Mobility
211Reference
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Replacing components
Onboard toolkit
Sedan
The onboard toolkit is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wing nut to open.
Sports Wagon
The onboard toolkit is located in the left side
panel of the cargo area.
Wiper blade replacement
Front
1.Fold the wiper arm out and grasp firmly.
2.Press the safety tabs together while sliding
the wiper blade toward the front to disen-
gage it.
3.Mount the new wiper blade and slide in until
it is heard to engage.
Rear*
1.Lift off the wiper arm completely and pull off
the wiper blade, refer to arrow.
2.Mount the new wiper blade and press on
until it is heard to engage.
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2.Remove and replace the bulb.
Parking and roadside parking lamps
Bulb 5 watts, W 5 W
One bulb each is located above the low beams
and high beams.
1.Turn the cover cap for low beams or high
beams to the left and remove.
2.Pull out the bulb holder.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. If one of these bulbs should
nevertheless fail, it is possible to continue driv-
ing with great caution using the fog lamps, pro-
vided traffic laws in your area do not prohibit
this.
Have work on the Xenon lighting system
performed only by your BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Due to the high voltage present in the
system, there is a danger of fatal injuries when
work is carried out improperly.<
Parking and roadside parking 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.
Turn signals, front
Bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Side-mounted turn signals
Bulb 5 watts, W 5 W
1.Press back against the front edge of the
light with the tip of your finger, then pivot it
out.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
3.Remove the bulb for replacement.
Side marker lamps, front and rear
To replace, please go to your BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel.
Tail lamps
Sedan
>Turn signals: bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
>Backup lamps: bulb 16 watts, W 16 W
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Lamps in luggage compartment lid
License plate lamp
Bulb 5 watts, C 5 W
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.
Sports Wagon:
Backup lamp
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.
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 mount under the
floor mat or floor panel flap.
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.
With run-flat tires, no tools are provided
for wheel changes. They can be pur-
chased as accessories at your BMW center.<
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Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any electrical systems and com-
ponents in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks, fol-
low this sequence when connecting
jumper cables.<
In your BMW, the so-called auxiliary terminal
for jump starting in the engine compartment
serves as a positive terminal for the battery, also
refer to engine compartment overview on
page205. The cover cap is marked with a +.
1.Fold open the cover of the BMW starting-
aid terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
2.Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+
to the positive terminal of the battery or a
starting-aid terminal of the vehicle provid-
ing assistance.
3.Attach the second end of the cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or to a start-
ing-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/–
to the negative terminal of the battery or to
an engine or body ground of the assisting
vehicle.Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative terminal.
5.Attach the second end of the cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to the
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be
started.Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle
and allow it to run at idle for several minutes
at slightly increased speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The screw-on tow-fitting must always be car-
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front or rear of the BMW.
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>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With tow truck for 525xi, 530xi
Do not tow the BMW with xDrive with the
front or rear axle raised individually, other-
wise the wheels may block and the transfer
case may be damaged.<
The BMW may only be transported on a flat
bed.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page220. With a catalytic con-
verter, tow-starting should only be carried out
with the engine cold, and with automatic trans-
missions, the engine cannot be started by tow-
starting.
If the electrical system fails, do not tow-
start or tow the vehicle, as otherwise the
electric steering-wheel lock cannot be
unlocked and the vehicle cannot be steered.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page58.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. For information on SMG,
see below.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch again completely.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select the Sequential mode. The correct
gear will be selected and engaged automat-
ically.
