brake BMW 525I 2004 Owner's Manual

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.

Things to remember when driving
108 For your own safety: use only brake
pads that BMW has approved for your
particular vehicle model. As BMW cannot
assess the suitability of other brake pads
for use on your vehicle, we are unable to
assume continued responsibility for the
vehicle's operating safety if non-approved
pads are installed.<
Mobile communication in the vehicle
BMW recommends using mobile communi-
cation devices, e.g. portable phones, in the
interior of the vehicle with a suitable exter-
nal antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle elec-
tronics and mobile communication device
can influence one another.
Loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond
their approved carrying capacity,
never overload the vehicle. Overloading
can lead to overheating and increases the
rate at which damage develops inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume the
form of a sudden air loss.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on the
driver's door pillar
*:
The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or YYY lbs, as otherwise
the vehicle may be damaged and unsta-
ble driving conditions may result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle 3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kilo-
grams or YYY pounds
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of lug-
gage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight must not exceed
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
part of the load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the
manual for transporting a trailer to
determine how this may reduce the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permitted load is the total of the weight
of occupants and cargo/luggage. The
greater the weight of occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.

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.

Under the hood
180
Checking coolant level
Correct coolant level with the engine cold,
approx. +687/206:
1.Turn the cap of the expansion tank
counterclockwise to allow any accumu-
lated pressure to escape, then continue
turning to open
2.The coolant level is correct when the
coolant extends to between the MIN
and MAX marks on the filler neck, refer
to the diagram adjacent to the filler
neck
3.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
up to the specified level Ð do not overfill.
Brake fluid
The symbol lights up and a mes-
sage appears on the Control Dis-
play: the brake-fluid level in the
container is too low.
The brake fluid reservoir is located under
the microfilter housing trim panel on the
driver's side of the vehicle. To have brake
fluid added to the system, or to have the
source of any brake fluid loss traced and
rectified, please contact your BMW center,
which can also supply the factory-
approved Ð DOT 4 Ð brake fluids.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over
the course of time.
To ensure that the brake system continues
to provide safe and reliable performance,
remember to have the brake fluid changed
every 2 years at the latest, refer to page 66
and to the Service and Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet for US models or the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models.
Brake fluid is toxic and also damages vehi-
cle paintwork. Always store these agents in
tightly-closed original containers kept well
away from the reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the
brake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX
mark. Should it come into contact with hot
engine components, the brake fluid could
ignite and cause personal injury in the form
of burns.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used brake
fluid.<
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
Brake hydraulic systems
A low brake-fluid level combined with
longer-than-usual pedal travel could be a
sign that one of the brake system's hydrau-
lic circuits has failed.
Proceed to the nearest BMW center.
Remember that pedal travel may be
increased, and there may also be a sub-
stantial increase in the amount of pedal
pressure required to brake the vehicle.
Please adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.<

Mobility
181Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
System
The BMW Maintenance System is
designed to ensure that your vehicle will
continue to furnish consistent reliability
combined with optimal safety. The service
schedule also includes operations related
to the vehicle's comfort and convenience
features, such as replacement of the filters
for the inside air. The ultimate objective is
to ensure economical maintenance by pro-
viding the ideal service for your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to
sell your BMW, you will find that a complete
dealer service history is an asset of inesti-
mable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
CBS is a more advanced version of the Ser-
vice Interval Display. Sensors combine with
highly-specialized algorithms to supply
service information that reflects your vehi-
cle's actual operating conditions more pre-
cisely than ever before.
The system now provides individual dis-
plays of the times or distances remaining
until the deadlines for specific service
operations as well as legally prescribed
inspections:
>Engine oil
>Brakes: separate for front and rear
>Brake fluid
>Spark plugs >Vehicle check
>Depending on national regulations:
legally prescribed inspections.
CBS monitors both current and upcoming
service requirements. Your vehicle stores
this information continuously in the ignition
key while the vehicle is being driven. You
should therefore hand over to the BMW
Service Advisor the key you last used to
drive when you take your vehicle for ser-
vice. After accessing the data stored in the
vehicle key, your BMW Service Advisor is
able to suggest precisely the right array of
service procedures for your own individual
vehicle.
By letting you define a service and mainte-
nance regimen that reflects your own indi-
vidual requirements, Condition Based Ser-
vice builds the basis for trouble-free
driving.
You can find more detailed information on
the service requirement display on
page 66.
Make sure the date in the Control
Center is always set correctly, refer to
page 75, as otherwise the effectiveness of
Condition Based Service CBS is not
ensured. Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Cana-
dian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models for additional information
on service requirements.
Have service and repair operations
performed at your BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service
procedures are confirmed by entries in
your vehicle's Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and War-
ranty and Service Guide Booklet for Cana-

Replacing components
186
Side-mounted turn signal indicators
Bulb 5 Watts, W 5 W
1.Press against the front edge of the lamp
with the tip of your finger, then push it to
the rear and release the detent at the
front
2.Turn the lamp 903 and remove
3.Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove
4.Extract the bulb for replacement.
Side marker lamps, front and rear
Please contact your BMW center for
replacement.
Tail lamps
1Turn signal indicators
2Tail and brake lamp
3Tail lamp
4Backup lamps
5Reflector
6Reflector
7Standing, tail and brake lamp
>Backup lamps:
Bulb 16 Watts, W 16 W
>Other lamps:
Bulb 21 Watts, P 21 W
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for opera-
tion. Please contact a BMW center in case
of a malfunction.
Lamps in the fender
The illustration shows the recess on the left
side of the luggage compartment.
All the bulbs are integrated in a central bulb
holder.
1.Remove the side panel
2.Unclip the bulb holder and remove
3.Backup lamps:
Remove and replace the bulb.
Other bulbs:
Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and
replacement.
Lamps in the luggage compartment
lid
License plate lamp
Bulb 5 Watts, C 5 W
1.Insert a screwdriver in the slot and
press to the left, refer to arrows; this
unlocks the lamp
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.

