1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

238
Owner's Handbook for the vehicle. With quick reference guide.

description

Owner's Handbook for the vehicle.With quick reference guide.Models: 520i, 523i, 528i, 535i, 540i, 525td, 525tds, 530dSaloon/TouringYear: Jan 1999

Transcript of 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

Page 1: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

Owner's Handbook for the vehicle.With quick reference guide.

Page 2: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook
Page 3: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

Saloontouring

520i523i528i

535i540i

525td525tds

530d

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Congratulations on your choice of a BMW.

The better you are acquainted with your car, the easier you will discover driving it to be. We would therefore like to offer you the following advice.

This Owner's Handbook contains important information on operating and looking after your BMW. Please read it carefully before setting out in your new car, so that you are fully familiar with the technical advantages of your BMW. It also contains useful information on care and maintenance, to uphold both the car's operating safety and its full resale value.

We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.

BMW AG

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ur own carhen you ordered your BMW, you ose various items of equipment. This ndbook describes all models and uipment specifications which BMW ers within this particular model line.

is explains why the handbook may o contain details of items which you ve not ordered. The differences can sily be identified by the asterisk * own against optional extras.

our BMW contains equipment that is t described in this Owner's Hand-ok (e.g. a car radio or telephone), pplementary operating instructions ll be supplied and you are requested study and comply with them.

(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).

© 1998 BMW AGMunich, GermanyNot to be reproduced wholly or in part without written permission from BMW AG, Munich. Order No. 01 41 9 791 301English VIII/98Printed in GermanyPrinted on environmentally friendly paper

Owner's Handbook; it is regarded le-gally as part of the vehicle.

If you have any queries, BMW Service will be glad to advise you.

* identifies special equipment or items to a particular national-market specifi-cation, and also accessories.

indicates vehicle components where it is advisable to consult

this Owner's Handbook.

draws your attention to functions which BMW Service can adjust to

suit your own personal preferences ("Car Memory", "Key Memory"). See page 57.<

suwito

Notes on this Owner's HandbookWe have tried to make all the informa-tion in this Owner's Handbook easy to find. The quickest access to a particular topic or item is by consulting the de-tailed alphabetical index at the end. Consult the first chapter for an initial overview of your car. The detailed list of contents immediately following the list of main headings is intended to arouse your curiosity about your new BMW and encourage you to read this information carefully.

When the time comes to sell your BMW, please remember to hand over this

Symbols used indicates instructions or precau-tions which you should definitely

read for your safety and that of others, and to prevent damage to the car.<

is used to identify details of spe-cial features.<

refers to recycling methods or procedures.<

< indicates the end of a particular in-struction or description.

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In short, the functional efficiency or road safety of your BMW, and also its value, may be affected if its specifica-tion is altered by installing parts not ap-proved for it. Original BMW parts and accessories, other BMW-approved products and competent advice on all related matters are obtainable from BMW Service.<

BMW vehicles are maintained by un-ceasing development work on designs, equipment and accessories. Because of this, your car may differ from the in-formation supplied in the Owner's Handbook. Nor can errors and omis-sions be entirely ruled out. You are therefore asked to appreciate that no legal claims can be entertained on the basis of the data, illustrations or de-scriptions in this handbook.

without safety risk. Nor can suitability be assured, for example, even if an offi-cial inspection authority (such as the German TÜV) has approved the product or it has been granted a General Oper-ating Permit. These tests cannot always take into account the full range of oper-ating conditions applicable to BMW ve-hicles and may therefore be inade-quate.

Print statusFuel consumption data are as deter-mined at the time of closing for print. All dimensional, weight and performance figures in the Owner's Handbook refer to the the German Standards Institute (DIN e.V.) and comply with these toler-ances. Deviations may occur with respect to certain national-market ver-sions of the cars. In cars with right-hand drive, some controls will be lo-cated differently from those illustrated in this handbook.

The high safety and quality standards of

For your own safety Use only parts and accessory products which BMW has ap-

proved for your car.Parts and products which BMW has ap-proved for your car have been checked for safety, function and suitability. BMW accepts product liability for them.BMW cannot accept liability for parts or accessory products of any kind which it has not approved.BMW is unable to assess each individ-ual product of outside origin as to its suitability for use on BMW vehicles

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Initial overview

Controls in detail

Operation, maintenanceand general care

Minor repairs

Technical data

Index

Technical items of interest

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Data

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Contents

Manual gearbox 66Automatic transmission 67Automatic transmission with

Steptronic 69Turn indicators/headlamp

flasher 72Wipers/rain sensor 72Heated rear window 75Cruise control 75

Everything under control:Trip distance recorder; outside

temperature display 77Revolution counter 77Energy Control 78Fuel level indicator 78Coolant thermometer 79Service Interval indicator 79Check Control 80On-board computer 83

Technical features for journey comfort and safety:Park Distance Control (PDC) 85Automatic Stability Control plus

Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 86

Electronic Damping Control (EDC) 87

Tyre Pressure Control (RDC) 88

Stopping the engine 65Handbrake 65

Adjusting:Seats 49Steering wheel 52

Mirrors 53Seat, mirror and steering wheel

position memory 55Car Memory, Key Memory 57

Safety systems:Seat belts 58Airbags 59Child restraint systems 61Childproof door locks 62

Driving:Ignition switch 63Starting the engine 63

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ilDriving area 14Instrument panel 16Telltale and warning lamps 20Multifunctional steering

wheel 23Hazard warning flashers 24Warning triangle 24First aid box 24Refuelling 25Fuel grades 25Tyre pressures 27

Opening and closing:Keys 34Electronic immobilizer 35Central locking system 36Doors – from outside 36Radio remote control 37Doors – from inside 39Luggage comparement lid 40Rear window 41Luggage compartment 43Alarm system 44Electric windows 46Sliding/tilt sunroof 47

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are Driving precautions:

Running in 128Driving hints 128Catalytic converter 129Anti-lock brake system

(ABS) 130Disc brakes 131Brakes 132Winter operation 133Power steering 135Self-levelling suspension 135Digital Diesel Electronics

(DDE) 136Car telephone 136Radio reception 136

Wheels and tyres:Tyre pressures 137Condition of tyres 137New tyres 138Changing wheels 138Wheel and tyre

combinations 139Winter tyres 140Snow chains 140Approved wheel and tyre

sizes 141

Air conditioning 95Automatic air conditioning 100Seat heating 106

Roof rack 122Towing a trailer 123

Heated steering wheel 106Roller sun blind 106Auxiliary heater 107Auxiliary ventilation control 107Auxiliary heater remote

control 108

Practical interior equipment:Glove box 109Storage compartments 109Drink can holders 110Ashtrays 111Cigarette lighter 111

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headlamps 90Instrument lighting 90Headlamp range control 91High-beam headlamps/parking

lights 91Fog lamps 92Interior light/load-area light 92Reading lights 93

Controlled-temperature air for a pleasant interior climate:

Loading and load-carrying:Through-loading system 113Ski bag 114touring:

Luggage compartment 117Roller-blind cover 117Net in front of load area 117Compartments in luggage area 118Removable floor in luggage area 120

Load 121

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Contents

Adaptive transmission control (AGS) 202

Airbags 203Automatic Stability Control plus

Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-bility Control (DSC) 203

Car radio 204Seat belt catch tensioner 204Hi-fi system (DSP) 205Interior mirror, automatic-

dip 205Integral-link rear

suspension 206Latent heat store 206Self-levelling suspension 207Rain sensor 207Tyre pressure control (RDC) 208Xenon headlamps 208Water- and dirt-repellent

windscreen 209

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The BMW maintenance system 163

Care of the car 164

Sliding/tilt sunroof 194touring: tailgate 195

Op

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ti Airbags 170Laying up out of use 170

Legal requirements and regulations:Rule of the road 171Registration abroad 171Technical modifications 172OBD socket 172

Recycling:Recycling in the Service

area 173Returning the car 173

Mutual aid:BMW Emergency Service 196Starting with a flat battery 196Tow-starting, towing away 197Fire extinguisher 199

