BMW 5 Series 1995-2003 - Operation, care and maintenance

117n

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure 118

Driving notes 119

Under the hood:

Hood 135

Overview

Engine compartment 136

Washer fluids 138

Washer nozzles 138

Engine oil 139

Catalytic converter 120

Antilock Brake System

(ABS) 121

Controls and features

Disc brakes 123

Brake system 124

Coolant 141

Brake fluid 142

Vehicle Identification

Number 143

Winter operation 125

Power steering 127

Cellular phone 127

Radio reception 127

Operation, care

and maintenance

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance

System 144

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure 128

Tire condition 128

Tire replacement 129

Tire rotation 130

Caring for your vehicle 145

Airbags 151

Vehicle storage 151

Owner service procedures

Advanced technology

Technical data

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications 152

California Proposition

65 Warning 152

Wheel and tire

combinations 131

Special features of winter

tires 132

OBD interface socket 153

Snow chains 133

Approved wheel and tire

specifications 134

Index

Car care

¹¹⁸ⁿBreak-in procedure

To ensure that your vehicle provides

maximum economy throughout a long

service life, we request that you

Tires

Brake system

Due to technical factors associated

with their manufacture, tires do not

achieve their full traction potential until disks achieve the optimal pad-surface

Approximately 300 miles (500 km)

must elapse before the brake pads and

observe the following suggestions.

an initial break-in period has elapsed.

For this reason, drive with extra care

during the initial 200 miles (300 km).

and wear patterns required for trouble-

free operation and long service life later

on.

Because of its engineering design,

the BMW M5 is an especially high-

quality vehicle. To protect your own

investment, we recommend that you

follow the break-in instructions care-

fully. By doing so, you will create the

basis for optimal service life of the

vehicle.<

Obey all applicable local, state, provin- To break in the separate parking brake

cial or federal speed limits.

drums, apply the parking brake lightly

when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic

signal, for instance), provided that

traffic conditions allow you to do so. To

avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure

from time to time.

When the vehicle is operated on

wet or slushy roads, a wedge of

water may from between the tire and

the road surface. This phenomenon is

referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-

planing, and can lead to partial or

complete loss of traction, vehicle

control and braking effectiveness.

Reduce your speed on wet roads.<

Engine and differential

Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):

Drive at varying engine speeds and

road speeds, but do not exceed

5,500 RPM or 105 mph (170 km/h)

during this period.

The brake lamps do not come on

when the parking brake is applied.

Vacuum for the brake system servo unit

on your BMW is available only when the

engine is running. When you move the

vehicle with the engine shut off – when

towing, for instance – substantially

higher levels of pedal force will be

required to brake the vehicle.<

Obey all applicable local, state, provin-

cial or federal speed limits.

Do not depress the accelerator pedal to

the full-throttle position.

Following the break-in inspection at

1,200 miles (2,000 km), you can gradu-

ally increase engine or road speeds.

Clutch

The clutch will also begin to function

optimally after approx. 300 miles

(500 km). During the run-in period, treat

the engine with care and do not engage

the cluth at high engine speeds.

You should also comply with these

break-in procedures if the engine or

differential is replaced later in the

course of the vehicle service life.

Driving notes

119n

Brakes: Rear parcel tray:

Do not drive with your foot resting Do not place heavy or hard objects on

on the brake pedal. Even light but

consistent pedal pressure can lead to

high temperatures, brake wear and

possibly even brake failure.

Aquaplaning:

the rear parcel tray. If you do so, they

could pose a danger to vehicle occu-

pants during a braking or evasive

maneuver, or in a crash.

Clothes hooks:

A wedge of water can form between the When suspending articles of clothing

tires and the road surface when you

operate the vehicle on wet or slushy

roads. This phenomenon is referred to

as aquaplaning or hydroplaning. It is

characterized by a partial or complete

loss of contact between the tires and

the road surface. The ultimate results

are loss of steering and braking control.

Driving through water:

from the hooks, be sure that they will

not obstruct the driver's vision. Do not

hang heavy objects on the hooks. If you

do so, such objects could pose a

danger during braking or evasive

maneuvers.<

Do not drive through water that is

deeper than 1 ft (30 cm). If you must

drive through water accumulations up

to that depth, drive only at walking

speed. Driving at a faster speed could

cause damage to the engine, the elec-

trical systems and the transmission.

¹²⁰ⁿCatalytic converter

The catalytic converter reduces harmful > Avoid other situations in which the

Be sure to comply with the

instructions above to prevent

exhaust emissions, and is designed for

use with unleaded fuel only. Even

minute quantities of lead would be

enough to permanently damage both

the catalytic converter and the system

oxygen sensor.

fuel is not burned or burns incom-

pletely such as frequent or extended unburned fuel from reaching the cata-

starter engagement or repeated start lytic converter. Otherwise, the catalytic

attempts in which the engine does

not start. Stopping and restarting an

engine which is running properly

does not present a problem. Never

allow the engine to run with any of

the spark plug cables disconnected.

converter could respond by over-

heating, leading to serious damage.

Extreme temperatures occur at the

catalytic converter on this and every

catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields

are installed adjacent to some sections

of the exhaust system. Never remove

these shields; do not apply under-

coating to their surfaces. When driving,

standing at idle or when parking, take

precautions to avoid contact between

the hot exhaust system and easily flam-

mable materials (grass, hay or leaves,

for example). Such contact could lead

to a fire, resulting in serious personal

injury and property damage.<

To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine

operation and avoid potential damage:

> Be sure to comply with the scheduled

maintenance requirements.

> Fill the fuel tank well before it is

empty.

> Do not attempt to start the engine by

tow-starting. If you do so, unburned

gasoline in the catalytic converter

could ignite and cause severe

damage. If you have starting prob-

lems, start the engine with an outside

starting aid only. Refer to page 171.

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

121n

On road surfaces which have a loose

The concept

Braking with ABS

layer on a firm base (on gravel or snow,

for instance), the braking distances with

ABS may be longer than with the

wheels locked. This is also true if snow

chains are mounted. However, ABS

continues to provide enhanced vehicle

stability and steering response under

these conditions.

