BMW 525i Sedan 2001, 525i Sport Wagon 2001, 530i Sedan 2001, 540i Sedan 2001, 540i Sport Wagon 2001 Owner Manual

Owner's Manual for the Vehicle.
Contents
From A to Z
With a quick reference guide for your convenience.
525i
530i 540i
BMW recommends Castrol
sedan sport wagon
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new car. It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maximum use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW. The manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to enhance operating safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your vehicle throughout an extended service life.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important operating, safety and maintenance information.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet (US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties: – New Vehicle Limited Warranty – Limited Warranty Rust Perforation – Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty – Federal Emissions Performance Warranty – California Emission Control System Limited Warranty Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience. BMW AG
4n

Notes on the Owner's Manual

We have made every effort to ensure that you are able to find what you need in this Owner's Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way to find certain topics is by using the detailed index at the end. If you desire an initial overview of your vehicle, this can be found in the first chapter. The detailed table of con­tents that directly follows the summary of contents is intended to stimulate your curiosity regarding your BMW and to encourage you to read the manual.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at some time in the future, please remem­ber to hand over the Owner's Manual to the new owner; it is part of the vehicle.
If you have any additional questions, an authorized BMW center will be glad to advise you.
© 2000 BMW AG Munich, Germany Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Munich. Order No. 01 41 0 155 420 US English I/2001 Printed in Germany Printed on environmentally friendly paper (bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).

Symbols used

Indicates instructions or precau-
tions that must be followed pre­cisely in order to avoid the possibility of personal injury and serious damage to
<
the vehicle.
Contains information that will as-
sist you in gaining the optimum benefit from your vehicle and enable you to care more effectively for your vehicle.
Refers to measures that can
be taken to help protect the environment.
<
Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
*
Indicates special equipment, coun­try-specific equipment and optional extras.
t
Indicates index entries that refer to owner service and maintenance proce­dures
Identifies systems or components,
which your BMW center can either activate or adapt to suit an individual driver's requirements ("Car Memory", "Key Memory"). Refer to page 60.
<
<
<

The individual vehicle

On buying your BMW, you have de­cided in favor of a model with individu­alized equipment and features. This Owner's Manual describes all models and equipment that BMW offers within the same group.
We hope you will understand that equipment and features are included which you might not have chosen for your vehicle. Any differences can easily be identified, since all optional acces­sories and special equipment are
*
marked with an asterisk If your BMW features equipment which
is not described in this Owner's Manual (car radio, for instance), Supplementary Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to read these manuals as well.
.

Status at time of printing

BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing development that is conceived to ensure that our vehicles continue to embody the highest quality and safety standards combined with advanced, state-of-the-art technology. For this reason, it is possible that the features described in this Owner's Manual could differ from those on your vehicle. Nor can errors and omissions be entirely ruled out. You are therefore asked to appreciate that no legal claims can be entertained on the basis of the data, illustrations or descriptions in this manual.
5n
6n

For your own safety

Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to 10% ethanol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxy­gen by weight (that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent) will not void the applicable warranties with respect to defects in materials or workmanship. Field experience has indicated signifi­cant differences in fuel quality (volatility, composition, additives, etc.) among ga­solines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. The use of poor­quality fuels may result in driveability, starting and stalling problems, espe­cially under certain environmental con­ditions, such as high ambient tempera­ture and high altitude. Should you encounter driveability pro­blems that you suspect could be rela­ted to the fuel you are using, we recom­mend that you respond by switching to a recognized high-quality brand. Failure to comply with these recom­mendations may result in unscheduled maintenance. Follow the relevant safety rules when
<
you are handling gasoline.
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested and approved by BMW and Original BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire the assurance that they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure optimum performance when installed on your vehicle. BMW warrants these parts to be free from defects in material and workman­ship. BMW will not accept any liability for damage resulting from installation of parts and accessories not approved by BMW. BMW cannot test every product from other manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a BMW safely and without risk to either the vehicle, its operation, or its occupants. Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and other products approved by BMW, together with professional advice on using these items, are available from all BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW approved accessories such as alarms, radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension components, brake dust shields, telephones (including operation of any portable cellular phone from within the vehicle without using an externally-mounted antenna) or trans­ceiver equipment (for instance, CBs, walkie-talkie, ham radio or similar ac­cessories) may cause extensive da­mage to the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere with the vehicle's elec­trical system, or affect the validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. Visit your BMW
<
center for additional information.
Maintenance, replacement, or re-
pair of the emission control de­vices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified auto-
<
motive part.