Mobility
187Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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

Everything from A to Z
202
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 77
Ð indicator lamp 77
Acceleration assistant 54
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle 5
"Activation time" for
independent
ventilation 95
Active cruise control 59
Ð malfunctions 64
Active head restraints,
front 40
Active roll stabilization 80
Active seat 42
Active seat ventilation 42
Active steering 82
Adaptive Head Light 88
"Address book" for
navigation 120
Address for navigation
Ð deleting 120
Ð entering 116
Ð selecting 120
"Add to address book" for
navigation 120
"Add to destination
list" 118
Adjusting temperature for
upper body 93
Adjusting the thigh
support 37
"After door is opened" 39
"After unlocking" 39
Airbags 83
Ð indicator lamp 84
Ð sitting safely 36
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air 91
Air distribution
Ð automatic 91
Ð individual 93Air flow, refer to Air
volume 91
Airing, refer to
Ventilation 94
"Air recirculation on /
off" 44
Air vent outlets of
automatic climate
control 90
Air volume 91
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications 169
Alarm system 32
Ð avoiding unintentional
alarms 33
All around the steering
wheel 10
"All channels" 138
"All doors" 28
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 175
"AM", wave-
band 130, 134
Antenna for portable
phone 150
Antifreeze
Ð coolant 179
Ð washer fluid 57
Anti-theft system 27
Anti-trapping mechanism
Ð glass roof 35
Ð windows 34
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 200
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to
Weights 200
Arrival time, refer to
Computer 71
Ashtray
Ð front 99
Ð rear 100
Assistance window 18Assisting systems, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 78
AUC Automatic
recirculated-air
control 91
"Audio" 131
Audio 130
Ð adjusting the tone 131
Ð controls 130
Ð switching on/off 130
Ð volume 131
Audio systems, refer to
Tone control 131
Automatic
Ð air distribution 91
Ð air volume 91
Ð cruise control 58, 59
Ð storing stations 135
Automatic car wash, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 90
Ð automatic air
distribution 91
Ð settings using the Control
Center 92
Ð switching off 92
Automatic curb monitor 39
Automatic headlamp
control 87
"Automatic programs" 93
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 91
Automatic steering wheel
Ð adjustment 43

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

Everything from A to Z
204 Cargo, securing 109
Cargo area
Ð locking separately 31
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy
wheels, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car jack
Ð jacking points 188
Car keys, refer to Central
keys with remote
control 26
Car phone 151
Ð installation location, refer
to Center armrest 98
Ð refer to Portable
phone 150
Ð refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car radio, refer to
Radio 134
Car wash 106
Ð refer also to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
High temperatures 106
"Categories" 138
CBC Cornering Brake
Control 78
CBS Condition Based
Service 181
"CD" 130CD changer 144
Ð adjusting the tone 131
Ð controls 130
Ð fast forward/reverse 146
Ð installation location 144
Ð listening to a CD 144
Ð playing a track 145
Ð random order 146
Ð repeating a track 145
Ð selecting track 145
Ð switching on/off 130
Ð volume 131
CD for navigation 114
CD player 141
Ð adjusting the tone 131
Ð controls 130
Ð fast forward/reverse 142
Ð playing a track 142
Ð random order 142
Ð repeating a track 142
Ð selecting tracks 141
Ð switching on/off 130
Ð volume 131
Center armrest 98
Center console, refer to
Comfort area 14
Central keys with remote
control 26
"Central locking" 38
Central locking system 27
Ð from inside vehicle 30
Ð from outside vehicle 27
Changes, technical, refer to
Parts and accessories 6
Changing a wheel 187
Changing selector-lever
positions 55
Changing the direction
display for navigation 124
Changing the language on
the Control Display 74
Changing the
measurement units on the
Control Display 74
Changing wheels 174
CHECK button 69
Check Control 68
"Check Control
messages" 69
Check Gas Cap 168Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure 170
Child's seat 45
Child-restraint fixing
LATCH 47
Child restraints 45
Child-restraint system 45
Child-safety lock 48
Chock 187
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter 100
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 91
"City" for destination
entry 117
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cleaning headlamps
Ð washer fluid 57
Cleaning windshield 57
"Climate" 41
Clock 65
Ð 12/24 hour mode 74
Ð setting the time and
date 74
Closing
Ð from inside 30
Ð from outside 27
Cockpit 10
Comfort area 14
Comfort seat 37
"Communication" 152
"Communication
interface" 161
Compact Disc
Ð refer to CD changer 144
Ð refer to CD player 141
Compact wheel
Ð inflation pressure 171
Ð wheel change 187
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine data 198
Computer 70
Ð clock, 12/24 hour
mode 74
Ð displays on the Control
Display 70