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stIn the engine compartment:Engine hood 147Engine compartment 148Washer fluid 156Washer jets 156Engine oil 157Coolant 160Brake fluid 161Power steering oil 162Vehicle identification

number 162Type plate 162

Maintenance and general care:

Replacing parts:Toolkit 176Wiper blades 176Lights and bulbs 177Radio remote control 183Auxiliary heater remote

control 185Wheel-changing 186Lockable wheel studs 189Battery 190Fuses 192

If an electrical fault occurs:Fuel filler flap 194

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exEngine data 212

Fuel consumption, carbon diox-ide/O emissions 213

Dimensions 215Weights 217Performance 221Filling capacities 223Electrical system 224V-belts 224

From A to Z 228Minor repairs from A to Z 234

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Page 14: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

Initial overview

Controls in detail

Operation, maintenanceand general care

Minor repairs

Technical data

Index

chnical items of interest

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Driving area 14Instrument panel 16Telltale and warning lights 20Multi-functional steering wheel

(MFL) 23Hazard warning flashers 24Warning triangle 24First aid kit 24Refuelling 25Fuel grade 25Tyre pressures 27

Te

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8 Horn, entire surface

9 Electric steering wheel adjustment* 53

1 Sidelights/low beam (dipped) headlamps 90

2 d Flashing turn indicators 72> Parking lights 91> High-beam headlamps 91> Headlight flasher 72> Computer 83

3 Fog lights 92

4 Wipers/washer 72

5 Central locking system 36

6 Hazard warning flashers 24

7 Heated rear window 75

Driving area

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You can also have outside tem-perature and the distance covered

displayed in another unit of measure-ment.<

7 Telltale and warning lights (arranged clockwise) for> Handbrake/brake hydraulics, Dy-

namic Brake Control (DBC)* 22> Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 21> Brake pads 21> Tyre pressure control (RDC)* 22> Airbags 21> Automatic transmission* 21> Fasten seat belts 21> Cruise control* 22

8 Selector lever position and pro-gram displays for automatic transmission* 67Service Interval indicator 79

12 Display for Check Control 80

13 Trip distance control zeroing 77

14 Telltale and warning lights (arranged clockwise) for > Fog lights* 22> Rear fog lights* 22> Battery charge 20> Engine oil level/pressure 20> Electronic engine output control

(EML) 22> Diesel engine preheat/Digital

Diesel Electronics (DDE)* 22> Engine management 22

Instrument panel

There are two versions, depending on your car's equipment

1 Fuel display with telltale to indicate when fuel is running out 78

2 Flashing turn indicator repeater 22

3 Speedometer

4 High beam telltale 22

5 Revolution counter and Energy Control 77, 78

6 Engine coolant thermometer with telltale "Coolant temperature too high" 79

9 Computer display – For operation from turn indicator lever, see page 83: > Outside temperature > Average fuel consumption, > Before refuelling > Average speed

10 Telltale/warning lights for > Automatic Stability Control plus

Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stabil-ity Control (DSC)* 21

> Self-levelling suspension* 22

11 Distance recorder (odometer) and trip distance recorder 77

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You can also have the outside temperature displayed in different

units of measurement or the Check Control messages and computer infor-mation displayed in a different lan-guage.<

> Handbrake 21> Brake hydraulics/Dynamic Brake

Control (DBC)* 22> Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 21> Airbags 21> Fasten seat belts 21> Cruise control* 22

8 Check Control button 79

9 Selector lever position and pro-gram displays for automatic transmission* 67, 69

14 Odometer (distance recorder) 77

15 Service Interval indicator 79

16 Trip distance control zeroing 77

17 Telltale and warning lights (arranged clockwise) for > Fog lights* 22> Rear fog lights* 22> Battery charge 20> Engine oil pressure 20> Engine management 22

Instrument panel*

There are two versions, depending on your car's equipment

1 Fuel display with telltale to indicate when fuel is running out 78

2 Flashing turn indicator repeater 22

3 Speedometer

4 High beam telltale 22

5 Revolution counter and Energy Control 77

6 Coolant thermometer 79

7 Telltale and warning lights (arranged clockwise) for

10 Otside temperature display 77

11 Telltale for Automatic Stability Con-trol plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)* 21

12 Trip distance recorder 77

13 Display for > Check Control 80> Computer: see radio operating

instructionsand on version with multi-func-tional steering wheel (MFL), also for

> Radio and telephone, see sepa-rate operating instructions

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20nTelltale and warning lights

Tyre Pressure Control (RDC)* ● A gong signal is also heard: the tyre is punctured or otherwise

maged. Immediately reduce speed d stop, avoiding violent braking and dden steering wheel movements. rther details: page 88

Brake hydraulics ●If light remains on after releasing handbrake: have the brake fluid

el checked. Before continuing on ur journey, read instructions on ges 132 and 161.

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Engine oil pressure ● The message "STOP! ENGINE OIL PRESS" may also appear in

the Check Control*: Stop immediately and switch off the engine. Check engine oil level and top up if necessary. If the oil level is correct: Consult the nearest BMW Service.

Do not continue the journey, as the engine may otherwise be dam-

aged by inadequate lubrication.<

chnical equipment that onitors itself merous systems on your BMW are lf-monitoring, both when starting and ring the journey. The function of tell-

le and warning lights marked "●" is ecked when the ignition is switched . They come on once for varying peri-s.

defect occurs in one of the systems, e corresponding light will remain on en the engine is started or will come again during the journey. The correct sponse on your part to this is de-ribed below.

Red: stop as soon as possibleBattery charge ●The battery is not being charged. The alternator V-belt is

defective or there is a fault in the alter-nator charging circuit. Consult the near-est BMW Service.

If the V-belt is defective, do not continue the journey, as there is a

risk of the engine overheating and suf-fering damage. A defective V-belt also increases the effort needed to turn the steering wheel.<

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Yellow: have a check performed soon

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ●

ABS is switched off because a fault has developed. Normal

brake action is not affected (no restric-tions). Please arrange for the problem to be examined by BMW Service. Fur-ther details: page 130.

Engine oil level* If light comes on when engine is switched off: check engine oil

level. Further details: page 157.

Automatic transmission* ●

A fault has caused the auto-matic transmission to switch to

the emergency-run program. Please consult your nearest BMW Service. Further details: page 68.

Brake pads* ●Check the condition of your brake pads. Further details:

page 133.

Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)* ●

ASC+T/DSC has been switched off by pressing the control button, or due to a fault. If there is a fault, please have it checked by BMW Service. Further de-tails: page 86.

a message appears* in the Check Con-trol display. Comes on for several sec-onds or, depending on version, until the seat belts are fastened. Further details: page 58.

Airbags ●

Please arrange for the problem to be examined by BMW Serv-

ice. Further details: page 59, 203.

Telltale and warning lights

Yellow: stop as soon as possibleEngine oil level*If light comes on during journey: stop immediately and switch off

the engine. The engine oil is at its abso-lute minimum permitted level.

Do not continue the journey, as the engine may otherwise be dam-

aged by inadequate lubrication.<

Red: important reminderHandbrake* ● Lights up when handbrake is ap-plied. Further details: page 65.

Handbrake* ●

Lights up when handbrake is ap-plied. Further details: page 65.

Also lights up when the message "CHECK BRAKE LININGS" appears on the Check Control.

Fasten seat belts● Depending on the version, a sig-nal sounds at the same time* or

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22nTelltale and warning lights

een: for your informationFlashing turn indicators Flashes rhythmically when a turn is selected; also applies to

iler if one is being towed. Rapid shing: system malfunction. Further tails: page 72.

Cruise control* Comes on when the system is switched on: Ready to operate

ing the multi-function steering wheel. rther details: page 75.

Fog lights* Lights up when the foglights are switched on. Further details:

ge 92.

ue: for your informationHigh-beam headlamps Comes on when the high head-lamp beams are in use or the

adlamp flasher is used. Further de-ls: page 72, 91

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Engine control system malfunc-tion. Please arrange for the

oblem to be examined by BMW Serv-.

Electronic engine output control (EML)* ● EML malfunction. Higher pedal

essure and longer pedal travel may needed when braking. Please ar-nge for the problem to be examined BMW Service.

Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE)* ●If light comes on during journey:

ase arrange for the problem to be amined by BMW Service. Further de-ils: page 136.

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Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)* ●Malfunction in DBC system. Nor-mal brake action is not affected

restrictions). Further details: ge 132.

Tyre Pressure Control (RDC)* ● To check tyre pressures, see page 27, 88.

Self-levelling suspension* ● The self-levelling suspension is out of action. Please consult

ur nearest BMW Service. Further de-ils: page 135.

Engine management system ●

Yellow: for your informationRear foglights* Lights up when the rear fog lights are switched on. Further

details: page 92.

Diesel engine preheat* ●

Do not start the engine until the light has gone out. Further de-

tails: page 63.

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Multifunctional ste

Integrated into the multifuncsteering wheel (MFL) are bupermit the following functionformed quickly and without attention being distracted frtraffic:

> Various radio functions> Recirculated-air mode for

tioning or> Heated steering wheel> Cruise control> Some telephone functions

The systems in questio6 Horn, entire surface

7 Cruise control: recall

8 Cruise control: memorise and accelerate (+), decelerate and memorise (–)

9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/de-activate

0 Recirculated air and AUC or steer-ing wheel heating: switching on and off.

switched on before they can be controlled from the multifunctional steering wheel.<

The illustration shows a full set of con-trols. For further details, please refer to the description of the item concerned.

voice input*: switching on and off

2 Radio/telephone: change over switch

3 Radio/telephone: search in reverse or station keys (or browse in list of names)

4 Radio/telephone: volume control

5 Radio/telephone: search forwards or station keys (or browse in list of names)

1

ering wheel (MFL)*

tional ttons to s to be per-the driver's om the

air condi-

.

n must be 1 Telephone: accepting call, starting

dialling or terminating call. With

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24nHazard warning flashers Warning triangle* First aid box*

der the front passenger's seat.

remove: lift up the pushbutton catch the front (arrow) and pull the first aid forwards out of its holder.

replace in position: insert the first aid in its holder and push to the rear until catch engages.

Certain of the items in the first aid kit have a limited useful life. The

ntents should therefore be checked gularly and life-expired items re-ced. Replacements can be obtained m any pharmacy.mply with legal requirements con-rning the need to carry a first-aid box the car.<

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hen the car's lights are in use, the shbutton is also lit so that it can be ated more easily after dark.

The turn signals have priority over the hazard warning lights. For this

ason, from ignition key setting 1, you e able to operate the turn signals, en if the hazard warning lights are itched on.<

needed.

To open the toolkit, unscrew the wing bolt(s).

Please note that you may be re-quired by law to carry a warning

triangle in the car.<

kit

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e pushbutton lights up in a regular ythm when the hazard warning flash-s are operating.

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The warning triangle is kept in the tool holder in the luggage compartment lid or tailgate, and easily reached when

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uel grade

ark-ignition engine with talytic convertere engine should be run exclusively on leaded fuel. Since the engines have a ock control function, they can run on ferent grades of fuel.

ur BMW's engine is rated to run on:

Super Plus/premium plus fuel (octane number 98, Research Method).

l up with petrol of this grade when-er possible, so that the nominal per-rmance and fuel consumption values e achieved.

u can also run the engine on:

> Premium-grade unleaded fuel (oc-tane number 95, Research Method).

This fuel is also known as:DIN EN 228 or Euro-Super.

The minimum permissible grade is:

> Regular-grade unleaded fuel (octane number 91, Research Method).

In view of the engine ratings, you are recommended to use this fuel only in exceptional circumstances.

Never use fuel containing lead if the car is equipped with a catalytic

converter, otherwise the lambda probe and the converter will be permanently damaged.<

To release the fuel filler flap if the cen-tral locking system has failed, see page 194.

When handling fuel, comply with the safety regulations displayed

by garages and filling stations.<

When refuelling, insert the filler nozzle fully into the filler neck. If the filler nozzle is raised during refuelling,

> the supply of fuel will be cut off pre-maturely

> and on filler nozzles with fuel vapour recovery, the recirculating function will be less effective.

Refuelling F

Press front edge of fuel filler flap to open.

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Place the screw cap in the holder on the flap.

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fuel (octane number 91, Research Method).

Method). Super (premium) grade pet-rol (gasoline) can be identified by its conformity with German Industrial Standard DIN 51 600.

l up with petrol of this grade when-er possible, so that the nominal per-rmance and fuel consumption values e achieved.

u can also run the engine on:

Premium-grade unleaded fuel (oc-tane number 95, Research Method).

is fuel is also known as:N EN 228 or Euro-Super.

e minimum permissible grade is:

Regular-grade unleaded or leaded

ark-ignition engines without talytic converter*e catalytic converter can be retro-

ted)

e engine is designed to run on both leaded and leaded fuel. Since the gines have a knock control function, ey can run on different grades of fuel.

ur BMW's engine is rated to run on:

Super Plus/premium plus unleaded fuel (octane number 98, Research Method) orSuper Plus/premium plus leaded fuel (octane number 98, Research

In view of the engine ratings, you are recommended to use this fuel only in exceptional circumstances.

Diesel engines> Diesel oil to DIN EN 590 standard.

For winter-grade diesel oil, see page 133.

Do not use rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) or Biodiesel, or you

risk damaging the engine.<

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Make sure that only approved tyres are fitted These tyre pressures apply to makes of tyre approved by BMW and known to BMW Service. If other makes of tyre are fitted to the car, higher tyre pressures may be needed. Approved tyre sizes are shown on page 141 onwards.

door is open).

Checking tyre pressuresAll pressure values in the table (see also the following pages) are in bar (pounds per square inch in brackets) and are quoted for cold tyres (cold = no higher than ambient temperature).

When towing a trailer, always use the values for the higher load.

Cars with Tyre Pressure Control (RDC)*:After correcting tyre pressures, re-acti-vate the system; see page 88.

Tyre pressures

Tyre pressures are also shown on the driver's door post (visible when the

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Check tyre pressures regularly (at least every two weeks and before

starting a long journey). Incorrect tyre pressures can adversely affect the car's roadholding and cause tyre damage, which could result in an accident.Remember to check the spare wheel tyre pressure as well. It should be at the highest pressure needed for any of your car's tyres.<

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W loon

Tyre size

5td

205/65 R 15 94 H225/60 R 15 96 V225/55 R 16 95 V

1.9 (27.0)

2.1 (29.8)

2.1 (29.8)

2.6 (37.0)

235/45 R 17 94 W/Y

255/40 R 17 94 W/Y

1.9 (27.0)

2.1 (29.8)2.1

(29.8)

2.1 (29.8)

2.6 (37.0)2.6

(37.0)205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S

2.1 (29.8)

2.3 (32.7)

2.3 (32.7)

2.8 (39.8)

0i3i5tds

205/65 R 15 94 V225/60 R 15 96 V225/55 R 16 95 V

1.9 (27.0)

2.3 (32.7)

2.3 (32.7)

2.8 (39.8)

235/45 R 17 94 W/Y

255/40 R 17 94 W/Y

1.9 (27.0)

2.3 (32.7)2.3

(32.7)

2.3 (32.7)

2.8 (39.8)2.8

(39.8)205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S

2.1 (29.8)

2.5 (35.6)

2.5 (35.6)

3.0 (42.7)

525252

BMsa

52

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535i540i

(32.7) (37.0)235/45 R 17 94 W/Y

255/40 R 17 94 W/Y

2.5 (35.6)

2.8 (39.8)2.8

(39.8)225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S

2.5 (35.6)

2.8 (39.8)

2.7 (38.4)

3.2 (45.5)

2.9 (41.2)

3.4 (48.4)3.4

(48.4)2.9

(41.2)3.4

(48.4)

Tyre pressures

528i530d

225/60 R 15 96 W225/55 R 16 95 W

2.0 (28.5)

2.4 (34.1)

2.5 (35.6)

3.0 (42.7)

235/45 R 17 94 W/Y

255/40 R 17 94 W/Y

2.2 (31.3)

