2008 BMW 525XI TOURING mirror

Things to remember when driving
136 the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page229.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle in
place for a long time by riding the clutch;
use the handbrake. Otherwise greater clutch
wear will result.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system, drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake pedal
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the
way down into first gear. This strategy helps
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. For information on downshifting in the
manual mode of the automatic transmission,
refer to page64.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise there will be no engine braking action or
support of the braking force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page53,
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.

Mobility
239Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care make a significant
contribution to retaining your BMW's value.
For the cleaning and care of your vehicle, BMW
recommends using only products that BMW
has approved for this purpose.
Your BMW Service will be glad to advise you
about products and services for the cleaning
and care of your BMW.
Original BMW Care Products are materi-
als tested, laboratory tested, and tested in
actual use. They offer optimum care and pro-
tection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents; they can damage your vehi-
cle.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or pose health risks.
You should therefore heed the warnings and
hazard indications on the packaging. Open the
doors or windows on your vehicle whenever
cleaning the interior. Make sure there is suffi-
cient ventilation in enclosed spaces. Use only
products that are formulated for vehicle clean-
ing.<
Care exterior
Washing your vehicle
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Otherwise, signifi-
cant soiling and road salt can cause damage to
the vehicle.<
Failure to do so may lead to a reduction in
braking efficiency and also to corrosion of
the brake rotors.<
Car washes
Give preference to cloth car washes.
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
it is suitable for your BMW. Pay attention to the
following points:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page261.
>If necessary, fold in the outside rearview
mirrors, refer to page53.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Deactivate rain sensor to prevent unwanted
wiper activation.
>Deactivate rear window wiper
* and protect
it from damage. Take appropriate protec-
tive measures; inquiring with the car wash
operator as needed.
>Remove additional add-on parts, e.g. spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be
damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure the
vehicle is able to roll by making sure to:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock, even with comfort access.
2.Shift into transmission position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam cleaners/high-pressure
cleaning jets
When using steam cleaners or high-pres-
sure cleaning jets, make sure to maintain
a sufficient distance and stay below a maximum
temperature of 1407/60°C.
Insufficient distance or excessive pressure or
temperature can damage parts of the vehicle or
can result in water penetration. Follow the oper-

Care
240 ating instructions for the high-pressure clean-
ing jets.<
When using high-pressure cleaning jets,
do not remain in one place for a long time
and be sure to maintain a distance of at least
12 in/30 cm from sensors, e.g. Park Distance
Control sensors or radar sensors.<
Hand washing
When washing the vehicle by hand, use plenty
of water and car washing shampoo. Clean the
vehicle with gentle pressure using a sponge or a
washing brush.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unwanted wiper operation.<
Follow local guidelines for washing vehi-
cles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not rub dry and never use abrasives or
strong solvents to clean the covers.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or
insect remover and wash away with plenty of
water.
Use a window de-icer to remove accumulated
ice and snow, not a scraper.
Windows
Use a glass cleaner to clean the inside and out-
side surfaces of the windows and the glass sur-
faces of the mirrors.
Do not use quartz-containing cleansers
to clean glass surfaces of the mirrors.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to
prevent streaking.
The presence of wax and sealant residues
and dirt on the windows leads to streaking
during wiper operation and results in premature
wear on wiper blades as well as interference
with the rain sensor.<
Caring for the vehicle finish
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value
and protects the paint from the long-term
effects of aggressive substances.
Regionally occurring environmental factors can
affect and damage vehicle finish. It is therefore
important to tailor the frequency and extent of
your car care accordingly.
Immediately remove particularly aggressive
substances such as spilled fuel, oil, grease,
brake fluid, tree resin, or bird droppings; other-
wise, they may damage your paint.
Repairing paint damage
Repair stone damage or scratches imme-
diately, depending on the severity of the
damage, to prevent the formation of rust.<
BMW recommends having paint damage pro-
fessionally repaired using Genuine BMW finish
materials in accordance with factory guidelines.
Waxing
Sealant is required when water no longer beads
on the clean surface of the paint. Use only prod-
ucts that contain carnauba wax or synthetic wax
to seal your finish.
Rubber gaskets
Treat only with water or a rubber care product.
To avoid noise or damage, do not use
products that contain silicone to care for
rubber gaskets.<
Chrome components
Particularly after exposure to road salt, thor-
oughly cleanse parts like the radiator grille, door
handles, or window frames with plenty of water
with shampoo added to it. For additional treat-
ment, use chrome polish.
Alloy wheels
Depending on your system, braking can gener-
ate dust, which settles on the light-alloy wheels.
Remove this dust regularly with acid-free wheel
cleaner.

