tires BMW 5 SERIES 2011 Owner's Manual

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.
Run-flat tires*
Label RSC label on the tire sidewall. Seite 252
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Wheels and tires
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The wheels are composed of special rims and
tires that are self-supporting, to a limited de‐
gree.
The
support of the sidewall allows the tire to re‐
main drivable to a restricted degree in the event
of a pressure loss.
Continued driving with a damaged tire., refer to
page 90
Changing 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.
Snow chains
Fine-link snow chains
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your vehicle,
classified as road-safe and recommended.
Consult your service center for more informa‐
tion.
Use
Use only in pairs on the rear wheels, equipped
with the tires of the following size:
▷ 225/55 R 17.
▷ 245/45 R 18.
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Make
sure that the snow chains are always suf‐
ficiently tight. Retighten as needed according to
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Do not initialize the Tire Pressure Monitor after
mounting snow chains, as doing so may result
in incorrect readings.
When driving with snow chains, briefly activate
Dynamic Traction Control if necessary.
Maximum speed with snow chains
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/h when
using snow chains. Snow chain detection*
The concept
When using snow chains, you should set
whether you are driving with or without snow
chains via the iDrive.
The

snow chain detection system supports you
by automatically showing the detected state on
the Control Display.
When snow chains are in use, the rear axle steer‐
ing of the Integral Active Steering* is deacti‐
vated automatically.
At speeds above the maximum allowable speed
with snow chains of 30 mph/50 km/h, the rear
axle steering is activated again automatically.
Activating the status
1. "Settings"
2. "Tire chains"
3. "Tire chains installed"
Automatic detection
If functioning properly:
▷ Snow chains are mounted. The setting is not
activated .
After you drive a short distance, a Check
Control message is shown and the state is
activated automatically.
Confirm the automatic activation.
▷ Snow chains are not mounted. The setting
is activated .
At speeds above 30 mph/50 km/h, a Check
Control message is displayed. Deactivate
the status manually.
If not functioning properly:
▷ Snow chains are mounted. The setting is not
activated .
A Check Control message is not displayed.
The

automatic detection system is malfunc‐
tioning. Activate the status manually.
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Activating/deactivating rear axle
steering
If the status indicating that snow chains are in
use
is activated, the rear axle steering is deacti‐
vated automatically.
At speeds above 30 mph/50 km/h, the rear axle
steering is activated again, even though snow
chains are in use.
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Wheels and tires
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Squeeze the clips together and remove the bulb
holder.
Pull out the bulb and replace it.
Changing wheels
Notes
The
vehicle equipment does not include a spare
tire.
When using run-flat tires* or tire sealants, a tire
does not need to be changed immediately in the
event of pressure loss due to a flat tire.
The tools for changing wheels are available as
accessories from your service center.
Jacking points for the vehicle jack The jacking points for the vehicle jack are lo‐
cated in the positions shown. Lug bolt lock* The lug bolt lock is in the tool kit or in a storage
compartment close to the tool kit.
▷
Lug bolt, arrow 1.
▷ Adapter, arrow 2.
Removing
1. Attach the adapter to the wheel lug.
2. Unscrew the lug bolt.
Remove the adapter after screwing the lug bolt
back on.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free, i.e., the elec‐
trolyte will last for the life of the battery.
Your

service center will be glad to advise you on
questions regarding the battery.
Battery replacement
Use approved vehicle batteries only.
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manufacturer;
otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged and Seite 267
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Care
Car washes
Notes
Steam jets or high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, hold them a sufficient distance away
and use a maximum temperature of 140 ℉/
60 ℃.
Holding them too close or using excessively
high
pressures or temperatures can cause dam‐
age or preliminary damage that may then lead to
long-term damage.
Follow the operating instructions for the high-
pressure washer.◀
Cleaning sensors/cameras with high-
pressure washers
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the exterior sensors and cameras, e.g.,
Park Distance Control*, for extended periods of
time and only from a distance of at least 12 in/
30 cm.◀
Wash your vehicle frequently, particularly in win‐
ter.