2.6 (37.0)2.6

(37.0)

2.7 (38.4)

3.2 (45.5)3.2

(45.5)205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S

2.2 (31.3)

2.6 (37.0)

2.7 (38.4)

3.2 (45.5)

225/55 R 16 95 W 2.3 2.6

BMW saloon

Tyre size

Page 31: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

30nTyre pressures

Tyre size 205/65 R 15 94 V is not approved for the BMW 523i touring.<

0d 225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S

2.3 (32.7)

2.7 (38.4)

2.8 (39.8)

3.3 (46.9)

0i

225/55 R 16 95 W235/45 R 17 94 Y225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S

2.4 (34.1)

2.8 (39.8)

2.8 (39.8)

3.3 (46.9)

5253

54

BMto

525252

W uring

Tyre size

0i3i5tds

205/65 R 15 94 V225/60 R 15 96 V225/55 R 16 95 V235/45 R 17 94 W/Y

2.0 (28.5)

2.4 (34.1)

2.6 (37.0)

3.1 (44.1)

205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H M+S225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H M+S225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S

2.2 (31.3)

2.6 (37.0)

2.8 (39.8)

3.3 (46.9)

8i

225/60 R 15 96 W225/55 R 16 95 W

2.1 (29.8)

2.5 (35.6)

2.6 (37.0)

3.1 (44.1)

235/45 R 17 94 W/Y

Page 32: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

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Page 33: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

32n

Steering wheel 52

Automatic transmission with Steptronic 69

Turn indicators/headlamp flasher 72

Wipers/rain sensor 72Heated rear window 75Cruise control 75

Everything under control:Trip distance recorder; outside

temperature display 77Revolution counter 77Energy Control 78Fuel gauge 78Coolant thermometer 79Service Interval indicator 79Check Control 80On-board computer 83

Technical features for journey comfort and safety:Park Distance Control (PDC) 85Automatic Stability Control plus

Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 86

Electronic Damping Control (EDC) 87

Tyre Pressure Control (RDC) 88

Mirrors 53Seat, mirror and steering wheel

position memory 55

Safety systems:Seat belts 58Airbags 59Child restraint systems 61Childproof door locks 62

Driving:Ignition switch 63Starting the engine 63Stopping the engine 65Handbrake 65Manual gearbox 66Automatic transmission 67

Opening and closing:Keys 34Electronic immobiliser 35Central locking system 36Doors – from outside 36Radio remote control 37Doors – from inside 39Luggage compartment lid 40Rear window 41Load area 43Alarm system 44Electric windows 46Sliding/tilting sunroof 47

Adjusting:Seats 49

Page 34: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

Initial overview

Controls in detail

Operation, maintenanceand general care

Minor repairs

Technical data

Index

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Lights:Sidelights/low-beam (dipped)

headlamps 90Instrument lighting 90Headlight beam angle control 91High-beam headlamps/parking

lights 91Fog lights 92Interior light/load-area light 92Reading lights 93

Controlled-temperature air for pleasant interior conditions:Air conditioning 95Automatic air conditioning 100Seat heating 106

Loading and load carrying:Through-loading system 113Ski bag 114touring:

Load area 117Roller-blind cover 117Net in front of load area 117Compartments in luggage area 118Pull-out load floor 120

Load 121Roof rack 122Towing a trailer 123

chnical items of interest

Heated steering wheel 106Roller sun blind 106Auxiliary heater 107Auxiliary ventilation control 107Remote control for auxiliary

heater 108

Practical interior equipment:Glove box 109Storage compartments 109Drink can holders 110Ashtrays 111Cigarette lighter 111

Te

Page 35: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

34nKeys

2

3

Ke1

Spare key, to be kept in a safe place, for instance in a purse or wallet. This is a master key, but is not intended for regular use

Key for doors and ignition.This key does not open the luggage compartment/tailgate or the glove box – this can be useful for instance at a hotel or restaurant with car park-ing service.

y with radio remote control Master key with radio remote control transmitter

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Replacement keysA replacement key can only be ob-tained from BMW Service. Please note that BMW Service is required to check that you are entitled to order spare keys, since the keys are part of the car's security system (see Electronic immobi-lizer, page 35).

Page 36: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

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tional means of protecting your BMW against theft, and operates without you having to perform any selection or ad-justing processes yourself. It ensures that the engine will only start if an igni-tion key which the immobiliser recog-nises as belonging to the car is used. You can also ask BMW Service to inval-idate individual keys, for instance if they are lost. If a key has been invalidated, it can no longer be used to start the engine.

damage. This could prevent you from starting the engine.<

Electronic immobiliser

The high-security keyThe electronic immobiliser is an addi-

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What the electronics system can doA special electronic component is inte-grated into the key. The vehicle's elec-tronics exchange constantly updated signals, which are individualized for every vehicle, between the ignition switch and the electronic components in the key. The ignition, fuel supply and starter motor are only released once the key is identified as authorised.

The electronics integrated into the key are exposed to mechanical

Page 37: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

36nCentral locking system Doors – from outside

mfort operationu can also operate windows and the ding/tilting sunroof using the door k.

To open: when the door is closed, turn the key in the door lock to the re-lease position and hold it there.To close: when the door is closed, turn the key to the locking position and hold it there.

Watch the closing movement to ensure that no-one is trapped. The

vement is stopped when the key is leased.<

anual operation n electrical fault has occurred

turning the key to the limit positions the door lock, you can lock and un-k the driver's door.

Wdetimuntote

Inloccalocsidwaals

ThThefThto

>>>

Thop

>

>

hen operated from the outside, the adlocks are engaged at the same e. It prevents the doors from being locked either at the safety lock but-ns or door handles. The alarm sys-m* is also activated or deactivated.

the event of a collision, the central king system is released automati-lly, but only at doors which were not ked separately by means of the in-e buttons; see page 39. The hazard rning flashers and interior light are o switched on.

anyone inside it, as it cannot then be unlocked from the inside.<

On certain national-market ver-sions, the alarm system can only

be operated from the radio remote con-trol. On these cars, unlocking with a key triggers off the alarm.To switch off the alarm: press button 1 (unlock) or turn the ignition key to posi-tion 1.<

For further details of the alarm system, see page 44.

Mif a

Byin loc

e principlee central locking system cannot take

fect until both front doors are closed. e following are unlocked and locked gether:

DoorsTrunk lid/tailgate and rear window*Tank flap.

e central locking system can be erated

from outside using the door or tail-gate lock* and by the radio remote control from inside using a button.

Locking and unlocking

Do not lock the car when there is

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CoYosliloc

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On cars with an alarm system (see page 44): if the convenient closure

movement is interrupted, the car must be unlocked again with button 1 before convenient closure is undertaken again. Failing this, the tilt alarm sensor and in-terior movement detector will be out of action.<

Switching on the interior lighting If the car is locked, press button 2.Subject to the remote control's range, this function can be used to locate your car on a large car park, for example.

Switching off tilt alarm sensorBriefly press button 2 again after lock-ing the car.This also switches off the alarm sys-tem's interior movement detecting function (see page 44).

LED (light-emitting diode) 3 comes on briefly when any button is

pressed. Certain symbols on the radio remote control may differ from those il-lustrated here.<

button is released.<

At the same time the deadlocks are re-leased, the alarm system* de-activated and the interior light switched on.

On versions for certain markets, pressing the button once only un-

locks the driver's door; it must be pressed a second time to release the remainder of the central locking sys-tem.<

If you wish, you can have this spe-cial arrangement programmed for

each specific remote control.<

Do not lock the car when there is someone inside it, as it cannot

then be unlocked from the inside.<

Convenient closureYou can also close the windows and sliding/tilting sunroof using the remote control unit:

Hold button 2 depressed. The closing procedure is interrupted if the button is released.

Watch the closing movement to ensure that no-one is trapped. The

closing procedure is interrupted if the

Radio remote control

Unlocking Press button 1.

394d

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Convenient openingYou can also open the windows and sliding/tilting sunroof using the remote control unit:

Hold button 1 down. When you release the button, the opening process is in-terrupted immediately.

