Bmw e39 - 5series owners handbook

Owner's Handbook for the vehicle.
With quick reference guide.
Contents
A-Z
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 791 301 - © 01/99 BMW AG

Saloon
touring
520i
523i
528i
535i
540i
525td
525tds
530d

Congratulations on your choice of a BMW.
The better you are acquainted with your car, the easier you will discover driving it to
be. We would therefore like to offer you the following advice.
This Owner's Handbook contains important information on operating and looking
after your BMW. Please read it carefully before setting out in your new car, so that
you are fully familiar with the technical advantages of your BMW. It also contains
useful information on care and maintenance, to uphold both the car's operating
safety and its full resale value.
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG

© 1998 BMW AG
Munich, Germany
Not to be reproduced wholly or in part without
written permission from BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 9 791 301
English VIII/98
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
4n
Notes on this Owner's Handbook
We have tried to make all the informa-
tion in this Owner's Handbook easy to
find. The quickest access to a particular
topic or item is by consulting the de-
tailed alphabetical index at the end.
Consult the first chapter for an initial
overview of your car. The detailed list of
contents immediately following the list
of main headings is intended to arouse
your curiosity about your new BMW and
encourage you to read this information
carefully.
When the time comes to sell your BMW,
please remember to hand over this
Owner's Handbook; it is regarded le-
gally as part of the vehicle.
If you have any queries, BMW Service
will be glad to advise you.
Symbols used
indicates instructions or precau-
tions which you should definitely
read for your safety and that of others,
and to prevent damage to the car.<
is used to identify details of spe-
cial features.<
refers to recycling methods or
procedures.<
< indicates the end of a particular in-
struction or description.
* identifies special equipment or items
to a particular national-market specifi-
cation, and also accessories.
indicates vehicle components
where it is advisable to consult
this Owner's Handbook.
draws your attention to functions
which BMW Service can adjust to
suit your own personal preferences
("Car Memory", "Key Memory"). See
page 57.<
Your own car
When you ordered your BMW, you
chose various items of equipment. This
handbook describes all models and
equipment specifications which BMW
offers within this particular model line.
This explains why the handbook may
also contain details of items which you
have not ordered. The differences can
easily be identified by the asterisk *
shown against optional extras.
If your BMW contains equipment that is
not described in this Owner's Hand-
book (e.g. a car radio or telephone),
supplementary operating instructions
will be supplied and you are requested
to study and comply with them.

5n
Print status
Fuel consumption data are as deter-
mined at the time of closing for print. All
dimensional, weight and performance
figures in the Owner's Handbook refer
to the the German Standards Institute
(DIN e.V.) and comply with these toler-
ances. Deviations may occur with
respect to certain national-market ver-
sions of the cars. In cars with right-
hand drive, some controls will be lo-
cated differently from those illustrated
in this handbook.
The high safety and quality standards of
BMW vehicles are maintained by un-
ceasing development work on designs,
equipment and accessories. Because
of this, your car may differ from the in-
formation supplied in the Owner's
Handbook. Nor can errors and omis-
sions be entirely ruled out. You are
therefore asked to appreciate that no
legal claims can be entertained on the
basis of the data, illustrations or de-
scriptions in this handbook.
For your own safety
Use only parts and accessory
products which BMW has ap-
proved for your car.
Parts and products which BMW has ap-
proved for your car have been checked
for safety, function and suitability. BMW
accepts product liability for them.
BMW cannot accept liability for parts or
accessory products of any kind which it
has not approved.
BMW is unable to assess each individ-
ual product of outside origin as to its
suitability for use on BMW vehicles
without safety risk. Nor can suitability
be assured, for example, even if an offi-
cial inspection authority (such as the
German TÜV) has approved the product
or it has been granted a General Oper-
ating Permit. These tests cannot always
take into account the full range of oper-
ating conditions applicable to BMW ve-
hicles and may therefore be inade-
quate.
In short, the functional efficiency or
road safety of your BMW, and also its
value, may be affected if its specifica-
tion is altered by installing parts not ap-
proved for it. Original BMW parts and
accessories, other BMW-approved
products and competent advice on all
related matters are obtainable from
BMW Service.<

6n

Initial overview
Controls in detail
Operation, maintenance
and general care
Minor repairs
Technical data
Index
Technical items of interest
7n
MinorrepairsKeywordsOverviewControlsMaintenanceTechnicalData

Contents
Initialoverview
Controlsindetail
Driving area 14
Instrument panel 16
Telltale and warning lamps 20
Multifunctional steering
wheel 23
Hazard warning flashers 24
Warning triangle 24
First aid box 24
Refuelling 25
Fuel grades 25
Tyre pressures 27
Opening and closing:
Keys 34
Electronic immobilizer 35
Central locking system 36
Doors – from outside 36
Radio remote control 37
Doors – from inside 39
Luggage comparement lid 40
Rear window 41
Luggage compartment 43
Alarm system 44
Electric windows 46
Sliding/tilt sunroof 47
Adjusting:
Seats 49
Steering wheel 52
Mirrors 53
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
position memory 55
Car Memory, Key Memory 57
Safety systems:
Seat belts 58
Airbags 59
Child restraint systems 61
Childproof door locks 62
Driving:
Ignition switch 63
Starting the engine 63
Stopping the engine 65
Handbrake 65
Manual gearbox 66
Automatic transmission 67
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 69
Turn indicators/headlamp
flasher 72
Wipers/rain sensor 72
Heated rear window 75
Cruise control 75
Everything under control:
Trip distance recorder; outside
temperature display 77
Revolution counter 77
Energy Control 78
Fuel level indicator 78
Coolant thermometer 79
Service Interval indicator 79
Check Control 80
On-board computer 83
Technical features for journey
comfort and safety:
Park Distance Control (PDC) 85
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 86
Electronic Damping Control
(EDC) 87
Tyre Pressure Control (RDC) 88

9n
Controlsindetail
Operation,maintenanceandgeneralcare
Lights:
Sidelights/low-beam
headlamps 90
Instrument lighting 90
Headlamp range control 91
High-beam headlamps/parking
lights 91
Fog lamps 92
Interior light/load-area light 92
Reading lights 93
Controlled-temperature air for a
pleasant interior climate:
Air conditioning 95
Automatic air conditioning 100
Seat heating 106
Heated steering wheel 106
Roller sun blind 106
Auxiliary heater 107
Auxiliary ventilation control 107
Auxiliary heater remote
control 108
Practical interior equipment:
Glove box 109
Storage compartments 109
Drink can holders 110
Ashtrays 111
Cigarette lighter 111
Loading and load-carrying:
Through-loading system 113
Ski bag 114
touring:
Luggage compartment 117
Roller-blind cover 117
Net in front of load area 117
Compartments in luggage
area 118
Removable floor in luggage
area 120
Load 121
Roof rack 122
Towing a trailer 123
Driving precautions:
Running in 128
Driving hints 128
Catalytic converter 129
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS) 130
Disc brakes 131
Brakes 132
Winter operation 133
Power steering 135
Self-levelling suspension 135
Digital Diesel Electronics
(DDE) 136
Car telephone 136
Radio reception 136
Wheels and tyres:
Tyre pressures 137
Condition of tyres 137
New tyres 138
Changing wheels 138
Wheel and tyre
combinations 139
Winter tyres 140
Snow chains 140
Approved wheel and tyre
sizes 141

Contents
Operation,maintenanceandgeneralcare
Minorrepairs
Technicalitemsofinterest
In the engine compartment:
Engine hood 147
Engine compartment 148
Washer fluid 156
Washer jets 156
Engine oil 157
Coolant 160
Brake fluid 161
Power steering oil 162
Vehicle identification
number 162
Type plate 162
Maintenance and general care:
The BMW maintenance
system 163
Care of the car 164
Airbags 170
Laying up out of use 170
Legal requirements and
regulations:
Rule of the road 171
Registration abroad 171
Technical modifications 172
OBD socket 172
Recycling:
Recycling in the Service
area 173
Returning the car 173
Replacing parts:
Toolkit 176
Wiper blades 176
Lights and bulbs 177
Auxiliary heater remote
control 185
Wheel-changing 186
Lockable wheel studs 189
Battery 190
Fuses 192
If an electrical fault occurs:
Fuel filler flap 194
Sliding/tilt sunroof 194
touring: tailgate 195
Mutual aid:
BMW Emergency Service 196
Starting with a flat battery 196
Tow-starting, towing away 197
Fire extinguisher 199
Adaptive transmission control
(AGS) 202
Airbags 203
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC) 203
Car radio 204
Seat belt catch tensioner 204
Hi-fi system (DSP) 205
Interior mirror, automatic-
dip 205
Integral-link rear
suspension 206
Latent heat store 206
Self-levelling suspension 207
Rain sensor 207
Tyre pressure control (RDC) 208
Xenon headlamps 208
Water- and dirt-repellent
windscreen 209

11n
Technicaldata
Index
Engine data 212
Fuel consumption, carbon diox-
ide/O emissions 213
Dimensions 215
Weights 217
Performance 221
Filling capacities 223
Electrical system 224
V-belts 224
From A to Z 228
Minor repairs from A to Z 234

12n

Initial overview
Controls in detail
and general care
Minor repairs
Technical data
Index
13n
Driving area 14
Instrument panel 16
Telltale and warning lights 20
Multi-functional steering wheel
(MFL) 23
Hazard warning flashers 24
Warning triangle 24
First aid kit 24
Refuelling 25
Fuel grade 25
Tyre pressures 27

14n
390de001
Driving area

15n
1 Sidelights/low beam (dipped)
headlamps 90
2 d Flashing turn indicators 72
> Parking lights 91
> High-beam headlamps 91
> Headlight flasher 72
> Computer 83
3 Fog lights 92
4 Wipers/washer 72
5 Central locking system 36
6 Hazard warning flashers 24
7 Heated rear window 75
8 Horn, entire surface
9 Electric steering wheel
adjustment* 53
Driving area

