Deutsch
EnglishOwner service procedures for your BMW 5 Series 1995-2003
155n
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit 156
Windshield wiper blades 156
Lamps and bulbs 157
Repairing a flat tire 162
Battery 166
Overview
Controls and features
Fuses 168
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door 170
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 170
Operation, care
and maintenance
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting 171
Towing the vehicle 172
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Repairs
156nOnboard tool kit
Windshield wiper blades
The onboard tool kit is located in the
luggage compartment lid.
1 Lift the wiper arm up slightly and hold
it firmly.
2 Press back the release (arrow) and
pull the wiper blade back toward the
base of the wiper arm.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
3 Install the new blade and slide the
release back into position.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<
Lamps and bulbs
157n
The lamps and bulbs are essential fac-
tors contributing to the safety of your
vehicle. Observe the following instruc-
tions during bulb replacement carefully.
If you are not familiar with any of the
procedures, consult your BMW center.
Xenon lamps
The service life of these bulbs is very
long and the probability of a failure is
very low, provided that they are not
switched on and off an unusual number
of times. If one of these bulbs should
nevertheless fail, it is possible to con-
tinue driving with great caution using
the fog lamps, provided traffic laws in
your area do not prohibit this.
Do not touch the glass portion of
a new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn in to the surface and reduce the
service life of the bulb. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic
base.<
Because of the extremely high
voltages involved, any work on the
Xenon lighting system should be
carried out by technically-qualified
personnel only. Otherwise, there is a
risk of fatal injury.<
Parking lamp
10 watt bulb
The bulb holder and reflector are a
single unit and are both changed
at the same time.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
> Do not wipe dry (this causes
scratches). Never use abrasives or
strong solvents to clean the covers.
> Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with
ample water.
Whenever working on the electri-
cal system, switch off the electri-
cal accessory you are working on or
disconnect the cable from the negative
terminal of the battery. Failure to do this
could result in short circuits.
1 Turn the bulb holder with reflector to
the left and remove.
2 Disconnect the plug.
3 Plug the new bulb holder into the plug
connector. Be sure that it is securely
engaged.
To prevent injuries and damage,
comply with any instructions provided
by the bulb manufacturer.<
4 Insert the reflector with bulb holder
and turn to the right as far as possible.
> Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow – never
use a scraper.<
158nLamps and bulbs
Turn signal indicator/Side lamps
(side marker lamps), front
Side turn signals*
Front fog lamps
5 watt bulb
HB4, 51 watt bulb
Dual-filament bulb, 21 watts
1 Use finger pressure against the rear
end of the lens (arrow) to press it
forward for removal.
The bulb is pressurized. There-
1 Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove it.
2 Remove and replace the bulb.
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-
tective gloves. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to injury if the
bulb is accidentally damaged during
replacement.<
1 Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
while turning it to the left to remove.
1 Pull the cover panel next to the fog
lamp forward to remove.
2 Loosen the screw (arrow) and swing
the lamp assembly out.
3 Release the spring on the back of the
lamp and turn the cover to the left.
4 Release the clamp, remove the
contact base and replace the bulb.
Lamps and bulbs
159n
Tail lamp assembly
Center (high-mount) brake lamp*
1 Use the upper handle to fold down
the side panel in the luggage com-
partment.
Rear lamp/side marker lamps: LEDs
Remaining bulbs: 21 watts
21 watt bulb
1 Open the luggage compartment lid.
2 Unclip the cover panel (on the under-
side of the package tray) with a
screwdriver (arrow).
2 Turn the corresponding bulb holder
to the left (arrow) and remove it.
3 Press the defective bulb gently and
turn it to the left. Remove the bulb
and replace it.
1 Turn signal indicator
2 Rear lamp/side marker lamps
3 Backup lamp
yellow
red
white
red
3 Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove.
4 Brake lamp
4 Insert the bulb holder and turn to the
right as far as possible.
4 Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
while turning it to the left to remove.
5 Reflector
red
Please contact your BMW center
if there is a defect in the rear
lamp/side marker lamp assembly.<
160nLamps and bulbs
Rear
Interior lamps
Front
Interior lamp (10 watt bulb) with reading
lamp (5 watt bulb)
Interior lamp (10 watt bulb) with
reading lamps (10 watt bulbs)
1 Use a screwdriver in the upper
recesses to pry the lamp out.
2 Interior lamp: push back the tab on
the reflector and replace the bulb.
3 Reading lamp: gently press against
the lamp while turning it to the left to
remove it.
