winter tires BMW 525XI 2006 Owners Manual

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193Reference
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heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page194.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Indicates specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. For the sake of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread
has been driven down to the wear indicators, a
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been
reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazards and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These
kinds of problems may also be signaled by other
changes in vehicle response, such as a strong
tendency to pull to the left or right.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the
nearest BMW center or tire shop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If necessary,
have the vehicle towed there. Tire damage can
be extremely dangerous for vehicle occupants
and other road users.<

Wheels and tires
194
Run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by the circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire.
Run-flat tires consist of partially self-contained
tires and special rims. The sidewall reinforce-
ment ensures that the tire retains some residual
safety in the event of pressure drop and driving
remains possible to a restricted degree.
To continue driving with a damaged tire, refer to
Indication of a flat tire, page88.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
h a z a r d s . M a k e s u re t h a t t h e n e w w h ee l s a r e b a l-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend that you use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may
be impaired. The causes for this include the
possibly different tire casing structures and the
often wide variations in their age, which can
result in a limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct wheel/tire combination also affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC or xDrive.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. Following
tire damage, have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon
as possible.
Recommended tire brands
Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW
depending on the tire size. You can recognize
these from the clearly visible BMW marking on
the tire sidewall.
When used properly, these tires comply with
the most demanding standards for safety and
vehicle response.
Run-flat tires
When mounting new tires, or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-flat
tires for your own safety. In addition, no spare
tire is available in case of a flat tire. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.

Mobility
195Reference
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For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that you do not have damaged run-flat
tires repaired; they should be replaced.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the side wall
of the tire.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and recommends
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
Use is only permissible in pairs on the rear
wheels.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
After mounting snow chains, do not ini-
tialize the Flat Tire Monitor, otherwise
incorrect displays can occur.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page85.<

Mobility
209Reference
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When you mount wheels other than Genu-
ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
bolts may also be required.
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
5.Lower the vehicle and remove the jack from
beneath the vehicle.
After mounting
1.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
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 speci-
fied torque. The tightening torque is
88.5 lb ft/120 Nm.<
2.When stowing the wheel and tools in the
vehicle, execute these steps in the reverse
order.
3.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.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page88.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with 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
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. You should re-equip with
wheels and tires of the original size as quickly as
possible.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page212.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping
over during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings are also lost
and must be updated:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page45.
>Time and Date
The values must be updated, refer to
page80.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again if necessary,
refer to page150.
>Navigation system
Wait until the system starts, refer to
page141.

227Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions, and
indicates where to find them
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System84
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control65
Acceleration assistant for
SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox61
Accessories6
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control77
Activated-charcoal filter102
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation102
Active cruise control65
– indicator lamp68
– radar sensor69
– selecting distance67
– warning lamps69
Active head restraints,
front47
Active seat49
Active seat ventilation49
Active steering89
– warning lamp89
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display89
Adaptive Head Light95
"Add digits" for mobile
phone172
"Address book" for
navigation132Address for navigation
– deleting133
– entering125,128
– selecting133
– storing132
– storing current position133
"Add to address book"132
"Add to destination
list"128,129
Adjusting active backrest
width45
Adjusting confirmation signals
for locking and unlocking31
Adjusting the thigh support44
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control145
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear146
– right/left balance146
"After door opened"46
"After unlocking"46
Airbags90
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp91
Air circulation, refer to Air
recirculation101
Air distribution
– automatic99
– manual100
Airing, refer to Ventilation101
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control101
– recirculated-air mode101
"Air recirculation on / off"51
Air vent outlets of automatic
climate control98
Air vents98
– refer to Ventilation101
Air volume100
AKI, refer to Fuel quality187Alarm system36
– avoiding unintentional
alarms37
– interior motion sensor37
– switching off the alarm37
– switching off the tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor37
– tilt alarm sensor37
All around the center
console14
All around the steering
wheel10
"All channels"154
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires195
"All stations" calling up with
radio148,151
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive85
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road140
"AM", reception
range144,148
Antenna for mobile phone166
Antifreeze
– coolant199
– washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System
ABS84
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system36
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system29
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof, electric41
– panorama glass sunroof42
– power windows39
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights221
Approved engine oils
198

