ECU BMW 525I 2004 User Guide

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53Reference
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towards D or change the current gear using
the shift paddles or selector lever.
Gear changes
Using selector lever
>To shift up, briefly press the selector
lever towards +
>To shift down, briefly press towards Ñ.
Using shift paddles on steering
wheel
>To shift up, pull one of the shift paddles
>To shift down, press.
You accelerate from higher gears, e.g.
when overtaking, by shifting down manu-
ally.
In the following situations, the SMG in the
sequential mode assists you:
>Upshifts and downshifts are executed
only when they will result in a plausible
combination of engine and vehicle
speed; thus, for example, a downshift
that would cause the engine to overrev
will not be executed by the system
>When the vehicle is stopped, the trans-
mission automatically downshifts into
first gear
>Shortly before dropping below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the trans-
mission downshifts automatically even
without your intervention.
Display in the instrument cluster
Gear display
R N 1 2 3 4 5 6
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
The gear currently selected, the selected
shifting mode and, if applicable, malfunc-
tions are displayed in the instrument clus-
ter.
Malfunctions
Indicator lamp
If the indicator lamp lights up, a
malfunction has occurred in the
transmission system.
While it will remain still possible to move
the selector lever to any desired position,
the transmission will revert to operation in
its default mode with only a limited number
of forward gears.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads
and consult the nearest BMW center.
Warning tone
In case of overheating in the area of the
transmission, an acoustic signal indicates
that you should stop or start off quickly if
possible so that the system can cool down
again.
Information on jump-starting and towing
begins on page 192.

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Changing the selector-lever
positions
An interlock prevents inadvertent gear-
shifts into selector-lever positions R and P.
To cancel the interlock, press the button on
the front of the selector lever knob, refer to
arrow.
Press the brake pedal before shifting
out of P or N; the shift command will
not be executed unless the brake is
applied: Shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after
you select a driving position, maintain pres-
sure on the brake pedal until you are ready
to start.<
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage
the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
with the engine running.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
P Parking
Select P only when the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped. The rear wheels are
blocked.
R Reverse
Select R only when the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
N Neutral
Select N only if your journey is interrupted
for a long period.
D Drive Ð automatic driving position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All
forward gears are available.Under normal operating conditions, fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in
position D.
Kickdown
A kickdown provides you with maximum
acceleration and the maximum road speed
in position D.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the
full-throttle resistance point.
M/S manual operation and Sport
program
Shifting from D into M/S activates the Sport
program and this is indicated with D S in the
gear display. This position is recom-
mended if a performance-oriented driving
style is desired.
The first time the selector lever is even
slightly touched, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts from the Sport program into
manual operation.
If you start to move the selector lever
towards +, the transmission shifts
upwards; moving it towards Ð it shifts
downwards. The gear display shows M1
through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation of engine and vehicle speed; thus,
for example, a downshift that would cause
the engine to overrev will not be executed
by the system. The selected gear appears
briefly in the instrument cluster, followed by
the current gear.
To obtain maximum acceleration, for
passing maneuvers, etc., during
operation in the manual mode, use the
kickdown or downshift manually.<

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The symbols also indicate the status of the
service requirement display, refer to
page 67.
Calling up stored messages on the
Control Display
Using the CHECK button
1.Press the button longer:
The first stored message is displayed
2.Briefly press the button:
Another message is displayed each
time the button is briefly pressed.
Using the Control Center
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open the start menu by pressing the
button
2.Open the menu by pressing the con-
troller
3.Select "Service" and press the control-
ler
4.Select "Check Control messages" and
press the controller. The stored mes-
sages appear on the display 5.Select the desired message and press
the controller.
The display disappears automatically after
a short time.
To close the display immediately:
Select and press the controller
Displays after completion of trip
Malfunction reports generated during the
trip are shown consecutively when you
switch off the ignition.
If applicable, the message "Parking lamps
on!" appears at the end of a trip when you
open the driver's door.
In addition, a gong sounds:
As long as the display has not disappeared,
you can view the messages again. Press
the CHECK button for approx. 2 seconds. If
several messages are present, you can
continue to press the CHECK button to
view them in succession.
The Check Control function
>cancels itself automatically after a brief
period
>can be canceled by again pressing the
CHECK button for approx. 2 seconds.

