2011 BMW 5 SERIES check engine

High beams
The
illustration shows the left side of the engine
compartment.
55-watt bulb, H7
1. Fold open the cover in the engine compart‐
ment. 2.
Unscrew the cap and remove it. 3.
Unscrew the bulb holder counterclockwise. 4.
Remove the bulb and replace it.
5. Insert the new bulb and attach the cover in
the reverse order.
Xenon headlamps*
Because
of the long life of these bulbs, the like‐
lihood of failure is very low. Switching the lamps
on and off frequently shortens their life. If a xenon bulb fails, switch on the front fog lamps
and continue the trip with great care. Comply
with local regulations.
Do

not perform work/bulb replacement on
xenon headlamps
Have any work on the xenon lighting system, in‐
cluding bulb replacement, performed only by a
service center.
Due to the high voltage present in the system,
there is the danger of fatal injuries if work is car‐
ried out improperly.◀
For checking and adjusting headlamp aim,
please contact your BMW center.
Parking lamps and roadside parking lamps,
turn signal lamp
These lights are made using LED technology.
Contact your service center in the event of a
malfunction.
Corner-illuminating lamps
Follow the general instructions on lamps and
bulbs.
The illustration shows the left side of the engine
compartment.
55-watt bulb, H7 Seite 264
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Replacing components
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Assist Response Center may still be able to
hear you.
Initiating an Emergency Request
automatically
Under certain conditions, an Emergency Re‐
quest is automatically initiated immediately after
a severe accident. Automatic Collision Notifica‐
tion is not affected by pressing the SOS button.
Warning triangle* The warning triangle is located in the container
on the inside of the trunk lid.
Unscrew the wing nut to open.
First aid kit*
The first aid kit is located in the container on the
inside of the trunk lid.
Unscrew the wing nut to open.
Some of the articles have a limited service life.
Check the expiration dates of the contents reg‐
ularly and replace any items promptly. Roadside Assistance
Service availability
Roadside Assistance can be reached around the
clock in many countries. You can obtain assis‐
tance there in the event of a vehicle breakdown.
Roadside Assistance
The Roadside Assistance, refer to page
233
phone number can be viewed on the iDrive or a
connection to Roadside Assistance* can be es‐
tablished directly.
Jump starting
Notes
If the battery is discharged, an engine can be
started using the battery of another vehicle and
two jumper cables. Only use jumper cables with
fully insulated clamp handles.
To prevent personal injury or damage to both
vehicles, adhere strictly to the following proce‐
dure.
Do not touch live parts
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury,
always avoid all contact with electrical compo‐
nents while the engine is running.◀
Preparation
1. Check whether the battery of the other ve‐
hicle has a voltage of 12 volts. This informa‐
tion can be found on the battery.
2. Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi‐
cle.
3. Switch off any electronic systems/power
consumers in both vehicles.
Bodywork contact between vehicles
Make sure that there is no contact be‐
tween the bodywork of the two vehicles; other‐
wise, there is the danger of short circuits.◀ Seite 270
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Starting aid terminals
Connecting order
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order; otherwise, there is the danger of injury
from sparking.◀ The so-called starting aid terminal in the engine
compartment acts as the battery's positive ter‐
minal.
The body ground or a special nut acts as the
negative terminal.
Connecting the cables
1.
Pull off the cap of the BMW starting aid ter‐
minal.
2. Attach one terminal clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery,
or to the corresponding starting aid
terminal of the vehicle providing assistance.
3. Attach the other end of the cable to the pos‐
itive terminal of the battery, or to the corre‐
sponding

starting aid terminal of the vehicle
to be started.
4. Attach one terminal clamp of the negative
jumper

cable to the negative terminal of the
battery, or to the corresponding engine or body ground of the vehicle providing assis‐
tance.
5. Attach the other end of the cable to the neg‐
ative

terminal of the battery, or to the corre‐
sponding engine or body ground of the ve‐
hicle to be started.
Starting the engine
Never use spray fluids to start the engine.
1. Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let

it run for several minutes at an increased
idle speed.
If the vehicle being started has a diesel en‐
gine: let the engine of the assisting vehicle
run for approx. 10 minutes.
2. Start the engine of the vehicle being started
in the usual way.
If

the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before making another
attempt in order to allow the discharged bat‐
tery to recharge.
3. Let both engines run for several minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse
order.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Tow-starting and towing
Automatic transmission