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent
Control of the 525xi, 530 xi during tow-
starting, refer to page88.<
Reference 229
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Mobility
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Sedan525i530i550i
Curb weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 3,395/1,540 3,450/1,565 3,902/1,770
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,439/1,560 3,472/1,575 3,924/1,780
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 4,497/2,040 4,552/2,065 5,004/2,270
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,541/2,060 4,575/2,075 5,026/2,280
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,161/980 2,227/1,010 2,469/1,120
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,601/1,180 2,601/1,180 2,679/1,215
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520 18.4/520
Sedan525xi530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,593/1,630 3,670/1,660
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,638/1,650 3,704/1,680
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 4,696/2,130 4,762/2,160
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,740/2,150 4,806/2,180
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,315/1,050 2,315/1,050
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520
Reference 237
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Controls
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Arrival time
– refer to Computer76
– refer to Starting destination
guidance144
"Arrow display" for navigation
system145
Ashtray
– front115
– rear115
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist187
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems86
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control108
Audio152
– controls152
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
"Audio", refer to Tone
control153
"Audio Aux"152,171
– on external audio device171
Audio device, external114
Automatic
– air distribution106
– air volume106
– garage door opener111
– headlamp control101
– service notification188
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit52
– storing stations157
– tailgate operation36
Automatically switching
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant103
Automatic car washes126
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control105
– automatic air
distribution106
– switching off108Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control101
– refer to Daytime running
lamps102
– refer to High-beam
assistant103
– refer to Interior lamps104
– refer to Pathway lighting101
Automatic low-beam function,
refer to High-beam
assistant103
"Automatic programs"106
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC108
Automatic roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon117
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic station search157
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– deactivating selector lever
interlock64
– interlock63
– kick-down64
– selector lever interlock63
– shiftlock63
– sport program64
– tow-starting222,223
– with comfort access40
"Automatic ventilation"109
AUTO program for automatic
climate control106
"Autostore" on the
radio156,158
AUX-In
– connection114
– refer to External audio
device171
Average fuel consumption75
– setting the units84
Average speed, refer to
Computer75
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system143"Avoid highways" for
navigation system143
Avoiding freeways for
navigation142
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system143
Axle loads, refer to
Weights229
"A - Z"180
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support46
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, refer to
Reverse gear61
– replacing bulbs213
"Balance", refer to Tone
control154
Balance, refer to Tone
control154
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit220
Bass, refer to Tone
control153
"Bass", tone control154
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery217
– jump starting220
Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort
access40
– vehicle battery218
Battery replacement, remote
control with comfort
access40
Being towed222
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Blower, refer to Air
volume107
"BMW Assist"189
Reference 239
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Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Car radio, refer to Radio156
Car wash126
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– with comfort access40
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system124
"Categories"163
CBC Cornering Brake
Control86
CBS Condition Based
Service209
"CD"152,165
CD changer165
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse169
– installation location169
– playing a track167
– random order168
– repeating a track168
– selecting a CD165
– selecting a track166
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
CD player165
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse169
– playing a track167
– random order168
– repeating a track168
– selecting a track166
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
Center armrest
– front113
– rear116
Center brake lamp214
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking system29
– comfort access38
– from inside vehicle32
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own
safety5
– refer to Parts and
accessories6Changing language on
Control Display84
Changing units of measure on
Control Display84
Changing wheels201,215
CHECK button80
Check Control79
"Check Control
messages"80
Check Gas Cap195
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure196
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH56
Child restraints54
Child restraint systems54
Child-safety lock57
Child seats54
Chime, refer to Check
Control79
Chock215
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter115
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
"Climate"50,106
Clock74
– 12h/24h mode83
– setting time and date82
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside30
Closing fuel filler cap195
Clothes hooks114
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine59
"Comfort", active backrest
width adjustment47
Comfort access38
– observe in car wash40
– replacing battery40
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14Comfort operation
– windows with comfort
access39
– with comfort access39
Comfort seat46
"Communication"178,189
"Communication
settings"188
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer165
– refer to CD player165
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure197
– wheel change216
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock58
Compartments
– in cargo area118
– refer to Storage area
package119
– refer to Storage
compartments114
Compressed audio files165
Computer75
– displays on Control
Display76
– hour signal83
"Concert hall", refer to Tone
control154
Condition Based Service
CBS209
"Confirmation"31
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices115
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption75
Consumption indicator
– Energy Control75
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption75
"Continue guidance to
destination?"145
"Contrast" with BMW Night
Vision100