A congenial climate
92 rarily suspending the supply of outside air.
The system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. AUC executes this
function automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run through
the following control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside air flows in
>Right indicator lamp on, AUC mode: the
system detects pollutants in the outside
air and responds by blocking the supply
of outside air when required. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently
within the vehicle.
Depending upon air quality require-
ments, in the automatic mode the sys-
tem alternates between its outside-air
and recirculated-air modes
>Left indicator lamp on, recirculated-air
mode: the supply of outside air is per-
manently blocked. The system then
recirculates the air currently within the
vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during opera-
tion in the recirculated-air mode, you
should switch it off while also increasing
the air volume as required.
The recirculated-air mode should not be
used over a sustained longer period of
time, as the air quality inside the vehicle
deteriorates continuously.<
Residual heat mode
The system uses the warmth
stored in the engine to heat the
interior when the ignition is off,
for instance, while the vehicle is
stopped at a school to pick up a
child.
You can adjust the automatic climate con-
trol settings in ignition key position 1.
Provided that the engine has warmed
to its normal operating temperature
and the battery is charged, you can use this
function for up to 15 minutes after switch-
ing off the ignition. The LED within the but-
ton lights up to confirm compliance with
these conditions.<
Switching automatic climate control
off
The air volume, the heater and
the cooling function are all
switched off. You can restart
the automatic climate control
by pressing any of its buttons
except the REST button.
Settings using the Control Center
You can make the settings for each specific
key.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Turn the ignition key to position 2
2.Open the start menu by pressing the
button
3.Move the controller to the left to open
"Climate".
You can set the following:
>Air distribution, separate settings for
driver and front passenger
>Addition of cooler air for the upper body
area.
Automatic air distribution
1.Select "Vent settings" and press the
controller
2.Select "AUTO" and press the controller.

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Rear center armrest
1Storage compartment: pull upwards
2To open the beverage holder: press and
open the cover
With the center armrest folded down, you
have a better view towards the rear.
Fold down rear seat*
1.Open the buckle of the middle safety
belt in the rear and insert the belt
tongue at the end of the belt in the
mounting on the back shelf
2.Push the corresponding head restraint
down as far as it will go, refer to
page 40
3.To unlock, pull the corresponding lever
in the luggage compartment 4.The unlocked rear seat back moves for-
ward slightly. Place your hand in the
gap and fold downwards.
When you fold back the backrest,
make sure that the retainer engages
properly. If it is not properly engaged,
transported cargo could enter the vehicle
during braking or evasive maneuvers and
endanger the vehicle occupants.<
The lashing eyes in the luggage compart-
ment provide you with a means of attaching
luggage nets
* or flexible straps for secur-
ing suitcases and luggage, refer to
page 109.
Ski bag*
Designed for safe, convenient transport
of up to four pairs of standard skis or up to
two snowboards.
The ski bag itself plus the additional capac-
ity provided by the luggage compartment
make it possible to transport skis with a
length of up to 6.9 ft/2.10 m. When skis of
6.9 ft/2.10 m in length are loaded, the ski
bag will tend to contract, reducing its over-
all capacity.

Practical interior accessories
102
Loading
1.Pull down the center armrest, press the
button and open the cover
2.Press the button again; the cover in the
luggage compartment opens. If you
press the button firmly the first time, this
also opens the cover in the luggage
compartment
3.Extend the ski bag between the front
seats and fill it. The zipper allows more
convenient access to stored objects
and can also be left open to allow the
ski bag to dry
4.Insert the belt tongue of the ski bag belt
in the center safety belt buckle.
Please ensure that the skis are clean before
loading them into the bag. Take care to
avoid damage from sharp edges.
Securing the load
Secure the bag's contents by tightening
down the strap at the buckle.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If you
fail to do so, it could move around and
endanger occupants during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers.<
To store the ski bag, perform the above
steps in reverse order.
Removing the ski bag
The ski bag can be completely removed to
clean it and to use other inserts.
Your BMW center will be glad to pro-
vide you with more detailed informa-
tion on the various items of equipment.<
Pull the handle forwards and remove the
ski bag upwards, then close the cover in
the luggage compartment.
Do not position cargo at the opening.
If you do, it can endanger the passen-
gers during braking or evasive maneuvers.
Always close off the passage with an insert,
as otherwise objects from the luggage
compartment can enter into the passenger
compartment.<

