2005 BMW 525I SEDAN Owner's Manual

Under the hood
176
Under the hood
Never attempt to perform any service or
repair operations on your vehicle without
the required, professional technical training. If
you do not know what repair procedures to fol-
low, have work on your vehicle done only by
your BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If this work is
not carried out properly, there is a danger of
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards.<
Hood
Releasing
Pull the lever located under the left side of the
instrument cluster.
Opening
Press the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard
to engage.
Make sure that the closing path of the
hood is clear, as otherwise injuries may
result.
If you see any signs that the hood is not com-
pletely closed while driving your vehicle, you
should stop at once and close it securely.<

Mobility
177Reference
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Controls
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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-

Mobility
179Reference
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sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
3.The coolant level is correct when the cool-
ant level is between the MIN and MAX
marks, refer to the diagram adjacent to the
filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunctions
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up in spite of
the handbrake being released; a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display:
Stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system thoroughly
checked.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
When you continue driving, an increased
brake pedal path can be necessary, and
significantly longer braking distances might be
required. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up in spite of
the handbrake being released; a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display:
The brake pads have reached their minimum
pad thickness. Have brake pads replaced
immediately.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
For your own safety: use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for the corre-
sponding vehicle model. As BMW cannot
assess the suitability of other brake pads for
use on your vehicle, we are unable to assume
continued responsibility for the vehicle's oper-
ating safety if non-approved pads are
installed.<

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.<

Mobility
181Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Entertainment
OBD Socket
The Onboard Diagnostics 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 sys-
tem for the vehicle's lifetime. The system mon-
itors emission-related components and sys-
tems for deterioration and malfunction.
An illuminated 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.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
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 mis-
fire over only a short period of time can seri-
ously damage emissions 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 will light up. If
the filler cap is subsequently tightened, the
indicator should go out within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or more
sensing and diagnostic modules or a recording
device capable of recording or transmitting cer-
tain vehicle data or information. In addition, if
you have a Subscription Service Agreement for
the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle infor-
mation may be transmitted or recorded in order
to provide such services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.

Replacing components
182
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The on-board tool kit is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
Wiper blade replacement
1.Fold the wiper arm out and grasp firmly.
2.Press the safety tabs together while sliding
the wiper blade toward the front to disen-
gage it.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to vehicle safety. You must be duly diligent
in replacing them. BMW recommends having
your BMW center perform any work that you do
not feel competent to perform yourself or that is
not described here.Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its
metal socket.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your BMW center.
Whenever you perform any work on the
lighting system, turn off the lights
involved so as to prevent short circuits from
occurring. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, observe
any instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
For care and maintenance of the headlamps,
please follow the instructions in the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
Halogen headlamps
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the
engine compartment.
1Cover cap for low beams
2Cover cap for high beams
Turn the cover cap to the left and remove.
Always wear gloves and eye protection –
the atmosphere within the H7 bulb is
pressurized. Failure to observe this precaution
can lead to personal injury should the bulb be
damaged.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW center.<

Mobility
183Reference
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Low beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Remove and replace the bulb.
High beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Remove and replace the bulb.
Parking and roadside parking lamps
Bulb 5 watts, W 5 W
1.Turn the cover cap for low beams or high
beams to the left and remove.
2.Pull out the bulb holder.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. In the unlikely event that one
of these lamps should fail, you can respond by
switching on your fog lamps and proceeding
carefully in accordance with the reduced visibil-
ity, where allowed by law.
Have work on the Xenon lighting system
performed only by your BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Due to the high voltage present in the
system, there is a danger of fatal injuries when
work is carried out improperly.<
Parking and roadside parking lamps
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Turn signals, front
Bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.