Get Mobility Guide for BMW M5 4 Door Fourth Generation (2004-2010)

Mobility

This section helps you maintain your

mobility by supplying important information

on vital topics including fuels and lubricants,

wheels and tires, service, maintenance

and breakdown assistance.

Refueling

Always switch off the engine before refu-

eling, otherwise no fuel can be filled into

the tank and a message is displayed.<

Observe the following when refueling

When handling fuels always observe any

safety guidelines posted at the service

station.<

When handling fuel, always observe all

applicable precautionary measures and

regulations. Never transport reserve fuel con-

tainers in the vehicle. These could become

leaky and cause an explosion or a fire in an acci-

dent.<

Fuel filler door

Place the fuel filler cap in the bracket attached

to the fuel filler door.

When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-

pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid raising the filler

nozzle during refueling, as otherwise this leads

to

>

premature pump shutoff

a reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor

recovery system.

To open and close: press the rear edge of the

fuel filler door.

The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks

off the first time.

Manual release

If an electrical malfunction should occur, you

can unlock the fuel filler door manually.

Fuel tank capacity

Approx. 18.5 gallons/70 liters, including the

reserve capacity of approx. 4 gallons/15 liters.

1. In the luggage compartment, raise the floor

mat and the cover located beneath it.

Refuel as soon as possible once your

cruising range falls below 30 miles/

50 km, otherwise engine functions are not

ensured and damage can occur.<

2. Open the snap fasteners of the right side

panel and take off the side panel.

3. Pull the knob with the gas pump symbol.

Fuel filler cap

Closing

Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly

hear a click.

Do not jam the strap attached to the fuel

filler cap between the fuel filler cap and

the vehicle. A message* is displayed if the cap

is loose or missing.<

174

Fuel specifications

Do not use leaded gasoline, otherwise

permanent damage to the catalytic con-

verter will result.<

Required fuel

Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 93

Always use this premium grade fuel to obtain

maximum fuel economy and performance.

The minimum approved fuel grade is AKI 91.

Do not use gasoline below the specified

minimum quality, as otherwise engine

damage can result.<

Use high-quality brands

Field experience has indicated significant dif-

ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,

additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale

in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-

ing up to and including 10% ethanol or other

oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight,

that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an

equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void

the applicable warranties with respect to

defects in materials or workmanship.

The use of poor-quality fuels may result in

drivability, starting and stalling problems

especially under certain environmental condi-

tions such as high ambient temperature and

high altitude.

Should you encounter drivability problems

which you suspect could be related to the fuel

you are using, we recommend that you respond

by switching to a recognized high-quality brand

such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier

Detergent Gasoline.

Failure to comply with these recommendations

may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<

175

Wheels and tires

For correct identification of the right tire infla-

tion pressure for your tires, observe the follow-

ing:

Tire inflation pressure

Information for your safety

>

Tire sizes of your vehicle

Load conditions

The condition of the tires and the maintenance

of the specified tire pressure are crucial not only

to the tire's service life, but also to driving com-

fort and most importantly, driving safety.

Maximum allowable driving speed

Tire inflation pressures for speeds

up to 100 mph/160 km/h

Checking pressure

Only check tire inflation pressure when the tires

are cold. This means after a maximum of

1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has

been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are

warm, the tire inflation pressure increases.

For normal driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h,

adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation

pressures listed on the following pages in the

column Traveling speeds up to max. 100 mph/

160 km/h to achieve optimum driving comfort.

Check the tire inflation pressure regularly

and correct if necessary, including on the

spare wheel*: at least twice a month and before

starting long trips. If you fail to observe this pre-

caution, you may be driving on tires with incor-

rect tire pressures, a condition that can not only

compromise your vehicle's driving stability, but

also lead to tire damage and the risk of an acci-

dent. Do not drive with a depressurized, i.e. flat,

tire. A flat tire will seriously impair your vehicle's

handling and braking response. Attempts to

drive on a flat tire can lead to a loss of control

over the vehicle.<

These pressure specifications can be found on

the door post when you open the driver's door.

The permissible top speed for these tire

inflation pressures is 100 mph/160 km/h.

Do not exceed this speed, otherwise tire dam-

age and accidents may result.<

After correcting the inflation pressure(s),

always reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,

refer to page 77.<

Pressure specifications

Tire inflation pressures for speeds

above 100 mph/160 km/h

The tables below provide all the correct inflation

pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient

temperature.

In order to drive at maximum speeds in

excess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please

observe, and, if necessary, adjust tire pressures

for speeds exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h from

the relevant table on the following pages.

Otherwise tire damage and accidents could

occur.<

The inflation pressures apply to the tire

sizes and tire brands respectively

approved and recommended by BMW; a list of

these is available from your BMW center.<

176

Observe all national and local maximum speed

limits, otherwise violations of the law could

occur.

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

Traveling speeds

up to max. of

100 mph/160 km/h

Traveling speeds

including those exceeding

100 mph/160 km/h

All pressure specifications in

the table are indicated in psi/

kilopascal with cold tires.

