
106n
Air conditioningDraft-free ventilation You can adjust the air outlets for the 
upper body area for optimal personal 
comfort:
1 Rotary dials for opening and closing 
the vent outlets through an infinitely- 
variable range
2 Levers for adjusting airflow direction
3 Rotary dial allows you to control the 
temperature of the airflow as desired:
>Turn toward blue Ð colder
>Turn toward red Ð warmer.390de685
Rear passenger area ventilation1 Rotary dial for opening and closing 
the vent outlets through an infinitely 
variable range
2 Levers for selecting airflow direction.
The air that flows out here is somewhat 
cooler than the air delivered to the foot-
well.Microfilter The microfilter removes dust and pollen 
from the incoming air. Your BMW 
center will replace it during routine 
maintenance. A substantial reduction in 
airflow indicates that the filter needs to 
be replaced early.390de687
To defrost windows and remove 
condensation 1. Use the rotary temperature selector 
to set the system for an interior 
temperature that you find comfort-
able, such as 70 7 (22 6) 
2. Set the air distribution rotary dial
to 
3. Set the blower/air supply rotary dial 
completely to the right
4. Close the air outlets in the rear 
seating area
5. Switch on the rear window defroster 
to defrost the rear window.390us710 

112n
Automatic climate control
*
Roller sun blind
*
Parked-car ventilation
*
Microfilter, activated-charcoal 
filterThe microfilter removes dust and pollen 
from the incoming air. The activated-
charcoal filter provides additional 
protection by filtering gaseous pollut-
ants from the outside air. Your BMW 
center replaces this combined filter as a 
standard part of your scheduled main-
tenance. A substantial reduction in 
airflow indicates that the filter must be 
replaced before scheduled mainte-
nance.
To operate, press the button briefly with 
the ignition key in position 1 or 2.
Sun blinds
for rear side windows
*
Use the strap to extract the blinds, then 
hook them in the attachment provided.390us730
This system allows you to ventilate the 
interior and lower its temperature using 
the blower of the automatic climate 
control.
The parked-car ventilation system is 
operated via the Multi-Information 
Display (MID) Ð refer to page 90 Ð or 
the onboard computer. Refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual.
You can set two different times for the 
system to start; it will remain active for 
30 minutes. You can also turn it on and 
off directly. Since the system uses a 
substantial amount of electrical current, 
you should not activate it twice in 
succession without allowing the battery 
to be recharged in normal operation 
between use.
The parked-car ventilation system is 
available for timer-controlled operation 
at outside temperatures above 60 7 
(16 6) as well as for manual operation 
at any temperature, provided that the 
vehicle is stationary.
The air emerges via the vent outlets 
for the upper body. Therefore, the 
vents must be open for the system to 
operate. 

143n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake fluid
The warning lamp for the brake 
system's hydraulic circuits 
comes on/the message 
"CHECK BRAKE FLUID" 
appears in the Check Control 
display panel: Brake fluid level 
too low.
To add brake fluidThe brake fluid reservoir is located 
under the microfilter housing on the 
driver's side of the vehicle. For adding 
brake fluid or for determining and 
correcting the cause of brake fluid loss, 
consult your BMW center. Your BMW 
center is familiar with the specifications 
for factory-approved brake fluids 
(DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended 
brake pedal travel. Should this occur, 
refer to the notes on page 132.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, 
it absorbs moisture from the air 
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have 
the brake fluid changed every two years 
by a BMW center. Refer also to the 
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet (US models) or to the Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian 
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the 
vehicle's paint. You should always store 
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the 
brake fluid reservoir beyond the MAX 
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon 
contact with hot engine parts and 
cause serious burns.< 
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the 
disposal of brake fluid.<  

145n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind 
translucent lenses serve as the light 
source for many of the controls and 
displays in your vehicle. The concept 
behind their operation is related to that 
employed for lasers, and they are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emit-
ting diodes.
Do not remove the protective lens 
and avoid staring directly at the 
unfiltered beam for extended periods 
(several hours), as inflammation of the 
iris could result.< 
California laws require us to state the 
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its 
constituents, and certain vehicle 
components contain or emit chemicals 
known to the State of California to 
cause cancer and birth defects or other 
reproductive harm.< 
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 Warning 

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 
       

Everything from A to Zfor seat, mirror and 
steering wheel54 
related to individuals ("Key 
Memory")64 
related to the vehicle 
("Vehicle Memory")64 
Microfilter106, 112 
MID (Multi-Information 
Display)87 
Mirrors57 
adjusting57 
defrosting57 
memory setting54 
Modifications, 
technical10, 145 
Monitoring inflation 
pressure, tires99 
Moonroof47 
Multifunction buttons, 
steering wheel22 
Multi-Information Display 
(MID)87 N 
Non-smoker's 
equipment118 O 
OBD interface socket146 
Odometer16, 80 
Oil additives140 Oil change interval, refer to 
the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US 
models) or to the Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models) 
Oil consumption140 
Oil dipstick140t 
Oil level, indicator lamp20 
Oil pressure, indicator 
lamp19 
Oil specifications141t 
Oil viscosity141 
Oils, disposal141t 
OILSERVICE82 
Old batteries160 
Onboard computer, refer to 
the "Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer" 
Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) 
system146 
Onboard tool kit150t 
Opening and closing 
from the inside37 
from the outside33 
using the key33 
using the remote 
control33 
Opening the rear 
window40 Operating range86 
Outlets, 
ventilation104, 107 
Outside temperature 
display80, 86 
P 
Park Distance Control 
(PDC)96 
Parked-car ventilation 
system112 
for additional information 
refer to the "Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer" 
Parking aid96 
Parking brake20, 68 
Parking lamps101 
bulb replacement152t 
Partition net123 
Passenger-side mirror tilt 
function55 
PDC (Park Distance 
Control)96 
Pocket light116 Pollen filter106, 112 
Power windows45 
safety switch45 
Power-slip control, refer to 
ASC+T/DSC97 
Q 
Quality Grades, tires134 R 
Rain sensor76 
RDC (Tire Pressure 
Monitor)99 
Reading lamps103 
Rear ashtray118 
Rear window40 
defroster105, 110 
sun blinds112 
wiper77 
Rear window cleaning77 
Rear-seat backrest 
folding119 
remove119 
Rearview mirror57 
Recirculated-air mode105 
Reclining seat48 
Refueling24 
Releasing hood137