2012 BMW 5 SERIES oil

Engine oilVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
General information
The engine oil consumption is dependent on the
driving style and driving conditions.
Therefore, regularly check the engine oil level
after refueling.
For the 530i, 535i, 550i, 525d,
530d and 535d: check oil level
The concept
The oil level is monitored electronically and dis‐
played on the Control Display.
Requirements▷The engine must be running and warm after
the vehicle has been driven for at least
6 miles/10 km.▷The vehicle is stopped or being driven on a
level roadway.
Displaying the oil level
1."Vehicle Info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Engine oil level"
Possible messages
▷"Engine oil level OK"▷"Measurement not possible at this time."▷"Measuring engine oil level..."
Duration with the engine running: ap‐
prox. 3 minutes.
Duration while driving: approx. 5 minutes.▷"Engine oil level below minimum. Add 1
quart!"
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km.▷"Engine oil level too high! Have this
checked."
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Too much engine oil
Have the vehicle checked immedi‐
ately; otherwise, surplus oil can lead to en‐
gine damage.◀▷"Measurement inactive. Have this
checked."
Note the newly calculated remaining mile‐
age until the next oil service. Have the sys‐
tem checked as soon as possible.
For 520i and 528i: Check oil
level
The concept
The oil level is monitored electronically during
driving and shown on the Control Display.
If the oil level reaches the minimum level, a
check control message is displayed.
Displaying the oil level
1."Vehicle Info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Engine oil level"
Possible messages
▷"Engine oil level OK"Seite 284MobilityEngine oil284
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

▷"Engine oil at minimum. Add 1 quart of
engine oil!"
Within the next 125 miles/200 km, a maxi‐
mum of 1 US quart/liter oil.▷"Engine oil level below minimum. Add 1
quart!"
Immediately add 1 US quart/liter of oil.
Detailed measurement
Requirements:
▷Vehicle is on a level road and the engine is
running at operating temperature.▷Manual transmission: Shift lever in neutral
position clutch and gas pedal not de‐
pressed.▷Automatic transmission: Selector lever in
transmission position N or P and gas pedal
not depressed.
In order to perform a detailed measurement of
the engine oil level:
1."Vehicle Info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Measure engine oil level"4."Start measurement"
The oil level is checked and displayed via a scale.
During the detailed measurement, the idle
speed is increased somewhat.
Duration: approx. 1 minute.
Adding engine oil
Filler neck
Only replenish the maximum oil amount of
1 US quart/liter if the message is displayed in the
instrument cluster or the oil level has dropped to
just at the lower mark of the dipstick.
Protect children
Keep oil, grease, etc., out of reach of chil‐
dren and heed the warnings on the containers
to prevent health risks.◀
Do not add too much engine oil
When too much engine oil is added, im‐
mediately have the vehicle checked, otherwise,
this may cause engine damage.◀
Oil types for refilling
Notes No oil additives
Oil additives may lead to engine damage. ◀
Viscosity grades for engine oils
When selecting an engine oil, ensure that
the engine oil belongs to one of the viscosity
grades SAE 0W-40, SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-40,
and SAE 5W-30 or malfunctions or engine dam‐
age may occur.◀
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Seite 285Engine oilMobility285
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

Some types of oils in some cases are not avail‐
able in all countries.
Approved oil typesSpecificationBMW High Performance SAE 5W-30BMW Longlife-01BMW Longlife-01 FE
Additional information about the approved
types of oils can be requested from the service
center.
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oils are not available, up
to 1 US quart/liter of an oil with the following
specification can be added:
SpecificationAPI SM or superior grade specification
Oil change
An oil change should be carried out by your
service center only.
Coolant
General information Danger of burns from hot engine
Do not open the cooling system while the
engine is hot; otherwise, escaping coolant may
cause burns.◀
Suitable additives
Only use suitable additives; otherwise, en‐
gine damage may occur. The additives are
harmful to your health.◀
Coolant consists of water and additives.
Not all commercially available additives are suit‐
able for your vehicle. Ask your service center for
suitable additives.
Coolant level
If there is no Min– and Max– mark in the filler
neck of the coolant reservoir, have the coolant
level checked if necessary by your service cen‐
ter and add coolant as needed.
Note
Depending on the engine installation, the cool‐
ant reservoir may be located on the opposite
side of the engine compartment.
Checking1.Let the engine cool.2.Turn the cap of the coolant reservoir slightly
counterclockwise to allow any excess pres‐
sure to dissipate, and then open it.Seite 286MobilityEngine oil286
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

