2006 BMW 525i Sedan Owners Manual

Towing methods

Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body and chassis parts, otherwise damage may

result.< In some countries, towing with tow bars or ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar- ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the respective country.

With tow bar

The towing vehicle may not be lighter than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it

will not be possible to reliably control vehicle response.< The tow fittings used should be on the same side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi- ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe the following: > Clearance and maneuvering capability will

be sharply limited during cornering.

Rear

Being towed

Make sure that the ignition is switched on, refer to page 58, otherwise the low

beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield wipers would not be available. If the vehicle electrical system fails, do not tow-start or tow the vehicle. The electric steering-wheel lock cannot be unlocked and the vehicle cannot be steered. For information on jump starting, refer

222

> When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will

exert lateral forces, tending to push the vehicle sideways.

Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings, as attachment to other vehicle parts can

lead to damage.<

With tow rope When starting off in the towing vehicle, make sure that the tow rope is taut.

To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on vehicle components when

towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps. Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to damage.<

With tow truck

Have the BMW transported with a tow truck with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.

With tow truck for 525xi, 530xi

Do not tow the BMW with xDrive with the front or rear axle raised individually, other-

wise the wheels may block and the transfer case may be damaged.<

Tow-starting Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but instead start the engine by means of jump start- ing, refer to page 220. With a catalytic con- verter, tow-starting should only be carried out with the engine cold, and with automatic trans- missions, the engine cannot be started by tow- starting.

If the electrical system fails, do not tow- start or tow the vehicle, as otherwise the

electric steering-wheel lock cannot be unlocked and the vehicle cannot be steered.< 1. Switch on the hazard warning flashers,

comply with country-specific regulations.

2. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 58. 3. Shift into 3rd gear. For information on SMG,

see below.

4. Tow-start with the clutch completely

depressed and slowly release the clutch. After the engine starts, immediately depress the clutch again completely.

5. Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn- ing flashers.

6. Have the vehicle checked.

SMG Sequential Manual Transmission 1. Tow-start in selector lever position N. 2. Select the Sequential mode. The correct

gear will be selected and engaged automat- ically.

Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent Control of the 525xi, 530 xi during tow-

starting, refer to page 88.<

The BMW may only be transported on a flat bed.

223

Reference Reference

This chapter contains the technical data, the short commands of the voice command system, and the index that will direct you as quickly as possible to the information you are looking for.

a

Technical data

Engine data

Displacement No. of cylinders Maximum output at engine speed Maximum torque at engine speed

cu in/cmµ

hp rpm lb ft/Nm rpm

525i/xi 182.8/2,996
215
6,250
185/251
2,750

530i/xi 182.8/2,996
255
6,600
220/298
2,750

550i 292.8/4,799
360
6,300
360/488
3,400

226

Dimensions

All dimensions are given in inches/mm. Vehicle height with xDrive: 58.3 in/1,482 mm Smallest turning circle diam.: 37.5 ft/11.4 m, with xDrive 39 ft/11.9 m

227

a

All dimensions given in inches/mm. Smallest turning circle diam.: 39 ft/11.9 m

228

Weights

Sedan Curb weight > Manual transmission, SMG > Automatic transmission Approved gross vehicle weight > Manual transmission, SMG > Automatic transmission Load Approved front axle load Approved rear axle load Approved roof load capacity Luggage compartment capacity

525i

530i

550i

lbs./kg lbs./kg

lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg cu ft/l

3,395/1,540
3,439/1,560

3,450/1,565
3,472/1,575

3,902/1,770
3,924/1,780

4,497/2,040
4,541/2,060
1,102/500
2,161/980
2,601/1,180
220/100
18.4/520

5,004/2,270
4,552/2,065
5,026/2,280
4,575/2,075
1,102/500
1,102/500
2,227/1,010
2,469/1,120
2,601/1,180 2,679/1,215
220/100
18.4/520

220/100
18.4/520

Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.

Sedan Curb weight > Manual transmission > Automatic transmission Approved gross vehicle weight > Manual transmission > Automatic transmission Load Approved front axle load Approved rear axle load Approved roof load capacity Luggage compartment capacity

lbs./kg lbs./kg

lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg cu ft/l

Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.