1 Interior lamp: press the lamp out to
the side with a screwdriver and re-
move the lens. Pull the bulb from the
contact tabs.
2 Reading lamp: gently press against
the lamp while turning it to the left to
remove it.
Indirect lighting
1 watt bulb
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb
1 Unclip the lamp holder.
2 Remove the bulb.
1 Insert a screwdriver into the slot and
press to the left (arrow); this disen-
gages the lamp.
2 Remove the lamp and replace the
bulb.
Lamps and bulbs
161n
Footwell lamps
Luggage compartment lamps
5 watt bulb
Lamp on the underside of the rear
package tray: 10 watt halogen lamp.
1 Use a screwdriver to press the lens
out to the side.
2 Replace the bulb.
Lamp in luggage compartment lid:
10 watt bulb.
1 Apply a screwdriver in the recess to
pry the lamp out.
Glove compartment lamp
5 watt bulb
2 Remove the reflector.
3 Replace the bulb.
1 Apply a screwdriver in the recess to
pry the lamp out.
2 Remove the reflector.
3 Replace the bulb.
162nRepairing a flat tire
Precautions in case of a flat tire:
M Mobility System
Stop the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic. Switch on the
hazard warning flashers.
For repairing a flat tire, you will find an
M Mobility system in the BMW M5. With
the aid of this system, you can apply a
liquid sealant to the inside of the tire,
thereby sealing off the damaged area,
and then continue driving.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse and engage the parking
brake.
The M Mobility system makes the trans-
port of a spare wheel superfluous and
minimizes the curb weight.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
The M Mobility system is located in the
luggage compartment under the floor
mat;
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.<
1 Lift up the floormat and then raise the
front cover panel.
2 Loosen the M Mobility system from
its storage location.
Please note that the system's
sealant container must be re-
placed every three years by your BMW
center if the device is not used.<
Repairing a flat tire
163n
Use the M Mobility System
If possible, leave the foreign
object in the tire.<
Do not exceed the maximum
speed limits described below,
otherwise it could lead to accidents.
Before you use the M Mobility System,
read the warnings and danger notices
on the device carefully.<
1 Remove the warning sticker 5 for
maximum speed that is located on
top of the device and affix it to the
steering wheel.
The components of the M Mobility
system
2 Take off the round cover and take out
hose 4. Unscrew the valve from the
defective wheel and screw the hose
to the valve.
1 On/Off switch
2 Connection hose with pressure
gauge for connecting the compressor
with the sealant container or to con-
nect the compressor to the wheel
3 Pressure gauge for indicating the tire
pressure
4 Connector hose from the sealant
container to the wheel
5 Warning sticker for maximum speed
6 Plug and cable for the cigarette
lighter socket
7 Protective gloves (not illustrated).
164nRepairing a flat tire
7 Directly, afterward, drive at least
1.2 miles (2 km), so that the liquid
sealant distributes evenly throughout
the inside of the tire. If possible drive
at no less than 15 mph (20 km/h), but
not more than 40 mph (60 km/h).
Stop in a suitable spot.
3 Flip open the cover and pull out the
enclosed protective gloves. Take out
hose 2 with the pressure gauge and
screw it to the connection on the
sealant container, as shown in the
illustration.
5 Make sure that the screw on the rear
of the pressure gauge 3 is tightened
down. Turn on the M Mobility System
(position 1, refer to illustration) and
allow 3 minutes to elapse, to let the
sealant flow in. At this point, it is
insignificant what the tire pressure is.
6 Turn off the device.
4 Make sure that the system has been
switched off (Position 0). Take out
plug 6 and plug it into the cigarette
lighter socket in the passenger com-
partment (refer to page 110).
Disconnect the connector hose from
the sealant container and the tire
valve. Stow the M Mobility System in
the luggage compartment.
Repairing a flat tire
165n
If the inflation pressure does not
hold, complete step 10 and then
repeat steps 7 through 10.
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the wheel and tire
balanced. Reactivate the tire pressure
warning system (RDW), refer to
The use of the M Mobility System may
be ineffective if the damaged area in
the tire is larger than approx.
page 88. Have the M Mobility System
filled. Contact your BMW center for
0.15 inches (4 mm). Please contact the this.
nearest BMW center if the tire with the
M Mobility System cannot be made
roadworthy, or contact BMW Roadside
Assistance at 1-800-332-4269.<
10 Unscrew the hose from the valve
and stow the M Mobility System in
the luggage compartment.
8 Take out the hose with the pressure
gauge and screw it onto the valve.
Take out the plug and plug it into
the cigarette lighter socket in the
passenger compartment.