Everything from A to Z
236 Locking
– from inside33
– from outside30
– setting confirmation
signals31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access37
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside32
– from outside30
– setting confirmation
signals31
Locking out, refer to
Unlocking37
Locking without key, refer to
Comfort access37
"LOGIC7", refer to Tone
control146
Low beams94
– automatic94
– replacing bulbs204
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44
Lug bolts208
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting209
– wrench207
Luggage compartment
– capacity221
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening separately34
– opening with remote
control31
Luggage compartment cover,
refer to Cargo area
cover111Luggage compartment lid33
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation34
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– unlocking and locking from
inside32
– unlocking manually34
Luggage net, refer to
Separation net111
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack120
Lumbar support44
LW, waveband148
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires195
Maintenance
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models201
– refer to Service
requirements75
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models201
Maintenance system201
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control77
Manual air distribution100
"Manual" for radio149
Manually controlled recircu-
lated air101
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox60Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof42
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission62
Manual transmission58
"Map direction of travel"138
Map display138
Map display facing north138
"Map facing north"138
Map for navigation
– changing scale138
– destination entry129
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling100
Maximum speed
– for winter tires195
– with compact wheel209
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory45
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Microfilter102
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature117
Mirrors49
– automatic curb monitor50
– folding in and out49
– heating49
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory45
"Missed calls"
172
Missed calls173
Mobile communications
devices in vehicle117

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox59
Shift paddles60
Short commands of voice
command system223
"Short route" for
navigation135
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route134
Shoulder support44
"Show current position"130
"Show destination
position"130
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer160
– CD player160
Side airbags90
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs205
Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs205
Side window blind, refer to
Sun blinds105
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely43
– with airbags43
– with head restraint43
– with safety belts43
Ski bag110
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric40
– refer to Panorama glass
sunroof41
Slope assistant, refer to
Starting assistant117SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox59
– acceleration assistant61
– breaking-in116
– Dynamic Driving Control60
– gear display59
– kick-down60
– shiftlock59
– towing214
– tow-starting215
Snow chains195
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics interface202
Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock56
Sockets, refer to Connecting
electrical devices108
Song search with CD, refer to
Playing a track159
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency call211
Spare fuses210
Spare key
28
– adapter28
Spare remote control28
Spare wheel, refer to
Changing wheels207
Spare wheel, refer to Compact
wheel208
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils198
Speed
– with compact wheel209
– with winter tires195
Speed-dependent
volume146
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit79
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone
control146
"Sport", active backrest width
adjustment45
Sport program, refer to
Dynamic Driving Control60Sports Wagon
– automatic tailgate
operation35
– cargo area cover111
– compartments in cargo
area112
– increasing cargo area111
– opening rear window34
– opening tailgate35
– panorama glass sunroof41
– rear window wiper64
– rear window wiper, changing
wiper blade203
– releasing fuel filler door in
event of electrical
malfunction186
– roll-up cover, refer to Cargo
area cover111
– self-leveling suspension87
– separation net111
– socket in cargo area109
– storage area package112
– tail lamps, replacing
bulbs205
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems84
"Star button"51
Star button51
Start/Stop button56
"Start destination
guidance"130
"Start" for stopwatch79
"Start guidance"128,136
Starting, refer to Starting
engine57
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting212
Starting assistant117
Starting difficulties
– jump starting212
– refer to Special starting
conditions57
Starting off on slopes, refer to
Starting assistant117
Start menu, iDrive17
"Start service"181

Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Tires
– age192
– air loss88
– breaking-in116
– changing194
– condition193
– damage193
– flat tire, refer to Changing
wheels207
– inflation pressure188
– new wheels and tires194
– pressure monitoring87
– replacing207
– retreaded tires194
– run-flat tires194
– size192
– tread193
– wear indicators193
– wheel/tire combination194
– winter tires195
"Tone"145
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting145
– middle setting147
Tone on locking/unlocking31
Tools, refer to Onboard
toolkit203
"Top 8" for mobile phone172
Torque
– engine218
– lug bolts, refer to After
mounting209
Touch tone dialing173
Tow fitting213
Towing213
– tow fitting213
"Town / City" for destination
entry126
Tow-starting213,215
Tracks
– random play sequence160
– sample scan159
Track width, refer to
Dimensions219
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control84Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control84
Traffic congestion, refer to
Bypassing route
sections140
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– deactivating selector lever
interlock on automatic
transmission with
Steptronic62
– manual transmission58
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox59
– starting assistant117
Transporting children
safely52
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo120
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread193
"Treble", refer to Tone
control146
Treble, refer to Tone
control145
"Trip computer"75
Trip computer74
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer72
"Triple turn signal
activation"63
Trip odometer72
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions219
Turn signals62
– indicator lamp10,12
– replacing bulbs205
U
Underbody protection, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR192
"Units"81Units
– average fuel
consumption81
– temperature81
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote
control104
Universal remote control104
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside33
– from outside30
– without key, refer to Comfort
access37
Unlocking without key, refer to
Comfort access37
"Update services"182
"Use current location as
address"133,134
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal209
– refer to Replacing battery39
V
Valve screw caps, refer to
After mounting209
Vehicle
– battery209
– break-in period116
– care202
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– dimensions219
– loading118
– parking57
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weights221
Vehicle jack207
– jacking points208
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position140
"Vehicle settings", when
unlocking30

Everything from A to Z
244 Ventilation101
– draft-free101
– in the rear102
– while stationary102
Venting, refer to
Ventilation101
Vent outlets of the automatic
climate control98
Vents, refer to Ventilation101
"Vent settings"100
Voice, refer to Destination
guidance with voice
instructions139
Voice command system22
– short commands223
Voice instructions for
navigation system139
– muting51
– repeating51,139
– switching on/off51,139
– volume140
Voice phone book176
Volume144
– audio sources144
– mobile phone170
– setting speed-
dependent146
– voice instructions140
W
Warning lamps, refer to
Indicator/warning lamps13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control77
Warning triangle211
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models201
Washer fluid64
– capacity of the reservoir64
Washer fluid reservoir64
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water117
Waveband for radio148
"WB"144,152
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth193Weather news flashes151
Website4
Weights221
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to New wheels and tires194
Wheel/tire damage193
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions219
Wheels and tires188
Width, refer to
Dimensions219
Windows39
– auto-remote operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access38
– convenience operation30
– rear window, Sports
Wagon34
– safety switch40
Windshield
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system63
– defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows100
– displays, refer to Head-Up
Display92
Windshield washer system
– refer to Wiper system63
– windshield washer
nozzles64
Windshield wipers, refer to
Washer system63
– wiper blade
replacement203
Winter tires195
– speed limit selection79
– storage195
Wiper blade replacement203
Wiper system63
– rain sensor63
– washer fluid64
– windshield washer
nozzles
64
"With highways" for
navigation135
Word matching principle for
navigation135Working in the engine
compartment196
Wrenches/screwdrivers, refer
to Onboard toolkit203
X
xDrive85
Xenon lamps204
– replacing bulbs204

Refueling
So that you will have important specifications
available when you stop to refuel, we recom-
mend that you supplement the following tables
with data which apply to your vehicle. Consult
the index for individual specifications.Fuel
Engine oil
Tire inflation pressure
Designation
Please enter your preferred fuel here.
Quality
Summer tires
FrontRearWinter tires
FrontRear
Up to 4 persons
5 persons or 4 plus luggage