525xi

530xi

3,593/1,630
3,638/1,650

3,670/1,660
3,704/1,680

4,696/2,130
4,740/2,150
1,102/500
2,315/1,050
2,646/1,200
220/100
18.4/520

4,762/2,160
4,806/2,180
1,102/500
2,315/1,050
2,646/1,200
220/100
18.4/520

229

a

Sports Wagon Curb weight > Manual transmission > Automatic transmission Approved gross vehicle weight > Manual transmission > Automatic transmission Load Approved front axle load Approved rear axle load Approved roof load capacity Luggage compartment capacity

lbs./kg lbs./kg

lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg lbs./kg cu ft/l

Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.

Capacities

gal/liters gal/liters

Fuel tank of that reserve Window cleaning system > Sedan US quarts/liters > incl. headlamp washer system US quarts/liters > Sports Wagon US quarts/liters Engine with oil filter change > 525i/xi, 530i/xi > 550i

US quarts/liters US quarts/liters

530xi

3,858/1,750
3,891/1,765

5,049/2,290
5,082/2,305
1,190/540
2,381/1,080
2,866/1,300
220/100
17.7-58.3/500-1,650

approx. 18.5/70
approx. 2.1/8

approx. 3.2/3
approx. 5.3/5
approx. 5.3/5

6.9/6.5
8.5/8.0

Notes Fuel grade: page 195

For more details: page 66

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil. Oil grades: page 206

230

Short commands of voice command system

With short commands you can carry out certain functions directly, regardless of which menu

item is selected. Here are the important short commands for the voice command system.

Assistance window

Function To open the assistance window 20
To select the display in the assistance window 20 {Assistance window map facing north},

Command {Assistance window}

To change scale in assistance window 146

Communication

Function To open phone 175
To dial phone number 179
To display phone book 179
To select from the phone book 179

To display "Top 8" 180
To redial 179
To display "Received calls" 180
To display "Missed calls" 180
To display "Bluetooth" 176
To open BMW Assist 189
To open "BMW Service" 189
To open "BMW Contact" 181
To open "BMW Contact Numbers" 181

{Assistance window map direction of travel}, {Assistance window arrow display}, {Assistance window perspective}, {Assistance window current position}, {Assistance window trip computer} or {Assistance window onboard info} {Assistance window scale ... feet} or {Assistance window scale ... miles}

Command {Phone} {Dial number} {A to Z} {Call ...} or {Dial name} {Top 8} {Redial} {Received calls} {Missed calls} {Bluetooth} {BMW Assist} {BMW Service} {BMW Contact} {BMW Contact numbers}

231

Navigation

Function To open navigation system 133
To open "Enter address" 133
To open "New destination" 133
To display "Input map" 137
To display destination list 139
To display address book 140
To display route criteria 142
To start destination guidance 144
To end destination guidance 144
To display arrow display 145
To display map display 146

To change scale 146

Command {Navigation} {Enter address} {New destination} {Input map} {Destination list} {Address book} {Route preference} {Start guidance} {Stop guidance} {Arrow display} {Map},{Map facing north}, {Map direction of travel} or {Perspective} {Scale ... miles} or {Scale ... feet}

To display roads or towns/cities along route 146 {Route list} To switch on voice instructions 147
To switch off voice instructions 147
To repeat voice instructions 147
To open route 142, 146 To open "New route" 148
To display current position 148

{Navigation info on} {Navigation info off} {Repeat navigation info} {Route} {New route} {Current position}

Onboard info

Function To open "Car Data" 76
To display computer 76
To display trip computer 76
To open speed limit 81
To open stopwatch 81

Command {Car data} {Onboard info} {Trip computer} {Limit} {Stopwatch}

232

Entertainment

Function Tone control 153
To switch on radio 156

To open "FM" 156
To open "AM" 156
To open "All stations" 156
To select radio station 156

To open "Presets" 156

To select stored radio station 156
To open "Manual" 157

To open strongest radio stations 157
To open "WB" 160
To switch on weatherband 160
To select a weatherband station 160
To open "SAT" 162
To switch on satellite radio 162
To open "Presets" of satellite radio 163
To open "All channels" of satellite radio 162
To open "Categories" of satellite radio 162
To open CD player 165
To switch on CD player 165
To open CD changer 165
To switch on CD changer 165
To select CD 165
To select music track 166
To select CD and music track 166

Command {Audio} {Radio on}, {FM on} or {AM on} {FM menu} {AM menu} {FM All stations} {Station ...} or {Choose station} {FM presets} or {AM presets} {Choose preset} {FM manual}, {AM manual} or {Choose frequency}, {Frequency ... Megahertz} {AM Autostore} {Weatherband menu} {Weatherband on} {Choose weatherband station} {SAT radio menu} {SAT radio} {SAT radio presets} {SAT radio all channels} {SAT radio categories} {CD menu} {CD} {CD-changer menu} {CD-changer} {CD 1...6} {CD track ...} {CD 1...6 track ...}

