2003 BMW M5 SEDAN brake light

107n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Driving notes Antilock Brake System
Brakes:
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.
Hydroplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not,
a wedge of water may form between
the tires and the road surface. This phe-
nomenon is referred to as aquaplaning,
or hydroplaning, and can lead to partial
or complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Driving through water:
When there is water on the roads, do
not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft
(30 cm). If the water is at that depth,
drive only at walking speed, otherwise
the vehicle can sustain damage to the
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission.
Rear parcel tray:
Do not place heavy or hard objects on
the rear parcel tray. If you do so, they
could pose a danger to vehicle occu-
pants during a braking or evasive
maneuver.
Clothes hooks:
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that they will not obstruct
the driver's vision. Do not hang any
heavy objects on the hooks, otherwise,
passengers could be injured e.g. during
any hard braking or evasive maneuvers,
or during an accident.<
The conceptThe Antilock Brake System (ABS) keeps
the wheels from locking during braking,
thereby enhancing active driving safety.
With ABS, the shortest possible braking
distances are achieved under most
conditions (on straight-aways and in
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road sur-
faces, etc.).Braking with ABSIf you are in a situation that requires
full braking, you will exploit the full ben-
efits of the ABS system if you apply
maximum pedal pressure ("panic stop").
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.

108n
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 two 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 con-
tamination 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 pro-
cess 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 transmis-
sion or gearshift 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 move-
ment.<
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.<

118n
Coolant Brake fluidChecking coolant level and
adding coolantCorrect coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. 68 7/20 6):
In the translucent container's visible
range, as far as the graduation marked
KALT/COLD.
1. Turn the cap counterclockwise
slightly in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape
2. If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor.<39mde111
Brake fluid level
The warning lamp for the brake
system hydraulic circuits comes
on and/or the message "CHECK
BRAKE FLUID" appears in the
Check Control:
Brake fluid level too low.
To add brake fluidThe brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing on the
driver's side of the vehicle. For adding
brake fluid or for determining and cor-
recting the cause of brake fluid loss,
consult your BMW center. Your BMW
center is familiar with the specifications
for factory-approved brake fluids
(DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer
to the information on page 108.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years at
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Brake fluid is hazardous to health and
damages the vehicle's paint. You
should always store it in its original
container and in a location which is out
of reach of children. Do not spill the
fluid and do not fill the brake fluid reser-
voir beyond the MAX mark. The brake
fluid could ignite upon contact with hot
engine parts and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of brake fluid.<

126n
Lamps and bulbsSide turn signal indicators5 watt bulb
1. Use finger pressure against the rear
end of the lens (arrow) to press it for-
ward for removal
2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
while turning it to the left to remove.390de768
Front fog lamps HB4, 51 watt bulb
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-
tective gloves. Failure to observe these
precautions can result in physical injury
if the bulb breaks.<
1. Pull the cover panel next to the head-
lamp forward to remove
2. Loosen the screw, refer to arrow,
and swing the lamp assembly out
3. Release the spring on the back of the
lamp and turn the cover to the left
4. Release the clamp, remove the
contact base and replace the bulb.39mde104
Tail lamps Rear lamp/side marker lamps:
Light-emitting diodes
Remaining bulbs: 21 watt
1 Turn signal indicator white
2 Rear lamp/side marker lamps red
3 Backup lamps white
4 Brake lamps red
5 Reflector red
Please contact your BMW center
if there is a defect in the rear
lamp/side marker lamp assembly.<394us721

128n
Repairing a flat tire
Precautions in case of a flat tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic. Switch on the
hazard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse and engage the parking
brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
If necessary, set up your warning tri-
angle or portable hazard warning lamp
on the roadside at an appropriate dis-
tance from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and
regulations.<
M Mobility systemFor repairing a flat tire, you will find an
M Mobility system in the BMW M5. With
the aid of this system, you can apply a
liquid sealant to the inside of the tire,
thereby sealing off the damaged area,
and then continue driving.
The M Mobility system makes the trans-
port of a spare wheel superfluous and
minimizes the curb weight.
The M Mobility system is located in the
luggage compartment under the floor
mat:
1. Lift up the floor mat and then raise
the front cover panel
2. Loosen the M Mobility system from
its storage location.
Please note that the system's
sealant container must be
replaced every three years by your
BMW center if the device is not used.<39mde132
This is part of the M Mobility
system1 On/Off switch
2 Connection hose with pressure
gauge for connecting the compressor
with the sealant container or to con-
nect the compressor to the wheel
3 Pressure gauge for indicating the tire
pressure
4 Connector hose from the sealant
container to the wheel
5 Warning sticker for maximum speed
6 Plug and cable for the cigarette
lighter socket
7 Protective gloves (not illustrated)39mde106

