automatic transmission BMW 525I 2004 User Guide

Driving tips
107Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the
tread depth of the tires decreases, refer
also to Tire tread on page 173.
Water on the road
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm,
and then only at walking speed at the most.
Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electri-
cal systems and the transmission may be
damaged.<
Brakes
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as stan-
dard. The best way to achieve optimized
response from the ABS is to apply maxi-
mum pressure to the brake pedal during
emergency: panic stops. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you
can nevertheless avoid possible obstacles
with a minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-
cate to the driver that ABS is in its active
mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to
ensure that full braking efficiency will then
be available when you need it.
Hills
You can retain full and unimpaired braking
efficiency by downshifting to a gear in
which only minimal brake applications are
needed when descending long or steep
downhill stretches. You can further enhance the engine's brak-
ing effect by selecting a lower gear in the
automatic transmission's manual mode,
downshifting as far as first gear on
extremely steep stretches, refer to
pages 50 and 55. This strategy helps you
avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system.
Never drive with the clutch pressed or
allow the vehicle to coast with the
transmission in Neutral Ð or with the engine
switched off Ð there is no engine braking
when the transmission is in Neutral, and no
power-assist for brakes and steering when
the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.<
Corrosion on the brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasion-
ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased ten-
dency for corrosion to form on rotors, while
contaminants accumulate on the brake
pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the
pads during brake applications to clean the
rotors is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors,
the brakes will tend to respond with a pul-
sating effect that even extended applica-
tion will fail to cure.
Brake pads
The brake pad wear warning lamp
lights up and a message appears on
the Check Control. Please note any
supplementary information that appears
there.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
The brake pads have reached their mini-
mum pad thickness. Have them replaced at
your BMW center as soon as possible.

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
135Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
To switch between the different selection
criteria of stations:
1.Move the controller forwards to change
the field
2.Select the selection criterion and press
the controller.
Changing stations using buttons in
the center console
Press to the desired direction briefly.
The system switches to the next station.
Scanning and selecting stations
The scan search feature automatically
plays a brief sample from each station in
the selected waveband.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the con-
troller
2.Press the controller to display a list of
additional menu items
3.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
The scan search starts
4.Select a station:
Press the controller again, select "Scan" and press the controller.
This cancels the scan search, and the
radio remains on the current station.
Buttons in the center console:
1.To start scan:
Press for longer.
The scan search starts.
2.To select a station:
Press.
Manual station selection
You look for a certain frequency.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Select "FM"or "AM" and press the con-
troller
2.Move the controller forwards to change
the field
3.Select "Manual" and press the control-
ler
4.Turn the controller until the desired fre-
quency is selected.
Updating the stations with the best
reception
If you are on a longer journey and leave the
transmission range of the stations originally
set, you can update the list of stations with
the best reception from the AM or FM
waveband.

Mobility
193Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
5.Attach the second end of the cable to
the negative terminal of the battery or to
the engine or body ground of the vehi-
cle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine on the support vehicle
and allow it to run for several minutes at
a fast idle
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in
the usual way.
If the first start attempt is not success-
ful, wait a few minutes before another
attempt in order to allow the discharged
battery to recharge
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by
reversing the connection sequence.
If required, have the battery inspected and
recharged at your BMW center.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Towing
Always observe all applicable towing
laws and regulations.<
Towing with a commercial tow truck
>Use a wheel lift or flatbed carrier
>Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Never allow passengers to ride on a
towed vehicle for any reason.<
Towing with raised front axle
Vehicles with automatic
transmission:
1.Towing speed:
Maximum 45 mph/70 km/h
2.Towing distance:
Maximum of 90 miles/150 km.
Vehicles with Sequential manual
transmission SMG
With the ignition switched on, engage the
selector lever position N, then switch off
the ignition again.
Tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool
kit mounted on the inside of the luggage
compartment lid, refer to page 184, and
should always remain in the vehicle. It can
be screwed to the front or rear of the vehi-
cle.

Technical data
200
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle
loads or the gross vehicle weight.
525i530i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission lbs./kg
3,428/1,555
3,450/1,5653,472/1,575
3,494/1,585
Approved gross weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
4,530/2,055
4,552/2,0654,575/2,075
4,597/2,085
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,161/980 2,227/1,010
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,601/1,180 2,601/1,180
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Luggage compartment volume cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520
545i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
3,803/1,725
3,814/1,730
Approved gross weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
4,905/2,225
4,916/2,230
Load lbs./kg 1,103/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,403/1,090
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,679/1,215
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100
Luggage compartment volume cu ft/l 18.4/520

Reference 201
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal/liters
gal/litersapprox. 18.5/70
approx. 2.1/8Fuel quality: page 169
Window and headlamp
washer system quarts/liters approx. 3.2/3 For details: page 57
Engine with oil filter
renewal
525i/530i
545iquarts/liters
quarts/liters6.9/6.5
8.5/8.0BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
Oil grades: page 179
Manual, automatic
transmission and
differential Ð Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required

