steering BMW 525I SPORT WAGON 2001 Owner's Guide

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
165nEngine oil
Checking oil level
1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating
temperature.
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick 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 level should be in between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
390de647
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.
460de189
To add oil
Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, do not wait until the oil level
drops below the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to op-
erate without oil additives; the use
of additives could lead to damage in
some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system. <
390de646

176nAirbags Vehicle storage
1 Front airbags on the driver and
passenger sides
2 Side impact Head Protection System on the driver and passenger sides
(front and rear
*)
3 Side airbags on the driver and passenger sides (front and rear
*)
Important safety notices
Do not attempt to remove the gas
generators of the airbag restraint
system from the vehicle. Have testing
and service procedures performed by
specially-qualified technicians only.
In the event of a malfunction, deactiva-
tion, or triggered actuation (as a
response to an accident) of the airbag
restraint system, consult your BMW
center for repairs or service operations.
380de643
Modifications may not be made on
either the wiring or the individual
components in the airbag system.
These include the padded steering
wheel hub, the instrument cluster, the
side trim panels of the front or rear
doors and the roof pillars or the sides of
the headliner. Never apply adhesive
materials to these components or cover
or modify them in any way. Do not at-
tempt to remove or dismantle the steer-
ing wheel.
To ensure compliance with official
safety regulations, entrust disposal of
airbag generators to an BMW center.
Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or undesired airbag activa-
tion, either of which could result in
personal injury. < Consult your BMW center regarding
the required special procedures if you
intend to store the vehicle for longer
than three months.

190nChanging a wheel
Safety measures in the event of a
flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat,
surface. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse (selector lever in Park with
automatic transmission) and engage
the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
If necessary, set up your warning trian-
gle or portable hazard warning lamp on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface (snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc.), since it could slide side-
ways.Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack – risk of fatal injury. <
What you will need
In order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
> Car jack
sedan: fold back the luggage com-
partment floor mat for access, then
unscrew the wingnut to release the
jack (arrow).
sport wagon: raise the floor panel
and spare tire cover (refer to
page 134).
When you have completed work,
screw the jack all the way back
down. Fold the handle back and in-
sert it in its holder
> Wedge (wheel chock)
Located next to the jack. Loosen the
wing nut to remove it
394de090

194nBattery
Never allow sparks or open
flame near the battery. Do not
smoke in the vicinity of the
battery. Avoid sparks from electrical
cables or electrical equipment. Turn the
key to position 0 in the steering lock
during the disconnection or connection
of the battery. Never short-circuit the
battery terminals. There is a danger of
injury from powerful sparks.
A highly-explosive gas is
generated when the battery is
charged.
If you happen to get acid in your
eyes, rinse thoroughly for
15 minutes with clear water.
Following that, consult a physician
immediately. If you get acid spray on
your skin or clothing, rinse with plenty
of water. If electrolyte is accidentally
swallowed, consult a physician immedi-
ately.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
do not place it in direct sunlight.
A discharged battery can freeze. Store
the battery in areas where the tempera-
ture remains above freezing.
Charge condition
You can read the charge condition
of the battery with the "Magic Eye"
*
(a hydrometer):
> Green: adequate charge.
> Black: not charged adequately.
The battery must be recharged.
Please contact your BMW center.
> Yellow: replace the battery.
The projected service life of the
battery can only be reached if the
battery is fully-charged at all times.
Check the charge condition of the bat-
tery frequently if the vehicle is used pri-
marily for driving short distances. <
390de612
Charging the battery
If the battery is charged in the vehicle:
Do not charge the battery with the
engine running.
Before performing any work on
the electrical system, disconnect
the cable from the negative terminal. If
you do not, short circuits can create the
risk of fire or personal injury. <
If you plan to store the vehicle for more
than four weeks, disconnect the battery
from the vehicle electrical system by
disconnecting the cable at the negative
terminal and then recharge using a suit-
able charging device.
If you intend to store your vehicle for
longer than 12 weeks: remove the bat-
tery, charge it and store it in a cool (but
frost and dust-free) room. Every three
months and before reinstalling the bat-
tery, have it recharged. If it is not
recharged, it will not be serviceable.
Every time the battery is discharged,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.