16nInstrument panel
390de338

17n
Instrument panel
There are two versions, depending on
your car's equipment
1 Fuel display with telltale to indicate
when fuel is running out 78
2 Flashing turn indicator repeater 22
3 Speedometer
4 High beam telltale 22
5 Revolution counter and Energy
Control 77, 78
6 Engine coolant thermometer with
telltale "Coolant temperature too
high" 79
7 Telltale and warning lights (arranged
clockwise) for
> Handbrake/brake hydraulics, Dy-
namic Brake Control (DBC)* 22
> Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 21
> Brake pads 21
> Tyre pressure control (RDC)* 22
> Airbags 21
> Automatic transmission* 21
> Fasten seat belts 21
> Cruise control* 22
8 Selector lever position and pro-
gram displays for automatic
transmission* 67
9 Computer display –
For operation from turn indicator
lever, see page 83:
> Outside temperature
> Average fuel consumption,
> Before refuelling
> Average speed
10 Telltale/warning lights for
> Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stabil-
ity Control (DSC)* 21
> Self-levelling suspension* 22
11 Distance recorder (odometer) and
trip distance recorder 77
12 Display for Check Control 80
13 Trip distance control zeroing 77
clockwise) for
> Fog lights* 22
> Rear fog lights* 22
> Battery charge 20
> Engine oil level/pressure 20
> Electronic engine output control
(EML) 22
> Diesel engine preheat/Digital
Diesel Electronics (DDE)* 22
> Engine management 22
You can also have outside tem-
perature and the distance covered
displayed in another unit of measure-
ment.<

18nInstrument panel*
390de339

19n
Instrument panel*
There are two versions, depending on
your car's equipment
1 Fuel display with telltale to indicate
when fuel is running out 78
2 Flashing turn indicator repeater 22
3 Speedometer
4 High beam telltale 22
5 Revolution counter and Energy
Control 77
6 Coolant thermometer 79
clockwise) for
> Handbrake 21
> Brake hydraulics/Dynamic Brake
Control (DBC)* 22
> Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 21
> Airbags 21
> Fasten seat belts 21
> Cruise control* 22
8 Check Control button 79
9 Selector lever position and pro-
gram displays for automatic
transmission* 67, 69
10 Otside temperature display 77
11 Telltale for Automatic Stability Con-
trol plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)* 21
12 Trip distance recorder 77
13 Display for
> Check Control 80
> Computer: see radio operating
instructions
and on version with multi-func-
tional steering wheel (MFL), also
for
> Radio and telephone, see sepa-
rate operating instructions
14 Odometer (distance recorder) 77
15 Service Interval indicator 79
16 Trip distance control zeroing 77
clockwise) for
> Fog lights* 22
> Rear fog lights* 22
> Battery charge 20
> Engine oil pressure 20
> Engine management 22
You can also have the outside
temperature displayed in different
units of measurement or the Check
Control messages and computer infor-
mation displayed in a different lan-
guage.<

20nTelltale and warning lights
Technical equipment that
monitors itself
Numerous systems on your BMW are
self-monitoring, both when starting and
during the journey. The function of tell-
tale and warning lights marked "q" is
checked when the ignition is switched
on. They come on once for varying peri-
ods.
If a defect occurs in one of the systems,
the corresponding light will remain on
when the engine is started or will come
on again during the journey. The correct
response on your part to this is de-
scribed below.
Red: stop as soon as possible
Battery charge q
The battery is not being
charged. The alternator V-belt is
defective or there is a fault in the alter-
nator charging circuit. Consult the near-
est BMW Service.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue the journey, as there is a
risk of the engine overheating and suf-
fering damage. A defective V-belt also
increases the effort needed to turn the
steering wheel.<
Engine oil pressure q
The message "STOP! ENGINE
OIL PRESS" may also appear in
the Check Control*: Stop immediately
and switch off the engine. Check
engine oil level and top up if necessary.
If the oil level is correct: Consult the
nearest BMW Service.
Do not continue the journey, as
the engine may otherwise be dam-
aged by inadequate lubrication.<
Tyre Pressure Control (RDC)* q
A gong signal is also heard: the
tyre is punctured or otherwise
damaged. Immediately reduce speed
and stop, avoiding violent braking and
sudden steering wheel movements.
Further details: page 88
Brake hydraulics q
If light remains on after releasing
handbrake: have the brake fluid
level checked. Before continuing on
your journey, read instructions on
pages 132 and 161.

21n
Telltale and warning lights
Yellow: stop as soon as possible
Engine oil level*
If light comes on during journey:
stop immediately and switch off
the engine. The engine oil is at its abso-
lute minimum permitted level.
Do not continue the journey, as
the engine may otherwise be dam-
aged by inadequate lubrication.<
Red: important reminder
Handbrake* q
Lights up when handbrake is ap-
plied. Further details: page 65.
Handbrake* q
Lights up when handbrake is ap-
plied. Further details: page 65.
Also lights up when the message
"CHECK BRAKE LININGS" appears on
the Check Control.
Fasten seat beltsq
Depending on the version, a sig-
nal sounds at the same time* or
a message appears* in the Check Con-
trol display. Comes on for several sec-
onds or, depending on version, until the
seat belts are fastened. Further details:
page 58.
Airbags q
Please arrange for the problem
to be examined by BMW Serv-
ice. Further details: page 59, 203.
Yellow: have a check performed
soon
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) q
ABS is switched off because a
fault has developed. Normal
brake action is not affected (no restric-
tions). Please arrange for the problem
to be examined by BMW Service. Fur-
ther details: page 130.
Engine oil level*
If light comes on when engine is
switched off: check engine oil
level. Further details: page 157.
Automatic transmission* q
A fault has caused the auto-
matic transmission to switch to
the emergency-run program. Please
consult your nearest BMW Service.
Further details: page 68.
Brake pads* q
Check the condition of your
brake pads. Further details:
page 133.
Stability Control (DSC)* q
ASC+T/DSC has been switched off by
pressing the control button, or due to a
fault. If there is a fault, please have it
checked by BMW Service. Further de-
tails: page 86.

22nTelltale and warning lights
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)* q
Malfunction in DBC system. Nor-
mal brake action is not affected
(no restrictions). Further details:
page 132.
Tyre Pressure Control (RDC)* q
To check tyre pressures, see
page 27, 88.
Self-levelling suspension* q
The self-levelling suspension is
out of action. Please consult
your nearest BMW Service. Further de-
tails: page 135.
Engine management system q
Engine control system malfunc-
tion. Please arrange for the
problem to be examined by BMW Serv-
ice.
Electronic engine output control
(EML)* q
EML malfunction. Higher pedal
pressure and longer pedal travel may
be needed when braking. Please ar-
range for the problem to be examined
by BMW Service.
Digital Diesel Electronics
(DDE)* q
If light comes on during journey:
please arrange for the problem to be
examined by BMW Service. Further de-
tails: page 136.
Yellow: for your information
Rear foglights*
Lights up when the rear fog
lights are switched on. Further
details: page 92.
Diesel engine preheat* q
Do not start the engine until the
light has gone out. Further de-
tails: page 63.
Green: for your information
Flashing turn indicators
Flashes rhythmically when a turn
is selected; also applies to
trailer if one is being towed. Rapid
flashing: system malfunction. Further
details: page 72.
Cruise control*
Comes on when the system is
switched on: Ready to operate
using the multi-function steering wheel.
Further details: page 75.
Fog lights*
Lights up when the foglights are
switched on. Further details:
page 92.
Blue: for your information
High-beam headlamps
Comes on when the high head-
lamp beams are in use or the
headlamp flasher is used. Further de-
tails: page 72, 91

23n
Multifunctional steering wheel (MFL)*
Integrated into the multifunctional
steering wheel (MFL) are buttons to
permit the following functions to be per-
formed quickly and without the driver's
attention being distracted from the
traffic:
> Various radio functions
> Recirculated-air mode for air condi-
tioning or
> Heated steering wheel
> Cruise control
> Some telephone functions.
The systems in question must be
switched on before they can be
controlled from the multifunctional
steering wheel.<
The illustration shows a full set of con-
trols. For further details, please refer to
the description of the item concerned.
1 Telephone: accepting call, starting
dialling or terminating call. With
voice input*: switching on and off
2 Radio/telephone: change over
switch
3 Radio/telephone: search in reverse
or station keys (or browse in list of
names)
4 Radio/telephone: volume control
5 Radio/telephone: search forwards
or station keys (or browse in list of
names)
390de110
6 Horn, entire surface
7 Cruise control: recall
8 Cruise control: memorise and
accelerate (+), decelerate and
memorise (–)
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/
de-activate
10 Recirculated air and AUC or steer-
ing wheel heating: switching on and
off.

24nHazard warning flashers Warning triangle* First aid box*
The pushbutton lights up in a regular
rhythm when the hazard warning flash-
ers are operating.
When the car's lights are in use, the
pushbutton is also lit so that it can be
located more easily after dark.
The turn signals have priority over
the hazard warning lights. For this
reason, from ignition key setting 1, you
are able to operate the turn signals,
even if the hazard warning lights are
switched on.<
390de039
The warning triangle is kept in the tool
holder in the luggage compartment lid
or tailgate, and easily reached when
needed.
To open the toolkit, unscrew the wing
bolt(s).
Please note that you may be re-
quired by law to carry a warning
triangle in the car.<
394de053
Under the front passenger's seat.
To remove: lift up the pushbutton catch
at the front (arrow) and pull the first aid
kit forwards out of its holder.
To replace in position: insert the first aid
kit in its holder and push to the rear until
the catch engages.
Certain of the items in the first aid
kit have a limited useful life. The
contents should therefore be checked
regularly and life-expired items re-
placed. Replacements can be obtained
from any pharmacy.
Comply with legal requirements con-
cerning the need to carry a first-aid box
in the car.<
390de086