Cold = ambient temperature

245/45 R 18 100 V XL M+S

255/40 ZR 19

35/240

37/250

-

38/260

-

35/240

37/250

-

38/260

-

41/280

-

47/320

-

285/35 ZR 19

37/250

47/320

More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 204.

Tire Identification Number

Tire identification marks

Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire

makes it easier to identify and choose the right

tires.

Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of

the U.S. Department of Transportation.

DOT code:

e.g.

DOT xxxx xxx 0806

Tire size

Manufacturer code

for tire make

Tire size and tire design

Tire age

e.g.

285/35 ZR 19

245/45 18 100 V

R

Nominal width in mm

Aspect ratio in Ξ

Belted construction – radial

Rim diameter in inches

Carrying capacity ID-code

(not in ZR tires)

Speed code letter

(in ZR tires before the R)

Tire age

The manufacturing date of tires is contained in

the tire coding: DOT... 0806 indicates that the

tire was manufactured in week 8 of 2006.

BMW recommends that you replace all tires

after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last

for 10 years. This also concerns the tire of the

spare wheel.

Speed letter

Q= up to 100 mph/160 km/h

T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h

H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h

V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h

W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h

Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h

Z = over 150 mph/240 km/h

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Quality grades can be found where applicable

on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and

maximum section width. For example:

Tread wear 200 Traction AA

Temperature A

177

a level of performance which all passenger car

tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-

cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A

represent higher levels of performance on the

laboratory test wheel than the minimum

required by law.

DOT Quality Grades

Tread wear

Traction AA A B C

Temperature A B C

All passenger car 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 sep-

arately or in combination, can cause heat

buildup and possible tire failure.<

Tread wear

The tread wear grade is a comparative rating

based on the wear rate of the tire when tested

under controlled conditions on a specified gov-

ernment test course. For example, a tire graded

150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as

well on the government course as a tire graded

100. The relative performance of tires depends

upon the actual conditions of their use, how-

ever, and may depart significantly from the

norm due to variations in driving habits, service

practices and differences in road characteris-

tics and climate.

M+S

Winter and all-season tires.

These have better winter properties than sum-

mer tires.

XL

Indicates specially reinforced tires.

Traction

Tire condition

Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,

signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged

in the tread. Check the tread depth.

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are

AA, A, B, and C.

Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop

on wet pavement as measured under controlled

conditions on specified government test sur-

faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C

may have poor traction performance.

Minimum tread depth

The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/

3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-

tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of

0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/

3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed

hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of

water are present on the road surface.

The traction grade assigned to this tire is

based on straight-ahead braking traction

tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-

nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-

teristics.<

When winter tires wear down past a tread depth

of 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less

suitable for winter conditions. For the sake of

safety, new tires should be installed.

Temperature

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 when tested under controlled conditions

on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause the

material of the tire to degenerate and reduce

tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to

sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to

178

New wheels and tires

Have new wheels and tires installed only

by your BMW center or tire shop that

works according to BMW repair procedures

with correspondingly trained personnel. If this

work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-

ger of subsequent damage and related safety

hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-

anced.<

Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer

to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-

ference and are marked on the side of the tire

with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread

has been driven down to the wear indicators, a

tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been

reached.

Retreaded tires

BMW does not recommend that you use

retreaded tires, as driving safety may be

impaired. The causes for this include the possi-

bly different tire casing structures and the often

wide variations in their age, which can result in a

limited service life.<

Wheel/tire damage

Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,

tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-

tible to road hazards and consequential dam-

ages.

Unusual vibrations encountered during normal

vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or

some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-

ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These

kinds of problems may also be signaled by other

changes in vehicle response, such as a strong

tendency to pull to the left or right.

The right wheels and tires

BMW recommends that you use only

wheel and tire combinations that BMW

has tested and approved for your particular

vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-

turing tolerances mean that even wheels and

tires with identical official size ratings could

actually have different dimensions than the

approved units – these differences could lead to

body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-

dents. When selecting the tires, also ensure

that they have a sufficient load-carrying capac-

ity. If non-approved wheels and tires are used,

BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, and

therefore cannot be held liable for driving

safety.<

In these cases, reduce speed immedi-

ately and have wheels and tires thor-

oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the

nearest BMW center or tire shop that works

according to BMW repair procedures with cor-

respondingly trained personnel. If necessary,

have the vehicle towed there. Tire damage can

be extremely dangerous for vehicle occupants

and other road users.<

You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-

bination at your BMW center.

The correct wheel/tire combination also affects

various systems whose function would other-

wise be impaired, e.g. ABS or DSC.

To maintain good handling and vehicle

response, use only tires of a single tread config-

uration from a single manufacturer. Following

tire damage, have the original wheel and tire

combination remounted on the vehicle as soon

as possible.

179

If you do not carry out initialization, the system

will automatically learn the changed state grad-

ually during driving. This may be noticeable

from the clutch opening and closing briefly.

Recommended tire brands

Storage

Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry

place with as little exposure to light as possible.

Always protect tires against all contact with oil,

grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum

tire inflation pressure indicated on the side wall

of the tire.

Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW

depending on the tire size. You can recognize

these from the clearly visible BMW marking on

the tire sidewall.