ABS enhances active safety by helping The system becomes operative once

to prevent the wheels from locking

when the brakes are applied. This is

done because locked wheels are

dangerous. When the front wheels

slide, the driver loses steering control

over the vehicle. Traction loss at the

rear wheels can cause the rear axle to

break into an uncontrolled skid.

the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.

6 mph (10 km/h). The ABS is deacti-

vated whenever the vehicle's speed

drops back below approx. 4 mph

(6 km/h). This means that the wheels

can lock in the final phase of a brake

application – a factor of no significance

in actual practice.

With ABS, the shortest possible braking If you are in a situation that requires full

distances are achieved under most

conditions (on straight-aways and in

curves, with different road surfaces).

braking, you will exploit the full benefits

of the ABS system if you apply

maximum brake pressure ("panic

stop"). Since the vehicle maintains

steering responsiveness, you can avoid

possible obstacles with a minimum of

steering effort, despite the full brake

application.

ABS is designed to meet two essential

requirements during every brake appli-

cation:

> To help provide vehicle stability

> To help maintain steering control and

maneuverability – on all types of road

surfaces (asphalt, concrete, mud,

wet, snow, ice).

The ABS system closed-loop control

circuit cycles in fractions of a second.

A pulsing of the brake pedal, combined

with the sounds associated with the

hydraulic controls, tells you that the

brake system is within its maximum

limit range and reminds you that you

should adapt your vehicle's speed to

road conditions.

¹²²ⁿAntilock Brake System (ABS)

Information for your safety

In the event of a fault

Not even ABS can suspend the laws of

physics. The consequences of brake

applications with an adequate safety

distance between vehicles, if the

If the ABS warning lamp in the

instrument cluster lights up,

refer to page 21. The brake

system then reverts to conven-

tional operation as on vehicles

without ABS. However, have the

brake system checked by your BMW

vehicle is driven at excessive speeds in

curves, or during aquaplaning remain

the responsibility of the driver. You

should never allow the added safety of center as soon as possible. To prevent

ABS to lull you into a false sense of undetected defects and cumulative

security, or mislead you into taking risks faults from adversely affecting the

that could affect your own safety and

that of others.

brake system, refer any problems to

your BMW center at the earliest oppor-

tunity.

Do not make any modifications to

the ABS system.

Service procedures on ABS are to be

performed by authorized technicians

only.<

Disc brakes

123n

Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-

tion and braking control and greater

fade resistance under heavy use.

If engine braking should prove to be

inadequate, you should still avoid

Driving notes

While driving on wet roads or in heavy

rain, it is a effective to apply light pres-

sure to the brake pedal every few miles

extended, continuous braking. Instead

of maintaining low to moderate pres-

sure over an extended period of time,

you should decelerate the vehicle by

applying more substantial force on the

pedal (watch for following traffic).

Pause before repeating the brake appli-

cation. This staggered braking tech-

nique allows the brakes to cool in the

intervals between active braking

Infrequent driving, extended periods

when the vehicle is parked, and driving or kilometers. Watch traffic conditions

conditions in which brake applications

are less frequent all promote an

to ensure that this maneuver does not

endanger other road users. The heat

increase in corrosion of the brake disks which is generated by the brake appli-

and contamination of the brake pads. cations helps to dry the brake disks and

This occurs because the minimal appli- pads.

cation force that is required to clean the

Maximum braking force is obtained

disks is not reached between the pads

and disks.

while the wheels continue to rotate,

peaking when the wheels remain on the

If the brake disks are corroded, they will verge of locking without actually doing

phases. This prevents overheating and

ensures that full braking capacity

remains available at all times.

tend to respond to braking with a

pulsating effect which even extended

application cannot correct.

so. ABS maintains this state automati-

cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert

to the staggered braking technique

described on page 126).

Do not coast with the clutch

depressed, with the shift lever in

neutral or with the engine shut off. The

engine does not provide any braking

effect with the transmission in neutral or

with the engine shut off.

For your own safety: use only

brake linings that BMW has

Extended or steep mountain descents

should be driven in the gear in which

only minimal periodic brake applica-

tions is required. This avoids excessive

strain on the brakes and possible

impairment of the braking effect.

released for your particular vehicle

model. BMW cannot evaluate non-

approved brake pads to determine if

they are suited for use, and therefore

cannot ensure the operating safety of

the vehicle if they are installed.<

Never allow floor mats, carpets or any

other objects to protrude into the area

around the accelerator, clutch and

brake pedals and obstruct their move-

ment.<

The engine's braking effectiveness can

be increased even more by progres-

sively shifting down – clear into first

gear, if necessary.

¹²⁴ⁿDisc brakes

Brake system

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*

Brake fluid level

Brake linings

If you apply the brakes rapidly, this

system automatically generates

maximum braking force boost and thus

helps to achieve the shortest possible

braking distance in "panic braking"

situations. All of the benefits of the ABS

system are exploited under these

circumstances.

The warning lamp for the The message "CHECK BRAKE

brake's hydraulic system comes LININGS" appears in the Check

on or the message "CHECK

BRAKE FLUID" appears in the

Check Control:

Control:

The brake pads have reached their

minimum pad thickness. Proceed to

the nearest BMW center as soon as

possible to have the pads replaced.

The brake fluid level is too low in

the reservoir (refer to page 142).

If the brake fluid level is too low and

brake pedal travel has become notice-

ably longer, there may be a defect in

one of the brake system's hydraulic

circuits.

Do not reduce the pressure on the

brake pedal for the duration of the

brake application. When the brake

pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-

vated.

For your own safety: use only

brake linings that BMW has

released for your particular vehicle

model. BMW cannot evaluate non-

approved brake pads to determine if

they are suited for use, and therefore

cannot ensure the operating safety of

Proceed to the nearest BMW

center. Higher brake application

In the event of a malfunction,

the yellow warning lamp comes

on. Conventional braking effi-

ciency is available without

pressure may be necessary under these the vehicle if they are installed.<

conditions, and brake pedal travel may

be significantly longer. Please

limitations. Have the system

checked and repaired at your

BMW center as soon as possible.

remember to adapt your driving style

accordingly.<

The warning lamp also comes on when

the message "CHECK BRAKE

LININGS" is displayed in the Check

Control.