233

Climate

Function To adjust temperature distribution for front seat heating 50
To open "Vent settings" 107
To open "Automatic programs" 106
To open "Parked car ventilation" 109
To open "Automatic ventilation" 109
To display activation times 109

Command {Seat heater distribution}

{Vent settings} {Automatic programs} {Parked car operation} {Automatic ventilation} {Activation time}

menu

Function To open "Door locks" 30, 32
To open "Steering wheel buttons" 53
To open "Lighting" 64
To open "Communication settings" 187
To open "BMW Service settings" 187
To open "BMW Service" 189
To open "Service requirements" 77, 188
To open "Service" 77, 188
To display "Check Control messages" 80
To open "Display settings" 82
To open "Head-Up Display" 97
To activate speed limit 81
To deactivate speed limit 81
To set brightness of Control Display 83
To open "Units" 84
To open "Languages" 84, 147
To open "Time" 82
To open "Date" 83
To open "PDC" 85
To open "FTM" 90
To open "TPM" 92
To open "HDC" 88
To open "Entertainment settings" 153

234

Command {Door locks} {Steering wheel buttons} {Lighting} {Communication settings} {BMW Service settings} {BMW service} {Service requirements} {Service} {Check Control messages} {Display settings} {Head-up display} {Limit on} {Limit off} {Brightness} {Units} {Language} {Time} {Date} {PDC} {FTM} {TPM} {HDC} {Entertainment settings}

Function Activating BMW Night Vision 99
Deactivating BMW Night Vision 99
Displaying settings for BMW Night Vision 99

Command {Night Vision on} {Close Night Vision} {Night Vision configuration}

235

Everything from A to Z

Index

"..." Identifies Control Display

texts used to select individual functions, and indicates where to find them in the text.

ABS Antilock Brake

System 86

ACC, refer to Active cruise

control 67

Acceleration assistant for SMG Sequential Manual Transmission 63

Accessories 6
Acoustic signal, refer to Check

Control 79

Activated-charcoal filter 109
"Activation time" for parked-

car ventilation 109

Active cruise control 67
– indicator lamp 70
– radar sensor 71
– selecting distance 69
– warning lamps 71
Active head restraints,

front 49

Active seat 51
Active seat ventilation 51
Active steering 93
– warning lamp 94
Adapter for spare key 28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to

Brake force display 94
Adaptive Head Light 102
"Add digits" for mobile

phone 180

"Address book" for navigation

system 140

236

Address for navigation – deleting 141
– entering 133, 136
– selecting 141
– storing 140
– storing current position 140
"Add to address book" 140
"Add to destination list" 136
Adjusting active backrest

width 47

Adjusting confirmation signals for locking and unlocking 31

Adjusting the tone during audio operation, refer to Tone control 153

Adjusting thigh support 46
Adjustment in audio mode – front-to-rear 154
– right/left balance 154
"After door opened" 48
"After unlocking" 48
Airbags 94
– sitting safely 45
– warning lamp 96
Air circulation, refer to Air

recirculation 108

Air distribution – automatic 106
– manual 107
Airing, refer to Ventilation 108
Air recirculation – AUC Automatic recircu-

lated-air control 108

– recirculated-air mode 108
"Air recirculation on / off" 53
Air vent outlets of automatic

climate control 105

Air vents 105
– refer to Ventilation 108
Air volume 107
AKI, refer to Fuel quality 195

Alarm system 37
– avoiding unintentional

alarms 38

– interior motion sensor 38
– switching off alarm 38
– switching off tilt alarm

sensor and interior motion sensor 38

– tilt alarm sensor 38
"All channels" 163
"All doors" 30
All-season tires, refer to

Winter tires 202

"All stations", calling up with

radio 156, 159

All-wheel drive, refer to

xDrive 87

Alterations, technical, refer to

For your own safety 5

Altering stretch of road 148
"AM", reception range 152, 156

Antenna for mobile phone 174
Antifreeze – coolant 207
– washer fluid 66
Antilock Brake System

