manual transmission BMW 525XI 2006 User Guide

Driving tips
117Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW discourages the use of mobile
communications devices, e. g. mobile
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
device can influence one another. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation which
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.<
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature*
This feature is controlled by two photocells in
the inside rearview mirror. One is integrated into
the glass of the mirror, while the other is located
at an offset position on the rear of the mirror
housing.
For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells
clean and do not cover the area between the
interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do
not attach stickers of any kind to the windshield
in front of the mirror, either.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between the tires and
the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page193.
Driving through water
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 vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
greater clutch wear will result.<
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold
the vehicle on a hill by pressing the accel-
erator, but apply the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission
region.<
Starting assistant
The starting assistant enables you to start off
conveniently on slopes. The parking brake is
not required for this purpose.
1.Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.
2.Release the footbrake and immediately
drive off quickly.
The starting assistant holds the vehicle
for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the
footbrake. Depending on the load, the vehicle
may also roll back slightly during this time.
After releasing the footbrake, immediately start
quickly, otherwise the starting assistant no
longer holds the vehicle after approx. 2 seconds
and it begins to roll back.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.

Things to remember when driving
118 Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on 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
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting in the manual mode
of the automatic transmission, if necessary into
first gear, refer to page62. This prevents over-
loading of the brakes.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise there will be no engine braking action or
support of the braking force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
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 tendency 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 pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this vehicle
from being damaged, always fold them in by
hand before entering an automatic car wash.
With comfort access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off in the selector
lever position N. Also refer to page39.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg. Otherwise, this could

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
149Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Changing selection criteria
1.Change into the second field from the top.
2.Turn the controller until the desired selec-
tion criterion is selected and press the con-
troller.
Buttons next to CD player
Press the button for the corresponding
direction.
The system switches to the next displayed sta-
tion.
You can also change stations with buttons on
the steering wheel, refer to page11.
Sampling stations, scan
The system automatically plays a brief sample
from each of the stations on the current wave-
band.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
"Set" is selected.
2.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
Scan starts.To stop the scan:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
This cancels the scan search, and the radio
remains on the current station.
Buttons next to CD player
To start scan, hold down the button for
the corresponding direction.
To stop scanning, press button again.
Selecting frequency manually
With "Manual" you can select stations that are
received in addition to those displayed.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Change into the second field from the top.
3.Select "Manual" and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller to set a certain fre-
quency.
Updating stations with best reception
If you are on a longer journey and leave the
transmission range of the stations originally set,
you can update the list of stations with the best
reception.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Change into the second field from the top.

Telephoning
166
Telephoning
The concept
Your BMW is equipped with a full mobile phone
preparation package. After logging on a suitable
mobile phone on the vehicle once, you can
operate the mobile phone via iDrive, with the
buttons on the steering wheel and by voice.
A mobile phone that has been logged on once is
automatically detected again with the engine
running or the ignition switched on as soon as
it is in the vehicle interior. The logon data of up
to four mobile phones can be stored simulta-
neously. If several mobile phones are detected
simultaneously, the respective last mobile
phone logged on can be operated via the vehi-
cle.
Using a phone in your vehicle
Using the snap-in adapter*
The so-called snap-in adapter, a mobile phone
cradle, enables the battery to be charged and
the mobile phone to be connected to the exter-
nal antenna of your vehicle. This ensures
improved network reception and a consistent
voice reproduction quality. Ask your BMW cen-
ter which mobile phones snap-in adapters are
offered for.
BMW discourages the use of mobile
phones or other mobile communications
devices inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
device can influence one another. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation which
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.<
Avoid operating a mobile phone detected by
the vehicle with the keypad of the mobile
phone, otherwise malfunctions can occur.
For your safety
A car phone makes life more convenient in
many ways, and can even save lives in an emer-
gency. While you should consult your mobile
phone's separate owner's manual for a detailed
description of safety precautions and informa-
tion, we request that you direct your particular
attention to the following:
Only make entries when the traffic situa-
tion allows you to do so. Do not hold the
mobile phone in your hand while you are driving;
use the hands-free system instead. If you do
not observe this precaution, your being dis-
tracted can endanger vehicle occupants and
other road users.<
Suitable mobile phones
Ask your BMW center which mobile phones
with a Bluetooth interface are supported by the
mobile phone preparation package or which
mobile phones snap-in adapters are available
for. These mobile phones support the functions
described in this Owner's Manual with a certain
software version. Malfunctions can occur with
other mobile phones.
Care instructions
You can find what you need to know about car-
ing for your mobile phone in the separate Caring
for your vehicle brochure and in the mobile
phone owner's manual.
Operating options
You can operate the mobile phone* using:
>The steering wheel, refer to page11
>iDrive, refer to page16
>Voice commands, refer to page174
*

Giving and receiving assistance
214 Sedan:
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page203.
Sports Wagon:
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side
panel in the cargo area, refer to page203.
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 vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
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 is switched on,
refer to page56, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. If the vehicle
electrical system fails, do not tow-start or tow
the vehicle. The electric steering-wheel lock
cannot be unlocked and the vehicle cannot be
steered. For information on jump starting, refer to page212. There is no power assistance with
the engine stopped. This then requires
increased effort for braking and steering. Active
steering is deactivated 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.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
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, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox
Engage selector lever position N with the igni-
tion switched on.
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result.<
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, otherwise it
will not be possible to reliably 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.

