winter tires BMW 525XI 2007 Owners Manual

Mobility
213Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.<
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:
>With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of
a flat tire, page92
>With Tire Pressure Control, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure,
page94

Wheels and tires
214
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, as driving safety may be
impaired. The causes for this include the possi-
bly 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.
Wheels with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When mounting new tires or converting from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics, otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor cannot detect a flat tire,
refer to page92. Your BMW center will be
happy to advise you on this subject.
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.
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.

Mobility
215Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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
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.
Rotating wheels between axles
BMW does not recommend moving the front
wheels to the rear or vice versa, as otherwise
the handling characteristics may be impaired.
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 page88.<

Mobility
229Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page91, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page93.
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 switched off. Connections, refer to
Jump starting on page232.
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
page47.
>Time and Date
The values must be updated, refer to
page83.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again if necessary,
refer to page166.
>Navigation system
Wait until the system starts, refer to
page134.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, as
this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
Sedan
Spare fuses, plastic tweezers and fuse alloca-
tion diagram are located in the compartment for
the onboard tool kit, refer to page222.
Sports Wagon
Spare fuses and a pair of plastic tweezers are
contained in the onboard tool kit, refer to
page222. A fuse allocation diagram is located
in the cargo bay behind the right-hand side
panel.

Everything from A to Z
248
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
System87
– indicator/warning lamp90
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control69
Acceleration assistant for
SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission64
Accepted calls188
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
call231
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control80
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control111
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation111
Active cruise control69
– indicator lamp72
– radar sensor72
– selecting distance71
– warning lamps72
Active head restraints,
front49
Active seat51
Active seat ventilation51
Active steering95
– warning lamp96
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display96
Adaptive Head Light104"Add digits" for mobile
phone189
Additives
– coolant219
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils218
"Address book" for
navigation142
Address for navigation
– deleting144
– entering135,138
– selecting143
– storing142
– storing current position143
"Add to address book"142
"Add to destination
list"138,140
Adjusting active backrest
width47
Adjusting interior
temperature108
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control161
Adjusting thigh support46
Adjustment in audio mode
– front/rear balance162
– right/left balance162
"After door opened"48
"After unlocking"48
Airbags96
– indicator/warning lamp98
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags97
– sitting safely45
Air distribution
– automatic108
– manual109
Airing, refer to Ventilation110
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control110
– recirculated-air mode110Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode110
"Air recirculation on / off"54
Air supply, automatic climate
control107
Air volume109
AKI, refer to Fuel quality207
Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional
alarms38
– interior motion sensor38
– switching off alarm38
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor38
– tilt alarm sensor38
"All channels"170
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires214
"All stations" calling up with
radio164,167
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive89
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road151
Alternate route, refer to
Bypassing traffic
congestion154
"AM", reception
range161,164
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antenna for mobile phone182
Antifreeze
– coolant219
– washer fluid67
Antilock Brake System
ABS87
– indicator/warning lamp90
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system37

Everything from A to Z
258
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams103
Lamps and bulbs223
"Language / Units"85
"Language / Units" for
navigation150
"Languages"85
"Languages" for
navigation150
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo130
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list141
"Last seat pos."48
LATCH child restraint fixing
system57
LEDs light-emitting
diodes223
Length, refer to
Dimensions239
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs226
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs223
Lighter117
"Lighting"66,104
Lighting
– instruments105
– lamps and bulbs223
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps103
Light switch103
"Limit"82
Loading
– securing cargo130
– stowing cargo129
– vehicle128
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo130
"Lock after driving"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33Locking31
– confirmation signals31
– from inside33
– from outside31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals31
– from inside33
– from outside30
LOGIC 7162
Low beams103
– automatic103
– replacing bulbs223
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support47
Lug bolts228
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting228
– wrench226
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay
Luggage compartment lid34
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation34
– emergency release35
– locking separately34
– opening from inside34
– opening from outside34
– unlocking and locking from
inside33
– unlocking manually34
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
– comfort access39
Luggage net, refer to
Separation net120
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack130
Lumbar support47
LW, waveband164
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires214
Maintenance220
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models220
– refer to Service
requirements78
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models220
Maintenance system220
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control80
Manual air distribution109
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission63
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door206
– glass sunroof43
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission65
Manual transmission62
"Manual" with radio165
"Map direction of travel"149
Map display148
"Map facing north"149
Map for navigation
– changing scale149
– destination entry140
Map view facing north148
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling109
Maximum speed
– with compact wheel229
Maximum speed with winter
tires215

