
Mobility
205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.
Manual transmission: the engine oil level
will be shown in the lower display.<
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 on the turn signal lever
repeatedly until the oil level display is
shown in the instrument cluster.
4.Press the BC button on 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
5Fast 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 US quarts/liters is displayed by
the oil level measurement. In this area a mes-
sage 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.
ba8_m5us.book Seite 205 Montag, 5. Februar 2007 12:03 12

Mobility
209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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 causes 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 will assume that
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display lights 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 transmitted
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.
ba8_m5us.book Seite 209 Montag, 5. Februar 2007 12:03 12

Replacing components
210
Replacing components
Onboard toolkit
The onboard toolkit is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wing nut to open.
Wiper blade replacement
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.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to vehicle safety. You must be duly diligent
in replacing them. BMW recommends having
your BMW center perform any work that you do
not feel competent to perform yourself or that is
not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its
metal socket.<
A selection of replacement bulbs is available at
your BMW center.
Only replace bulbs when cool, as other-
wise you may be burned.<
Whenever you perform any work on the
electrical system, turn off the systems/
consumers involved to prevent short circuits
from occurring. To avoid possible injury or
equipment damage when replacing bulbs,
observe any instructions provided by the bulb
manufacturer.<
For care and maintenance of the headlamps,
please follow the instructions in the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
For bulbs for which changing is not
described, and for checking and adjusting
headlamp aim, please contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
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.
ba8_m5us.book Seite 210 Montag, 5. Februar 2007 12:03 12

Mobility
211Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
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.
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.<
Access to lamps
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the
engine compartment.
1Cover cap for parking and roadside parking
lamps, daytime running lamps
2Sealing cap for turning lamps
*
To remove the covers:
>Parking lamps and roadside parking lamps,
daytime running lamps: turn the cover cap
to the left and remove.
>Turning lamps: turn the sealing cap to the
left and remove.
Parking lamps and roadside parking
lamps, daytime running lamps
H8 bulb, 35 watts
1.Turn the bulb in the direction of the arrow, in
the opposite direction on the other side,
and remove.
2.Remove the connector and replace the
bulb.
Turning lamps*
H3 bulb, 55 watts
1.Remove the sealing cap, refer to Access to
lamps.
2.Push the locking bar to the side out of the
anchor and fold upward.
3.Remove the connector and take out the
bulb.
4.Replace the bulb and reinstall.
5.Fold down the locking bar and engage it.
6.Reconnect the connector.
7.Mount the sealing cap. Watch the markings
on the bulb when doing so.
ba8_m5us.book Seite 211 Montag, 5. Februar 2007 12:03 12

Replacing components
214 Please observe the best-by date on the
sealant bottle.<
The M Mobility System consists of
1Sealant bottle and sticker with speed limit
2Filling hose from sealant bottle to wheel
Model with pressure gauge on hose*
3Connector and cable for lighter socket
4Mounting for sealing bottle
5Compressor
6On/Off switch
7Pressure gauge for indicating tire inflation
pressure
8Screw on pressure gauge for reducing tire
inflation pressure
9Connecting hose for connecting compres-
sor and sealant bottle or compressor and
wheel
Connector, cable and connecting hose are
stored in the compressor housing.
Model with pressure gauge integrated
in housing*
3Connector and cable for lighter socket
4Mounting for sealing bottle
5Compressor
6On/Off switch
7Pressure gauge for indicating tire inflation
pressure
8Button for reducing tire inflation pressure
9Connecting hose for connecting compres-
sor and sealant bottle or compressor and
wheel
Connector, cable and connecting hose are
stored on underside of compressor.
Using M Mobility System
To repair a flat tire with the M Mobility System,
proceed as follows:
>Fill sealant into wheel, refer to page214.
>Distribute sealant, refer to page215.
>Produce tire inflation pressure, refer to
page215.
Filling sealant into wheel
Strictly comply with the specified order,
otherwise highly pressurized sealant
could escape.<
1.Shake sealant bottle.
2.Screw hose9 onto connection of sealant
bottle.
3.For model with pressure gauge on hose:
Make sure that screw8 on pressure gauge
is closed.
ba8_m5us.book Seite 214 Montag, 5. Februar 2007 12:03 12