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)17, 107
Activated-charcoal filter91
Active seat43
Adding
brake fluid118t
engine coolant118t
engine oil116t
washer fluid115t
Adjusting
backrest41
head restraints43
mirrors48
seats40
steering wheel47
temperature89
Air conditioning90
Air distribution89
Air pressure, tires22, 109
Air supply89
Airbags17, 49
Alarm system35
Anchorage points
child-restraint system with
tether strap52
Antifreeze118
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)17, 107
Aquaplaning107, 109 Ashtray
front97
rear98
Attach vacuum cleaner98
AUC (Automatic recircu-
lated-air control)90
Automatic climate
control87
removing condensation
from the windows89
Automatic cruise control61
Automatic curb monitor46
Automatic dimming
exterior mirror48
interior rearview mirror48
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)90
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment47
Automatic windshield
washer60
Average fuel
consumption75
Average speed76
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
Axle loads142
B
Backrest, adjusting41
Backup lamps59
bulb replacement126t
Battery131
care131
charging131
discharged133t
Belts44
Beverage holder97
Blower89
BMW active seat43
BMW comfort seat42
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil117
BMW M sport seat41
BMW Maintenance
System119
BMW Universal
Transmitter93
Bottle holder, refer to
Beverage holder97
Brake fluid118
disposal118
Brake hydraulic system,
brake pads16
Brake system108
brake fluid level108
brake linings108
malfunctions108t
Break-in procedures106 Bulbs and lamps124
C
California Proposition
65 Warning120
Capacities143
Car telephone97
Cargo loading102
Cellular phone97
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual97
Center (high mount) brake
lamp127
Central locking system26
key31
Charging the battery132t
CHECK button66
Check Control66
Check engine oil
level115t
Check tire inflation
pressure22t, 109
Child seats51
Child-restraint
installation53
Child-restraint system with
tether strap52
Cigarette lighter98
Clock70
refer also to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"

Everything from A to Z
147n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cockpit14
Code76
activating76
deactivating76
refer also to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
selecting76
Comfort seat42
Compartments96
Computer73
refer also to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
remote control77
Configuring individual
settings55
Consumption75
Convenience operation of
windows and sliding/tilt
sunroof27
Coolant117
disposal118
Coolant temperature
gauge65
Cooling, maximum90
Copyright4
Cover, roller sun blinds92
Cruise control61
Cruising range75 Cup holder, refer to
Beverage holder97
Curb weight142
D
Date
calling up70
changing70
refer also to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Daytime driving lamps84
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)17, 80
Deactivating
interior motion sensor36
tilt alarm sensor36
Deep water107
Defrosting position89
Defrosting the
windows89t
Digital clock70
refer also to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Dimensions141
Disconnecting the
battery133t
Displacement140
Display lighting85 Displays, instrument
cluster15
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
temperature gauge65
Engine data140
Engine oil
checking level115
consumption115
dipstick115
disposal116
grades117
level16
pressure16
temperature gauge64
Engine performance140
Estimated time of arrival75
Exterior mirrors48
automatic dimming48
electrical heating48

Everything from A to ZF
Failure messages66
Filling capacities143
First-aid kit20
Fittings, tow starting and
towing135t
Flashlight96
Flat tire109
Flat Tire Monitor82
Flat tire, repairing128
Fog lamps85
bulb replacement126t
Folding rear backrest99
Follow me home lamps84
Frost protection,
radiator118
Fuel consumption75
average75
Fuel filler door20
manual operation20t
Fuel gauge64
Fuel quality22
Fuel specifications22
Fuel tank capacity143
Fuse replacement132t G
Gasoline gauge64
Gasoline quality22
Glove compartment96
Gross vehicle weight142
H
Handbrake17, 58
Hands-free system97
Hazard warning triangle20
Head protection airbags49
Head restraints43
adjusting43
Headlamp cover,
care125t
Headlamp flasher59
Headlamp washer
system115
Headlamp washers61
Headrests43
Heated seats46
Heating with vehicle
stopped90
Heavy cargo102
Height141
Height adjustment
seats41
steering wheel47
High beams18, 59, 85
High Performance Synthetic
Oil117
High-mount brake lamp127
Holder for canned
beverages97
Hood113
release113t
Horn14 Hydraulic Braking Assistant,
refer to DBC17, 80
Hydroplaning107, 109
I
Ice warning63
Identification, tires111
Ignition key26
Ignition lock56
Imprint4
Independent ventilation
system, refer to Parked-
car ventilation system92
Indicator lamps16
Inflation
pressure22t, 109
INSPECTION65
Instrument cluster15
Instrument lighting85
Intensive cleaning
system115
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostics (OBD)121
Interior lamps86
Interior mirrors48
Interior motion sensor36
deactivating29 J
Jump-starting133t
K
Key Memory55
Key with remote control26
Keys26 L
Lamps and bulbs124
Lashing eyes for attaching
cargo straps34, 102
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