Refer to the "Information for your

safety" covering the ABS system

on page 122. This information also

generally applies to DBC.<

Winter operation

125n

The onset of winter is often accompa-

nied by rapid changes in weather.

Adaptations in driving style should be

accompanied by preparations on the

vehicle itself to ensure that your

progress through the winter remains

safe and trouble-free.

Rubber seals and components

Starting off

Treat the rubber parts and weather-

stripping on the doors, hood and

luggage compartment lid with BMW

When starting from a full stop in deep

snow or for "rocking" the vehicle to free

it, we recommend that you deactivate

rubber treatment or BMW Silicon Spray the DSC system. Refer to page 86.

to prevent them from freezing.

Driving on low-traction road

surfaces

A full range of car care products is

available from your BMW center.<

Coolant

Use smooth, gentle pressure to control

the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive

engine speeds and shift to the next

higher gear at an early point. Adapt

Be sure that the coolant mixture

contains the year-round ratio of 50 :50

water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-

tion. This mixture provides protection

against freeze-ups down to approx.

- 34 7 (- 37 6). Replace the coolant

every three years.

Snow chains

Mount BMW snow chains* on winter

tires only. Always mount snow chains in your speed and driving style when

pairs and on the rear wheels only. Read approaching grades or slopes.

and comply with the chain manufac-

Maintain an adequate distance

turer's safety precautions. Do not

between yourself and the vehicle

exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph

ahead.

Locks

(50 km/h). To achieve maximum trac-

tion, we recommend that you deacti-

free locks if they are frozen. This deicer vate the DSC system when snow

BMW door lock deicer can be used to

also contains lubricant.

chains have been mounted. Refer to

page 86.

After using the deicer, treatment with

BMW lock cylinder grease is recom-

mended.

¹²⁶ⁿWinter operation

Do not shift down on slick road

surfaces. Doing so could cause

the rear wheels to lose traction and

skid, resulting in the loss of vehicle

control.<

Brakes

Parking

Winter road conditions substantially

reduce the amount of traction available

between the tires and the road surface.

The resulting increases in braking

distance are considerable and should

be kept in mind at all times.

Engage either 1st or reverse gear.

Apply the parking brake whenever you

park on inclined surfaces. In order to

prevent the parking brake linings from

locking due to frost or corrosion, dry

them by gently applying the parking

brake as the vehicle is coming to a

stop. Make sure that following traffic

is not endangered.

Depress the clutch during hard

braking on road surfaces that

provide only poor or uneven traction.<

ABS is intended to prevent the wheels

from locking during brake applications,

thus helping to maintain vehicle stability

and steering response.

Skid control

Depress the clutch and release the

accelerator pedal. Countersteer care-

fully and attempt to regain control of the applied.<

The brake lamps do not light

up when the parking brake is

If the ABS system does not respond for

any reason and the wheels lock: reduce

the pressure on the brake pedal until

the wheels just start to roll again while

still maintaining enough force to

continue braking. Following that,

increase pedal pressure again. Reduce

the pressure as the wheels lock, then

reapply pressure. Repeat this braking

method as necessary.

vehicle.

This type of staggered braking will

reduce the braking distance, and the

vehicle still remains responsive to

steering.

You can then attempt to steer around

hazards after you have reduced pres-

sure on the brake pedal.

Power steering

Cellular phone*

Radio reception

127n

If there is a change in steering response Mobile communications systems

(difficult steering, for example) or, espe- (cellular phone, radio, etc.) are only

The reception and sound quality

obtained from mobile radios varies

according to a variety of factors,

including the broadcast range of the

cially on vehicles with Servotronic*, if

the steering "drifts" or "floats" at

increasing speeds:

allowed a power output of up to

10 watts. Mobile communication

devices not specifically designed for

transmitter and the directional orienta-

Consult a BMW center to have it

checked.

use in your vehicle may trigger malfunc- tion of the antenna.

tions in the operation of your vehicle.

BMW can neither test nor assume

responsibility for every individual

Interference factors such as high-

tension power lines, buildings and

natural obstructions can all lead to

unavoidable reception interference,

regardless of how well the vehicle's

sound system is operating. Climatic

factors such as intense solar radiation,

fog, rain and snow can also interfere

with reception.

If the power steering fails,

increased effort will be required to product being offered on the market.

steer the vehicle.<

We recommend that you consult your

BMW center before purchasing any

device of this kind.

To ensure that your BMW continues to

provide reliable and trouble-free opera-

tion, do not use a cellular phone or

other radio device with an antenna

located inside the passenger compart-

ment. The antenna should always be

mounted on the outside of the vehicle.

Cellular phones without formal BMW

approval can also generate interfer-

ence. This phenomenon assumes the

form of a low-pitched hum emanating

from the speaker system.

Please refer to the supplementary

Owner's Manual provided with your

sound system for detailed information

on its use.

Before loading the vehicle on

a car-carrier train or driving it

through a car-wash, remove the

antenna.<

¹²⁸ⁿTire inflation pressure

Tire condition

Do not drive on a deflated (flat)

tire. A flat tire greatly impairs

Information for your safety

The factory-approved radial tires are

matched to the vehicle and have been

selected to provide optimum safety and

driving comfort on your vehicle.

steering and braking response, and can

lead to complete loss of control over

the vehicle.

Avoid overloading the vehicle so that

the permitted load on the tires is not

exceeded. Overloading can lead to

overheating and increases the rate at

which damage develops inside the

tires. The ultimate result can assume

the form of a sudden air loss.

It is not merely the tire's service life, but

also driving comfort and – above all else

– driving safety that depend on the

condition of the tires and the mainte-

nance of the specified tire pressure.

Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent

cause of tire damage. It also signifi-

cantly influences the roadholding ability

of your BMW.

Unusual vibrations encountered during

normal vehicle operation can indicate

tire failure or some other vehicle defect,

as can variations in normal vehicle

response, such as a pronounced

tendency to pull to the left or right.

Should this occur, respond by immedi-

ately reducing your speed and carefully

proceeding to the nearest BMW center

or professional tire center, or having the

vehicle towed in to have it and its tires

inspected.