Intense soiling and road salt can damage the ve‐
hicle.
Washing in automatic car washes
Your vehicle can be washed in automatic car
washes right from the start.
Give preference to cloth car washes or those
that use soft brushes in order to avoid paint
damage.
Notes
Note the following:
▷ Make sure that the wheels and tires are not
damaged by the transport mechanisms.
▷ Fold in the exterior mirrors; otherwise, they
may

be damaged, depending on the width of
the vehicle. ▷
Deactivate the rain sensor, refer to page 63,
to avoid unintentional wiper activation.
▷ In some cases, an unintentional alarm can be
triggered

by the interior motion sensor of the
alarm system*. Follow the instructions on
avoiding an unintentional alarm, refer to
page 40.
Guide rails in car washes
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher
than 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the vehicle body
could be damaged.

◀
Before driving into a car wash
The vehicle is able to roll when the following
steps are taken:
Manual transmission:
1. Shift to neutral.
2. Release the parking brake, refer to page 60.
3. Switch the engine off.
4. Switch on the ignition.
Automatic transmission*:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Engage transmission position N.
3. Release the parking brake, refer to page 60,
or deactivate Automatic Hold, refer to
page 60.
4. Switch the engine off.
Transmission
position P with the igni‐
tion off
When the ignition is switched off, position P
is engaged automatically. When in an auto‐
matic car wash, for example, ensure that the
ignition is not switched off accidentally.◀ The vehicle cannot be locked from the outside
when in transmission position N.
A

signal is sounded when an attempt is made to
lock the vehicle. Seite 274
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Care
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Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐
tem 95
ACC, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go 102
Activated-charcoal filter 129
Active Blind Spot Detec‐ tion 92
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, ACC 102
Active seat, front 46
Active seat ventilation, front 47
Active Steering, integral 98
Adaptive brake assistant 95
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 94
Adaptive drive 97
Adaptive light control 81
Additional telephone 210
Additives, oil 258
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 44
Airbags 85
Airbags, indicator/warning light 86
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 127
Air distribution, manual 126
Air drying, refer to Cooling function 128
Air pressure, tires 242
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 129
Air volume, automatic climate control 127
Alarm system 39
Alarm, unintentional 40
All around the center con‐ sole 14
All around the headliner 15 All around the steering
wheel 12
ALL program, automatic cli‐ mate control 128
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 252
All-wheel-drive 96
Alternating-code hand-held transmitter 133
Alternative oil types 258
AM/FM station 174
Announcement, navigation, refer to Spoken instruc‐
tions 163
Antifreeze, washer fluid 64
Antilock Brake System, ABS 95
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 95
Appointments 226
Approved engine oils 258
Apps 236
Armrest, refer to Center arm‐ rest 139
Arrival time 77
Ashtray 134
Ashtray, front 134
Ashtray, rear 135
Assist 232
Assistance, Roadside Assis‐ tance 270
Assistance when driving off 95
Audio playback 181
Audio playback, Blue‐ tooth 196
AUTO intensity 127
Automatic car wash 274
Automatic climate con‐ trol 126
Automatic Cruise Control with Stop & Go 102
Automatic Curb Monitor 52 Automatic deactivation, front
passenger airbags 86
Automatic headlamp con‐ trol 81
Automatic Hold 60
Automatic locking 35
Automatic recirculated-air control 127
Automatic Soft Closing, doors 35
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 65
Automatic trunk lid 36
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 127
AUTO program, intensity 127
AUX-IN port 192
