2005 BMW 525I engine oil

Notes
6
For your own safety
Maintenance and repair
Advanced technology, e. g. the use of
modern materials and high-performance
electronics, requires specially adapted mainte-
nance and repair methods. Therefore, have cor-
responding work on your BMW carried out only
by a BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If work is car-
ried out improperly there is a danger of conse-
quential damage and the related safety risks.<
California Proposition 65 Warning
California law requires us to issue the following
warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior fur-
nishings 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 fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products 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 accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Batter-
ies also contain other chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer. Wash your
hands after handling. Used engine oil contains
chemicals that have caused cancer in labora-
tory animals. Always protect your skin by wash-
ing thoroughly with soap and water.<
Parts and accessories
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested and
approved by BMW and Genuine BMW Parts,
you simultaneously acquire the assurance that
they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to
ensure optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free from
defects in material and workmanship.
BMW will not accept any liability for damage
resulting from installation of parts and accesso-
ries not approved by BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made by other
manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a
BMW safely and without risk to either the vehi-
cle, its operation, or its occupants.
Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and
other products approved by BMW, together
with professional advice on using these items,
are available from all BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms, radios,
amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension
components, brake dust shields, telephones,
including operation of any portable phone from
within the vehicle without using an externally
mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment, for
instance, CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radios or
similar accessories, may cause extensive dam-
age to the vehicle, compromise its safety, inter-
fere with the vehicle's electrical system or affect
the validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. Refer
to your BMW center for additional informa-
tion.<
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
the emission control devices and sys-
tems may be performed by any automotive
repair establishment or individual using any cer-
tified automotive part.<

Controls
79Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Malfunction in vehicle stability-control
systems
The brake system warning lamp lights
up in red, appearing together with the
indicator lamps for ABS and DSC. A
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. The driving stability control sys-
tems are deactivated. Conventional
braking efficiency remains available
without limitations. While you may con-
tinue, you should remember to proceed cau-
tiously and drive defensively while avoiding full
brake applications. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
The indicator lamp for DSC lights up; a
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. DSC and DTC are deactivated.
The stability maintenance functions are no
longer available. The vehicle remains in running
order. Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
The warning lamp for the brake system
lights up in yellow; a message appears
on the Control Display. DBC has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
Active roll stabilization*
The concept
Active roll stabilization minimizes body roll and
optimizes vehicle stability during cornering and
evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear axles
form the basis for active roll stabilization. Sus-
pension compliance adapts to suit driving con-
ditions, varying from performance-oriented during cornering to smooth and comfort-ori-
ented when the vehicle is proceeding in a
straight line. During vehicle operation, the sys-
tem continuously runs through closed-loop
control cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status each
time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up and a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
There is a malfunction in the system.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
If there is a malfunction in the system,
please remember to adapt your speed
accordingly, especially in curves. The suspen-
s i o n w il l b e n o t i c ea b ly s o f t e r a n d t h e v e h i cl e w il l
display a greater tendency to tilt during corner-
ing and in crosswinds. If a message stating that
you should stop appears on the Control Display,
stop and switch off the engine as soon as pos-
sible. In this case the oil level in the reservoir
may have dropped below the minimum, possi-
bly owing to a leak in the hydraulic system. Do
not continue driving. Contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the four mounted tires as you
drive. The system provides an alert whenever
the inflation pressure drops significantly in rela-
tion to the pressure in another tire.
In the event of a pressure loss, the rolling radius
and therefore the rotation speed of the wheels
change. This change is detected and is
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.
Perform the initialization immediately
after correcting the inflation pressure,

Mobility
177Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communica-
Navigation
Entertainment
Engine compartment
1Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding
engine oil
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath the
microfilter cover
3Starting-aid terminal, refer to page1904Dipstick for engine oil, refer to Checking oil
level. The dipstick is further toward the rear
on the 545i
5Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp and
windshield cleaning systems, refer to
page58
6Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page178
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
1.With the engine at operating temperature,
i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km of uninter-
rupted driving, park the vehicle in a horizon-
tal position.
2.Switch off the engine.
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull out the dip-
stick 4 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.The oil should extend to between the two
marks on the dipstick.
The oil quantity between the middle of the two
marks on the dipstick is approx. 1.6 US quarts/
1.5 liters.

Under the hood
178 Do not exceed the upper marking on the
dipstick, otherwise an overfilling of oil can
damage the engine.<
Adding engine oil
Do not top off the oil until the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower marking on the
dipstick. In this area a message also appears on
the Control Display.
Refill the oil within the next 125 miles/
200 km, otherwise engine damage could
result.<
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.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or
at a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Use only approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small amounts of another synthetic oil between oil
changes. Use only oils with the API SH specifi-
cation or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details concern-
ing the specific BMW High Performance
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 information.
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 system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and the addition of
antifreeze and anticorrosion agent. Not all com-
mercially available additives are suitable for
your BMW. Ask your BMW center for suitable
additives.
Only use suitable additives, as otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard; observe the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-

Maintenance
180
Maintenance
The BMW maintenance
system
The BMW maintenance system supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW. The service schedule also
includes operations related to the vehicle's
comfort and convenience features, such as
replacement of the filters for the inside air. The
ultimate objective is to ensure economical
maintenance by providing the ideal service for
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell
your BMW, you will find that a complete dealer
service history is an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. Condition Based Service uses this to
determine the current and future service
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirements, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Control Display to show
remaining times or distances of selected main-
tenance intervals and legally mandated dead-
lines, refer to page66:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, front and rear separately
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
>Brake fluid>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Legally mandated inspections depending
on local regulations
Your vehicle stores this information continu-
ously in the master key while the vehicle is
being driven. After accessing the data stored in
the master key, your BMW Service Advisor can
suggest precisely the right array of service pro-
cedures for your own individual vehicle. You
should therefore hand over to the BMW Service
Advisor the key you last used to drive when you
take your vehicle in for service.
Make sure the date in the Control Center
is always set correctly, refer to page74,
as otherwise the effectiveness of CBS Condi-
tion Based Service is not ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<

