2006 BMW 525XI oil level

Controls
87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Dynamic Drive*
The concept
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and opti-
mizes vehicle stability during cornering and
evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic Drive is based on active stabilizers on
the front and rear axles. Suspension compli-
ance adapts to suit driving conditions, varying
from performance-oriented during cornering to
smooth and comfort-oriented when the vehicle
is proceeding in a straight line. During vehicle
operation, the system continuously runs
through closed-loop control cycles lasting only
fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status each
time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow and
a message is shown on the Control Dis-
play. There is a malfunction in the sys-
tem. Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
If a malfunction occurs, please remember
to adapt your speed accordingly, espe-
cially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer and
the vehicle will display a greater tendency to tilt
during cornering and in crosswinds.
If a message stating that you should stop is
shown on the Control Display, stop at a suitable
location and switch off the engine as soon as
possible. In this case the oil level in the reservoir
may have dropped below the minimum, possi-
bly owing to a leak in the hydraulic system.
Do not continue driving, but instead contact
your BMW center.<
Sports Wagon: self-leveling
suspension
Malfunction
The warning lamp for the self-leveling
suspension lights up in yellow and a
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. A malfunction has occurred in the self-
leveling suspension. Stop and check the vehi-
cle. If it is considerably lower at the rear than at
the front, and possible also on one side – rear
left compared to rear right –, go to the nearest
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel. Drive with appropriate
caution in the meantime. The vehicle has
reduced ground clearance and driving comfort
may be noticeably reduced. Even if the position
of the vehicle is normal, go to the nearest BMW
center or a workshop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the tires as you drive. The sys-
tem provides an alert whenever the inflation
pressure drops significantly in relation to the
pressure in another tire.
In the event of a pressure loss, the rolling radius
and therefore the rotation speed of the wheels
change. This change is detected and is
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.
The initialization must be repeated after
each time the tire inflation pressure is cor-
rected and after every tire or wheel change.<

Mobility
195Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that you do not have damaged run-flat
tires repaired; they should be replaced.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the side wall
of the tire.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and recommends
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
Use is only permissible in pairs on the rear
wheels.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
After mounting snow chains, do not ini-
tialize the Flat Tire Monitor, otherwise
incorrect displays can occur.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page85.<

Mobility
197Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
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 page2124Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp and
windshield cleaning systems, refer to
page64
5Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page199
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil
level check.
The condition for the most accurate indication
of the oil level possible is measurement with the
engine at operating temperature, i.e. following
an uninterrupted drive of at least 6 miles/10 km.
You can display the oil level on the Control Dis-
play while driving or when stopped on a level
surface with the engine running.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Service" and press the controller.

Under the hood
198 4.Select "Service requirements" and press
the controller.
5.Select "Engine oil level" and press the con-
troller. The oil level is displayed.
Possible messages
>"Engine oil level O.K."
>"No measured value available: Updating
engine oil level measurement...":
Engine oil level is being measured. This
process can take approx. 3 minutes when
stopped on a level surface and approx.
5 minutes while driving.
>"Oil level at the minimum! Refill with 1 quart
engine oil.":
Add 1 quart/liter of engine oil at the next
opportunity.
>"Engine oil level too high":
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately, otherwise engine damage may
result if too much oil has been added.<
>"Please observe recalculated service inter-
val for engine oil":
Do not add engine oil. Continued driving is
possible. To do this, observe the recalcu-
lated remaining mileage until the next oil
change service, refer to page201. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Do not add 1 quart/1 liter of oil until a corre-
sponding message appears on the Control
Display.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
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.
Keep oil, grease etc. out of reach of children and
observe the warnings on the containers to pre-
vent health risks.<
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.
Approved 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.
Do not use oil additives, as these may
result in engine damage.<
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is
unavailable, you can add small quantities of
other synthetic oils between oil changes. Only
use oils of the specification API SH or higher.

Mobility
199Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Your BMW center will be happy to answer
detailed questions on BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website at
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is specified in SAE grades.
The choice of the right SAE grade is based on
the climatic conditions in the region in which
you normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the SAE grades
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant is comprised of water and coolant addi-
tive. Not all commercially available additives are
suitable for your BMW. Ask your BMW center
for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, 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-
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.<

Everything from A to Z
232 Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
Door locking, acknowl-
edgment signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades192
Draft-free ventilation101
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders107
Drive mode60
"Driver's door only"30
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams94
Driving notes116
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route137
Driving stability control
systems84
Driving through water117
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes116
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function100
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function100
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control84
– indicator lamp13,85
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control85
– activating85
– indicator lamp13,85
DVD for navigation124
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC84
Dynamic Drive87
Dynamic Driving Control60
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC84
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC85
E
Easy entry/exit50
– backrest width45
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player144
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof, electric41
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof42
– tailgate35
Electric steering wheel
adjustment50
Electronic brake-force
distribution84
Electronic oil level check197
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control84
Emergency call211
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof42
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission62
– tailgate35
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment34
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance212
"Emission inspect."76
"Enable services"180
"End call"171
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control73
Energy Control73Engine
– breaking-in116
– data218
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature72
– speed218
– starting57
– starting, comfort access37
– starting difficulties57
– switching off57
Engine compartment197
Engine coolant199
Engine oil
– adding198
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils198
– approved engine oil198
– checking oil level197
– electronic oil level check197
"Engine oil level"198
Engine output, refer to Engine
data218
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature72
Engine speed218
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine57
"Enter address"125,132
Entering destination via town/
city name126
Entering the
address125,128
Entering the intersection127
Entering town/city for
navigation126
Entering zip code for
navigation127
"Entertainment"144
"Entertainment
settings"145,152
Entertainment sound output
on/off145
Entry map for destination129
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control147
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control147
"ESN"154

Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Mobile phone
– accepted calls173
– adjusting volume170
– calling171
– ending call171
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest106
– missed calls173
– operation via iDrive170
– redialing173
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
– Top 8173
– touch tone dialing173
Mobile phones, use in the
interior, refer to Mobile
communications
devices117
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring pressure of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor87
"Monitor on / off"51
Most recent mobile phone
numbers173
MP3, refer to Compressed
audio files157
Multi-function steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher62
– refer to Wiper/washer
system63
Music track, finding159
"Mute on / off"51
MW, waveband148
N
"Navigation"74,125
Navigation destination
– home address134
– manual entry125,128
– selecting via map129
Navigation drive, installation
location124Navigation DVD124
Navigation instructions, refer
to Switching voice instruc-
tions on/off139
Navigation system124
– address book132
– bypassing route
sections140
– destination entry125
– destination guidance in
assistance window124
– destination list131
– displaying current
position140
– entering a destination
manually125,128
– last destinations131
– opening125
– route display137
– route list138
– searching for a special
destination130
– selecting destination using
information130
– selecting destination via
map129
– selecting route criteria134
– starting destination
guidance136
– switching off, refer to Termi-
nating/continuing desti-
nation guidance136
– terminating/continuing
destination guidance136
– voice instructions139
– volume adjustment140
"Navigation voice
instructions"51
"Navigation voice instructions
on"139
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints46
"New address" for
navigation132
"New destination"125,129
New remote control28
"New route"140New wheels and tires194
"Next entertainment
source"
51
"Normal", active backrest
width adjustment45
Nozzles, refer to Windshield
washer nozzles64
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing213
O
OBD socket202
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications187
Odometer72
Oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils198
– approved engine oils198
– capacity222
– consumption, refer to
Checking engine oil
level197
– level197
– refilling, refer to Adding
engine oil198
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service requirements75
"On a new destination" for
navigation131
Onboard computer, refer to
iDrive16
"Onboard information"74
Onboard toolkit203
"On destination"131
"On location"131
Opening and closing
– comfort access37
– from inside32
– from outside30
– panorama glass sunroof41
– using remote control30
– using the door lock32

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox59
Shift paddles60
Short commands of voice
command system223
"Short route" for
navigation135
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route134
Shoulder support44
"Show current position"130
"Show destination
position"130
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer160
– CD player160
Side airbags90
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs205
Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs205
Side window blind, refer to
Sun blinds105
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely43
– with airbags43
– with head restraint43
– with safety belts43
Ski bag110
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric40
– refer to Panorama glass
sunroof41
Slope assistant, refer to
Starting assistant117SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox59
– acceleration assistant61
– breaking-in116
– Dynamic Driving Control60
– gear display59
– kick-down60
– shiftlock59
– towing214
– tow-starting215
Snow chains195
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics interface202
Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock56
Sockets, refer to Connecting
electrical devices108
Song search with CD, refer to
Playing a track159
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency call211
Spare fuses210
Spare key
28
– adapter28
Spare remote control28
Spare wheel, refer to
Changing wheels207
Spare wheel, refer to Compact
wheel208
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils198
Speed
– with compact wheel209
– with winter tires195
Speed-dependent
volume146
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit79
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone
control146
"Sport", active backrest width
adjustment45
Sport program, refer to
Dynamic Driving Control60Sports Wagon
– automatic tailgate
operation35
– cargo area cover111
– compartments in cargo
area112
– increasing cargo area111
– opening rear window34
– opening tailgate35
– panorama glass sunroof41
– rear window wiper64
– rear window wiper, changing
wiper blade203
– releasing fuel filler door in
event of electrical
malfunction186
– roll-up cover, refer to Cargo
area cover111
– self-leveling suspension87
– separation net111
– socket in cargo area109
– storage area package112
– tail lamps, replacing
bulbs205
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems84
"Star button"51
Star button51
Start/Stop button56
"Start destination
guidance"130
"Start" for stopwatch79
"Start guidance"128,136
Starting, refer to Starting
engine57
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting212
Starting assistant117
Starting difficulties
– jump starting212
– refer to Special starting
conditions57
Starting off on slopes, refer to
Starting assistant117
Start menu, iDrive17
"Start service"181