warning BMW 525I 2005 Owner's Manual

Under the hood
178 Do not exceed the upper marking on the
dipstick, otherwise an overfilling of oil can
damage the engine.<
Adding engine oil
Do not top off the oil until the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower marking on the
dipstick. In this area a message also appears on
the Control Display.
Refill the oil within the next 125 miles/
200 km, otherwise engine damage could
result.<
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come into
contact with oil should be thoroughly washed
with soap and water.
Store oil, grease, etc., well out of the reach of
children; always observe all warning labels on
the containers.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or
at a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Use only approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small amounts of another synthetic oil between oil
changes. Use only oils with the API SH specifi-
cation or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details concern-
ing the specific BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils which have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class depends
on the climatic conditions in the area where you
typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes 5W-40
and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all ambient
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and the addition of
antifreeze and anticorrosion agent. Not all com-
mercially available additives are suitable for
your BMW. Ask your BMW center for suitable
additives.
Only use suitable additives, as otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard; observe the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-

Mobility
179Reference
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sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
3.The coolant level is correct when the cool-
ant level is between the MIN and MAX
marks, refer to the diagram adjacent to the
filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunctions
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up in spite of
the handbrake being released; a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display:
Stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system thoroughly
checked.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
When you continue driving, an increased
brake pedal path can be necessary, and
significantly longer braking distances might be
required. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up in spite of
the handbrake being released; a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display:
The brake pads have reached their minimum
pad thickness. Have brake pads replaced
immediately.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
For your own safety: use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for the corre-
sponding 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 oper-
ating safety if non-approved pads are
installed.<

Mobility
185Reference
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1.Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to
the right, refer to arrows. This releases the
lamp.
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
Backup lamps
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
LEDs light-emitting diodes
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent 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 officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare directly into the unfiltered light for
several hours, as this could result in irritation of
the retina.<
Changing wheels
Safety precautions in the event of a flat
tire or wheel change: Park the vehicle as
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-
ting of the wheels. Apply the handbrake and
engage first gear, reverse gear or selector lever
position P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
diate 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 vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
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-carrying 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 posi-
tions of the tools before removing them, then
return them to their initial positions after com-
pleting work.
1Chock
*
2Vehicle jack*
3Lug wrench*
The tools are located in the hollow of the com-
pact wheel.
1.Lift up floor mat or floor panel flap and cover
located beneath it.
2.Take out the required tools.
3.After using the tools, return then to the stor-
age space.

Mobility
189Reference
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Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency calling*
Conditions for an emergency call:
>Once ignition key is in position 1.
>The car phone is logged on to a cellular
telephone network.
>The emergency call system is operable.
Initiating an emergency call
1.To open the protective cover of the keypad:
touch the protective cover.
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
BMW Assist response center has been
established, 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.
If the current location of your vehicle can be
determined with vehicles with an activated
BMW Assist, it will be transmitted to the BMW
Assist response center.
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page161.
If the indicator lamp flashes, but you are unable
to hear the BMW Assist response center
through the hands-free system, this could indi-
cate, for instance, that the hands-free system
is no longer operational. However, the BMW
Assist response center may then still be able to
hear you.Under certain conditions, an emergency call
is automatically initiated immediately after a
severe accident. The automatic emergency call
is not affected by the button being pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency call
cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable
conditions. Always observe all legal regulations
requiring a warning triangle to be carried
in the vehicle.<
The warning triangle is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
First-aid kit*
Some of the articles contained in the first-
aid kit have a limited service life. There-
fore, check the expiration dates of the contents
regularly and replace the contents concerned in
good time if necessary. You can find replace-
ments in any pharmacy. Comply with legal
requirements requiring you to carry a first-aid
kit in the vehicle.<

Mobility
191Reference
At a glance
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an engine or body ground of the assisting
vehicle.
5.Attach the second end of the cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to the
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be
started.
Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle
and allow it to run for several minutes at
increased speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way. If the first start attempt is not
successful, wait a few minutes before
another attempt in order to allow the dis-
charged battery to recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Towing and tow-starting
Always observe all applicable towing laws
and regulations.<
Never allow passengers to ride in a towed
vehicle for any reason.<
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit and must always remain in the
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear
of the BMW.In order to avoid damaging the tow fitting
and the vehicle, please follow these
instructions: use only the tow fitting provided
with the vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use
the tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper: press on
the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine
stopped. This then requires increased effort for
braking and steering. Active steering is deacti-
vated and larger steering wheel movements are
required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.