Snow chains*

When used properly, these tires comply with

the most demanding standards for safety and

vehicle response.

BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,

classifies them as road-safe and recommends

them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-

mation.

Special characteristics of winter tires

Use is only permitted in pairs, with winter tires

of the size 245/45 R 18 on the rear wheels.

BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold

winter driving conditions. Although all-season

M+S tires provide better winter traction than

summer tires, they generally fail to provide the

same levels of cold-weather performance as

winter tires.

Observe the manufacturer's instructions when

mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed

of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.

Make sure that the snow chains are always suf-

ficiently tensioned. Retension in accordance

with the chain manufacturer's specifications if

necessary.

Pay attention to speed

Always observe the maximum permissi-

ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise

tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-

dents.<

After mounting snow chains, do not ini-

tialize the Flat Tire Monitor, otherwise

incorrect displays can occur.

After mounting or removing snow chains, the

slip detection of the Sequential Manual Trans-

mission must become familiar with the altered

state. To do this, reinitialize the system, refer to

After changing wheels/tires.<

After changing wheels/tires

After changing tires or wheels, the slip detec-

tion of the Sequential Manual Transmission

must become familiar with the changed state.

Reinitialize the system for this purpose:

1. Move the selector lever into the idling

position N on a straight stretch of road at a

speed between 20 mph/30 km/h and

90 mph/150 km/h.

2. Pull both shift paddles for approx. 2 sec-

onds.

180

Under the hood

Never attempt to perform any service or

repair operations on your vehicle without

the required professional technical training.

If you do not know what repair procedures to

follow, have work on your vehicle done only by

your BMW center or a workshop that works

according to BMW repair procedures with cor-

respondingly trained personnel. If this work is

not carried out properly, there is a danger of

subsequent damage and related safety haz-

ards.<

Closing

Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/

40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard

to engage.

Hood

Make sure that the closing path of the

hood is clear, otherwise injuries may

result.

Releasing

If you see any signs that the hood is not com-

pletely closed while driving your vehicle, you

should stop at once and close it securely.<

Pull lever.

Opening

Press the release handle and open the hood.

You cannot start off with the hood open.<

181

Engine compartment

1

2

3

Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding

engine oil, page 183

4

5

6

Starting-aid terminal, refer to page 197

Body ground/negative terminal

Expansion tank for coolant, refer to

page 184

Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp

and windshield cleaning systems, refer to

page 60

Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath the

microfilter cover

Engine oil

The engine oil consumption is dependent on

driving style and driving conditions.

Checking engine oil level

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil

level check. You can display the oil level in the

instrument cluster.

1

2

3

Oil level

Maximum marking

Minimum marking

Press the BC button in the turn signal lever

repeatedly until the oil level display is shown in

the instrument cluster. The displayed numeric

182

value indicates the current oil level in liters

above Minimum.

Possible displays

After starting the engine, the last determined

value is displayed.

The oil level must be between the two marks.

Exact measurement

The oil level is measured continuously while

driving or when stopped with the engine run-

ning.

1

2

Oil level OK

The determination of a new value can take

30 minutes or longer.

Oil level at minimum:

Add a maximum of 1 US quart/1 liter of

engine oil at the next opportunity, refer to

Adding engine oil below

If only dashes are shown in the display, it

was not possible to determine a new

value. This can, for example, be the case when

driving short distances or with a sporty driving

style.<

3

Oil level too high

Have the vehicle checked immedi-

ately, otherwise engine damage may

result if too much oil has been added.<

Fast measurement

In addition to the continuous measurement, you

can also quickly determine the current oil level,

e.g. after adding engine oil, however with a low

measuring accuracy.

4

5

Oil level at maximum

Quick measurement running: oil level is

being determined

6

No value can be determined at this time

1. With the engine at operating temperature,

i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km of uninter-

rupted driving, park the vehicle in a horizon-

tal position.

Adding engine oil

2. Allow the engine to run at idle.

3. Press the BC button in the turn signal lever

repeatedly until the oil level display is

shown in the instrument cluster.

4. Press the BC button in the turn signal lever

for at least 2 seconds.

The oil level is determined. A clock symbol

is displayed during the measurement.

Do not add oil until a value slightly above the

Minimum of 0.0 quarts/liters is displayed by the

oil level measurement. In this area a message is

also shown on the Control Display.

5. After approx. 1 minute the current oil level is

displayed.

If not all measuring conditions are met,

e.g. with the engine cold, "-.-" is dis-

played. The requested measurement is carried

out as soon as possible.<

Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km,

otherwise the engine could be damaged.

Add a maximum of 1 US quart/1 liter of oil, oth-

erwise the engine may be damaged by adding

too much oil.

183

Add at least 0.5 US quart/0.5 liter of oil, other-

wise the oil level check cannot reliably display

the current oil level.<

Alternative oil types

If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is

unavailable, you can add small quantities of

other synthetic oils between oil changes.

Only use oils with the following specifications:

Continuous exposure to used oil has

caused cancer in laboratory testing.

For this reason, any skin areas that come into

contact with oil should be thoroughly washed

with soap and water.

