fuel BMW 525I 2004 User Guide

Everything under control
66
Energy Control/Current fuel
consumption
Displays the current fuel consumption. This
allows you to see whether your current
driving style is conducive to fuel economy
with minimum exhaust emissions.
Fuel gauge
After the reserve quantity has been
reached, a message appears for a short
time on the Control Display; the range is
shown in the computer. Below a range of
approx. 30 miles/50 km, the message
remains on the Control Display, and the
range is displayed.
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 18.5 gallons/
70 liters, of which approx. 2.1 gallons/
8 liters reserve. You can find information on
Refueling on page 168.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer
period, when you are driving in mountain-
ous areas, for example, the indicator may
fluctuate slightly.
Refuel well before the tank is empty,
as otherwise engine functions will not
be ensured and damage can occur if you
drive down to the last drop.<
Service requirement display
and display of legally
prescribed inspections
In the instrument cluster
The remaining distance to be driven, the
date for the next maintenance as well as
the date entered for the state emission or
vehicle inspection are displayed briefly as
of ignition key position 2, if the date is
imminent.
Your Service Advisor will determine
your vehicle's current service require-
ments by reading out the data stored in the
vehicle key.<
On the Control Display
You can view additional information on ser-
vice and maintenance procedures using
the Control Center.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open the menu
2.Select "Service" and press the control-
ler
3.Select "Service requirements" and
press the controller
4.Select "Status" and press the control-
ler.

Everything under control
70
Computer
To select functions:
As of ignition key position 1, you can use
the BC button in the turn signal indicator
lever to call up computer information in the
instrument cluster.
A new function appears each time you
press the BC button briefly.
Displays in the instrument cluster
The display sequence:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption.
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range
available with the remaining fuel. The sys-
tem calculates the cruising range based on
operating conditions and the amount of fuel
remaining in the tank. The basis for the cal-
culations is the average fuel consumption
over the preceding 20 miles/30 km.
Always refuel as soon as possible
once your cruising range falls to
below 30 miles/50 km, as otherwise engine functions are not ensured and damage can
occur.<
Refueling is only registered by the com-
puter for fuel amounts above approx.
1.3 gallons/5 liters.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated
for the time during which the engine is run-
ning.
You can use the Control Display to view
your fuel consumption rate over two differ-
ent distances, refer to Computer or Trip
computer.
To reset the average fuel consumption to
zero: press the BC button in the turn signal
indicator lever for approx. 2 seconds.
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the
engine switched off are not included in the
calculations of average speed.
To reset the average speed to zero: press
the BC button in the turn signal indicator
lever for approx. 2 seconds.
Displays on the Control Display
You can also call up the computer via the
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open the start menu by pressing the
button
2.Move the controller to the right to open
"Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation: open
"Car Data"

Controls
71Reference
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Mobility
3.Select "Car Data" and press the con-
troller.
You have two possibilities to display infor-
mation of the computer:
>Computer
>Trip computer
It is best to use this for driving on vaca-
tion, as when you reset the values to
zero, all the functions are reset together
and then restart.
Computer
Select "Onboard info" and press the con-
troller.
>Estimated time of arrival at destination.
Manually enter a distance in the com-
puter or a destination in the navigation
system, see below or refer to page 116
>Cruising range
>Distance to destination.
Manually enter a distance in the com-
puter or a destination in the navigation
system, see below or refer to page 116
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption.
Trip computer
Select "Trip computer" and press the con-
troller>Departure time
>Driving time
>Distance traveled
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption.
To switch the trip computer on/off and
reset values to zero:
1.Select "Set" and press the controller
2.Select the desired menu item and press
the controller.
Entering a distance manually
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open "Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation: open
"Car Data"
2.Select "Car Data" and press the con-
troller
3.Select "Onboard info" and press the
controller
4.Select "Distance to destin." and press
the controller
5.Turn the controller to select the dis-
tance to your destination
6.Press the controller to apply the setting.

Telephoning
150
Telephoning
Safety notice
For your own safety
A car phone makes life more convenient in
many ways, and can even save lives in an
emergency. While you should consult your
portable phone's separate Owner's Manual
for a detailed description of safety precau-
tions and information, we request that you
direct your particular attention to the fol-
lowing:
Adjustments
To avoid posing a danger to yourself
and other road users, never adjust the
system settings unless your vehicle is com-
pletely stationary.<
Using the phone in your vehicle
Using a portable phone to make and
receive calls while driving is now ille-
gal in virtually every country in the world.
Always use your hands-free unit, or stop
your vehicle in an area where you will not
pose a safety hazard to other road users.<
Vehicles and portable phones
Do not use your phone from within a
garage, or near an open hood. The air
in these areas could contain fuel vapors,
and the portable phone might generate
sparks that could result in burns.
This same precaution applies to open lug-
gage compartment lids on vehicles
equipped for operation using natural gas or
hydrogen, and to all vehicles with luggage
compartment-mounted batteries.<
Antenna
When using the phone, ensure that all
persons in the area are at least 20 in/
50 cm from the antenna. Never use your
BMW portable phone if the antenna is dam-
aged. Contact between your skin and a
damaged antenna can result in minor burns.
If the antenna is damaged, have it replaced
immediately.<
Special environmental conditions
Always switch off your BMW portable
phone in areas where blasting work is
being conducted with explosives. The
phone signals could potentially act as a
high-frequency transmitter and set off
explosions.
Always switch off your BMW portable
phone in areas where an increased explo-
sion danger is present. This category
includes filling stations along with fuel and
chemical storage depots, etc., and all
areas in which the air can contain fuel,
chemicals or metal particles. Under these
conditions, your BMW portable phone
could conceivably generate sparks that
could lead to a fire or explosion. Always
observe all legal regulations governing the
use of portable phones in the vicinity of fill-
ing stations, chemical factories and other
areas where an explosion potential exists.
Never use the BMW portable phone in air-
craft; do not use this portable phone in hos-
pitals, care centers or at other locations
where medical equipment may be in oper-
ation, such as accident sites, etc.
Your service provider can furnish you with
more detailed information on legal regula-
tions governing the use of your phone.<
Medical equipment
Portable phones can generate inter-
ference capable of preventing hearing
aids and cardiac pacemakers from operat-
ing correctly. If you or any occupant of the
vehicle will be using such equipment, con-
sult a physician or the manufacturer of the
equipment to determine whether it is ade-
quately shielded against high-frequency
energy.<