Mobility
215Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
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.
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With tow truck for 525xi, 530xi
Do not tow the BMW with the front or rear
axle raised individually, otherwise the
wheels may block and the transfer case may be
damaged.<
The BMW may only be transported on a truck
bed.
Tow-starting
If the vehicle electrical system fails, do not
tow-start or tow the vehicle. The electric
steering-wheel lock cannot be unlocked and
the vehicle cannot be steered. Jump starting,
refer to page212.<
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission.Only tow-start vehi-
cles with a catalytic converter with the engine
cold. It is better to jump start the engine, refer to
page212.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on ignition, refer to page56.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. Vehicles with SMG, see
below.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch again completely.
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.
Vehicles with SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox:
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select Sequential mode. The correct gear
will be selected and engaged automatically.
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent
Control of the 525xi, 530 xi during tow-
starting, refer to page86.<

Reference 221
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Sedan525i530i550i
Curb weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 3,395/1,540 3,450/1,565 3,902/1,770
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,439/1,560 3,472/1,575 3,924/1,780
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 4,497/2,040 4,552/2,065 5,004/2,270
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,541/2,060 4,575/2,075 5,026/2,280
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,161/980 2,227/1,010 2,469/1,120
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,601/1,180 2,601/1,180 2,679/1,215
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520 18.4/520
Sedan525xi530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,593/1,630 3,670/1,660
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,638/1,650 3,704/1,680
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 4,696/2,130 4,762/2,160
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,740/2,150 4,806/2,180
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,315/1,050 2,315/1,050
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520

Technical data
222 Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
Sports Wagon530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,858/1,750
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,891/1,765
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 5,049/2,290
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 5,082/2,305
Load lbs./kg 1,190/540
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,381/1,080
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,866/1,300
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 17.7-58.3/500-1,650
Notes
Fuel tank gal/liters approx. 18.5/70 Fuel grade: page187
of that reserve gal/liters approx. 2.1/8
Window cleaning system For more details: page64
>Sedan quarts/liters approx. 3.2/3
>incl. headlamp washer system quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5
>Sports Wagon quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5
Engine with oil filter change BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
Oil grades: page198 >525i/xi, 530i/xi quarts/liters 6.9/6.5
>550i quarts/liters 8.5/8.0

Everything from A to Z
232 Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
Door locking, acknowl-
edgment signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades192
Draft-free ventilation101
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders107
Drive mode60
"Driver's door only"30
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams94
Driving notes116
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route137
Driving stability control
systems84
Driving through water117
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes116
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function100
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function100
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control84
– indicator lamp13,85
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control85
– activating85
– indicator lamp13,85
DVD for navigation124
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC84
Dynamic Drive87
Dynamic Driving Control60
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC84
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC85
E
Easy entry/exit50
– backrest width45
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player144
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof, electric41
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof42
– tailgate35
Electric steering wheel
adjustment50
Electronic brake-force
distribution84
Electronic oil level check197
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control84
Emergency call211
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof42
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission62
– tailgate35
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment34
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance212
"Emission inspect."76
"Enable services"180
"End call"171
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control73
Energy Control73Engine
– breaking-in116
– data218
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature72
– speed218
– starting57
– starting, comfort access37
– starting difficulties57
– switching off57
Engine compartment197
Engine coolant199
Engine oil
– adding198
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils198
– approved engine oil198
– checking oil level197
– electronic oil level check197
"Engine oil level"198
Engine output, refer to Engine
data218
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature72
Engine speed218
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine57
"Enter address"125,132
Entering destination via town/
city name126
Entering the
address125,128
Entering the intersection127
Entering town/city for
navigation126
Entering zip code for
navigation127
"Entertainment"144
"Entertainment
settings"145,152
Entertainment sound output
on/off145
Entry map for destination129
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control147
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control147
"ESN"154

Reference 233
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control84
Event Data Recorders202
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system116
Exterior mirrors49
– automatic dimming
feature117
– automatic heating49
– folding in and out49
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror50
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting213
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control146
Fader, refer to Tone
control146
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control77
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms37
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts47
– warning lamp47
Fastest route for
navigation134
"Fast route" for
navigation135
"Favorites" calling up with
radio151
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit212
First-aid kit212
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight106Flat tire
– changing wheels207
– compact wheel208
– Flat Tire Monitor87,88
– run-flat tires88,194
Flat Tire Monitor87
– false alarms88
– initializing system88
– limits of system88
– show chains195
– warning lamp88
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition193
"FM", reception
range144,148
FM, waveband148
Fog lamps97
– indicator lamp13,97
Folding rear seat
back109,111
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely117
Footwell lamps97
For specified oil grades, refer
to Approved engine oils198
Forward, fast
– CD changer161
– CD player161
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive85
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria135
Front airbags90
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front106
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating90
Front seat adjustment44
"FTM"88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor87
Fuel187
– capacity222
– display73
– high-quality brands187
– quality187
– specifications187Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Fuel consumption display,
computer, average fuel
consumption73
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Fuel filler door186
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction186
Fuses210
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control104
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel187
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Gear changes
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox60
Gear display
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox59
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission58
Gearshift lever positions,
manual transmission58
General driving notes116
Glass sunroof, electric40
– auto-remote operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access38
– moving manually41
– remote control30
Glove compartment105
– lighting105
– rechargeable flashlight106
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system124