Keep oil, grease etc. out of reach of children and

observe the warnings on the containers to pre-

vent health risks.<

>

Viscosity

preferred: SAE 10W-60;

alternative: SAE 10W-40, SAE 5W-50 or

SAE 10W-50

>

Specification

API SJ/CF, API SK/CF or higher

For immediate updating of the oil level

display, carry out a quick measurement

directly afterward.<

Low ambient temperatures

The oils used by BMW from the factory for your

vehicle model can be used at virtually all ambi-

ent temperatures. However, if the vehicle is

operated for a longer period at temperatures

below –47/–206, your BMW center will be

happy to recommend a suitable oil.

Oil change

Have oil changed only at your BMW center or

at a workshop that works according to BMW

repair procedures with correspondingly trained

personnel.

Approved engine oils

Coolant

Do not add coolant to the cooling system

when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant

can cause burns.<

The quality of the engine oil selected has critical

significance for the operation and service life of

an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-

cific oils after confirming their suitability for use

in its vehicles with extensive testing.

Coolant is comprised of water and coolant addi-

tive. Not all commercially available additives are

suitable for your BMW. Ask your BMW center

for suitable additives.

Do not use oil additives, as these may

result in engine damage.<

Your BMW center will be happy to answer

detailed questions on BMW High Perfor-

mance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic

oils.<

Only use suitable additives, otherwise

engine damage may result. The additives

present a health hazard; observe the instruc-

tions on the containers.<

You can also call BMW of North America at

1-800-831-1117 or visit the website at

to obtain this information.

Comply with the appropriate environ-

mental protection regulations when dis-

posing of coolant additives.<

Viscosity grades

Checking coolant level

Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and

is specified in SAE grades.

1. The engine must be at ambient tempera-

ture.

Approved oils belong to the SAE grade

2. Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-

clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-

sure to escape, then continue turning to

open.

10W-60.<

184

3. The coolant level is correct when the upper

end of the float rod is at the same height as

the upper edge of the filler neck, also refer

to the drawing next to the filler neck.

Brake pads

The warning lamp lights red up in spite

of the handbrake being released; a

message is shown on the Control Dis-

play. The brake pads have reached their mini-

mum pad thickness. Have brake pads replaced

immediately.

Display of the previously described

malfunction on Canadian models.

For your own safety: use only brake pads

that BMW has approved for the corre-

sponding vehicle model. As BMW cannot

assess the suitability of other brake pads for

use on your vehicle, we are unable to assume

continued responsibility for the vehicle's oper-

ating safety if non-approved pads are

installed.<

4. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to

the specified level – do not overfill.

5. Turn the cap until there is an audible click.

6. Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-

nated as soon as possible.

Brake system

Malfunctions

Brake fluid

The warning lamp lights red up in spite

of the handbrake being released; a

message is shown on the Control Dis-

play: stop immediately.

The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to

below the minimum level. At the same time, a

considerably longer brake pedal travel may be

noticeable. Have the system thoroughly

checked.

Display of the previously described

malfunction on Canadian models.

When you continue driving, an increased

brake pedal path can be necessary, and

significantly longer braking distances might be

required. Please adapt your driving style

accordingly.<

185

Maintenance

>

Vehicle check

BMW maintenance system

Legally mandated inspections depending

on local regulations

Service data in remote control

Your vehicle stores the information required

maintenance continuously in the remote con-

trol during driving. After accessing the data

stored in the remote control, your BMW Service

Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of

service procedures for your own individual vehi-

cle. You should therefore hand over the remote

control you last used to drive to the BMW Ser-

vice Advisor when you take your vehicle in for

service.

The BMW maintenance system supports the

preservation of the traffic and operating safety

of your BMW. The service schedule also

includes operations related to the vehicle's

comfort and convenience features, such as

replacement of the filters for the inside air.

The ultimate objective is to ensure economical

maintenance by providing the ideal service for

your vehicle.

Make sure the date is always set cor-

rectly, refer to page 71, as otherwise the

effectiveness of CBS Condition Based Service

is not ensured.<

Should the day come when you decide to sell

your BMW, a complete dealer service history

will prove to be an asset of inestimable value.

Service and Warranty Information

Booklet for US models and Warranty

and Service Guide Booklet for

Canadian models

CBS Condition Based Service

Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-

mation Booklet for US models and Warranty

and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models

for additional information on service require-

ments.

Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-

ent driving conditions of your BMW into

account. Condition Based Service uses this to

determine the current and future service

requirements. By letting you define a service

and maintenance regimen that reflects your

own individual requirements, the system builds

the basis for trouble-free driving.

BMW recommends that you have service

and repair operations performed at your

BMW center.

Take the time to ensure that these service pro-

cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-

cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet

for US models and Warranty and Service Guide

Booklet for Canadian models. These entries

verify that your vehicle has received the speci-

fied regular maintenance.<

You can set the Control Display to show

remaining distances and times of selected

maintenance intervals and legally mandated

deadlines, refer to page 66:

>

Engine oil

Brake pads, front and rear separately

Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter

Brake fluid

Spark plugs

186

Event Data Recorders

Socket for OBD Onboard

Diagnostics interface

Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-

eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with

a device for recording or transmitting certain

vehicle data or information. If you have also

signed a contract of participation for

BMW Assist, certain vehicle data can be trans-

mitted or recorded to enable corresponding

services.

