
Practical interior accessories
94 The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the system when the engine is 
running or when the ignition is switched on.
If the device can not be used after 
repeated programming, check whether 
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the 
instructions for the original hand-held transmit-
ter or hold down the programmed memory 
button1 of the integrated universal remote 
control. If the LED2 on the integrated universal 
remote control flashes rapidly for a short time 
and then remains lit for approx. 2 seconds, this 
indicates that the original hand-held transmitter 
uses an alternating-code system. In the case of 
an alternating-code system, program the mem-
ory buttons1 as described at Alternating-code 
transmitters.<
Alternating-code transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote 
control, consult the operating instructions for 
the equipment to be set. You will find informa-
tion there on the possibilities for synchroniza-
tion.
When programming hand-held transmitters 
that employ an alternating code, please observe 
the following supplementary instructions:
Programming will be easier with the aid of 
a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the 
remote-controlled device.
2.Program the integrated universal remote 
control as described above in the section 
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3.Locate the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set, e. g. on the drive unit.
4.Press the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set. After step 4, you have 
approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5.Press the programmed memory button1 
of the integrated universal remote control 
three times.The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
If you have any additional questions, 
please contact your BMW center.<
Deleting stored programs
Press both outer memory buttons1 for approx. 
20 seconds until the LED2 flashes:
All stored programs are deleted.
Individual programs cannot be deleted.
Sun blinds*
Sun blind for rear window
Press the button on the driver's door.
Sun blinds for rear side windows
Pull the loop of the roller sun blind and hook 
onto bracket. 

Under the hood
182
Engine compartment
1Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding 
engine oil, page183
2Expansion tank for coolant, refer to 
page184
3Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath the 
microfilter cover4Starting-aid terminal, refer to page197
5Body ground/negative terminal
6Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp 
and windshield cleaning systems, refer to 
page60
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. You can display the oil level in the 
instrument cluster.
1Oil level
2Maximum marking
3Minimum marking
Press the BC button in the turn signal lever 
repeatedly until the oil level display is shown in 
the instrument cluster. The displayed numeric  

Mobility
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value indicates the current oil level in liters 
above Minimum.
After starting the engine, the last determined 
value is displayed.
The oil level must be between the two marks.
Exact measurement
The oil level is measured continuously while 
driving or when stopped with the engine run-
ning.
The determination of a new value can take 
30 minutes or longer.
If only dashes are shown in the display, it 
was not possible to determine a new 
value. This can, for example, be the case when 
driving short distances or with a sporty driving 
style.<
Fast measurement
In addition to the continuous measurement, you 
can also quickly determine the current oil level, 
e.g. after adding engine oil, however with a low 
measuring accuracy.
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.Allow the engine to run at idle.
3.Press the BC button in the turn signal lever 
repeatedly until the oil level display is 
shown in the instrument cluster.
4.Press the BC button in the turn signal lever 
for at least 2 seconds.
The oil level is determined. A clock symbol 
is displayed during the measurement.
5.After approx. 1 minute the current oil level is 
displayed.
If not all measuring conditions are met, 
e.g. with the engine cold, "-.-" is dis-
played. The requested measurement is carried 
out as soon as possible.<
Possible displays
1Oil level OK
2Oil level at minimum:
Add a maximum of 1 US quart/1 liter of 
engine oil at the next opportunity, refer to 
Adding engine oil below
3Oil level too high
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately, otherwise engine damage may 
result if too much oil has been added.<
4Oil level at maximum
5Quick measurement running: oil level is 
being determined
6No value can be determined at this time
Adding engine oil
Do not add oil until a value slightly above the 
Minimum of 0.0 quarts/liters is displayed by the 
oil level measurement. In this area a message is 
also shown on the Control Display.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km, 
otherwise the engine could be damaged.
Add a maximum of 1 US quart/1 liter of oil, oth-
erwise the engine may be damaged by adding 
too much oil. 

