
49n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Airbags1 Front airbags on the driver and
passenger sides
2 Head protection airbags on driver
and passenger side (front and rear
*)
3 Side airbags on driver and passenger
side (front and rear
*)
Protective effectThe front airbags protect the driver and
passenger in the event of head-on colli-
sion where the protection provided by
the safety belt alone would not be
adequate. The head protection airbags
and side airbags help provide protec-
tion in the event of a collision from the
side. Each of the side airbags is
designed to help support the occu-
pant's upper body.39mde084
The side airbags in the rear
passenger area
* of your vehicle
may already have been deactivated,
either at the time of manufacture or by a
BMW center. You may have them acti-
vated if you desire to do so. Please
contact your BMW center for additional
information.<
For information on the correct sitting
position, refer to page 40.
The airbags will not be triggered in
the event of a minor accident, a
vehicle rollover or a collision from the
rear.<
Never apply stickers or adhesive-
backed objects of any kind to the
airbag covers. Never attempt to reup-
holster the covers or modify them in any
way. If the airbags deploy in response
to an accident, if you note any signs of
system malfunction, or if you wish to
have any parts of the airbag passenger-
restraint system deactivated, always
contact your BMW center, to whom we
strongly urge you to entrust all testing,
repair and dismantling operations.
Never attempt to modify or tamper with
either the system's electrical wiring or
any of its individual components.
System components include the uphol-
stered surfaces on the steering wheel,
instrument panel, the trim panels on the
front and rear doors (with rear airbags)
and the roof braces as well as the sides
of the headliner above the doors.
Never attempt to remove or dismantle
the steering wheel.
To ensure compliance with official
safety regulations, always entrust
disposal of airbag generators to your
BMW center. Attempts to carry out
service procedures undertaken by
anyone other than specially-trained
professionals can result in system
failure or undesired airbag deployment,
both of which can lead to personal
injury. If the airbags deploy in response
to an accident, always remember to
avoid all contact with system compo-
nents, as they are hot and can cause
burns in the period immediately
following deployment.<

103n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack
*
Always position and secure the
load correctly. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during
braking or evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved
gross vehicle weight or the approved
weights for either of the axles (refer to
page 142), as overloading the vehicle
beyond the legally approved levels can
severely compromise its operating
safety.
Do not carry hard or heavy objects
unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment. If you do so, they may be
projected through the air during braking
and evasive maneuvers, thus endan-
gering vehicle occupants.<
A special roof-rack system is available
as an optional extra for your BMW.
Please observe the precautions
included with the installation instruc-
tions.AnchoragesAccess to the anchorages:
To fold up the cover (arrow), please use
the tool provided with the roof-rack
system.Loading and driving notesRoof-mounted luggage racks raise the
center of gravity of the vehicle when
they are loaded. For this reason, they
have a major effect on the vehicle's
handling and steering response.394de757
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof load
capacity, the approved gross vehicle
weight or the axle weights when
loading the rack. These weights are
listed under "Technical Data" ,
page 142.
Make sure that the load is not too bulky,
and attempt to distribute it evenly.
Always load the heaviest pieces first (on
the bottom). Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the
sliding/tilt sunroof.
Secure the roof luggage correctly
and securely to prevent it from
shifting or being lost during driving
(danger to following traffic).<
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
acceleration and braking. Do not corner
at high speeds.

119n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and oper-
ating safety Ð and as cost-effectively as
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining its resale
value. 380us008
Service Interval DisplayConventional systems rely solely on
distance traveled to determine when
service is due. The BMW Maintenance
System, on the other hand, began many
years ago to take the actual conditions
under which the vehicle is driven into
consideration. After all, different drivers
can accumulate mileage in very
different ways.
From a maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of short-
distance driving cannot be compared
with 62,000 miles (100,000 km) of long-
distance highway travel.
In response to this fact, the BMW Main-
tenance System monitors operating
conditions as the basis for determining
the optimum service intervals for your
individual vehicle. The BMW Mainte-
nance System includes the Engine Oil
Service and Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even drivers who
accumulate only limited millage Ð less
than 6,200 miles (10,000 km) annually Ð
should have the engine oil changed at
least every two years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
As a precaution against rust, it is advis-
able to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your vehicle's maintenance
and repairs performed at your
BMW center.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models). These entries are
your proof that the vehicle has received
regular maintenance. They are also a
requirement for warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System

142n
Weights
BMW M5
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
lbs. (kg) 4,024 (1,825)
Approved gross vehicle weight lbs. (kg) 5,049 (2,290)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg)
2,426 (1,100)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,701 (1,225)
Approved roof load capacity
Permitted axle weights and permitted total vehicle
weight may not be exceeded.lbs. (kg) 220 (100)
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (liters) 16.2 (460)