Care

Components which are decisive for the

exhaust-gas composition can be checked via

the OBD socket with a device.

Important information on the care and mainte-

nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring

for your vehicle brochure.

This socket is located to the left on the driver's

side, on the underside of the instrument panel

under a cover.

Exhaust-gas values

The warning lamp lights up. The

exhaust-gas values worsen. Have the

vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Display of the previously described

malfunction in Canadian models.

The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This

is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In

this case you should reduce speed and drive to

the nearest BMW center as soon as possible.

Heavy engine misfiring led to serious damage

to the emission-relevant components, espe-

cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.

If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-

ened, the OBD system can close when

fuel vapor escapes. Then a display light up. If

the cap is then tightened, the display will go out

within a few days.<

187

Replacing components

Never touch the glass of new bulbs with

your bare fingers, as even minute

Onboard toolkit

amounts of contamination will burn into the

bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a

clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its

metal socket.<

A selection of replacement bulbs is available at

your BMW center.

Whenever you perform any work on the

electrical system, turn off the consumers

involved to prevent short circuits from occur-

ring. To avoid possible injury or equipment

damage when replacing bulbs, observe any

instructions provided by the bulb manufac-

turer.<

The onboard toolkit is located in the luggage

compartment lid.

Loosen the wing nut to open.

For care and maintenance of the headlamps,

please follow the instructions in the separate

Caring for your vehicle brochure.

Wiper blade replacement

For bulbs for which changing is not

described, and for checking and adjusting

headlamp aim, please contact your BMW cen-

ter.<

Light-emitting diodes LEDs

Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-

cent lenses serve as the light source for many of

the controls and displays in your vehicle. These

light-emitting diodes, which operate using a

concept similar to that applied in conventional

lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-

emitting diodes.

1. Fold the wiper arm out and grasp firmly.

2. Press the safety tabs together while sliding

the wiper blade toward the front to disen-

gage it.

Do not remove the covers, and never

stare into the unfiltered light for several

hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<

3. Mount the new wiper blade and slide in until

it is heard to engage.

Xenon lamps

Lamps and bulbs

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.

Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-

tion to vehicle safety. You must be duly diligent

in replacing them. BMW recommends having

your BMW center perform any work that you do

not feel competent to perform yourself or that is

not described here.

Have work on the Xenon lighting system

performed only by your BMW center or a

workshop that works according to BMW repair

188

procedures with correspondingly trained per-

sonnel. Due to the high voltage present in the

system, there is a danger of fatal injuries when

work is carried out improperly.<

Side marker lamps, front and rear

To replace, please go to your BMW center or a

workshop that works according to BMW repair

procedures with correspondingly trained per-

sonnel.

Parking and roadside parking lamps

In the event of a malfunction, please go to your

BMW center or a workshop that works accord-

ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-

ingly trained personnel.

Tail lamps

>

Turn signals: bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W

Backup lamps: bulb 16 watts, W 16 W

Other lamps: bulb 21 watts, P 21 W

Turn signals, front

Bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W

1. Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.

1

2

3

4

5

6

Turn signal

Tail lamp and brake lamp

Backup lamp

2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while

turning it to the left for removal and replace-

ment.

Reflector

Roadside parking lamp, tail lamp and

brake lamp

Side-mounted turn signals

Bulb 5 watts, W 5 W

Center brake lamp

1. Press back against the front edge of the

light with the tip of your finger, then pivot it

out.

This lamp uses LED technology for operation.

In the event of a malfunction, please go to your

BMW center or a workshop that works accord-

ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-

ingly trained personnel.

Fender-mounted lamps

The illustration shows the left-hand side of the

luggage compartment.

All the bulbs are integrated into a central bulb

fitting.

1. Lift up floor mat.

2. Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.

3. Remove the bulb for replacement.

2. Undo the quick-release fasteners of the

side panel and pull out the panel.

189

3. Press together the two clips at the top and

bottom on the bulb fitting and remove the

bulb fitting.

Safety measures in case of a breakdown:

park the vehicle as far as possible from

passing traffic and on solid ground. Switch on

the hazard warning flashers.

Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-

ting of the wheels. Set the handbrake and

engage the first or reverse gear. Have all vehicle

occupants get out of the vehicle and ensure

that they remain outside the immediate area in a

safe place, such as behind a guardrail.

If a warning triangle or portable hazard warning

lamp is required, set it up on the roadside at an

appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-

cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-

lations.<

4. Backup lamps:

Remove and replace the bulb.

Other lamps:

Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while

turning it to the left for removal and replace-

ment.

Preparation

Lamps in luggage compartment lid

License plate lamp

Bulb 5 watts, C 5 W

1. Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to

the right, refer to arrows. This releases the

lamp.

The M Mobility System is located in the lug-

gage compartment under the floor panel flap.

Do not remove foreign bodies which have pen-

etrated the tire if possible.

Corresponding information on using the

M Mobility System are also provided on

the device.<

Before using the M Mobility System,

observe the information on the sealant

bottle.<

2. Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.