Tire tread – Tire damage

Inspect your tires frequently for tread

wear, signs of damage and for foreign

objects lodged in the tread. Check the

tread depth.

Check tire inflation pressures on

a regular basis (refer to page 26),

at least every two weeks and before

beginning a longer trip. If this is not

done, incorrect tire pressures can

cause driving instability and tire

damage, ultimately resulting in acci-

dents.<

Tread depth should not be allowed to

go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though

the legally specified minimum tread

depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At a tread

depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread depth

indicators (arrow) in the tread-groove

base indicate that the legally-permis-

sible wear limit has been reached.

Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread depth, there

is an increased risk of aquaplaning,

even at relatively moderate speeds and

with only small amounts of water on the

road.

Tire damage (up to and including blow-

outs) can endanger the lives of both the

vehicle occupants and other road

users.<

Tire replacement

129n

Sustained high temperature can cause

To maintain good handling and vehicle practices and differences in road

response, use only tires of a single

tread configuration from a single manu-

facturer. BMW tests and approves

wheel/tire combinations. Refer to

page 133.

characteristics and climate.

the material of the tire to degenerate

and reduce tire life, and excessive

temperature can lead to sudden tire

failure. The grade C correspods to a

level of performance which all

Traction

The traction grades, from highest to

lowest, are AA, A, B and C.

passenger car tires must meet under

the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-

dard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-

sent higher levels of performance on

the laboratory test wheel than the

minimum required by law.

Those grades represent the tire's ability

to stop on wet pavement as measured

under controlled conditions on speci-

fied government test surfaces of

DOT Quality Grades

Tread wear

Traction AA A B C

Temperature A B C

asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C

may have poor traction performance.

All passenger vehicle tires must

conform to Federal Safety

Requirements in addition to these

grades.<

The temperature grade for this

tire is established for a tire that is

properly inflated and not overloaded.

Excessive speed, underinflation, or

excessive loading, either separately or

in combination, can cause heat buildup

and possible tire failure.<

The traction grade assigned to

this tire is based on straight-

ahead braking traction tests, and does

not include acceleration, cornering,

hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-

teristics.<

Tread wear

The tread wear grade is a comparative

rating based on the wear rate of the tire

when tested under controlled condi-

tions on a specified government test

course.

Temperature

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

The temperature grades are A (the

highest), B and C, representing the

tire's resistance to the generation of

heat and its ability to dissipate heat

Quality grades can be found where

applicable on the tire sidewall between

tread shoulder and maximum section

width. For example:

For example, a tire graded 150 would

wear one and one-half (1 g) times as

well on the government course as a tire when tested under controlled condi-

graded 100. The relative performance tions on a specified indoor laboratory

Treadwear 200 Traction AA

Temperature A

of tires depends upon the actual condi- test wheel.

tions of their use, however, and may

depart significantly from the norm due

to variations in driving habits, service

¹³⁰ⁿTire replacement

Tire rotation

Do not use retreaded tires, since

If different tire sizes are mounted

on the front and rear axles (refer to

page 133), the wheels may not be

rotated from one axle to the other.<

Between the axles

driving safety may be impaired.

This is due to the possible variations in

casing structures and, in some cases,

to their extreme age, which can lead to

a decrease in their durability.<

The tread wear patterns at the front end

differ from those at the rear – the actual

patterns will vary according to individ-

ual driving conditions. In the interests of

safety and maintaining optimal handling

characteristics, interaxle tire rotation is

not recommended.

Tire age

The date on which the tire was manu-

factured is indicated by the code on the

sidewall:

If a proposed interaxle rotation of tires is

based on economic considerations, one

should consider whether the costs for

the rotation are likely to be recaptured

by any increase in the service life of the

tires which might be realized. In prin-

DOT ... 3400 indicates that the tire was

manufactured during week 34 of the

year 2000.

BMW recommends the replacement of ciple, interaxle tire rotation should be

all tires when the tires are no more than performed at short intervals, with a

6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years maximum of 3,000 miles (5,000 km).

is possible.

Consult your BMW center for more

information.

Should you decide to rotate the tires, it

is essential that you comply with the

following:

Rotate tires on the same side only,

since braking characteristics and road

grip could otherwise be adversely

affected.

Following rotation, correct the tire infla-

tion pressure.

Wheel and tire combinations

131n

Winter tires:

The right choice

Codes on the tires and wheels

Use only wheels and tires

The code on tires has the following

meaning.

Q

T

M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

approved by BMW for the corre-

sponding vehicle model, as otherwise

the tires may make contact with the

body as the result of tolerances despite

the same nominal size being used,

resulting in serious accidents. If non-

approved wheels and tires are used,

BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,

and therefore cannot be held liable for

driving safety.<

H

Codes on radial tires:

Codes on light-alloy wheels:

Example:

225/60 R 15 96 W

8

J

x 18 EH2

Nominal width

in mm

Rim width

in inches

Aspect ratio in %

Belt rating code

for radial

Code letter for

flange type

Rim diameter in inches

Load rating (not for ZR tires)

Speed rating

Symbol for full-drop

center rim

Rim diameter in inches

Extended hump on the

2 rim shoulders

For wheel and tire specifications

approved by BMW, refer to page 134.

(before R on ZR tires)

The speed rating indicates the

approved maximum speed for the tire.

The correct wheel-tire combina-

tion affects on different systems

that otherwise will not function prop-

erly, e.g. ABS, DSC.

Protect valve stems and valves from dirt

using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in

the valves frequently leads to slow

leaks.

Summer tires:

S

T

=

up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

up to 167 mph (270 km/h)

up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

For this reason, use only tires of the

same brand and tread pattern on the

vehicle and, for example, restore the

approved wheel-tire combination

following a flat tire as soon as

possible.<

H

V

W

Y

Storage

Store tires in a cool, dry place,

protecting them against light when-

ever possible. Protect the tires against

contact with oil, grease and fuel.

