Controls
83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags for driver and front passenger
2Head airbags in front and rear
3Side airbags in front and rear
Protective action
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,
please observe the adjustment instructions on
page38.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered in
every impact situation, e. g. less severe acci-
dents, certain roll-over conditions, or rear-end
collisions.
The rear seat side airbags may already
have been deactivated by a BMW center.
Labels in the rear door opening should indicate
the status of your rear seat side airbags. If you
are uncertain of their status, or wish to have the
airbags activated or deactivated, please contact
your BMW center.<
For information on the correct sitting position,
refer to page38.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way. Do not attempt to remove the airbag retention system from the
vehicle. Never modify or tamper with either the
wiring or the individual components in the air-
bag system. This category includes the uphol-
stery in the center of the steering wheel, on the
instrument panel, the side trim panels on the
doors and the roof pillars along with the sides of
the headliner. Do not attempt to remove or dis-
mantle the steering wheel. Do not touch the
individual components immediately after the
system has been triggered, because there is a
danger of burns. In the event of malfunctions,
deactivation, or triggering of the airbag restraint
system, have the testing, repair, removal, and
disposal of airbag generators executed only
by a BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel and has the
required explosives licenses. Unprofessional
attempts to service the system could lead to
failure in an emergency or undesired airbag
activation, either of which could result in per-
sonal injury.<
Airbag warning information is also provided on
the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front
passenger airbags
Your BMW has a seat occupation detection
system. By evaluating the weight on the front
passenger seat, the system detects whether or
not the seat is occupied by a child in the child-
restraint system or an adult.
>When a child is seated in the child-restraint
system or with an empty seat, the front and
side airbags are automatically deactivated
on the passenger side.
Things to remember when driving
106
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. To ensure that your vehicle contin-
ues to provide optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
You should attempt to vary both engine and
vehicle speeds. Until the break-in period has
been completed, you should also refrain from
exceeding an engine speed of 4,500 rpm or a
driving speed of 100 mph/160 km/h.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode during these
initial miles.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/2000 km, the
engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
SMG Sequential manual transmission
Do not use the acceleration assistant during the
break-in period, refer to page55.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced
after subsequent driving operation.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could pene-
trate to the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
luggage compartment lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air volume of the automatic
climate control to a high level, refer to
page91.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles equipped with a catalytic
converter, extremely high temperatures
are generated in this vehicle. Do not remove the
heat shields installed adjacent to various sec-
tions of the exhaust system, and never apply
undercoating to them. When driving, standing
at idle and while parking take care to avoid pos-
sible contact between the hot exhaust system
and any highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to a
fire, and with it the risk of serious property dam-
age as well as personal injury.<
Things to remember when driving
110
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the door
openings.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof weight, the approved
gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when
loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights on page198.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed
and must not extend outward to beyond the lim-
its of the loading surface. Always load the heavi-
est pieces first – at the bottom. Be sure that
adequate clearance is maintained for raising the
glass sunroof, and that objects do not project
into the opening path of the luggage compart-
ment lid.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Telephoning
160
Storing entry*
An entry always consists of a name and phone
number.
Selecting an entry
The connection to the phone number of the
selected entry is established.
Having entries read aloud* and
selecting
You can have all the entries of your voice phone
book read aloud in the order of input and select
a certain entry to establish a connection:
Redialing
The {Redial} command calls "Redial".
Deleting entry*
You can delete any entry from the voice phone
book.
Deleting all entries*
{Delete phone book} deletes all entries in the
phone book.
Notes
The voice commands in English were
available as of this printing. Other lan-
guages are currently not available. To operate
the portable phone via the voice command sys-
tem, refer to page22.<
Important for voice commands
For voice commands, bear in mind the follow-
ing:
>Issue the commands smoothly and at nor-
mal volume, avoiding excessive emphasis
and pauses.
>Keep the doors, windows and glass sunroof
closed to prevent interference from ambi-
ent noise.
>Avoid other sources of noise in the vehicle
while speaking, and ask other vehicle occu-
pants to refrain from talking while you are
using the system. 1.{Save name}.
The dialog for storing a name is
opened.
2.Speak name and repeat entry upon
request.
The spoken length of the names in the
phone book must not exceed approx. 2
seconds.
3.Say the phone number when prompted.
4.To store the phone number:
{Save}.
1.{Dial name}.
The dialog for selecting an entry is
opened.
2.Say the name when prompted.
3.Confirm the prompt with {Yes}.
1.{Read phone book}.
The dialog for reading phone book is
opened.