Reference 203
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 54
Ð indicator lamp 56
Ð interlock 49
Ð selector lever interlock 55
Ð shiftlock 55
Ð sport program 55
Ð starting the engine 50
Ð towing 193
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
and volume 91
"Autostore" on the
radio 136
"AUTO" with automatic
climate control 93
Average fuel
consumption 70
Ð setting the units 74
Average speed 70
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation 121
"Avoid freeways / tolls" for
navigation 121
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 33
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation 121
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 200
"A - Z" 154
B
Backrests, refer to
Seats 36
Backrest width
adjustment 37
Backup lamps, refer to
Reverse gear 51
Ð replacing the bulbs 186
"Balance", audio
system 132
Balance, refer to Tone
control 131
"Bass", audio system 132
Bass, refer to Tone
control 131
Battery 188
Ð in the remote control 26
Ð jump-starting 192Belts, refer to Safety
belts 36, 40
Beverage holders 99
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning 65
Blocking sections of a route
for navigation 125
Blower, refer to Air
volume 91
BMW Assist 161
Ð enabling 161
Ð services offered 162
"BMW Info" 163
BMW Maintenance
System 181
"BMW Service
settings" 161
Bore, refer to Engine
data 198
Bottle holder, refer to
Beverage holders 99
Brake Assistant, refer to
DBC Dynamic Braking
Control 79
Brake fluid 180
Ð indicator lamp 180
Ð level 180
Ð replacing 180
Brake force display 82
Brake hydraulic
systems 180
Brake lamps, replacing the
bulbs 186
Brake pads 107
Ð breaking-in
procedure 106
Brake pedal, refer to
Brakes 107
Brake rotors 107
Brakes 107
Ð ABS 77
Ð brake fluid 180
Ð breaking-in
procedure 106
Ð handbrake 50Brake system 106
Ð brake-fluid level 180
Ð brake pads 107
Ð breaking-in
procedure 106
Ð disc brakes 107
Ð indicator lamp 13, 107
Breakdown services, refer
to Roadside
Assistance 191
Break-in procedures 106
Ð brakes 106
Ð clutch 106
Ð differential 106
Ð engine 106
Brightness on the Control
Display 73
Bulbs and lamps
Ð replacing the bulbs 184
Buttons on steering
wheel 11
C
California Proposition
65 Warning 183
"Call" 154
Call
Ð accepting 153
Ð display accepted 154
Ð ending 154
Ð in absence 154
Ð starting 153
Calling
Ð from phone book 154
Ð from the Top 8 list 154
Ð redialing 154
Calling up traffic
information 126
"Call sender" 156
"Call Sirius" 138
Can holder, refer to
Beverage holders 99
Capacities 201
Car battery, refer to
Battery 188
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure

Reference 205
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Condition Based Service
CBS 181
"Confirmation" 28
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking 28
"Confirm unlock code" 153
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Lighter
socket 100
Consumption display
Ð refer to average
fuel consumption 70
Consumption indicator
Ð refer to Energy Control 66
"Continue guidance to
dest.?" 126
Control Center 16
Ð adjusting the
brightness 73
Ð assistance window 18
Ð automatic climate
control 92
Ð changing settings 73
Ð changing the menu
page 19
Ð confirming selection or
entry 19
Ð display, menus 16
Ð language selection 74
Ð lists 19
Ð menu item selection 19
Ð selecting units of measure
and display format 74
Ð setting time and date 74
Ð status information 18
Ð symbols 17
Control Display 16
Controller, refer to Control
Center 16
Controls, audio
systems 130
Controls, refer to
Cockpit 10
Convenience operation
Ð glass roof 28
Ð windows 28
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine 49
Coolant 179, 180
Ð level 180
Cooling, maximum 91Cornering Brake Control 78
"Country" for destination
entry 117
Country of destination for
navigation 116
Courtesy lighting 89
Cruise control 58
Ð active cruise control 59
Ð indicator lamp 11
Cruising range 70
Cup holder, refer to
Beverage holders 99
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 200
Current fuel
consumption 66
"Current position" 115
"Customer Relations" 163
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 198
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 10
Data 198
Ð capacities 201
Ð dimensions 199
Ð engine 198
Ð weights 200
Date 65
Ð calling up 65
Ð display format 75
Ð setting 75
Daytime driving lamps 87
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 79
Ð indicator lamp 79
Decommissioning the
vehicle, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Defect
Ð automatic
transmission 56
Ð door lock 29
Ð fuel filler door 168
Ð glass roof 35
Ð luggage compartment
lid 31
Ð Sequential manual
transmission SMG 53Defrosting the windshield,
refer to Defrosting
windows 91
Defrosting windows and
removing
condensation 91
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 91
"Delete address book" for
navigation 121
"Delete all numbers" on the
portable phone 155
"Delete data" for
navigation 121
"Delete" for portable
phone 155
Deleting the destination
address 120
Destination for navigation
Ð entry 116
Ð recent destinations 119
Ð selecting via map 118
Ð selecting with
information 118
Ð storing 120
Destination guidance 123
Ð changing specified
route 121
Ð interrupting voice
instructions 125
Ð selecting a new route 125
Ð terminating/
continuing 126
Ð volume of voice
instructions 125
"Detour" 126
"Dial number" 153
Digital clock 65
Dimensions 199
Dipstick for engine oil 178
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signal
indicators 56
Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions 124
Direction instructions, refer
to Voice instructions 124
Directory, refer to Phone
book 154

