2004 BMW 525I SEDAN oil level

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

Mobility
175Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
approves them. You can find out about
these at specialized dealers or at your
BMW center. Observe any country-specific
regulations, e.g. on making a correspond-
ing entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-mounted tires have been spe-
cially selected to provide optimized perfor-
mance when installed on your vehicle; if
properly cared for, they will provide a com-
bination of safety and excellent ride com-
fort.
Run-flat tires
If your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires,
refer to Run-flat tires, only use these tires,
as in the event of a breakdown there is no
spare wheel available.
Special characteristics of winter
tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in
cold winter driving conditions. Although all-
season M+S tires provide better winter
traction than summer tires, they generally
fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
When switching to winter tires, observe the
descriptions at Tire condition and Replac-
ing wheels/tires, refer to pages 173
and 174.
Run-flat tires
If your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires,
refer to Run-flat tires. Your BMW center will
advise you if you wish to replace the tires of
your BMW or wish to switch from summer
to winter tires or vice versa.
If you switch from summer to winter tires,
or vice versa, use run-flat tires, as in the
event of a flat there is no spare wheel avail-
able.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents. Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. The technicians at your BMW center will be glad to assist you with
the required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as pos-
sible. Always protect tires against all con-
tact with oil, grease and fuels. Do not
exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure
indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the
side of the tire. Run-flat tires consist of self-
contained tires and special rims. The tire
reinforcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of pres-
sure drop and driving remains possible to a
restricted degree.
If you switch from summer to winter
tires, or vice versa, use run-flat tires,
as in the event of a breakdown there is no
spare wheel available. In this case, BMW
recommends that you consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is qualified to
handle run-flat tires and equipped with the
necessary special tools.<
Continuing driving with a damaged
tire
Driving on run-flat tires can continue,
depending on the vehicle load and the
severity of the tire damage, at a maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
In the case of complete tire pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, or obvious tire damage, you

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.

Mobility
179Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Adding engine oil
Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark or a message
appears on the Control Display before add-
ing oil.
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate without additives, and their use
could even lead to damage in some cases.
This also applies to the automatic transmis-
sion, the differential and the power steering
system.<
Recommendation: have oil changes per-
formed only by your BMW center.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come
into contact with oil should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Store oil, grease, etc., well out of the reach
of children; always observe all warning
labels on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used oil.<
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. BMW approves
only specific oils after confirming their suit-
ability for use in its vehicles with extensive
testing.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil between
oil changes. Use only oils with the API SH
specification or higher. Ask your BMW center for details con-
cerning the specific BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils
which have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this informa-
tion.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in the
area where you typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
flammable. Therefore, do not pour over hot
engine parts, as otherwise they could catch
fire and cause burns.
Always observe the instructions for use
provided on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used anti-
freeze and anticorrosion agents.<

Mobility
183Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
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Rules and regulations
California Proposition 65
Warning
California laws require us to issue the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing
thoroughly with soap and water.<
OBD connector
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime.The system monitors emissions-related
components and systems for deterioration
and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator lamp
informs you of the need for service,
not of the need to stop the vehicle.
However, the systems should be checked
by your BMW center at the earliest possible
opportunity.
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will
blink or flash. This indicates a rather severe
level of engine misfire. When this occurs,
you should reduce speed and consult the
nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Severe engine misfire over only a short
period of time can seriously damage emis-
sions control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
lamp will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator lamp
should go out within a few days.<

