
132n
Brake systemBrake fluid level If the brake fluid level is too low and 
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in 
one of the brake system's hydraulic 
circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW 
center. Higher brake application 
pressure may be necessary under these 
conditions, and the vehicle may exhibit 
a slight tendency to pull to one side 
when the brakes are applied. Braking 
distances may also be longer. Please 
remember to adapt your driving style 
accordingly.<
Disc brakesLimited vehicle use, extended periods 
with the vehicle parked or in storage, 
and operating conditions in which 
braking is restricted to gentle, low-
pressure applications will all increase 
the tendency for corrosion to form on 
the rotors; this is often accompanied by 
a simultaneous accumulation of 
contamination on the brake pads. The 
pads must exert a certain minimal level 
of pressure against the rotors for the 
disc brakes' inherent self-cleaning 
effect to remain effective; the pressure 
available under the above conditions 
may not provide adequate cleansing. 
If the brake rotors are corroded, they 
will tend to respond to braking with a 
pulsating effect that even extended 
brake applications will fail to cure.
When driving in heavy rain and on wet 
roads it is a good idea to apply light 
pressure to the brake pedal every few 
miles. Monitor traffic conditions to 
ensure that this maneuver does not 
pose a hazard to you or to other road 
users. The heat generated in this 
process helps dry the pads and rotors 
to ensure that your brake system will 
respond with undiminished efficiency 
when you need it.When descending steep hills and 
extended grades, downshift to a gear 
that will allow you to continue safely 
with only a minimal amount of braking. 
By minimizing the loads placed on the 
brake system, this strategy helps 
ensure that optimal brake system 
response will remain available at all 
times. 
Do not coast with the clutch 
depressed or with the transmission 
or selector lever in Neutral. Do not coast 
with the engine shut off. The engine 
provides no braking effect when the 
clutch is depressed and there is no 
power-assist for braking or steering 
when the engine is not running. 
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any 
other objects to protrude into the area 
around the accelerator, clutch and brake 
pedals and obstruct their movement.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only 
brake pads that BMW has 
approved for your particular vehicle 
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if 
they are suited for use, and therefore 
cannot ensure the operating safety of 
the vehicle if they are installed.< 

140n
Engine oilChecking oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Shut the engine off after it has 
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the 
dipstick out and wipe it off with a 
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or 
similar material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the 
way into the guide tube and pull it 
out again
5. The oil level should be in between 
the two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption 
is directly influenced by your driving 
style and vehicle operating conditions.390de647
The oil volume between the two marks 
on the dipstick corresponds to approx. 
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond 
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess 
oil will damage the engine.460de189
Adding engine oilWhile you should wait until the level has 
dropped to just above the lower gradu-
ation before adding oil, you should 
never allow the oil level to fall below 
this marking. 
BMW engines are designed to 
operate without oil additives; the 
use of additives could lead to damage 
in some cases. This is also true for the 
manual transmission, the automatic 
transmission, the differential, and the 
power steering system.< 
Recommendation: have the oil changed 
by your BMW center only.390de626 

156n
Lamps and bulbs Changing a wheelLicense plate lamps5 watt bulb
1. Insert a screwdriver into the slot and 
press to the left (arrow); this disen-
gages the lamp
2. Remove the lamp and replace the 
bulb.394de772
Safety measures in the event of a 
flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from 
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, 
surface. Switch on the hazard warning 
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and 
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st 
or reverse (selector lever in Park with 
automatic transmission) and engage 
the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the 
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail, 
for instance).
If necessary, set up your warning 
triangle or portable hazard warning 
lamp on the roadside at an appropriate 
distance from the rear of the vehicle. 
Comply with all safety guidelines and 
regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm 
surface which is not slippery. Avoid 
jacking the vehicle up on a soft or slip-
pery surface (snow, ice, very smooth 
surfaces, etc.), since it could slide side-
ways.
Position the jack on a firm support 
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar 
objects under the jack. If this is done, 
the jack might not be able to reach its 
full support capacity because of the 
limited height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the 
engine when the vehicle is supported 
by the jack Ð risk of fatal injury.<  