Locking and thiefproofingPress button 2.

The antitheft deadlock is simultane-ously engaged and the alarm system activated.

Page 39: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

38nRadio remote control

terferencee radio remote control may be sus-ptible to local interference from other stems or equipment operating on the me frequency.

Threloc

OtaPr

e boot lid/tailgate opens slightly, gardless of whether it was previously ked or unlocked.

be operated from the radio remote con-trol. On these cars, unlocking with a key triggers off the alarm.To switch off the alarm: Press button 1 (unlock) or turn the ignition key to posi-tion 1.<

Note that children could lock the doors from the inside if they are

alone in the car. Always take the car keys with you so that the car can be opened from the outside.<

pening luggage compartment/ilgate ess button 4.

394d

e013

Master keysKeys with a radio remote control trans-mitter are master keys.

Apart from "Switch on interior light" and "Open boot lid/tailgate", all radio re-mote control functions can also be op-erated with the key in the driver's door lock or the boot lid/tailgate lock.

The front passenger's door has no out-side lock, in order to reduce the risk of theft.

On certain national-market ver-sions, the alarm system can only

InThcesysa

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Locking> Either lock all doors at the central

locking pushbutton, or> Press the door safety buttons down.

To avoid being shut out of the car ac-cidentally, the driver's door cannot be locked with the safety button when it is open.

Do not lock the doors with the safety buttons during the journey,

or else the central locking system will not be released in the event of an acci-dent.Note that children could lock the doors from the inside if they are alone in the car. Always take the key with you, so that the car can be opened from the outside.<

are closed. This only unlocks or locks the doors, luggage compartment lid/window and fuel filler flap – it does not activate the burglar alarm for them.

If you wish, the central locking system can be set to engage as

soon as the car is driven away. You can have this setting programmed as part of the Key Memory facility.<

Doors – from inside

This button is used to operate the cen-tral locking system when the front doors

390d

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Unlocking and opening> Either use the central locking button

to unlock all doors at once, then pull the door handle above the armrest, or

> Pull the door handle out twice at any door: the first pull will unlock the door, the second pull will open it.

Page 41: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

40nLuggage compartment lid

ening from outsideess the button (arrow): the boot lid ens slightly.

e boot or luggage area is lit when you en the boot lid/tailgate (also refer to ge 92).

anual operation n electrical fault has occurred

loon:ert a master key into the luggage mpartment lid lock and turn fully to left – the lid will open slightly.

e luggage compartment is locked ain as soon as its lid is closed.

uring: See page 195.

394d

e009

LoOnth

izontal.

This locks the luggage compartment and disconnects it from the central locking system. If you then hand over only door and ignition key 3 (see page 34), the boot lid cannot be opened. This extra security can be useful, for instance, when arriving at a hotel.

Thoppa

Mif a

SaInscothe

Thag

to

ck – saloon onlyly the central keys (see page 34) fit

e boot lid lock.

394d

e017

Locking separatelyTurn the master key to the right past the pressure point and take it out when hor-

394d

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OpProp

Page 42: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

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Closing – saloonA recessed handle (arrow) next to the lock mechanism makes it easier to pull the lid down.

394d

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gage compartment lid or tailgate while the vehicle is stationary, provided it is not deadlocked.

small items if the rear window can be opened separately.

Press the button (arrow): the rear win-dow opens slightly. It can be swung up-wards.

To close the window, press down on the glass.

Protect the window if it is likely to be struck by sharp-pointed or

sharp-edged objects on the load area during the journey; this is to prevent damage to the rear-window heating el-ements.<

Luggage compartment lid

Opening from inside carWith this button, you can open the lug-

390d

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Rear window – touring It is quick and easy to load and unload

392d

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Page 43: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

42nLuggage compartment lid

ce

Toligto

ingstr

mPlop

ClYoha

ssed handles provided.

close the tailgate, press it down only htly. The actual closing action is au-matic.

To avoid injuries, as with any clos-ing process, ensure that the clos-

area of the boot lid/tailgate is unob-ucted.<

When the tailgate on the touring is open, the tip of the tailgate is

ore than two metres off the ground. ease note this if, for instance, you are ening the tailgate in a garage.<

osing – touringu can pull the tailgate down with both nds if required (arrows) at the re-

392d

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If possible, drive only with the tail-gate and rear window fully closed,

to prevent exhaust gases from entering the passenger compartment. If you are obliged to drive the car with the lid, tail-gate or rear window open:> Close all other windows and the sun-

roof> Increase the volume of air in the heat-

ing and ventilation system or the air conditioner, refer to page 94 or 100.<

Page 44: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

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the load area to prevent small objects from slipping.

If you place objects on the lashing straps, they form a non-slip base.

There are lashing points at the corners of the load area to which a load area net* or retaining straps can be attached when loads have to be secured.

See also under "Loading", page 121.

area for hanging up carrier bags or sim-ilar.

Load area

Tensioning strapsUse the tensioning straps on the floor of

394d

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Hanger*There is a hook on the left in the load

394d

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Page 45: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

44nAlarm system*

arm system telltaleIf the telltale lamp under the inside mirror flashes steadily: the system is activated.If the telltale flashes when the system is being activated: not all doors, lids or the rear window are properly closed. Even if an item is not closed fully, the remaining items are pro-tected and the telltale lamp begins to flash steadily after 10 seconds. How-ever, the interior movement detector is not activated.If the telltale goes out when the sys-tem is de-activated, no attempt was made to tamper with the car during your absence.

390d

e020

>>

Th

>

>

>

>

Desiocain

30-second acoustic alarmSwitching on the hazard warning flashers for approx. 5 minutes*.

control. As soon as the lid/tailgate is closed again, it is locked.

On certain national-market ver-sions, the alarm system can only

be operated from the radio remote con-trol. On these cars, unlocking with a key triggers off the alarm.To switch off the alarm: press button 1 (unlock) or turn the ignition key to posi-tion 1.<

>

>

e alarm system reacts if:

a door, the engine compartment, the load area or load area or the rear win-dow are openedthere is any movement inside the car (interior movement detector)there is a change in the car's attitude, for instance if it is jacked up to re-move a wheel or if it is towed awaythere is an interruption in the power supply from the battery.

pending on the national-market ver-n of the car, the alarm system indi-tes unauthorised entry or tampering different ways:

Activating and de-activatingWhenever the car is locked or un-locked, whether at a lock or with the re-mote control, the alarm system is acti-vated or de-activated at the same time.The interior movement detector is acti-vated about 30 seconds after the last locking action.

If the alarm system has been activated correctly, the hazard warning flashers come on once*.

Even when the system has been acti-vated, you can open the lid/tailgate by pressing button 4 on the radio remote

Al>

Page 46: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

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The tilt alarm sensor and interior movement detector will be

switched off inadvertently if the con-venient closure movement of the win-dows and sunroof is interrupted and re-started within the first 10 seconds. In this case the complete system must be de-activated and re-activated.<

Perform the locking movement (acti-vate) twice, by pressing button 2 on the radio remote control twice in succes-sion, or repeating the locking move-ment with the key.The telltale comes on briefly, then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sen-sor and interior movement detector are then switched off until the system is de-activated again.

ment detector's transmitter and re-ceiver.

Before the interior movement detector can operate correctly, the windows and sunroof must be closed.

However, switch the interior movement detector off (see under "Tilt alarm sen-sor" in previous column) if

> children or animals remain in the car> a window or the sunroof is to remain

open.

Alarm system*

> If the telltale flashes for 10 seconds when the system is de-activated, an attempt was made to tamper with the car.

After the alarm has stopped, the telltale once again flashes intermittently.

Tilt sensor The tilt alarm sensor and the interior movement detector can be switched off together. This prevents the alarm from being triggered off when not wanted, for instance in two-level garage parking or when travelling on a car train or ferry:

Interior movement detectorThe illustration shows the interior move-

390d

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Page 47: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

46nElectric windows

otective functionere is a contact strip on the inside of ch window surround, at the top. If it is mpressed as the window closes, the sing action is interrupted immedi-ly and the window re-opens slightly.