Under the hood
184 Add at least 0.5 US quart/0.5 liter of oil, other-
wise the oil level check cannot reliably display 
the current oil level.<
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.<
For immediate updating of the oil level 
display, carry out a quick measurement 
directly afterward.<
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.<
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.
Approved oils belong to the SAE grade 
10W-60.<
Alternative oil types
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is 
unavailable, you can add small quantities of 
other synthetic oils between oil changes. 
Only use oils with the following specifications:
>Viscosity
preferred: SAE 10W-60;
alternative: SAE 10W-40, SAE 5W-50 or 
SAE 10W-50
>Specification
API SJ/CF, API SK/CF or higher
Low ambient temperatures
The oils used by BMW from the factory for your 
vehicle model can be used at virtually all ambi-
ent temperatures. However, if the vehicle is 
operated for a longer period at temperatures 
below –47/–206, your BMW center will be 
happy to recommend a suitable oil.
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. 

Maintenance
186
Maintenance
BMW maintenance system
The BMW maintenance system supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your BMW. The service schedule also 
includes operations related to the vehicle's 
comfort and convenience features, such as 
replacement of the filters for the inside air. 
The ultimate objective is to ensure economical 
maintenance by providing the ideal service for 
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell 
your BMW, a complete dealer service history 
will prove to be an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into 
account. Condition Based Service uses this to 
determine the current and future service 
requirements. By letting you define a service 
and maintenance regimen that reflects your 
own individual requirements, the system builds 
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Control Display to show 
remaining distances and times of selected 
maintenance intervals and legally mandated 
deadlines, refer to page66:
>Engine oil
>Brake pads, front and rear separately
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
>Brake fluid
>Spark plugs>Vehicle check
>Legally mandated inspections depending 
on local regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores the information required 
maintenance continuously in the remote con-
trol during driving. After accessing the data 
stored in the remote control, your BMW Service 
Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of 
service procedures for your own individual vehi-
cle. You should therefore hand over the remote 
control you last used to drive to the BMW Ser-
vice Advisor when you take your vehicle in for 
service.
Make sure the date is always set cor-
rectly, refer to page71, as otherwise the 
effectiveness of CBS Condition Based Service 
is not ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models 
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service 
and repair operations performed at your 
BMW center. 
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries 
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.< 

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Socket for OBD Onboard 
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the 
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via 
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to the left on the driver's 
side, on the underside of the instrument panel 
under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The 
exhaust-gas values worsen. Have the 
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This 
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In 
this case you should reduce speed and drive to 
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible. 
Heavy engine misfiring led to serious damage 
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can close when 
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display light up. If 
the cap is then tightened, the display will go out 
within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with 
a device for recording or transmitting certain 
vehicle data or information. If you have also 
signed a contract of participation for 
BMW Assist, certain vehicle data can be trans-
mitted or recorded to enable corresponding 
services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure. 

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The first-aid kit is located in the luggage com-
partment lid.
Loosen the wing nut to open.
Roadside Assistance*
The Roadside Assistance of the BMW Group 
offers you assistance in the event of a break-
down around the clock, including on weekends 
and public holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance in your home country can be found in the 
Contact brochure.
With BMW Assist or TeleService, you can con-
tact the Roadside Assistance of the BMW 
Group for assistance in the event of a break-
down directly via iDrive, refer to page169.
Jump starting
When your battery is discharged, you can use 
two jumper cables to start your BMW with 
power from the battery in a second vehicle. You 
can also use the same method to help start 
another vehicle. Use only jumper cables with 
fully-insulated clamp handles.
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury, 
always avoid all contact with electrical 
components while the engine is running. Care-
fully adhere to the following sequence, both to 
prevent damage to one or both vehicles, and to 
guard against possible personal injuries.<
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 M5, the so-called auxiliary termi-
nal for jump starting in the engine compartment 
serves as a positive terminal for the battery, also 
refer to engine compartment overview on 
page182. 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. 

Giving and receiving assistance
198 Your BMW M5 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 M5.It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page188.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the 
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the 
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral 
loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the 
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper: press on 
the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page53, otherwise the low 
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield 
wipers would not be available. If the vehicle 
electrical system fails, do not tow-start or tow 
the vehicle. The electric steering-wheel lock 
cannot be unlocked and the vehicle cannot be 
steered. For information on jump starting, refer 
to page197. There is no power assistance with 
the engine stopped. This then requires 
increased effort for braking and steering.<