Mobility
251Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
3.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.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page94, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page96.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
The driving characteristics change, for example
reduced track stability on braking, extended
braking distance, and altered self-steering
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction
with winter tires, these characteristics are more
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. Restore the wheels and tires to
their original size as quickly as possible. Failure
to do so is a safety risk.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine switched off. Connections, refer to
Jump starting on page254.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping
over during transport.<
Power failure
Following a temporary power failure, e.g. due to
a discharged battery, the use of some equip-
ment will be restricted, requiring its reinitializa-
tion. In the same way, individual settings are lost
and must be updated again:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page48.
>Time and date
Must be updated again, refer to page86.
>Radio
Radio stations must be stored again, refer
to page174.
>Navigation system
You must wait until the system becomes
functional again, refer to page142.
>Glass roof, electric
It may only be possible to raise the glass
roof. The system must be initialized, refer to
page42.
>Panorama glass roof
It may only be possible to raise the glass
roof. The system must be reinitialized, refer
to page44.
>Active steering
The system is deactivated and must be
reinitialized, refer to page98. Until then,
larger steering wheel movements are
required.
>Power windows
The pinch prevention system for the power
windows must be reinitialized, refer to
page40.
Talk to your BMW center before placing
the stored vehicle back in service.

Everything from A to Z
276 Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door220
– glass sunroof, electric42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– tailgate35
Electric steering wheel
adjustment54
Electronic brake-force
distribution90
Electronic oil level check234
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door220
– luggage compartment lid34
– tailgate35
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission65
Emergency operation, refer to
Moving manually
– glass sunroof42
– panorama glass sunroof44
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
cargo bay34
Emergency request253
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance254
"Enabled services"215
"Enabled TeleServices"212
"Enable services"215
"End call"202
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control79
Energy Control79
Engine
– breaking-in134
– data260
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature78
– speed260
– starting62
– starting, with comfort
access38
– switching off62Engine compartment233
Engine coolant235
Engine oil
– adding235
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils235
– approved engine oil235
– checking oil level234
– electronic oil level check234
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements81
– oil change235
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils235
"Engine oil level"234
Engine output, refer to Engine
data260
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature78
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data260
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine62
"Enter address"144,151
Entering destination via town/
city name145
Entering intersection,
navigation146
Entering the
address144,147
Entering town/city for
navigation145
Entering zip code for
navigation145
"Entertainment"168
Entertainment sound output
on/off169
Entry map for destination148
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control79
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control171
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control171
"ESN"178ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control91
Event Data Recorders238
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system135
Exterior mirrors53
– adjusting53
– automatic dimming
feature54
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out53
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror53
External audio device123
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting255
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control170
Fader, refer to Tone
control170
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control83
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms38
– refer to Switching off
alarm37
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts50
– warning lamp50
Fastest route for
navigation154
"Fast route" in navigation154
Filler neck for washer fluid69
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter117
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit254
First-aid kit254

Everything from A to Z
278 Head restraints49
– active front head
restraints49
– removing50
– sitting safely45
"Head-Up Display"102
Head-Up Display101
Heated
– mirrors53
– rear window115
– seats51
– steering wheel54
Heating113
– exterior mirrors53
– interior113
– rear window115
– residual heat116
– seats51
– steering wheel54
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat116
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo138
Height, refer to
Dimensions261
Height adjustment
– seats46
– steering wheel54
"High-beam assistant"111
High-beam assistant109
High beams109
– headlamp flasher109
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs245
High Definition Radio176
High-pressure cleaning
jets239,240
High water, refer to Driving
through water136
Hill Descent Control HDC92
Hills136
Holder for cups124
"Home address" in
navigation153
Homepage of BMW4
Hood232Hooks for shopping bags,
Sports Wagon129
Horn10
Hotel function, refer to
Locking separately34
Hot exhaust system135
"Hour memo"87
"House number" in
destination entry146
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to Brake assistant90
Hydroplaning135
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio176
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning78
ID3 tag, refer to Information on
track183
Identification mark
– recommended tire
brands230
– run-flat tires229
– tire coding227
iDrive16
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control
with expanded scope114
– changing date and time86
– changing language88
– changing menu page19
– changing settings86
– changing units of measure
and display type88
– confirming selection or
entry19
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus17
– operating principle17
– selecting menu item19
– setting brightness87
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols18Ignition61
– switched off62
– switched on61
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness61
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on61
Ignition lock61
– starting engine with comfort
access39
i menu17
Imprint2
Indicator/warning lamps
– ABS Antilock Brake
System93
– active steering99
– airbags101
– brake system93
– DSC13,91
– DTC13,92
– Flat Tire Monitor95
– fog lamps
13
– safety belt warning50
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor97
Indicator and warning
lamps13
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure222
Inflation pressure monitoring
– refer to Flat Tire Monitor94
– refer to TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor96
Info menu17
Information
– on another location149
– on current position149
– on destination location149
"Information" in
navigation149
Information menu, refer to
imenu17
"Information on
destination"151
"Info sources"81