2.{Dial number} when the desired entry is
read aloud.
1.{Delete name}.
The dialog for deleting an entry is
opened.
2.Say the name when prompted.
3.Confirm the prompt with {Yes}.
1.{Delete phone book}.
The dialog for deleting phone book is
opened.
2.Confirm the prompt with {Yes}.
3.Confirm the repeated prompt with
{Yes}.
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
202
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions,
pointing out where these are
located.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System77
– indicator lamp79
– malfunction79
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control59
Acceleration assistant for
SMG Sequential manual
transmission55
Accessories6
Acoustic Signal, refer to
Check Control67
Activated-charcoal filter94
"Activation time" for
independent ventilation94
Active cruise control59
– indicator lamp60
– malfunction64
– selecting distance62
– sensor, refer to
Malfunction64
Active head restraints,
front42
Active roll stabilization79
Active seat44
Active seat ventilation44
Active steering81
– initializing system81
– warning lamp81
Adaptive Head Light88
"Add digits" for portable
phone155
"Address book" for
navigation120Address for navigation
– deleting121
– entering115
– selecting121
– storing current position120
"Add to destination list"117
Adhesive bandages, refer to
First-aid kit189
Adjusting active backrest
width40
Adjusting temperature in
upper body region93
Adjusting the temperature
with automatic climate
control91
Adjusting the thigh support39
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control133
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear134
– right/left balance134
"After opening door"41
"After unlocking"41
Airbags83
– sitting safely38
– warning lamp84
Air circulation, refer to Air
recirculation91
Air distribution
– automatic91
– manual92
Airing, refer to Ventilation93
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control91
– recirculated-air mode91
"Air recirculation on / off"46
Air vent outlets of automatic
climate control90
Air vents90
– refer to Ventilation93
Air volume91AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications169
Alarm system33
– avoiding unintentional
alarms34
– interior motion sensor34
– switching off the alarm34
– switching off the tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor34
– tilt alarm sensor34
All around the center
console14
All around the steering
wheel10
"All channels"143
"All doors"29
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires175
Altering stretch of road127
"AM", reception
range133,138
Antenna for portable
phone152
Antifreeze
– coolant178
– washer fluid58
Antilock Brake System
ABS77
– indicator lamp79
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system33
Anti-theft system29
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof, electric36
– power windows35
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights198
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights198
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest
– rear100
Reference 205
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communica-
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Check Control
messages"69
Check Gas Cap168
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure170
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH49
Child restraints47
Child restraint systems47
Child-safety lock50
Child seats47
Chime, refer to Check
Control67
Chock185
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter99
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cleaning the windshield, refer
to Wiper system57
"Climate"44
Clock65
– 12h/24h mode74
– time setting74
Closing
– from inside31
– from outside29
Clothes hooks99
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine51
"Comfort", active backrest
width adjustment40
Comfort area, refer to All
about the center console14
Comfort seat39
"Communication"154
"Communication
settings"161
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer145
– refer to CD player145
Compact wheel
– changing wheels186
– inflation pressure171Computer69
– clock, 12h/24h mode74
– displays on Control
Display70
– hour signal74
"Concert hall"135
Condition Based Service
CBS180
"Confirmation"30
Confirmation signals for
locking and unlocking30
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption70
Consumption indicator
– Energy Control66
"Continue guidance to
destination?"125
Control Center16
– adjusting brightness73
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control92
– changing settings19,73
– changing the menu page19
– confirming selection or
entry19
– controller16
– displays, menus16
– language selection74
– lists19
– menu item selection19
– menu navigation17
– operating elements16
– selecting units of
measurement and display
format73
– setting time and date74
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols17
Control Display, refer to
Control Center16
Controller, refer to Control
Center16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– glass sunroof30
– windows30
Convenience start, refer to
Starting engine51Coolant178
– level178
Cooling, maximum91
Cornering Brake Control
CBC77
Country of destination for
navigation116
Courtesy lamps89
Cradle for telephone or
portable phone98
Cruise control58,59
– active cruise control59
Cruising range70
Cup holders99
Curb weight, refer to
Weights198
Current fuel consumption66
"Current position"125
Current position
– displaying125
– entering120
– storing120
"Customer Relations"164
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data196
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Data196
– capacities198
– dimensions197
– engine196
– technical data196
– weights198
"Date"74
Date65
– display format75
– retrieval65
– setting74
"Date format"75
Daytime driving lamps87
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control77
– warning lamp79
"Deactivated"41
Deactivating front passenger
airbags47,83
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