Page 25 of 186

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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.<  
     
        
        Page 81 of 186

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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 
     
        
        Page 171 of 186
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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) 
     
        
        Page 172 of 186
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) 
     
        
        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