164n
Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always 
be the lighter of the two vehicles. 
If this is not the case, it is no longer 
possible to control vehicle response.< 
Tow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of 
vehicles equipped with an automatic 
transmission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump-starting: refer 
to page 162.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to 
push another vehicle, since damage to 
the energy-absorbing bumpers could 
result.
Towing a vehicle with automatic 
transmission1. Place the selector lever in position N
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4. Leave the ignition key in position 1 to 
ensure that the brake lamps, turn 
signals, horn and windshield wipers 
remain operative, and to prevent the 
steering lock detent from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard warning 
flashers (observe official regulations).
Find some means of identifying the 
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign 
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key 
remains in position 1 even when 
the electrical system has failed to 
prevent the steering lock from 
engaging. The steering and brakes are 
without power-assist when the engine 
is off. This means that increased effort 
is required for steering and braking.< 
Towing with a commercial 
tow truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel-lift or flatbed carrier
>Please comply with applicable towing 
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in 
a towed vehicle for any reason.< 380us124 

171n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Weights Ð sedan
BMW 525i BMW 530i BMW 540i
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)3,450 (1,565)
3,505 (1,590)3,494 (1,585)
3,549 (1,610)3,748 (1,700)
3,803 (1,725)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)4,464 (2,025)
4,520 (2,050)4,509 (2,045)
4,563 (2,070)4,762 (2,160)
4,817 (2,185)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg)
2,138 (970)2,138 (970) 2,381 (1,080)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,579 (1,170) 2,579 (1,170) 2,635 (1,195)
Approved roof load capacity lbs. (kg) 220 (100) 220 (100) 220 (100)
Never exceed either the approved axle weights or the gross vehicle weight.
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (l) 16.2 (460) 16.2 (460) 16.2 (460) 

172n
Weights Ð sport wagon
BMW 525i BMW 540i
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)3,682 (1,670)
3,715 (1,695)Ð
4,056 (1,840)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)4,773 (2,165)
4,828 (2,190)Ð
5,093 (2,310)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg)
2,116 (960)2,381 (1,080)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,844 (1,290) 2,910 (1,320)
Approved roof load capacity lbs. (kg) 220 (100) 220 (100)
Never exceed either the approved axle weights or the gross vehicle weight.
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (l) 14.5 Ð 53.9 (410 Ð 1,525) 14.5 Ð 53.9 (410 Ð 1,525) 

173n
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 

Everything from A to ZA 
ABS (Antilock Brake 
System)20, 131 
Accessories10 
Activated-charcoal 
filter112 
Active seat52 
Adaptive Transmission 
Control (ATC)70, 73 
Add 
antifreeze142t 
brake fluid143t 
engine coolant142t 
engine oil140t 
washer fluid139t 
Adjusting 
backrest50 
head restraints52 
mirrors57 
seats48 
steering wheel56 
temperature105, 109 
thigh support50 
Air conditioning104 
Air distribution105, 109 
Air outlets104, 107 
Air pressure26t, 133 
Air supply105, 109 
Air vent104, 107 Airbags20, 58 
Alarm system42 
Anchorages to secure the 
load126 
Antifreeze, disposal142t 
Antifreeze, radiator142 
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)20, 131 
Anti-theft alarm system42 
Anti-theft protection34 
Approved axle weight171 
Approved gross vehicle 
weight171 
Aquaplaning131, 133 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability 
Control plus Traction)21 
ASC+T/DSC (Automatic 
Stability Control plus 
Traction/Dynamic Stability 
Control)97 
Ashtray, front117 
Ashtray, rear118 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission 
Control)70, 73 
Attach vacuum cleaner118 
AUC (Automatic 
recirculated-air 
control)110 Automatic climate 
control107 
removing condensation 
from windows109 
Automatic cruise control78 
Automatic curb monitor55 
Automatic rear window 
cleaning77 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC)110 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction (ASC+T)21 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction/Dynamic 
Stability Control (ASC+T/
DSC)97 
Automatic 
transmission20, 70 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic20, 73 
Average fuel 
consumption86 
Average speed86, 94 
Avoid false alarms43t 
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms44 
B 
Backrest, adjusting50 
Backup lamps 
bulb replacement154t 
Battery160 
care160t 
charging160t 
discharged162t 
disposal160t 
Belts53 
Beverage holder117 
Blower105, 109 
BMW active seat52 
BMW comfort seat51 
BMW Maintenance 
System144t 
BMW Universal 
Transmitter113 
Bottle holder, refer to 
beverage holder117 
Brake fluid143 
adding143 
Brake hydraulic system19 
Brake lamps, bulb 
replacement154t 
Brake malfunctions132