Average fuel consumption 76
Average speed 76
Axle loads, weights 283
B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 46
Backrest, seats 44
Backup camera 113
Backup lamps, bulb replace‐ ment 266
Balance 172
Band-Aids, refer to First aid kit 270
Bar for tow-starting/tow‐ ing 272
Bass 172
Battery replacement, remote control, rear entertain‐
ment 202
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 267
Battery replacement, vehicle remote control 28
Battery, vehicle 267
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Before entering the car
wash 274
Belts, safety belts 48
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 140
Blinds, sun protection 41
Bluetooth audio 196
BMW Apps 236
BMW Apps, video play‐ back 195
BMW Assist 232
BMW EfficientDynamics, refer to Saving fuel 150
BMW homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW Maintenance Sys‐ tem 260
BMW Online 234
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 140
Brake assistant 95
Brake assistant, adaptive 95
Brake discs, breaking in 146
Brake force display 94
Brake lamps, brake force dis‐ play 94
Brake lamps, bulb replace‐ ment 266
Brake lights, adaptive 94
Brake pads, breaking in 146
Braking, notes 147
Breakdown assis‐ tance 269, 270
Breaking in 146
Brightness of Control Dis‐ play 79
Bulb replacement 262
Bulb replacement, front 263
Bulb replacement, rear 265
Bulbs and lamps 262
Button, RES 104
Button, Start/Stop 58
Bypassing, refer to starting aid 270
C
Calendar 226 California Proposition 65
Warning 7
Camera, backup camera 116
Camera, care 276
Camera, Side View 118
Camera, Top View 117
Can holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 140
Car battery 267
Car care products 275
Care, displays 276
Care, vehicle 275
Cargo 148
Cargo area, enlarging 136
Cargo area lid 35
Cargo area, storage compart‐ ments 141
Cargo straps, securing cargo 149
Car key, refer to Remote con‐ trol 28
Carpet, care 276
Car wash 274
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 146
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 260
CD/DVD 181
CD/DVD player, rear 201
CDs, storing 188
Cell phone 210
Center armrest 139
Center console 14
Central locking system 31
Central
screen, refer to Control
Display 16
Changes, technical, refer to Safety 7
Changing parts 262
Changing wheels/tires 251
Check Control 70
Children, seating position 54
Children, transporting safely 54
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tem 54
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 55 Child restraint fixing systems,
mounting 54
Child-safety locks 57
Child seat, mounting 54
Child seats 54
Chrome parts, care 275
Cigarette lighter 134
Cleaning, displays 276
Climate control 126
Climate control wind‐ shield 147
Clock 73
Closing/opening from in‐ side 35
Closing/opening via door lock 34
Closing/opening with remote control 32
Clothes hooks 141
Collision warning 108
Combination switch, refer to Turn signals 62
Combination switch, refer to Wiper system 62
Comfort Access 37
COMFORT
program, Dynamic
Driving Control 100
Computer 75
Concierge service 233
Condensation on win‐ dows 127
Condensation under the vehi‐ cle 148
Condition Based Service CBS 260
Confirmation signal 33
Contacts 221, 230
Control Display 16
Control Display, settings 78
Controller 16
Control systems, driving sta‐ bility 95
Convenient opening 32
Coolant 258
Coolant temperature 72
Cooling function 128
Cooling, maximum 127
Cooling system 258
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Corrosion on brake discs 148
Cruise control 109
Cruise control, active with Stop & Go 102
Cruising range 73
Cupholder 140
Current fuel consumption 74
Current location, storing 156
Customer Relations 235
D
Damage, tires 251
Damping control, dynamic 98
Data, technical 280
Date 73
Daytime running lights 81
Defrosting, refer to Windows, defrosting 127
Destination distance 76
Destination guidance 161
Destination guidance with in‐ termediate destinations 160
Destination input, naviga‐ tion 154
Digital clock 73
Digital radio 175
Dimensions 280
Dimmable interior rearview mirror 53
