2005 BMW 545I SEDAN load capacity

Controls
101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Folding down rear seat*
1.Open the buckle of the center safety belt in
the rear and insert the belt tab at the end of
the belt into the fixture on the rear window
shelf.
2.Push the corresponding head restraint
down as far as it will go, refer to page42.
3.To unlock, pull the corresponding lever in
the luggage compartment.
4.The unlocked rear seat back moves forward
slightly. Fold the seat back forward by the
head restraint.
When you return the seat back to its
upright position, make sure that the
retainer engages properly. If it is not properly
engaged, transported cargo could enter the vehicle during braking or evasive maneuvers
and endanger the vehicle occupants.<
The lashing eyes in the luggage compartment
provide you with a way to attach luggage com-
partment nets
* or flexible straps for securing
suitcases and luggage, refer to page109.
Ski bag*
Designed for safe, clean transport of up to 4
pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length
of up to 6.9 ft/2.10 m. When skis of 6.9 ft/2.10 m
in length are loaded, the ski bag will tend to con-
tract, reducing its overall capacity.
Loading
1.Fold down the center armrest, press the
button and open the cover.
2.Press the button again; the cover in the lug-
gage compartment opens. If you press the
button firmly the first time, this also opens
the cover in the luggage compartment
3.Extend the ski bag between the front seats
and fill it. The zipper facilitates access to the
stowed items and drying of the ski bag.

Things to remember when driving
108
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can further enhance the engine's braking
action by selecting a lower gear in the automatic
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches,
refer to page56. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
Never drive with the clutch pressed or
allow the vehicle to coast with the trans-
mission in Neutral – or with the engine switched
off – there is no engine braking when the trans-
mission is in Neutral, and no power-assist for
brakes and steering when the engine is not run-
ning.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct their
movement.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle.
Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal
.
Before driving into a car wash
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this vehicle
from being damaged, always fold them in by
hand before entering an automatic car wash.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg. Otherwise, this could
damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.

Driving tips
109Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permitted load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage
can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
bulkhead behind the rear seats.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net*, luggage straps, or
securing straps to hold down small and
lightweight luggage and cargo.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes
mounted in the luggage compartment are
used to secure this lashing equipment, refer
to illustration.
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load as
described above. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page198, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could fly around and pose a safety
hazard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.<

Wheels and tires
172
545i
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transport.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT … 3604 means that the
tire was produced in the 36th week of 2004.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years.
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
225/50 R 17 94 V M+S
225/50 R 17 94 W
245/40 R 18 93 Y
225/50 R 17 94 Q,T,H M+S32/220 38/260 38/260 45/310
245/45 R 17 95 W
245/45 R 17 95 Q,T,H,V M+S29/200 35/240 35/240 42/290
Front: 245/40 R 18 93 Y 32/220 - 38/260 -
Rear: 275/35 R 18 95 Y - 35/240 - 42/290
Front: 245/35 R 19 89 Y 32/220 - 38/260 -
Rear: 275/30 R 19 92 Y - 35/240 - 42/290
Compact wheel:
T 135/80 R 17 102 M61/420
More details on the permitted load and weights can be found on page198.
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Belted construction – radial
Rim diameter in inches
Carrying capacity ID-code
(not in ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in ZR tires before the R)205/60 R1591 W
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3604

Mobility
185Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
1.Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to
the right, refer to arrows. This releases the
lamp.
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
Backup 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.
LEDs light-emitting diodes
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare directly into the unfiltered light for
several hours, as this could result in irritation of
the retina.<
Changing wheels
Safety precautions in the event of a flat
tire or wheel change: Park the vehicle as
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-
ting of the wheels. Apply the handbrake and
engage first gear, reverse gear or selector lever
position P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
diate area in a safe place, such as behind a guardrail.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard warning
lamp is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is
supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises later on, note the posi-
tions of the tools before removing them, then
return them to their initial positions after com-
pleting work.
1Chock
*
2Vehicle jack*
3Lug wrench*
The tools are located in the hollow of the com-
pact wheel.
1.Lift up floor mat or floor panel flap and cover
located beneath it.
2.Take out the required tools.
3.After using the tools, return then to the stor-
age space.

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
216 Touch tone dialing157
Tow fitting191
Towing191
– tow fitting191
"Town / City" for destination
entry116
Tow-starting192
Tracks
– random play sequence147
– sample scan147
Track width, refer to
Dimensions197
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control78
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control78
Traffic congestion, refer to
Bypassing route
sections127
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– manual transmission53
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission53
Transporting children
safely47
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo109
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread173
"Trip computer"71
Trip computer71
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer65
"Triple turn signal
activation"57
Trip odometer65
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid32
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation33
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions197
Turn signals56
– indicator lamp10,13
– replacing bulbs183
U
Underbody protection, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR173
"Units"73
Units
– average fuel
consumption73
– temperature73
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote control96
Universal Remote Control96
"Unlock button"29
Unlocking
– from inside32
– from outside29
"Unlock rear menu"137
"Update services"164
"Use current location as
address"122
Using tow fitting for towing
and tow-starting191
V
Valve screw caps, refer to
After mounting186
Vehicle
– battery187
– break-in period106
– care181
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– dimensions197
– loading108
– parking52
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weights198
Vehicle jack185
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position125
"Vehicle settings"29Ventilation93
– draft-free93
– in the rear93
Ventilation while stationary94
Vent outlets of the automatic
climate control90
Vents, refer to Ventilation93
Voice command system22
– short commands199
Voice instructions for
navigation system125
– muting46
– repeating46,126
– switching on/off46,125
– volume126
Voice phone book159
Volume132
– audio sources132
– of the luggage
compartment198
– portable phone153
– setting speed-
dependent134
– voice instructions126
W
Warning lamps, refer to
Indicator/warning lamps13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control67
Warning triangle189
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models180
Washer fluid58
– capacity of the reservoir58
– content of the reservoir58
Washer fluid reservoir58
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water107
Waveband138
"WB"133,141
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth173
Weights198
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to New wheels and tires174