Despite this protective function, make sure that the window is not

structed as it closes; if this precau-n is not taken, the risk remains that n objects, for instance, may not actu- the contact strip correctly.e protective function is switched off pressing the switch beyond its nor-l pressure point and holding it re.<

>

>

OFr

Press the rocker switch in until the pressure point is felt:the window continues to move for as long as the rocker switch is pressed. Press the toggle switch over beyond the pressure point:the window then continues to move automatically.Press the switch briefly again to halt the movement.

the door lock and/or the radio remote control unit, refer to page 36 or 37.

mathe

pening and closing windowsom ignition key position 1:

390d

e055

After the ignition is switched off:

> You can still operate the electric win-dows for up to 15 minutes, unless a front door was opened and closed again. To open, press the rocker switch beyond the normal detent point.

When leaving the car, always take out the ignition key and close the

doors, so that children cannot operate the electric windows and possibly injure themselves.<

For details of comfort operation using

PrTheacocloate

obtiothiateThby

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Raising – opening – closingFrom ignition key setting 1, press down the switch and/or slide in the desired direction up to the pressure point.

When being raised, the roof lining only retracts a few centimetres.

You can operate the electric sunroof for up to 15 minutes after switching off the ignition, provided that a front door has not been opened and closed again in the meantime.

Automatic* opening and closingPress the button and hold down beyond the pressure point.

Furthermore, the following movements are automated:

390d

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dows from being opened and closed at the switches on the rear doors, for in-stance by children.

Always press the childproof safety switch when carrying children on

the rear seat. Careless closure of elec-tric windows can cause injury.<

See page 96, 103.

For details of comfort operation using the door lock and/or the radio remote control unit, refer to page 36 or 37.

Electric windows Sliding/tilting sunroof*

Safety switchThis prevents the electric rear side win-

390d

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Always close the sliding/tilting sunroof carefully, so that injuries

are avoided.When leaving the car, always take out the ignition key and close the doors, so that children cannot operate the electric windows and possibly injure them-selves.<

Low air pressure or draughts inside the car when the sunroof is slid back or tilted up can be avoided by keeping the ventilation outlets on the fascia open and increasing the airflow if necessary.

Page 49: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

48nSliding/tilting sunroof*

wer supply failed or interruptedter the power supply has been inter-pted (e.g. by disconnecting the bat-y), it is only possible to tilt up the nroof panel initially. To restore its full ge of functions:

Move the sliding/tilting roof to the fully raised positionHold the switch down for approx. 20 seconds.

here is an electrical defect, the slid-/tilting sunroof can be operated nually, see page 194.

390d

e328

tiosli

strnojeccloThbymth

>

>

Prm

PrIf rero

n is interrupted and the roof re-opens ghtly.

Despite this protective function, make sure that the roof is not ob-

ucted as it closes; if this precaution is t taken, the risk remains that thin ob-ts, for instance, may not actuate the sing-force limiter correctly.e protective function is switched off pressing the switch beyond its nor-al pressure point and holding it ere.<

tersuran

1

2

If tingma

When the roof is open, press the switch in the "Raise" direction: the roof moves to the limit position for "Raising".When the roof is raised, press the switch towards "Opening": the sun-roof panel moves to the fully open position.

essing the switch stops this move-ent.

otective functionthe sliding/tilting sunroof encounters sistance when closing with the roof ughly half closed, the closing opera-

Sunroof with glass panel*Operation and function are as de-scribed above for the conventional slid-ing/tilting sunroof. To open the roof from the raised position, hold the switch in the opening direction until the roof has reached the desired position.

When the roof panel is raised, the slid-ing trim is pushed back slightly; when the roof is slid open, it moves with the roof panel. It remains in the open posi-tion and can be moved to a new posi-tion whenever required. Po

Afru

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3 Seat backPull the lever and either apply your weight to the seat back, or lean for-ward to relieve it of load

4 Seat angle (driver's seat only)Pull the lever up and move the seat to the desired angle.

380d

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dition, the restraining effect is reduced if the seat belt is slack against the wearer's body. Do not recline the seat back too far when the car is being driven (this ap-plies in particular to the front passen-ger), or there will be a risk of "submarin-ing" under the seat belt, so that the belt loses its full protective effect.Do not slide the seats to the rear if the car is inclined at an angle (for instance a garage ramp or a slope). This could lead to the automatic seat belt height adjuster becoming disconnected.<

the preferred position.After releasing the lever, slide the seat backwards or forwards very slightly until engages correctly

2 HeightPull up the lever and apply your weight to the seat or allow it to rise

For your own personal safety, please note the following precautions when adjusting the seat position:

Do not reposition the driver's seat while the car is in motion. Other-

wise an unexpected seat movement could cause the driver to lose control of the car and lead to an accident. The seat belt should pass as closely as possible over the wearer's body. In the event of a head-on collision, the lap belt could otherwise slide over the hips and injure the lower part of the body. In ad-

1 Forward/backPull the lever up and slide the seat to

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Seats, adjusting Manual seat adjustment

Page 51: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

50nManual seat adjustment BMW Sport seat*

anual this seat, the thigh support area can o be adjusted:

ll the lever and move the thigh sec-n until it provides the necessary sup-rt.

e angle of the passenger's seat can o be adjusted.

390d

e137

LuSe

CoTospbabaTha scoOnreanYohigth

mbar support*e BMW Comfort seat, next page.

Adjusting front head restraint angle: swing forwards or back.

Head restraints reduce the risk of neck injuries in the event of an ac-

cident.The head restraint should therefore be positioned with its centre at approxi-mately the same height as the ears of the seat's occupant.The centre rear head restraint should be left fully retracted; if it is pulled out more than a very short distance, it will not function correctly.<

Putiopo

Thals

rrect seated position relieve the load on the discs of the ine, sit well back in the seat with your ck resting firmly against the seat ck.e ideal position is when the head is traight-line extension of the spinal lumn. long journeys the seat back can be

clined rearwards to a slightly greater gle, in order to reduce muscle strain. u should still be able to reach the hest point on the steering wheel with

e arms slightly bent.Head restraintsTo adjust height: pull out or push in.

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MOnals

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2 Shoulder support Press the switch: the angle of the upper part of the seat back changes.

The adjustable upper section of the seat back supports the shoulder area of the seat occupant's body. It enables a relaxed seat position to be found and reduces the load on the shoulder mus-cles.

To obtain the recommended optimum settings:

Driver's and front passenger's side:

1 Tilt the upper part of the seat back fully to the rear

2 Adjust to the most suitable position, as described on page 50

3 Tilt the upper section of the seat back forwards until adequate shoulder support is obtained.

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3 Height

4 Seat back

5 Head restraint height

Tilt the head restraint to alter its angle.

Comply with the adjusting instruc-tions on page 49, or there may be

a risk to your personal safety.<

1 Lumbar support > Push the switch forward or back: the

curvature is increased or decreased.> Press the switch at top or bottom:

curvature moves up or down.

The seat back contour can be altered to provide more support to the curved (lumbar) section of the spine.

The upper edge of the pelvis and the spinal column are supported, to en-courage an upright but relaxed seated position.

Electrically adjusted seat* BMW Comfort seat*

1 Angle

2 Forward/back

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This seat has additional lumbar and shoulder support settings.

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52nBMW Comfort seat* BMW Sport seat* Adjusting steering wheel

anualSwing out the clamp lever Move the steering wheel to the pre-ferred reach and angle to suit your seated positionFold the lever back in to clamp the steering column in the new position.

Do not adjust the steering wheel position while the vehicle is in mo-

n, otherwise an accident may result m any unexpected movement.<

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2

3

4

thovbefe

Pa

1

Set the seat angle to a slightly more upright positionRecline the seat back slightly more to the rearTilt the upper section of the seat back further forwards.

Correct the forward/back position of the seat if necessary to ensure

at the seat belt still passes closely er the wearer's body, otherwise the lt's protective action may be af-

cted.<

To operate it, press the switch.

3

tiofro

ssenger's seat in rest position:

Tilt the upper part of the seat back fully to the rear

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ElectricThis seat has electric thigh support adjustment.