Symbol on vehicle parts

Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this Owner's Manual for information on a particular part or assembly.
The following only applies to vehicles owned and operated in the US.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone (201) 307-4000.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your BMW center, or BMW of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
7n
8n
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
9n
Index
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

Contents

Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18 Indicator and warning lamps 22 Multifunction steering wheel
Overview
(MFL) 25 Sports steering wheel 26 Hazard warning flashers 27 Warning triangle 27 First-aid kit 27 Refueling 28 Fuel specifications 29 Tire inflation pressure 29
Locks and security systems:
Keys 36 Electronic vehicle
immobilizer 37
Opening and closing –
from the outside 38 With the key 38 With the remote control 39 Opening and closing –
from the inside 42
Controls and features
Luggage compartment lid/
Tailgate 43 Rear window 43 Luggage compartment 46 Alarm system 47 Electric power windows 49 Sliding/Tilt sunroof 50
Adjustments:
Seats 52 Steering wheel 56 Mirrors 56 Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory 58 Car Memory, Key Memory 60
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts 61 Airbags 62 Transporting children safely 66
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock 68 Starting the engine 68 Switching off the engine 69 Parking brake 70 Manual transmission 70 Automatic transmission 72 Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 75 Indicator/Headlamp flasher 78 Wiper/Washer system 78 Rear window defroster 80 Cruise control 81
Everything under control:
Odometer, outside temperature
display 83 Tachometer 84 Energy control 84 Fuel gauge 84 Coolant temperature gauge 85 Service Interval Display 85 Check Control 86 Computer 89 Multi-information display
(MID) 91 Digital clock in the MID 92 Computer in the MID 95
11n
Technology for safety and driving convenience:
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 100
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 102
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 103
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams 105
Controls and features
Instrument lighting 105 High beams/Parking lamps 106 Fog lamps 106 Interior lamps 106 Reading lamps 107
Controlling the climate for pleasant driving:
Air conditioner 108 Automatic climate control 114 Seat heating 119 Steering wheel heating 120 Roller sun blind 120 Independent ventilation
system 120
Cabin convenience:
BMW Universal Transmitter 121 Glove compartment 124 Storage facilities 124 Cellular phone 125 Beverage holder 125 Ashtray, front 126 Cigarette lighter 126 Ashtray, rear 127
Loading and transporting cargo:
Through-loading system 128 Ski bag 129 sport wagon:
Luggage compartment 132 Roll-up cover 132 Partition net 132 Storage areas in the luggage
compartment 133 Cargo loading 136 Roof-mounted luggage rack 137
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure 140 Driving notes 141 Catalytic converter 142 Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 143 Disc brakes 144 Brake system 146 Winter operation 146 Power steering 148 Level control system 148 Cellular phone 149 Radio reception 149
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure 150
Operation, care and maintenance
Tire condition 150 Tire replacement 151 Tire rotation 152 Wheel and tire
combinations 153 Winter tires 154 Snow chains 155 Approved wheel and tire
specifications 156
Contents
Under the hood:
Hood 159 Engine compartment 160 Washer fluids 164 Washer nozzles 164 Engine oil 165 Coolant 167 Brake fluid 168 Vehicle Identification
Number 169
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System 170 Caring for your car 171 Airbags 176
Operation, care and maintenance
Vehicle storage 176
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications 177 California Proposition
65 Warning 177 OBD interface socket 178
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit 182 Wiper blades 182 Lamps and bulbs 183 Changing a wheel 190 Battery 193 Fuses 196
In case of electrical malfunction:
Fuel filler door 198 Sliding/Tilt sunroof 198 Tailgate 199
Owner service procedures
Assistance, giving and receiving:
Jump-starting 200 Towing the vehicle 201
Airbags 206 Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC) 207
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 208 BMW active seat 210 Safety belt tensioner 210 DSP sound system 211 Mirrors with automatic
Advanced technology
dimmer 211 Rain sensor 212 Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 213 Integrated rear suspension 214 Level control system 214 Xenon lamps 215
13n
Engine specifications 218 Dimensions 219 Weights 221 Capacities 223 Electrical system 224 Drive belts 224
Technical data
Everything from A to Z 228
Index
14n
15n
Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18 Indicator and warning lamps 22 Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL) 25 Sports steering wheel 26 Hazard warning flashers 27 Warning triangle 27 First-aid kit 27 Refueling 28 Fuel specifications 29 Tire inflation pressure 29
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
16n