ABS 86

Anti-theft alarm system, refer

to Alarm system 37

Anti-theft system, refer to

Central locking system 29
Approved axle loads, refer to

Weights 229

Approved engine oils 206
Approved gross vehicle

weight, refer to Weights 229

Armrest, refer to Center

armrest, rear 116

Around the center console 14
Around the steering wheel 10

Arrival time – refer to Computer 76
– refer to Starting destination

guidance 144

"Arrow display" for navigation

system 145

Ashtray – front 115
– rear 115
Assist, refer to

BMW Assist 187

Assistance systems, refer to

Driving stability control systems 86

Assistance window 20
"Assist. window off" 21
AUC Automatic recirculated-

air control 108

Audio 152
– controls 152
– switching on/off 152
– tone control 153
– volume 153
"Audio", refer to Tone

control 153

"Audio Aux" 152, 171
– on external audio device 171
Audio device, external 114
Automatic – air distribution 106
– air volume 106
– garage door opener 111
– headlamp control 101
– service notification 188
– steering wheel adjustment,

refer to Easy entry/exit 52

– storing stations 157
– tailgate operation 36
Automatically switching

between high beams and low beams, refer to High- beam assistant 103

Automatic car washes 126
– also refer to Caring for your

vehicle brochure

Automatic climate control 105
– automatic air

distribution 106
– switching off 108

Automatic closing of doors,

"Avoid highways" for

refer to Automatic soft closing 33

Automatic curb monitor 52
Automatic lighting – refer to Automatic headlamp

control 101

– refer to Daytime running

lamps 102

– refer to High-beam

assistant 103

navigation system 143

Avoiding freeways for

navigation 142

Avoiding unintentional

alarms 38

"Avoid tollroads" for

navigation system 143

Axle loads, refer to

Weights 229

"A - Z" 180

– refer to Interior lamps 104
– refer to Pathway lighting 101
Automatic low-beam function,

refer to High-beam assistant 103

"Automatic programs" 106
Automatic recirculated-air

control AUC 108

Automatic roll-up cover,

Sports Wagon 117

Automatic soft closing 33
Automatic station search 157
Automatic transmission with

Steptronic 63

– deactivating selector lever

interlock 64
– interlock 63
– kick-down 64
– selector lever interlock 63
– shiftlock 63
– sport program 64
– tow-starting 222, 223
– with comfort access 40
"Automatic ventilation" 109
AUTO program for automatic

climate control 106

"Autostore" on the

radio 156, 158

AUX-In – connection 114
– refer to External audio

device 171

Average fuel consumption 75
– setting the units 84
Average speed, refer to

Computer 75

Backrest contour, refer to

Lumbar support 46

Backrests, refer to Seats 46
Backrest width adjustment 46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats Backup lamps, refer to

Reverse gear 61

– replacing bulbs 213
"Balance", refer to Tone

control 154

Balance, refer to Tone

control 154

Band-aids, refer to First-aid

kit 220

Bass, refer to Tone

control 153

"Bass", tone control 154
Battery, refer to Vehicle

battery 217

– jump starting 220
Battery disposal – remote control with comfort

access 40

– vehicle battery 218
Battery replacement, remote

control with comfort access 40

Being towed 222
Belts, refer to Safety belts 49
Beverage holder, refer to Cup

holders 114

Blower, refer to Air

volume 107

"Avoid ferries" for navigation

"BMW Assist" 189

system 143

237

BMW Assist 187
– enabling 187
– services offered 188
"BMW Contact" 182
"BMW Contact Numbers" 182

BMW homepage 4
BMW maintenance

system 209

BMW Night Vision 98
– activating 99
– cleaning camera 100
– cleaning camera, refer to

Wiper system 66

– deactivating 99
– making settings 99
"BMW Service" 189
"BMW Service settings" 188
BMW website 4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup

holders 114

Brake Assistant, refer to DBC

Dynamic Brake Control 86

Brake fluid 207
– warning lamp 207
Brake force display 94
Brake lamps – brake force display 94
– replacing bulbs 213
Brake pads 208
– breaking-in 124
Brake rotors 126
Brakes – ABS Antilock Brake

System 86

– brake fluid 207
– brake force display 94
– brake pads 208
– breaking-in 124
– handbrake 60
– warning lamps 13
Brake system 124, 207
– brake fluid level 207
– brake pads 124, 208
– breaking-in 124
– disk brakes 126
– warning lamp 207

238

Braking – CBC Cornering Brake

Control 86

– DBC Dynamic Brake

Control 86

– electronic brake-force

distribution 86

– refer to Braking safely 125
Braking safely 125
Breakdown assistance 189
Breakdown services, refer to

Roadside Assistance 220
Breaking-in the clutch 124
Breaking-in the differential 124