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M12

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Mirrors

Outside mirrors1 Switch for adjustment in all four

directions

2 Changeover switch for mirror on other side of car

3 Button for folding the mirrors in and out (only with automatic-dip outside mirrors* – see page 55).

Press the button once to fold the mirrors in, and again to fold them out. This can, for example, be useful in car washes, narrow streets or to reset a mirror to the correct position if it was previously folded forwards.

The mirrors can be folded in at a road speed up to 10 km/h (approx.

6 mph).<

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in four directions, corresponding to the lever movements.

Do not adjust the steering wheel position while the vehicle is in mo-

tion, otherwise an accident may result from any unexpected movement.<

To memorise steering wheel position, see "seat, mirror and steering wheel position memory", page 55.

Adjusting steering wheel

Electrical*The steering wheel can be repositioned

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Automatic steering wheel adjustment(only in conjunction with seat, mirror and steering wheel memory*)

To make it easier to get in and out of the driver's seat, the steering wheel au-tomatically rises into its uppermost po-sition before returning to the driving po-sition (memory).

This automatic system responds to the ignition key setting and the driver's door.

Page 55: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

54nMirrors

teror mirror, automatic ti-glare* is mirror dims automatically and plessly in accordance with the inten-

y of the light received (ambient light d the effect of glare from headlamps).

e mirror switches automatically to the ar, non-dimmed position when the

iver engages reverse gear or selects

ensure that the mirror always func-ns correctly, keep the two photo-lls clean and unobstructed. One oto-cell (arrow) is in the mirror glass, other is slightly offset on the back of mirror.

r details of the electrochromic mirror inciple, refer to page 205.

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reapthveapof

ElBoign

Thall

To"stio

Thofvieinnviebli

ro

flected objects are closer than they pear. It may be difficult to estimate e precise distance at which another hicle is following your car. The same plies to the aspherical outer section the mirrors.<

ectric mirror heating th mirrors are heated automatically in ition key position 2.

ing the small lever.

Illuminated make-up mirror*Fold the sun visor down and slide the mirror cover (if fitted) sideways.

The mirrors are illuminated from ignition key position 1 on.

Sun visorsThe sun visors can also be pivoted to the side, against the door windows.

stesitan

ThcledrR.

Totiocephthethe

Fopr

e mirrors can also be adjusted manu-y by pressing the edge of the glass.

memorise mirror positions, see eat, mirror and steering wheel posi-n memory", page 55.

e outer, aspherically curved* section the mirror displays a larger field of w, though slightly distorted, than the er, convex* section. In this way, the w to the rear is extended and the nd spot is reduced in size.

The mirror on the passenger's side is more convex than the mir-

r on the driver's side, and therefore

Inside mirror To reduce glare from following vehicles after dark, tilt the mirror image by mov-

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InanTh

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Mirrors Seat, mirror and steering wheel position memory*

lling upiver's door open after being un-ked, or ignition key in position 1:

Press the appropriate memory button 1, 2 or 3 briefly.The positioning movement is inter-rupted immediately if you operate a seat adjustment switch or one of the memory buttons.

ith the driver's door closed and the ition key either removed or in posi-n 0 or 2:

Press memory button 1, 2 or 3 until the adjusting procedure has been completed.

he MEMORY button was pressed cidentally: press it again; the telltale es out.

Do not call up the memory while the car is in motion, otherwise an

expected seat or steering wheel vement may cause an accident.<

AuThbusam

wheel) steering wheel positions. The picture shows the buttons on the driver's door.

The setting of the lumbar support is not recorded in the memory.<

Memorising1 Ignition key in position 1 or 22 Select the desired seat, outside mir-

ror and steering wheel positions3 Press the MEMORY button: the tell-

tale lamp in the switch comes on4 Press memory button 1, 2 or 3: the

telltale lamp goes out.

If tacgo

unmo

tomatic-dip outside mirrors* ese mirrors can be folded in or out at tton 3 (see page 53). They have the me automatic-dip action as the inside irror.

You can memorise and call up three dif-ferent driver's seat, outside mirror and (with an electrically adjustable steering

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CaDrloc

>

Wigntio

>

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56nSeat, mirror and steering wheel position memory*

beOtthth

loc

1 Move the mirror changeover switch (arrow) to the "Driver's mirror" posi-tion

2 When reverse gear (or automatic transmission selector lever position R) is selected, The driver can then see the ground close to the car (for in-stance, the edge of the kerb).

This automatic function can be switched off if not required: move the mirror changeover switch to the passenger's side mirror position.

You can have your car pro-grammed so that when it is un-

ked with your own personal remote-control key your preferred seat, mirror and steering wheel positions are ob-tained automatically.<

If you use this setting, make sure before unlocking that the footwell

hind the driver's seat is unobstructed. herwise damage could be caused if e seat moves back automatically to e previously selected position.< Passenger's side mirror tilt-down

(parking position)

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identifies the user when the car is un-locked and performs the necessary ad-justments.

could modify the operation of certain features of your car to suit your own in-dividual preferences. When developing the car, BMW therefore "designed in" a number of freely programmable options for the car, which BMW Service will gladly adjust as you wish.

There are "Car Memory" and "Key Memory" settings, the former relating to the car itself, the latter to your personal requirements. You can have up to four sets of basic settings programmed for two different persons. This presup-poses that each person has his or her own remote control key. By means of data exchange with the key, the car

An example of Key Memory is the auto-matic repositioning of the electrically adjusted driver's seat for the intending user each time the car is unlocked.

Car Memory, Key Memory

How it worksYou may often have wished that you

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Coloured adhesive labels are supplied with the keys so that they can be identi-fied by the users.

What can be selectedBMW Service will gladly inform you of the facilities available with Car Memory and Key Memory.

At the appropriate points in this Owner's Handbook you will find

this symbol, as an indication that spe-cial settings as described above are available.<

Page 59: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

58n

king sure that the lap strap is well wn on the hips and does not press the abdominal region of the body.<

r care of seat belts, see page 167.

Saloon with through-load system*: please note the instructions for the

ntre rear seat belt on page 113.uring: If the centre belt cannot be lled out, the larger section of the rear at back is not properly locked into po-ion; see page 117.<

If exposed to severe loads in an accident, or if the belt system in-

ding the buckle tensioner and any ild restraint systems* installed in the r have been damaged, BMW Service ould renew them and check the belt chorages.<

Seat belts

heard to engage.

To open: press the red release button on the belt buckle and guide the belt back if necessary to reinforce the action of the automatic reel.

As the seat is moved forwards and back, the upper belt loop is automati-cally adjusted to the wearer's size.

The two seat belt buckles integrated into the rear seat are intended for the left and right seat occupants. The buckle marked "CENTER" is only to be used by a person occupying the center rear seat.

or breakable objects in pockets etc. The seat belt must not run across the wearer's neck, nor should it be trapped or abraded by coming into contact with sharp edges or objects.The seat belt should always be worn as close to the seat occupant's body as possible. If possible, avoid bulky cloth-ing and remember to tauten the belt fre-quently where it runs over the shoulder. In the event of a head-on collision, the lap belt could otherwise slide over the hips and injure the lower part of the body. In addition, the restraining effect is reduced if the seat belt is slack against the wearer's body. Pregnant women should also wear the seat belt,

cluchcashan

Wear the seat belts whenever the car is driven.

To fasten: the seat belt buckle must be

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Comply with the following instruc-tions concerning the wearing of

seat belts in order to avoid any adverse effects on personal safety or reduction in the belt's protective function. These instructions also apply to passengers in the car. Never restrain more than one person with each seat belt. Babies or small children must not travel on the lap of another occupant.The belts should not be twisted and must run firmly across the pelvis and shoulder. They should not pass over hard or fragile objects in your pockets. It should not pass over any sharp, solid

madoon

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Telltale lightThe telltale lamp confirms that the airbag system is ready to operate (from ignition key posi-

tion 1 onwards).

System operational:

> The telltale lamp comes on briefly and then goes out.

System defective:

> The telltale lamp does not come on, or

> the telltale comes on briefly, goes out briefly and then comes on again.

