2004 BMW 525I check engine

At a glance
13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning
lamps
Technology that monitors itself
The indicator and warning lamps identified
by the
+ symbol are subjected to an oper-
ation check each time you switch on the
ignition or start the engine. They each light
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored
system, the corresponding lamp will either
fail to go out when the engine is started, or
it will come on again during normal driving.
For information on how you should respond
when this happens, please refer to the
pages indicated.
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light
up in different colors and combinations.
The following section explains the signifi-
cance of the individual colors as well as
how you should respond when they
appear.
>Red:
Stop immediately
or
important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue driving moderately
>Yellow:
Have checked soon
or
for your information
>Green or blue:
For your information.
Indicator and warning lamps of the
Check Control
Other indicator and warning lamps appear
in display 6 of the instrument cluster as
necessary, accompanied by supplemen-
tary text on the Control Display, refer to
Check Control, page 68. Turn signal indicators 56
Active steering
+82
Handbrake/brake fluid, brake
hydraulics/DBC Dynamic Brake
Control
+50/ 180/ 79
Handbrake/brake fluid, brake
hydraulics/DBC Dynamic Brake
Control for Canadian models
Airbags
+83
Service Engine Soon
+183
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the
emissions-related electronic sys-
tems. Although the vehicle
remains operational, you should
have the systems checked by your
BMW center at the earliest possi-
ble opportunity.
Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp for Canadian models.
Front fog lamps 89
ABS Antilock Brake System
+77
DTC Dynamic Traction Control79
High beams/headlamp flasher 88
Please fasten safety belt
+40
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
+78
Check Gas Cap168
lamp for US models