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Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as
low as possible, placing it directly
behind the bulkhead behind the rear
seats
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat
is not occupied, secure each safety belt
in the opposite buckle.
Securing the load
>Use the luggage net* or securing straps
to hold down small and lightweight lug-
gage and cargo
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available
at your BMW center. Lashing eyes
mounted in the corners of the luggage
compartment are used to secure this
load securing equipment, refer to illus-
tration
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo
straps.
Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can even
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle weight or either of the approved
axle loads, refer to page 200, as excessive
loads can pose a safety hazard, and may
also place you in violation of freeway safety
laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger com-
partment, as they could fly around and
even pose a safety hazard to the vehicle's
occupants during abrupt braking or evasive
maneuvers.<
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*
Anchorage points
The anchorage points are located within
the door openings.
A special rack system is available as an
option for your BMW. Please comply with
the precautions included with the installa-
tion instructions.
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's cen-
ter of gravity when loaded, they have a
major effect on its handling and steering
response.
You should therefore always remember not
to exceed the approved roof weight, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle
loads when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights in the
Technical data section on page 200.
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
and that it does not extend outward to
beyond the limits of the loading surface.
Always load the heaviest pieces first Ð at
the bottom. Be sure that adequate clear-
ance is maintained for raising the glass

Things to remember when driving
110 roof, and that objects do not project into
the opening path of the luggage compart-
ment lid.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or being
lost during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration
and braking maneuvers. Take corners gen-
tly.

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Under the hood
Hood
Unlocking
Pull the lever located under the left side of
the instrument panel.
Never attempt to perform any service
or repair operations on your vehicle
without the required, professional technical
training. When you are unfamiliar with the
service procedures and precautions,
always have any required work carried out
at your BMW center. Unprofessional
attempts at service and repair, and the
incorrect handling of parts and materials
that can occur during such attempts, con-
stitute a potential safety hazard, both for
the vehicle's occupants and for other road
users.<
Opening
Press the release handle and open the
engine hood.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx.
16 in/40 cm with momentum. It must be
clearly heard to engage.
Observe the same precautions that
apply to all closing operations by
ensuring that the hood's travel range is
clear and unobstructed before allowing the
hood to fall into position.
If you see any signs that the hood is not
completely closed while driving your vehi-
cle, you should stop at once and close it
securely.<

Mobility
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Changing a wheel
Safety measures in the event of a
breakdown or wheel change:
Park the vehicle as far away as possible
from moving traffic and on firm ground.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead
setting of the wheels. Apply the handbrake
and engage first gear, reverse gear or
selector lever to position P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the
vehicle and ensure that they remain outside
the immediate area in a safe place, such as
behind a guardrail.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm sur-
face which is not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip to the side
if you attempt to raise the vehicle on a soft
or slippery surface such as snow, ice, tiles,
etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar
object as a support base for the jack, as
this would prevent it from extending to its
full support height and reduce its load-car-
rying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie
under the vehicle, and never start the
engine while it is supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises later on, note the
positions of the tools before removing
them, then return them to their initial posi-
tions after completing work.1Chock
2Vehicle jack
3Lug wrench
are located in the tool space in the rim of
the compact wheel. Raise the floor mat and
the cover beneath it. Take out the required
tool(s). After using the tools, return them to
the storage space.
Compact wheel*
1.Unscrew the wing nut 1
2.Remove the disk 2 to the side
3.Take out the tool brackets 3
4.Remove the compact wheel.
Procedure
1.Read carefully and comply with the
safety precautions on left-hand column
2.To secure the vehicle against move-
ment:
Place the wheel chock behind the front
wheel on the side opposite the side
being raised. If the vehicle is parked on
a downward slope, place the chock in
front of the wheel. If the wheel must be
changed on a surface with a more
severe slope, take additional precau-
tions to secure the vehicle from rolling