25n
Refuelling Fuel grade
Press front edge of fuel filler flap to
open.
To release the fuel filler flap if the cen-
tral locking system has failed, see
page 194.
When handling fuel, comply with
the safety regulations displayed
by garages and filling stations.<
394de011
Place the screw cap in the holder on
the flap.
When refuelling, insert the filler nozzle
fully into the filler neck. If the filler
nozzle is raised during refuelling,
> the supply of fuel will be cut off pre-
maturely
> and on filler nozzles with fuel vapour
recovery, the recirculating function
will be less effective.
394de120
Spark-ignition engine with
catalytic converter
The engine should be run exclusively on
unleaded fuel. Since the engines have a
knock control function, they can run on
different grades of fuel.
Your BMW's engine is rated to run on:
> Super Plus/premium plus fuel (octane
number 98, Research Method).
Fill up with petrol of this grade when-
ever possible, so that the nominal per-
formance and fuel consumption values
are achieved.
You can also run the engine on:
> Premium-grade unleaded fuel (oc-
tane number 95, Research Method).
This fuel is also known as:
DIN EN 228 or Euro-Super.
The minimum permissible grade is:
> Regular-grade unleaded fuel (octane
number 91, Research Method).
In view of the engine ratings, you are
recommended to use this fuel only in
exceptional circumstances.
Never use fuel containing lead if
the car is equipped with a catalytic
converter, otherwise the lambda probe
and the converter will be permanently
damaged.<

26nFuel grade
Spark-ignition engines without
catalytic converter*
(the catalytic converter can be retro-
fitted)
The engine is designed to run on both
unleaded and leaded fuel. Since the
engines have a knock control function,
they can run on different grades of fuel.
Your BMW's engine is rated to run on:
> Super Plus/premium plus unleaded
fuel (octane number 98, Research
Method) or
> Super Plus/premium plus leaded fuel
(octane number 98, Research
Method). Super (premium) grade pet-
rol (gasoline) can be identified by its
conformity with German Industrial
Standard DIN 51 600.
Fill up with petrol of this grade when-
ever possible, so that the nominal per-
formance and fuel consumption values
are achieved.
You can also run the engine on:
> Premium-grade unleaded fuel (oc-
tane number 95, Research Method).
This fuel is also known as:
DIN EN 228 or Euro-Super.
The minimum permissible grade is:
> Regular-grade unleaded or leaded
fuel (octane number 91, Research
Method).
In view of the engine ratings, you are
recommended to use this fuel only in
exceptional circumstances.
Diesel engines
> Diesel oil to DIN EN 590 standard.
For winter-grade diesel oil, see
page 133.
Do not use rapeseed oil methyl
ester (RME) or Biodiesel, or you
risk damaging the engine.<

27n
Tyre pressures
Tyre pressures are also shown on the
driver's door post (visible when the
door is open).
Checking tyre pressures
All pressure values in the table (see also
the following pages) are in bar (pounds
per square inch in brackets) and are
quoted for cold tyres (cold = no higher
than ambient temperature).
When towing a trailer, always use the
values for the higher load.
Cars with Tyre Pressure Control
(RDC)*:
After correcting tyre pressures, re-acti-
vate the system; see page 88.
390de351
Check tyre pressures regularly (at
least every two weeks and before
starting a long journey). Incorrect tyre
pressures can adversely affect the car's
roadholding and cause tyre damage,
which could result in an accident.
Remember to check the spare wheel
tyre pressure as well. It should be at the
highest pressure needed for any of your
car's tyres.<
Make sure that only approved
tyres are fitted
These tyre pressures apply to makes of
tyre approved by BMW and known to
BMW Service. If other makes of tyre are
fitted to the car, higher tyre pressures
may be needed. Approved tyre sizes
are shown on page 141 onwards.

28nTyre pressures
BMW
saloon
Tyre size
525td
205/65 R 15 94 H
225/60 R 15 96 V
225/55 R 16 95 V
1.9
(27.0)
2.1
(29.8)
2.1
(29.8)
2.6
(37.0)
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
255/40 R 17 94 W/Y
1.9
(27.0)
–
2.1
(29.8)
2.1
(29.8)
2.1
(29.8)
–
2.6
(37.0)
2.6
(37.0)
205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.1
(29.8)
2.3
(32.7)
2.3
(32.7)
2.8
(39.8)
520i
523i
525tds
205/65 R 15 94 V
225/60 R 15 96 V
225/55 R 16 95 V
1.9
(27.0)
2.3
(32.7)
2.3
(32.7)
2.8
(39.8)
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
255/40 R 17 94 W/Y
1.9
(27.0)
–
2.3
(32.7)
2.3
(32.7)
2.3
(32.7)
–
2.8
(39.8)
2.8
(39.8)
205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.1
(29.8)
2.5
(35.6)
2.5
(35.6)
3.0
(42.7)

29n
Tyre pressures
528i
530d
225/60 R 15 96 W
225/55 R 16 95 W
2.0
(28.5)
2.4
(34.1)
2.5
(35.6)
3.0
(42.7)
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
255/40 R 17 94 W/Y
2.2
(31.3)
–
2.6
(37.0)
2.6
(37.0)
2.7
(38.4)
–
3.2
(45.5)
3.2
(45.5)
205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.2
(31.3)
2.6
(37.0)
2.7
(38.4)
3.2
(45.5)
535i
540i
225/55 R 16 95 W 2.3
(32.7)
2.6
(37.0)
2.7
(38.4)
3.2
(45.5)
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
255/40 R 17 94 W/Y
2.5
(35.6)
–
2.8
(39.8)
2.8
(39.8)
2.9
(41.2)
–
3.4
(48.4)
3.4
(48.4)
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.5
(35.6)
2.8
(39.8)
2.9
(41.2)
3.4
(48.4)
BMW
saloon
Tyre size

30nTyre pressures
Tyre size 205/65 R 15 94 V is not
approved for the BMW 523i touring.<
BMW
touring
Tyre size
520i
523i
525tds
205/65 R 15 94 V
225/60 R 15 96 V
225/55 R 16 95 V
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
2.0
(28.5)
2.4
(34.1)
2.6
(37.0)
3.1
(44.1)
205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.2
(31.3)
2.6
(37.0)
2.8
(39.8)
3.3
(46.9)
528i
530d
225/60 R 15 96 W
225/55 R 16 95 W
2.1
(29.8)
2.5
(35.6)
2.6
(37.0)
3.1
(44.1)
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.3
(32.7)
2.7
(38.4)
2.8
(39.8)
3.3
(46.9)
540i
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 Y
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S
2.4
(34.1)
2.8
(39.8)
2.8
(39.8)
3.3
(46.9)

31n

32n
Opening and closing:
Keys 34
Electronic immobiliser 35
Central locking system 36
Doors – from outside 36
Doors – from inside 39
Luggage compartment lid 40
Rear window 41
Load area 43
Alarm system 44
Electric windows 46
Sliding/tilting sunroof 47
Adjusting:
Seats 49
Steering wheel 52
Mirrors 53
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
position memory 55
Safety systems:
Seat belts 58
Airbags 59
Child restraint systems 61
Childproof door locks 62
Driving:
Ignition switch 63
Starting the engine 63
Stopping the engine 65
Handbrake 65
Manual gearbox 66
Automatic transmission 67
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 69
Turn indicators/headlamp
flasher 72
Wipers/rain sensor 72
Heated rear window 75
Cruise control 75
Everything under control:
Trip distance recorder; outside
temperature display 77
Revolution counter 77
Energy Control 78
Fuel gauge 78
Coolant thermometer 79
Check Control 80
On-board computer 83
Technical features for journey
comfort and safety:
Park Distance Control (PDC) 85
Stability Control (DSC) 86
Electronic Damping Control
(EDC) 87
Tyre Pressure Control (RDC) 88

Initial overview
Controls in detail
and general care
Minor repairs
Technical data
Index
33n
Lights:
Sidelights/low-beam (dipped)
headlamps 90
Instrument lighting 90
Headlight beam angle control 91
High-beam headlamps/parking
lights 91
Fog lights 92
Interior light/load-area light 92
Reading lights 93
Controlled-temperature air for
pleasant interior conditions:
Air conditioning 95
Automatic air conditioning 100
Seat heating 106
Heated steering wheel 106
Roller sun blind 106
Auxiliary heater 107
Auxiliary ventilation control 107
Remote control for auxiliary
heater 108
Practical interior equipment:
Glove box 109
Storage compartments 109
Drink can holders 110
Ashtrays 111
Cigarette lighter 111
Loading and load carrying:
Through-loading system 113
Ski bag 114
touring:
Load area 117
Roller-blind cover 117
Net in front of load area 117
Compartments in luggage
area 118
Pull-out load floor 120
Load 121
Roof rack 122
Towing a trailer 123

34nKeys
Key with radio remote control
1 Master key with radio remote control
transmitter
2 Spare key, to be kept in a safe place,
for instance in a purse or wallet. This
is a master key, but is not intended
for regular use
3 Key for doors and ignition.
This key does not open the luggage
compartment/tailgate or the glove
box – this can be useful for instance
at a hotel or restaurant with car park-
ing service.
390de326
Replacement keys
A replacement key can only be ob-
tained from BMW Service. Please note
that BMW Service is required to check
that you are entitled to order spare
keys, since the keys are part of the car's
security system (see Electronic immobi-
lizer, page 35).

35n
Electronic immobiliser
The high-security key
The electronic immobiliser is an addi-
tional means of protecting your BMW
against theft, and operates without you
having to perform any selection or ad-
justing processes yourself. It ensures
that the engine will only start if an igni-
tion key which the immobiliser recog-
nises as belonging to the car is used.
You can also ask BMW Service to inval-
idate individual keys, for instance if they
are lost. If a key has been invalidated,
it can no longer be used to start the
engine.
390de015
What the electronics system can
do
A special electronic component is inte-
grated into the key. The vehicle's elec-
tronics exchange constantly updated
signals, which are individualized for
every vehicle, between the ignition
switch and the electronic components
in the key. The ignition, fuel supply and
starter motor are only released once the
key is identified as authorised.
The electronics integrated into the
key are exposed to mechanical
damage. This could prevent you from
starting the engine.<

36nCentral locking system Doors – from outside
The principle
The central locking system cannot take
effect until both front doors are closed.
The following are unlocked and locked
together:
> Doors
> Trunk lid/tailgate and rear window*
> Tank flap.
The central locking system can be
operated
> from outside using the door or tail-
gate lock* and by the radio remote
control
> from inside using a button.
When operated from the outside, the
deadlocks are engaged at the same
time. It prevents the doors from being
unlocked either at the safety lock but-
tons or door handles. The alarm sys-
tem* is also activated or deactivated.
In the event of a collision, the central
locking system is released automati-
cally, but only at doors which were not
locked separately by means of the in-
side buttons; see page 39. The hazard
warning flashers and interior light are
also switched on.
Locking and unlocking
Do not lock the car when there is
anyone inside it, as it cannot then
be unlocked from the inside.<
On certain national-market ver-
sions, the alarm system can only
be operated from the radio remote con-
trol. On these cars, unlocking with a key
triggers off the alarm.
To switch off the alarm: press button 1
(unlock) or turn the ignition key to posi-
tion 1.<
For further details of the alarm system,
see page 44.
380de015
Comfort operation
You can also operate windows and the
sliding/tilting sunroof using the door
lock.
> To open: when the door is closed,
turn the key in the door lock to the re-
lease position and hold it there.
> To close: when the door is closed,
turn the key to the locking position
and hold it there.
Watch the closing movement to
ensure that no-one is trapped. The
movement is stopped when the key is
released.<
Manual operation
if an electrical fault has occurred
By turning the key to the limit positions
in the door lock, you can lock and un-
lock the driver's door.

