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

...
Owner’s Manual for the Vehicle.
Contents
A – Z
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
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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 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).

Symbols used

These sections contain vital infor-
mation – please read the accom­panying text passages carefully, both for your own safety and to prevent dam­age to your BMW.
These passages contain informa-
tion on special and unique fea­tures of your vehicle.
Indicates special information on
recycling.
<
Indicates the end of a note.
*
Indicates special equipment, country-
specific 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.
.

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.
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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 re-
pair of the emission control de­vices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified automo-
<
tive part.
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 (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 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.
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
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RepairsIndex OverviewControlsCar careTechnologyData
Index

Contents

Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18 Indicator and warning lamps 22 Multifunction steering wheel
Overview
(MFL) 25 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 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
Controls and features
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
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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
Controls and features
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
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
Operation, care and maintenance
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
Under the hood:
Hood 143 Engine compartment 144 Washer fluids 148 Washer nozzles 148 Engine oil 149 Coolant 151 Brake fluid 152 Vehicle Identification
Number 153
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System 154 Caring for your car 155 Airbags 160
Operation, care and maintenance
Vehicle storage 160
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications 161 OBD connector 162
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
Owner service procedures
Assistance, giving and receiving:
Jump-starting 182 Towing the vehicle 183
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
Advanced technology
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
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Engine specifications 198 Dimensions – sedan 199 Dimensions – sport wagon 200 Weights – sedan 201 Weights – sport wagon 202 Capacities 203 Electrical system 204
Technical data
Drive belts 204
Everything from A to Z 208 Owner service procedures 214
Index
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15n
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

Overview

Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
RepairsIndex OverviewControlsCar careTechnologyData
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
16n

Cockpit

390us001
Cockpit
1 Parking lamps/Low beams 94
>
Turn signal 77
2
>
Parking lamp 95
>
High beam 95
>
Headlamp flasher 77
>
Onboard computer 88 3 Fog lamps 95 4 Wiper/Washer system 77 5 Central locking system 36 6 Hazard warning flashers 27 7 Rear window defroster 79 8 HornMultifunction steering wheel
(MFL) 25, 26
9 Electronic steering wheel
adjustment 54
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RepairsIndex OverviewControlsCar careTechnologyData
18n

Instrument cluster

390us338
Instrument cluster
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There are two versions, depending on the equipment on your vehicle
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for
fuel reserve 83 2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 24 3 Speedometer 4 Indicator lamp for high beams 24 5 Tachometer and
Energy Control 83 6 Engine coolant thermometer with
"Coolant temperature too high"
indicator 84 7 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic system, Dynamic Brake Control
*
22, 23
(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 84
71, 74
10 Display for onboard computer
(operation via the turn signal lever, refer to page 88):
>
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 82 14 Indicator for Check Control 85 15 Reset button for trip odometer 82 16 Indicator 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
24
23
RepairsIndex OverviewControlsCar careTechnologyData
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 83 2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 24 3 Speedometer 4 Indicator lamp for high beams 24 5 Tachometer and
Energy control 83 6 Engine coolant temperature
gauge 84 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 85 9 Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission
22, 23
*
71, 74
10 Outside temperature display 82 11 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
*
Control (DSC) 12 Trip odometer 82 13 Indicator for Check Control 85 14 Odometer 82 15 Service Interval Display 84 16 Reset button for trip odometer 82 17 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Fog lamps 24
>
Battery charge current 22
>
Engine oil pressure 22
>
CHECK ENGINE lamp 24
24
RepairsIndex OverviewControlsCar careTechnologyData
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 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 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 92.
Parking brake
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.
*, brake hydraulic
*/
Indicator and warning lamps
23n
Yellow: Stop immediately
Engine oil level Stop vehicle and switch off en-
gine 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
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 59.
Airbags
Please have the system in-
spected by your authorized BMW center. For additional information: Refer to page 60.
* in the Check
* for
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 autho­rized BMW center. For additional information: Refer to page 127.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: Check the engine oil level. For additional information: Refer to page 149.
Automatic transmission
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.
Brake pads
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: Refer to page 130.
*
*
RepairsIndex OverviewControlsCar careTechnologyData
24n
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 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 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 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 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 con-
trol 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.
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1 Cellular phone: Receive a call, initiate
dialing and terminate a call 2 Radio/Telephone: Select 3 Radio/Telephone: Scan backward or
scan station keys or scroll in the
phone listings.
Fast forward and reverse for CD and
cassette modes 4 Radio/Telephone: Volume 5 Radio/Telephone: Forward scan or
scan station keys or scroll in the
phone listings.
Fast forward and reverse for 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 heating: Switch on and off
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RepairsIndex OverviewControlsCar careTechnologyData
26n

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

Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle* First-aid kit*

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27n
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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: 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.<
RepairsIndex OverviewControlsCar careTechnologyData
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Refueling

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.
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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 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.<
390de603
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 fuel cap carefully after refueling. A loose or missing cap
will activate the Service Engine lamp.<

Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressure

29n
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 perma­nent damage to the system's oxygen sensor and the catalytic converter.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index
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.
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 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.
RepairsIndex OverviewControlsCar careTechnologyData
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 225/60 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
540i
540iA
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
225/55 R 16 95 W Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y 39 (270) 48 (330) 225/55 R 16 95 Q,T,H M+S 235/45 R 17 94 Q,T,H M+S 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
Rear: 225/40 R 17 94 W/Y 35 (240) 44 (340)
35 (240) 39 (270) 41 (280) 48 (330)
30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
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