BMW 525i, 530i, 540i, Sedan & Sport Wagon Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual
for Vehicle
Contents
From A to Z
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 156 213 - © 09/01 BMW AG

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525i
530i
540i
sedan
sport wagon
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 156 213 - © 09/01 BMW AG

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Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced security and
control when you drive it. Therefore we have one request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new BMW. The
manual contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in obtaining
maximum satisfaction from your BMW's unique array of advanced technical
features. It also contains information on vehicle maintenance designed to enhance
operating safety while simultaneously helping you to maintain your BMW's value
throughout an extended service life.
For more detailed information refer to the supplemental manuals.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important
operating, safety and maintenance information.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
– New Vehicle Limited Warranty
– Limited Rust Perforation Warranty
– Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
– Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
– California Emission Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG
Foreword
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 156 213 - © 09/01 BMW AG

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Contents
Cockpit 14
Locks and security systems:
Passenger safety systems:
Instrument cluster 15
Keys 32
Airbags 58
Indicator and warning lamps 19
Central locking system 32
Transporting children safely 61
Steering wheel with multifunction
Opening and closing – via the
Vehicle Memory, Key
Overview
buttons 22
door lock 33
Memory 64
Warning triangle 23
Opening and closing – via the
Driving:
First-aid kit 23
remote control 34
Steering/Ignition lock 66
Refueling 24
Opening and closing – from the
Starting the engine 66
Fuel specifications 25
inside 37
Switching off the engine 68
Tire inflation pressure 26
Luggage compartment lid/
Controls and features
Parking brake 68
Tailgate 38
Manual transmission 69
Rear window 40
Automatic transmission 70
Luggage compartment 42
Automatic transmission with
Alarm system 42
Steptronic 73
Electric power windows 44
Indicator/Headlamp flasher 76
Sliding/tilt sunroof 46
Washer/Wiper system/Rain
Adjustments:
sensor 76
Correct sitting posture 48
Cruise control 78
Seats 48
Everything under control:
Manually-adjusted seat 49
Odometer, outside temperature
Electric power seats 50
display 80
Head restraints 52
Tachometer 81
BMW actice seat 52
Energy control 81
Safety belts 53
Fuel gauge 81
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Coolant temperature gauge 82
memory 54
Aktiengesellschaft
Service Interval Display 82
Munich, Germany
Seat heating 55
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
Check Control 83
Adjusting steering wheel 56
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Computer 86
Heated steering wheel 56
Order No. 01 41 0 156 213
Multi-Information Display
US English VIII/2001
Mirrors 57
(MID) 87
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
Digital clock in the MID 89
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
Computer in the MID 91
Contents
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 156 213 - © 09/01 BMW AG

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5n
Technology for safety and
Cabin convenience:
Special operating instructions:
driving convenience:
BMW Universal Transmitter 113
Break-in procedures 130
Park Distance Control (PDC) 96
Glove compartment 116
Driving notes 131
Automatic Stability Control plus
Storage compartments 116
Antilock Brake System 131
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Cellular phone 117
Brake system 132
Overview
Stability Control (DSC) 97
Beverage holder
117
Wheels and tires:
Level control system 99
Ashtray, front 117
Tire inflation pressure 133
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC) 99
Cigarette lighter 118
Tire condition 133
Ashtray, rear 118
Lamps:
Tire replacement 134
Controls and features
Parking lamps/Low beams 101
Loading and transporting
Wheel and tire
Controls
Instrument lighting 102
cargo:
Operation, maintenance
combinations 135
High beams/Standing
Through-loading system 119
Special characteristics of winter
lamps 102
Ski bag 120
tires 136
Fog lamps 102
sport wagon:
Snow chains 136
Interior lamps 103
Luggage compartment 123
Reading lamps 103
Roll-up cover 123
Maintenance
Partition net 123
Controlling the climate for
Storage areas in the luggage
pleasant driving:
compartment 124
Air conditioning 104
Cargo loading 126
Automatic climate control 107
Roof-mounted luggage rack 127
Roller sun blind 112
Repairs
Parked-car ventilation
system 112
Data
Index
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 156 213 - © 09/01 BMW AG