Technical data
198
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
525i530i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission/SMG lbs./kg
3,428/1,555
3,450/1,5653,472/1,575
3,494/1,585
Approved gross weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission/SMG lbs./kg
4,530/2,055
4,552/2,0654,575/2,075
4,597/2,085
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,161/980 2,227/1,010
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,601/1,180 2,601/1,180
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Luggage compartment volume cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520
545i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission/SMG lbs./kg
3,803/1,725
3,814/1,730
Approved gross weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission/SMG lbs./kg
4,905/2,225
4,916/2,230
Load lbs./kg 1,103/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,403/1,090
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,679/1,215
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100
Luggage compartment volume cu ft/l 18.4/520
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal/liters
gal/litersapprox. 18.5/70
approx. 2.1/8Fuel grade: page169
Window and headlamp
washer system quarts/liters approx. 3.2/3For more details: page58
Engine with oil filter renewal
525i, 530i
545iquarts/liters
6.9/6.5
8.5/8.0BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
Oil grades: page178

Everything from A to Z
206 Decommissioning the vehicle
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Defrosting windows91
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation91
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows91
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows91
"Delete address book" for
navigation122
"Delete all numbers" on the
portable phone157
"Delete data" for
navigation122
"Delete" for portable
phone157,158
Destination address
– deleting121
– entering115
Destination for navigation
– destination list119
– entry115
– selecting from address
book121
– selecting using
information118
– storing120
Destination guidance124
– bypassing route
sections127
– canceling voice
instructions46
– changing specified
route122
– displaying routes126
– distance and arrival124
– interrupting125
– starting124
– terminating/continuing125
– voice instructions125
– volume of voice
instructions126
Destination list119
Destinations recently driven
to119"Dial" for portable phone154
"Dial number"154
"Diamond button"46
Diamond button46
Digital clock65
Dimensions197
Dipstick for engine oil177
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals56
Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions125
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions125
Directory, refer to Phone
book155
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book120
Disc brakes108
Displacement, refer to Engine
data196
Display, refer to Control
Center16
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
"Display settings"73
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up Display84
Disposal, vehicle battery187
Distance, refer to
Computer70
Distance cruise control, refer
to Active cruise control59
"Distance to dest."71
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer70
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control76
Divided rear seat back, refer to
Folding down rear seat101
Door entry lighting89
Door keys28
Door lock31
Door locking, acknowl-
edgment signals30"Door locks"29
Doors
– manual operation31
– remote control29
DOT Quality Grades173
Draft-free ventilation93
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders99
Drive mode54
"Driver's door only"29
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams87
Driving notes106
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route126
Driving stability control
system77
Driving through water107
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes106
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function91
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function91
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control78
– indicator lamp13,78
– malfunction79
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control78
– activating78
– indicator lamp13,78
DVD for navigation114
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC77
Dynamic Driving Control54
"Dynamic route" for
navigation123
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC78
– indicator lamp13,78,79
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC78
– indicator lamp13,78

Reference 207
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communica-
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
E
Easy entry/exit45
– backrest width40
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player132
Electrical malfunction
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door168
– glass sunroof37
– glass sunroof, electric37
– luggage compartment lid33
Electric steering wheel
adjustment45
Electronic brake-force
distribution77
Emergency call189
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door168
– glass sunroof37
– luggage compartment lid33
Emergency release of luggage
compartment lid from
luggage compartment's
interior33
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance190
"Emission inspect."67
"Enable services"162
"End call"155
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control66
Energy Control66
Engine
– breaking-in106
– data196
– speed196
– starting51
– starting difficulties51
– switching off52
Engine compartment177
Engine coolant178Engine oil
– adding178
– checking the oil level177
– specified engine oils178
Engine output, refer to Engine
data196
Engine speed196
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine51
"Enter address"116
Entering destination116
Entering the address115
Entering the intersection117
"Entertainment"133
"Entertainment settings"134
Entry map for destination117
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control135
"ESN"142
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control78
Event Data Recorders181
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system106
Exterior mirrors45
– automatic dimming
feature107
– automatic heating45
Exterior rearview mirror
– passenger-side mirror tilt
function41
F
Fader, tone control134
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control67
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms34
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts42
– warning lamp43
Fastest route for
navigation122
"Fast route" for
navigation122First aid, refer to First-aid
kit189
First-aid kit189
Flashlight98
– refer to Rechargeable
flashlight98
Flash when locking/
unlocking30
Flat tire
– changing wheels185
– compact wheel186
– Flat Tire Monitor80
– run-flat tires80,174
Flat Tire Monitor79
– false alarms80
– initializing system80
– malfunctions81
– snow chains175
– system limits80
– warning lamp80
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition173
"FM", reception
range133,138
FM, waveband138
Fog lamps88
– indicator lamp13,88
Folding down rear seat101
Folding rear seat back101
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely107
Footwell lamps89
Forward, fast
– CD changer147
– CD player147
For your own safety6
Front airbags83
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest
– front98
Front seat adjustment38
"FTM"80
Fuel169
– capacity198
– display66
– high-quality brands169
– quality169
– specifications169