2005 BMW 545I SEDAN coolant

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-

Mobility
179Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communica-
Navigation
Entertainment
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.<

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