Pull the sticker for the speed limit off the sealant

bottle and apply it to the steering wheel.

Please observe the best-by date on the

sealant bottle.<

Repairing flat tire with

M Mobility System

To repair a flat tire, an M Mobility System is pro-

vided in the BMW M5. Using this system you

can apply a sealant in the inside of the tire, seal

off the damaged area, restore the tire inflation

pressure and then continue driving.

190

The M Mobility System consists of

Model with pressure gauge integrated

in housing*

1

2

Sealant bottle and sticker with speed limit

Filling hose from sealant bottle to wheel

3

4

5

6

7

Connector and cable for lighter socket

Mounting for sealing bottle

Compressor

Model with pressure gauge on hose*

On/Off switch

Pressure gauge for indicating tire inflation

pressure

8

9

Button for reducing tire inflation pressure

Connecting hose for connecting compres-

sor and sealant bottle or compressor and

wheel

Connector, cable and connecting hose are

stored on underside of compressor.

3

4

5

6

7

Connector and cable for lighter socket

Mounting for sealing bottle

Compressor

Using M Mobility System

To repair a flat tire with the M Mobility System,

proceed as follows:

On/Off switch

Pressure gauge for indicating tire inflation

pressure

>

Fill sealant into wheel, refer to page 191.

Distribute sealant, refer to page 192.

8

9

Screw on pressure gauge for reducing tire

inflation pressure

Produce tire inflation pressure, refer to

page 192.

Connecting hose for connecting compres-

sor and sealant bottle or compressor and

wheel

Filling sealant into wheel

Strictly comply with the specified order,

otherwise highly pressurized sealant

could escape.<

Connector, cable and connecting hose are

stored in the compressor housing.

1. Shake sealant bottle.

2. Screw hose 9 onto connection of sealant

bottle.

3. For model with pressure gauge on hose:

Make sure that screw 8 on pressure gauge

is closed.

191

4. Screw dust cap off valve of defective wheel

and screw filling hose 2 of sealant bottle

onto valve.

4. Correct tire inflation pressure to 29 psi/

200 kPa. With the ignition switched on:

>Increase inflation pressure: switch on

compressor, position I. To check cur-

rently set inflation pressure, briefly

switch off device.

5. Insert sealant bottle on compressor hous-

ing so that it is positioned upright.

Do not allow compressor to run

longer than 10 minutes, otherwise

the device will overheat and may be dam-

aged.<

>Reduce inflation pressure: press

button 8 or turn screw 8 on pressure

gauge.

If the inflation pressure is not held, drive

the vehicle again, refer to Distributing

6. Make sure that device is switched off, posi-

tion 0.

sealant. Then repeat steps 1 to 4 once.

Using the M Mobility System can be ineffective

with tire damage from a size of approx. 0.16 in/

4 mm. Please contact the nearest BMW center,

refer to page 197, or a workshop that works

according to BMW repair procedures with cor-

respondingly trained personnel if the tire can-

not be made ready for driving with the

M Mobility System.<

7. Insert connector 3 into lighter socket in

vehicle interior, refer to page 97.

8. With the ignition switched on:

Switch on the device and allow to run for

approx. 3 minutes to fill wheel with sealant.

It is not important what inflation pressure

the tire has after filling.

9. Switch off device.

The tire inflation pressure must be at least

29 psi/200 kPa. Otherwise do not con-

tinue driving.<

10. Remove connecting hose from connection

of sealant bottle and tire valve.

Stow the M Mobility System in the vehicle

again.

Continue driving

Do not exceed the permissible maximum

speed of 50 mph/80 km/h, otherwise

accidents can occur.<

Distributing sealant

Immediately drive approx. 2 miles/3 km so that

sealant is evenly distributed in tire.

Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.

For details, refer to page 77.

Have the defective tire and the sealant bottle of

the M Mobility System replaced as soon as

possible.<

Do not exceed a maximum speed of

35 mph/60 km/h. Do not drop below

12 mph/20 km/h if possible.<

Producing tire inflation pressure

1. After approx. 2 miles/3 km, stop at suitable

location.

Changing wheels

2. Screw compressor hose 9 directly onto tire

Safety precautions in the event of a flat

tire or wheel change: park the vehicle as

valve.

far as possible from passing traffic and on solid

ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.

Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-

ting of the wheels. Set the handbrake and

3. Insert connector 3 in lighter socket in vehi-

cle interior.

192

engage a driving position with the selector

lever.

Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle

and ensure that they remain outside the imme-

diate area in a safe place, such as behind a

guardrail.

Spare wheel*

1. Pull back lock 1, fold open clamp lock 2

completely and loosen the belt 3.

If a warning triangle* or portable hazard warning

lamp is required, set it up on the roadside at an

appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-

cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-

lations.

Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface

which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack

could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the

vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as

snow, ice, tiles, etc.

Position the jack on a firm support surface.

Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a

support base for the jack, as this would prevent

it from extending to its full support height and

reduce its load-carrying capacity.