Cockpit

390us712
Cockpit
1 Parking lamps/Low beams 105
>
Turn signal 78
2
>
Parking lamps 106
>
High beams 106
>
Headlamp flasher 78
>
Computer 89 3 Fog lamps 106 4 Wiper/Washer system 78 5 Central locking system 38 6 Hazard warning flashers 27 7 Rear window defroster 80 8 Horn 25, 26 9 Adjusting the steering wheel 56
17n
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
18n

Instrument cluster

390us338
Instrument cluster
19n
There are two versions, depending on the equipment on your vehicle.
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for
fuel reserve 84 2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 24 3 Speedometer 4 Indicator lamp for high beams 24 5 Tachometer and
Energy Control 84 6 Coolant thermometer with
"Coolant temperature too high"
warning lamp 85 7 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic system, Dynamic Brake Control
*
(DBC)
>
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 23
>
Brake pads 23
>
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)*23
>
Airbags 23
>
Automatic transmission*23
>
Please fasten safety belts 23
>
Cruise control 24
8 Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission 9 Service Interval Display 85
22, 23
*
72, 75
10 Display for the computer
(operation via the turn signal lever, refer to page 89):
>
Outside temperature
>
Average fuel consumption
>
Cruising range
>
Average speed
11 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
*
Control (DSC)
12 Indicator lamp for level control
*
system 13 Odometer and trip odometer 83 14 Indicator for Check Control 86 15 Reset button for trip odometer 83 16 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Fog lamps 24
>
Battery charge current 22
>
Engine oil level/Engine oil pressure 22, 23
>
Engine electronics 24
>
Service Engine Soon 24
24
23
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
20n
Instrument cluster
*
390us339
Instrument cluster
*
21n
There are two versions, depending on the equipment on your vehicle.
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for
fuel reserve 84 2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 24 3 Speedometer 4 Indicator lamp for high beams 24 5 Tachometer and
Energy control 84 6 Coolant temperature gauge 85 7 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Parking brake 23
>
Brake hydraulic system, Dynamic
*
Brake Control (DBC)
>
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 23
>
Airbags 23
>
Please fasten safety belts 23
>
Cruise control 24 8 CHECK button 86 9 Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission
22, 23
*
72, 75
10 Outside temperature display 83 11 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
*
Control (DSC) 12 Trip odometer 83 13 Check Control display 86 14 Odometer 83 15 Service Interval Display 85 16 Reset button for trip odometer 83 17 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Fog lamps 24
>
Battery charge current 22
>
Engine oil pressure 22
> Service Engine Soon 24
24
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
22n