Giving and receiving assistance
192
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual
transmission
With the ignition switched on, engage the
selector lever position N, then switch off the
ignition again.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise
it will not be possible to control vehicle
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only.
Otherwise damage to other vehicle parts
could result.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Secure the tow rope to the tow fitting only.
Otherwise damage to other vehicle parts could
result.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a load bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, as otherwise damage
may result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission.
Jump starting, refer to page190.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic con-
verter with the engine cold. It is better to jump
start the engine, refer to page190.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. Vehicles with SMG, see
below.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
pedal completely depressed and slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch pedal com-
pletely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.

Everything from A to Z
202
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions,
pointing out where these are
located.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System77
– indicator lamp79
– malfunction79
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control59
Acceleration assistant for
SMG Sequential manual
transmission55
Accessories6
Acoustic Signal, refer to
Check Control67
Activated-charcoal filter94
"Activation time" for
independent ventilation94
Active cruise control59
– indicator lamp60
– malfunction64
– selecting distance62
– sensor, refer to
Malfunction64
Active head restraints,
front42
Active roll stabilization79
Active seat44
Active seat ventilation44
Active steering81
– initializing system81
– warning lamp81
Adaptive Head Light88
"Add digits" for portable
phone155
"Address book" for
navigation120Address for navigation
– deleting121
– entering115
– selecting121
– storing current position120
"Add to destination list"117
Adhesive bandages, refer to
First-aid kit189
Adjusting active backrest
width40
Adjusting temperature in
upper body region93
Adjusting the temperature
with automatic climate
control91
Adjusting the thigh support39
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control133
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear134
– right/left balance134
"After opening door"41
"After unlocking"41
Airbags83
– sitting safely38
– warning lamp84
Air circulation, refer to Air
recirculation91
Air distribution
– automatic91
– manual92
Airing, refer to Ventilation93
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control91
– recirculated-air mode91
"Air recirculation on / off"46
Air vent outlets of automatic
climate control90
Air vents90
– refer to Ventilation93
Air volume91AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications169
Alarm system33
– avoiding unintentional
alarms34
– interior motion sensor34
– switching off the alarm34
– switching off the tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor34
– tilt alarm sensor34
All around the center
console14
All around the steering
wheel10
"All channels"143
"All doors"29
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires175
Altering stretch of road127
"AM", reception
range133,138
Antenna for portable
phone152
Antifreeze
– coolant178
– washer fluid58
Antilock Brake System
ABS77
– indicator lamp79
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system33
Anti-theft system29
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof, electric36
– power windows35
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights198
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights198
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest
– rear100

Reference 203
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communica-
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Arrival time
– refer to Computer70
– refer to Starting destination
guidance124
"Arrow display" during
navigation126
Ashtray
– front99
– rear100
Assist, refer to BMW
Assist161
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems77
Assistance window20
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control91
"Audio"134
Audio132
– controls132
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
Automatic
– air distribution91
– air volume91
– garage door opener96
– headlamp control87
– service notification162
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit45
– storing stations139
Automatic car washes108
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control90
– automatic air distribution91
– settings using the Control
Center92
– switching off92
Automatic curb monitor41
"Automatic programs"93
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC91
Automatic station search139Automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– convenience start52
– interlock51
– kick-down56
– selector lever interlock55
– shiftlock55
– sport program56
– starting the engine52
– tow starting192
– tow-starting192
"Automatic ventilation"94
AUTO program for automatic
climate control91
"Autostore" on the radio140
Average fuel consumption70
– setting the units73
Average speed, refer to
Computer70
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation123
Avoid freeways for
navigation122
"Avoid highways" for
navigation122
Avoiding unintentional
alarms34
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation123
Axle loads, refer to
Weights198
"A - Z"155
B
Backrests, refer to Seats38
Backrest width adjustment39
Backup lamps, refer to
Reverse gear53
– replacing bulbs184
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps184
Balance, tone control134
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit189
Bass, tone control134Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery187
– jump starting190
Being towed191
Belts, refer to Safety belts42
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders99
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning65
Blower, refer to Air volume91
BMW Assist161
– enabling161
– services offered162
BMW maintenance
system180
"BMW Service"163
"BMW Service settings"162
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders99
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control77
Brake fluid179
– warning lamp179
Brake Force Display82
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display82
– replacing bulbs184
Brake pads179
– breaking-in106
Brake rotors108
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System77
– brake fluid179
– Brake Force Display82
– brake pads179
– breaking-in106
– handbrake52
– warning lamps13
Brake system106,179
– brake fluid level179
– brake pads106,179
– breaking-in106
– disc brakes108
– warning lamp79,179

