2003 BMW M5 SEDAN engine

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
M Dynamic Driving ControlThe system guarantees that whenever
desired, the system will switch the Ser-
votronic and the accelerator pedal
response from the sporty-comfortable
mode to a pure performance mode.
This means that steering response
becomes more performance-oriented
and the response of the accelerator
pedal is much more spontaneous (Per-
formance Recognition). 39mde125
Performance Recognition Press the button with the ignition key in
position 2: the indicator lamp comes
on.
Deactivating Performance Recognition:
Press the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The coordinated performance-comfort
mode is activated automatically each
time you start the engine.

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Flat Tire MonitorThe conceptThe Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in your tires as you
drive. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops
significantly in one of the tires.
To initialize the Flat Tire Monitor system
with the correct tire inflation pressures,
start by checking the inflation pressures
in all four tires, comparing them with
the figures specified in the tire inflation
pressure table (page 23). Then correct
the tire inflation pressures as neces-
sary. Now you can activate the system. The Check Control (refer to page 66)
will inform you if the tire inflation pres-
sure of one the tires has dropped signif-
icantly.
Activating the system1. Turn the ignition key to position 2
(do not start the engine)
2. Press the button and maintain pres-
sure until the message "SET TIRE
PRESSURE" appears in the Check
Control (several seconds)
3. As you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor
automatically enters the system ini-
tialization mode in which it stores the
current pressures as its reference
figures. The initialization process
lasts for ten minutes or somewhat
longer. Once it has been completed
the Tire Pressure Monitor is able to
detect and warn of flat tires.39mde119
Repeat this process after altering the
tire inflation pressure, changing the tire,
or rotating the wheels.
Do not carry out a new initialization of
the system, if you correct the inflation
pressures to the already specified tire
pressures.

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Automatic climate control Air conditioning
The air is cooled and
dehumidified and Ð
depending on the temperature setting Ð
warmed again when the air conditioning
is switched on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started. You can reduce con-
densation forming on the windows by
switching on the air conditioning.
Condensation forms in the air
condition system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Maximum cooling
At outside temperatures
above roughly 41 7 (5 6)
this program furnishes maximum
cooling whenever the engine is running.
The temperature displays 9 jump to
60 7 (16 6), the system reverts to
operating in the recirculated-air mode
and maximum airflow emerges from the
vent outlets only. That is why you need
to keep these open if you select this
program.
Automatic recirculated-air control
You can respond to
unpleasant external odors
by temporarily excluding the flow of
outside air. The system then recircu-
lates the air currently within the vehicle.
By repeated actuations of the button,
you can select one of three different
operation modes.
>Indicator lamps off: outside airflow
operational
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system recognizes pollut-
ants in the outside air and blocks the
flow of air when necessary. The
system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle.
Depending on the air quality, the
automatic system then switches back
and forth between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle
>Right indicator lamp on Ð recircu-
lated-air mode: the flow of external
air into the vehicle is permanently
blocked. The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.
If the windows should fog over in
the recirculated-air mode, switch
it off and increase the air supply as
required.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated, the
indicator lamp comes on. The rear
window defroster switches off automat-
ically.
Residual heating mode
The heat which is stored in
the engine is utilized for
heating the interior when the engine
has been switched off (while waiting at
a railroad crossing, for instance). In
ignition key position 1, you can alter the
settings of the automatic climate con-
trol. With the ignition key in posi-tion 0,
the system automatically directs heated
air to the windshield, side windows and
footwells.
This function is available for oper-
ation when the outside tempera-
ture is below approx. 59 7 (15 6),
with the engine warm from recent oper-
ation and an adequate charge in the
battery. The LED on the button will light
up when all conditions have been
met.<

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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
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.

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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.<

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Engine compartment essentials 1 Reservoir for brake fluid (under
the housing of the microfilter)118
2 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting1333 Engine oil dipstick115
4 Engine oil filler neck116
5 Coolant expansion tank1186 Reservoir for the intensive-cleaning
system115
7 Reservoir for the windshield and

headlamp washer system115
39mde150

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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