*: transporting
your vehicle
Note
Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Therefore, contact a service center in the event
of a breakdown.
Do not have the vehicle towed
Have your vehicle transported on a loading
platform only; otherwise, damage may occur.◀ Seite 271
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▷
Maneuvering capability is limited during cor‐
nering.
▷ The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is secured with an offset.
Tow rope
When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure that
the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on
the vehicle components when towing, always
use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fit‐
ting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is se‐
cured on other parts of the vehicle.◀
Tow fitting The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front

or rear of the BMW. It is located in the con‐
tainer on the inside of the trunk lid.
Tow fitting, information on use
▷Use only the tow fitting provided with
the vehicle and screw it all the way in.
▷ Use the tow fitting for towing on paved roads
only.
▷ Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g.,
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Otherwise, damage to the tow fitting and the ve‐
hicle can occur.◀ Screw thread
Push out the cover by pressing on the top edge.
Tow-starting
Automatic transmission

*
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Due to the automatic transmission, the engine
cannot be started by tow-starting.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties rem‐
edied.
Manual transmission
If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but start
the engine by jump-starting, refer to page 270.
If the vehicle is equipped with a catalytic con‐
verter, only tow-start while the engine is cold.
1. Switch on the hazard warning system and
comply with local regulations.
2. Ignition, refer to page 58, on.
3. Engage third gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
pressed