Reference 205
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Condition Based Service
CBS 181
"Confirmation" 28
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking 28
"Confirm unlock code" 153
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Lighter
socket 100
Consumption display
Ð refer to average
fuel consumption 70
Consumption indicator
Ð refer to Energy Control 66
"Continue guidance to
dest.?" 126
Control Center 16
Ð adjusting the
brightness 73
Ð assistance window 18
Ð automatic climate
control 92
Ð changing settings 73
Ð changing the menu
page 19
Ð confirming selection or
entry 19
Ð display, menus 16
Ð language selection 74
Ð lists 19
Ð menu item selection 19
Ð selecting units of measure
and display format 74
Ð setting time and date 74
Ð status information 18
Ð symbols 17
Control Display 16
Controller, refer to Control
Center 16
Controls, audio
systems 130
Controls, refer to
Cockpit 10
Convenience operation
Ð glass roof 28
Ð windows 28
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine 49
Coolant 179, 180
Ð level 180
Cooling, maximum 91Cornering Brake Control 78
"Country" for destination
entry 117
Country of destination for
navigation 116
Courtesy lighting 89
Cruise control 58
Ð active cruise control 59
Ð indicator lamp 11
Cruising range 70
Cup holder, refer to
Beverage holders 99
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 200
Current fuel
consumption 66
"Current position" 115
"Customer Relations" 163
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 198
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 10
Data 198
Ð capacities 201
Ð dimensions 199
Ð engine 198
Ð weights 200
Date 65
Ð calling up 65
Ð display format 75
Ð setting 75
Daytime driving lamps 87
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 79
Ð indicator lamp 79
Decommissioning the
vehicle, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Defect
Ð automatic
transmission 56
Ð door lock 29
Ð fuel filler door 168
Ð glass roof 35
Ð luggage compartment
lid 31
Ð Sequential manual
transmission SMG 53Defrosting the windshield,
refer to Defrosting
windows 91
Defrosting windows and
removing
condensation 91
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 91
"Delete address book" for
navigation 121
"Delete all numbers" on the
portable phone 155
"Delete data" for
navigation 121
"Delete" for portable
phone 155
Deleting the destination
address 120
Destination for navigation
Ð entry 116
Ð recent destinations 119
Ð selecting via map 118
Ð selecting with
information 118
Ð storing 120
Destination guidance 123
Ð changing specified
route 121
Ð interrupting voice
instructions 125
Ð selecting a new route 125
Ð terminating/
continuing 126
Ð volume of voice
instructions 125
"Detour" 126
"Dial number" 153
Digital clock 65
Dimensions 199
Dipstick for engine oil 178
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signal
indicators 56
Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions 124
Direction instructions, refer
to Voice instructions 124
Directory, refer to Phone
book 154

Everything from A to Z
206 Directory for navigation,
refer to Address
book 120
Disc brakes 107
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 198
Display lighting 88
Displays
Ð refer to Cockpit 10
Ð refer to Control Display 17
Ð refer to Instrument
cluster 12
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up
Display 85
Disposal
Ð brake fluid 180
Ð coolant 179
Ð engine oil 179
Ð vehicle battery 189
Distance, refer to
Computer 71
Distance cruise control,
refer to Active cruise
control 59
"Distance to destin.Ò 71
Distance to destination,
refer to Computer 71
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control 76
Divided rear seat back,
refer to Fold down rear
seat 101
Door entry lighting 89
Door keys 26
Door lock 29
"Door locks" 28
Doors
Ð manual operation 29
Ð remote control 28
DOT Quality Grades 173
Draft-free ventilation 94
"Driver" 42
"Driver's door only" 28
Driving light, refer to
Parking lamps/low
beams 87
Driving notes 106
Driving stability control 78
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 106Dry air, refer to Cooling
function 91
Drying the air, refer to
Cooling function 91
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 78
Ð indicator lamp 78
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 79
Ð indicator lamp 79
DVD for navigation 114
Dynamic Brake Control 79
Ð indicator lamp 79
Dynamic Driving Control 54
"Dynamic route" for
navigation 121
Dynamic Stability
Control 78
Ð indicator lamp 78
Dynamic Traction
Control 79
Ð indicator lamp 79
E
EBV Electronic Brake Force
Distribution 78
"Edit" on the portable
phone 154
Electrical malfunction
Ð door lock 29
Ð fuel filler door 168
Ð glass roof 35
Ð luggage compartment
lid 31
Electrical power windows,
refer to Windows 33
Electronic Brake
Force Distribution EBV 78
Electronic Stability
Program ESP, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 78
Emergency assistance,
refer to Roadside
Assistance 191
Emergency call 190
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operationEmergency release of
luggage compartment lid
from luggage
compartmentÕs interior 32
Emergency services, refer
to Roadside
Assistance 191
"Emission inspect." 67, 67
"Enable services" 162
"End call" 154
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control 66
Energy Control 66
Engine
Ð breaking-in
procedure 106
Ð data 198
Ð speed 198
Ð starting 49
Engine compartment 178
Engine coolant 179
Engine hood 177
Engine oil
Ð adding 179
Ð checking the oil level 178
Ð prescribed oils 179
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 198
Engine speed 198
"Enter address" 116
Entering destination 117
Entering house number or
intersection 117
Entering switch-on times of
independent ventilation/
heating 95
Entering the address 116
Entering the
intersection 117
Entering the town/city for
navigation 117
Entering zip code for
navigation 117
"Entertainment" 130
"Entertainment
settings" 131
"Equalizer" 133
"Equalizer", audio
systems 131