ZR = over 149 mph (240 km/h)

¹³²ⁿSpecial features of winter tires

Choosing the right tire

Do not exceed specified

maximum speeds

Tire condition, tire pressure

BMW recommends winter tires (M+S

radial tires) for operation under inclem- In Germany: attach a corresponding

Winter tires display a perceptible loss in

their ability to cope with winter driving

conditions once the tread wears to

below 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus

be replaced.

ent winter driving conditions. While

so-called all-season tires (M+S desig-

nation) provide better winter traction

sign in accordance with the Federal

Motor Vehicles Safety Standards in

your field of vision if the maximum

than summer tires with the load ratings speed of the vehicle is higher. This

Comply with the specified tire inflation

pressure and be sure to have the

H, V, W, Y and ZR, they generally do

not achieve the performance of winter

tires.

sticker is available from the tire dealer

or your BMW center.

wheels balanced each time a tire or

wheel is changed. In addition, also have

the Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) reini-

tialized, for details refer to page 88.

Never exceed the maximum speed

for which the tires are rated.

In the interests of safe tracking and

steering response, install radial tires

made by the same manufacturer and

with the same tread configuration on all

four wheels if you elect to mount winter

tires.

Unprofessional attempts by laymen to

service tires can lead to damage and

accidents.

Have this work performed by skilled

professionals only. Your BMW center

will be glad to assist you with both their

expertise and the proper equipment for

your vehicle.<

Snow chains*

133n

The use of narrow-link BMW snow

chains on winter tires is approved only

in pairs and only on the rear wheels.

Comply with all manufacturer's safety

precautions when mounting the chains.

Deactivate the Tire Pressure

Warning (RDW) when using snow

chains. The snow chains can lead to

malfunction warnings and undetected

losses in pressure.

For further information, refer to

page 88.<

¹³⁴ⁿApproved wheel and tire specifications

Snow chains*

BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe

and approves them. Your BMW center can provide information in this

connection.

It is not possible to mount snow chains

with 18-inch wheels and tires.

Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry

in the vehicle documents.

Deactivate the tire pressure

control (RDW) when using snow

chains. The snow chains can lead to

malfunction warnings and undetected

losses in pressure.

Tire specifications

Summer

For further information, refer to 88.<

Front: 245/40 ZR 18

Rear: 275/35 ZR 18

Winter (M+S)

8Jx18EH2

9.5Jx18EH2

235/45 R 17 94 H

8Jx17EH2

Hood

135n

the guidelines, please have the opera-

tions performed by your BMW center.<

To unlock

To close

Pull the lever located under the left-

hand side of the instrument panel.

Allow the hood to fall from a height of

about 4 in(10 cm) so that it audibly

engages.

To open

Do not work on your vehicle

Pull the release handle and open the

without appropriate skills. Always hood.

switch off the engine and allow it to

cool down before working in the engine

compartment. Always disconnect the

battery before working on any electrical

systems or equipment, especially when

these are located within the engine

compartment. Comply with all appli-

cable instructions and warnings. Failure

to work in an informed, professional

manner when servicing components

and materials constitutes a safety

To avoid injuries, be sure that the

travel path of the hood is clear

when it is closed, as with all closing

procedures.

If it is determined that the hood is not

completely closed while driving, stop

immediately and close it securely.<

hazard for vehicle occupants and other

road users. If you are not familiar with

¹³⁶ⁿEngine compartment

Engine compartment

137n

1 Reservoir for brake fluid (under the

housing of the microfilter) 142

2 Auxiliary terminal for jump

starting 171

3 Engine oil dipstick 139

4 Engine oil filler neck 139

5 Coolant expansion tank 141

6 Reservoir for the intensive-cleaning

system 138

7 Reservoir for the windshield and

headlamp washer system* 138

¹³⁸ⁿWasher fluids

Washer nozzles

Windshield washer

The spray from the nozzles should be

directed so as to ensure effective

cleaning, even at high speeds. Use a

needle to adjust the nozzles as required

or have them adjusted at your BMW

center.

Headlamp washer system

Have the nozzles adjusted by your

BMW center as required.

Headlamp* and windshield

washer system

Intensive-action washer

reservoir*

Capacity in US quarts (liters).

Windshield washer:

Capacity approx. 1.1 US quarts

(1.0 liters).

Approx. 3.7 US quarts (3.5 liters)

With headlamp-washing system:

Approx. 6.3 US quarts (6.0 liters).

Fill with intensive-action washer fluid.

It resists freezing to approx. - 17 7

(-27 6) and is available from your

Fill with water and – if required – with a BMW center.

washer antifreeze (according to manu-

facturer's recommendations).

Antifreeze agents or intensive-

action washer fluids for the

washer systems are highly flammable.

For this reason, keep them away from

sources of flame and store them only in

their original containers. Store them so

that they are inaccessible to children.

Comply with the instructions on the

containers.<

We recommend that you mix the

washer fluid before adding it to

the reservoir.<

Engine oil

139n

Checking oil level

To add oil

The oil volume between the two marks

on the dipstick corresponds to approx.

1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond

the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess

oil will damage the engine.

1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.

2 Allow the engine to run at operating

temperature for at least 15 seconds

at idle, then shut it off.

Wait until the level has dropped to just

above the lower mark before adding oil.

However, do not wait until the oil level

drops below the lower mark.

3 After approx. one minute, pull the

dipstick out and wipe it off with a

clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or

similar material.

BMW engines are designed to

operate without oil additives; the

use of additives could lead to damage

in some cases. This is also true for the

manual transmission, the differential,

and the power steering system.<

4 Carefully push the dipstick all the way

into the guide tube and pull it out

again.

5 The oil level should be between the

two graduations on the dipstick.

As with fuel economy, oil consumption

is directly influenced by your driving

style and vehicle operating conditions.

¹⁴⁰ⁿEngine oil

Specified engine oils

Viscosity ratings

The quality of the engine oil selected

has critical significance for the opera-

tion and service life of an engine. Based

on extensive testing, BMW has

Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-

lished in SAE classes.

The selection of the correct SAE class

depends on the climatic conditions in

the area where you typically drive your

approved only certain engine oils.

Use only approved "BMW High Perfor- BMW.

mance Synthetic Oil."