2. Remove the cover 4.

3. Take the tool mount out of the spare wheel.

4. Remove the spare wheel.

Preparing wheel change

1. Observe the safety precautions above.

2. Prevent the vehicle from rolling:

Place the chock behind the front wheel on

the other side of the vehicle, or on inclines,

in front of this wheel. On a steep grade, take

other steps to prevent the vehicle from roll-

ing.

To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under

the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is

supported by the jack.<

What you will need

To avoid rattling noises later on, note the posi-

tions of the tools before removing them, then

return them to their initial positions after com-

pleting work.

3. Loosen the lug bolts a half turn.

Jacking up vehicle

1. Position the vehicle jack at the jacking point

closest to the wheel so that the entire sur-

face of the jack base rests on the ground

perpendicularly beneath the jacking point.

The vehicle jack is designed for

changing wheels only. Do not attempt

to raise another vehicle model with it or to

raise any load of any kind. To do so could

cause accidents and personal injury.<

1

2

3

Chock*

Vehicle jack*

Lug wrench*

The tools are located in the hollow of the spare

wheel*.

193

2. Guide the jack head into the rectangular

recess of the jacking point when cranking

up, refer to illustration detail.

tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source

of gradual air loss.<

3. Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to

page 77, and the Sequential Manual Trans-

mission, refer to After changing wheels/

tires on page 180.

4. Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-

ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.

Stowing wheel and tools

1. Lay the wheel in the tool mounting.

2. Lay the cover on the mounting.

3. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are

changing is raised from the ground.

3. Center the wheel and cover relative to the

lashing eyes 5.

4. Hook the belt into the lashing eyes.

Mounting a wheel

1. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the

wheel.

2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from

the mounting surfaces of the wheel and

hub. Also clean the lug bolts.

3. Position the new wheel or spare wheel.

Secure the wheel by screwing at least two

lug bolts into opposite bolt holes.

When you mount wheels other than Genu-

ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug

bolts may also be required.

5. Completely open the tensioning lock.

6. Thread the belt 3 through the axis 6 of the

tensioning lock without twisting it and ten-

sion it by hand.

4. Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all

the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.

7. Tighten the belt firmly with the tensioning

lock by opening and closing the lock several

times.

5. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack from

beneath the vehicle.

After mounting

8. Fold the tensioning lock closed and stow

the protruding belt end.

1. Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.

To ensure safety, always have the

lug bolts checked with a calibrated

torque wrench as soon as possible to

ensure that they are tightened to the speci-

fied torque. The tightening torque is

88.5 lb ft/120 Nm.<

Driving with spare wheel

With certain wheel-and-tire combinations

the size of the spare wheel differs from

that of the other wheels. The spare wheel is

equivalent to them in all load and speed ranges.

However, to restore the original state, the nor-

mal wheel should be remounted as soon as

possible.<

2. Check and correct the tire inflation pressure

at the earliest opportunity.

Protect valve stems and valve stem

seal caps against dirt and contamina-

194

Vehicle battery

Fuses

Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and

Battery care

do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-

stitute of another color or amperage rating, as

this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately

resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<

The battery is 100% maintenance-free, i.e., the

electrolyte will last for the life of the battery

when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-

mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in

all matters concerning the battery.

Spare fuses, plastic tweezers and fuse alloca-

tion diagram are located in the compartment for

the onboard tool kit, refer to page 188.

Charging battery

Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the

terminals in the engine compartment with the

engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting

on page 197.

In glove compartment

1. Release both quick-release fasteners.

Disposal

Have old batteries disposed of by your

BMW center or hand them in to a recy-

cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright

position for transport and storage. Always

restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping

over during transport.<

2. Fold the cover forward or remove.

Power failure

After a temporary power loss, the functioning of

some equipment may be limited and require

reinitialization. Individual settings are also lost

and must be updated:

In luggage compartment

1. Lift up floor mat.

2. Release the quick-release fastener of the

right side panel and pull out the panel.

>

Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory

The positions must be stored again, refer to

page 42.

Time and Date

The values must be updated, refer to

page 71.

Radio

Stations must be stored again if necessary,

refer to page 138.

Navigation system

Wait until the system starts, refer to

page 129.

195

Giving and receiving assistance

then be able to provide a detailed description of

the situation.

Emergency call

Conditions for an emergency call:

If the current position of your vehicle can be

determined, it will be forwarded to the

BMW Assist response center.

>

Full preparation package mobile phone.

With this equipment, an emergency call is

still possible when no mobile phone is

logged on in the vehicle.

If the LED flashes, but you are unable to hear

the BMW Assist response center through the

hands-free system, this could indicate, for

instance, that the hands-free system is no

longer operational. However, you may then still

be audible for the response center.

>

BMW Assist is enabled.

Enabling BMW Assist, refer to page 167.

>

Radio readiness is activated.

The car phone is logged on to a mobile

communications network.

Under certain conditions, an emergency call is

automatically initiated immediately after a

severe accident. The automatic emergency call

is not affected by the button being pressed.

>

The emergency call system is operable.

When the contract of participation with

BMW Assist expires, the car phone can be

deactivated by a BMW center without having to

visit a workshop. Following deactivation of the

car phone, no emergency calls can be made.

