snow chains BMW 525I SPORT WAGON 2001 Owners Manual

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control
(PDC)100
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)102
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)103

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams105
Instrument lighting105
High beams/Parking lamps106
Fog lamps106
Interior lamps106
Reading lamps107

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Air conditioner108
Automatic climate control114
Seat heating119
Steering wheel heating120
Roller sun blind120
Independent ventilation
system120

Cabin convenience:

BMW Universal Transmitter121
Glove compartment124
Storage facilities124
Cellular phone125
Beverage holder 125
Ashtray, front126
Cigarette lighter126
Ashtray, rear127

Loading and transporting
cargo:

Through-loading system128
Ski bag129
sport wagon:
Luggage compartment132
Roll-up cover132
Partition net132
Storage areas in the luggage
compartment133
Cargo loading136
Roof-mounted luggage rack137

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure140
Driving notes141
Catalytic converter142
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)143
Disc brakes144
Brake system146
Winter operation146
Power steering148
Level control system148
Cellular phone149
Radio reception149

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure150
Tire condition150
Tire replacement151
Tire rotation152
Wheel and tire
combinations153
Winter tires154
Snow chains155
Approved wheel and tire
specifications156

102n
ASC+T/DSC
*
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)
*
These systems contribute to additional
vehicle stability, especially during
acceleration and when cornering.
The DSC system enhances the benefits
of the ASC+T. In addition to optimizing
vehicle stability and traction during
acceleration or when starting from a
standstill, a further benefit is realized in
cornering. This, of course, is true only
within physically feasible limits.
The system activates automatically
each time you start the engine.
To deactivate the systemPress the button (arrow). The indicator
lamp will come on.
Depending on equipment options, the
button is marked with ASC or DSC.
With deactivated ASC+T/DSC you are
driving with conventional, unregulated
torque transfer.
In the following exceptional situations,
it may be effective to deactivate the
ASC+T/DSC for a brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose sur-
faces.
>When driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 147.390us716
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to page 24.
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving:
There is a system malfunction or the
system was deactivated with the but-
ton. You can still drive the vehicle
normally without ASC+T/DSC. Please
consult your BMW center for repairs.

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
Overview
Controls and features Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical dataIndex
Advanced technology
139
n
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure 140
Driving notes 141
Catalytic converter 142
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 143
Disc brakes 144
Brake system 146
Winter operation 146
Power steering 148
Level control system 148
Cellular phone 149
Radio reception 149
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure 150
Tire condition 150
Tire replacement 151
Tire rotation 152
Wheel and tire combinations 153
Winter tires 154
Snow chains 155
Approved wheel and tire specifications 156 Under the hood:
Hood
159
Engine compartment 160
Washer fluids 164
Washer nozzles 164
Engine oil 165
Coolant 167
Brake fluid 168
Vehicle Identification Number 169
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance System 170
Caring for your car 171
Airbags 176
Vehicle storage 176
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications 177
California Proposition 65 Warning 177
OBD interface socket 178

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
143nAntilock Brake System (ABS)
The concept
ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking un-
der braking. The reason: locked wheels
are dangerous, because the vehicle
cannot be steered when the front
wheels slip, and loss of traction at the
rear wheels can cause the rear end to
break into an uncontrolled skid.
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability.
> To help retain steering and maneu-
vering capability on all types of road
surface (asphalt, concrete, dirt,
moisture, snow and ice).
With ABS, the shortest possible braking
distances are achieved under most
conditions (on straight-aways and in
curves, with different road surfaces).
Braking with ABS
The system becomes operative once
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). The ABS is deacti-
vated whenever the vehicle's speed
drops back below approx. 4 mph
(6 km/h). This means that the wheels
can lock in the final phase of a brake
application – a factor of no significance
in actual use.
The ABS system works best in situa-
tions requiring maximum pressure on
the pedal (full braking). Since the vehi-
cle maintains steering responsiveness,
you can nevertheless avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
The ABS closed-loop control circuit cy-
cles in fractions of a second. A pulsing
of the brake pedal, combined with the
sounds associated with the hydraulic
controls, tells you that the brake system
is within its maximum limit range and
reminds you that you should adapt your
vehicle's speed to road conditions. On road surfaces which have a loose
layer on a firm base (on gravel or snow,
for instance), the braking distances with
ABS may be longer than with the
wheels locked. This also applies to
driving with snow chains. However,
ABS continues to provide enhanced
vehicle stability and steering response
under these conditions.

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
147nWinter operation
Rubber seals and components
In order to prevent the weather-strip-
ping from freezing, apply BMW rubber
treatment or silicone spray to the seals
on the doors, hood and luggage com-
partment lid/tailgate.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center. <
Snow chains
BMW snow chains* can be mounted on
both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
and comply with the manufacturer's
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
For maximum traction, we recommend
that you manually deactivate the
ASC+T/DSC
* when driving with snow
chains mounted. Refer to page 102.
Starting off
We recommend that you use the
manual control switch to deactivate
ASC+T/ DSC
* when starting off in deep
snow or when rocking the car to free it
(refer to page 102).
Driving on low-traction road
surfaces
Use smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. Adapt
your speed and driving style when ap-
proaching grades or slopes. Maintain
an adequate distance between yourself
and the vehicle ahead.
Brakes
Winter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface.
The resulting increases in braking dis-
tance are considerable and should be
kept in mind at all times.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response. If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Following that, increase pedal pressure
again. Reduce the pressure as the
wheels lock, then reapply pressure.
Repeat this procedure.
This type of staggered braking will
reduce the braking distance, and the
vehicle still remains responsive to
steering.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces. Doing so could cause
the rear wheels to lose traction and
skid, which could result in the loss of
vehicle control. <
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces which
provide only poor or uneven traction. <