37n
Radio remote control
Unlocking
Press button 1.
At the same time the deadlocks are re-
leased, the alarm system* de-activated
and the interior light switched on.
On versions for certain markets,
pressing the button once only un-
locks the driver's door; it must be
pressed a second time to release the
remainder of the central locking sys-
tem.<
If you wish, you can have this spe-
cial arrangement programmed for
each specific remote control.<
394de013
Convenient opening
You can also open the windows and
sliding/tilting sunroof using the remote
control unit:
Hold button 1 down. When you release
the button, the opening process is in-
terrupted immediately.
Locking and thiefproofing
Press button 2.
The antitheft deadlock is simultane-
ously engaged and the alarm system
activated.
Do not lock the car when there is
someone inside it, as it cannot
then be unlocked from the inside.<
Convenient closure
You can also close the windows and
sliding/tilting sunroof using the remote
control unit:
Hold button 2 depressed. The closing
procedure is interrupted if the button is
released.
Watch the closing movement to
ensure that no-one is trapped. The
closing procedure is interrupted if the
button is released.<
On cars with an alarm system (see
page 44): if the convenient closure
movement is interrupted, the car must
be unlocked again with button 1 before
convenient closure is undertaken again.
Failing this, the tilt alarm sensor and in-
terior movement detector will be out of
action.<
Switching on the interior lighting
If the car is locked, press button 2.
Subject to the remote control's range,
this function can be used to locate your
car on a large car park, for example.
Switching off tilt alarm sensor
Briefly press button 2 again after lock-
ing the car.
This also switches off the alarm sys-
tem's interior movement detecting
function (see page 44).
LED (light-emitting diode) 3 comes
on briefly when any button is
pressed. Certain symbols on the radio
remote control may differ from those il-
lustrated here.<

38nRadio remote control
Opening luggage compartment/
tailgate
Press button 4.
The boot lid/tailgate opens slightly,
regardless of whether it was previously
locked or unlocked.
394de013
Master keys
Keys with a radio remote control trans-
mitter are master keys.
Apart from "Switch on interior light" and
"Open boot lid/tailgate", all radio re-
mote control functions can also be op-
erated with the key in the driver's door
lock or the boot lid/tailgate lock.
The front passenger's door has no out-
side lock, in order to reduce the risk of
theft.
To switch off the alarm: Press button 1
tion 1.<
Note that children could lock the
doors from the inside if they are
alone in the car. Always take the car
keys with you so that the car can be
opened from the outside.<
Interference
The radio remote control may be sus-
ceptible to local interference from other
systems or equipment operating on the
same frequency.

39n
Doors – from inside
This button is used to operate the cen-
tral locking system when the front doors
are closed. This only unlocks or locks
the doors, luggage compartment lid/
window and fuel filler flap – it does not
activate the burglar alarm for them.
If you wish, the central locking
system can be set to engage as
soon as the car is driven away. You can
have this setting programmed as part of
the Key Memory facility.<
390de016
Unlocking and opening
> Either use the central locking button
to unlock all doors at once, then pull
the door handle above the armrest, or
> Pull the door handle out twice at any
door: the first pull will unlock the
door, the second pull will open it.
Locking
> Either lock all doors at the central
locking pushbutton, or
> Press the door safety buttons down.
To avoid being shut out of the car ac-
cidentally, the driver's door cannot be
locked with the safety button when it
is open.
Do not lock the doors with the
safety buttons during the journey,
or else the central locking system will
not be released in the event of an acci-
dent.
Note that children could lock the doors
from the inside if they are alone in the
car. Always take the key with you, so
that the car can be opened from the
outside.<

40nLuggage compartment lid
Lock – saloon only
Only the central keys (see page 34) fit
the boot lid lock.
394de017
Locking separately
Turn the master key to the right past the
pressure point and take it out when hor-
izontal.
This locks the luggage compartment
and disconnects it from the central
locking system. If you then hand over
only door and ignition key 3 (see
page 34), the boot lid cannot be
opened. This extra security can be
useful, for instance, when arriving at a
hotel.
394de064
Opening from outside
Press the button (arrow): the boot lid
opens slightly.
The boot or luggage area is lit when you
open the boot lid/tailgate (also refer to
page 92).
Manual operation
if an electrical fault has occurred
Saloon:
Insert a master key into the luggage
compartment lid lock and turn fully to
the left – the lid will open slightly.
The luggage compartment is locked
again as soon as its lid is closed.
touring: See page 195.
394de009

41n
Luggage compartment lid
Opening from inside car
With this button, you can open the lug-
gage compartment lid or tailgate while
the vehicle is stationary, provided it is
not deadlocked.
390de324
Rear window – touring
It is quick and easy to load and unload
small items if the rear window can be
opened separately.
Press the button (arrow): the rear win-
dow opens slightly. It can be swung up-
wards.
To close the window, press down on
the glass.
Protect the window if it is likely to
be struck by sharp-pointed or
sharp-edged objects on the load area
during the journey; this is to prevent
damage to the rear-window heating el-
ements.<
392de159
Closing – saloon
A recessed handle (arrow) next to the
lock mechanism makes it easier to pull
the lid down.
394de128

42nLuggage compartment lid
Closing – touring
You can pull the tailgate down with both
hands if required (arrows) at the re-
cessed handles provided.
To close the tailgate, press it down only
lightly. The actual closing action is au-
tomatic.
To avoid injuries, as with any clos-
ing process, ensure that the clos-
ing area of the boot lid/tailgate is unob-
structed.<
When the tailgate on the touring is
open, the tip of the tailgate is
more than two metres off the ground.
Please note this if, for instance, you are
opening the tailgate in a garage.<
392de160
If possible, drive only with the tail-
gate and rear window fully closed,
to prevent exhaust gases from entering
the passenger compartment. If you are
obliged to drive the car with the lid, tail-
gate or rear window open:
> Close all other windows and the sun-
roof
> Increase the volume of air in the heat-
ing and ventilation system or the air
conditioner, refer to page 94 or 100.<

43n
Load area
Tensioning straps
Use the tensioning straps on the floor of
the load area to prevent small objects
from slipping.
If you place objects on the lashing
straps, they form a non-slip base.
There are lashing points at the corners
of the load area to which a load area
net* or retaining straps can be attached
when loads have to be secured.
See also under "Loading", page 121.
394de302
Hanger*
There is a hook on the left in the load
area for hanging up carrier bags or sim-
ilar.
394de144

44nAlarm system*
The alarm system reacts if:
> a door, the engine compartment, the
load area or load area or the rear win-
dow are opened
> there is any movement inside the car
(interior movement detector)
> there is a change in the car's attitude,
for instance if it is jacked up to re-
move a wheel or if it is towed away
> there is an interruption in the power
supply from the battery.
Depending on the national-market ver-
sion of the car, the alarm system indi-
cates unauthorised entry or tampering
in different ways:
> 30-second acoustic alarm
> Switching on the hazard warning
flashers for approx. 5 minutes*.
Activating and de-activating
Whenever the car is locked or un-
locked, whether at a lock or with the re-
mote control, the alarm system is acti-
vated or de-activated at the same time.
The interior movement detector is acti-
vated about 30 seconds after the last
locking action.
If the alarm system has been activated
correctly, the hazard warning flashers
come on once*.
Even when the system has been acti-
vated, you can open the lid/tailgate by
pressing button 4 on the radio remote
control. As soon as the lid/tailgate is
closed again, it is locked.
To switch off the alarm: press button 1
tion 1.<
Alarm system telltale
> If the telltale lamp under the inside
mirror flashes steadily: the system is
activated.
> If the telltale flashes when the system
is being activated: not all doors, lids
or the rear window are properly
closed. Even if an item is not closed
fully, the remaining items are pro-
tected and the telltale lamp begins to
flash steadily after 10 seconds. How-
ever, the interior movement detector
is not activated.
> If the telltale goes out when the sys-
tem is de-activated, no attempt was
made to tamper with the car during
your absence.
390de020

45n
Alarm system*
> If the telltale flashes for 10 seconds
when the system is de-activated, an
attempt was made to tamper with the
car.
After the alarm has stopped, the telltale
once again flashes intermittently.
Tilt sensor
The tilt alarm sensor and the interior
movement detector can be switched off
together. This prevents the alarm from
being triggered off when not wanted,
for instance in two-level garage parking
or when travelling on a car train or ferry:
Perform the locking movement (acti-
vate) twice, by pressing button 2 on the
radio remote control twice in succes-
sion, or repeating the locking move-
ment with the key.
The telltale comes on briefly, then
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sen-
sor and interior movement detector are
then switched off until the system is de-
activated again.
Interior movement detector
The illustration shows the interior move-
ment detector's transmitter and re-
ceiver.
Before the interior movement detector
can operate correctly, the windows and
sunroof must be closed.
However, switch the interior movement
detector off (see under "Tilt alarm sen-
sor" in previous column) if
> children or animals remain in the car
> a window or the sunroof is to remain
open.
390de153
The tilt alarm sensor and interior
movement detector will be
switched off inadvertently if the con-
venient closure movement of the win-
dows and sunroof is interrupted and re-
started within the first 10 seconds. In
this case the complete system must be
de-activated and re-activated.<

