
 
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 

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Washer/Wiper system
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-
matic car washes. Failure to do so 
could result in damage caused by 
undesired wiper activation.< 
Normal wiper speedThe system automatically reverts to 
operation in the intermittent mode 
whenever the vehicle is stationary (not 
on vehicles with rain sensor
*).
Fast wiper speedThe wipers revert to operation at stan-
dard speed when the vehicle stops (not 
on vehicles with rain sensor
*).
Clean the windshieldThe system sprays washer fluid against 
the windshield and activates the wipers 
for a brief period.
Intensive cleaning
*
As in setting 5. In addition, an intensive-
action washer fluid is first sprayed on 
the windshield.
For changing the wiper blades, refer to 
page 150.Cleaning headlights
*
When the headlights are on, they are 
also cleaned automatically every fifth 
time you activate the clean the wind-
shield (5) or intensive cleaning (6) 
mode.
Do not use the washers if there is 
any danger that the fluid will 
freeze on the windshield, as your vision 
could be obscured. Always use an anti-
freeze agent. Refer to page 139.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty. This could cause damage 
to the washer pump.< Windshield washer jetsThe windshield washer jets are warmed 
automatically when the ignition key is in 
position 2.
Rear window wiper Ð sport wagon0 Retracted (home) position of the rear 
window wiper
1 Rear window wiper in intermittent 
operation. Automatically switches to 
continuos operation when reverse is 
engaged
2 Clean the rear window
You can also program the interval:
>Switch briefly from position 0 to posi-
tion 1
>The time until reactivation (from posi-
tion 0 to 1) is the programmed 
interval (max. 30 seconds).392de726 

83n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Check ControlGraphic display
*
The following alerts and status 
messages are displayed with icons from 
ignition key position 2 and remain in the 
display until the defects are corrected:
1 Check low beams
2 Add washer fluid (goes out after 
approx. 1 minute)
3 Door open
4 Luggage compartment lid/tailgate 
open
5 Check brake and tail lamps. 
A defective center brake lamp is indi-
cated by the upper symbol
When you open the door after stopping, 
a warning signal sounds without a 
visual indicator for: 
>"LIGHTS ON" and
>"KEY IN IGNITION LOCK."390de121
Alphanumeric display
*
Text messages are used to alert the 
driver to system malfunctions when the 
ignition key is turned to position 2. The 
alert is accompanied by a gong.
1 Status report symbol
2 Display
3 CHECK button
Messages warning of system malfunc-
tions are assigned one of two priority 
levels:390us111
Priority 1
These defects are immediately indi-
cated by a gong and a flashing warning 
symbol 1. Simultaneous defects will be 
displayed consecutively. These status 
messages remain in the display until the 
defects are corrected. They cannot be 
deleted by pressing the CHECK 
button 3. 

84n
Check Control>"RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE"
>"COOLANT TEMPERATURE"
The coolant is overheated. Stop the 
vehicle immediately and switch off 
the engine. Refer to pages 82 
and 142
>"STOP! ENGINE OILPRESS"
The oil pressure is too low. Stop the 
vehicle immediately and switch off 
the engine. Refer to pages 19, 140
>"CHECK BRAKE FLUID"
Indicates that brake fluid is down to 
roughly minimum level. Have the 
reservoir topped up at the earliest 
opportunity, refer to page 143. Have 
the source of the brake fluid loss 
repaired at your BMW center
>"TIRE DEFECT"
*
Reduce vehicle speed immediately 
and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard 
brake applications. Do not oversteer. 
Refer to page 100
>"SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT"
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center. Refer to page 99
>"SPEED LIMIT"
*
Display if the programmed speed 
limit has been exceeded, refer to 
page 91Priority 2
These displays appear for 20 seconds 
when the ignition key is turned to posi-
tion 2. The warning symbols remain 
after the message disappears. You can 
display the messages again by pressing 
the CHECK button 3:
>"TRUNKLID OPEN"
Message appears only when the 
vehicle is initially set in motion
>"DOOR OPEN"
This message appears after a defined 
road speed has been exceeded
>"FASTEN SEAT BELTS"
*
In addition to this message, a 
warning lamp with the safety belt icon 
appears and an acoustic signal 
sounds
>"WASHER FLUID LOW"
Too low; top up fluid at the next 
opportunity. Refer to page 139
>"CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV"
The engine oil level is at the absolute 
minimum. You should respond by 
topping up the oil as soon as 
possible, refer to page 140. Do not 
continue for more than approximately 
30 miles (50 km) before adding oil>"CHECK FILLER CAP"
Inspect the cap to make sure that it is 
closed properly, refer to page 24. If 
the cap is not closed securely it will 
trigger the "Service Engine Soon" 
lamp
>"OUTSIDE TEMP. +20  7 (Ð5 6)"
This display is only an example. The 
current temperature is displayed at 
outside temperatures of +37.5 7
(+3 6) and below. Refer also to 
page 80
>"SET TIRE PRESSURE"
*
The RDC has imported the current 
inflation pressure in the tires as the 
target values which the system will 
monitor.
Refer to page 99
>"CHECK TIRE PRESSURE"
*
Check and correct the tire inflation 
pressure to specifications at the 
earliest opportunity (next stop for 
fuel).
Refer to page 99
>"TIRECONTROL INACTIVE"
*
A temporary interference of the RDC 
or a system fault. Refer to page 100
>"CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS"
A lamp has failed or the electrical 
circuit has a fault. Refer to pages 154 
and 160 or consult a BMW center 

138n
1 Reservoir for brake fluid (under the 
housing of the microfilter)143
2 Auxiliary terminal for 
jump-starting1623 Engine oil dipstick140
4 Engine oil filler neck140
5 Coolant expansion tank1426 Reservoir for intensive-cleaning 
system
*
139
7 Reservoir for windshield and 
headlamp washer system
*
139
Engine compartment essentials
390de791 

139n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Washer fluidsHeadlamp
* and windshield 
washer system
Capacity in US quarts (liters).
Windshield washer:
approx. 3.7 (3.5) Ð sedan
approx. 6.3 (6.0) Ð sport wagon
Incl. headlamp washing system:
approx. 6.3 (6.0)
Fill with water and Ñ if required Ñ with a 
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the 
washer ßuid before adding it to 
the reservoir.< 390de762
Intensive-cleaning washer 
reservoir
*
Capacity approx. 1.1 US quarts 
(1.0 liter).
Fill with intensive-cleaning washer fluid. 
It resists freezing to approx. Ð177 
(Ð276) and is available from your BMW 
center.
Antifreeze agents or intensive-
cleaning washer fluids for the 
washer systems are highly flammable. 
For this reason, keep them away from 
sources of flame and store only in orig-
inal containers. Store it so that it is 
inaccessible to children. Comply with 
the instructions on the containers.< 390de763 

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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