Controls
65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Everything under control
Odometer, outside
temperature display, clock
When the ignition is switched off you can
briefly activate the time, outside tempera-
ture and odometer displays by pressing the
button at the lower left of the instrument
cluster.
1 Outside temperature display,
clock, date
The outside temperature and the time are
display as of ignition key position 1.
You can change the measurement unit
6/7 in the menu, refer to Measurement
units on page 74.
To call up the date:
Briefly press the Check button on the turn
indicator lever, refer to page 69.
Setting the time and date, refer to page 74.
Ice warning
A warning signal sounds when the outside
temperature falls to roughly +37.57/+36;
this is accompanied by a message.
Please bear in mind that the ice warn-
ing does nothing to alter the fact that
black ice may be present on roads at tem-
peratures higher than +37.57/+36, e.g.
on bridges and shaded roads.<
2 Odometer and trip odometer
To set the trip odometer to zero:
Press the button at the lower left of the
instrument cluster.
Tachometer
The white-striped advance warning field,
arrow 1, changes depending on the engine
temperature. The segments disappear in
sequence as the engine warms to its nor-
mal operating temperature.
Avoid allowing the engine speed to rise as
far as the advance warning field whenever
possible.
Engine speeds in the red warning field,
arrow 2, must be avoided.
In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted
to protect the engine.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
78
CBC Cornering Brake Control
CBC is a supplement to ABS. It provides
further enhancements in vehicle stability
and steering response during lane changes
and cornering at high rates of lateral accel-
eration.
EBV Electronic Brake Force
Distribution
EBV controls the brake system's applica-
tion pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration.
In case of malfunction
If the brake system warning lamp
lights up in red, appearing together
with the yellow indicator lamps for
ABS and DSC:
The driving stability control has
failed.
If all three lamps light up yellow:
Fault in the driving stability control.
The EBV electronic brake-force distribution
is active.
While you may continue, you should
remember to proceed cautiously and drive
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations.
Please have the system checked at the
nearest BMW center.
If a message appears on the Control Dis-
play, please note the supplementary infor-
mation.
You can find more information on the
Check Control starting on page 68.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
Driving stability control/
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept
DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. DSC includes the functionality
of the DTC Dynamic Traction Control and
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to
page 79.
The system optimizes vehicle stability dur-
ing acceleration and when starting from a
full stop, as well as optimizing traction. The
system recognizes any tendency for the
vehicle to assume an unstable attitude
such as oversteer or understeer; it then
counteracts this tendency with a combina-
tion of graduated reductions in engine
torque and selective braking intervention at
individual wheels. DSC provides optimal
stability within the limits defined by the
laws of physics.
Indicator lamps
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out soon after you start
the engine.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is regulating the drive and braking
forces.
If the indicator lamp lights up permanently:
DSC has been switched off using the but-
ton.
If the indicator lamp and the brake
warning lamp light up permanently:
Malfunction in DSC, DTC and DBC.
When the system is off, the stability main-
tenance functions described above are no
longer available. The vehicle will remain
completely operational, however, without
DSC.
Please respond to any malfunctions by
referring the problem to your BMW center.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
80 tance during panic stops. This system
exploits all of the benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. When the brake pedal is released,
DBC is deactivated.
In the event of a malfunction, the
warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up yellow.
Have the system checked and repaired at
your BMW center as soon as possible.
Please note any information that appears
on the Control Display.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
Active roll stabilization*
The concept
Active roll stabilization minimizes body roll
and optimizes vehicle stability during cor-
nering and evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear
axles form the basis for active roll stabiliza-
tion. Suspension compliance adapts to suit
driving conditions, varying from perfor-
mance-oriented during cornering to
smooth and comfort-oriented when the
vehicle is proceeding in a straight line.
The system assumes operational status
each time you start the engine.
Driving with active roll stabilization
During vehicle operation, the system con-
tinuously runs through closed-loop control
cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
In case of malfunction
The symbol in the instrument clus-
ter lights up and a message
appears on the Control Display.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears there.
You can find more information on the
Check Control starting on page 68. If the active roll stabilization system is
deactivated in response to malfunc-
tion, please remember to adapt your speed
accordingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer
and the vehicle will display a greater ten-
dency to tilt during cornering and in cross-
winds.
If a message stating that you should stop
appears on the Control Display in addition
to the red symbol, stop immediately and
switch off the engine. In this case the oil
level in the reservoir may have dropped
below the minimum, possibly owing to a
leak in the hydraulic system.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears on the Control Display.<
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in the four fitted tires as
you drive. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops sig-
nificantly in relation to the pressure in
another tire.
The check of the tire inflation pressure is
based on monitoring the relative speeds of
the wheels. A flat tire is detected and
reported on the basis of a deviation in cer-
tain speed ratios.
Functional requirement
So that the Flat Tire Monitor can learn the
correct inflation pressure, please perform
the following:
1.Check the inflation pressures in all tires
2.Compare with the inflation pressure
table on page 170 and correct if neces-
sary
3.Initialize the system.
Limits of the system
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused
by outside factors and does not detect a

Controls
81Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
natural, even pressure drop in all four
tires.<
In the following situations, on the other
hand, there can be delays in detecting tire
pressure losses, and even system failure:
>When you are driving on snow-covered
or slippery road surfaces
>If you are using a sports driving style:
slip on the drive wheels, high lateral
acceleration
>False alarms and undetected loss of
pressure may occur when you are driv-
ing with snow chains fitted
>When you are driving with the compact
wheel, the Flat Tire Monitor is unable to
function.
Initializing the system
Perform the initialization immediately
after correcting the inflation pressure,
after changing a tire or changing a wheel or
all wheels. A drive is necessary for this pur-
pose.<
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Before beginning driving, start the
engine, but do not drive off
2.Open the menu
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller
4.Select "FTM" and press the controller
5.Select "Set tire pressure" and press the
controller
6.Select "Yes" and press the controller
7.Drive off.
The message "Initializing" is displayed.It takes a few minutes before the Flat Tire
Monitor can detect and report a flat tire.
After the initialization is completed, the
message "Active" is displayed.
If a flat tire is detected during initialization,
a message appears on the Control Display.
When driving with snow chains or
with the compact wheel, do not initial-
ize the system.<
Flat tire
Indicator lamp
The symbol in the instrument clus-
ter lights up in red and a simulta-
neous message appears on the
Control Display. In addition, an acoustic
signal sounds.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears on the Control Display. You
can find more information on the Check
Control starting on page 68.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2.Identify damaged tire
If identification is not possible,
contact your BMW center.<
3.Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Changing a tire on page 187.
Vehicles with run-flat tires:
1.Cautiously reduce the vehicle speed to
below 50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid sudden
braking and steering maneuvers. Do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph/
80 km/h
Due to the reinforcement on the
edges of the run-flat tires, inflation
pressure loss can not usually be recog-
nized from the outside, refer to Run-flat
tires on page 175.<
2.To continue driving, comply with the
instructions for driving with damaged
tires on page 175.