46nElectric windows
Opening and closing windows
From ignition key position 1:
> Press the rocker switch in until the
pressure point is felt:
the window continues to move for as
long as the rocker switch is pressed.
> Press the toggle switch over beyond
the pressure point:
the window then continues to move
automatically.
Press the switch briefly again to halt
the movement.
390de055
After the ignition is switched off:
> You can still operate the electric win-
dows for up to 15 minutes, unless a
front door was opened and closed
again. To open, press the rocker
switch beyond the normal detent
point.
When leaving the car, always take
out the ignition key and close the
doors, so that children cannot operate
the electric windows and possibly injure
themselves.<
For details of comfort operation using
the door lock and/or the radio remote
control unit, refer to page 36 or 37.
Protective function
There is a contact strip on the inside of
each window surround, at the top. If it is
compressed as the window closes, the
closing action is interrupted immedi-
ately and the window re-opens slightly.
Despite this protective function,
make sure that the window is not
obstructed as it closes; if this precau-
tion is not taken, the risk remains that
thin objects, for instance, may not actu-
ate the contact strip correctly.
The protective function is switched off
by pressing the switch beyond its nor-
mal pressure point and holding it
there.<

47n
Electric windows Sliding/tilting sunroof*
Safety switch
This prevents the electric rear side win-
dows from being opened and closed at
the switches on the rear doors, for in-
stance by children.
Always press the childproof safety
switch when carrying children on
the rear seat. Careless closure of elec-
tric windows can cause injury.<
390de131
Always close the sliding/tilting
sunroof carefully, so that injuries
are avoided.
When leaving the car, always take out
the ignition key and close the doors, so
that children cannot operate the electric
windows and possibly injure them-
selves.<
Low air pressure or draughts inside the
car when the sunroof is slid back or
tilted up can be avoided by keeping the
ventilation outlets on the fascia open
and increasing the airflow if necessary.
See page 96, 103.
For details of comfort operation using
the door lock and/or the radio remote
control unit, refer to page 36 or 37.
Raising – opening – closing
From ignition key setting 1, press down
the switch and/or slide in the desired
direction up to the pressure point.
When being raised, the roof lining only
retracts a few centimetres.
You can operate the electric sunroof for
up to 15 minutes after switching off the
ignition, provided that a front door has
not been opened and closed again in
the meantime.
Automatic* opening and closing
Press the button and hold down beyond
the pressure point.
Furthermore, the following movements
are automated:
390de327

48nSliding/tilting sunroof*
> When the roof is open, press the
switch in the "Raise" direction: the
roof moves to the limit position for
"Raising".
> When the roof is raised, press the
switch towards "Opening": the sun-
roof panel moves to the fully open
position.
Pressing the switch stops this move-
ment.
Protective function
If the sliding/tilting sunroof encounters
resistance when closing with the roof
roughly half closed, the closing opera-
tion is interrupted and the roof re-opens
slightly.
Despite this protective function,
make sure that the roof is not ob-
structed as it closes; if this precaution is
not taken, the risk remains that thin ob-
jects, for instance, may not actuate the
closing-force limiter correctly.
The protective function is switched off
by pressing the switch beyond its nor-
mal pressure point and holding it
there.<
Sunroof with glass panel*
Operation and function are as de-
scribed above for the conventional slid-
ing/tilting sunroof. To open the roof
from the raised position, hold the switch
in the opening direction until the roof
has reached the desired position.
When the roof panel is raised, the slid-
ing trim is pushed back slightly; when
the roof is slid open, it moves with the
roof panel. It remains in the open posi-
tion and can be moved to a new posi-
tion whenever required. Power supply failed or interrupted
After the power supply has been inter-
rupted (e.g. by disconnecting the bat-
tery), it is only possible to tilt up the
sunroof panel initially. To restore its full
range of functions:
1 Move the sliding/tilting roof to the
fully raised position
2 Hold the switch down for approx.
20 seconds.
If there is an electrical defect, the slid-
ing/tilting sunroof can be operated
manually, see page 194.
390de328

49n
For your own personal safety, please
note the following precautions when
adjusting the seat position:
Do not reposition the driver's seat
while the car is in motion. Other-
wise an unexpected seat movement
could cause the driver to lose control of
the car and lead to an accident.
The seat belt should pass as closely as
possible over the wearer's body. In the
event of a head-on collision, the lap belt
could otherwise slide over the hips and
injure the lower part of the body. In ad-
dition, the restraining effect is reduced
if the seat belt is slack against the
wearer's body.
Do not recline the seat back too far
when the car is being driven (this ap-
plies in particular to the front passen-
ger), or there will be a risk of "submarin-
ing" under the seat belt, so that the belt
loses its full protective effect.
Do not slide the seats to the rear if the
car is inclined at an angle (for instance a
garage ramp or a slope). This could
lead to the automatic seat belt height
adjuster becoming disconnected.<
1 Forward/back
Pull the lever up and slide the seat to
the preferred position.
After releasing the lever, slide the
seat backwards or forwards very
slightly until engages correctly
2 Height
Pull up the lever and apply your
weight to the seat or allow it to rise380de021
3 Seat back
Pull the lever and either apply your
weight to the seat back, or lean for-
ward to relieve it of load
4 Seat angle (driver's seat only)
Pull the lever up and move the seat to
the desired angle.
380de022
Seats, adjusting Manual seat adjustment

50nManual seat adjustment BMW Sport seat*
Correct seated position
To relieve the load on the discs of the
spine, sit well back in the seat with your
back resting firmly against the seat
back.
The ideal position is when the head is
a straight-line extension of the spinal
column.
On long journeys the seat back can be
reclined rearwards to a slightly greater
angle, in order to reduce muscle strain.
You should still be able to reach the
highest point on the steering wheel with
the arms slightly bent.
Lumbar support*
See BMW Comfort seat, next page.
Head restraints
To adjust height: pull out or push in.
Adjusting front head restraint angle:
swing forwards or back.
Head restraints reduce the risk of
neck injuries in the event of an ac-
cident.
The head restraint should therefore be
positioned with its centre at approxi-
mately the same height as the ears of
the seat's occupant.
The centre rear head restraint should
be left fully retracted; if it is pulled out
more than a very short distance, it will
not function correctly.<
390de065
Manual
On this seat, the thigh support area can
also be adjusted:
Pull the lever and move the thigh sec-
tion until it provides the necessary sup-
port.
The angle of the passenger's seat can
also be adjusted.
390de137

51n
Electrically adjusted seat* BMW Comfort seat*
1 Angle
2 Forward/back
3 Height
4 Seat back
5 Head restraint height
Tilt the head restraint to alter its angle.
Comply with the adjusting instruc-
tions on page 49, or there may be
a risk to your personal safety.<
380de023
This seat has additional lumbar and
shoulder support settings.
1 Lumbar support
> Push the switch forward or back: the
curvature is increased or decreased.
> Press the switch at top or bottom:
curvature moves up or down.
The seat back contour can be altered to
provide more support to the curved
(lumbar) section of the spine.
The upper edge of the pelvis and the
spinal column are supported, to en-
courage an upright but relaxed seated
position.
380de024
2 Shoulder support
Press the switch: the angle of the upper
part of the seat back changes.
The adjustable upper section of the
seat back supports the shoulder area of
the seat occupant's body. It enables a
relaxed seat position to be found and
reduces the load on the shoulder mus-
cles.
To obtain the recommended optimum
settings:
Driver's and front passenger's side:
1 Tilt the upper part of the seat back
fully to the rear
2 Adjust to the most suitable position,
as described on page 50
3 Tilt the upper section of the seat back
forwards until adequate shoulder
support is obtained.
380de024

52nBMW Comfort seat* BMW Sport seat* Adjusting steering wheel
Passenger's seat in rest position:
1 Tilt the upper part of the seat back
fully to the rear
2 Set the seat angle to a slightly more
upright position
3 Recline the seat back slightly more to
the rear
4 Tilt the upper section of the seat back
further forwards.
Correct the forward/back position
of the seat if necessary to ensure
that the seat belt still passes closely
over the wearer's body, otherwise the
belt's protective action may be af-
fected.<
380de064
Electric
This seat has electric thigh support
adjustment.
To operate it, press the switch.
390de371
Manual
1 Swing out the clamp lever
2 Move the steering wheel to the pre-
ferred reach and angle to suit your
seated position
3 Fold the lever back in to clamp the
steering column in the new position.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
position while the vehicle is in mo-
tion, otherwise an accident may result
from any unexpected movement.<
390de027

53n
Adjusting steering wheel Mirrors
Electrical*
The steering wheel can be repositioned
in four directions, corresponding to the
lever movements.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
position while the vehicle is in mo-
tion, otherwise an accident may result
from any unexpected movement.<
To memorise steering wheel position,
see "seat, mirror and steering wheel
position memory", page 55.
390de028
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment
(only in conjunction with seat, mirror
and steering wheel memory*)
To make it easier to get in and out of
the driver's seat, the steering wheel au-
tomatically rises into its uppermost po-
sition before returning to the driving po-
sition (memory).
This automatic system responds to the
ignition key setting and the driver's
door. Outside mirrors
1 Switch for adjustment in all four
directions
2 Changeover switch for mirror on
other side of car
3 Button for folding the mirrors in and
out (only with automatic-dip outside
mirrors* – see page 55).
Press the button once to fold the mirrors
in, and again to fold them out. This can,
for example, be useful in car washes,
narrow streets or to reset a mirror to the
correct position if it was previously
folded forwards.
The mirrors can be folded in at a
road speed up to 10 km/h (approx.
6 mph).<
390de029