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
155nWinter tires Snow chains*
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the tires are
rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you. <
Tire condition, tire pressure
Winter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to be-
low 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus be
replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures – and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
Storage
Store tires in a cool, dry place, away
from light whenever possible. Protect
the tires against contact with oil, grease
and fuel. Use narrow-link BMW snow chains
on
summer or winter tires only in pairs and
only on the rear wheels. Comply with all
manufacturer's safety precautions
when mounting the chains.
It is not possible to mount snow
chains on tires with 17-inch
wheels. <

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
157nApproved wheel and tire specifications – sedan
Pay attention to the specifications for
tires and wheels in the vehicle's docu-
ments. If sizes not approved by the
manufacturer are mounted, an entry in
the vehicle's documents may be neces-
sary. Comply with local legislation.
Snow chains*
For tires on 17-inch wheels, it is not
possible to mount snow chains.
Tire specifications Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel
BMW 530i, 540i:
All season tires (BMW 530i, 540iA only)
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S – 7Jx16
Summer tires
225/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y – 8Jx17
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y –
–8Jx17
9Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17
The use of rims and wheel bolts
that do not meet the specifica-
tions of the original factory-installed
equipment will affect the safe operation
of your vehicle and may cause an acci-
dent and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol. <

158nApproved wheel and tire specifications – sport wagon
Tire specifications Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel
BMW 525i
All season tires
225/60 R 15 96 H M+S – 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S – 7Jx16
Summer tires
225/60 R 15 96 W – 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y – 8Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
225/60 R 15 96 Q 7Jx15 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 Q – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q – 8Jx17
BMW 540i
All season tires
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S – 7Jx16
Summer tires
225/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y – 8Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
225/55 R 16 95 Q – 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q – 8Jx17Pay attention to the specifications for
tires and wheels in the vehicle's docu-
ments. If sizes not approved by the
manufacturer are mounted, an entry in
the vehicle's documents may be neces-
sary. Comply with local legislation.
Snow chains*
For tires on 17-inch wheels, it is not
possible to mount snow chains. The use of rims and wheel bolts
that do not meet the specifica-
tions of the original factory-installed
equipment will affect the safe operation
of your vehicle and may cause an acci-
dent and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol. <

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
201nJump-starting Towing the vehicle
6 Start the engine of the support
vehicle and let it run.
7 Start the engine on the vehicle needing the jump-start, and allow it
to run as usual. If the first start at-
tempt is not successful, wait a few
minutes before another attempt in
order to allow the discharged battery
to recharge.
8 Before disconnecting the jumper cables from your BMW, turn on the
headlamps, the rear window
defroster and the highest blower
speed and allow the engine to run
at least 10 seconds to prevent a volt-
age surge at the voltage regulator.
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in the opposite order.
Have the battery recharged if neces-
sary.
Tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting
is designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle, and is intended for towing
on proper road surfaces only.
It should not be used to pull a vehicle
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc. Al-
ways observe all applicable towing laws
and regulations.
Access to tow sockets
Front:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on
the cover panel to remove.
390de087
Rear:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on
the cover panel to remove.
Screw the tow fitting in until it bot-
toms firmly. If this is not done, the
threads could be damaged.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, leading to pos-
sible accidents. <
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-
ience of this material helps protect both
vehicles from sudden jerking move-
ments.
394de088

Everything from A to Z
233n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Rear wiper blade, blade
replacement182t
Rear-seat backrest,
removable128
Rearview mirror57
Recirculated air mode110
Recirculated-air control117
Reclining seat52
Refueling28
Releasing fuel filler door after
electrical defect198t
Releasing the hood159t
Reminder signal93
Remote control39
computer99
Removable rear-seat
backrest128
Removing condensation
from the
windows113t, 117t
from the
windshield113t, 117t
Replace wiper
blades182t
Replacement keys36
Replacement of tires151
Replacing fuses196t
Reporting safety defects7
Reservoir, washer
fluids164t
Residual heat118
Restraint system62Reverse71
Rims153
Roller sun blind120
Roof load capacity221
Roof-mounted luggage
rack137
Rubber parts147
SSafety belt tensioner210
Safety belts61
Safety lock buttons42
Seats
electric power52
forward/backward
adjustment52, 55
heating119
height adjustment52
machanical53
mechanical53
memory58
Secure the load46, 136
Selector lever, automatic
transmission72, 75
Self-dimming rearview
mirror211
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
(US models)170
Service Interval
Display85, 170
Servotronic148Shift lever70
Shiftlock72, 75
Shoulder support54
Shutting off the engine69
Side airbags62
Side Impact Head Protection
System62
Side lamps, bulb
replacement184t
Ski bag129
Ski bag in the sport
wagon131
Skid control148
Sliding148
Sliding/tilt sunroof50
closing after an after an
electrical defect198t
convenience operation38
glass moonroof51
manual operation198
power supply
interruption51t
remote control40
Slippery roads147
Snow chains147, 155t
Socket127
Sound system, refer to
DSP211
Spare key36
Spare tire191t
Spark plugs224
Speaker125Special oil166t
Specifications for engine
oil166
Speed98
Speed control81
Speed limit95, 96
Speedometer18, 20
sport wagon
compartments in the
luggage
compartment133
folding down the rear
backrest132
lashing eyes136
load-securing
devices136
luggage
compartment132
luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
replacement189t
opening the rear
window44
partition net132
rear window wiper80
rear window wiper, blade
replacement182t
releasing the fuel filler
door after an electrical
defect198t
releasing the tailgate after
an electrical defect199t