Everything from A to Z
147n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Check Control66
Check engine oil
level115t
Child seat safety53
Child seats52
Cigarette lighter98
Clock70
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"
Cockpit14
Code76
activating76
deactivating76
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"
selecting76
Comfort seat42
Compartments96
Computer73
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"
remote control77
Configuring individual
adjustments55
Consumption75 Convenience operation of
windows and sliding/tilt
sunroof27
Coolant118
disposal118
Coolant temperature
gauge65
Cooling, maximum90
Copyright notice4
Cover, sun blinds92
Cruising range75
Cup holder97
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder97
Curb weight142
D
Date
calling up70
changing70
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"
Daytime driving lamps84
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)17, 80
Deactivating
alarm system tilt
sensor36t
the interior motion
sensor36t Deep water107
Defrosting position89
Defrosting the
windows89t
Digital clock70
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"
Dimensions141
Disconnect the
battery133t
Displacement140
Display lighting85
Displays, instrument
panel15
Disposal
brake fluid118
coolant118
engine oil116
Distance from
destination74
Divided rear backrest99
Door key26
Doors
manual operation27
remote control28
unlocking and locking27
DOT Quality Grades110
Driving notes107 DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)17, 80
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)17, 80
Dynamic Driving Control81
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)17, 80
E
Electric power windows36
Electrical heating, exterior
mirror48
Electrical malfunction
doors27t
fuel filler door20t
luggage compartment
lid32t
sliding/tilt sunroof39t
Elements of operation14
Emergency release of
luggage compartment lid
from luggage
compartment's interior34
Engine compartment114
Engine coolant118
Engine coolant temperature
gauge65
Engine data140

Everything from A to Z
149n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Length141
License plate lamps, bulb
replacement127t
Lighter98
Lights-on warning84
Locking and unlocking the
doors27
Low beams14, 84
Low-fuel warning lamp64
Luggage compartment34
capacity142
manual operation32t
opening from the
inside33
opening separately32
securing separately32
Luggage compartment
lid32
emergency release from
luggage compartment's
interior34
opening from the
inside33
opening from the
outside33
remote control29
securing separately32
unlock in case of electrical
malfunction32t
Luggage net34
Luggage straps34
Lumbar support41
M
M Dynamic Driving
Control81
M+S tires112
Maintenance65, 119t
Malfunction displays66
Manual operation
doors27t
fuel filler door20t
luggage compartment
lid32t
sliding/tilt sunroof39t
Maximum cooling90
Memory
adjustment of seat, mirror,
steering wheel45
Microfilter91
MID (Multi-Information
Display)69
Mirrors48
adjusting48
heating48
position adjustment
memory45
self-defrosting48
Modifications,
technical120
Multifunction buttons,
steering wheel19 Multifunction switch59
Multi-Information Display
(MID)69
O
OBD interface socket121
Odometer63
Oil
additives116
checking level115
consumption115
grades117
pressure, indicator
lamp16
Oil change interval, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
Oil specification117
OILSERVICE65
Onboard tool kit124t
Opening and closing
from inside31
from outside27
with the key27
Outside temperature
display63
P
Parked-car ventilation
system92
activating72
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"
Parking brake17, 58
Parking lamps14, 84
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function46
Performance Recognition for
M Dynamic Driving
Control81
Pocket flashlight96
Pollen filter91
Power seat41
Power windows36
safety switch37
Pressure monitor, tires82
Pressure, tires22t, 109 Q
Quality grades, tires110 R
Rain sensor60
Reading lamps86
Rear backrest, folding99

Everything from A to ZRear window defroster90
Rearseat backrest,
folding99
Rearview mirrors48
Recirculated-air mode90
Refueling20
Releasing the fuel filler door
after an electrical
malfunction20t
Reminder signal (Memo)71
Remote control28, 77
Remote control key26
Removing condensation
from windows89t
Replace lamps and
bulbs124t
Replace windshield wiper
blades124t
Replacement key26t
Reporting safety defects11
Reservoir, washer
system115t
Residual heat90
Roller sun blinds92
Roof load capacity142
Roof-mounted luggage
rack103
S
Safety buttons31
Safety switch for power
windows37
Seats40
adjusting40
position adjustment
memory45
Securing cargo34, 102
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US
models)119
Service Interval
Display65, 119
Setting alarm in an
emergency77
Side airbags49
Side Impact Head Protection
System49
Side lamps84
Ski bag100
Sliding/tilt sunroof38
closing after an electrical
malfunction39t
convenience operation27
power loss or
malfunction39t
Snow chains112
Socket for attaching power
supplies98
Spare key26 Speakers97
Special characteristics of
winter tires112
Special oils117
Specified engine oils117
Speed76
average76
Speed limit73
Speedometer15
Sport seat41
Standing lamps14, 85
Starting the engine56
assistance133t
problems57, 133t
Starting, vehicle56
Steering wheel47
automatic adjustment47
lock56
position adjustment
memory45
Steering wheel with multi-
function buttons19
Stopwatch71
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"
Storage areas96
Storage facilities96
Summer tires111
Switching off the engine57
Symbols8
T
Tachometer64
Tail lamps126
bulb replacement126t
Tank capacity143
Technical
modifications120
Telephone hookup97
Temperature display
engine coolant65
engine oil64
outside temperature63
Temperature gauge
coolant65
engine oil64
Temperature layering91
Thigh support
adjustment41
Third brake light127
Through-loading system99
Tilt alarm sensor36
deactivate29
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror46
Time
calling up70
changing70
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"