brake light BMW 525XI SEDAN 2006 User Guide

Driving tips
125Reference
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 page201.
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 Transmission
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
126 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 pressure on the brake pedal
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the
way down into first gear. This strategy helps
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. For information on downshifting in the
manual mode of the automatic transmission,
refer to page64.
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.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Rear window wiper*
The rear window wiper can be damaged in car
washes. Take appropriate protective measures;
ask the car wash operator if necessary.
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 page40.
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.<

Mobility
207Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Your BMW center will be happy to answer
detailed questions on BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website at
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is specified in SAE grades.
The choice of the right SAE grade is based on
the climatic conditions in the region in which
you normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the SAE grades
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant is comprised of water and coolant addi-
tive. Not all commercially available additives are
suitable for your BMW. Ask your BMW center
for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard; observe the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.3.The coolant level is correct when the cool-
ant level is between the MIN and MAX
marks, refer to the diagram adjacent to the
filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunctions
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights red up in spite
of the handbrake being released; a
message is shown on the Control Dis-
play: stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system thoroughly
checked.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
When you continue driving, an increased
brake pedal path can be necessary, and
significantly longer braking distances might be
required. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<

Under the hood
208
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights red up in spite
of the handbrake being released; a
message is shown on the Control Dis-
play. The brake pads have reached their mini-
mum pad thickness. Have brake pads replaced
immediately.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
For your own safety: use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for the corre-
sponding vehicle model. As BMW cannot
assess the suitability of other brake pads for
use on your vehicle, we are unable to assume
continued responsibility for the vehicle's oper-
ating safety if non-approved pads are
installed.<

Everything from A to Z
236
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
System86
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control67
Acceleration assistant for
SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission63
Accessories6
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control79
Activated-charcoal filter109
"Activation time" for parked-
car ventilation109
Active cruise control67
– indicator lamp70
– radar sensor71
– selecting distance69
– warning lamps71
Active head restraints,
front49
Active seat51
Active seat ventilation51
Active steering93
– warning lamp94
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display94
Adaptive Head Light102
"Add digits" for mobile
phone180
"Address book" for navigation
system140Address for navigation
– deleting141
– entering133,136
– selecting141
– storing140
– storing current position140
"Add to address book"140
"Add to destination list"136
Adjusting active backrest
width47
Adjusting confirmation signals
for locking and unlocking31
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control153
Adjusting thigh support46
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear154
– right/left balance154
"After door opened"48
"After unlocking"48
Airbags94
– sitting safely45
– warning lamp96
Air circulation, refer to Air
recirculation108
Air distribution
– automatic106
– manual107
Airing, refer to Ventilation108
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control108
– recirculated-air mode108
"Air recirculation on / off"53
Air vent outlets of automatic
climate control105
Air vents105
– refer to Ventilation108
Air volume107
AKI, refer to Fuel quality195Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional
alarms38
– interior motion sensor38
– switching off alarm38
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor38
– tilt alarm sensor38
"All channels"163
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires202
"All stations", calling up with
radio156,159
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive87
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road148
"AM", reception
range152,156
Antenna for mobile phone174
Antifreeze
– coolant207
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System
ABS86
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system37
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system29
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights229
Approved engine oils206
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights229
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear116
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10

