BMW 525I SEDAN 2004 E60 Owner's Manual

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Adding engine oil
Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark or a message
appears on the Control Display before add-
ing oil.
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate without additives, and their use
could even lead to damage in some cases.
This also applies to the automatic transmis-
sion, the differential and the power steering
system.<
Recommendation: have oil changes per-
formed only by your BMW center.
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.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used oil.<
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. BMW approves
only specific oils after confirming their suit-
ability for use in its vehicles with extensive
testing.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil between
oil changes. Use only oils with the API SH
specification or higher. Ask your BMW center for details con-
cerning the specific BMW High Per-
formance 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 informa-
tion.
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 sys-
tem when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
flammable. Therefore, do not pour over hot
engine parts, as otherwise they could catch
fire and cause burns.
Always observe the instructions for use
provided on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used anti-
freeze and anticorrosion agents.<

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.<

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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-

Maintenance
182 dian models.These entries verify that your
vehicle has received the specified regular
maintenance, and may also be required
when submitting warranty claims.<
Care
You can find everything you need to know
on this topic by consulting the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.

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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.<

Replacing components
184
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in the lug-
gage compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
Windshield wiper blades
To replace, fold the wiper arm up and hold.
Press the catches together while pushing
the wiper blade out of the front.
Lamps and bulbs
The lamps and bulbs are essential factors
contributing to the safety of your vehicle.
Therefore, comply fully with the following
instructions during bulb replacement. If you
are not familiar with the specified proce-
dures, have the replacements carried out at
your BMW center.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs
with your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the bulb's surface and reduce its service life.
Use a clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the
bulb by its metal socket.
In the case of bulbs where the replacement
is not described, please consult your BMW
center.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement
bulbs at your BMW center.
To prevent short circuits, before
working on any electrical system,
equipment or accessory you should always
switch it off and disconnect the cable from
the battery's negative terminal before start-
ing.
To avoid possible injury or equipment dam-
age when changing bulbs, observe any
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
When maintaining the headlamps,
please comply with the instructions in
the separate Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.<
Headlamps
The illustration shows the left-hand side of
the engine compartment.
1Cover cap for low beams
2Cover cap for high beams
Turn the cover cap to the left and remove.
Always wear gloves and eye protec-
tion Ð the atmosphere within the H7
bulb is pressurized. Failure to observe this
precaution can lead to personal injury
should the bulb be damaged.<

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For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Halogen low beams
H7 bulb, 55 Watts
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove
2.Remove and replace the bulb.
Halogen high beams
H7 bulb, 55 Watts
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove
2.Remove and replace the bulb.
Parking and standing lamps
Bulb 5 Watts, W 5 W 1.Turn the cover cap for low beams or
high beams to the left and remove
2.Pull the bulb holder out
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very long
and the probability of a failure is very low,
provided that they are not switched on and
off an unusual number of times.
In the unlikely event that one of these
lamps should fail, you can respond by
switching on your fog lamps and proceed-
ing carefully, where allowed by law.
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal
injuries: owing to the extremely high
voltages at which these units operate, ser-
vice work on the xenon lighting system
should always be entrusted to qualified
personnel.<
Parking and standing lamps
Please contact a BMW center in case of a
malfunction.
Turn signal indicators, front
Bulb 21 Watts, PY 21 W
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove
2.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and
replacement.

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.

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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

Replacing components
188 3.Loosen the lug bolts 1/2 a turn
4.Set up the jack beneath the jacking
point closest to the flat tire. Ensure that
the entire surface of the jack's base is in
firm contact with the ground and that
the jack itself is standing completely
vertical, not tilted, and that the fitting on
the top of the jack will align with the
rectangular recess on the vehicle when
you raise it, refer to illustration
5.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you
are changing is raised from the ground
6.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel
7.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt
from the mounting surfaces of the
wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts
8.Position the new wheel or compact
wheel. Secure the wheel by turning at
least two lug bolts into opposite bolt
holes
9.Screw in the remaining lug bolts.
Tighten all the bolts securely in a diag-
onal pattern
10.Lower the jack and remove it from
beneath the vehicle
11.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pat-
tern
12.Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems and valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
After mounting the wheel or correcting the
inflation pressure, reinitialize the Flat Tire
Monitor, refer to page 81.The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not attempt
to raise another vehicle model with it or to
raise any load of any kind. To do so could
cause accidents and personal injury.
To ensure safety, always have the lug bolts
checked with a calibrated torque wrench
as soon as possible to ensure that they are
tightened to the specified torque.
The tightening torque is 120 Nm.<
Reverse the removal sequence to store the
wheel and tools in the vehicle.
When you mount wheels other than Genu-
ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
bolts may also be required.
Always have damaged tires replaced and
the wheel and tire assembly rebalanced at
the earliest possible opportunity.
Driving with the compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
The driving characteristics change, for
example reduced track stability on braking,
extended braking distance, and altered
self-steering characteristics in the limit
range. In conjunction with winter tires,
these characteristics are more pro-
nounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. You should fit wheels and
tires of the original size as quickly as possi-
ble.<
Battery
Battery care
The battery is 100% maintenance-free, i.e.,
the electrolyte will last for the life of the bat-
tery when the vehicle is operated in a tem-
perate climate.
For all questions that regard the bat-
tery, please consult your BMW cen-
ter.<