Direction indicator, refer to Turn signals 62
Displacement, engine 281
Display,
electronic, instrument
cluster 69
Display in front wind‐ shield 124
Display lighting, refer to Instru‐ ment lighting 83
Displays, cleaning 276
Disposal, coolant 259
Disposal, vehicle battery 268
Distance control, refer to PDC 111
Distance, selecting for ACC 103
Distance to destination 76 Divided screen view, split
screen 20
Door lock, refer to Remote control 28
Doors, Automatic Soft Clos‐ ing 35
Downhill control 96
Drive-off assistant 95
Drive-off assistant, refer to DSC 95
Driving instructions, breaking in 146
Driving notes, general 146
Driving stability control sys‐ tems 95
Driving tips 146
DSC Dynamic Stability Con‐ trol 95
DTC Dynamic Traction Con‐ trol 96
DVD/CD 181
DVD/CD notes 187
DVD/CD player, rear 201
DVD changer 185
DVD settings 184
DVDs, storing 188
DVD, video 183
Dynamic Damping Control 98
Dynamic destination guid‐ ance 167
Dynamic Drive 98
Dynamic Driving Control 99
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 95
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 96
E
EfficientDynamics, refer to Saving fuel 150
Electronic engine oil level check 257
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to DSC 95
Emergency detection, remote control 29 Emergency release, door
lock 34
Emergency release, fuel filler flap 240
Emergency Request 269
Emergency service, refer to Roadside Assistance 270
Emergency start function, en‐ gine start 29
Emergency unlocking, trunk lid 37
Energy Control 74
Energy recovery 74
Engine compartment 255
Engine compartment, working in 255
Engine coolant 258
Engine oil 257
Engine oil, adding 257
Engine oil additives 258
Engine oil filler neck 257
Engine oil temperature 72
Engine oil types, alterna‐ tive 258
Engine oil types, ap‐ proved 258
Engine specifications 281
Engine start during malfunc‐ tion 29
Engine start, refer to Starting the engine 59
Engine start, Starting aid 270
Engine stop 59
Engine temperature 72
Equalizer 172
Equipment, interior 132
ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐ gram, refer to DSC 95
Exchanging wheels/tires 251
Exhaust system 146
Exterior
mirror, automatic dim‐
ming feature, dimmable exte‐
rior mirrors 52
Exterior mirrors 51
External devices 192
External start 270
External temperature dis‐ play 73
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Everything from A to Z
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External temperature warn‐
ing 73
Eyes for securing cargo 149
F
Fader 172
Failure message, refer to Check Control 70
False alarm, refer to Uninten‐ tional alarm 40
Fan, refer to Air volume 127
Fault displays, refer to Check Control 70
Filler neck for engine oil 257
Fine wood, care 276
First aid kit 270
Fitting
for towing, refer to Tow
fitting 273
Flat tire, Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 88
Flat tire, warning lamp 89
Flat tire, wheel change 267
Flooding 147
Floor carpet, care 276
Floor mats, care 276
FM/AM station 174
Fold-out position, windshield wipers 64
Foot brake 147
Front airbags 85
Front fog lamps 83
Front fog lamps, front, bulb re‐ placement 265
Front lamps 263
Front passenger airbags, au‐ tomatic deactivation 86
Front passenger airbags, indi‐ cator lamp 87
Front seats, adjusting 44
Fuel cap 240
Fuel consumption, current 74
Fuel consumption, refer to Average fuel consump‐
tion 76
Fuel filler flap 240
Fuel gauge 72
Fuel quality 241 Fuel, tank capacity
284
Fuse 268
G
Garage door opener, refer to Integrated universal remote
control 132
Gas station recommenda‐ tion 163
Gear
change, automatic trans‐
mission 65
Gear shift indicator 75
General driving notes 146
Glass sunroof, powered 41
Glove compartment 138
GPS navigation, refer to Navi‐ gation system 154
Gross vehicle weight, ap‐ proved 283
Gross weight, permissible for trailer towing 283
H
Hand brake, refer to Parking brake 60
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐ nating code 133
Hazard warning flashers 269
HDC Hill Descent Control 96
HD Radio 175
Head airbags 85
Headlamp control, auto‐ matic 81
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture 80