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Contents
Under the hood:
Replacement procedures:
Engine specifications 168
Hood 137
Onboard tool kit 150
Dimensions 169
Engine compartment
Windshield wiper blades 150
Weights 171
essentials 138
Lamps and bulbs 151
Capacities 173
Washer fluids 139
Changing a wheel 156
Engine oil 140
Battery 160
Coolant 142
Fuses 160
Technical data
Brake fluid 143
Assistance, giving and
Maintenance:
receiving:
The BMW Maintenance
Jump-starting 162
Operation, maintenance
System 144
Towing the vehicle 163
Owner service procedures
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications 145
California Proposition
65 Warning 145
OBD interface socket 146
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 156 213 - © 09/01 BMW AG

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7n
Everything from A to Z 176
Index
Overview
Controls
Maintenance
Repairs
Data
Index
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 156 213 - © 09/01 BMW AG

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8n
Notes on the Owner's Manual
Symbols used
t
Identifies index entries that refer
We have made every effort to ensure
Indicates precautions that must
to owner service procedures or topics
that you are able to find what you need
be followed precisely in order to
on vehicle maintenance.
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
avoid the possibility of personal injury
possible. The fastest way to find certain and serious damage to the vehicle.
Identifies systems or components,
<
topics is by using the detailed index at
which can either be activated or
the end. If you are looking for a brief
Contains information that will
adapted to suit an individual driver's
initial summary of the essentials, please
assist you in gaining the optimum
requirements ("Vehicle Memory", "Key
turn to the first chapter.
benefit from your vehicle and enable
Memory"). Refer to page 64.
We hope that the detailed table of
you to care more effectively for your
Remember that activation and adjust-
contents on the preceding pages will
vehicle.
ments on some of these systems can
<
stimulate your interest and encourage
only be performed at your BMW
you to explore the remainder of the
Refers to measures that can be
center.<
manual.
taken to help protect the environ-
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
ment.<
some time in the future, please
remember to hand over the Owner's
< Marks the end of a specific item of
Manual to the new owner; it is part of
information.
the vehicle.
* Indicates special equipment, country-
If you have any questions, your BMW
specific equipment and optional extras.
center will be glad to advise you.
Notes
Symbols
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 156 213 - © 09/01 BMW AG

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9n
The individual vehicle
Status at time of printing
On buying your BMW, you have
BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
decided in favor of a model with individ- ongoing development designed to
ualized equipment and features. This
ensure that our vehicles continue to
Owner's Manual describes all models
embody the highest quality and safety
Overview
and equipment that BMW offers within
standards combined with advanced,
the same group.
state-of-the-art technology. For this
We hope you will understand that
reason, it is possible that the features
equipment and features are included
described in this Owner's Manual could
which you might not have chosen for
differ from those on your vehicle. Nor
Controls
your vehicle. You can easily identify any can errors and omissions be entirely
differences with the aid of the asterisk * ruled out. We therefore request your
used to identify all optional equipment
understanding for the fact that we are
and accessories.
unable to recognize any legal claims
based on the data, illustrations or
If your BMW features equipment which
descriptions in this manual.
Maintenance
is not described in this Owner's Manual
(car radio or telephone, for instance),
Supplementary Owner's Manuals are
enclosed. We ask you to read these
manuals as well.
Repairs
Data
Index
The individual vehicle
Status at time of printing
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 156 213 - © 09/01 BMW AG

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10n
For your own safety
Important safety information!
Installation and operation of non-BMW
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
approved accessories such as alarms,
containing up to and including
For your own safety, use genuine parts
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with
and accessories approved by BMW.
wheels, suspension components, brake
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight (i.e. 15 % When you purchase accessories tested dust shields, telephones (including
MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an equiva-
and approved by BMW and Original
operation of any portable cellular phone
lent amount of co-solvent) will not void
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire from within the vehicle without using an
the applicable warranties covering
the assurance that they have been thor- externally-mounted antenna) or trans-
defects in materials or workmanship.
oughly tested by BMW to ensure
ceiver equipment (for instance, CBs,
Field experience has indicated signifi-
optimum performance when installed
walkie-talkie, ham radio or similar
cant differences in fuel quality (volatility, on your vehicle.
accessories) may cause extensive
composition, additives, etc.) among
damage to the vehicle, compromise its
BMW warrants these parts to be free
gasolines offered for sale in the United
safety, interfere with the vehicle's elec-
from defects in material and workman-
States and Canada. The use of poor-
trical system, or affect the validity of the
ship.
quality fuels may result in driveability,
BMW Limited Warranty. See your BMW
BMW will not accept any liability for
starting and stalling problems, espe-
center for additional information.<
damage resulting from installation of
cially under certain environmental
parts and accessories not approved by
conditions, such as high ambient
Maintenance, replacement, or
BMW.
temperature and high altitude.
repair of the emission control
Should you encounter driveability prob-
BMW cannot test every product from
devices and systems may be performed
lems that you suspect could be related
other manufacturers to confirm that it
by any automotive repair establishment
to the fuel you are using, we recom-
can be used on a BMW safely and
or individual using any certified auto-
mend that you respond by switching to without risk to either the vehicle, its
motive part.<
a recognized high-quality brand.
operation, or its occupants.
Failure to comply with these recom-
Symbol on vehicle parts
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
mendations may result in unscheduled
and other products approved by BMW,
Indicates that you should consult
maintenance.
together with professional advice on
the relevant section of this
Follow all applicable safety rules when
using these items, are available from all Owner's Manual for information on a
you are handling gasoline.<
BMW centers.
particular part or assembly.
For your own safety
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 156 213 - © 09/01 BMW AG

