2002 BMW 525I SPORT WAGON power steering

Contents

© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 156 213
US English VIII/2001
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
Overview
Controls and features

Cockpit14
Instrument cluster15
Indicator and warning lamps19
Steering wheel with multifunction
buttons22
Warning triangle23
First-aid kit23
Refueling24
Fuel specifications25
Tire inflation pressure26

Locks and security systems:

Keys32
Central locking system32
Opening and closing Ð via the
door lock33
Opening and closing Ð via the
remote control34
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside37
Luggage compartment lid/
Tailgate38
Rear window40
Luggage compartment42
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
Sliding/tilt sunroof46

Adjustments:

Correct sitting posture48
Seats48
Manually-adjusted seat49
Electric power seats50
Head restraints52
BMW actice seat52
Safety belts53
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory54
Seat heating55
Adjusting steering wheel56
Heated steering wheel56
Mirrors57

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags58
Transporting children safely61
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory64

Driving:

Steering/Ignition lock66
Starting the engine66
Switching off the engine68
Parking brake68
Manual transmission69
Automatic transmission70
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic73
Indicator/Headlamp flasher76
Washer/Wiper system/Rain
sensor76
Cruise control78

Everything under control:

Odometer, outside temperature
display80
Tachometer81
Energy control81
Fuel gauge81
Coolant temperature gauge82
Service Interval Display82
Check Control83
Computer86
Multi-Information Display
(MID)87
Digital clock in the MID89
Computer in the MID91

Contents

48n
For relaxed and fatigue-free driving you
should select a sitting position that
reflects your personal requirements.
Correct posture combines with safety
belts and airbags to enhance occupant
safety in the event of an accident. To
ensure that the vehicle's safety systems
provide you with optimal protection, we
request that you direct your careful
attention to the following section.
For additional information on trans-
porting children, refer to page 61.
Sitting correctly with airbags
Always maintain an adequate
distance between yourself and the
airbags. Always hold the steering wheel
by the rim to keep any chance of injury
to hands or arms to an absolute
minimum should the airbag be
deployed. Never allow any objects,
individuals or animals to obstruct the
areas between passengers and airbags.
Never use the front airbag's cover as a
storage tray or support for objects of
any kind. Never allow front passengers
to rest their feet or legs on the airbag
cover.<
For airbag locations and additional
information on airbags refer to page 58.
Safe with safety belts
Never allow more than one person
to wear a single safety belt. Never
allow infants or small children to ride in
a passenger's lap. Avoid twisting the
belt while routing it firmly across the
pelvis and shoulder, wear it as snugly
against your body as possible. Do not
allow the belt to rest against hard or
fragile objects in your pockets. Do not
route the belt across your neck, or run it
across sharp edges. Avoid wearing
bulky clothing and pull on the lap belt
periodically to retention it over your
shoulders. In the event of a frontal
impact, a loose lap belt could slide over
the hips, leading to abdominal injury. In
addition, the safety belt's restraint
effectiveness is reduced if it is worn
loosely. Expectant mothers should
always wear their safety belts, taking
care to position the lap belt against the
lower hips, where it will not exert pres-
sure against the abdominal area.<
For information on using the safety
belts refer to page 53.
When adjusting your seat, always
observe the following precautions
Never try to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat
could respond with an unexpected
movement, and the ensuing loss of
vehicle control could lead to an acci-
dent. Never ride with the backrest
reclined to an extreme horizontal angle
(important for front passengers to
remember), otherwise, there is a risk
that you will slide under the safety belt
in an accident, thus negating the
protection the safety belt provides.
Do not move the seats to the rear when
the vehicle is at an extreme angle (on
garage ramps or steep slopes, for
example). If you do so, the automatic
safety belt height adjustment can be
disengaged.<
Seat adjustment>Manually-adjusted seat, refer to
page 49
>Electric power seats, refer to page 50
>Head restraints, refer to page 52
>BMW active seat, refer to page 52
Correct sitting posture Seats

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

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

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

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

Everything from A to Z
181n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Reminder signal (Memo)89
Remote control34
computer95
Removable rear-seat
backrest119
Remove condensation from
windows106, 109
Replacing
fuses160t
lamps and bulbs151t
wiper blades150t
Reporting safety defects11
Reservoir, washer
system139t
Residual heat111
Rims135
Roller sun blind112
Roll-up cover123
Roof load capacity171
Roof-mounted luggage
rack127 S
Safety belts53
Safety defects, reporting11
Safety lock buttons37
Seat belts53
Seats electric power50
manually-adjusted50
memory setting54
Secure the load126
Securing cargo42, 126
Selector lever, automatic
transmission70, 73
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models)144
Service Interval
Display82, 144
Shiftlock70, 73
Shoulder support51
Side airbags58
Side Impact Head Protection
System58
Side lamps
bulb replacement152t
Side turn signal
bulb replacement153t
Ski bag120
Ski bag in the sport
wagon122
Sliding/tilt sunroof46
manual operation47
with glass moonroof47
Snow chains136 Socket for attaching
electrical appliances118
Spare tire157t
Speaker117
Special characteristics of
winter tires136
Special oil141t
Speed94
Speed limit91
Speed, average86, 94
Speedometer15, 16, 17
sport wagon
anchorages126
compartments in the
luggage
compartment124
cover in the luggage
compartment124
folding down the rear
backrest123
LATCH child-restraint
system64
load-securing
devices126
luggage
compartment123
opening the rear
window40
partition net123 rear window wiper, blade
replacement150t
releasing the tailgate after
an electrical
malfunction39
roll-up cover123
securing a load126
ski bag122
tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement154t
transporting children
safely64
Standing lamps102
Starting assistance162t
Starting problems67t
Starting the engine67
Steering wheel
heating56
lock66
memory setting54
Steering wheel with
multifunction buttons22
Steptronic73
Stopwatch89
for additional information
refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Storage compartments116
in the cargo area124