Reference 279
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor94
– radio, refer to Storing
stations174
– refer to Power failure251
– refer to Setting time and
date86
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory47
"Input map"149
Installation location
– CD changer185
– drive for navigation DVD142
– mobile phone122
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions159
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer
to Instrument lighting111
Instrument lighting111
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control120
Interesting destination for
navigation149
"Interim time"86
Interior lamps111
– switching on with remote
control31
Interior motion sensor38
– switching off38
Interior rearview mirror53
– automatic dimming
feature54
Intermittent mode of the
wipers68
J
Jacking points250
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting254
Jump starting254
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
access38
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort access38
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile28
"Keypad"204
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile28
– spare key28
Kick-down, Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic64
Knock control221
L
Lamps
– refer to High-beam
assistant109
– refer to Parking lamps/low
beams107
Lamps and bulbs244
Lane limit lines, refer to
Leaving lane warning105
"Language / Units"88
– in navigation143,159
"Languages"88
– in navigation143,159
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo138
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list150
"Last seat pos."48
LATCH child restraint fixing
system57
Leather care241
Leaving lane warning105
LEDs light-emitting
diodes244
Length, refer to
Dimensions261
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs248
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs244Lighter124
"Lighting"67
Lighting
– instruments111
– lamps and bulbs244
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps107
Light switch107
"Limit"85
Loading
– securing cargo138
– stowing cargo138
– vehicle137
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo138
"Lock after driving"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33
Locking31
– confirmation signals31
– from inside33
– from outside31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals31
– from inside32
– from outside30
Low beams
107
– automatic107
– replacing bulbs245
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support47
Lug bolts250
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting250
– wrench249
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay
Luggage compartment lid33
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation34
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside34
– unlocking and locking from
inside32
– unlocking manually34

Everything from A to Z
280 Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate, comfort access39
Luggage net, refer to Partition
net128
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack139
Lumbar support47
LW, waveband172
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires230
Maintenance237
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models237
– refer to Service
requirements81
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models237
Maintenance system237
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control83
Manual air distribution115
"Manual" in radio mode173
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door220
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission65
Manual transmission63
"Map direction of travel"158
Map display158
"Map facing north"158
Map for navigation
– changing scale158
– destination entry148
Map view facing north158
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling116Maximum speed
– with compact wheel251
– with winter tires230
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions261
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
MENU, button refer to Start
menu17
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Message list for traffic
information161
Microfilter117
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature54
Mirrors53
– automatic curb monitor53
– folding in and out53
– heating53
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory
47
"Missed calls"202
Missed calls203
Mobile phone
– accepted calls203
– adjusting volume200
– calling201
– ending call201
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest122
– missed calls203
– operation by voice205
– operation via iDrive200
– redialing203
– refer to separate operating
instructions
– Top 8203
– touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method204
Mobile phone battery208
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring pressure of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor94"Monitor on / off"55
Most recent mobile phone
numbers203
MP3
– compressed audio files181
– USB audio interface188
Multi-function steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher67
– refer to Wiper system68
Music tracks
– finding183
– random play sequence184
– sampling, scan183
"Mute on / off"55
MW, waveband172
"My Info"214
My Info, refer to BMW Assist
My Info213
N
"Navigation"80,144
Navigation destination
– entering manually144
– home address153
– selecting via map148
Navigation drive, installation
location142
Navigation DVD142
Navigation instructions, refer
to Switching voice
instructions on/off159