The car phone can be reactivated after signing a

new contract with a BMW center.

For technical reasons, the emergency call

cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable

conditions.<

Warning triangle*

The warning triangle is located in the luggage

compartment lid.

Initiating an emergency call

1. Briefly press protective cover to open.

Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the

arrangement of the switches and indicator

lamps may differ somewhat.

Loosen the wing nut to open.

2. Press the button for at least 2 seconds.

First-aid kit*

The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the

voice connection to the BMW Assist response

center has been established, the LED flashes.

Some of the articles contained in the first-aid kit

have a limited service life. Therefore, check the

expiration dates of the contents regularly and

replace the contents concerned in good time if

necessary.

If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until

the connection has been established. You will

196

Preparation

1. Check whether the battery of the other

vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and

approximately the same capacitance in Ah.

This information can be found on the bat-

tery.

2. Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-

cle.

3. Switch off any electrical systems and com-

ponents in both vehicles.

The first-aid kit is located in the luggage com-

partment lid.

There must not be any contact between

the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise

there is a danger of shorting.<

Loosen the wing nut to open.

Connecting jumper cables

Roadside Assistance*

To avoid personal injury from sparks, fol-

low this sequence when connecting

jumper cables.<

The Roadside Assistance of the BMW Group

offers you assistance in the event of a break-

down around the clock, including on weekends

and public holidays.

In your BMW M5, the so-called auxiliary termi-

nal for jump starting in the engine compartment

serves as a positive terminal for the battery, also

refer to engine compartment overview on

page 182. The cover cap is marked with a +.

The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-

tance in your home country can be found in the

Contact brochure.

With BMW Assist or TeleService, you can con-

tact the Roadside Assistance of the BMW

Group for assistance in the event of a break-

down directly via iDrive, refer to page 169.

1. Fold open the cover of the BMW starting-

aid terminal. To do so, pull the tab.

Jump starting

When your battery is discharged, you can use

two jumper cables to start your BMW with

power from the battery in a second vehicle. You

can also use the same method to help start

another vehicle. Use only jumper cables with

fully-insulated clamp handles.

2. Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+

to the positive terminal of the battery or a

starting-aid terminal of the vehicle provid-

ing assistance.

To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury,

always avoid all contact with electrical

components while the engine is running. Care-

fully adhere to the following sequence, both to

prevent damage to one or both vehicles, and to

guard against possible personal injuries.<

3. Attach the second end of the cable to the

positive terminal of the battery or to a start-

ing-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.

4. Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/–

to the negative terminal of the battery or to

an engine or body ground of the assisting

vehicle.

197

Your BMW M5 has a special nut as body

ground or negative terminal.

It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-

partment lid, refer to page 188.

Use only the tow fitting provided with the

vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the

tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral

loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehi-

cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the

tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<

Access to screw thread

Rectangular cover panel in bumper: press on

the arrow symbol on the cover panel.

5. Attach the second end of the cable to the

negative terminal of the battery or to the

engine or body ground of the vehicle to be

started.

Front

Starting engine

1. Start the engine on the assisting vehicle

and allow it to run at idle for several minutes

at slightly increased speed.

2. Start the engine on the other vehicle in the

usual way.

If the first starting attempt is not successful,

wait a few minutes before another attempt

in order to allow the discharged battery to

recharge.

Rear

3. Let the engines run for a few minutes.

4. Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing

the connection sequence.

Check the battery and recharge if necessary.

Never use spray fluids to start the

engine.<

Being towed

Make sure that the ignition is switched on,

refer to page 53, otherwise the low

Tow-starting and towing

Observe applicable laws and regulations

for tow-starting and towing.<

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

to page 197. There is no power assistance with

the engine stopped. This then requires

Do not transport any passengers other

than the driver in a vehicle that is being

towed.<

Using tow fitting

The screw-on tow-fitting must always be car-

ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the

front or rear of the BMW M5.

increased effort for braking and steering.<

198

Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-

ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-

tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with

a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.

With tow truck

Engage selector lever position N with the igni-

tion switched on.

Towing methods

Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body

and chassis parts, otherwise damage may

result.<

Have the BMW transported with a tow truck

with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.

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.

Tow-starting

Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but

instead start the engine by means of jump start-

ing, refer to page 197. With a catalytic con-

verter, the vehicle should only be tow-started

with the engine cold.

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.<

If the electrical system fails, do not tow-

start or tow the vehicle, as otherwise the

electric steering-wheel lock cannot be

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:

unlocked and the vehicle cannot be steered.<

1. Switch on the hazard warning flashers,

comply with country-specific regulations.

>

Clearance and maneuvering capability will

be sharply limited during cornering.

2. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 53.

3. Tow-start in selector lever position N.

>

When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will

exert lateral forces, tending to push the

vehicle sideways.

4. Move the selector lever into the drive posi-

tion and pull toward + within 2 seconds.

The correct gear will be selected and

engaged automatically.

Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,

as attachment to other vehicle parts can

5. Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow

bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-

ing flashers.

lead to damage.<

With tow rope

6. Have the vehicle checked.

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.<

199

Mobility for Your BMW M5 4 Door Fourth Generation (2004-2010)

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