warning BMW M5 SEDAN 2003 Owner's Manual

84n
Parking lamps (side marker
lamps)
With the switch in this position,
the front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on.
For lighting on one side for parking as
an additional feature, refer to page 85.
Low beams
When you switch off the ignition
and the low beams are still on,
only the parking lamps (side
marker lamps) remain on.
390de732
"Follow me home":
When you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle and
switching off the lights, the low beams
will come on for a brief period. You may
also have this function deactivated if
you wish.<
"LIGHTS ON" warningWhen the driver's door is opened with
the ignition key in position 0 a message
will appear in the Check Control if the
lights are on, refer to page 68.Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daylight driving at
ignition key position 2.
Automatic headlight control
*
When the switch is set to this
position the system automati-
cally activates and cancels the
low beams in response to changes in
ambient light ( in tunnels, at dusk, etc.)
as well as rain and snow.
The vehicle's external lights
remain on constantly when you
switch on the front fog lamps after the
headlights have come on automati-
cally.<
Automatic headlight control
cannot serve as a substitute for
the driver's judgement in determining
when the vehicle lights should be
switched on. For example, the sensors
are not able to detect fog. To avoid
safety risks, you should respond to
these kinds of low-visibility situations
by switching the headlights on manu-
ally.<
You can have the sensitivity of
your vehicle's automatic head-
light control adjusted.<
Parking lamps/Low beams

116n
Engine oilThe oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine. 460de189
To add oil While you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower marks
before adding oil, you should never
allow the oil level to fall below this
mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the differential,
and the power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.39mde110
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that
come into contact with oil should be
thoroughly washed with soap and
water.
Store oil, grease, etc., out of reach of
children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<

118n
Coolant Brake fluidChecking coolant level and
adding coolantCorrect coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. 68 7/20 6):
In the translucent container's visible
range, as far as the graduation marked
KALT/COLD.
1. Turn the cap counterclockwise
slightly in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape
2. If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor.<39mde111
Brake fluid level
The warning lamp for the brake
system hydraulic circuits comes
on and/or the message "CHECK
BRAKE FLUID" appears in the
Check Control:
Brake fluid level too low.
To add brake fluidThe brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing on the
driver's side of the vehicle. For adding
brake fluid or for determining and cor-
recting the cause of brake fluid loss,
consult your BMW center. Your BMW
center is familiar with the specifications
for factory-approved brake fluids
(DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer
to the information on page 108.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years at
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Brake fluid is hazardous to health and
damages the vehicle's paint. You
should always store it in its original
container and in a location which is out
of reach of children. Do not spill the
fluid and do not fill the brake fluid reser-
voir beyond the MAX mark. The brake
fluid could ignite upon contact with hot
engine parts and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of brake fluid.<

120n
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 WarningLight-emitting diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and dis-
plays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.<
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its con-
stituents, and certain vehicle com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain
fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after
handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
water.<

121n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
OBD interface socketThe Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-
face socket is located on the left of the
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment panel and under a cover. The
cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD (Onboard-
Diagnostics) system is to assure proper
emission-control system operation for
the vehicle's lifetime by monitoring
emissions-related components and
systems to detect deterioration and
malfunction.390us739
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
of the need to stop the vehicle.
However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather
severe level of engine misfire. When
this occurs, you should reduce the
speed and consult the nearest BMW
center as soon as possible. Severe
engine misfire over only a short period
of time can seriously damage emis-
sions-control components, especially
the catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
When the fuel filler cap is not
properly tightened, the OBD
system can detect the vapor leak and
the indicator will light up. If the filler cap
is subsequently tightened, the indi-
cator should go out within a few days.<

128n
Repairing a flat tire
Precautions in case of a flat tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic. Switch on the
hazard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse and engage the parking
brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
If necessary, set up your warning tri-
angle or portable hazard warning lamp
on the roadside at an appropriate dis-
tance from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and
regulations.<
M Mobility systemFor repairing a flat tire, you will find an
M Mobility system in the BMW M5. With
the aid of this system, you can apply a
liquid sealant to the inside of the tire,
thereby sealing off the damaged area,
and then continue driving.
The M Mobility system makes the trans-
port of a spare wheel superfluous and
minimizes the curb weight.
The M Mobility system is located in the
luggage compartment under the floor
mat:
1. Lift up the floor mat and then raise
the front cover panel
2. Loosen the M Mobility system from
its storage location.
Please note that the system's
sealant container must be
replaced every three years by your
BMW center if the device is not used.<39mde132
This is part of the M Mobility
system1 On/Off switch
2 Connection hose with pressure
gauge for connecting the compressor
with the sealant container or to con-
nect the compressor to the wheel
3 Pressure gauge for indicating the tire
pressure
4 Connector hose from the sealant
container to the wheel
5 Warning sticker for maximum speed
6 Plug and cable for the cigarette
lighter socket
7 Protective gloves (not illustrated)39mde106