202nTowing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response. <
Tow-starting
It is not possible to start the engine of
vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting, refer
to page 200.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission
1 Place the selector lever in position N.
2 Towing speed: Max. 45 mph (70 km/h).
3 Towing distance: Max. 95 miles (150 km).
4 Leave the ignition key in position 1 to ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers re-
main operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging.
5 Switch on the hazard warning flash- ers (observe country-specific regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the ve-
hicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to pre-
vent the steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking. <
Towing with a commercial
tow truck
> Do not tow with sling-type equip-
ment.
> Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier.
> Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason. <
380us124

208nASC+T/DSC*
Precision sensors monitor the number
of revolutions of the wheels. When
equipped with DSC, they also monitor
steering angle, lateral acceleration,
brake pressure and the movement of
the vehicle around its vertical axis.
If differences in the wheel speeds
occur, the system counteracts the dan-
ger of wheelspin by reducing torque. If
necessary, the system also responds
with additional brake applications at the
rear wheels, and at all 4 wheels with
DSC.
In addition, DSC permanently monitors
the vehicle's current operating condi-
tion and compares it with an ideal con-
dition that is calculated from the sen-
sor's signals. If deviations from this
occur (understeering or oversteering,
for instance), DSC can stabilize the
vehicle in the fraction of a second by
reducing engine output and with the
assistance of braking intervention at in-
dividual wheels. As a result, dangerous
skids can be prevented even as they
are just beginning. You may need some time to become
accustomed to this system intervention.
However, it guarantees optimum drive
force and driving stability.
The braking intervention may be
accompanied by a certain degree of
noise.

224nElectrical system Drive belts
Battery
12 V, 90Ah
Spark plugs
Bosch FGR 7 DQP or
NGK BKR 6 EQUP
This spark ignition system meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interfer-
ence-Causing Equipment Regulations
(ICES-2). BMW 525i, 530i:
Water pump – Generator –
Power steering
Drive belt 6 PK x 1538
A/C compressor
Drive belt 5 PK x 863
BMW 540i:
Water pump – Generator –
Power steering
V-belt 7 K x 1635
A/C compressor
V-belt 5 K x 1004 You can obtain Original BMW
Parts and Accessories, as well as
professional advice from your BMW
center. <

Everything from A to Z

A
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)23, 143
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal
filter119
Active seat55, 210
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)72, 207
Add
antifreeze168

t

brake fluid168

t

engine coolant168

t

engine oil165

t

washer fluids164

t

Adjust washer
nozzles164

t

Adjusting
backrest angle53
backrest, forward/
backward52
seats52
steering wheel56
temperature110, 116
thigh support55
Air conditioner108
Air distribution110, 116
Air outlets108, 114
Air pressure29

t

, 150

t

Air supply110, 117
Air vent108, 114Airbags23, 62, 176, 206
Alarm system47
Antennas149
Antifreeze167

t

radiator146
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)23, 143
Anti-theft alarm system47
Anti-theft protection39
Approved axle weight221
Approved gross vehicle
weight221
Approved roof load
capacity221
Aquaplaning141, 150
Arrival time97
ASC+T/DSC (Automatic
Stability Control plus
Traction/Dynamic Stability
Control)24, 102, 208
Ashtray126
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)72, 207
Attach vacuum cleaner127
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)117
Automatic car washes171
Automatic climate
control114
remove condensation from
windows117Automatic cruise control81
Automatic curb monitor59
Automatic dimming
interior rearview mirror57
Automatic rear window
cleaning80
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)117
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction/Dynamic
Stability Control (ASC+T/
DSC)24, 102, 208
Automatic transmission72
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic75
Average fuel
consumption89
Average speed89, 98
Avoid false alarms48

t

Axle loads221

B
Backrest, adjusting52, 55
Backup lamps71
bulb replacement186

t

Battery193

t

, 224
capacity224
charge condition194

t

charging194
discharged200

t

removing and
installing195

t

Belts61
Beverage holder125
Blower110, 117
BMW active seat55, 210
BMW comfort seat54
BMW sports seat55
BMW Universal
Transmitter121
Body-cavity protectant172
Brake faults146

t

Brake hydraulic
system22, 146
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement186

t

Brake system140
brake faults146
brake fluid168
brake lamps, bulb
replacement186
brake pads23
disc brakes144
parking brake23, 70
Brake-in procedure140
Break-resistant security
glass174
care174