Everything from A to Z
238 BMW Assist187
– enabling187
– services offered188
"BMW Contact"182
"BMW Contact
Numbers"182
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system209
BMW Night Vision98
– activating99
– cleaning camera100
– cleaning camera, refer to
Wiper system66
– deactivating99
– making settings99
"BMW Service"189
"BMW Service settings"188
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control86
Brake fluid207
– warning lamp207
Brake force display94
Brake lamps
– brake force display94
– replacing bulbs213
Brake pads208
– breaking-in124
Brake rotors126
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System86
– brake fluid207
– brake force display94
– brake pads208
– breaking-in124
– handbrake60
– warning lamps13
Brake system124,207
– brake fluid level207
– brake pads124,208
– breaking-in124
– disk brakes126
– warning lamp207Braking
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control86
– DBC Dynamic Brake
Control86
– electronic brake-force
distribution86
– refer to Braking safely125
Braking safely125
Breakdown assistance189
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance220
Breaking-in the clutch124
Breaking-in the
differential124
Break-in period124
"Brightness"83
– with BMW Night Vision100
Brightness of Control
Display83
Button for starting engine58
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"180
Call
– accepting179
– displaying accepted180
– ending179
– in absence180
– starting179
Calling
– from phone book179
– from Top 8 list180
– redialing180
– refer to telephone operating
instructions
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Capacities230
Capacity
– of cargo area229
– of luggage
compartment229
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery217Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"76
Care210
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo
– refer to Loading126
– securing128
– securing with ski bag120
Cargo area
– capacity229
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually36
– increasing117
– opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate35
– opening from inside35
– opening from outside35
– opening with remote
control31
Cargo area cover, refer to Roll-
up cover
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control28
Car phone174
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest113
– refer to Mobile phone174
– refer to separate operating
instructions

Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Car radio, refer to Radio156
Car wash126
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– with comfort access40
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system124
"Categories"163
CBC Cornering Brake
Control86
CBS Condition Based
Service209
"CD"152,165
CD changer165
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse169
– installation location169
– playing a track167
– random order168
– repeating a track168
– selecting a CD165
– selecting a track166
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
CD player165
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse169
– playing a track167
– random order168
– repeating a track168
– selecting a track166
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
Center armrest
– front113
– rear116
Center brake lamp214
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking system29
– comfort access38
– from inside vehicle32
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own
safety5
– refer to Parts and
accessories6Changing language on
Control Display84
Changing units of measure on
Control Display84
Changing wheels201,215
CHECK button80
Check Control79
"Check Control
messages"80
Check Gas Cap195
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure196
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH56
Child restraints54
Child restraint systems54
Child-safety lock57
Child seats54
Chime, refer to Check
Control79
Chock215
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter115
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
"Climate"50,106
Clock74
– 12h/24h mode83
– setting time and date82
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside30
Closing fuel filler cap195
Clothes hooks114
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine59
"Comfort", active backrest
width adjustment47
Comfort access38
– observe in car wash40
– replacing battery40
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14Comfort operation
– windows with comfort
access39
– with comfort access39
Comfort seat46
"Communication"178,189
"Communication
settings"188
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer165
– refer to CD player165
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure197
– wheel change216
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock58
Compartments
– in cargo area118
– refer to Storage area
package119
– refer to Storage
compartments114
Compressed audio files165
Computer75
– displays on Control
Display76
– hour signal83
"Concert hall", refer to Tone
control154
Condition Based Service
CBS209
"Confirmation"31
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices115
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption75
Consumption indicator
– Energy Control75
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption75
"Continue guidance to
destination?"145
"Contrast" with BMW Night
Vision100

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Display"84
Display, refer to iDrive16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting104
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
"Display settings"82
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up Display96
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with comfort access40
– vehicle battery218
Distance, refer to
Computer76
Distance cruise control, refer
to Active cruise control67
"Distance to dest."76
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer76
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control85
Divided rear seat back, refer to
Through-loading
system116
Door entry lighting104
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
Door locking, acknowl-
edgment signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades200
Draft-free ventilation108
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Drive mode62
"Driver's door only"30
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams101
Driving notes124
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route145Driving stability control
systems86
Driving through water125
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes124
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function107
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function107
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control86
– indicator lamp13,87
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control87
– activating87
– indicator lamp
13,87
DVD for navigation132
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC86
Dynamic Drive89
Dynamic Driving Control62
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC86
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC87
E
Easy entry/exit52
– backrest width47
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player152
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof, electric42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– tailgate36
Electric steering wheel
adjustment52
Electronic brake-force
distribution86
Electronic oil level check205
Emergency call219Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission64
– tailgate36
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment34
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance220
"Emission inspect."78
"Enable services"188
"End call"179
"End Night Vision"100
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control75
Energy Control75
Engine
– breaking-in124
– data226
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature74
– speed226
– starting59
– starting, comfort access38
– starting difficulties59
– switching off60
Engine compartment205
Engine coolant207
Engine oil
– adding206
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils206
– approved engine oil206
– checking oil level205
– electronic oil level check205
"Engine oil level"206
Engine output, refer to Engine
data226
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed226