Everything from A to Z
204 Braking
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control77
– DBC Dynamic Brake
Control77
– electronic brake-force
distribution77
– refer to Braking safely107
Breakdown assistance163
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance190
Breaking-in the clutch106
Breaking-in the
differential106
Break-in period106
"Brightness"73
Brightness of Control
Display73
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"155
Call
– accepting154
– displaying accepted156
– ending155
– in absence156
– starting154
Calling
– from phone book155
– from Top 8 list156
– redialing156
– refer to telephone Owner's
Manual
"Calling sender"158
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders99
Capacities198
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery187
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure"Car data"70
Care181
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing102,109
Cargo loading108
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
– jacking points186
Car keys, refer to Key set28
Car phone153
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest98
– refer to Portable phone152
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio138
Car vacuum cleaner
connection, refer to
Sockets100
Car wash108
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system106
"Categories"143
CBC Cornering Brake
Control77
CBS Condition Based
Service180
"CD"133,145CD changer145
– controls132
– fast forward/reverse147
– installation location147
– playing a track147
– random order147
– repeating a track146
– selecting a CD146
– selecting a track146
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
CD player145
– controls132
– fast forward/reverse147
– playing a track147
– random order147
– repeating a track146
– selecting a track146
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
Center armrest
– front98
– rear100
Center brake lamp184
Center console14
"Central locking"29
Central locking system29
– from inside vehicle31
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own
safety6
– refer to Parts and
accessories6
Changing gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
Changing settings
– on Control Display73
Changing the language on the
Control Display74
Changing the measurement
units on the Control
Display73
Changing wheels174,185
CHECK button69
Check Control67

Reference 205
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communica-
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Check Control
messages"69
Check Gas Cap168
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure170
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH49
Child restraints47
Child restraint systems47
Child-safety lock50
Child seats47
Chime, refer to Check
Control67
Chock185
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter99
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cleaning the windshield, refer
to Wiper system57
"Climate"44
Clock65
– 12h/24h mode74
– time setting74
Closing
– from inside31
– from outside29
Clothes hooks99
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine51
"Comfort", active backrest
width adjustment40
Comfort area, refer to All
about the center console14
Comfort seat39
"Communication"154
"Communication
settings"161
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer145
– refer to CD player145
Compact wheel
– changing wheels186
– inflation pressure171Computer69
– clock, 12h/24h mode74
– displays on Control
Display70
– hour signal74
"Concert hall"135
Condition Based Service
CBS180
"Confirmation"30
Confirmation signals for
locking and unlocking30
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption70
Consumption indicator
– Energy Control66
"Continue guidance to
destination?"125
Control Center16
– adjusting brightness73
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control92
– changing settings19,73
– changing the menu page19
– confirming selection or
entry19
– controller16
– displays, menus16
– language selection74
– lists19
– menu item selection19
– menu navigation17
– operating elements16
– selecting units of
measurement and display
format73
– setting time and date74
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols17
Control Display, refer to
Control Center16
Controller, refer to Control
Center16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– glass sunroof30
– windows30
Convenience start, refer to
Starting engine51Coolant178
– level178
Cooling, maximum91
Cornering Brake Control
CBC77
Country of destination for
navigation116
Courtesy lamps89
Cradle for telephone or
portable phone98
Cruise control58,59
– active cruise control59
Cruising range70
Cup holders99
Curb weight, refer to
Weights198
Current fuel consumption66
"Current position"125
Current position
– displaying125
– entering120
– storing120
"Customer Relations"164
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data196
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Data196
– capacities198
– dimensions197
– engine196
– technical data196
– weights198
"Date"74
Date65
– display format75
– retrieval65
– setting74
"Date format"75
Daytime driving lamps87
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control77
– warning lamp79
"Deactivated"41
Deactivating front passenger
airbags47,83