When you start driving again, do not
exceed the permissible maximum
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
9 Inflate the tire pressure:
> To increase the tire pressure: turn
on the M Mobility System (posi-
tion I). To check the new tire
pressure briefly turn off the
device.
You will find corresponding instructions
for using the M Mobility System on the
device.
To reduce the tire pressure: turn
the screw on the back of the
pressure gauge, this will open the
air release valve.
166nBattery
Never allow sparks or open
flame near the battery. Do not
smoke in the vicinity of the bat-
Maintenance
The battery is absolutely maintenance-
free, that is, the original electrolyte will
normally last for the service life of the
battery under moderate climatic
conditions.
tery. Avoid sparks from electrical cables
or electrical equipment. Turn the key
to position 0 in the steering lock when
connecting or disconnecting the bat-
tery. Don't short-circuit the battery ter-
minal. If you do so, you could be injured
by electrical sparks.
Symbols
You will find the following symbols on
your vehicle battery. To avoid injury,
please comply with the corresponding
precautions whenever you work with or
near the battery.
A highly-explosive gas is
generated when the battery is
charged.
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
If you happen to get acid in
your eyes, rinse thoroughly for
15 minutes with clear water.
Before handling the battery,
please read the following infor-
mation:
Consult a physician immediately. If your
skin or clothing are splashed by acid,
rinse immediately with plenty of water.
If electrolyte is accidentally swallowed,
consult a physician immediately.
Wear eye protection. Do not
allow particles containing bat-
tery acid or lead to come into
contact with your eyes, your skin, or
your clothing.
Installation location
The battery is located under the floor-
mat in the luggage compartment.
1 Read and comply with the warning
information on page 167.
2 Lift the floormat.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
do not place it in direct sunlight.
A discharged battery can freeze. Store
the battery in areas where temperature
remains above freezing.
3 Press the small cover gently. Lift the
cover (arrow 1).
4 Disconnect the battery cable from the
negative terminal.
Do not allow children access to
batteries and battery acid.
5 Loosen the three screws (arrows) and
remove the cover.
Battery
167n
When removing the battery, disconnect
the cable on the negative terminal first,
then the cable on the positive terminal.
When installing a battery, connect the
positive terminal first, then connect the
negative terminal.
When installing the battery, be
sure that it is mounted securely in
the battery well and that the cover is
installed. If the battery is not mounted
and fastened properly, it will not be
adequately secured in case of an
accident.<
Charge condition
Removal and installation
You can read the charge condition
of the battery with the "Magic Eye "
(a hydrometer):
Do not disconnect the battery
when the engine is running. If
you do so, the ensuing voltage surge
will damage the vehicle's onboard
electronics.
> Green: adequate charge.
> Black: not adequately charged. The
battery has to be recharged. Please
contact your BMW center for addi-
tional information.
Do not alter the positive terminal wiring
in any way. If you do so, the Battery
Safety Terminal's safety function will no
longer be guaranteed. Repair and dis-
posal must be performed by trained
technicians only.<
> Yellow: replace the battery.
The service life specified for the
battery can be achieved only if it
is always kept adequately charged.
Check the charge condition of the bat-
tery frequently if the vehicle is used pri-
marily for driving short distances.<
168nBattery
Fuses
Avoid environmental pollution
when disposing of old batteries.<
Charging the battery
Charge the battery in the vehicle only
when the engine is not running.
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center.
Before doing any work on the
electrical system, be sure to dis-
connect the cable from the battery's
negative terminal. Failure to do so
could result in short-circuits, a fire or
personal injury.<
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Secure
the battery against tilting in transit.<
If the vehicle is to be parked longer
than four weeks, disconnect the battery
from the vehicle's electrical system by
disconnecting the negative terminal
cable and then recharge using a suit-
able charging device.
If an electrical accessory should fail,
switch it off and check the fuse.
In the glove compartment
1 Open the glove compartment and
turn the two white quick-release
knobs to the left. Spare fuses and
plastic tweezers are located on the
fuse holder.
If you intend to store your vehicle for
longer than twelve weeks: remove the
battery, charge it and store it in a cool
(but frost-and dust-free) room. Every
three months and before reinstalling the
battery, have it recharged. If it is not
recharged, it will not be serviceable.
Every time the battery is discharged,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.
2 Use the plastic tweezers to remove
the fuse for the accessory or equip-
ment that has stopped working.
3 If the fuse is burned through (the
metal strip will have melted and
separated), replace it with a new
fuse of the same ampere rating
(color code).