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture via remote control 33
Headlamp flasher 62
Headlamp glass 263
Headlamps 263
Headlamps, care 275
Headlamp washer system 62
Headliner 15
Headphones, rear entertain‐ ment 205
Head restraints 44 Head restraints, front 49
Head restraints, rear 50
Head-up Display
124
Head-up Display, care 276
Heavy cargo, stowing 149
Height, seats 44
Height, vehicle 280
High-beam Assistant 82
High beams 62
High beams/low beams, refer to High-beam Assistant 82
Hill Descent Control HDC 96
Hills 148
Hill start assistant, refer to Drive-off assistant 95
Hints 6
Holder for beverages 140
Homepage 6
Hood 255
Horn 12
Hotel function, trunk lid 37
Hot exhaust system 146
House number, entering for navigation 155
Hydroplaning 147
I
Ice warning, refer to External temperature warning 73
Icy roads, refer to External temperature warning 73
Identification marks, tires 249
Identification number, refer to Engine compartment 255
iDrive 16
Ignition key, refer to Remote control 28
Ignition off 58
Ignition on 58
Indication of a flat tire 89
Individual air distribution 126
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 29
Inflation pressure, tires 242
Info display, refer to Com‐ puter 75
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Manual transmission 64
Map, destination entry
158
Map in split screen 165
Map view 163
Marking on approved tires 252
Marking, run-flat tires 252
Massage seat, front 46
Master key, refer to Remote control 28
Maximum cooling 127
Maximum speed, winter tires 252
Measure, units of 79
Medical kit 270
Memory for seat, mirrors, steering wheel 51
Menu
in instrument cluster 75
Menus, operating, iDrive 16
Menus, refer to iDrive operat‐ ing concept 17
Message list, traffic bulle‐ tins 165
Messages 224
Messages, refer to Check Control 70
Microfilter 129
Minimum tread, tires 251
Mirror 51
Mirror memory 51
Mobile communication devi‐ ces in the vehicle 147
Mobile phone 210
Modifications, technical, refer to Safety 7
Moisture in headlamp 263
Monitor, refer to Control Dis‐ play 16
Mounting of child restraint fix‐ ing systems 54
MP3 player 192
Multifunction steering wheel, buttons 12
Multimedia 181
Music collection 188
Music search 189
Music, storing 188 N
Navigation
154
Navigation data 168
Neck restraints, front, refer to Head restraints 49
Neck restraints, rear, refer to Head restraints 50
New wheels and tires 251
Night Vision with pedestrian detection 122
NORMAL program, Dynamic Driving Control 100
Notes 227
Number of cylinders, en‐ gine 281
Nylon rope for tow-starting/ towing 273
O
OBD Onboard Diagnos‐ tics 260
Obstacle marking, backup camera 115
Odometer 73
Office 221
Oil 257
Oil, adding 257
Oil additives 258
Oil
change interval, service re‐
quirements 74
Oil filler neck 257
Oil level check 257
Oil types, alternative 258
Oil types, approved 258
Old batteries, disposal 268
Onboard Diagnostics OBD 260
Onboard monitor, refer to Control Display 16
Online, refer to BMW On‐ line 234
Opening/closing from in‐ side 35
Opening/closing via door lock 34 Opening/closing with remote
control 32
Operating concept, iDrive 16
Outside air, refer to Automatic recirculated-air control 127
Overheating
of engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 72
P
Paint, vehicle 275
Panic mode 32
Parallel parking assistant 118
Park Distance Control PDC 111
Parked-car ventilation 131
Parked vehicle, condensa‐ tion 148
Parking aid, refer to PDC 111
Parking assistant 118
Parking brake 60
Parking lamps 80
Parking with Auto Hold 60
Passenger side mirror, tilting downward 52
Pathway lines, backup cam‐ era 114
PDC Park Distance Con‐ trol 111
Pedestrian detection, refer to Night Vision 122
People detection, refer to Night Vision 122
Permissible axle load 283
Personal information 221
Personal Profile 29
Phone 210
Pinch protection system, glass sunroof 42
Pinch protection system, win‐ dows 40
Plastic, care 276
PlugIn 237
Position, storing 156
Postal code, entering in navi‐ gation 154
Power failure 268
Power output, engine 281
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