129n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Repairing a flat tireUse the M Mobility system
If possible, leave the foreign
object in the tire.<
Do not exceed the maximum
speeds indicated below, as an
accident could result.
Before you use the M Mobility system,
read the warnings and danger notices
on the device carefully.<
1. Remove the warning sticker 5 for
maximum speed that is located on
top of the device and affix it to the
steering wheel
2. Take off the round cover and extract
hose 4. Unscrew the valve stem cap
from the defective tire, then screw
the hose onto the valve stem. Avoid
losing the valve stem cap39mde142
3. Flip open the cover and pull out the
enclosed protective gloves. Take out
hose 2 with the pressure gauge and
screw it to the connection on the
sealant container, as shown in the
illustration
4. Make sure that the system has been
switched off (position 0). Take out
plug 6 and plug it into the cigarette
lighter socket in the passenger com-
partment (refer to page 98)39mde143

136n
Towing the vehicleTowing a vehicle1. Shift lever in neutral
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km/h)
4. Leave the ignition key in position 1
to ensure that the brake lamps, turn
signals, horn and windshield wipers
remain operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard-warning
system (comply with official regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even if the
electrical system has failed to prevent
the steering lock from engaging. The
steering and brakes are without power
assist when the engine is not running.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.<
Towing with a commercial tow
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel-lift or flatbed equipment
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.<380us124

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)17, 107
Activated-charcoal filter91
Active seat43
Adding
brake fluid118t
engine coolant118t
engine oil116t
washer fluid115t
Adjusting
backrest41
head restraints43
mirrors48
seats40
steering wheel47
temperature89
Air conditioning90
Air distribution89
Air pressure, tires22, 109
Air supply89
Airbags17, 49
Alarm system35
Anchorage points
child-restraint system with
tether strap52
Antifreeze118
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)17, 107
Aquaplaning107, 109 Ashtray
front97
rear98
Attach vacuum cleaner98
AUC (Automatic recircu-
lated-air control)90
Automatic climate
control87
removing condensation
from the windows89
Automatic cruise control61
Automatic curb monitor46
Automatic dimming
exterior mirror48
interior rearview mirror48
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)90
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment47
Automatic windshield
washer60
Average fuel
consumption75
Average speed76
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
Axle loads142
B
Backrest, adjusting41
Backup lamps59
bulb replacement126t
Battery131
care131
charging131
discharged133t
Belts44
Beverage holder97
Blower89
BMW active seat43
BMW comfort seat42
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil117
BMW M sport seat41
BMW Maintenance
System119
BMW Universal
Transmitter93
Bottle holder, refer to
Beverage holder97
Brake fluid118
disposal118
Brake hydraulic system,
brake pads16
Brake system108
brake fluid level108
brake linings108
malfunctions108t
Break-in procedures106 Bulbs and lamps124
C
California Proposition
65 Warning120
Capacities143
Car telephone97
Cargo loading102
Cellular phone97
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual97
Center (high mount) brake
lamp127
Central locking system26
key31
Charging the battery132t
CHECK button66
Check Control66
Check engine oil
level115t
Check tire inflation
pressure22t, 109
Child seats51
Child-restraint
installation53
Child-restraint system with
tether strap52
Cigarette lighter98
Clock70
refer also to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"

Everything from A to ZF
Failure messages66
Filling capacities143
First-aid kit20
Fittings, tow starting and
towing135t
Flashlight96
Flat tire109
Flat Tire Monitor82
Flat tire, repairing128
Fog lamps85
bulb replacement126t
Folding rear backrest99
Follow me home lamps84
Frost protection,
radiator118
Fuel consumption75
average75
Fuel filler door20
manual operation20t
Fuel gauge64
Fuel quality22
Fuel specifications22
Fuel tank capacity143
Fuse replacement132t G
Gasoline gauge64
Gasoline quality22
Glove compartment96
Gross vehicle weight142
H
Handbrake17, 58
Hands-free system97
Hazard warning triangle20
Head protection airbags49
Head restraints43
adjusting43
Headlamp cover,
care125t
Headlamp flasher59
Headlamp washer
system115
Headlamp washers61
Headrests43
Heated seats46
Heating with vehicle
stopped90
Heavy cargo102
Height141
Height adjustment
seats41
steering wheel47
High beams18, 59, 85
High Performance Synthetic
Oil117
High-mount brake lamp127
Holder for canned
beverages97
Hood113
release113t
Horn14 Hydraulic Braking Assistant,
refer to DBC17, 80
Hydroplaning107, 109
I
Ice warning63
Identification, tires111
Ignition key26
Ignition lock56
Imprint4
Independent ventilation
system, refer to Parked-
car ventilation system92
Indicator lamps16
Inflation
pressure22t, 109
INSPECTION65
Instrument cluster15
Instrument lighting85
Intensive cleaning
system115
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostics (OBD)121
Interior lamps86
Interior mirrors48
Interior motion sensor36
deactivating29 J
Jump-starting133t
K
Key Memory55
Key with remote control26
Keys26 L
Lamps and bulbs124
Lashing eyes for attaching
cargo straps34, 102
Length141
License plate lamps, bulb
replacement127t
Lighter98
LIGHTS ON warning84
Locking and unlocking the
doors27
Low beams14, 84
Low-fuel warning lamp64
Luggage compartment34
capacity142
manual operation32t
opening from the
inside33
opening separately32
securing separately32