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Refueling Fuel specificationsAs long as the filler nozzle is used prop-
erly, the fuel tank is full whenever the 
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Refill early to avoid damaging the 
catalytic converter; never attempt 
to drive to the last drop of fuel in the 
tank.<
Tank capacity: approximately 18.5 gal. 
(70 liters), with a reserve capacity of
>BMW 525i, 530i: 2.0 gal. (8 liters)
>BMW 540i: 2.5 gal. (10 liters).
After refueling, close the filler cap 
carefully, continuing until you hear 
the detent engage. While closing, be 
sure not to squeeze the strap which is 
fastened to the cap. A loose or missing 
cap will activate the message "CHECK 
FILLER CAP" in the Check Control
* or 
the Check Filler Cap lamp
*.< 
The engine uses lead-free gasoline 
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline, 
min. 91 AKI
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Never use leaded fuel, as it would 
cause permanent and irreversible 
damage to the oxygen sensor and the 
catalytic converter.<  
     
        
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Tachometer Energy control Fuel gaugeDo not operate the engine with the 
needle in the red overspeed zone of the 
gauge.
To protect the engine, the engine-
management system interrupts the fuel 
supply when you approach this sector.390us004
Indicates the current fuel consumption 
in mpg (in liters/100 km on Canadian 
vehicles). This allows you to see 
whether your current driving style is 
conducive to fuel economy with 
minimum exhaust emissions.
When the vehicle is stationary, the 
display goes to "Maximum" (zero on 
Canadian models).390us005
When you switch on the ignition, the 
indicator lamp comes on briefly to 
confirm that the system is operational. 
If the indicator lamp stays on, there are 
approx. 
>2.0 gal (8 liters) Ð 
BMW 525i, BMW 530i
>2.5 gal (10 liters) Ð BMW 540i
of fuel still in the tank.
Tank capacity: refer to page 173
Certain operating conditions (such as 
those encountered in mountainous 
areas) may cause the needle to fluc-
tuate slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving 
to the last drop of fuel can result in 
damage to the engine and/or catalytic 
converter.< 390us006 
     
        
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Computer in the MID
*
Estimated time of arrivalWhen you have entered the distance 
from your destination, you can obtain 
an estimated time of arrival display 
which is continuously updated by the 
computer as your average driving 
period varies.
Press the right side of the button.
Press the right side of the button:
The estimated time of arrival is 
displayed.
Cruising rangeThe distance which the vehicle should 
cover on the remaining fuel in the tank 
is displayed.
Press the right side of the button.
Press:
The display shows the probable range. 
Always refuel when the range falls 
below 30 miles (50 km), as other-
wise the engine or the catalytic 
converter could be damaged.<
The computer will only register fuel 
amounts over 1.8 gal (6 liter).
Fuel consumptionYou can have the average fuel 
consumption displayed for two different 
distances, for example a complete 
journey and part of the journey. 
To start the calculation, select the func-
tion with the engine running:
Press the right side of the button.
Press on the left or right:
The display will show the average fuel 
consumption.
To restart the fuel consumption 
calculation:
Press on the left or right.
Press the right side of the button. 
     
        
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OBD interface socketThe Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-
face socket is located on the left of the 
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment panel and under a cover. The 
cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to 
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system for the vehicleÕs 
lifetime. The system monitors emis-
sions-related components and systems 
to detect deterioration and malfunction.390us739
An illuminated lamp informs you 
of the need for service, not of 
the need to stop the vehicle. 
However, the systems should be 
checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator 
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather 
severe level of engine misfire. When 
this occurs, you should reduce speed 
and consult the nearest BMW center as 
soon as possible. Severe engine misfire 
over only a short period of time can 
seriously damage emissions-control 
components, especially the catalytic 
converter.
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly 
tightened, the OBD system can 
detect the vapor leak and the indicator 
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator should 
go out within a few days.<