BMW 540I SEDAN 2003 Owners Manual

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Through-loading system
*
Fold the rear backrests downReach into the recess and pull forward
(arrow 1).
When you close the backrest, be sure
that the catch engages securely. The
red slide (arrow 2) must go underneath.394de745
The central safety belt has an additional
small buckle.
>If you connect the two belt sections,
you can use the central belt as any
normal 3-point belt
>It is easier to fold the rear-seat back-
rest up and down if you disconnect
the belt (arrow).394de746
With a master key, you can lock each
backrest in the rear seat.
This also prevents access to the lug-
gage compartment from the interior of
the vehicle if you turn over only your
door and ignition key 3 (refer to
page 32), for valet parking.394de747

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Ski bag
*
The ski bag allows the safe and clean
transport of up to 4 pairs of standard
skis or up to two snowboards.
The length of the ski bag and the addi-
tional space provided in the luggage
compartment make it possible to carry
skis with a length of up to 6.8 ft
(2.1 0 meters). Because of the tapered
shape of the bag, the ski bag can only
accommodate two pairs of skis with a
length of 6.8 ft (2.1 0 meters).
Removing the center armrest(Not for vehicles with the through-
loading system and for the sport
wagon, refer to page 124.)
1. Fold the center armrest completely
outward
2. Loosen the trim from the upper
Velcro¨ fastener and place it on the
armrest
3. Grasp the front of the armrest with
one hand, then use your other hand
to reach down behind the armrest
and pull up sharply (arrow).394de748
Installing the center armrestGuide the armrest into position from
above, then apply pressure until you
hear it snap into position.
When removing and installing the
center armrest, be sure that the
seat covers are not damaged by the
side pins.<

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Ski bag
*
Loading1. Press the release button (arrow 1) to
unlock the cover panel in the luggage
compartment
2. Press the detent levers (arrows 2)
inward and fold the cover to the front
3. Extend the ski bag between the front
seats. The zipper provides conve-
nient access to the inside of the bag,
and can also be left open to promote
drying394de749
4. Use the magnetic retainers to attach
the cover panel to the upper surface
(metal surface below rear tray) of the
luggage compartment.
To store the ski bag, perform the above
steps in reverse sequence.
An unsecured ski bag could lead
to loss of vehicle control and in
case of an accident to personal injury.< 394de750
Securing the load
Secure the bag's contents by
tightening down the retaining
strap at the buckle.<
Please ensure that the skis are clean
before loading them into the bag. Take
care to avoid damage from sharp
edges.
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Ski bag
*
With through-loading system1. Fold the center armrest outward.
Loosen the trim from the upper
Velcro¨ fastener and place it on the
armrest
2. Press button 1 downward and swing
the cover forward
3. Press knob 2: the cover in the lug-
gage compartment is unlocked.394de751
In the sport wagon1. Fold the center armrest outward.
Loosen the trim from the upper
Velcro¨ fastener and place it on the
armrest
2. Press button 1 downward and swing
the cover forward
3. Press button 2: the cover in the
cargo area is unlocked.392de752

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cargo area Ð sport wagonFold the rear backrests downReach into the recess and pull upward
(arrow).
The rear backrest is divided into two
sections (one-third and two-thirds of
the width of the seat). You can fold
either section of the backrest down
separately in order to increase the
capacity of the cargo area.
When you close the backrest, be
sure that the catch engages
securely. The red warning indicator dis-
appears in the recess when the retainer
is locked.
The center safety belt can be retracted
only when the larger backrest is
engaged.<392de753
Roll-up coverPull the roll-up cover out and hook it
into the rear bracket.
The cover will support light objects
such as items of clothing.
Do not place heavy or bulky
objects on the roll-up cover,
otherwise, they could endanger occu-
pants while braking hard, during eva-
sive maneuvers, or in an accident, for
example.
Do not allow the cover to snap back,
since this could damage it.<
For storing the case, refer to the next
page.392de754
Partition netPull out the partition net by the strap
and hold the bar firmly in the other
hand. Then grasp the bar on both sides,
pull it up and engage it in the holders. It
is easiest to do this from the back seat.
Do not allow the partition net to
snap back. Doing so could pose a
risk of injury and the partition net could
be damaged.<
When the rear backrests are folded
down, you can store the case in front of
the rear seats, pull the partition net out
from there and insert it in the front
holders (refer to the next page).392de163