Everything from A to Z
262 Replacing wheels/tires, refer
to New wheels and tires214
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve
– warning, refer to Fuel
gauge76
"Reset"91,93
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings163
"Reset" of tone settings163
"Reset" stopwatch82
"resetting FTM …"92
Residual heat110
Restraint systems
– for children55
– refer to Safety belts50
Retaining straps, refer to
Storage area package,
Sports Wagon121
Retreaded tires214
Reverse, fast
– CD changer177
– CD player177
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– manual transmission62
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission63
Road map148
"Roadside
Assistance"190,197
Roadside Assistance232
Roadside parking lamps105
– replacing bulbs224
Roller sun blind, refer to Sun
blinds114
Roll-up cover, Sports
Wagon119
Roof load capacity241
Roof-mounted luggage
rack130
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing233
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16Route145
– bypassing sections151
– changing151
– changing criteria145
– displaying148
– displaying arrow display148
– displaying map view148
– displaying streets or towns/
cities149
– selecting145
Route information, refer to
Destination guidance with
voice instructions
150
Route map, refer to Displaying
map view148
Route selection145
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires213
Rubber parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Run-Flat Tires
– Flat Tire Monitor91
Run-flat tires213
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire92,94
– flat tire92,94
– new wheels and tires214
– tire inflation
pressure92,94,208
– Tire Pressure Monitor92
– tire replacement214
– winter tires214
S
Safety5
Safety belts50
– damage50
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– sitting safely45
– warning lamp50
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags96
– refer to Safety belts50Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System87
– airbags96
– driving stability control
systems87
– safety belts50
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires213
Satellite radio169
– enabling channel169
– selecting channel170
– storing channel170
"SAT" for radio161,169
"Save current
destination"144
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD175
– stations with radio165
Scan
– CD changer175
– CD player175
– radio165
"Scan all" in audio mode175
"Scan directory" in audio
mode175
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting234
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio169
"Seat heater distribution"51
Seats46
– active backrest width
adjustment47
– adjusting the seats46
– comfort seat46
– easy entry/exit47
– heating50
– lumbar support47
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
– shoulder support46
– sitting safely45
– storing the setting47
– thigh support46
– ventilation, refer to Active
seat ventilation51

Everything from A to Z
264 Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock59
Sockets, refer to Connecting
electrical devices117
Soft closure aid, refer to
Automatic soft closing33
Song search on CD, refer to
Sampling tracks175
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency call231
Spare
– adapter for spare key28
– fuses229
– key28
– wheel, refer to Compact
wheel228
Spare wheel, refer to
Changing wheels226
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils218
Specified oil grades, refer to
Approved engine oils218
Speed
– limit82
– with compact wheel229
Speed-dependent
volume162
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit82
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone
control162
Speed with winter tires215
"Sport", active backrest width
adjustment47
Sport program, refer to
Dynamic Driving Control63Sports Wagon
– automatic roll-up cover119
– automatic tailgate
operation36
– compartments in cargo
bay121
– expanding cargo bay120
– opening rear window35
– opening tailgate35
– panorama glass sunroof43
– rear window wiper67
– rear window wiper, changing
wiper blade222
– releasing fuel filler door in
event of electrical
malfunction206
– roll-up cover119
– roll-up cover for cargo
bay119
– self-leveling suspension90
– separation net120
– socket in cargo bay118
– storage area package121
– tail lamps, replacing
bulbs225
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems87
"Star button"54
Star button53
Start/Stop button59
– starting the engine60
Start/stop button
– switching off the engine61
"Start destination
guidance"140
"Start" for stopwatch82
"Start guidance"138,147
Starting, refer to Starting
engine60
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting232
Starting assistant127
Starting difficulties
– jump starting232
– refer to Special starting
conditions60Starting off on slopes, refer to
Starting assistant127
Start menu, iDrive17
"Start service"197
"State / Province" for
destination entry136
"State inspection"79
Station, refer to Radio164
"Status"79
Status information on Control
Display20
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steering wheel
– adjustment53
– automatic adjustment, refer
to Steering wheel
memory47
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– easy entry/exit53
– heating53
– lock, refer to Ignition lock59
– locking59
– memory47
– programmable buttons53
– shift paddles63
"Steering wheel buttons"54
Steering-wheel shift buttons,
refer to Shift paddles63
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering95
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic64
– sport program and manual
mode65
"Stop" for stopwatch83
"Stopwatch"82
Stopwatch82
Storage area package, Sports
Wagon121
Storage compartments116
"Store" for radio171
"Store in address book" for
navigation143
"Store" with radio166