Mobility
This section helps you maintain your
mobility by supplying important
information on vital topics including
fuels and lubricants, wheels and tires,
service, maintenance and how to deal
with any problems that may occur.

Refueling
168
Refueling
Fuel filler door
Always switch off the engine before
refueling. If you do not, fuel cannot be
filled into the tank and a message on the
Control Display will appear.<
To open and close: press the rear edge of
the fuel filler door.
Manual release
In the event of an electrical defect in the
system, you can release the fuel filler door
manually:
1.In the luggage compartment, raise the
floor mat and the cover located beneath
it
2.Open the snap fasteners of the right
side panel and take off the side panel
3.Pull the knob with the gas pump sym-
bol.
Always observe all applicable precau-
tions and regulations when handling
fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these containers can leak, cause an explosion, or
lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
Simple and environmentally friendly
When handling fuels always observe
any safety guidelines posted at the
service station.<
Put the filler cap in the bracket attached to
the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the filler
nozzle during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>can lead to reduced efficiency in the
fuel-vapor recovery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle
clicks off the first time.
Closing the fuel filler cap:
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you
clearly hear a click.
Close the fuel filler cap carefully after
refueling, until a click is heard. While
closing, be sure not to squeeze the strap
which is fastened to the cap. A loose or
missing cap will activate the message
Check Gas Cap on the Control Display.<
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 18.5 gallons/
70 liters, of which approx. 2.1 gallons/
8 liters reserve.
Never attempt to continue driving
until the tank is completely empty, as
engine functions could be affected, and the
vehicle could sustain damage as a result.<

Mobility
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Fuel specifications
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use of
leaded fuels will cause permanent
damage to the system's oxygen sensor and
the catalytic converter.<

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approves them. You can find out about
these at specialized dealers or at your
BMW center. Observe any country-specific
regulations, e.g. on making a correspond-
ing entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-mounted tires have been spe-
cially selected to provide optimized perfor-
mance when installed on your vehicle; if
properly cared for, they will provide a com-
bination of safety and excellent ride com-
fort.
Run-flat tires
If your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires,
refer to Run-flat tires, only use these tires,
as in the event of a breakdown there is no
spare wheel available.
Special characteristics of winter
tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in
cold winter driving conditions. Although all-
season M+S tires provide better winter
traction than summer tires, they generally
fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
When switching to winter tires, observe the
descriptions at Tire condition and Replac-
ing wheels/tires, refer to pages 173
and 174.
Run-flat tires
If your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires,
refer to Run-flat tires. Your BMW center will
advise you if you wish to replace the tires of
your BMW or wish to switch from summer
to winter tires or vice versa.
If you switch from summer to winter tires,
or vice versa, use run-flat tires, as in the
event of a flat there is no spare wheel avail-
able.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents. Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. The technicians at your BMW center will be glad to assist you with
the required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as pos-
sible. Always protect tires against all con-
tact with oil, grease and fuels. Do not
exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure
indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the
side of the tire. Run-flat tires consist of self-
contained tires and special rims. The tire
reinforcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of pres-
sure drop and driving remains possible to a
restricted degree.
If you switch from summer to winter
tires, or vice versa, use run-flat tires,
as in the event of a breakdown there is no
spare wheel available. In this case, BMW
recommends that you consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is qualified to
handle run-flat tires and equipped with the
necessary special tools.<
Continuing driving with a damaged
tire
Driving on run-flat tires can continue,
depending on the vehicle load and the
severity of the tire damage, at a maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
In the case of complete tire pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, or obvious tire damage, you

Under the hood
178
Engine compartment
1Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Top-
ping up engine oil
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath
the microfilter cover, refer to page 180
3Starting-aid terminal, refer to page 192
4Dipstick for engine oil, refer to Check-
ing the oil level. The dipstick is further
toward the rear on the 545i
5Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp
and windshield cleaning systems, refer
to page 57
6Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page 179
Engine oil
Checking oil level
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface
2.Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick 4 out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material 4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out again
5.The oil should extend to between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As is the case with fuel economy, the rate
at which the engine uses oil is strongly
influenced by driving style and operating
conditions.
The oil quantity between the two marks on
the dipstick is approx. 1.6 US quarts/
1.5 liters. Do not fill beyond the upper mark
on the dipstick. Excess oil can damage the
engine.

Mobility
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Rules and regulations
California Proposition 65
Warning
California laws require us to issue the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing
thoroughly with soap and water.<
OBD connector
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime.The system monitors emissions-related
components and systems for deterioration
and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator lamp
informs you of the need for service,
not of the need to stop the vehicle.
However, the systems should be checked
by your BMW center at the earliest possible
opportunity.
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will
blink or flash. This indicates a rather severe
level of engine misfire. When this occurs,
you should reduce speed and consult the
nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Severe engine misfire over only a short
period of time can seriously damage emis-
sions control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
lamp will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator lamp
should go out within a few days.<