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Document Outline

• Foreword
• Contents
• Notes
• Symbols
• The individual vehicle
• Status at time of printing
• For your own safety
• Overview
  • Cockpit
  • Instrument cluster
  • Indicator and warning lamps
  • Steering wheel with multifunction buttons
  • Warning triangle*
  • First-aid kit*
  • Refueling
  • Fuel specifications
  • Tire inflation pressure
• Controls and features
  • Keys
  • Central locking system
  • Opening and closing ? via the door lock
  • Opening and closing ? via the remote control
  • Opening and closing ? from the inside
  • Luggage compartment lid/Tailgate
  • Luggage compartment
  • Alarm system
  • Electric power windows
  • Sliding/tilt sunroof*
  • Correct sitting posture
  • Seats
  • Manually-adjusted seat
  • Electric power seats*
  • Head restraints
  • BMW active seat*
  • Safety belts
  • Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
  • Seat heating*
  • Adjusting steering wheel
  • Heated steering wheel*
  • Mirrors
  • Airbags
  • Transporting children safely
  • Vehicle Memory, Key Memory
  • Steering/Ignition lock
  • Starting the engine
  • Switching off the engine
  • Parking brake
  • Manual transmission
  • Automatic transmission*
  • Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
  • Indicator/Headlamp flasher
  • Washer/Wiper system
  • Cruise control
  • Odometer, outside temperature display
  • Tachometer
  • Energy control
  • Fuel gauge
  • Coolant temperature gauge
  • Service Interval Display
  • Check Control
  • Computer
  • Multi-Information Display (MID)*
  • Digital clock in the MID*
  • Computer in the MID*
  • Park Distance Control (PDC)*
  • ASC+T/DSC*
  • Level control system*
  • Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)*
  • Parking lamps/Low beams
  • Instrument lighting
  • High beams/Standing lamps
  • Fog lamps
  • Interior lamps
  • Reading lamps
  • Air conditioning
  • Automatic climate control*
  • Roller sun blind*
  • Parked-car ventilation*
  • BMW Universal Transmitter*
  • Glove compartment
  • Storage compartments
  • Cellular phone*
  • Beverage holder*
  • Ashtray, front
  • Cigarette lighter*
  • Ashtray, rear
  • Through-loading system*
  • Ski bag*
  • Luggage compartment ? sport wagon
  • Luggage compartment
  • Cargo loading
  • Roof-mounted luggage rack
• Operation, maintenance
  • Break-in procedures
  • Driving notes
  • Antilock Brake System
  • Brake system
  • Tire inflation pressure
  • Tire condition
  • Tire replacement
  • Wheel and tire combinations
  • Special characteristics of winter tires
  • Snow chains*
  • Hood
  • Engine compartment essentials
  • Washer fluids
  • Engine oil
  • Coolant
  • Brake fluid
  • The BMW Maintenance System
  • Technical modifications
  • California Proposition 65 Warning
  • OBD interface socket
• Owner service procedures
  • Onboard tool kit
  • Windshield wiper blades
  • Lamps and bulbs
  • Changing a wheel
  • Battery
  • Fuses
  • Jump-starting
  • Towing the vehicle
• Data
  • Engine specifications
  • Dimensions ? sedan
  • Dimensions ? sport wagon
  • Weights ? sedan
  • Weights ? sport wagon
  • Capacities
• Key words
  • Index
• Refueling

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