54nMirrors
The mirrors can also be adjusted manu-
ally by pressing the edge of the glass.
To memorise mirror positions, see
"seat, mirror and steering wheel posi-
tion memory", page 55.
The outer, aspherically curved* section
of the mirror displays a larger field of
view, though slightly distorted, than the
inner, convex* section. In this way, the
view to the rear is extended and the
blind spot is reduced in size.
The mirror on the passenger's
side is more convex than the mir-
ror on the driver's side, and therefore
reflected objects are closer than they
appear. It may be difficult to estimate
the precise distance at which another
vehicle is following your car. The same
applies to the aspherical outer section
of the mirrors.<
Electric mirror heating
Both mirrors are heated automatically in
ignition key position 2.
Inside mirror
To reduce glare from following vehicles
after dark, tilt the mirror image by mov-
ing the small lever.
Illuminated make-up mirror*
Fold the sun visor down and slide the
mirror cover (if fitted) sideways.
The mirrors are illuminated from ignition
key position 1 on.
Sun visors
The sun visors can also be pivoted to
the side, against the door windows.
390de030
Interor mirror, automatic
anti-glare*
This mirror dims automatically and
steplessly in accordance with the inten-
sity of the light received (ambient light
and the effect of glare from headlamps).
The mirror switches automatically to the
clear, non-dimmed position when the
driver engages reverse gear or selects
R.
To ensure that the mirror always func-
tions correctly, keep the two photo-
cells clean and unobstructed. One
photo-cell (arrow) is in the mirror glass,
the other is slightly offset on the back of
the mirror.
For details of the electrochromic mirror
principle, refer to page 205.
390de031

55n
Mirrors Seat, mirror and steering wheel position memory*
Automatic-dip outside mirrors*
These mirrors can be folded in or out at
button 3 (see page 53). They have the
same automatic-dip action as the inside
mirror.
You can memorise and call up three dif-
ferent driver's seat, outside mirror and
(with an electrically adjustable steering
wheel) steering wheel positions. The
picture shows the buttons on the
driver's door.
The setting of the lumbar support
is not recorded in the memory.<
Memorising
1 Ignition key in position 1 or 2
2 Select the desired seat, outside mir-
ror and steering wheel positions
3 Press the MEMORY button: the tell-
tale lamp in the switch comes on
4 Press memory button 1, 2 or 3: the
telltale lamp goes out.
390de032
Calling up
Driver's door open after being un-
locked, or ignition key in position 1:
> Press the appropriate memory button
1, 2 or 3 briefly.
The positioning movement is inter-
rupted immediately if you operate a
seat adjustment switch or one of the
memory buttons.
With the driver's door closed and the
ignition key either removed or in posi-
tion 0 or 2:
> Press memory button 1, 2 or 3 until
the adjusting procedure has been
completed.
If the MEMORY button was pressed
accidentally: press it again; the telltale
goes out.
Do not call up the memory while
the car is in motion, otherwise an
unexpected seat or steering wheel
movement may cause an accident.<

56nSeat, mirror and steering wheel position memory*
You can have your car pro-
grammed so that when it is un-
locked with your own personal remote-
control key your preferred seat, mirror
and steering wheel positions are ob-
tained automatically.<
If you use this setting, make sure
before unlocking that the footwell
behind the driver's seat is unobstructed.
Otherwise damage could be caused if
the seat moves back automatically to
the previously selected position.< Passenger's side mirror tilt-down
(parking position)
1 Move the mirror changeover switch
(arrow) to the "Driver's mirror" posi-
tion
2 When reverse gear (or automatic
transmission selector lever position R)
is selected, The driver can then see
the ground close to the car (for in-
stance, the edge of the kerb).
This automatic function can be switched
off if not required: move the mirror
changeover switch to the passenger's
side mirror position.
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57n
Car Memory, Key Memory
How it works
You may often have wished that you
could modify the operation of certain
features of your car to suit your own in-
dividual preferences. When developing
the car, BMW therefore "designed in" a
number of freely programmable options
for the car, which BMW Service will
gladly adjust as you wish.
There are "Car Memory" and "Key
Memory" settings, the former relating to
the car itself, the latter to your personal
requirements. You can have up to four
sets of basic settings programmed for
two different persons. This presup-
poses that each person has his or her
own remote control key. By means of
data exchange with the key, the car
identifies the user when the car is un-
locked and performs the necessary ad-
justments.
390de329
Coloured adhesive labels are supplied
with the keys so that they can be identi-
fied by the users.
What can be selected
BMW Service will gladly inform you of
the facilities available with Car Memory
and Key Memory.
At the appropriate points in this
Owner's Handbook you will find
this symbol, as an indication that spe-
cial settings as described above are
available.<
An example of Key Memory is the auto-
matic repositioning of the electrically
adjusted driver's seat for the intending
user each time the car is unlocked.

58n
Wear the seat belts whenever the car is
driven.
To fasten: the seat belt buckle must be
heard to engage.
To open: press the red release button
on the belt buckle and guide the belt
back if necessary to reinforce the action
of the automatic reel.
As the seat is moved forwards and
back, the upper belt loop is automati-
cally adjusted to the wearer's size.
The two seat belt buckles integrated
into the rear seat are intended for the
left and right seat occupants. The
buckle marked "CENTER" is only to be
used by a person occupying the center
rear seat.
390de033
Comply with the following instruc-
tions concerning the wearing of
seat belts in order to avoid any adverse
effects on personal safety or reduction
in the belt's protective function. These
instructions also apply to passengers in
the car. Never restrain more than one
person with each seat belt. Babies or
small children must not travel on the lap
of another occupant.
The belts should not be twisted and
must run firmly across the pelvis and
shoulder. They should not pass over
hard or fragile objects in your pockets.
It should not pass over any sharp, solid
or breakable objects in pockets etc.
The seat belt must not run across the
wearer's neck, nor should it be trapped
or abraded by coming into contact with
sharp edges or objects.
The seat belt should always be worn as
close to the seat occupant's body as
possible. If possible, avoid bulky cloth-
ing and remember to tauten the belt fre-
quently where it runs over the shoulder.
In the event of a head-on collision, the
lap belt could otherwise slide over the
hips and injure the lower part of the
body. In addition, the restraining effect
is reduced if the seat belt is slack
against the wearer's body. Pregnant
women should also wear the seat belt,
making sure that the lap strap is well
down on the hips and does not press
on the abdominal region of the body.<
For care of seat belts, see page 167.
Saloon with through-load system*:
please note the instructions for the
centre rear seat belt on page 113.
touring: If the centre belt cannot be
pulled out, the larger section of the rear
seat back is not properly locked into po-
sition; see page 117.<
If exposed to severe loads in an
accident, or if the belt system in-
cluding the buckle tensioner and any
child restraint systems* installed in the
car have been damaged, BMW Service
should renew them and check the belt
anchorages.<
Seat belts

59n
Airbags
1 Front airbags for the driver and front
passenger
2 Head airbags (front)
3 Side airbags (front and at rear*)
Protective effect
The front airbags protect the occupants
of the front seats in the event of a head-
on collision, where the restraining effect
of the seat belts alone would no longer
be adequate. The head and side air-
bags provide protection in the event
of a side-on collision. The side airbag
which inflates has the effect of support-
ing the upper body from the side.
380de647
The picture shows the main directions
of impact to which the airbags respond.
390de142
Telltale light
The telltale lamp confirms that
the airbag system is ready to
operate (from ignition key posi-
tion 1 onwards).
System operational:
> The telltale lamp comes on briefly
and then goes out.
System defective:
> The telltale lamp does not come on,
or
> the telltale comes on briefly, goes out
briefly and then comes on again.
If there is a system fault, there is a risk
that it will not be triggered off even if a
sufficiently severe accident occurs
within the airbag range.
Please have it checked by BMW Serv-
ice without delay.

60nAirbags
Note the following instructions
concerning airbags, in order to
ensure that personal safety is not re-
stricted or the airbags's protective func-
tion adversely affected. These instruc-
tions also apply to passengers in the
car.
Always fasten your seat belt on every
journey, despite the presence of an air-
bag: the airbags are an additional safety
feature, not a substitute. The airbags
are not triggered off in minor accidents,
nor if the car rolls over or is struck from
the rear. In such circumstances the seat
belt provides optimum protection.
Choose a seated position that is com-
fortable but also at the maximum possi-
ble distance from the steering wheel or
fascia and door.
Always grip the steering wheel on the
rim otherwise you may suffer hand and
arm injuries when the airbag is trig-
gered. No objects should be held or
allowed to rest between the airbag and
seat occupant.
The cover of the front passenger's air-
bag should not be used as a storage
tray.
Do not use adhesive on, cover over or
otherwise modify the upholstered cov-
ers on the steering wheel, the dash-
board, the side panels on front and rear
doors and the roof struts, nor the sides
of the roof liners.
Never install child restraint systems on
the front passenger's seat. Children
under 12 and those who are smaller
than 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) should travel on
the rear seats and may be required to
do so by law.
When side airbags are fitted for back
seat passengers, ensure that child
seats are correctly mounted as far as
possible from the doors. Do not allow
children to lean out of the seat towards
the door, as this could result in consid-
erable injury in the event of the airbags
being triggered.<
Even if all these instructions are com-
plied with, injury to the face, arms or
hands as a result of the airbag inflating
cannot be entirely ruled out, depending
on the circumstances in which an acci-
dent occurs. If the car's occupants are
unduly sensitive to the ignition and in-
flation noise generated by the airbag
systems, their hearing may be tempo-
rarily affected.
For further information on the airbag
system, see pages 170 and 203.