Everything from A to Z
242 Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine59
"Enter address"134,140
Entering destination via town/
city name134
Entering the
address133,136
Entering the intersection135
Entering town/city for
navigation134
Entering zip code for
navigation135
"Entertainment"152
"Entertainment
settings"153,160
Entertainment sound output
on/off153
Entry map for destination137
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control155
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control155
"ESN"162
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control86
Event Data Recorders210
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system124
Exterior mirrors51
– automatic dimming
feature125
– automatic heating51
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror52
External audio
device114,171
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting221
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control154
Fader, refer to Tone
control154Failure messages, refer to
Check Control79
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms38
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts49
– warning lamp49
Fastest route for
navigation142
"Fast route" for
navigation143
"Favorites" calling up with
radio159
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit220
First-aid kit220
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight113
Flat tire
– changing wheels215
– compact wheel216
– Flat Tire Monitor89,90
– run-flat tires90,93,201
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor91
Flat Tire Monitor89
– false alarms90
– initializing system90
– show chains203
– system limits90
– warning lamp90
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition201
"FM", reception
range152,156
FM, waveband156
Fog lamps104
– indicator lamp13,104
Folding rear seat
back116,117
Fold-over rear seat
back116,117
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely125
Footwell lamps104Forward, fast
– CD changer
169
– CD player169
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive87
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria142
Front airbags94
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front113
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating95
Front seat adjustment46
"FTM"90
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor89
Fuel195
– capacity230
– display75
– high-quality brands195
– quality195
– specifications195
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Fuel consumption display,
computer, average fuel
consumption75
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Fuel filler door194
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction194
"Full screen" with BMW Night
Vision100
Fuses218
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control111
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel195
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge75

Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Gear changes
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission62
Gear display
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission61
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission60
Gearshift lever positions,
manual transmission60
General driving notes124
Glass sunroof, electric41
– auto-remote operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access39
– moving manually42
– remote control31
Glove compartment113
– lighting113
– rechargeable flashlight113
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system132
Grills, refer to Ventilation108
Grills of the automatic climate
control105
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights229
H
Halogen lamps212
Handbrake60
– indicator lamp13,60
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight113
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14
Hazard warning flashers15
HD, refer to High Definition
Radio160
"HDC"88
HDC Hill Descent Control88
"HDC on"88
"HDC on / off"53Head airbags94
Headlamp control,
automatic101
Headlamp flasher64
Headlamps101
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system66
– replacing bulbs212
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light102
Head restraints48
– front head restraints,
active49
– sitting safely45
"Head-Up Display"97
Head-Up Display96
Heated
– mirrors51
– rear window107
– seats50
– steering wheel52
Heating105
– exterior mirrors51
– interior105
– rear window107
– residual heat108
– seats50
– steering wheel52
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat108
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo128
Height, refer to
Dimensions227
Height adjustment
– seats46
– steering wheel52
High-beam assistant103
High beams102
– headlamp flasher102
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs212
High Definition Radio160
High water, refer to Driving
through water125
Hill Descent Control HDC88Hills126
Holder for cups114
"Home address" for
navigation system142
Homepage4
Hood204
Horn10
Hot exhaust system124
"Hour memo"83
"House number" for desti-
nation entry136
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control86
Hydroplaning125
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio160
Ice, refer to Outside temper-
ature warning74
ID3 tag, refer to Information on
track167
iDrive16
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control
with expanded scope106
– changing date and time82
– changing language84
– changing menu page19
– changing settings82
– changing units of measure
and display type84
– confirming selection or
entry19
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus17
– selecting menu item19
– setting brightness83
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols18
Ignition58
– switched off58
– switched on58
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control28