3.The coolant level is correct if it lies between
the minimum and maximum marks in the
filler neck.4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.6.Have the cause of the coolant loss elimi‐
nated as soon as possible.
Disposal
Comply with the relevant environmental
protection regulations when disposing
of coolant and coolant additives.
Seite 287Engine oilMobility287
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

MaintenanceVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
BMW Maintenance System
The maintenance system directs you to re‐
quired maintenance measures and thereby sup‐
ports you in maintaining road safety and the op‐
erational reliability of the vehicle.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take into ac‐
count the driving conditions of your vehicle.
Based on this, Condition Based Service deter‐
mines the maintenance requirements.
The system makes it possible to adapt the
amount of maintenance you need to your user
profile.
Details on the service requirements, refer to
page 82, can be displayed on the Control Dis‐
play.
Service data in the remote control
Information on the required maintenance is con‐
tinuously stored in the remote control. Your
service center will read out this data and suggest
the right array of service procedures for your ve‐
hicle.
Therefore, hand your service specialist the re‐
mote control that you used most recently.Storage periods
Storage periods during which the vehicle bat‐
tery was disconnected are not taken into ac‐
count.
If this occurs, have a service center update the
time-dependent maintenance procedures,
such as checking brake fluid and, if necessary,
changing the engine oil and the microfilter/acti‐
vated-charcoal filter.
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 requirements.
Maintenance and repair should be performed by
your service center. Make sure to have regular
maintenance procedures recorded in the vehi‐
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models, and in the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These en‐
tries are proof of regular maintenance.Seite 288MobilityMaintenance288
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

CareVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
Car washes
Notes Steam jets or high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, hold them a sufficient distance away
and use a maximum temperature of 140 ℉/
60 ℃.
Holding them too close or using excessively
high pressures or temperatures can cause dam‐
age or preliminary damage that may then lead to
long-term damage.
Follow the operating instructions for the high-
pressure washer.◀
Cleaning sensors/cameras with high-
pressure washers
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the exterior sensors and cameras, e.g.,
Park Distance Control, for extended periods of
time and only from a distance of at least 12 in/
30 cm.◀
Wash your vehicle frequently, particularly in win‐
ter.
Intense soiling and road salt can damage the ve‐
hicle.Washing in automatic car washes
Give preference to cloth car washes or those
that use soft brushes in order to avoid paint
damage.
Notes
Note the following:▷Make sure that the wheels and tires are not
damaged by the transport mechanisms.▷Fold in the exterior mirrors; otherwise, they
may be damaged, depending on the width of
the vehicle.▷Deactivate the rain sensor, refer to page 70,
to avoid unintentional wiper activation.▷In some cases, an unintentional alarm can be
triggered by the interior motion sensor of the
alarm system. Follow the instructions on
avoiding an unintentional alarm, refer to
page 43.
Guide rails in car washes
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher
than 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the vehicle body
could be damaged.◀
Before driving into a car wash
In order to ensure that the vehicle can roll in a car
wash, take the following steps:
Manual transmission:
1.Release the parking brake, refer to page 66.2.Drive into the car wash.3.Shift to neutral.4.Switch the engine off.5.Switch on the ignition.Seite 304MobilityCare304
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic transmission:1.Release the parking brake, refer to page 66,
and deactivate Automatic Hold, refer to
page 67.2.Drive into the car wash.3.Depress the brake pedal as needed.4.Engage transmission position N.5.Switch the engine off. In this way, the igni‐
tion remains switched on, and a Check-Con‐
trol message is displayed.
Transmission position P with the igni‐
tion off
When the ignition is switched off, position P
is engaged automatically. When in an auto‐
matic car wash, for example, ensure that the
ignition is not switched off accidentally.◀
The vehicle cannot be locked from the outside
when in transmission position N.
A signal is sounded when an attempt is made to
lock the vehicle.
Transmission position
Transmission position P is engaged automati‐
cally:
▷When the ignition is switched off.▷After approx. 15 minutes.
Headlamps
▷Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or
caustic cleansers.▷Soak areas that have been soiled e.g. due to
insects, with shampoo and wash off with
water.▷Thaw ice with deicing spray; do not use an
ice scraper.
After washing the vehicle
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them; otherwise, braking action can
be reduced and corrosion of the brake discs can
occur.
Vehicle care
Car care products
BMW recommends using cleaning and care
products from BMW, since these have been
tested and approved.
Car care and cleaning products
Follow the instructions on the container.
When cleaning the interior, open the doors or
windows.
Only use products intended for cleaning vehi‐
cles.
Cleansers can contain substances that are dan‐
gerous and harmful to your health.◀
Vehicle paint
Regular care contributes to driving safety and
value retention.
Environmental influences can act on the vehicle
paint. Tailor the frequency and extent of your car
care to these influences.
Leather care
Remove dust from the leather often, using a
cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Otherwise, particles of dust and road grime
chafe in pores and folds, and lead to increased
wear and premature degradation of the leather
surface.
To guard against discoloration, such as from
clothing, provide leather care roughly every two
months.
Clean light-colored leather more frequently be‐
cause soiling on such surfaces is substantially
more visible.
Use leather care products; otherwise, dirt and
grease will gradually break down the protective
layer of the leather surface.
Suitable care products are available from the
service center.Seite 305CareMobility305
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

