lights BMW 525I 2004 Owner's Manual

Controls
87Reference
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Mobility
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
Parking lamps
With the switch in this position, the
front, rear and side vehicle lighting
is switched on. You can use the side
marker lamps for parking. For lighting on
one side for parking as an additional fea-
ture, refer to page 88.
Low beams
When you switch off the ignition
with the headlamps on, the head-
lamps go out, and only the parking
lamps remain on.
Pathway lighting
After parking the vehicle and switching off
the headlamps, operating the headlamp
flasher activates the low beams. You can
set the duration using the Control Center or
deactivate the function.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open the menu
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller
3.Select "Lighting" and press the control-
ler 4.Select "Pathway lighting" and press the
controller
5.Turn the controller to select the corre-
sponding duration
6.Press the controller to apply the setting.
Lights on warning
If you turn the ignition key to position 0, an
acoustic signal sounds when you open the
driver's door for a few seconds to remind
you that the light has not yet been switched
off. At the same time a message appears
on the Control Display.
Daytime driving lamps*
If desired, the light switch can remain in the
low beam position:
When you switch off the ignition, the exte-
rior lighting goes out.
Always observe all applicable laws govern-
ing the use of daytime driving lamps.
You can switch on the parking lamps when
needed using the standard procedure
described under Parking lamps.
Automatic headlamp control*
When you set the switch to this
position, the system activates and
switches on and off the low beams
in response to changes in ambient light
conditions, for instance, in a tunnel, at
dawn and dusk, and in rain and snow. The
LED next to the symbol is illuminated when
the low beams are on.

Controls
89Reference
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Fog lamps
Always observe all applicable laws govern-
ing the use of fog lamps.
To disconnect, briefly press the button
again.
The parking lamps or low beams
must be switched on for the fog
lamps to operate. The green indica-
tor lamp in the instrument cluster lights up
whenever the fog lamps are on.
The fog lamps are switched off whenever
the high beams are switched on.
If the automatic headlamp control is
activated, the low beams will come on
automatically when you switch on the fog
lamps.<
Interior lamps
The interior lamps operate automatically.
Switching the interior lamps on
and off manually
Briefly press button 1.
If you want the interior lamps to remain off
continuously, maintain pressure on the but-
ton for approx. 3 seconds. To revert to normal operation, press the
button briefly.
Control of the footwell lamps, door entry
lighting and courtesy lamps
* is also auto-
matic.
Reading lamps
Reading lamps are provided in the front
and rear adjacent to the interior lamps. You
can switch them on and off using the
buttons 2 located next to the lamps.
To avoid discharging the battery, all of
the vehicle's interior lamps are auto-
matically switched off approx. 15 minutes
after the ignition is switched off.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light source
for many of the controls and displays in
your vehicle.These light-emitting diodes,
which operate using a concept similar to
that applied in conventional lasers, are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emitting
diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light several
hours, as irritation of the retina could
result.<

Controls
91Reference
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Mobility
>Activation time set:
The indicator lamp lights up
>Independent ventilation switched
on:
The indicator lamp flashes
15Rear window defroster
16Air grill for interior temperature sensor,
please keep clear and unobstructed
All other setting options for the automatic
climate control can be found in the "Cli-
mate" menu and in the menu on the Con-
trol Display, as of page 92.
The current setting for air distribution is dis-
played on the Control Display.
A congenial climate
To use the automatic function, press the
AUTO button. Select an interior tempera-
ture you find pleasant.
The following section contains more
detailed information on the available set-
ting options.
The cooling function is only possible with
the engine running.
Automatic air distribution and supply
The AUTO program adjusts the
air distribution to the wind-
shield and side windows,
towards the upper body and footwell as
well as the air volume, while also using your
preselected temperature setting as the
basis for adjusting the interior climate to
adapt to external influences: summer, win-
ter.
The cooling function comes on automati-
cally when you select the AUTO program.
At the same time, a condensation sensor
controls the program in such a way that
window condensation is prevented as far
as possible.
Adjusting temperature
You can turn to select the
desired temperatures for the
driver and passenger sides.
The figures on the display pro-
vide a general indication of inte-rior temperature. A pleasant adjustment is
727/226. When you start the vehicle, the
system ensures that the selected tempera-
ture is achieved as quickly as possible. It
then maintains this temperature, regard-
less of the season.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and front side win-
dows.
Adjusting the air volume manually
You can adjust the air volume
by turning. You can reactivate
the automatic mode for the air
volume with the AUTO button.
Switching cooling function on and off
manually
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before also reheating it as
required, according to the temperature set-
ting. Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the engine
is started.
The cooling function comes on automati-
cally when you select the AUTO program.
Maximum cooling
This program quickly provides
maximum cooling.
The system switches to the
recirculated-air mode and the
air flows at maximum air volume only from
the vent outlets for the upper body area.
For this reason you should ensure that
these vent outlets are open before select-
ing this program.
Outside air/AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control/
Recirculated air
You can respond to unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the imme-
diate environment by tempo-

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.