Break-in period 124
"Brightness" 83
– with BMW Night Vision 100
Brightness of Control

Display 83

Button for starting engine 58
Buttons on steering wheel 11

Car care, refer to Caring for

your vehicle brochure

Car-care products, refer to

Caring for your vehicle brochure

"Car Data" 76
Care 210
– refer to Caring for your

vehicle brochure

Cargo – refer to Loading 126
– securing 128
– securing with ski bag 120
Cargo area – capacity 229
– emergency operation, refer

to Opening manually 36

– increasing 117
– opening/closing, refer to

Tailgate 35

– opening from inside 35
– opening from outside 35
– opening with remote

control 31

Cargo area cover, refer to Roll-

California Proposition 65

up cover

Warning 6

"Call" 180
Call – accepting 179
– displaying accepted 180
– ending 179
– in absence 180
– starting 179
Calling – from phone book 179
– from Top 8 list 180
– redialing 180
– refer to telephone operating

instructions

Can holder, refer to Cup

holders 114
Capacities 230
Capacity – of cargo area 229
– of luggage

compartment 229

Car battery, refer to Vehicle

battery 217

Caring for artificial leather,

refer to Caring for your vehicle brochure

Caring for leather, refer to

Caring for your vehicle brochure

Caring for light-alloy wheels,

refer to Caring for your vehicle brochure

Caring for the carpet, refer to

Caring for your vehicle brochure

Caring for the vehicle finish,

refer to Caring for your vehicle brochure

Car key, refer to Keys/remote

control 28

Car phone 174
– installation location, refer to

Center armrest 113

– refer to Mobile phone 174
– refer to separate operating

instructions

Car radio, refer to Radio 156
Car wash 126
– also refer to Caring for your

vehicle brochure

– with comfort access 40
Catalytic converter, refer to

Hot exhaust system 124

"Categories" 163
CBC Cornering Brake

Control 86

CBS Condition Based

Service 209
"CD" 152, 165
CD changer 165
– controls 152
– fast forward/reverse 169
– installation location 169
– playing a track 167
– random order 168
– repeating a track 168
– selecting a CD 165
– selecting a track 166
– switching on/off 152
– tone control 153
– volume 153
CD player 165
– controls 152
– fast forward/reverse 169
– playing a track 167
– random order 168
– repeating a track 168
– selecting a track 166
– switching on/off 152
– tone control 153
– volume 153
Center armrest – front 113
– rear 116
Center brake lamp 214
Center console 14
"Central locking" 30
Central locking system 29
– comfort access 38
– from inside vehicle 32
Changes, technical – refer to For your own

safety 5

– refer to Parts and

accessories 6

Changing language on

Control Display 84

Comfort operation – windows with comfort

Changing units of measure on

access 39

Control Display 84

Changing wheels 201, 215
CHECK button 80
Check Control 79
"Check Control messages" 80

Check Gas Cap 195
Checking the air pressure,

refer to Tire inflation pressure 196

Child-restraint fixing system

LATCH 56

Child restraints 54
Child restraint systems 54
Child-safety lock 57
Child seats 54
Chime, refer to Check

Control 79

Chock 215
Chrome parts, care, refer to

Caring for your vehicle brochure

Cigarette lighter 115
Cleaning, refer to Caring for

your vehicle brochure

"Climate" 50, 106
Clock 74
– 12h/24h mode 83
– setting time and date 82
Closing – from inside 32
– from outside 30
Closing fuel filler cap 195
Clothes hooks 114
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting

engine 59

"Comfort", active backrest

width adjustment 47

Comfort access 38
– observe in car wash 40
– replacing battery 40
Comfort area, refer to Around

– with comfort access 39
Comfort seat 46
"Communication" 178, 189
"Communication

settings" 188
Compact Disc – refer to CD changer 165
– refer to CD player 165
Compact wheel – inflation pressure 197
– wheel change 216
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 58

Compartments – in cargo area 118
– refer to Storage area

package 119

– refer to Storage

compartments 114

Compressed audio files 165
Computer 75
– displays on Control

Display 76

– hour signal 83
"Concert hall", refer to Tone

control 154

Condition Based Service

CBS 209

"Confirmation" 31
Connecting car vacuum

cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical devices 115
Consumption, refer to

Average fuel consumption 75

Consumption indicator – Energy Control 75
Consumption statistics, refer

to Average fuel consumption 75

"Continue guidance to

destination?" 145

the center console 14

"Contrast" with BMW Night

Vision 100

239