2012 BMW 5 SERIES check oil

message and the meaning of the indicator and
warning lamps.
Supplementary text messages
Addition information, such as on the cause of a
fault or the required action, can be called up via
Check Control.
The supplementary text of urgent messages is
displayed on the Control Display automatically.
Symbols
Depending on the Check Control message, the
following functions can be selected.▷ "Owner's Manual"
Display additional information about the
Check Control message in the integrated
owner's manual.▷ "Service request"
Contact the service partner.▷ "Roadside Assistance"
Contact Roadside Assistance.
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the computer button on the turn signal
lever.
▷Some Check Control messages are dis‐
played continuously and are not cleared un‐
til the malfunction is eliminated. If several
malfunctions occur at once, the messages
are displayed consecutively.
These messages can be hidden for approx.
8 seconds. After this time, they are dis‐
played again automatically.▷Other Check Control messages are hidden
automatically after approx. 20 seconds.
They are stored and can be displayed again
later.
Displaying stored Check Control
messages
1."Vehicle Info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Check Control"4.Select the text message.
Messages after trip completion
Special messages that are displayed during
driving are displayed again after the ignition is
switched off.
Fuel gauge The vehicle inclination may
cause the display to vary.
Notes on refueling, refer to
page 262.
Tachometer Always avoid engine speeds in
the red warning field. In this
range, the fuel supply is inter‐
rupted to protect the engine.
Engine oil temperature
▷Cold engine: the pointer is at
the low temperature end.
Drive at moderate engine and
vehicle speeds.▷Normal operating tempera‐
ture: the pointer is in the mid‐
dle or in the left half of the
temperature display.Seite 80ControlsDisplays80
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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
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▷"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.
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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
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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
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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
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Bar for tow-starting/tow‐ing 302
Bass 190
Battery replacement, remote control, rear entertain‐
ment 222
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 296
Battery replacement, vehicle remote control 30
Battery, vehicle 296
Belts, safety belts 51
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 155
Blinds, sun protection 44
Bluetooth audio 216
BMW Assist 253
BMW homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW Maintenance Sys‐ tem 288
BMW Search 255
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 155
Brake assistant 107
Brake assistant, adaptive 107
Brake discs, breaking in 160
Brake force display 105
Brake lamps, brake force dis‐ play 105
Brake lamps, bulb replace‐ ment 295
Brake lights, adaptive 105
Brake pads, breaking in 160
Braking, notes 161
Breakdown assis‐ tance 298, 299
Breaking in 160
Brightness of Control Dis‐ play 87
Bulb replacement 290
Bulb replacement, front 291
Bulb replacement, rear 294
Bulbs and lamps 290
Button, RES 116
Button, Start/Stop 62 Bypassing, refer to starting
aid 299
C
Calendar 248
California Proposition 65 Warning 7
Camera, backup camera 128
Camera, care 307
Camera, Side View 131
Camera, Top View 130
Can holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 155
Car battery 296
Car care products 305
Care, displays 307
Care, vehicle 305
Cargo 163
Cargo area, enlarging 150
Cargo area lid 38
Cargo area, storage compart‐ ments 156
Cargo straps, securing cargo 164
Car key, refer to Remote con‐ trol 30
Carpet, care 306
Car wash 304
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 161
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 288
CD/DVD 200
CD/DVD player, rear 221
CDs, storing 207
Cell phone 230
Center armrest 154
Center console 14
Central locking system 33
Central screen, refer to Control Display 16
Changes, technical, refer to Safety 6
Changing parts 290
Changing wheels 296 Changing wheels/tires 278
Check Control 78
Checking the oil level 284
Children, seating position 58
Children, transporting safely 58
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tem 58
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 59
Child restraint fixing systems, mounting 58
Child safety locks 61
Child seat, mounting 58
Child seats 58
Chrome parts, care 306
Cigarette lighter 148
Cleaning, displays 307
Climate control 139
Climate control wind‐ shield 161
Clock 81
Closing/opening from in‐ side 37
Closing/opening via door lock 36
Closing/opening with remote control 34
Clothes hooks 156
Collision warning 120
Combination switch, refer to Turn signals 69
Combination switch, refer to Wiper system 69
COMFORT+ program, Driving Experience Switch 113
Comfort Access 40
COMFORT program, Driving Experience Switch 112
Computer 84
Concierge service 254
Condensation on win‐ dows 140
Condensation under the vehi‐ cle 162 Seite 325Everything from A to ZReference325
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Engine coolant 286
Engine oil 284
Engine oil, adding 285
Engine oil additives 285
Engine oil change 286
Engine oil filler neck 285
Engine oil temperature 80
Engine oil types, alterna‐ tive 286
Engine oil types, ap‐ proved 285
Engine start during malfunc‐ tion 31
Engine start, refer to Starting the engine 63
Engine start, Starting aid 299
Engine stop 63
Engine temperature 80
Entering a car wash 304
Equalizer 190
Equipment, interior 146
ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐ gram, refer to DSC 107
Exchanging wheels/tires 278
Exhaust system 161
Exterior mirror, automatic dim‐ ming feature 56
Exterior mirrors 55
External devices 212
External start 299
External temperature dis‐ play 81
External temperature warn‐ ing 81
Eyes for securing cargo 164
F
Fader 190
Failure message, refer to Check Control 78
False alarm, refer to Uninten‐ tional alarm 43
Fan, refer to Air volume 140
Fault displays, refer to Check Control 78 Filler neck for engine oil 285
Fine wood, care 306
First aid kit 299
Fitting for towing, refer to Tow fitting 302
Flat tire, changing wheels 296
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 100
Flat tire, Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 97
Flat tire, warning lamp 98, 101
Flooding 161
Floor carpet, care 306
Floor mats, care 306
FM/AM station 192
Fold-out position, windshield wipers 71
Foot brake 161
Front airbags 94
Front fog lamps 93
Front fog lamps, front, bulb re‐ placement 294
Front lamps 291
Front passenger airbags, au‐ tomatic deactivation 96
Front passenger airbags, indi‐ cator lamp 96
FTM Flat Tire Monitor 100
Fuel cap 262
Fuel consumption, current 82
Fuel consumption, refer to Average fuel consump‐
tion 84
Fuel filler flap 262
Fuel gauge 80
Fuel quality 264
Fuel, tank capacity 313
Fuse 297
G
Garage door opener, refer to Integrated universal remote
control 146
Gas station recommenda‐ tion 182 Gear change, automatic trans‐
mission 72
Gear shift indicator 83
General driving notes 160
Glass sunroof, powered 45
Glove compartment 153
Gong, volume equaliza‐ tion 191
GPS navigation, refer to Navi‐ gation system 172
Gray display of the map 185
Gross vehicle weight, ap‐ proved 311
Gross weight, permissible for trailer towing 311
H
Hand brake, refer to Parking brake 66
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐ nating code 147
Hazard warning flashers 298
HDC Hill Descent Control 109
HD Radio 193
Head airbags 94
Headlamp control, auto‐ matic 90
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture 90
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture via remote control 35
Headlamp flasher 69
Headlamp glass 291
Headlamps 291
Headlamps, care 305
Headlamp washer system 69
Headliner 15
Headphones, rear entertain‐ ment 225
Head restraints 47
Head restraints, front 52
Head restraints, rear 53
Head-up Display 137
Head-up Display, care 307
Heavy cargo, stowing 164 Seite 327Everything from A to ZReference327
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