Mobility
215Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
4.Screw dust cap off valve of defective wheel
and screw filling hose2 of sealant bottle
onto valve.
5.Insert sealant bottle on compressor hous-
ing so that it is positioned upright.
6.Make sure that the device is switched off,
position 0.
7.Insert connector3 into lighter socket in
vehicle interior, refer to page106.
8.With the ignition switched on:
Switch on the device and allow to run for
approx. 3 minutes to fill wheel with sealant.
It is not important what inflation pressure
the tire has after filling.
9.Switch off device.
10.Remove connecting hose from connection
of sealant bottle and tire valve.
Stow the M Mobility System in the vehicle
again.
Distributing sealant
Immediately drive approx. 2 miles/3 km so that
sealant is evenly distributed in tire.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
35 mph/60 km/h. Do not drop below
12 mph/20 km/h if possible.<
Producing tire inflation pressure
1.After approx. 2 miles/3 km, stop at suitable
location.
2.Screw compressor hose9 directly onto tire
valve.
3.Insert connector 3 in lighter socket in vehi-
cle interior.4.Correct tire inflation pressure to 29 psi/
200 kPa. With the ignition switched on:
>Increase inflation pressure: switch on
compressor, position I. To check cur-
rently set inflation pressure, briefly
switch off device.
Do not allow compressor to run
longer than 10 minutes, otherwise
the device will overheat and may be dam-
aged.<
>Reduce inflation pressure: press
button8 or turn screw8 on pressure
gauge.
If the inflation pressure is not held, drive
the vehicle again, refer to Distributing
sealant. Then repeat steps 1 to 4 once.
Using the M Mobility System can be ineffective
with tire damage from a size of approx. 0.16 in/
4 mm. Please contact the nearest BMW center,
refer to page220, or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel if the tire can-
not be made ready for driving with the
M Mobility System.<
The tire inflation pressure must be at least
29 psi/200 kPa. Otherwise do not con-
tinue driving.<
Continue driving
Do not exceed the permissible maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h, otherwise
accidents can occur.<
Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
For details, refer to page82.
Have the defective tire and the sealant bottle of
the M Mobility System replaced as soon as
possible.<
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.
Apply the handbrake and engage first gear or
reverse gear with a manual transmission, or
ba8_m5us.book Seite 215 Montag, 5. Februar 2007 12:03 12

Mobility
217Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised from the ground.
Mounting a wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Also clean the lug bolts.
3.Position the new wheel or spare wheel.
Secure the wheel by screwing at least two
lug bolts into opposite bolt holes.
When you mount wheels other than Genu-
ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
bolts may also be required.
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
5.Lower the vehicle and remove the jack from
beneath the vehicle.
After mounting
1.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
To ensure safety, always have the
lug bolts checked with a calibrated
torque wrench as soon as possible to
ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
fied torque. The tightening torque is
88.5 lb ft/120 Nm.<
2.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems with valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<3.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page82, and the Sequential Manual Trans-
mission, refer to After changing wheels/
tires on page202.
4.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Stowing wheel and tools
1.Lay the wheel in the tool mounting.
2.Lay the cover on the mounting.
3.Center the wheel and cover relative to the
lashing eyes5.
4.Hook the belt into the lashing eyes 5.
5.Completely open the tensioning lock.
6.Thread the belt3 through the axis6 of the
tensioning lock without twisting it and ten-
sion it by hand.
7.Tighten the belt firmly with the tensioning
lock by opening and closing the lock several
times.
8.Fold the tensioning lock closed and stow
the protruding belt end.
Driving with spare wheel
With certain wheel-and-tire combinations
the size of the spare wheel differs from
that of the other wheels. The spare wheel is
equivalent to them in all load and speed ranges.
However, to restore the original state, the nor-
mal wheel should be remounted as soon as
possible.<
ba8_m5us.book Seite 217 Montag, 5. Februar 2007 12:03 12

Mobility
219Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency call
Conditions for an emergency call:
>Full preparation package mobile phone.
With this equipment, an emergency call is
still possible when no mobile phone is
paired in the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated. Activating
BMW Assist, refer to page192.
>Radio readiness is activated.
>The BMW Assist system is logged on to a
mobile phone network.
>The emergency call system is operable.
Once your service contract for BMW Assist
expires, the BMW Assist system can be deacti-
vated by a BMW center without you having to
visit a workshop. Once the BMW Assist system
has been deactivated, emergency calls are not
possible. The BMW Assist system be reacti-
vated by a BMW center after signing a new con-
tract.
Initiating an emergency call
1.Briefly press protective cover to open.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the
arrangement of the switches and indicator
lamps may differ somewhat.
2.Press the button for at least 2 seconds.
The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the
voice connection to the BMW Assist Response
Center has been established, the LED flashes.Even if you are unable to answer, the BMW
Assist Response Center can take further steps
to help you under certain conditions.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until
the connection has been established. You will
then be able to provide a detailed description of
the situation.
If the current position of your vehicle can be
determined, it will be transmitted to the BMW
Assist Response Center.
If the LED is flashing but the BMW Assist
Response Center cannot be heard over the
hands-free system, it is possible that the
hands-free system is malfunctioning. You may
still be heard by the BMW Assist Response
Center, however.
Under certain conditions, an emergency call is
automatically initiated immediately after a
severe accident. The automatic emergency call
is not affected by the button being pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency call
cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable
conditions.<
You can also use other services of
BMW Assist with this button, refer to
page187.<
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wing nut to open.
ba8_m5us.book Seite 219 Montag, 5. Februar 2007 12:03 12