t

Bulb replacement183

t

C
California Proposition
65 Warning177
Capacity223

Everything from A to Z

229n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Car jack190

t

Car keys36
Car Memory60
Car phones, refer to the
seperate Owner's Manual
Car radio reception149
Car telephone125
Car wash171
Care
vehicle exterior172
vehicle interior174
Cargo loading136
Caring for the vehicle
finish173
Catalytic converter142
Cellular phone149
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp, bulb
replacement187
Central locking
system38, 42
Changing a tire190

t

Changing a wheel190

t

Charge indicator lamp22
Charging the battery194

t

Check air pressure30
Check button86
Check Control86

t

Check engine oil
level165

t

Check tire pressures29

t

Child restraint systems62
Child seat62, 66Child seat security67
Child-safety locks67
Cigarette lighter126
Cleaning headlamps79
Cleaning windshield78, 79
Clock92
Clock, refer also to the
onboard monitor
Cockpit16
Code98
activating98
de-activating98
selecting98
Cold start69
Combination switch78
Comfort seat54
Compartments124
Computer89, 95
average fuel
consumption89
average speed89
cruising range89
outside temperature89
remote control99
Computer, refer also to the
onboard monitor Owner's
Manual
Configure settings60
Consumption display84
Consumption, fuel97
Contamination on
paintwork172Convenience operation
sliding/tilt sunroof38
windows38
Convenience starting
feature69
Coolant146, 167
antifreeze146
temperature gauge85
Copyright notice4
Courtesy lamp, bulb
replacement189

t

Cover, sun blinds120
Cruise control81
Cruising range89, 97
Cup holder125
Curb weight221

D
Dashboard16
Data link connector for
Onboard Diagnostics178
Date
calling up92
changing92
Date, refer also to the
onboard monitor Owner's
Manual
Daytime-driving lamp105
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)23, 100, 145Deactivating99
interior motion
sensor40, 48
tilt sensor alarm
system40, 48
Deep water141
Defrost
rear window80

t

Defrost position113, 117
Defrost
windows113, 117

t

Difficult steering148

t

Digital clock92
Digital sound
processing211
Dimensions219
Dipstick, engine oil165

t

Disc brakes144
Disconnect the
battery195

t

Displacement218
Display lighting105
Displays18, 20
Distance96
Distance warning100
Diversity Antenna
system209
Divided rear-seat
backrest128
Door keys36

Everything from A to Z

Door locks, care146
Doors
emergency release38
manual operation38

t

remote control40
unlocking and locking38
DOT Quality Grades151
Drive belts224
Driving in winter146
Driving notes141
Driving through water141
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)24, 102, 208
DSP sound system211
refer also to the Radio
Owner's Manual
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)23, 100, 145
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)24, 102, 208

E
Electric power seat52
Electric power windows49
Electrical defect
fuel filler door198

t

sliding/tilt sunroof198

t

tailgate199
Electrical heating, exterior
mirror57
Electrical steering wheel,
adjusting56Electrical system224
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer37
Elements of operation16
Emergency operation
doors38

t

fuel filler door198

t

luggage compartment lid/
tailgate43, 199

t

sliding/tilt sunroof198

t

Energy control84
Engine
compartment160
coolant167
Engine oil
consumption165
grades166
level23
pressure22
specifications166

t

Engine specifications218
Error indicators86
Estimated time of arrival97
Exterior finish172
Exterior mirror56
electrical heating57
Exterior mirror with
automatic dimming
feature211

F
Failure messages86

t

Failure of an electrical
accessory196

t

Failure warnings86

t

Filler cap cover28
Filling capacities223
Filling the washer
reservoir164

t

First-aid kit27

t

Fittings, tow-starting and
towing201

t

Flashlight124
Flat tire150, 190

t

Fog lamp, bulb
replacement185

t

Footbrake144
Footwell lamps107
bulb replacement189

t

Forward/backward
adjustment, seats52, 55
Front fog lamps106
Front seat adjustment52
Frost protection,
radiator167
Fuel29
gauge84
quality29
tank capacity223
Fuel consumption97
average97
indicator84Fuel filler door, release after
electrical fault198
t
Fuses196

t

, 197

G
Gasoline29
gauge84
quality29
Glove compartment124
bulb replacement189
t

Gross vehicle weight221

H
Handbrake23, 70
Hands-free system125
Hazard warning
flashers27

t

Hazard warning
triangle27

t

Head restraints53
Headlamp covers,
care171

t

, 183

t

Headlamp flasher78
Headlamp washer
system164
Heated seats119
Heated steering wheel120
Heating and
ventilation108, 114
Heating while stopped118
Heating, rapid113
Heavy loads136