Reference 265
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Storing current position143
Storing radio stations166
Storing sitting position, refer
to Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory47
Storing tires215
"Street" for destination
entry137
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires208
Sun blinds114
"Surround Settings", refer to
Tone control162
SW, waveband164
Swinging up floor panel,
Sports Wagon121
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off engine61
Switching on
– audio160
– CD changer160
– CD player160
– radio160
Switching on hour signal84
Swiveling headlamps, refer to
Adaptive Head Light104
Symbols4
– indicator/warning lamps13
– navigation system153
– status information20
– traffic information with
navigation system151
T
Tachometer75
"Tailgate"36
Tailgate34
– automatic operation36
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually36
– locking and unlocking from
inside33
– opening from inside35
Tail lamps225
– replacing bulbs225
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities242Target cursor for
navigation140
Technical alterations, refer to
For your own safety5
Technical data238
– capacities242
– dimensions239
Telematics, refer to
BMW Assist196
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest115
– refer to Mobile phone182
"Telephone list"54
TeleService198
Temperature
– adjusting in upper body
region108
– adjusting with automatic
climate control108
– changing units of
measure85
– refer to Coolant
temperature75
Temperature display
– changing units of
measure85
– outside temperature75
– outside temperature
warning75
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control68
"Terminate services"201
"Text language"85
"Theater", refer to Tone
control163
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp225
Through-loading system119
Tightening torque of the lug
bolts, refer to After
mounting228
Tilt alarm sensor38
– switching off38
Tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror52
"Time"83"Time / Date"
83
"Time format"84
Timer, refer to Preselecting
activation times111
"Timer 1" for parked car
ventilation112
"Timer 2" for parked car
ventilation112
Tire inflation pressures208
Tire pressure loss92,93
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM92
Tire Quality Grading212
Tire replacement, new wheels
and tires214
Tires
– age212
– air loss92,94
– breaking-in126
– changing214
– condition213
– damage213
– flat tire, refer to Changing
wheels226
– inflation pressure208
– new wheels and tires214
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor91
– pressure monitoring, refer to
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor92
– replacing226
– retreaded tires214
– run-flat tires213
– size211
– tread213
– wear indicators213
– wheel/tire combination214
– winter tires214
"Tires, FTM"91
Tire trouble
– changing wheels226
– compact wheel228
"Tone"161
Tone dialing method190
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting161
– middle setting163

Reference 267
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
V
Valve screw caps, refer to
After mounting228
Vehicle
– battery229
– breaking-in126
– care221
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– loading128
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions239
– parking61
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weights241
"Vehicle / Tires" for
unlocking30
Vehicle jack226
– jacking points228
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position154
Ventilation110
– draft-free110
– in rear111
– while stationary111
Venting, refer to
Ventilation110
Vent outlets107
– refer to Ventilation110
Vent outlets of automatic
climate control107
Vent outlets of the automatic
climate control107
Vents, refer to Ventilation110
"Vent settings"109
Viscosity219
Voice, refer to Destination
guidance with voice
instructions150
Voice command system
– overview22
– short commands243Voice instructions for
navigation system150
– muting54
– repeating54,150
– switching on/off54,150
– volume150
Voice phone book193
Volume160
– audio sources160
– cargo bay241
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities242
– mobile phone186
– setting speed-
dependent162
– voice instructions150
– windshield cleaning system,
refer to Capacities242
W
Warning lamps, refer to
Indicator and warning
lamps13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control80
Warning triangle231
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models220
Washer fluid67
– capacity of the reservoir68
Washer fluid reservoir67
Waste container, refer to
Ashtray117
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water127
Waveband for radio164
"WB"161,168
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth213
Weather news flashes167
Website BMW4
Weights241
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to New wheels and tires214
Wheel/tire damage213
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions239Wheels and tires208
Width, refer to
Dimensions239
Windows40
– comfort operation31
– comfort operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access39
– rear window, Sports
Wagon35
– safety switch41
Windshield
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system66
– defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows109
– displays, refer to Head-Up
Display98
Windshield wash
– automatic, refer to Rain
sensor66
– capacities, reservoir242
– rear window67
– reservoir for washer
fluid217
– washer fluid67
– windshield washer
nozzles67
– wiper system66
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system66
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– wiper blade
replacement222
Winter tires214
– setting speed limit82
– storage215
Wiper blades
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacement222
Wiper system66
– rain sensor66
– washer fluid67
– windshield washer
nozzles67