Approved oils are in SAE classes

5W-40 and 5W-30.<

If you are unable to obtain "BMW High

Performance Synthetic Oil," you can

add small amounts of synthetic oil in

These oils may be used for driving in all

ambient temperatures.

between oil changes. Use only oils with

the API SH specification or higher.

Ask your BMW center for details

concerning the specific "BMW

High Performance Synthetic Oil" or

"synthetic oils" which have been

approved.<

You can also call BMW of North

America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this

website: to obtain

this information.

Engine oil

Coolant

141n

Always observe all environmental

protection guidelines and regula-

tions when disposing of used oil.<

Do not add coolant to the cooling

system when the engine is hot. If

you attempt to do so, escaping coolant

can cause burns.

Recommendation: have the oil changed To avoid the possibility of secondary

by your BMW center only.

damage, never use anything other than

factory-approved, nitrite and amino-

free extended-duty antifreeze with

Continuous exposure to used oil

has caused cancer in laboratory

testing.

corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is

familiar with the official specifications.

Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are

hazardous to health. You should always

store them in their original container

and in a location which is out of reach of

children. Extended-duty antifreeze with

corrosion inhibitor contains the flam-

For this reason, any skin areas that

come into contact with oil should be

thoroughly washed with soap and

water.

Checking coolant level

Correct coolant level when the engine

is cold (approx. 68 7/20 6):

Always store oils, grease and similar

materials so that they are inaccessible

Visible within the transparent expansion

tank, no higher than the COLD mark.

to children. Comply with warning labels mable substance ethylene glycol. For

and information on containers.<

this reason, do not spill antifreeze with

corrosion inhibitor on hot engine parts.

It could ignite and cause serious

burns.<

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the

disposal of extended-duty antifreeze

with corrosion inhibitor.<

¹⁴²ⁿCoolant

Brake fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,

it absorbs moisture from the air

Adding coolant

Brake fluid level

Wait until the engine cools before

removing the cap from the expansion

tank. The needle of the coolant gauge

in the instrument cluster must be

located in the blue zone; otherwise,

there is a danger of scalding.

If the indicator lamp for the

over time. In order to ensure the safety

and reliability of the brake system, have

the brake fluid changed every two years

by an BMW center. Refer also to the

Service and Warranty Information

brake hydraulic system appears

or if the "CHECK BRAKE FLUID"

message appears in the Check

Control*: the brake fluid level is

too low in the reservoir.

Booklet (US models) or the Warranty

and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian

models). Brake fluid is toxic and

1 Turn the cap counterclockwise The brake fluid reservoir is located

slightly in order to allow accumulated under the microfilter housing on the

pressure to escape. Then open.

2 If the coolant is low, slowly add

coolant until the correct level is

reached – do not overfill.

driver's side of the vehicle. For adding

brake fluid or for determining and

correcting the cause of brake fluid loss,

consult your BMW center. Your BMW

center is familiar with the specifications

for factory-approved brake fluids

(DOT 4).

damages the vehicle's paint. You

should always store it in its original

container and in a location which is out

of reach of children. Do not spill the

fluid and do not fill the brake fluid reser-

voir beyond the MAX mark. The brake

fluid could ignite upon contact with hot

engine parts and cause serious burns.<

The coolant is a mixture of water and

extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion

inhibitor. Always maintain the

prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture

ratio for year-round protection against

internal corrosion. No other additives

are required.

Brake fluid loss may result in extended

brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer

to the information on page 124.

Comply with the applicable

environmental laws regulating

the disposal of brake fluid.<

Replace the coolant every three years.

Vehicle Identification Number

143n

In the engine compartment, stamped

on the right-hand strut dome (arrow)

and on the upper edge of the instru-

ment panel on the left-hand side.

¹⁴⁴ⁿThe BMW Maintenance System

Service Interval Display

Service and Warranty Information

Booklet (US models)/Warranty

and Service Guide Booklet

(Canadian models)

Advanced technology is employed to

calculate the optimal maintenance inter-

vals, which are then indicated in the

Service Interval Display. While conven- For additional information on mainte-

tional systems rely solely on distance

traveled to determine when service is

due, the BMW Maintenance System

began many years ago to take the

actual conditions under which the

vehicle is driven into consideration.

nance intervals and procedures, please

refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-

mation Booklet (US models) or the

Warranty and Service Guide Booklet

(Canadian models).

As a precaution against rust, it might be

From the point of view of maintenance, a good idea to have the body checked

62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated for damage from rocks or gravel at the

The BMW Maintenance System has

been designed as a reliable means of

providing maximum driving and oper-

ating safety – and as cost-effectively as

possible for you.

in short-distance urban driving are not

the equivalent of the same distance

covered at moderate speeds in long-

distance highway travel.

same time, depending upon operating

conditions.

Please keep in mind that regular main-

tenance is not only necessary for the

safety of your vehicle, but also plays a

significant role in maintaining the resale

value of the vehicle.

The BMW Maintenance System

includes the Engine Oil Service and

Inspections I and II.

Determining the maintenance intervals

according to the actual vehicle driving

loads on the vehicle covers every kind

of operating situation. However, even

those who drive only short distances –

significantly less than 6,200 miles

(10,000 km) annually – should have the

engine oil changed at least every

2 years since oil deteriorates over time,

regardless of use.

Caring for your vehicle

145n

Have your BMW center perform

maintenance and repairs.

Vehicles with rain sensor*:

Clean the windshield regularly. Wax

Washing your vehicle

You can have your new BMW washed

in an automatic car wash. Car wash

systems that do not employ brushes

are preferable.

Your BMW center is always informed on

the latest maintenance work and repair

techniques and equipped with the

required special tools. In addition,

checking parts known from experience

to be subject to wear is a permanent

part of the maintenance specifications.

Be sure that all maintenance work is

confirmed in the Service and Warranty

Information Booklet (US models) or the

Warranty and Service Guide Booklet

(Canadian models). These entries are

your proof that the vehicle has received

regular maintenance. They are also a

requirement for warranty claims.<

from automatic car washes or insects,

for example, can cause malfunctions in

the function of the rain sensor.

Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and

remove dead insects before washing

the vehicle.

