2012 BMW 5 SERIES Owners Manual

Storage compartmentsVehicle 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.
Storage compartments
The following storage compartments are avail‐
able in the vehicle interior:▷Glove compartment on the driver's and front
passenger side, refer to page 153.▷Storage compartment on the center con‐
sole: manual transmission.▷Storage compartment, refer to page 156, in
the center console for remote control: auto‐
matic transmission.▷Storage compartment in the center armrest,
refer to page 154, in the front and rear.▷Compartments in the doors.▷Pockets on the backrests of the front seats.▷Net in the front passenger footwell.
No loose objects in the passenger com‐
partment
Do not stow any objects in the passenger com‐
partment without securing them; otherwise,
they may present a danger to occupants for in‐
stance during braking and avoidance maneu‐
vers.◀
Glove compartment
Front passenger side
Opening
Pull the handle.
The light in the glove compartment switches on.
Close the glove compartment again im‐
mediately
Close the glove compartment immediately after
use while driving; otherwise, injury may occur
during accidents.◀
Closing
Fold up the cover.
USB interface for data transfer
Connection for importing and exporting data on
USB devices, e.g.:
▷Personal Profile settings, refer to page 31.▷Music collection, refer to page 207.Seite 153Storage compartmentsControls153
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

Observe the following when connecting:▷Do not use force when plugging the con‐
nector into the USB interface.▷Do not connect devices such as fans or
lamps to the USB interface.▷Do not connect USB hard drives.▷Do not use the USB interface to recharge
external devices.
Driver's side
Opening
Pull the handle. Close the glove compartment again im‐
mediately
Close the glove compartment immediately after
use while driving; otherwise, injury may occur
during accidents.◀
Closing
Fold up the cover.
Center armrest
Front
A storage compartment is located in the center
armrest between the front seats.
Opening
Press the button.
Locking the storage compartment
The storage compartment in the armrest can be
locked with an integrated key to separately se‐
cure the trunk lid, refer to page 40, for example.
After the storage compartment is locked, the re‐
mote control can be handed out without the
integrated key, refer to page 30, for instance at
a hotel.
This prevents access to the storage compart‐
ment and to the cargo area.
Seite 154ControlsStorage compartments154
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

Connection for an external audio
device
This can be used to connect an external audio
device, such as an MP3 player.
▷AUX-IN port, refer to page 212.▷USB audio interface, refer to page 213.
Rear
The center armrest contains a storage compart‐
ment.
Folding down
Pull on the opener and fold the armrest forward.
Opening
Pull on the handle and fold open the cover.
Cupholders
Notes Shatter-proof containers and no hot
drinks
Use light and shatter-proof containers and do
not transport hot drinks. Otherwise, there is the
increased danger of injury in an accident.◀
Unsuitable containers
Do not forcefully push unsuitable contain‐
ers into the cupholders. This may result in dam‐
age.◀
Front: manual transmission
On the center console
To open: press the button.
The insert folds out.
To use as a storage compartment, fold the insert
back in.
Front: automatic transmission
To open: press on the cover.
Seite 155Storage compartmentsControls155
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

Rear
In the front center armrest.
The cupholder can be adjusted for three differ‐
ent container sizes.
To open: press the button.
To reduce in size: fold closed to the desired po‐
sition.
To close: fold all the way closed. The cupholder
must be closed before it can be opened fully.
Remote control storage
compartment
Opening
Press on the cover.
Remote control storage compartment
Storage is possible in a vertical position in the
center armrest.
Clothes hooks
The clothes hooks are located next to the grab
handles in the rear and on the door pillar in the
rear.
Do not obstruct view
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that it will not obstruct the driver's
vision.◀
No heavy objects
Do not hang heavy objects from the hooks;
otherwise, they may present a danger to pas‐
sengers during braking and evasive maneu‐
vers.◀
Storage compartments in the
cargo area
Net
Smaller objects can be stored in the net on the
side of the cargo area.
To transport larger objects, it can be pushed
down.
Multi-function hook
A multi-function hook is available on the left
cargo area wall.
Seite 156ControlsStorage compartments156
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

Light and suitable objects only
Only hang light bags or suitable objects
from the holders. Otherwise, there is a danger of
objects flying about during braking and evasive
maneuvers.
Only transport heavy luggage in the trunk if it has
been appropriately secured.◀
Storage compartment under the cargo
floor panel
Raise the cargo floor panel.
Storage compartment on the side
A storage compartment is located at the side of
the cargo area.
Lashing eyes
To secure the cargo, refer to page 164, there
are lashing eyes in the cargo area.
Seite 157Storage compartmentsControls157
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

Driving tips
This chapter provides you with information useful in dealing with specific driving and operating modes.Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com

Things to remember when drivingVehicle 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.
Breaking-in period
General information
Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to
each other.
The following instructions will help achieve a
long vehicle life and good economy.
Engine and differential
Always obey the official speed limit.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:▷For gasoline engine, 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode for the initial
miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac‐
tion potential until after an initial breaking-in pe‐
riod.
Drive conservatively for the first 200 miles/
300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and discs. Drive moderately during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same breaking in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Closing the trunk lid Drive with the trunk lid closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, in the event of an accident or braking or
evasive maneuvers, passengers or other road
users may be injured or the vehicle may be dam‐
aged. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter the
passenger compartment.◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:▷Close all windows and the glass sunroof.▷Greatly increase the blower speed.▷Drive moderately.Seite 160Driving tipsThings to remember when driving160
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 879 - 09 11 490
ProCarManuals.com