Reference 207
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control 78
Exhaust system, refer to
High temperatures 106
Exterior mirrors 42
Ð automatic dimming
feature 43
F
"Fader", audio systems 132
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 68
False alarms, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 33
False alarms with the Flat
Tire Monitor 80
Fastening safety belts, refer
to Safety belt
Ð indicator lamp 40
"Fastest route" for
navigation 121
Fastest route for
navigation 121
First aid, refer to First aid
kit 191
First aid kit 191
Fitting for towing 193
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable
flashlight 98
Flash when locking/
unlocking 28
Flat tire
Ð compact wheel 187
Ð Flat Tire Monitor 81
Ð refer also to Changing a
wheel 187
Ð refer also to Tire
condition 173
Ð run-flat tires 81, 175
Flat Tire Monitor 80
Ð false alarms 80
Ð indicator lamp 81
Ð initializing the system 81
Ð malfunctions 82
Floods, refer to Water on
the road 107"FM", waveband 130, 134
FM, waveband 134
Fog lamps 89
Ð indicator lamp 89
Fold down rear seat 101
Folding rear seat back 101
Footwell lamps 89
Forward, fast
Ð CD changer 146
Ð CD player 142
For your own safety 6
Front airbags 83
Front armrest 98
Front head restraints 40
Front seat adjustment 36
Front-to-rear adjustment in
Audio mode 132
"FTM" 81
Fuel 169
Ð display 66
Ð quality 169
Ð tank volume 66
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge 66
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 66
Fuel filler door 168
Ð releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction 168
Fuel specifications 169
Fuses 189
G
Garage door opener, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control 96
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality 169
Gasoline display, refer to
Fuel gauge 66
Gear changes, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 55
Gear display 54
Gearshift lever
Ð automatic transmission
with Steptronic 55
Ð manual transmission 51
Ð Sequential manual
transmission SMG 51General car care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
General driving notes 106
Glass roof, electrical 34
Ð closing in the event of an
electrical defect 35
Ð convenience operation 29
Ð remote control 28
Glove compartment 98
Ð lighting 98
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system 114
Grilles of the automatic
climate control 90
Gross vehicle weight, refer
to Weights 200
H
Halogen lamps 185
Handbrake 50
Ð indicator lamp 50
Hands-free unit 151
Hazard warning flashers 14
Head airbags 83
Headlamp control,
automatic 87
Headlamp flasher 56
Headlamps 87
Ð care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Ð replacing the bulbs 185
Headlamp washers 57
Head Light, refer to
Adaptive Head Light 88
Head restraints 39
Ð front 39
Ð front, active 40
Ð rear 40
"Head-Up Display" 44
Head-Up Display 85
Heated mirrors 43
Heated rear window 91
Heated seats 41
Heated steering wheel 44
"Heated steering wheel on /
off" 44
Heater, rear window 91