Deactivate the rain sensor in auto-

matic car washes. If you do not,

damage may occur if the wipers switch

on unintentionally.<

To prevent spots, do not wash the

vehicle when the hood is still warm, or

immediately after and during exposure

to strong sunlight.

Parts of the vehicle that are inacces-

sible to the automatic washer – such as

door sills, door and hood edges, etc. –

should be cleaned by hand.

When using an automatic car wash, be

sure that:

In the winter months, it is especially

important to be sure that the vehicle is

washed on a regular basis. Large quan-

tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to

remove, and they also cause damage to

the vehicle.

> The car wash system is suited for the

dimensions of your vehicle.

> No damage will occur on vehicles

with attached body accessories (such

as spoilers or antennas). Consult the

car wash operator if necessary.

> The wheels and tires of your vehicle

cannot be damaged by the convey-

ance devices of the car wash system.

> The vehicle is cleaned with minimum

brush pressure, and that ample water

is available for washing and rinsing.

¹⁴⁶ⁿCaring for your vehicle

If spray wands or high-pressure

washers are used, be sure to

maintain an adequate distance between Braking efficiency might otherwise be

After washing the vehicle, apply

the brakes briefly to dry them.

Exterior finish

To provide effective corrosion protec-

tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at

the factory. Cataphoretic immersion

priming techniques are supplemented

using special body-cavity protectants,

with the application of specially-devel-

oped and extensively tested materials.

A layer of flexible PVC is first applied

to the undercarriage. Following this, a

comprehensive undercoating treat-

ment with a wax-based protectant is

applied. Regular maintenance makes

an important contribution to maintaining

the safety and value of your vehicle.

the spray source and the vehicle's

surface. Inadequate distance and

excessive pressure can damage or

weaken the finish, making it more

susceptible to subsequent attack. In

addition, moisture could penetrate to

vehicle components, leading to long-

term damage.<

reduced by the moisture and the brake

rotors could also be corroded.<

When cleaning the headlamps,

please observe the following:

> Do not wipe dry (scratches). Never

use abrasives or strong solvents to

clean the covers.

Increasing awareness of the effects

of harmful environmental factors on

vehicle finishes have led paint and

vehicle manufacturers to initiate

ongoing programs designed to further

improve the durability of their finishes.

Despite this, environmental factors that

occur locally or regionally can have

negative effects on the finish of your

vehicle. These should guide you in

determining the frequency and extent

of your efforts to maintain the vehicle

finish.

> Remove dirt and contamination (such

as insects) by soaking with BMW Car

Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty

of water.

> Always use a deicer spray to remove

accumulated ice and snow – never

use a scraper.<

Caring for your vehicle

147n

Depending upon material and type

of impact (perforation of paint layer),

physical stresses from sand, road salt,

gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to start

extending beneath the finish, starting at

the point of impact.

In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-

spheric salt and humidity promote

corrosion.

Caring for the vehicle finish

Regular washing is a preventive

measure against long-term effects from

In tropical zones, temperatures of over substances that are harmful to the

105 7 (40 6) in the shade prevail, in

addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation

and high humidity. Under those condi-

tions, light paints can reach tempera-

tures up to 175 7 (80 6) and dark

paints up to 250 7 (120 6).

vehicle's finish, especially if you drive

your vehicle in areas with high levels of

air pollution or aggressive natural

substances (tree resins, pollen).

Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects,

animal droppings (strong alkali effect)

and tree excretions (resins and pollen)

all contain substances capable of

causing damage if they are allowed to

remain on the finish of your vehicle for

any period of time (spots, etching,

flaking, separation in the top coat).

Nevertheless, you should immediately

remove especially aggressive

substances. Failure to do so can lead to

changes in the paint's chemical struc-

ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled

during refueling, oil, grease and brake

fluid should always be cleaned away

immediately, as should bird droppings

(finish damage).

In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust,

lime, oily soot, precipitation containing

sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-

ronmental pollutants will damage the

vehicle's finish unless adequate care is

provided – even though this is generally

limited to the outside horizontal

surfaces.

Any contamination remaining on the

surface of the vehicle will be especially

conspicuous after washing. Use

cleaning fluid or alcohol with a clean

cloth or cotton pad to remove. Remove

tar spots with tar remover. After

cleaning, the affected areas should be

waxed to ensure continued protection.

Use cleaning and car-care

products that you can obtain

at your BMW center.<

¹⁴⁸ⁿCaring for your vehicle

Waxing your vehicle

Paint damage

Window care

Protect the finish using carnauba or

synthetic-based waxes only.

You can touch up small areas of paint

damage with a BMW spray paint or a

BMW touchup stick.

You an use window and glass cleaner

to clean inside window surfaces and

mirrors without smearing and streaking.

Never use polishing pastes or abrasive

(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.

The best way to determine when the

finish needs to be waxed is by noting

when water stops beading on the

surface.

The paint color code for your vehicle is

provided on a sticker located on the

right hand side under the hood and on

the first page the Service and Warranty

Information Booklet (US models) or of

the Warranty and Service Guide

When caring for break-resistant

security glass*, observe the

following instructions:

You can use a glass cleaner to remove

any wax or silicone that may have been

left on the windows during waxing.

The inner surface of the side windows

is coated with a plastic film. For this

reason, do not affix any decals or adhe-

sive stickers on the inside of these

windows unless they are to be placed

there permanently. Wash the glass with

clean water. If necessary, you may add

a commercially-available mild house-

hold cleaner. Do not use abrasive

cleaners. If the windows are fogged or

iced over, treat them with an anti-

misting cloth or a deicer spray – do not

use an ice scraper.<

Booklet (Canadian models).

Use cleaning and car-care

products that you can obtain

at your BMW center.<

Damage caused by flying stones,

scratches, etc., must be touched up

without delay to prevent rust from

forming.

If corrosion has started to form in an

area with paint damage, remove all rust

and clean the area. Then prime the area

with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply

the finish coat. Wait a few days, then

polish the repaired area. Finish by

applying a wax preservative.

More extensive paint damage should

be professionally repaired in accor-

dance with the manufacturer's instruc-

tions. Your BMW center uses original

BMW finish materials in accordance

with factory-approved repair proce-

dures.