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself
Many of the systems of your BMW monitor themselves automatically, both during engine starts and while you are driving. Indicator and warning lamps that are identified by "" are tested for proper functioning whenever the igni­tion key is turned. They each light up once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these systems, the corresponding lamp does not go out after the engine is started or it lights up while the vehicle is moving. You will see how to react to this below.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction of the alternator V-belt or in the charg­ing circuit of the alternator. Please con­tact the nearest BMW center.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, do
not continue driving. The engine could be damaged due to overheating. If the ribbed V-belt is defective, in­creased steering effort is also re­quired.<
Engine oil pressure Comes on while the engine is
running and the "STOP!ENGINE OILPRESS" message appears in the Check Control: stop vehicle immedi­ately and switch off engine. Check level of oil in engine, top up as required. If oil level is correct: please contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. The en­gine could be damaged because
of inadequate lubrication.<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)* In addition, there is an acousti-
cal warning signal: a tire failure has occurred. Reduce vehicle speed immediately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake applications. Do not over­steer. For additional information: refer to page 103.
Parking brake
brake hydraulic system
Comes on when you engage the parking brake. For additional informa­tion: refer to page 70.
Comes on although the parking brake is released: have the brake fluid level checked. Before driving further, be sure to read the notes on pages 146 and 168.
Also comes on with the message "CHECK BRAKE PADS" in the Check Control.
Parking brake
Brake hydraulic system for
Canadian models.
*,
* warning lamp/
Indicator and warning lamps
23n
Red: an important reminder
Parking brake* Comes on when you engage the
parking brake. For additional information: refer to page 70.
Parking brake
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts
Together with an acoustic signal
or a message Control. Comes on until the safety belts are fastened. For additional information on safety belts: refer to page 61.
Airbags
Please have the system in-
spected by your BMW center. For additional information: refer to page 62.
* warning lamp for
* in the Check
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction. Conventional braking efficiency is avail­able without limitations. Please have the system inspected by your BMW center. For additional information: refer to page 143.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute mini­mum; refill as soon as possible. Do not drive more than approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you add oil. For additional information: refer to page 165.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add oil at the earliest opportunity (when you stop to refuel). For additional information: refer to page 165.
*
*
Automatic transmission* Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts only in the emergency program. Please consult the nearest BMW center. For additional information: refer to pages 74, 77.
Brake pads
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer to page 146.
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)
Fault in the DBC system. Con­ventional braking efficiency is available without limitations. For additional information: refer to page 145.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
Check the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to pages 29, 103.
Level control system
The level control system is
inactive. Please consult the nearest BMW center. For additional information: refer to page 148.
*
*
*
*
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
24n
Indicator and warning lamps
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC) The ASC+T/DSC has been switched off or has been deactivated because of a malfunction. In the event of a malfunc­tion, have the system checked by your BMW center. For additional information: refer to page 102.
Engine electronics
There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. The electronics allow for continued driving with reduced engine output or rpms. Please have the system inspected by your BMW center.
Service Engine Soon
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit­tently, this indicates a fault in the emis­sions-related electronic systems. Although the vehicle remains opera­tional, you should have the systems checked by your BMW center at the earliest possible opportunity. For additional information: refer to page 178.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
*
*
Green: for your information
Turn signal Flashes when the turn signals
are in operation. Rapid flashing indicates a system malfunction. For additional information: refer to page 78.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Available for operation via the multifunction steering wheel. For additional information: refer to page 81.
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps. For additional information: refer to page 106.
Blue: for your information
High beams Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher is actuated. For additional information: refer to pages 78 and 106.

Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)

The controls integrated in the multi­function steering wheel (MFL) are pro­vided so that you can operate a number of accessories quickly and without be­ing distracted from traffic conditions. You may operate:
> Selected functions of the radio as
well as the CD and cassette modes,
> the recirculated air mode of the air
conditioner or
> the steering wheel heater > the cruise control, > selected cellular phone functions and > the voice recognition
In order to operate a system via the MFL, the corresponding
systems must be switched on.<
The illustration shows the maximum possible number of controls, corre­sponding to a full range of optional equipment. Refer to the individual accessory manuals for more detailed descriptions.
*,
*
380de702
1 Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing, terminate a call. Press longer:
Turn voice recognition on and off 2 Radio/Cellular phone: select 3 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings.
Rewind on the CD and cassette
modes 4 Radio/Cellular phone: volume
25n
5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward
or scan station keys or scroll through the phone listings. Fast forward on the CD and cassette modes
6 Horn: the entire surface 7 Cruise control: activate stored
setting (resume)
8 Cruise control: store and
accelerate (+); decelerate and store (–)
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/
deactivate
10 Recirculated-air mode and AUC or
steering wheel heater: switch on and off
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
26n

