2003 BMW M5 SEDAN tow

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To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following.
Your BMW M5 is a masterpiece of
superlative technology. To ensure
that you derive maximum satisfaction
from its extensive array of advanced
features while simultaneously creating
the basis for many years of driving plea-
sure, we urge you to observe the fol-
lowing precautions during the initial
period of operation.<
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
5,500 rpm or 105 mph (170 km/h)
during this period.
Comply with all official speed limits.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal to
the full-throttle position.
Following the Break-in inspection at
1,200 miles (2,000 km), you can gradu-
ally increase engine or road speeds.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or dif-
ferential is replaced later in the course
of the vehicle service life.
TiresOwing to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).
Comply with all official speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may from between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or com-
plete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your
speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApproximately 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and long service life later
on.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so. To
avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure
from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine shut off Ð when
towing, for instance Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. optimally after about 300 miles
(500 km). Engage the gears carefully
during the break-in period.
Break-in procedures

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your vehicle.
It is not merely the tire's service life,
but also driving comfort and Ð above
all else Ð driving safety that depend on
the condition of the tires and the main-
tenance of the specified tire inflation
pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressures are
a frequent cause of tire problems
and flat tires. Tire pressure also has a
major effect on your BMW's handling
response. Check tire inflation pressures
on a regular basis (refer to page 22), at
least every two weeks and before every
long trip. If you fail to observe these
precautions, incorrect tire pressures
can cause driving instability and tire
damage, ultimately resulting in an
accident.<
Tire tread Ð tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
The tread depth should not drop
below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though, for
example the legally specified minimum
tread depth in Europe is only 0.063 in
(1.6 mm). Below a tread depth of
0.12 in (3 mm) there is an increased risk
of hydroplaning, even at relatively mod-
erate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.
Tread wear indicators, refer to arrow,
are embedded around the tire circum-
ference in the base of the tire tread.
Their locations are indicated on the tire
sidewall with TWI Ð Tread Wear Indi-
cator. At a tread depth of 0.063 in 390de331
(1.6 mm) these indicators, signal that
the tires have reached the legally per-
missible wear limit.
Do not drive on a deflated (flat) tire.
A flat tire greatly impairs steering
and braking response, and can lead to
complete loss of control over the
vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading leads to over-
heating and causes damage inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume the
form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
tion. The type of problem can be caused
by contact with curbs, etc. This is also
true for irregularities in the vehicle's
handling characteristics, such as a pro-
nounced tendency to pull to the left or
right. Should this occur, respond by
immediately reducing your speed. Pro-
ceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its
wheels and tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the
vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Washer fluids Engine oilHeadlamp and windshield
washer systemCapacity in US quarts (liters).
Windshield washer:
Approx. 3.7 US quarts (3.5 liters)
With headlamp-washing system:
Approx. 6.3 US quarts (6.0 liters).
Fill with water and Ð if required Ð with a
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.< 39mde128
Intensive-cleaning washer
reservoirCapacity approx. 1.1 US quarts
(1.0 liter).
Fill with intensive-cleaning washer fluid.
It resists freezing down to approx. Ð 17
7 (Ð 27 6) and is available from your
BMW center.
Antifreeze agents or intensive-
action washer fluids for the
washer systems are highly inflammable.
For this reason, keep them away from
sources of flame and store them only in
their original containers. Store them so
that they are inaccessible to children.
Comply with the instructions on the
containers.<39mde129
Checking oil level 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Allow the engine to run at operating
temperature for at least 15 seconds
at idle, then shut it off
3. After approx. one minute, 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 between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions. 39mde042

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The onboard tool kit is located in the
luggage compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
394de080
1. Lift the wiper arm up slightly and
hold it firmly
2. Press back the release (arrow) and
pull the wiper blade back toward the
base of the wiper arm
3. Install the new blade and slide the
release back into position.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.< 390de766
The lamps and bulbs are essential fac-
tors contributing to the safety of your
vehicle. Therefore, comply fully with the
following instructions during bulb
replacement. If you are not familiar with
any of the procedures, consult your
BMW center.
Do not touch the glass portion of
a new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn in to the surface and reduce the
service life of the bulb. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic
base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
Always switch off all electrical
accessories and systems before
working on them. As an alternative, you
can also disconnect the cable from the
battery's negative terminal. Failure to
observe this precaution can lead to
short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage,
comply with any instructions provided
by the bulb manufacturer.<
Onboard tool kit Windshield wiper blades Lamps and bulbs