61n
Child restraint systems*
For children up to 12 years of age and
less than 150 cm (approx. 4 ft 11 in) tall,
suitable approved restraint systems
may have to be installed; comply with
local regulations.
Small children up to about 18 months
old can be secured with a rear-facing
restraint system on the back seats,
using standard seat belts.
BMW Service can supply suitable child
restraint systems for every age group.
Please comply with the notes in the in-
stallation instructions when using these
products.
Do not install child restraint sys-
tems on the front seat, as injury
could be caused if the passenger's air-
bag is triggered off.
In no circumstances are child restraint
systems to be modified, as their protec-
tive effect may otherwise be impaired.<
Integral child's seat*
These child's seats, in the two outer rear
seat positions, satisfy the legal require-
ments of ECE Directive R-44 and are
suitable for children between about 3g
and 12 years of age (weighing 15 to
36 kg/33 to 80 lbs).
Forchildrenagedfromapprox.18months
to 3g a years (weighing between 9 and
18 kg (20 and 40 lbs), use these seats in
conjunction with the "Comfort" seat
back and impact-absorbing table; these
are available from BMW Service.
Unfolding the child's seat:
Reach under the front of the seat and
pull it upwards diagonally to the rear
(arrow). Then press the child's seat to
the rear until it engages in position.
394de149
Folding away the child's seat:
Release by pulling the loop forwards
and down (arrow). Then press down
from the top until the child's seat en-
gages.
Use the integral child's seats only
in conjunction with the head re-
straints.
When repositioning the car's front
seats, make sure that the child's feet
are not trapped.
Never leave children in the car on their
own – even when occupying a child's
seat.<
394de150

62nChild restraint systems* Childproof door locks
Note the safety instructions re-
garding seat belts on page 58, to
ensure that the full protective action of
the belts is maintained.
If damaged or subjected to severe
loads in an accident, have the integral
child's seat (and other accessories if
necessary) renewed by BMW Service.<
394de152
Insert key into slot on rear door and turn
outwards:
This door can now only be opened from
the outside.
390de019

63n
0 Steering locked
The key can only be inserted and re-
moved in this position.
After removing the key, turn the steer-
ing wheel slightly if necessary until the
steering lock engages.
Automatic transmission cars: Do
not move the selector lever away
from position P until the engine is run-
ning (ignition key position 2).
Before the ignition key can be returned
to position 0 or pulled out, the auto-
matic transmission selector lever must
be moved to position P (interlock).<
390de010
1 Steering released
A slight movement of the steering wheel
often makes it easier to turn the key in
the ignition from 0 to 1.
Individual power consumers can then
operate.
2 Ignition switched on/
BMW 525td/tds, 530d:
preheating
All electrical consumers are ready to
operate.
3 Starting the engine
Before starting
> Apply the handbrake
> Move the gear lever to neutral (or
automatic transmission selector to
P or N)
> At low temperatures, depress the
clutch pedal.
Never run the engine in an en-
closed space. The exhaust gas
contains carbon monoxide, which is
colourless and odourless, but highly
toxic. Inhaling exhaust gas constitutes a
severe health risk and can lead to loss
of consciousness with fatal conse-
quences.
Do not leave the car unattended with
the engine running, as it then consti-
tutes a considerable potential hazard.<
Ignition switch Starting the engine

64nStarting the engine
Cars with spark-ignition engine
> Start the engine without depressing
the accelerator pedal.
Allow the starter motor to run for a
reasonable time, but not for more
than about 20 seconds. As soon as the
engine fires, release the ignition key.
Do not allow the engine to warm up at a
standstill, but drive off as soon as pos-
sible, using moderate engine speeds.
BMW 535iA, 540iA:
Your BMW is equipped with a conven-
ient-start system. It is sufficient to turn
the ignition key briefly to position 3 (to
operate the starter motor), then to re-
lease it.
The starter then runs automatically for a
predetermined period, and cuts out as
soon as the engine has started.
If the battery voltage is low, automatic
starting cannot be activated, or the
function is interrupted. The engine can
be jump started (refer to page 196).<
If the engine does not start first time, for
instance if it is very cold or very hot:
> Depress the accelerator pedal half-
way while starting the engine.
Cold starts at very low ambient temper-
atures (below approx. –156) at high
altitude (more than 1000 m above sea
level):
> On the first occasion, take longer
over the starting operation (approx.
10 seconds)
> Depress the accelerator pedal half-
way while starting the engine.
Cars with diesel engine
When the engine is cold:
> Hold the ignition key in position 2 un-
til the preheat telltale or display goes
out
> Start the engine.
At extremely low temperatures, the
starter motor may have to be run for
up to 40 seconds.
When the engine is warm:
> The preheat telltale or display does
not come on. Start the engine imme-
diately.
Movement of the accelerator pedal has
no influence on the starting process.
Do not allow the engine to warm up at a
standstill, but drive off as soon as pos-
sible, using moderate engine speeds.
Bleeding the the fuel system:
Even if the fuel tank has been run dry,
the fuel system does not normally need
to be bled.
If you nevertheless encounter difficul-
ties in starting the engine:
> Run the starter motor for approx.
20 seconds.

65n
Stopping the engine Handbrake
Turn the ignition key back to 1 or 0.
BMW 530d:
When the engine is cold, a fuel-burning
auxiliary heater is used to warm the
car's interior more rapidly. Its exhaust
fumes are discharged under the door
sill on the driver's side.
If the engine is stopped before it has
reached its regular operating tempera-
ture, the auxiliary heater continues to
run for a short time, and therefore pro-
duces exhaust fumes.
Never take out the ignition key
when the car is still moving, in
order to prevent the steering lock from
engaging.
When leaving the car, always remove
the ignition key and lock the steering.
Manual-gearbox cars:
When parking on a slope, apply the
handbrake, because merely engaging
first or reverse gear may not prevent the
car reliably from rolling away.
Automatic transmission cars:
Select position P.<
Applying
The lever engages automatically and
the telltale in the instrument cluster
lights up in ignition setting 2, refer to
page 20.
Releasing
Raise slightly, press the knob and move
the lever down.
The handbrake is primarily intended for
preventing a stationary vehicle from
rolling away, and acts on the rear
wheels.
In exceptional cases, if the hand-
brake has to be used to slow or
stop the car, do not pull the lever up too
hard. Keep the knob on the lever held in
all the time.
390de042
Too violent an application of the hand-
brake could over-brake the rear wheels
and cause the rear of the car to skid.
The brake lights do not come on when
the handbrake is applied.
Manual-gearbox cars:
When parking on a slope, apply the
handbrake, because merely engaging
first or reverse gear may not prevent the
car reliably from rolling away.
Automatic transmission cars:
Select position P.<
To avoid corrosion, apply the hand-
brake lightly from time to time when
coasting to a standstill, for instance at
a traffic signal, provided that it is safe
to do so.

66nManual gearbox
The gear lever comes to rest when not
in use in the 3rd/4th gear gate plane
(dot in picture).
When the lever is moved from a forward
or reverse gear into neutral, it is auto-
matically spring-loaded to return to this
plane of the gate.
360de044
BMW 540i
The gear lever comes to rest when not
in use in the 3rd/4th gear gate plane
(dot in picture).
When the lever is moved from a forward
or reverse gear into neutral, it is auto-
matically spring-loaded to return to this
plane of the gate.
When selecting a gear in the 5th/
6th gear plane, always press the
lever to the right, to avoid accidentally
selecting a gear in the 3rd/4th plane of
the gate.<
380de044
Reverse
Engage this gear only when the car is
standing still. Press the gear lever to the
left until slight resistance is overcome.
The reversing lamps then come on au-
tomatically in ignition key position 2.
Never try to prevent the car from
rolling back on an uphill gradient
by slipping the clutch; always apply the
handbrake. A clutch that is allowed to
slip will wear rapidly.<

67n
Automatic transmission*
Your BMW is equipped with Adaptive
Transmission Control (AGS). It re-
sponds sensitively to your individual
driving style and the actual road and
traffic situation. Various shift programs
are used for this purpose.
You will find more details on the AGS in
the chapter headed "Technical Items of
Interest" on page 202.
390de044
Selector lever positions
P R N D S 3 2
Starting the engine
The engine can only be started in posi-
tions P or N.
The gear display differs according to
your car's equipment specification (see
pictures).
390de045
Moving the selector lever
A locking mechanism is provided to pre-
vent accidental movement of the selec-
tor lever to certain positions. To release
the lock, press the button on the front of
the selector lever knob (arrow).
Before moving the selector lever
away from P or N with the car at a
standstill, you must press the brake pedal
down to release the lever (shiftlock).
Keep the brake pedal pressed down until
ready to move away, so that the car does
not creep forwards (or backwards as the
case may be) with the gear engaged.<
Before leaving the car with the en-
gine running, move the automatic
transmission selector lever to position P
or N and apply the handbrake to prevent
the car from moving.
390de046

68nAutomatic transmission*
the engine running, as this constitutes a
potentially severe accident risk.<
P Park
standing still. The driven wheels are
locked.
R Reverse
standing still.
N Neutral
Select only if the journey is interrupted
for a fairly long time.
D Drive (automatic shift position)
Use this position for all normal driving.
The system shifts up through all forward
gears and the AGS functions in an unre-
stricted manner.
S Sport program
This position is recommended if it is in-
tended to make full use of the car's per-
formance.
3 and 2 Shift-limiting positions
Select these positions if you wish to
restrict gear selection, for instance on
steep uphill or downhill gradients in
mountainous regions. The transmission
continues to shift automatically, but
only up to the selected gear.
Position 2 is also particularly suitable
for use when towing a trailer.
Kick-Down
In the "kick-down" position, maximum
acceleration and top speed are availa-
ble in position D.
Press the accelerator pedal down be-
yond the regular full-throttle position;
increased resistance will be felt.
Shift electronics
If the warning lamp comes on or
the message "TRANS. FAIL-
SAFE PROG" appears in the
Check Control, an automatic transmis-
sion malfunction has occurred.
All lever positions can still be selected,
but in the forward positions only certain
gears are actually available when the
car is driven.
Avoid excessive loads, and take the car
to the nearest BMW Service.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment with the selector lever in
a driving position, in case the car be-
gins to move unexpectedly.<
For towing away, tow-starting and jump
starting see page 197 onwards.