Fuses
169n
The fuses, their respective ampere rat-
ings and the equipment in their circuits
are all indicated below the fuse holder.
Close the fuse holder by holding the top
of the cover in place and screwing the
two quick-release knobs to the right.
Additional fuses are provided in the
luggage compartment (refer to the next
column).
The fuse for continuous positive current
is located in a separate fuse box above
the battery. If this fuse is defective,
refer the problem to your BMW center
for repair.
In the luggage compartment
Use the handle to pull the trim on the
right wall down.
A list of the fuses, their respective
ampere ratings and the equipment in
their circuits is provided on the rear of
the side trim.
Do not attempt to repair a burned
fuse or replace it with a fuse
having a different color or amperage
rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit
overload.<
If the fuse continues to burn through,
have the problem corrected by a BMW
center.
170nFuel filler door
Sliding/Tilt sunroof*
Manual release
Manual operation
1 Use the handle to lower the trim
panel on the right side of the luggage
compartment.
1 Remove the interior lamp (refer to
page 160), reach into the opening
and push out the panel.
2 Pull the knob with the fuel pump
symbol (arrow).
2 Use the Allen wrench from the
onboard tool kit (refer to page 156) to
turn the sliding/tilt sunroof in the
desired direction.
Jump-starting
171n
Never use spray starter fluids.
If the battery is discharged, the engine
can be started with the use of two
jumper cables and the battery of another
vehicle. Always use jumper cables with
fully insulated handles on the terminal
clamps.
Do not touch the parts conducting
electrical current while the engine
is running. To do so creates the risk of
fatal injury.<
4 Start by connecting the jumper cable 5 Then connect the negative terminals.
Carefully comply with the following
instructions to avoid personal injury
and damage to one or both vehicles:
from the positive terminal of the
support vehicle to the positive
terminal connector located in your
BMW's engine compartment. The
cover of the auxiliary terminal for
jump starting is identified with a
"Batt. +" sign. Refer to the illustra-
tion. Flip the cap out to open.
Attach the cable to either the support
vehicle's negative battery terminal (–),
or to a suitable ground on its engine
or bodywork. Then connect the other
end of the cable to a ground on the
engine or on the bodywork of the
vehicle that is to be started. There is
a special nut on the strut dome of
your BMW for this (refer to the arrow
in the illustration).
1 Be sure that the battery on the
support vehicle is also rated at
12 volts, and that the capacities of
the two batteries (Ah) are roughly
comparable (printed on casing).
2 Leave your battery connected to the
vehicle electrical system.
3 Make sure that there is no contact
between the bodywork of the two
vehicles – this creates a risk of short
circuits.
Observe the same sequence for
connecting the jumper cables
when helping other vehicles. If you do
not, there is the risk of injury if sparks
generate at the battery.<
172nJump-starting
Towing the vehicle
6 Start the engine of the support vehicle
and let it run.
7 Start the engine on the vehicle
needing the jump-start, and allow it
to run as usual. If the first start
attempt is not successful, wait a few
minutes before another attempt in
order to allow the discharged battery
to recharge.
8 Before disconnecting the jumper
cables from your BMW, turn on the
headlamps, the rear window
defroster, and set the blower to the
highest speed; allow the engine to run
approx. 10 seconds. This will prevent
a voltage surge from the voltage
regulator to the electrical accessories.
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in
reverse sequence.
Tow fitting
Rear:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on
the cover; remove the cover.
The screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting is
designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle, and is intended for towing
on paved road surfaces only.
Tightly screw in the towing fittings
all the way. If you do not, the
threads could be damaged.
Depending on the cause of the fault,
recharge the battery.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, leading to
possible accidents.<
It should not be used to pull a vehicle
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.
Always observe all applicable towing
laws and regulations.
Access to tow sockets
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow the
vehicle, since the inherent resilience of
this material helps protect both vehicles
from sudden jerking movements.
Front:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on
the cover and remove the cover.
Towing the vehicle
173n
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response.<
Towing a vehicle
1 Place selector lever in position N.
2 Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h).
3 Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km).
Tow-starting
It is better to start the vehicle's engine
by jump starting. For instructions on
jump starting, refer to page 171.
4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn
signals, horn and windshield wipers
remain operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging.
5 Switch on the hazard-warning system
(comply with country-specific regula-
tions).
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, as damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing with a commercial tow
truck
> Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
> Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier.
> Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed. This will
prevent the steering lock from
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.<
engaging. The steering and brakes are
without power assist when the engine is
not running. This means that increased
effort is required for steering and
braking.<
174n