Controls
97Reference
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The equipment can be used as of ignition
key position 2.
If the device cannot be used even
after repeated programming, check
whether the original hand-held transmitter
is equipped with an alternating-code sys-
tem. Here, either read the instructions for
the original hand-held transmitter or hold
down the programmed memory button 1 of
the integrated universal remote control. If
the indicator lamp 2 on the integrated uni-
versal remote control flashes rapidly for a
short time then lights up for approx. 2 sec-
onds, this indicates that the original hand-
held transmitter uses an alternating-code
system. In the case of an alternating-code
system, program the memory buttons 1 as
described at Alternating-code hand-held
transmitters.<
Alternating-code hand-held
transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote
control, consult the operating instructions
for the equipment to be set. You will find
information there on the possibilities for
synchronization.
When programming hand-held transmitters
that employ an alternating code, please
observe the following supplementary
instructions:
Programming will be easier with the
aid of a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the
remote-controlled device
2.Program the integrated universal
remote control as described above at
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
3.Locate the button at the receiver of the
equipment to be set, e.g. on the drive
4.Press the button on the receiver of the
device you want to set up. After step 4,
you have approx. 30 seconds for step 5
5.Press the programmed memory
button 1 of the integrated universal
remote control three times. The corresponding memory button 1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
If you have any additional questions,
please contact your BMW center.<
Clearing the memory buttons
Press both outer buttons 1 of the inte-
grated universal remote control for approx.
20 seconds until the indicator lamp 2
flashes. All memory buttons will be cleared.
The memory of individual memory
buttons 1 cannot be cleared.
Roller sun blinds*
Roller sun blind for rear window
To actuate as of ignition key position 1,
briefly press the button in the driver's door.
Roller sun blinds for rear side
windows
Pull the roller sun blind at the loop and
hook up to the bracket.

Practical interior accessories
100
Cigarette lighter, front
In ignition key position 2, press in the
lighter.
The lighter can be removed as soon as it
jumps back out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter
by the knob only. Holding or touching
it in other areas could result in burns.
Always remove the ignition key when you
leave the vehicle so that, e.g., children are
unable to use the lighter and burn them-
selves.<
Lighter socket
The socket can be used to plug in hand
flashlights, car vacuum cleaners, etc., with
power ratings of up to approx. 200 W at
12 V. Avoid damaging the socket due to
inserting plugs of different shapes or sizes.
Ashtray, rear
Emptying
Press the entire cover down. The ashtray
rises for removal.
Cigarette lighter, rear
Refer to Cigarette lighter, front.
Sockets
In front passenger footwell
Access to the socket:
Fold the cover upwards.
In the luggage compartment
Access to the socket:
Fold the cover upwards.

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.

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.<

Giving and receiving assistance
190
Giving and receiving assistance
Starting an emergency call*
Conditions for an emergency call:
>The car phone is logged on to a porta-
ble phone network
>The emergency call system is operable.
To start an emergency call:
1.To open the cover flap:
Briefly press the cover flap
2.Press the button for at least 2 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the button lights
up. As soon as the voice connection to
the general emergency number has
been set up, the indicator lamp flashes.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle
until the connection has been established.
You will then be able to provide a detailed
description of the situation.
In vehicles where BMW Assist is enabled,
the phone system will automatically estab-
lish contact with the BMW Assist emer-
gency call center. If the current position of
your vehicle can be determined, this is
transferred to the BMW Assist emergency
call center.Activating BMW Assist, refer to page 161.
If the navigation system fails, the cur-
rent position of the vehicle is not
transmitted.<
If the indicator lamp flashes, but you are
unable to hear the emergency call center
through the hands-free system, this could
indicate, for instance, that the hands-free
system is no longer operational. However,
the emergency call center can still hear
you.
For technical reasons, the emergency
call cannot be guaranteed under
unfavorable conditions.<
Under certain conditions, an emergency
call is started automatically immediately
after a severe accident. The automatic
emergency call is not affected by the but-
ton being pressed.

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