BMW SERIE 5 SPORT WAGON 2000, 540I SPORT WAGON, SERIE 5 SEDAN, 528I SPORT WAGON, 540I SEDAN Manual

Owner’s Manual for the Vehicle. With a quick reference guide for your convenience.

528i

540i

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 BMW 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

4

Notes on the Owner's Manual

Symbols used

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 list 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.

© 1999 BMW AG

Munich, Germany

Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Munich. Order no. 01 41 0 155 012

US English VIII/99

Printed in Germany

Printed on environmentally friendly paper (bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).

These sections contain vital information – please read the accom-

panying text passages carefully, both for your own safety and to prevent damage to your BMW.<

These passages contain information on special and unique fea-

tures of your vehicle.<

Indicates special information on recycling.<

< Indicates the end of a note.

* Indicates special equipment, countryspecific equipment and optional extras.

Indicates that you should consult the relevant section of this

Owner's Manual for information on a particular part or assembly.

Alerts you to functions which can be adjusted by your authorized

BMW center ("Car Memory" or "Key Memory"). Refer to page 58.<

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 or telephone, for instance), Supplementary Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to read these manuals as well.

5n

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.

6

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 (i.e., 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 (i.e., volatility, composition, additives, etc.) among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. The use of poor-quality 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 (C.B., walkie-talkie, ham radio, for instance) 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 authorized BMW center for additional information.<

Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control de-

vices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified automotive part.<

7n

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, Inc., P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone [phone].

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 dealer, or BMW of North America, Inc.

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.

8

Overview

Controls and features

Operation, care and maintenance

Owner service procedures

Advanced technology

Technical data

Index

9n

Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

Index

Contents

	Overview	Cockpit 16
		Instrument cluster	18
		Indicator and warning lamps 22
		Multifunction steering wheel
		(MFL) 25
		Hazard warning flashers 27
		Warning triangle 27
		First-aid kit 27
		Refueling 28
		Fuel specifications	29

Tire inflation pressure 29

Controls and features

Locks and security systems:

Keys 34 Electronic vehicle

immobilizer 35

Central locking system 36 Opening and closing – from the

outside 36 With the key 36

Opening and closing – from the inside 40

Luggage compartment lid/ Tailgate 41

Luggage compartment 44 Alarm system 45

Electric power windows 47 Sliding/Tilt sunroof 48

Adjustments:

Seats 50 Steering wheel 54 Mirrors 54

Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory 56

Car Memory, Key Memory 58

Passenger safety systems:

Safety belts 59 Airbags 60

Child restraints 64 Child seat security 66 Child-safety locks 66

Driving:

Steering/Ignition lock 67 Starting the engine 68 Switching off the engine 69 Parking brake 69

Manual transmission 70 Automatic transmission 71 Automatic transmission with

Steptronic 74 Indicator/Headlamp flasher 77 Wiper/Washer system 77 Rear window defroster 79 Cruise control 80

Everything under control:

Odometer, outside temperature display 82

Tachometer 83 Energy control 83 Fuel gauge 83 Temperature gauge 84

Service Interval Display 84 Check Control 85 Onboard computer 88

Technology for safety and convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC) 90 Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 91

Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 92

Controls and features

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams 94 Instrument lighting 94

High beams/Parking lamps 95 Fog lamps 95

Interior lamps 96 Reading lamps 96

Controlling the climate for pleasant driving:

Automatic climate control 98 Seat heating 103

Steering wheel heating 103 Roller sun blind 104 Independent ventilation

system 104

Cabin convenience:

BMW Universal Transmitter 105 Glove compartment 108 Storage facilities 108

Cellular phone 109 Beverage holder 109 Ashtray, front 110 Cigarette lighter 110 Ashtray, rear 111

Loading and transporting cargo:

Through-loading system 112 Ski bag 113

sport wagon:

Luggage compartment 116 Roll-up cover 116 Separation net 116

Storage areas in the luggage compartment 118

Cargo loading 120 Roof-mounted luggage rack 121

Operation, care and maintenance

11n

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure 124 Driving notes 125 Catalytic converter 126 Antilock Brake System

