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ComputerMode selectionWhen the ignition key is in position 1
or 2, you can press the button in the
turn signal lever to retrieve information
from the computer for display. Tap the
button toward the steering column to
scroll to the next status display in the
sequence.
The displays appear in the following
order: outside temperature, average
fuel consumption, cruising range,
average speed.
Starting with ignition key position 1,
the last active setting is displayed.
The range of available displays varies
according to your individual vehicle's
equipment.390de700
Outside temperature and
average fuel consumptionYou can change the units of measure
(7/6) for the outside temperature
display by
1. pressing and holding the trip
odometer reset button (in ignition key
position 1)
2. and then turning the ignition key to 0.
Refer also to page 80.Cruising range and average speedThe computer bases its calculations of
the cruising range on the previous
driving style and conditions.
The computer ignores any time spent
when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is not running in its average
speed calculations.390us126
To delete the displayPress the button in the turn signal lever
while the average speed is being shown
to cancel the display of computer infor-
mation.To restart calculationsYou can maintain pressure on the
button within the turn signal lever to
reset the computer and initiate new
calculations of average speed and fuel
consumption. This feature is only avail-
able when the engine is running.Computer with alphanumeric
display
*
If you vehicle is equipped with Check
Control featuring an alphanumeric
display, a description of the corre-
sponding computer can be found
starting on page 91 as well as in the
"Owner's Manual for Onboard
Computer."
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Multi-Information Display (MID)
*
Central displayThe MID serves as the central display
and operation for the following onboard
systems:
>Digital clock (e. g. time display, date)
>Audio systems (radio, cassette, CD)
>Computer ( e.g. fuel consumption,
cruising range)
>Cellular phone ( e.g. dialing).
You will find explanations and informa-
tion on operating the digital clock and
the computer on the following pages.
Please refer to the separate Owner's
Manual instructions for operating the
audio systems, the cellular phone and
the computer.
The system rejects implausible
numerical entries.
Any interruption in the supply of elec-
trical power from the battery will result
in the loss of all stored data. Once the
power has been restored, you will need
to reset the clock and re-enter any
times for activating the auxiliary heater/
parked-car ventilation. Distance and
vehicle speed data must also be
entered again.<
1 Function button for audio systems
2 Function button for the cellular
phone
*
3 Indicator lamp for independent
ventilation
*
>remains on if switch-on time is
active
>flashes while operating
4 Function button for the digital clock
and computer
5 Indicator display for the various
computer systems390us705
6 Display for the entry and display
buttons. Depending on the operating
mode, the functions and alternatives
which can be selected at the buttons
are displayed here
7 Entry and display buttons for oper-
ating the various computer systems
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Computer in the MID
*
Estimated time of arrivalWhen you have entered the distance
from your destination, you can obtain
an estimated time of arrival display
which is continuously updated by the
computer as your average driving
period varies.
Press the right side of the button.
Press the right side of the button:
The estimated time of arrival is
displayed.
Cruising rangeThe distance which the vehicle should
cover on the remaining fuel in the tank
is displayed.
Press the right side of the button.
Press:
The display shows the probable range.
Always refuel when the range falls
below 30 miles (50 km), as other-
wise the engine or the catalytic
converter could be damaged.<
The computer will only register fuel
amounts over 1.8 gal (6 liter).
Fuel consumptionYou can have the average fuel
consumption displayed for two different
distances, for example a complete
journey and part of the journey.
To start the calculation, select the func-
tion with the engine running:
Press the right side of the button.
Press on the left or right:
The display will show the average fuel
consumption.
To restart the fuel consumption
calculation:
Press on the left or right.
Press the right side of the button.
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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.
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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
Page 168 of 186
168n
BMW 525i/sport wagon BMW 530i BMW 540i/sport wagon
Displacement
Number of cylinderscu in (cm
3) 152.2 (2,494)
6181.8 (2,979)
6268.4 (4,398)
8
Maximum output
at engine speedhp
rpm184
6,000225
5,900290
5,400
Maximum torque
at engine speedIb ft (Nm)
rpm175 (236)
3,500214 (289)
3,500324 (440)
3,600
Compression ratioe10.5 10.2 10.0
Stroke
Borein (mm)
in (mm)2.95 (75.0)
3.31 (84.0)3.53 (89.6)
3.31 (84.0)3.26 (82.7)
3.62 (92.0)
Fuel-injection system
Digital electronic engine-management system
Engine specifications
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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)