2012 BMW 5 SERIES oil level

Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
can be identified by a star on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
New 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.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
Retreaded tires
Possibly substantial variations in the de‐
sign and age of the tire casing structures can
limit service life and have a negative impact on
road safety.◀
Winter tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
winter tires for winter roads or at temperatures
below +45 ℉/+7 ℃.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires do pro‐
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Maximum speed of winter tires
If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then display a corresponding sign in the field of
vision. You can obtain this sign from the tire spe‐
cialist or from your service center.
Maximum speed for winter tires
Do not exceed the maximum speed for the
winter tires; otherwise, tire damage and acci‐
dents can occur.◀
Run-flat tires
For your own safety, only use run-flat tires. No
spare tire is available in the case of a flat tire. Your
service center will be glad to advise you.
Rotating wheels between axles
The manufacturer of your vehicle advises
against swapping wheels between the front and
rear axles.
This can impair the handling characteristics.
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres‐
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.Seite 279Wheels and tiresMobility279
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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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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
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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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Locking/unlocking with re‐mote control 34
Locking, automatic 37
Locking, central 33
Locking via trunk lid 38
Lock, power window 44
Locks, doors, and win‐ dows 61
Low beams 89
Low beams, automatic, refer to High-beam Assistant 91
Lower back support 49
Luggage rack, refer to Roof- mounted luggage rack 164
Lumbar support 49
M
Maintenance 288
Maintenance require‐ ments 288
Maintenance, service require‐ ments 82
Maintenance system, BMW 288
Malfunction displays, refer to Check Control 78
Manual air distribution 140
Manual air volume 140
Manual brake, refer to Parking brake 66
Manual mode, transmis‐ sion 73
Manual operation, backup camera 126
Manual operation, door lock 37
Manual operation, exterior mir‐ rors 56
Manual operation, fuel filler flap 262
Manual operation, Park Dis‐ tance Control PDC 124
Manual operation, Side View 130 Manual operation, Top
View 129
Manual transmission 71
Map, destination entry 177
Map in split screen 184
Map view 182
Marking on approved tires 279
Marking, run-flat tires 280
Massage seat, front 49
Master key, refer to Remote control 30
Maximum cooling 141
Maximum speed, winter tires 279
Measure, units of 87
Medical kit 299
Memory for seat, mirrors, steering wheel 54
Menu, EfficientDynamics 168
Menu in instrument cluster 83
Menus, operating, iDrive 16
Menus, refer to iDrive operat‐ ing concept 17
Message list, traffic bulle‐ tins 184
Messages 245
Messages, refer to Check Control 78
Microfilter 142
Minimum tread, tires 277
Mirror 55
Mirror memory 54
Mobile communication devi‐ ces in the vehicle 161
Mobile phone 230
Mode, ECO PRO 167
Modifications, technical, refer to Safety 6
Moisture in headlamp 291
Monitor, refer to Control Dis‐ play 16
Mounting of child restraint fix‐ ing systems 58
MP3 player 212 Multifunction steering wheel,
buttons 12
Multimedia 200
Music collection 207
Music search 209
Music, storing 207
N
Navigation 172
Navigation data 186
Neck restraints, front, refer to Head restraints 52
Neck restraints, rear, refer to Head restraints 53
New wheels and tires 278
Night Vision with pedestrian detection 134
Notes 249
Nylon rope for tow-starting/ towing 302
O
OBD Onboard Diagnos‐ tics 289
Obstacle marking, backup camera 127
Odometer 81
Office 242
Oil 284
Oil, adding 285
Oil additives 285
Oil change 286
Oil change interval, service re‐ quirements 82
Oil filler neck 285
Oil level check 284
Oil types, alternative 286
Oil types, approved 285
Old batteries, disposal 296
Onboard Diagnostics OBD 289
Onboard monitor, refer to Control Display 16
Onboard vehicle tool kit 290 Seite 329Everything from A to ZReference329
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