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.
Mobility
171Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
525i/530i
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 W
225/55 R 16 95 Q,T,H M+S
225/50 R 17 94 Q,T,H M+S
525i only:
225/55 R 16 95 V M+S
225/55 R 16 95 V 29/200 35/240 36/250 44/300
245/45 R 17 95 W
245/45 R 17 95 Q,T,H,V M+S29/200 32/220 33/230 41/280
Front: 245/40 R 18 93 W 29/200 - 36/250 -
Rear: 275/35 R 18 95 W - 32/220 - 41/280
Front: 245/35 R 19 89 Y 29/200 - 33/230 -
Rear: 275/30 R 19 92 Y - 32/220 - 41/280
Compact wheel:
T 135/80 R 17 102 M61/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page198.
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
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 203
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communica-
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Arrival time
– refer to Computer70
– refer to Starting destination
guidance124
"Arrow display" during
navigation126
Ashtray
– front99
– rear100
Assist, refer to BMW
Assist161
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems77
Assistance window20
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control91
"Audio"134
Audio132
– controls132
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
Automatic
– air distribution91
– air volume91
– garage door opener96
– headlamp control87
– service notification162
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit45
– storing stations139
Automatic car washes108
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control90
– automatic air distribution91
– settings using the Control
Center92
– switching off92
Automatic curb monitor41
"Automatic programs"93
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC91
Automatic station search139Automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– convenience start52
– interlock51
– kick-down56
– selector lever interlock55
– shiftlock55
– sport program56
– starting the engine52
– tow starting192
– tow-starting192
"Automatic ventilation"94
AUTO program for automatic
climate control91
"Autostore" on the radio140
Average fuel consumption70
– setting the units73
Average speed, refer to
Computer70
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation123
Avoid freeways for
navigation122
"Avoid highways" for
navigation122
Avoiding unintentional
alarms34
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation123
Axle loads, refer to
Weights198
"A - Z"155
B
Backrests, refer to Seats38
Backrest width adjustment39
Backup lamps, refer to
Reverse gear53
– replacing bulbs184
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps184
Balance, tone control134
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit189
Bass, tone control134Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery187
– jump starting190
Being towed191
Belts, refer to Safety belts42
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders99
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning65
Blower, refer to Air volume91
BMW Assist161
– enabling161
– services offered162
BMW maintenance
system180
"BMW Service"163
"BMW Service settings"162
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders99
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control77
Brake fluid179
– warning lamp179
Brake Force Display82
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display82
– replacing bulbs184
Brake pads179
– breaking-in106
Brake rotors108
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System77
– brake fluid179
– Brake Force Display82
– brake pads179
– breaking-in106
– handbrake52
– warning lamps13
Brake system106,179
– brake fluid level179
– brake pads106,179
– breaking-in106
– disc brakes108
– warning lamp79,179
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
Everything from A to Z
208 Fuel consumption display
– computer, average fuel
consumption70
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gage66
Fuel filler door168
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction168
Fuel gage66
Fuses187
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control96
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel169
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gage66
Gear changes
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission54
Gear display
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission53
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– manual transmission53
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission53
General driving notes106
Glass sunroof, electric35
– auto-remote operation from
outside31
– opening and closing
manually37
– remote control30
Glove compartment97
– lighting97
– rechargeable flashlight98
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system114Grills, refer to Ventilation93
Grills of the automatic climate
control90
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights198
H
Halogen lamps183
Handbrake52
– indicator lamp13,52
Hands-free system153
– refer to Microphone14
Hazard warning flashers15
Head airbags83
Headlamp control,
automatic87
Headlamp flasher56
Headlamps87
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system57
– replacing bulbs183
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light88
"Headphone operation
only"137
"Headphones"137
Head restraints41
– front head restraints,
active42
Head-Up Display84
Heated mirrors45
Heated rear window90
Heated seats43
Heated steering wheel46
Heating90
– exterior mirrors45
– interior90
– rear window90
– residual heat utilization92
– seats43
– steering wheel46
Heating while stationary92Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual heat
utilization92
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo109
Height, refer to
Dimensions197
Height adjustment
– seats39
– steering wheel45
High beams88
– headlamp flasher88
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs183
High water, refer to Driving
through water107
Hills108
Holder for cups99
"Home address"122
Hood176
Horn10
Hot exhaust system106
"Hour memo"74
"House number" for desti-
nation entry117
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control77
Hydroplaning107
I
Ice warning65
iDrive, refer to Control
Center16
Ignition key28
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock51
Ignition lock51
Independent ventilation94
– activating the activation
time95
– preselecting activation
times94
– switching on and off
directly94