(ABS) 127 Disc brakes 128

Brake system 130 Winter operation 130 Power steering 132 Level control system 132 Cellular phone 133 Radio reception 133

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure 134 Tire condition 134

Tire replacement 135 Tire rotation 136 Wheel and tire

combinations 137 Winter tires 138 Snow chains 139

Approved wheel and tire specifications 140

Contents

	maintenance	Under the hood:
		Hood 143
		Engine compartment 144
		Washer fluids 148
		Washer nozzles	148
		Engine oil 149
	and	Coolant 151
		Brake fluid 152
	care	Vehicle Identification
		Number 153
	Operation,	Care and maintenance:
		The BMW Maintenance
		System 154
		Caring for your car 155
		Airbags 160
		Vehicle storage	160
		Laws and regulations:
		Technical modifications 161
		OBD connector	162

Owner service procedures

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit 166 Wiper blades 166 Lamps and bulbs 167 Changing tires 173 Battery 176

Fuses 178

In case of electrical malfunction:

Fuel filler door 180 Sliding/Tilt sunroof 180 Tailgate 181

Assistance, giving and receiving:

Jump-starting 182 Towing the vehicle 183

Advanced technology

Airbags 188

Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) 188

Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 189

Radio reception 190 BMW active seat 190 Safety belt tensioner 191 DSP sound system 192 Interior rearview mirror with

automatic dimmer 192 Rain sensor 193

Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 194 Integrated rear suspension 194 Level control system 195 Xenon lamps 195

Technical data

Engine specifications 198 Dimensions – sedan 199 Dimensions – sport wagon 200 Weights – sedan 201

Weights – sport wagon 202 Capacities 203

Electrical system 204 Drive belts 204

Index

13n

Everything from A to Z 208

Owner service procedures 214

14

Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18

Indicator and warning lamps 22 Multifunction steering wheel

(MFL) 25

Hazard warning flashersHazard warning flashers 27

Warning triangle 27 First-aid kit 27 Refueling 28

Fuel specifications 29 Tire inflation pressure 29

15n

	Overview	Overview
	Controls and features
		Controls
	Operation, care
		Car care
	and maintenance
	Owner service procedures
		Repairs
	Advanced technology
		Technology
	Technical data
		Data
	Index

Index

16 Cockpit

390us001

Cockpit

1Parking lamps/Low beams 94

2> Turn signal 77

>Parking lamp 95

>High beam 95

>Headlamp flasher 77

>Onboard computer 88

3Fog lamps 95

4Wiper/Washer system 77

5Central locking system 36

6Hazard warning flashers 27

7Rear window defroster 79

8HornMultifunction steering wheel (MFL) 25, 26

9Electronic steering wheel adjustment 54

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Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

18 Instrument cluster

390us338

Instrument cluster

There are two versions, depending on the equipment on your vehicle

1Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for fuel reserve 83

2Indicator lamp for turn signals 24

3Speedometer

4Indicator lamp for high beams 24

5Tachometer and Energy Control 83

6Engine coolant thermometer with "Coolant temperature too high" indicator 84

7Indicator and warning lamps for:

>Parking brake/Brake hydraulic system, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)* 22, 23

>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

8Selector lever and program display for automatic transmission* 71, 74

9Service Interval Display 84

10Display for onboard computer (operation via the turn signal lever, refer to page 88):

>Outside temperature

>Average fuel consumption

>Cruising range

>Average speed

11Indicator lamp for Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)* 24

12Indicator lamp for level control system* 23

13Odometer and trip odometer 82

14Indicator for Check Control 85

15Reset button for trip odometer 82

16Indicator and warning lamps for:

