Page 6 of 186
 
Contents
 
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
 
Under the hood:
 
Hood137
Engine compartment 
essentials138
Washer fluids139
Engine oil140
Coolant142
Brake fluid143
 
Maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System144
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications145
California Proposition 
65 Warning145
OBD interface socket146
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit150
Windshield wiper blades150
Lamps and bulbs151
Changing a wheel156
Battery160
Fuses160
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting162
Towing the vehicle163Engine specifications168
Dimensions169
Weights171
Capacities173 
     
        
        Page 135 of 186

135n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire replacement Wheel and tire combinationsUniform Tire Quality GradingQuality 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. 
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.< Tire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the 
sidewall:
DOT ... 2601 indicates that the tire was 
manufactured in Week 26 of the year 
2001.
Although tires may have a theoretical 
service life of up to 10 years, BMW 
strongly recommends that you replace 
all tires after an absolute maximum of 
6 years.
The right choice
Never mount wheels and tires that 
have not been specifically 
approved by BMW for use on your 
particular model. Although other wheels 
and tires may theoretically have the 
same dimensions, variations in factors 
such as manufacturing tolerances can 
result in contact between tire and body-
work, ultimately leading to serious acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires 
are used, BMW cannot evaluate their 
suitability, and therefore cannot be held 
liable for driving safety.<
BMW has tested certain tires for each 
tire size, rated them according to road 
safety and approved them. Your BMW 
center can inform you which tires have 
been tested in this way. Observe 
possible national guidelines, e.g. 
regarding entry into vehicle documents.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems 
such as ABS, ATC, ASC+T/DSC. The 
function of these systems is impaired if 
improper wheel and tire combinations 
are used.
Always ensure that all of the tires 
mounted on the vehicle are the same 
series, from the same manufacturer and 
with the same tread pattern. If you have 
to mount the spare tire in response to a 
flat, etc., you should remount a tire of 
the correct specifications  as soon as 
possible.< 
The use of rims and wheel bolts 
that do not meet the specifica-
tions of the original factory-installed 
equipment will affect the safe operation 
of your vehicle and may cause an acci-
dent and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such 
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire 
types will adversely affect roadholding 
and can lead to loss of vehicle 
control.< Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place, 
protecting them against light whenever 
possible. Protect the tires against 
contact with oil, grease and fuel.  
     
        
        Page 169 of 186
169n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
394us723
Dimensions Ð sedan
All dimensions are given in inches (mm).
Min. turning circle dia.: BMW 525i, 530i: 37.1 ft (11.3 m); BMW 540i: 37.4 ft (11.4 m) 
     
        
        Page 170 of 186
170n
Dimensions Ð sport wagon
392us724
All dimensions are given in inches (mm). Height with roof-mouted luggage rack
*: 57.4 (1,459)
Min. turning circle dia.: BMW 525i: 37.1 ft (11.3 m); BMW 540i: 37.4 ft (11.4 m) 
     
        
        Page 177 of 186

Everything from A to Z
177n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake system132 
brake fluid level132 
brake pads20, 132 
disc brakes132 
malfunctions132 
Break-in procedures130 
Bulbs and lamps151t C 
California Proposition 
65 Warning145 
Capacities173 
Car care, refer to the "Caring 
for your vehicle" manual 
Car wash systems, refer to 
the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Care of paintwork, refer to 
the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Care of upholstery materials, 
refer to the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Cargo area 
lamps103 
opening from the 
inside40 
Cargo loading126 
Cellular phone117 Center (high-mount) brake 
lamp155 
Central locking 
system32, 37 
Changing a wheel/
tire157t 
Charge indicator lamp19 
CHECK button83 
Check Control83t 
Check engine oil 
level140t 
Child seat safety62 
Child seats61 
Child-restraint systems61 
Child-safety locks64 
Cigarette lighter118 
Clean rear window77 
Cleaning windshield77 
Climate control, refer to 
Automatic climate 
control107 
Clock88 
for additional information 
refer to the "Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer" 
Cockpit14 
Code, refer to immoblizer 
function94 
Cold start67 
Combination switch76 Comfort seat51 
Compartments116 
Computer86 
for additional information 
refer to the "Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer" 
remote control95 
Computer in the MID91 
Configuring personal 
adjustments, Vehicle and 
Key Memory64 
Consumption display81 
Consumption, fuel86, 93 
Convenience operation of 
windows and sliding/tilt 
sunroof33 
Convenience starting 
feature67 
Coolant142 
Coolant temperature 
gauge82 
Copyright4 
Cover, sun blinds112 
Cruising range86, 93 
Cup holder117 
Cup holder, refer to 
beverage holder117 
Curb monitor55 
D 
Data link connector for 
Onboard Diagnostics146 
Date 
calling up88 
changing88 
Daytime driving lamps101 
DBC (Dynamic Brake 
Control)20 
Deactivating95 
alarm system tilt 
sensor43 
interior motion sensor43 
Deep water131 
Defrost windows106, 109 
Defroster mode106, 109 
Digital clock in the MID88 
Dimensions169 
Dipstick, engine oil140t 
Displacement168 
Display lighting102 
Displays16, 17 
Disposal 
antifreeze with corrosion 
inhibitor142t 
used batteries160t 
used oils141t