Driving tips
107Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the
tread depth of the tires decreases, refer
also to Tire tread on page 173.
Water on the road
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm,
and then only at walking speed at the most.
Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electri-
cal systems and the transmission may be
damaged.<
Brakes
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as stan-
dard. The best way to achieve optimized
response from the ABS is to apply maxi-
mum pressure to the brake pedal during
emergency: panic stops. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you
can nevertheless avoid possible obstacles
with a minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-
cate to the driver that ABS is in its active
mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, 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 endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to
ensure that full braking efficiency will then
be available when you need it.
Hills
You can retain full and unimpaired braking
efficiency by downshifting to a gear in
which only minimal brake applications are
needed when descending long or steep
downhill stretches. You can further enhance the engine's brak-
ing effect by selecting a lower gear in the
automatic transmission's manual mode,
downshifting as far as first gear on
extremely steep stretches, refer to
pages 50 and 55. This strategy helps you
avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system.
Never drive with the clutch pressed or
allow the vehicle to coast with the
transmission in Neutral Ð or with the engine
switched off Ð there is no engine braking
when the transmission is in Neutral, and no
power-assist for brakes and steering when
the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.<
Corrosion on the brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasion-
ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased ten-
dency for corrosion to form on rotors, while
contaminants accumulate on the brake
pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the
pads during brake applications to clean the
rotors is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors,
the brakes will tend to respond with a pul-
sating effect that even extended applica-
tion will fail to cure.
Brake pads
The brake pad wear warning lamp
lights up and a message appears on
the Check Control. Please note any
supplementary information that appears
there.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
The brake pads have reached their mini-
mum pad thickness. Have them replaced at
your BMW center as soon as possible.

Refueling
168
Refueling
Fuel filler door
Always switch off the engine before
refueling. If you do not, fuel cannot be
filled into the tank and a message on the
Control Display will appear.<
To open and close: press the rear edge of
the fuel filler door.
Manual release
In the event of an electrical defect in the
system, you can release the fuel filler door
manually:
1.In the luggage compartment, raise the
floor mat and the cover located beneath
it
2.Open the snap fasteners of the right
side panel and take off the side panel
3.Pull the knob with the gas pump sym-
bol.
Always observe all applicable precau-
tions and regulations when handling
fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these containers can leak, cause an explosion, or
lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
Simple and environmentally friendly
When handling fuels always observe
any safety guidelines posted at the
service station.<
Put the filler cap in the bracket attached to
the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the filler
nozzle during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>can lead to reduced efficiency in the
fuel-vapor recovery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle
clicks off the first time.
Closing the fuel filler cap:
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you
clearly hear a click.
Close the fuel filler cap carefully after
refueling, until a click is heard. While
closing, be sure not to squeeze the strap
which is fastened to the cap. A loose or
missing cap will activate the message
Check Gas Cap on the Control Display.<
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 18.5 gallons/
70 liters, of which approx. 2.1 gallons/
8 liters reserve.
Never attempt to continue driving
until the tank is completely empty, as
engine functions could be affected, and the
vehicle could sustain damage as a result.<

Under the hood
178
Engine compartment
1Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Top-
ping up engine oil
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath
the microfilter cover, refer to page 180
3Starting-aid terminal, refer to page 192
4Dipstick for engine oil, refer to Check-
ing the oil level. The dipstick is further
toward the rear on the 545i
5Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp
and windshield cleaning systems, refer
to page 57
6Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page 179
Engine oil
Checking oil level
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface
2.Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick 4 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 should extend to between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As is the case with fuel economy, the rate
at which the engine uses oil is strongly
influenced by driving style and operating
conditions.
The oil quantity between the two marks on
the dipstick is approx. 1.6 US quarts/
1.5 liters. Do not fill beyond the upper mark
on the dipstick. Excess oil can damage the
engine.