 
steering wheel56 
Height of vehicle169 
High beams21, 102 
bulb replacement151t 
High Performance Synthetic 
Oils141 
High-mount brake lamp155 
Holder for canned 
beverages117 
Hood137 
release137t 
Horn14 
Hydraulic Braking Assistant, 
refer to DBC20