Caring for your vehicle

149n

Rubber components should be cleaned

Clean the wiper blades with soapy

water. The wiper blades should be

replaced twice a year, before and after

the cold season.

Caring for other vehicle

components and materials

with water only; a rubber treatment or

silicone spray may also be applied.

Light-alloy wheels should be treated

with alloy wheel cleaner, especially

The safety belts should be cleaned with

during the winter months. However, do a mild soap and water solution without

not use aggressive products containing being removed from the vehicle. Never

Use only wiper blades approved

by BMW. <

acids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do

not use steam cleaners operating at

temperatures above 140 7 (60 6).

Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

attempt chemical or dry cleaning, as

damage to the belt fabric could result.

After cleaning, never allow the inertia

reel to retract the belts until they are

If your vehicle has chrome parts* such completely dry. Dirty safety belts

as the window frames and door handles, prevent the inertia reel mechanism from

clean these parts carefully with ample

clean water after driving on roads that

have been salted. Add a shampoo

supplement if desired. Use chrome

polish as an additional treatment.

retracting the strap properly, and thus

constitute a safety hazard.

Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats*

can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.

The floor mats can be removed from

the vehicle for cleaning.

Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,

headliners, lamp lenses, the clear cover

of the instrument cluster and compo-

nents with a sprayed dull black surface

can be cleaned with water (add plastic

shampoo as required). Do not allow

moisture to soak through the seats or

headliner. Never use solvents such as

lacquer thinner, heavy-duty grease

remover, fuels, etc.

Please use only a damp cloth to clean

wooden fascia panels and components.

Follow up by drying with a soft cloth.

Use cleaning and car-care

products that you can obtain

at your BMW center.<

¹⁵⁰ⁿCaring for your vehicle

Since dirt and grease gradually attack

the protective layer of the leather, the

cleaned surfaces should be treated

Cleaning agents can contain

substances that are dangerous

or pose health risks. For this reason,

Leather care

The leather upholstery* used by BMW

is a natural product of the highest

with BMW leather care agent. This also always read and comply with the

acts as an antistatic agent.

quality, processed using state-of-the-

art methods to ensure that it will main-

tain its high quality for years to come,

provided that it is properly cared for.

warnings and danger notices on the

package.

For protection against dampness or

moisture, treat the leather with a BMW

impregnating agent.

Open the doors or windows on your

vehicle when cleaning the interior.

Never clean your vehicle with solvents

or other materials not specifically

intended for this application.<

Because this product is manufactured

using natural materials, you must make We recommend that you perform this

allowance for its special characteristics procedure twice a year on leather

as well as for the peculiarities of its use exposed to normal use.

and care.

Spills should be wiped up immediately.

Regular periodic cleaning and care are

If the upholstery will be exposed to

essential, as dust and road dirt act as

intense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be

abrasives in the pores and creases of

stored for an extended period, cover all

the material. This leads to wear spots

leather surfaces (or better yet, cover the

and premature brittleness on the

surface of the leather. We therefore

suggest that you clean the leather with

windows) to prevent fading.

Use cleaning and car-care

a vacuum cleaner or dust cloth at

products that you can obtain

frequent intervals.

at your BMW center.<

For cleaning use BMW leather cleaning

foam.

Airbags

Vehicle storage

151n

Do not modify or tamper with either the Consult your BMW center regarding

wiring or the individual components in

the airbag system. This includes the

special procedures if you intend to

store the vehicle for more than three

padded steering wheel hub, the instru- months.

ment panel, the side trim panels of the

front or rear doors and the roof pillars or

the sides of the headliner. Never apply

adhesive materials to these compo-

nents or cover or modify them in any

way. Do not remove or dismantle the

steering wheel yourself.

To ensure compliance with official

safety regulations, have an BMW center

dispose of airbag generators.

1 Front airbags on the driver and

passenger sides

Unprofessional attempts to service the

system could lead to failure in an emer-

gency or undesired airbag activation,

either of which could result in personal

injury.<

2 Head airbags on the driver and

passenger sides (front and rear*)

3 Side airbags on the driver and

passenger sides (front and rear*)

Important safety notices

Do not remove the airbag restraint

system's gas generator. Testing

and servicing are to be performed only

by trained technicians. In the event of

the air bag restraint system malfunc-

tioning, being deactivated or triggered

(in response to an accident), consult an

BMW center only for the performance

of any removal and service operations.

¹⁵²ⁿTechnical modifications

California Proposition 65 Warning

Any BMW center will be glad to inform

you of the advisability, legal require-

ments and factory recommendations

regarding technical modifications on

your vehicle. For this purpose, the

BMW center will require the Vehicle

Identification Number and, in some

cases, also the engine number.

California laws require us to state the

following warning:

Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to

cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.<

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Light-emitting diodes installed behind

translucent lenses serve as the light

source for many of the controls and

displays in your vehicle. The concept

behind their operation is related to that

employed for lasers, and they are

officially designated as Class 1 light-

emitting diodes.

Do not remove the protective lens

and avoid staring directly at the

unfiltered beam for extended periods

(several hours), as inflammation of the

iris could result.<

OBD interface socket

153n

When the filler cap is not properly

An illuminated indicator informs

you of the need for service, not

of the need to stop the vehicle.

However, the systems should be

checked by your BMW center at the

earliest possible opportunity.

tightened, the OBD system can

detect the vapor leak and the indicator

will light up. If the filler cap is subse-

quently tightened, the indicator should

go out within a few days.<

Under certain conditions, the indicator

will blink or flash. This indicates a rather

severe level of engine misfire. When

this occurs, you should reduce speed

and consult the nearest BMW center as

soon as possible. Severe engine misfire

over only a short period of time can

seriously damage emission control

components, especially the catalytic

converter.

Access to the interface socket for the

On-Board-Diagnostics (OBD): lift the

cover (arrow) next to the steering

column.

Warning lamp: Service Engine

Soon for Canadian models

The purpose of the OBD (Onboard

Diagnostic) system is to assure proper

emission control system operation for

the vehicle's lifetime by monitoring

emission-related components and

systems for deterioration and malfunc-

tion.

154n

Operation, care and maintenance for your BMW 5 Series 1995-2003

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