and slowly release the clutch. After
the engine starts, immediately press on the
clutch again.
5. Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope, and switch off the hazard warn‐
ing system.
6. Have the vehicle checked.
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Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance
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Corrosion on brake discs 148
Cruise control 109
Cruise control, active with Stop & Go 102
Cruising range 73
Cupholder 140
Current fuel consumption 74
Current location, storing 156
Customer Relations 235
D
Damage, tires 251
Damping control, dynamic 98
Data, technical 280
Date 73
Daytime running lights 81
Defrosting, refer to Windows, defrosting 127
Destination distance 76
Destination guidance 161
Destination guidance with in‐ termediate destinations 160
Destination input, naviga‐ tion 154
Digital clock 73
Digital radio 175
Dimensions 280
Dimmable interior rearview mirror 53
Direction indicator, refer to Turn signals 62
Displacement, engine 281
Display,
electronic, instrument
cluster 69
Display in front wind‐ shield 124
Display lighting, refer to Instru‐ ment lighting 83
Displays, cleaning 276
Disposal, coolant 259
Disposal, vehicle battery 268
Distance control, refer to PDC 111
Distance, selecting for ACC 103
Distance to destination 76 Divided screen view, split
screen 20
Door lock, refer to Remote control 28
Doors, Automatic Soft Clos‐ ing 35
Downhill control 96
Drive-off assistant 95
Drive-off assistant, refer to DSC 95
Driving instructions, breaking in 146
Driving notes, general 146
Driving stability control sys‐ tems 95
Driving tips 146
DSC Dynamic Stability Con‐ trol 95
DTC Dynamic Traction Con‐ trol 96
DVD/CD 181
DVD/CD notes 187
DVD/CD player, rear 201
DVD changer 185
DVD settings 184
DVDs, storing 188
DVD, video 183
Dynamic Damping Control 98
Dynamic destination guid‐ ance 167
Dynamic Drive 98
Dynamic Driving Control 99
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 95
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 96
E
EfficientDynamics, refer to Saving fuel 150
Electronic engine oil level check 257
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to DSC 95
Emergency detection, remote control 29 Emergency release, door
lock 34
Emergency release, fuel filler flap 240
Emergency Request 269
Emergency service, refer to Roadside Assistance 270
Emergency start function, en‐ gine start 29
Emergency unlocking, trunk lid 37
Energy Control 74
Energy recovery 74
Engine compartment 255
Engine compartment, working in 255
Engine coolant 258
Engine oil 257
Engine oil, adding 257
Engine oil additives 258
Engine oil filler neck 257
Engine oil temperature 72
Engine oil types, alterna‐ tive 258
Engine oil types, ap‐ proved 258
Engine specifications 281
Engine start during malfunc‐ tion 29
Engine start, refer to Starting the engine 59
Engine start, Starting aid 270
Engine stop 59
Engine temperature 72
Equalizer 172
Equipment, interior 132
ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐ gram, refer to DSC 95
Exchanging wheels/tires 251
Exhaust system 146
Exterior
mirror, automatic dim‐
ming feature, dimmable exte‐
rior mirrors 52
Exterior mirrors 51
External devices 192
External start 270
External temperature dis‐ play 73
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Everything from A to Z
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External temperature warn‐
ing 73
Eyes for securing cargo 149
F
Fader 172
Failure message, refer to Check Control 70
False alarm, refer to Uninten‐ tional alarm 40
Fan, refer to Air volume 127
Fault displays, refer to Check Control 70
Filler neck for engine oil 257
Fine wood, care 276
First aid kit 270
Fitting
for towing, refer to Tow
fitting 273
Flat tire, Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 88
Flat tire, warning lamp 89
Flat tire, wheel change 267
Flooding 147
Floor carpet, care 276
Floor mats, care 276
FM/AM station 174
Fold-out position, windshield wipers 64
Foot brake 147
Front airbags 85
Front fog lamps 83
Front fog lamps, front, bulb re‐ placement 265
Front lamps 263
Front passenger airbags, au‐ tomatic deactivation 86
Front passenger airbags, indi‐ cator lamp 87
Front seats, adjusting 44
Fuel cap 240
Fuel consumption, current 74
Fuel consumption, refer to Average fuel consump‐
tion 76
Fuel filler flap 240
Fuel gauge 72
Fuel quality 241 Fuel, tank capacity
284
Fuse 268
G
Garage door opener, refer to Integrated universal remote
control 132
Gas station recommenda‐ tion 163
Gear
change, automatic trans‐
mission 65
Gear shift indicator 75
General driving notes 146
Glass sunroof, powered 41
Glove compartment 138
GPS navigation, refer to Navi‐ gation system 154
Gross vehicle weight, ap‐ proved 283
Gross weight, permissible for trailer towing 283
H
Hand brake, refer to Parking brake 60
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐ nating code 133
Hazard warning flashers 269
HDC Hill Descent Control 96
HD Radio 175
Head airbags 85
Headlamp control, auto‐ matic 81
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture 80
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture via remote control 33
Headlamp flasher 62
Headlamp glass 263
Headlamps 263
Headlamps, care 275
Headlamp washer system 62
Headliner 15
Headphones, rear entertain‐ ment 205
Head restraints 44 Head restraints, front 49
Head restraints, rear 50
Head-up Display
124
Head-up Display, care 276
Heavy cargo, stowing 149
Height, seats 44
Height, vehicle 280
High-beam Assistant 82
High beams 62
High beams/low beams, refer to High-beam Assistant 82
Hill Descent Control HDC 96
Hills 148
Hill start assistant, refer to Drive-off assistant 95
Hints 6
Holder for beverages 140
Homepage 6
Hood 255
Horn 12
Hotel function, trunk lid 37
Hot exhaust system 146
House number, entering for navigation 155
Hydroplaning 147
I
Ice warning, refer to External temperature warning 73