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Repairing a flat tire5. Make sure that the screw on the rear
of the pressure gauge 3 is tightened
down. Turn on the M Mobility system
(position I, refer to illustration) and
allow 3 minutes to elapse, to let the
sealant flow in. At this point, it is
insignificant what the tire pressure is
6. Turn the device off.
Disconnect the connector hose from
the sealant container and the wheel
valve. Stow the M Mobility system in
the luggage compartment39mde144
7. Right afterward, drive at least
1.2 miles (2 km), so that the liquid
sealant distributes evenly throughout
the inside of the tire. If possible drive
at no less than 15 mph (20 km/h), but
not more than 40 mph (60 km/h).
Stop in a suitable spot
8. Take out the hose with the pressure
gauge and screw it onto the valve.
Take out the plug and plug it into
the cigarette lighter socket in the
passenger compartment
9. Reset the tire pressure to 29 psi
(200 kilopascal), and:
>Increase the tire pressure: turn on
the M Mobility system (position I).
To check the new tire pressure
briefly turn off the device
>Reducing tire pressure: turn the
screw on the back of the pressure
gauge, a valve located there will
open
39mde145

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Repairing a flat tire Battery
If the inflation pressure does not
hold, complete step 10 and then
repeat steps 7 through 10.
The use of the M Mobility system may
be ineffective if the damaged area in
the tire is larger than approx. 0.15 in
(4 mm). If it should prove impossible to
restore the tire to operational status
using the M Mobility system, please
contact the nearest BMW center or
BMW Roadside Assistance at
1-800-332-4269.<
10. Unscrew the hose from the valve
and stow the M Mobility system in
the luggage compartment. Screw
the cap back onto the valve stem.
When you start driving again, do not
exceed the permissible maximum
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
You will find corresponding instructions
for using the M Mobility system on the
device.
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the wheel and tire
balanced. Reactivate the Flat Tire Mon-
itor, for additional information refer to
page 82. Have the M Mobility system
recharged. Contact your BMW center
for this.
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirty
valve stems frequently lead to slow
pressure loss.Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
Battery careThe battery is completely maintenance-
free. That means that the original elec-
trolyte will normally last for the service
life of the battery under moderate cli-
matic conditions.
Please consult the staff at your
BMW center whenever you have
any questions concerning the battery.
The battery is completely maintenance-
free; the following section is provided
for your information only.<
Never disconnect the battery
when the engine is running; the
ensuing voltage surge would seriously
damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronic systems.<

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Towing the vehicleTow fittingThe screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting
is designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle, and is intended for towing
on proper road surfaces only.
It should not be used to pull a vehicle
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.
Always observe all applicable towing
laws and regulations.Access to tow sockets Front:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on
the cover; remove the cover.390de087
Rear:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on
the cover; remove the cover.
Screw the tow fitting in until it bot-
toms firmly. Failure to screw the
fitting in securely can lead to thread
damage.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, leading to pos-
sible accidents.<
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow
the vehicle. The inherent resilience of
this material helps protect both vehicles
from sudden jerking movements.394de088
Keep the vehicles in line and avoid
towing at an offset angle. Ensure
that the tow rope connecting the two
vehicles is tight, with no slack, before
starting off.<
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 better to start the vehicle's engine
by jump-starting. For instructions on
jump-starting, refer to page 133.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, as damage to the
energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.

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Towing the vehicleTowing a vehicle1. Shift lever in neutral
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km/h)
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
system (comply with official regula-
tions).
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 if the
electrical system has failed to prevent
the steering lock from engaging. The
steering and brakes are without power
assist when the engine is not running.
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 equipment
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.<380us124