Sports steering wheel*

The controls integrated in the sports steering wheel are provided so that you can operate a number of accessories quickly and without being distracted from traffic conditions. You may oper­ate:
> Selected radio functions as well as
the CD and cassette modes,
> the cruise control, > selected cellular phone functions and > the voice recognition
*
46cde085
In order to operate a system via
the sports steering wheel, the cor­responding systems must be acti­vated.<
The illustration shows the maximum possible number of controls, corre­sponding to a full range of optional equipment. Refer to the individual accessory manuals for more detailed descriptions.
1 Radio/Cellular phone: select 2 Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing, and terminate a call. Press longer:
Turn voice recognition on and off 3 Radio/Cellular phone: volume 4 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings.
Rewind on the CD and cassette
modes
5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward
or scan station keys or scroll through the phone listings. Fast forward on the CD and cassette
modes 6 Horn: the entire surface 7 Cruise control: resume stored setting 8 Cruise control: store and
accelerate (+); decelerate and
store (–) 9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/
deactivate

Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle* First-aid kit*

390de086
27n
390de039
The button flashes rhythmically when the hazard warning flashers are on.
To help you locate the switch in an emergency, the button is also illumi­nated whenever the car's headlamps are on.
394de053
The hazard warning triangle is quickly available, stored in the onboard tool kit mounted on the inside of the luggage compartment lid/tailgate. To open the container, loosen the wing screw.
Comply with legal requirements which cover the availability of a
hazard warning triangle in the car.<
The first-aid kit is located under the front passenger's seat.
To remove: lift the release lever on the front (arrow) and pull the first-aid kit for­ward out of its support.
To store: place the back of the kit into the support, then push back until the le­ver engages.
Some of the articles in the first-aid
kit may be used within a limited time only. For this reason, check the expiration dates of each of the items regularly, and replace any whose expi­ration dates have passed. You can acquire replacements in any drugstore or pharmacy. Comply with legal requirements which cover availability of a first-aid kit in your vehicle.<
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
28n

Refueling

394de011
390de603
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the nozzle out of the pipe during refuel­ing
> results in premature pump shutoff > and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used prop­erly, the fuel tank is full whenever the nozzle shuts off the first time.
Tank capacity: refer to page 223.
Fuel filler door
Before refueling, shut the engine
off. If the engine is running, fuel cannot be filled into the tank and the Service Engine Soon lamp may come on.<
To open the filler door, press on the front edge.
To unlock the filler door if the central locking system fails, refer to page 198.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau­tions and regulations pertaining to fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these containers can leak, cause an ex­plosion, or lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
Simple and friendly to the environment
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out. Fuel spray may cause injury. Do not top off. Topping off may cause fuel spillage.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket attached to the fuel filler door.
Close the filler cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard. While closing, be sure not to squeeze the strap which is fastened to the cap. A loose or missing cap will activate the message "CHECK FILLER CAP" in the Check Control Soon lamp.<
* or the Service Engine

Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressure

29n
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel: > Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma­nent damage to the system's oxygen sensor and the catalytic converter.<
390de351
The inflation pressures are indicated on a sticker attached to the B-pillar behind the driver's door (visible with door open).
Check tire pressures
All pressure specifications are indicated in psi (kilopascal) for tires at ambient temperature (refer also to the next pages).
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
*:
(RDC) After a correction of the tire inflation pressure, reactivate the system. Refer to page 103.
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly – at least every two weeks and before beginning a longer trip. Incorrect tire pressure can lead to tire damage and accidents. Check the inflation pressure of the spare tire also. Inflate the spare tire to the highest inflation of any tire on your vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval specifications
The inflation pressures in the table apply to tires from BMW approved manufacturers. Your BMW center is familiar with these pressures. Higher pressures may be specified for tires from other manufacturers. You will find a list of approved tires beginning on page 156.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that meet US standards as well as European standards. We recommend the exclu­sive use of BMW approved tires.
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
30n
Tire inflation pressure
sedan Tires
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi (kilopascal) with cold tires (cold = ambient temperature)
225/60 R 15 96 H M+S 225/55 R 16 95 H M+S 225/60 R 15 96 W 225/55 R 16 95 W 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
525i
530i
205/65 R 15 94 Q M+S 225/60 R 15 96 Q M+S 225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S 235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S 225/55 R 16 95 W 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y 225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S 235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y
29 (200)–33 (230)
(outside US/CDN)
29 (200)–33 (230)
(outside US/CDN)
33 (230)
(US/CDN)
33 (230)
33 (230)
(US/CDN)
33 (230)
41 (280)
41 (280)
41 (280)
41 (280)
Loading...
+ 208 hidden pages