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Cargo area Ð sport wagonRemoving the roll-up cover and
partition net1. Press on the buttons (arrow 1) to
release the case on both sides
2. Holding the case straight, pull out to
the rear (arrow 2).InstallationSimply slide the case forward in the two
side holders until it engages.392de755
StorageThere are holders for the case in front
of the rear seats.
Guide the case in from the side as
shown in the illustration. The strap of
the partition net must be directed
upward, while the end of the roll-up
cover must be laid around and under
the case to the rear.
You can pull the partition net out and
insert it in the holders above it in the
upper roof area.392de165
Side coversOpen the side covers by pressing the
button.392de778

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cargo area Ð sport wagonFloor compartmentTo release: press the handle in the
recess and fold the cover upward on
the handle (large arrow).
You can lock the cover with a master
key.
The dividers in the compartment can be
rearranged. If you remove the divider
and turn the divider retainer to the left
and remove it, you have a level storage
compartment.392de779
Fold the floor panel upLift up the black retainer on the lower
side of the panel and hook it into the
upper frame of the tailgate cutout.
Before you fold the floor panel down,
return the retainer to its original posi-
tion.392de168
Fold up the spare tire coverLift up the cover and hook it into the red
retainer on the floor panel (arrow).
Before you fold the cover down, return
the retainer to its original position.392de169

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Cargo area Cargo loadingRaise the cargo floorFor access to the compartment under
the floor or to the spare tire, etc.:
>Raise the cargo floor and secure it
with the support rod (arrow)
>Open the quick-release fasteners on
the spare tire cover.392de756
Stowing cargoWhen transporting loads in your BMW:
>Position heavy loads as far forward
as possible Ð directly behind the
backrests or the luggage compart-
ment partition panel Ð and at the
bottom (the illustration shows the
sport wagon)
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest
>Pull out the partition net
* (refer to
page 125) and ensure that carried
items cannot pass through the parti-
tion net
>For very heavy loads when the rear
seat is not occupied, secure each
safety belt in the opposite buckle.
392de177
Securing the load>Secure smaller, light pieces with the
retaining straps or a luggage net
*, or
use elastic straps (refer to page 42)
>For large, heavy pieces, visit your
BMW center for load-securing
devices
*. Lashing eyes are provided
at the corners of the luggage com-
partment/cargo area for attaching
these load-securing devices (the
illustration shows the sport wagon)
>Read and comply with the informa-
tion enclosed with the load-securing
devices.
392de178

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack
Always position and secure the
load correctly. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during
braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the approved gross
vehicle weight or the permissible axle
loads (refer to page 173). If you do, the
operating safety of the vehicle is no
longer ensured and you are in violation
of the law.
Do not carry hard or heavy objects
unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment. If you do so, they may be pro-
jected through the air during braking
and evasive maneuvers, thus endan-
gering vehicle occupants.<
A special roof-rack system is available
as an optional extra for your BMW.
Please observe the precautions
included with the installation instruc-
tions.AnchoragesAccess to the anchorages:
To fold up the cover (arrow), please use
the tool provided with the roof-rack
system.Loading and driving notesRoof-mounted luggage racks raise the
center of gravity of the vehicle when
they are loaded. For this reason, they
exercise a major effect on the vehicle's
handling and steering response.394de757
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof
weight, the approved gross vehicle
weight or the axle loads when loading
the rack. You will find the specifications
under "Technical data" on page 173.
Make sure that the load is not too bulky,
and attempt to distribute it evenly.
Always load the heaviest pieces first (on
the bottom). Ensure that adequate room
remains for the tilt sunroof to extend
upward and that no objects protrude
into the tailgate's travel range on the
sport wagon.
Always ensure that roof-mounted
loads are tightly secured, as loose
loads can shift or even fly off the roof,
posing a serious hazard for following
traffic.<
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
acceleration and braking. Do not corner
at high speeds.

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