Everything from A to Z
IndexA
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 107
ACC, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go 114
Activated-charcoal filter 142
Active Blind Spot Detec‐ tion 104
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, ACC 114
Active Protection 106
Active seat, front 49
Active seat ventilation, front 50
Active Steering, integral 110
Adaptive brake assistant 107
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 105
Adaptive drive 110
Adaptive light control 91
Additional telephone 230
Additives, oil 285
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 47
Airbags 94
Airbags, indicator/warning light 95
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 141
Air distribution, manual 140
Air drying, refer to Cooling function 141
Air pressure, tires 265
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 142
Air volume, automatic climate control 140
Alarm system 42
Alarm, unintentional 43 All around the center con‐
sole 14
All around the headliner 15
All around the steering wheel 12
ALL program, automatic cli‐ mate control 141
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 279
All-wheel-drive 109
Alternating-code hand-held transmitter 147
Alternative oil types 286
AM/FM station 192
Announcement, navigation, refer to Spoken instruc‐
tions 182
Antifreeze, washer fluid 71
Antilock Brake System, ABS 107
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 107
Applications 258
Appointments 248
Approved engine oils 285
Apps 258
Apps, video playback 215
Armrest, refer to Center arm‐ rest 154
Arrival time 85
Ashtray 148
Ashtray, front 148
Ashtray, rear 149
Assist 253
Assistance, Roadside Assis‐ tance 299
Assistance when driving off 107
Audio playback 201
Audio playback, Blue‐ tooth 216 AUTO H button, refer to Auto‐
matic Hold 67
AUTO intensity 140
Automatic car wash 304
Automatic climate con‐ trol 139
Automatic Cruise Control with Stop & Go 114
Automatic Curb Monitor 56
Automatic deactivation, front passenger airbags 96
Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function 64
Automatic headlamp con‐ trol 90
Automatic Hold 67
Automatic locking 37
Automatic recirculated-air control 141
Automatic Soft Closing, doors 37
Automatic tailgate 38
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 72
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 140
AUTO program, intensity 140
AUX-IN port 212
Average fuel consumption 84
Average speed 84
Axle loads, weights 311
B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 49
Backup camera 126
Balance 190
Band-Aids, refer to First aid kit 299 Seite 324ReferenceEverything from A to Z324
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com