Everything from A to Z
210 Music track
Ð find 142, 145
"Mute on / off" 44
MW, waveband 134
N
"Navigation" 44, 114
Navigation, refer to
Navigation system 114
Navigation CD/DVD 114
Navigation computer,
installation location 114
Navigation destination
Ð manual entry 116
Navigation system 114
Ð address book 120
Ð current position 115
Ð destination guidance in
assistance window 115
Ð destination input 116
Ð destination list 119
Ð entering a destination
manually 116
Ð navigation CD/DVD 114
Ð recent destinations 119
Ð route display 123
Ð route list 124
Ð selecting destination
using information 118
Ð selecting route
criteria 121
Ð starting 114
Ð starting destination
guidance 123
Ð switching off, refer to
Terminating/continuing
destination guidance 126
Ð terminating/continuing
destination guidance 126
Ð voice instructions 124
Ð volume adjustment 125
"Navigation voice
instructions on" 124
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 39
"New destination" 116, 118
"New route" 125
"Next entertainment
source" 44North alignment of map for
navigation 124
Nozzles, refer to
Windshield washer
nozzles 57
"Number" on portable
phone 153
O
OBD connector 183
Octane numbers, refer to
Fuel quality 169
Odometer 65
Oil
Ð additives 179
Ð capacity 201
Ð dipstick 178
Ð specified engine oils 179
Oil change interval,
refer to Service
requirement display 66
Oil consumption 178
Oil level 178
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 189
"On a new destination" for
navigation 119
"Onboard info" 71
Onboard monitor, refer to
Control Center 16
Onboard tool kit 184
"On destination" 119
"On location" 119
Opening and closing
Ð from inside 30
Ð from outside 27
Ð using the door lock 29
Ð using the remote
control 27Operation via voice for
portable phone 157
Ð adjusting volume 158
Ð canceling 157
Ð correcting phone
number 158
Ð correcting unlock
code 158
Ð dialing phone number 158
Ð entering unlock code 158
Ð placing a call 158
Ð redialing 159
Ð switching on phone 158
Ð voice commands 157
Ð voice phone book 158
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu 17
Output, refer to Engine
data 198
Outside air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 91
Outside temperature
display 65
Ð changing the
measurement unit 74
Ð in the computer 74
P
Panic mode 28
Park Distance Control
PDC 76
Parking
Ð vehicle 50
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 76
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake 50
Parking lamp
Ð replacing the bulbs 185
Parking lamps/low
beams 87
Ð replacing the bulbs 185
"Parking lamps on!" 69
Parts and accessories,
refer to Your individual
vehicle 5
"Passenger" 42
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function 39
"Pathway lighting" 87