Reference 209
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Lighting
Ð instruments 88
Ð of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps 87
Lighting of the instruments,
refer to Instrument
lighting 88
Lights, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 87
Lights on warning 87
Light switch 87
Limit speed, refer to
Limit 72
Loading
Ð securing the load 109
Ð stowing cargo 109
Ð vehicle 108
"Lock after driving off" 30
"Lock button" 28
Locking
Ð from inside 30
Ð from outside 28
Locking and unlocking
doors
Ð from inside 30
Ð from outside 27
Ð setting confirmation
signals 28
"LOGIC7", audio
systems 132
Low beams 87
Ð automatic 87
Ð replacing the bulbs 185
Lower back support, refer
to Lumbar support 38
Lug bolts 188
Ð wrench 187
Luggage compartment 31
Ð capacity 200
Ð locking separately 31
Ð opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid 31
Ð opening from the
inside 31
Ð opening from the
outside 31
Ð opening with remote
control 28
Ð socket 100
Ð volume 200Luggage compartment
lid 31
Ð emergency release from
inside luggage
compartment 32
Ð locking separately 31
Ð manual operation 31
Ð opening from the
inside 31
Ð opening from the
outside 31
Ð opening with remote
control 28
Ð unlocking manually 31
Luggage rack, refer to
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 109
Lumbar support 38
LW, waveband 134
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 175
Maintenance, refer also to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models or Warranty
and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models
Maintenance system 181
Malfunction
Ð automatic
transmission 56
Ð Sequential manual
transmission SMG 53
Malfunction warnings, refer
to Check Control 68
Manually controlled
recirculated air 91
"Manual" on the radio 135
Manual operation
Ð door lock 29
Ð fuel filler door 168
Ð glass roof 35
Ð luggage compartment
lid 31
Manual operation with
automatic
transmission 55Manual release, refer to
Manual operation
Manual station tuning 135
Manual transmission 51
"Map, arrow display" 123
"Map, direction of
travel" 124
"Map, facing north" 124
Maximum cooling 91
Maximum roof weight 200
Maximum speed
Ð for winter tires 175
Ð with compact wheel 188
Memory
Ð refer to Key Memory 26
Ð refer to Seat, mirror and
steering wheel
memory 38
Menus, refer to Control
Center 16
Message list of traffic
information 126
Microphone for hands-free
system 151
Mirrors 42
Ð automatic curb
monitor 39
Ð dimming feature 43
Ð heating 43
Ð memory, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel
memory 38
"Missed calls" 155
Missed calls 154
Mobile communications in
the vehicle 108
Mobile Service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 191
Monitor, refer to Control
Center 16
"Monitor display on" 77
Monitoring inflation
pressure, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 80
Multifunction switch
Ð refer to Turn signal
indicators/headlamp
flasher 56
Ð refer to Wiper/washer
system 57

Everything from A to Z
212 Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts 40
Reverse, fast
Ð CD changer 146
Ð CD player 142
Reverse gear
Ð automatic transmission
with Steptronic 55
Ð manual transmission 51
Ð Sequential manual
transmission SMG 52
Right/left balance
adjustment in audio
mode 132
"Roadside Assistance" 162
Roadside Assistance 191
"Roaming" 165
Roller sun blinds 97
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 109
Route 123
Ð changing 121
Ð display 123
Ð list 124
Ð map cancellation 123
Ð map display 124
Ð new 125
Ð selecting 121
Ð selecting criteria 121
Route announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions 124
Route guidance, refer to
Destination guidance 123
"Route list" for
navigation 124
Route map 123
Route selection 121
Run-flat tires 175
Ð continuing driving with a
damaged tire 175
Ð flat tire 81
Ð tire inflation pressure 175
Ð tire replacement 174
S
Safety belts 36, 40
Ð damage 41
Ð sitting safely 36
Ð warning lamp 40Safety belt tensioners, refer
to Safety belts 36, 40
Safety feature
Ð glass roof, electrical 35
Ð windows 34
Safety lock buttons 30
Safety systems 78
Ð ABS Antilock Brake
System 77
Ð airbags 83
Ð safety belts 40
Satellite radio 138
Ð activating 138
Ð selecting channel 138
Ð storing channel 138
"SAT" for radio 138
Scan
Ð CD changer 145
Ð CD player 142
Ð radio 136
"Scan", playing
stations 135
"Scan", playing
tracks 142, 145
Screen, refer to Control
Display 16
"Screen on / off" 44
"Seat heater
distribution" 41
Seats 36
Ð adjusting comfort seat 37
Ð adjusting sports seat 37
Ð adjusting the seats 37
Ð heating 41
Ð memory, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel
memory 38
Ð sitting safely 36
Ð storing the setting 38
Ð ventilation, refer to Active
seat ventilation 42
Securing cargo, refer to
Cargo 109
Securing the load 102
"Select as destination" 119
Select "BMW Service" 162
"Select current speed" 73
Selecting a new route for
navigation system 125
Selecting audio
sources 130Selecting new scale for
navigation system
display 124
Selecting route 121
Selecting "Route
preference" 121
Selection options with
navigation system 121
Selector lever
Ð automatic transmission
with Steptronic 55
Ð Sequential manual
transmission SMG 52
Selector lever lock, refer to
Changing selector-lever
positions 55
Selector-lever positions
Ð automatic transmission
with Steptronic 55
Ð manual transmission 51
Ð SMG Sequential manual
transmission 52
Sequential manual
transmission SMG 51
"Service" 66, 162
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance 191
Service Interval
Display 66
"Service notification" 162
"Service Request" 163
"Service
requirements" 66, 162
"Service Status" 162
"Set date" 75
"Set service date" 67
Setting road-speed limit 72
Settings
Ð changing on the Control
Display 73
Ð configuring, refer to Key
Memory 26
Setting the time, refer to
Preselecting switch-on
times 95
Shifting gears with
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 55
Shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector-lever
positions 55