>Fog lamps 24

>Battery charge current 22

>Engine oil level/Engine oil pressure 22, 23

>Electronic Engine Power Control (EML) 24

>CHECK ENGINE lamp 24

19n

Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

20 Instrument cluster*

390us339

Instrument cluster*

There are two versions, depending on		10	Outside temperature display 82
the equipment on your vehicle		11	Indicator lamp for Automatic
1	Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for		Stability Control plus Traction
	fuel reserve 83		(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
2	Indicator lamp for turn signals 24		Control (DSC)* 24
3	Speedometer	12	Trip odometer 82
4	Indicator lamp for high beams 24	13	Indicator for Check Control 85
5	Tachometer and	14	Odometer 82
	Energy control 83	15	Service Interval Display 84
6	Engine coolant temperature	16	Reset button for trip odometer 82
	gauge 84	17	Indicator and warning lamps for:
7	Indicator and warning lamps for:		> Fog lamps 24
	> Parking brake 23		> Battery charge current 22
	> Brake hydraulic system, Dynamic		> Engine oil pressure 22
	Brake Control (DBC)* 22, 23		> CHECK ENGINE lamp 24

>Antilock Brake System (ABS) 23

>Airbags 23

>Please fasten safety belts 23

>Cruise control 24

8CHECK button 85

9Selector lever and program display for automatic transmission* 71, 74

21n

Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

22 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 and switch off engine immediately. 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 acoustical 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 92.

Parking brake*, brake hydraulic system ●

Comes on when you engage the parking brake. For additional information: Refer to page 69.

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 130 and 152.

Also comes on with the message "CHECK BRAKE PADS" in the Check Control.

Parking brake warning lamp*/

Brake hydraulic system for

Canadian models.

Indicator and warning lamps

Yellow: Stop immediately

Engine oil level ●

Stop vehicle and switch off engine immediately. The oil level is

at the absolute minimum. Refer to page 149.

Do not continue driving until oil is added. Otherwise, the engine

could be damaged because of inadequate lubrication.<

Red: An important reminder

Parking brake*

Comes on when you engage the parking brake.

For additional information: Refer to page 69.

Parking brake warning lamp* for Canadian models.

Please fasten safety belts ● Together with an acoustic signal or a message* in the Check

Control. Comes on until the safety belts are fastened. For additional information on safety belts: Refer to page 59.

Airbags ●

Please have the system inspected by your authorized

BMW center.

For additional information: Refer to page 60.

23n

Yellow: Check as soon as possible

Antilock Brake System (ABS) ●	Overview
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have	Controls
For additional information: Refer to
the system inspected by your autho-
rized BMW center.
page 127.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	care
warning lamp for Canadian
models.	Car
Engine oil level ●
Comes on after the engine has	Repairs
Refer to page 149.
been shut off: Check the engine
oil level. For additional information:
Automatic transmission*
	Technology
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest authorized BMW
center.
For additional information: Refer to
pages 73, 76.	Data
Brake pads* ●
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information:
Refer to page 130.	Index

24 Indicator and warning lamps

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)* ●

Fault in the DBC system. Conventional braking efficiency is available without limitations.

For additional information: Refer to page 129.

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) warning lamp for Canadian models

Tire Pressure Control (RDC)* ● Check the tire inflation pressure. Refer to pages 29, 92.

Level control system* ● The level control system is inactive. Please consult the

nearest authorized BMW center. For additional information: Refer to page 132.

Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability 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 authorized BMW center.

For additional information: Refer to page 91.

Electronic Engine Power Control (EML)*

Malfunction in the EML. When braking, higher brake application pressure may be necessary and brake pedal travel may be significantly longer. Please have the system inspected by your authorized BMW center.

CHECK ENGINE lamp ●

If the indicator lamp comes on either continuously or intermittently, this indicates a fault in the emis-

sions-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 162.

CHECK ENGINE 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 77.

Cruise control

Lights up when the cruise control is activated. Available for

operation via the multifunction steering wheel.

For additional information: Refer to page 80.

Fog lamps

Lights up whenever you switch on the fog lamps.

For additional information: Refer to page 95.

Blue: For your information

High beam

Lights up when the high beams are on or the headlamp flasher

is actuated.

For additional information: Refer to page 77.

Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)

There are two design versions, depending on the equipment installed in your vehicle.

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, the CD and cassette modes

>The recirculated air mode of the air conditioner or

>the steering wheel heater

>The cruise control and

>selected cellular phone functions.

In order to operate a system via the MFL, the corresponding

system controls 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

1Cellular phone: Receive a call, initiate dialing and terminate a call

2Radio/Telephone: Select

3Radio/Telephone: Scan backward or scan station keys or scroll in the phone listings.

Fast forward and reverse for CD and cassette modes

4Radio/Telephone: Volume

5Radio/Telephone: Forward scan or scan station keys or scroll in the phone listings.

Fast forward and reverse for CD and cassette modes

		25n
			Overview
			Controls
			care
6	Horn: The entire surface
			Car
7	Cruise control: Activate stored
8	setting (resume)		Repairs
	store (–)
	Cruise control: Store and
	accelerate (+); decelerate and
9	Cruise control: Activate/Interrupt/
			Technology
	Deactivate
10	Recirculated-air mode and AUC or
	steering wheel heating: Switch on
	and off
			Data
			Index

26 M Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)*

There are two design versions, depending on the equipment installed in your vehicle.

The controls integrated in the M 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, the CD and cassette modes

>The cruise control and

>selected cellular phone functions.

In order to operate a system via the MFL, the corresponding

system controls 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.

		39mde058
	1		Cellular phone: Receive a call, initiate	5	Cruise control: Activate stored
			dialing and terminate a call		setting (resume)
	2		Radio/Telephone: Volume	6	Cruise control: Activate/Interrupt/
	3		Radio/Telephone: Forward/Back-		Deactivate
				7	Cruise control: Store and
			ward scan or scan station keys or
			scroll in the phone listings.		accelerate (+); decelerate and
			Fast forward and reverse for CD and		store (–)
			cassette modes	8	Radio/Telephone: Select
	4		Horn: The entire surface

Hazard warning flashers

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.

Warning triangle*

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.<

First-aid kit*

27n

390de086

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: Position 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

28 Refueling

	394de011				390de603

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 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 180.

When handling fuels, comply with all of the applicable safety precau-

tions 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.

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.

Close the fuel cap carefully after refueling. A loose or missing cap will activate the Service Engine lamp.<

Fuel specifications

Use unleaded gasoline only.

Recommended octane rating: 91 AKI.

BMW engines are equipped with knock sensors and will adapt automatically to different octane ratings, provided that the minimum octane requirement (87 AKI) is met.

Fuels with higher octane ratings will provide enhanced performance and lower fuel consumption, while the use of fuels with low octane ratings will have an opposite effect.

Do not use leaded fuels. The use of leaded fuels will cause perma-

nent damage to the system's oxygen sensor and the catalytic converter.<

AKI = Anti Knock Index

Tire inflation pressure

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 92.

29n

Check tire inflation pressures regularly – 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 140.

Your vehicle is equipped with tires that not only meet US standards, but also European standards. We recommend the exclusive use of BMW approved tires.

Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

30 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
	225/60 R 15 96 W		US/CDN:
	225/55 R 16 95 W	33 (230)	41 (280)	33 (230)	41 (280)
	235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
528i	Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y		outside US/CDN:
	205/65 R 15 94 Q M+S	29 (200)	33 (230)	33 (230)	41 (280)
	225/60 R 15 96 Q M+S
	225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
	235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S
	235/45 R 17 94 W/Y	35 (240)	39 (270)	41 (280)	48 (330)
	225/55 R 16 95 W
540i	Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y	–	39 (270)	–	48 (330)
	225/55 R 16 95 Q,T,H M+S	30 (210)	35 (240)	36 (250)	44 (300)
	235/45 R 17 94 Q,T,H M+S
	225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
	225/55 R 16 95 W
540iA	235/45 R 17 94 W/Y	30 (210)	35 (240)	36 (250)	44 (300)
	225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
	235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S
	Rear: 225/40 R 17 94 W/Y		35 (240)		44 (340)