69n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
You can either drive the car as with a
conventional automatic transmission, or
shift between gears yourself.
If you move the selector lever from po-
sition D to the left, into the M/S lever
plane, this will activate automatic-trans-
mission shift programs that will appeal
to those who wish to adopt a more en-
thusiastic driving style. As soon as you
move the lever in the "+" or "–" direc-
tion, the Steptronic transmission's man-
ual gear shift mode is activated. If you
wish to return to fully automatic gear
shifts, move the lever back to the right,
to position D.
Your BMW is equipped with Adaptive
Transmission Control (AGS). It re-
sponds sensitively to your individual
driving style and the actual road and
390de138
traffic situation. Various shift programs
are used for this purpose.
You will find more details on the AGS in
the Chapter "Technical Items of Inter-
est" on page 202.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Starting the engine
The engine can only be started in posi-
tions P or N.
The gear display differs according to
your car's equipment specification (see
pictures).
390de139
Moving the selector lever
A locking mechanism is provided to
prevent accidental movement of the se-
lector lever to certain positions. To re-
lease the lock, press the button on the
front of the selector lever knob (arrow).
Before moving the selector lever
away from P or N with the car at a
standstill, you must press the brake
pedal down to release the lever (shift-
lock).
Keep the brake pedal pressed down
until ready to move away, so that the
car does not creep forwards (or back-
wards as the case may be) with the
gear engaged.<
390de140

70n Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
Before leaving the car with the en-
gine running, move the automatic
transmission selector lever to position P
or N and apply the handbrake to pre-
vent the car from moving.
the engine running, as this constitutes a
potentially severe accident risk.<
P Park
standing still. The driven wheels are
locked.
R Reverse
standing still.
N Neutral
Select only if the journey is interrupted
for a fairly long time.
D Drive (automatic shift position)
Use this position for all normal driving.
All forward gears are selected as nec-
essary and the AGS is fully operational.
Kick-Down
In the "kick-down" position, maximum
acceleration and top speed are availa-
ble in position D.
Press the accelerator pedal down be-
yond the regular full-throttle position;
increased resistance will be felt.
M/S Manual mode and Sport
program
When changing from D to M/S, the
Sport program is activated and D S dis-
played on the instrument panel. This po-
sition is recommended if it is intended to
make full use of the car's available per-
formance.
When the lever is next moved, the auto-
matic transmission will switch from the
Sport program to the manual-shift
mode. If you move the lever forwards in
the "+" direction, the transmission shifts
up; if you move it to the rear, in the "–"
direction, a downshift takes place. The
gear display reads 1 to 5 or M1 to M5
according to version.
390de323

71n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
The AGS performs up- and down-shifts
only at a suitable engine or road speed;
for example, it will not shift down if the
resulting engine speed would be too
high. The instrument panel shows the
selected gear briefly, followed by the
gear actually in use.
For rapid acceleration in the man-
ual-shift mode – for example when
overtaking – shift down manually or use
the kick-down to shift to a lower gear.<
The selector lever can only be moved
from M/S to the positions P, R and N if
it has first been moved back to D.
In the following situations, Steptronic
"thinks for you" in the manual-shift
mode:
> To prevent the engine from over-
speeding, an up-shift to the next-
higher gear takes place automatically
shortly before the governed speed
limit is reached in an intermediate
gear
> At low speeds, a lower gear is se-
lected automatically without any
action on the driver's part
> The kick-down, when used, selects
the lowest gear which can still be
used without risk of the engine over-
speeding.
Shift electronics
If the warning lamp comes on or
the message "TRANS. FAIL-
SAFE PROG" appears in the
Check Control, an automatic transmis-
sion malfunction has occurred.
All lever positions can still be selected,
but in the forward positions only certain
gears are actually available when the
car is driven.
Avoid excessive loads, and take the car
to the nearest BMW Service.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment with the selector lever in
a driving position, in case the car be-
gins to move unexpectedly.<
For towing away, tow-starting and
jumpstarting, see page 197 onwards.

72nTurn indicator/headlamp flasher Wipers
1 High beam headlamps (blue telltale
lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Flashing turn indicators (green re-
peater lamps with rhythmic ticking of
flasher relay).
If the telltale flashes and the relay ticks
more rapidly than usual, a flashing turn
indicator has failed; if towing a trailer,
the failed lamp could be on the trailer.
390de335
To indicate a turn briefly
Move the lever lightly, only as far as
the first detent. It will cancel when re-
leased.
0 Parked position of wipers
1 Intermittent wipe setting or rain
sensor*
2 Normal wiper speed
3 Fast wiper speed
4 Flick wipe
5 Automatic windscreen wash
6 Automatic intensive cleaning*
7 Knurled wheel for controlling the in-
termittent wipe intervals andthe sen-
sitivity of the rain sensor
394de041

73n
Wipers
1 Intermittent wipe interval or
rain sensor*
Intermittent wipe interval:
Using knurled wheel 7 you can select
four intermittent wipe intervals.
The wipe speed is also varied automati-
cally, according to road speed.
Rain sensor:
When the rain sensor is activated, the
wind screen wipers are controlled auto-
matically in response to wetting of the
windscreen (they of course also re-
spond to snow). This means you do not
need to involve yourself in switching the
windscreen wipers on and off, nor do
you need to concern yourself with any
of the settings between intermittent
wipe and continuous wipe. Instead, you
can focus your entire attention on pre-
vailing road and traffic conditions. This
advantage is particularly important in
adverse weather conditions.
Activating the rain sensor:
From ignition setting 1, shift into lever
setting 1. In any event, the wipers will
now cross the windscreen once.
You can leave the lever in setting 1 all
the time, then all you need to do is to
activate the rain sensor from ignition
setting 1. To do this,
> turn knurled wheel 7 briefly or
> use the automatic windscreen clean-
ing function (5) or the automatic in-
tensive cleaning function (6).
To vary the sensitivity of the rain sensor:
turn knurled wheel 7.
Switch off the rain sensor in an au-
tomatic car wash, or else the car’s
wipers may operate and be damaged.<
2 Normal wiper speed
The wipers change over automatically
to the intermittent wipe mode when the
car comes to a standstill (not on cars
with rain sensor).
3 Fast wiper speed
The wipers switch to normal speed
when the car comes to a standstill (not
on cars with rain sensor).
5 Automatic windscreen wash
Fluid from the washer tank is sprayed
on to the windscreen and the wipers
are operated for a short time.
If the lever is pulled only briefly, washer
fluid will be sprayed on to the wind-
screen, but the wipers will not be
switched on.
6 Intensive cleaning, automatic*
Same as 5, but intensive cleaning fluid
is first sprayed on to the windscreen.
Changing the wiper blades: see
page 176.

74nWipers
Headlamp cleaning*
If the headlamps are switched on, they
are automatically cleaned as well on
each fifth occasion that the windscreen
wiper or intensive cleaning system is
operated.
The driver should only operate the
washers and cleaning equipment
if certain that the fluid will not freeze to
the windscreen and interfere with the
view ahead. Antifreeze should therefore
be added to the fluid; see page 156.
Do not run the washer systems if the
fluid reservoirs are empty, or the
washer pump will be damaged.<
Windscreen washer jets
The windscreen washer jets are auto-
matically heated when the ignition key
is in position 2.
Rear window wiper – touring
0 Parked position of rear window wiper
1 Rear window wiper operates intermit-
tently. When reverse gear is engaged,
the wiper operates continuously.
2 Automatic rear window washer
You can program the desired wipe
interval:
> Move the lever briefly from position 0
to position 1 and back
> The time which elapses before switch-
ing on again (from 0 to 1) is the pro-
grammed wipe interval (max. 30 sec-
onds).
392de158
Programming is cancelled:
> move the lever to position 0 for
approx. 10 seconds, or
> when the engine is switched off.
When the rear window is opened, its
wiper is switched off. After closing the
window it then has to be restarted if re-
quired.
To renew the wiper blade, see
page 176.

75n
Heated rear window Cruise control*
Switching on
Press the button: while the telltale is lit,
the heated rear window is operating at
high power (fast thawing).
When the telltale lamp goes out, the
rear window heating continues to oper-
ate at reduced output, then switches it-
self off automatically.
Switching off
If the telltale lamp is on, press the but-
ton.
390de362
Above about 30 km/h (approx. 19 mph),
you can memorise and call up the car's
road speed.
Activating the system
From ignition key setting 2:
Press button 1: the telltale in the instru-
ment cluster lights up. You can then use
the cruise control.
Maintaining and memorising
speed, accelerating
Press button 2 briefly:
The car's actual speed is maintained
and memorised. Each time the switch is
pressed briefly again, road speed is in-
creased by approx. 1 km/h.
390de332
Hold button 2 in:
The car accelerates without the accel-
erator pedal being touched. As soon as
you release the switch, the speed the
car has reached will be maintained and
memorised.
If engine braking alone is insuffi-
cient on a downhill gradient, the
controlled speed may be exceeded. It
may also prove impossible to maintain
with the available engine power on up-
hill gradients.<
Decelerating
Press button 3 briefly:
Every time you press the button, road
speed drops by approx. 1 km/h if you
are already running with cruise control.
Hold button 3 in:
The car slows down by automatically
cutting the throttle if you are already
running on cruise control. As soon as
you release the switch, the speed the
car has reached will be maintained and
memorised.

76n Cruise control
Cancelling the cruise control
When activated, press button 1: the tell-
tale remains lit. You can use the cruise
control again when required.
In addition, you interrupt the cruise con-
trol function automatically:
> When braking
> When operating the clutch or when
moving the automatic transmission
selector lever from D to N
> If the selected speed is exceeded or
not reached for a lengthy period, for
instance by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal.
Calling up memorised speed
Press button 4:
The speed last memorised is recalled
and maintained once it has been
reached again. If you turn the ignition
key to setting 0, the stored road speed
is cleared from memory and the system
is de-activated.
De-activating the system
If you have interrupted the cruise con-
trol function, press button 1 once again.
The telltale lamp goes out and the
stored road speed is cancelled.
Do not use the cruise control on
twisting roads, in heavy traffic
which prevents a constant speed from
being maintained or if the road surface
is slippery (snow, rain, ice) or loose
(stones, sand).<

77n
Odometer (distance recorder)
You can activate the displays shown on
this Figure in ignition setting 0 by press-
ing the button (arrow) on the instrument
cluster.
The layout of the displays differs ac-
cording to your car's equipment.
Trip distance recorder
To reset to zero, press the knob (arrow)
in ignition key position 1 or beyond.
Outside temperature display
The outside temperature is displayed
from ignition key position 1 on.
You can change the dimensional unit
(6/7) by pressing
390de025
1 the button (arrow) in ignition setting 1
and holding it down
2 then turning the ignition key to 0.
Ice warning
If the outside temperature falls to ap-
prox. +36, a warning signal is heard
and the display flashes for a short pe-
riod.
The warning is repeated if the tempera-
ture rises again to at least +66 and
then drops a second time to +36.
The ice warning does not rule out
the possibility of black ice also
occurring at temperatures that are other-
wise above +36, for instance on bridges
or where the road is in shadow.<
Never allow the engine to run in the red
zone of the revolution counter.
In this zone the fuel supply is inter-
rupted to protect the engine. This be-
comes evident as an intermittent reduc-
tion in available power.
390de004
Trip distance recorder; outside temperature display Revolution counter

Bmw e39 - 5series owners handbook

Bmw e39 - 5series owners handbook

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