Icy roads, refer to External temperature warning 73
Identification marks, tires 249
Identification number, refer to Engine compartment 255
iDrive 16
Ignition key, refer to Remote control 28
Ignition off 58
Ignition on 58
Indication of a flat tire 89
Individual air distribution 126
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 29
Inflation pressure, tires 242
Info display, refer to Com‐ puter 75
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Manual transmission 64
Map, destination entry
158
Map in split screen 165
Map view 163
Marking on approved tires 252
Marking, run-flat tires 252
Massage seat, front 46
Master key, refer to Remote control 28
Maximum cooling 127
Maximum speed, winter tires 252
Measure, units of 79
Medical kit 270
Memory for seat, mirrors, steering wheel 51
Menu
in instrument cluster 75
Menus, operating, iDrive 16
Menus, refer to iDrive operat‐ ing concept 17
Message list, traffic bulle‐ tins 165
Messages 224
Messages, refer to Check Control 70
Microfilter 129
Minimum tread, tires 251
Mirror 51
Mirror memory 51
Mobile communication devi‐ ces in the vehicle 147
Mobile phone 210
Modifications, technical, refer to Safety 7
Moisture in headlamp 263
Monitor, refer to Control Dis‐ play 16
Mounting of child restraint fix‐ ing systems 54
MP3 player 192
Multifunction steering wheel, buttons 12
Multimedia 181
Music collection 188
Music search 189
Music, storing 188 N
Navigation
154
Navigation data 168
Neck restraints, front, refer to Head restraints 49
Neck restraints, rear, refer to Head restraints 50
New wheels and tires 251
Night Vision with pedestrian detection 122
NORMAL program, Dynamic Driving Control 100
Notes 227
Number of cylinders, en‐ gine 281
Nylon rope for tow-starting/ towing 273
O
OBD Onboard Diagnos‐ tics 260
Obstacle marking, backup camera 115
Odometer 73
Office 221
Oil 257
Oil, adding 257
Oil additives 258
Oil
change interval, service re‐
quirements 74
Oil filler neck 257
Oil level check 257
Oil types, alternative 258
Oil types, approved 258
Old batteries, disposal 268
Onboard Diagnostics OBD 260
Onboard monitor, refer to Control Display 16
Online, refer to BMW On‐ line 234
Opening/closing from in‐ side 35
Opening/closing via door lock 34 Opening/closing with remote
control 32
Operating concept, iDrive 16
Outside air, refer to Automatic recirculated-air control 127
Overheating
of engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 72
P
Paint, vehicle 275
Panic mode 32
Parallel parking assistant 118
Park Distance Control PDC 111
Parked-car ventilation 131
Parked vehicle, condensa‐ tion 148
Parking aid, refer to PDC 111
Parking assistant 118
Parking brake 60
Parking lamps 80
Parking with Auto Hold 60
Passenger side mirror, tilting downward 52
Pathway lines, backup cam‐ era 114
PDC Park Distance Con‐ trol 111
Pedestrian detection, refer to Night Vision 122
People detection, refer to Night Vision 122
Permissible axle load 283
Personal information 221
Personal Profile 29
Phone 210
Pinch protection system, glass sunroof 42
Pinch protection system, win‐ dows 40
Plastic, care 276
PlugIn 237
Position, storing 156
Postal code, entering in navi‐ gation 154
Power failure 268
Power output, engine 281
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Traffic bulletins, naviga‐
tion 165
Traffic
situation/gray card 166
Transmission, automatic 65
Transmission, manual 64
Transporting children safely 54
Tread, tires 250
Treble, tone 172
Trip computer 77
Triple turn signal activa‐ tion 62
Trip odometer 73
Truck for tow-starting/tow‐ ing 272
Trunk lid 35
Trunk lid, automatic 36
Trunk lid, emergency unlock‐ ing 37
Trunk lid, hotel function 37
Trunk lid via remote con‐ trol 33
Turning circle 281
Turning circle lines, backup camera 114
Turn signals, operation 62
Turn signals, rear, bulb re‐ placement 266
U
Unintentional alarm 40
Units of measure 79
Universal remote control 132
Unlock button, automatic transmission 65
Unlocking/locking from in‐ side 35
Unlocking/locking via door lock 34
Unlocking/locking with remote control 32
Updates made after the edito‐ rial deadline 6
Updating software 199
Upholstery care 275
USB audio interface 193
USB interface 138 V
Variable steering, Integral Ac‐
tive Steering 98
Vehicle battery 267
Vehicle
battery, replacing 267
Vehicle, breaking in 146
Vehicle care 275
Vehicle identification number, refer to Identification number
in the engine compart‐
ment 255
Vehicle jack 267
Vehicle paint 275
Vehicle storage 276
Vehicle wash 274
Ventilation 129
Ventilation, refer to Parked-car ventilation 131
Version of the navigation data 168
Video playback 183
Video playback, iPhone 195
Video playback, snap-in adapter 195
Voice activation, mobile phone 217
Voice activation, short com‐ mands 285
Voice activation system 22
Volume, setting 172
W
Warning messages, refer to Check Control 70
Warning triangle 270
Washer fluid 64
Washer fluid reservoir, ca‐ pacity 284
Washer nozzles, wind‐ shield 64
Washer system 62
Washing, vehicle 274
Water on roads 147
Weather Band 176
Weights 283
Welcome lamps 80 Wheel base, vehicle 281
Wheel change 267
Wheels, changing 251
Wheels, everything on wheels
and tires 242
Wheels,
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 88
Width, vehicle 280
Window defroster, rear 128
Windows, powered 40
Windshield, climate con‐ trol 147
Windshield washer fluid 64
Windshield washer noz‐ zles 64
Windshield washer system 62
Windshield wiper 62
Windshield wipers, fold-out position 64
Winter storage, care 276
Winter tires, suitable tires 252
Winter tires, tread 250
Wiper blades, replacing 262
Wiper fluid 64
Wiper system 62
Wood, care 276
Word match concept, naviga‐ tion 21
Wrench 262
X
xDrive 96
Xenon headlamps, bulb re‐ placement 264
Y
Your individual vehicle 6
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Everything from A to Z
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