If there is a system fault, there is a risk that it will not be triggered off even if a sufficiently severe accident occurs within the airbag range.

Please have it checked by BMW Serv-ice without delay.

2 Head airbags (front)

3 Side airbags (front and at rear*)

Protective effectThe front airbags protect the occupants of the front seats in the event of a head-on collision, where the restraining effect of the seat belts alone would no longer be adequate. The head and side air-bags provide protection in the event of a side-on collision. The side airbag which inflates has the effect of support-ing the upper body from the side.

Airbags

1 Front airbags for the driver and front passenger

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The picture shows the main directions of impact to which the airbags respond.

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60nAirbags

en if all these instructions are com-ed with, injury to the face, arms or nds as a result of the airbag inflating nnot be entirely ruled out, depending the circumstances in which an acci-nt occurs. If the car's occupants are duly sensitive to the ignition and in-tion noise generated by the airbag stems, their hearing may be tempo-ily affected.

r further information on the airbag stem, see pages 170 and 203.

ChfoblefaAlrimargeallseThbatra

enstrtiotiocaAljoubafearnothbe

oose a seated position that is com-rtable but also at the maximum possi- distance from the steering wheel or

scia and door.ways grip the steering wheel on the otherwise you may suffer hand and

m injuries when the airbag is trig-red. No objects should be held or owed to rest between the airbag and at occupant.e cover of the front passenger's air-g should not be used as a storage y.

possible from the doors. Do not allow children to lean out of the seat towards the door, as this could result in consid-erable injury in the event of the airbags being triggered.<

Note the following instructions concerning airbags, in order to

sure that personal safety is not re-icted or the airbags's protective func-n adversely affected. These instruc-ns also apply to passengers in the r. ways fasten your seat belt on every rney, despite the presence of an air-g: the airbags are an additional safety ature, not a substitute. The airbags e not triggered off in minor accidents, r if the car rolls over or is struck from e rear. In such circumstances the seat lt provides optimum protection.

Do not use adhesive on, cover over or otherwise modify the upholstered cov-ers on the steering wheel, the dash-board, the side panels on front and rear doors and the roof struts, nor the sides of the roof liners. Never install child restraint systems on the front passenger's seat. Children under 12 and those who are smaller than 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) should travel on the rear seats and may be required to do so by law. When side airbags are fitted for back seat passengers, ensure that child seats are correctly mounted as far as

Evplihacaondeunflasyrar

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Folding away the child's seat:Release by pulling the loop forwards and down (arrow). Then press down from the top until the child's seat en-gages.

Use the integral child's seats only in conjunction with the head re-

straints.When repositioning the car's front seats, make sure that the child's feet are not trapped.Never leave children in the car on their own – even when occupying a child's seat.<

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Do not install child restraint sys-tems on the front seat, as injury

could be caused if the passenger's air-bag is triggered off.In no circumstances are child restraint systems to be modified, as their protec-tive effect may otherwise be impaired.<

seat positions, satisfy the legal require-ments of ECE Directive R-44 and are suitable for children between about 3g and 12 years of age (weighing 15 to 36 kg/33 to 80 lbs).For children aged from approx. 18 months to 3g a years (weighing between 9 and 18 kg (20 and 40 lbs), use these seats in conjunction with the "Comfort" seat back and impact-absorbing table; these are available from BMW Service.

Unfolding the child's seat:Reach under the front of the seat and pull it upwards diagonally to the rear (arrow). Then press the child's seat to the rear until it engages in position.

Child restraint systems*

For children up to 12 years of age and less than 150 cm (approx. 4 ft 11 in) tall, suitable approved restraint systems may have to be installed; comply with local regulations.

Small children up to about 18 months old can be secured with a rear-facing restraint system on the back seats, using standard seat belts.

BMW Service can supply suitable child restraint systems for every age group. Please comply with the notes in the in-stallation instructions when using these products.

Integral child's seat* These child's seats, in the two outer rear

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Page 63: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

62nChild restraint systems* Childproof door locks

ert key into slot on rear door and turn twards:

is door can now only be opened from outside.

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thIf loachne

en

e belts is maintained.damaged or subjected to severe ds in an accident, have the integral ild's seat (and other accessories if cessary) renewed by BMW Service.<

the

Note the safety instructions re-garding seat belts on page 58, to

sure that the full protective action of

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Before starting> Apply the handbrake>Move the gear lever to neutral (or

automatic transmission selector to P or N)

> At low temperatures, depress the clutch pedal.

Never run the engine in an en-closed space. The exhaust gas

contains carbon monoxide, which is colourless and odourless, but highly toxic. Inhaling exhaust gas constitutes a severe health risk and can lead to loss of consciousness with fatal conse-quences.Do not leave the car unattended with the engine running, as it then consti-tutes a considerable potential hazard.<

Starting the engine

moved in this position.

After removing the key, turn the steer-ing wheel slightly if necessary until the steering lock engages.

Automatic transmission cars: Do not move the selector lever away

from position P until the engine is run-ning (ignition key position 2).Before the ignition key can be returned to position 0 or pulled out, the auto-matic transmission selector lever must be moved to position P (interlock).<

0 Steering locked The key can only be inserted and re-

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1 Steering released A slight movement of the steering wheel often makes it easier to turn the key in the ignition from 0 to 1. Individual power consumers can then operate.

2 Ignition switched on/BMW 525td/tds, 530d:preheating

All electrical consumers are ready to operate.

3 Starting the engine

Ignition switch

Page 65: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

64nStarting the engine

rs with diesel enginehen the engine is cold:

Hold the ignition key in position 2 un-til the preheat telltale or display goes outStart the engine.At extremely low temperatures, the starter motor may have to be run for up to 40 seconds.

hen the engine is warm:

The preheat telltale or display does not come on. Start the engine imme-diately.

vement of the accelerator pedal has influence on the starting process.

not allow the engine to warm up at a ndstill, but drive off as soon as pos-le, using moderate engine speeds.

eeding the the fuel system:en if the fuel tank has been run dry, fuel system does not normally need

be bled.

ou nevertheless encounter difficul-s in starting the engine:

Run the starter motor for approx.20 seconds.

opleaThprsoIf stafube

Ca>

thenDostasibBMYoienth

erate the starter motor), then to re-se it.e starter then runs automatically for a edetermined period, and cuts out as on as the engine has started.the battery voltage is low, automatic rting cannot be activated, or the

nction is interrupted. The engine can jump started (refer to page 196).<

no

Dostasib

BlEvtheto

If ytie

>

rs with spark-ignition engineStart the engine without depressing the accelerator pedal.

Allow the starter motor to run for a reasonable time, but not for more

an about 20 seconds. As soon as the gine fires, release the ignition key. not allow the engine to warm up at a ndstill, but drive off as soon as pos-le, using moderate engine speeds.W 535iA, 540iA:

ur BMW is equipped with a conven-t-start system. It is sufficient to turn

e ignition key briefly to position 3 (to

If the engine does not start first time, for instance if it is very cold or very hot:

> Depress the accelerator pedal half-way while starting the engine.

Cold starts at very low ambient temper-atures (below approx. –156) at high altitude (more than 1000 m above sea level):

> On the first occasion, take longer over the starting operation (approx. 10 seconds)

> Depress the accelerator pedal half-way while starting the engine.

CaW

>

>

W

>

Mo

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Too violent an application of the hand-brake could over-brake the rear wheels and cause the rear of the car to skid.The brake lights do not come on when the handbrake is applied.Manual-gearbox cars:When parking on a slope, apply the handbrake, because merely engaging first or reverse gear may not prevent the car reliably from rolling away. Automatic transmission cars: Select position P.<

To avoid corrosion, apply the hand-brake lightly from time to time when coasting to a standstill, for instance at a traffic signal, provided that it is safe to do so.

all the time.

when the car is still moving, in order to prevent the steering lock from engaging.When leaving the car, always remove the ignition key and lock the steering.Manual-gearbox cars:When parking on a slope, apply the handbrake, because merely engaging first or reverse gear may not prevent the car reliably from rolling away.Automatic transmission cars:Select position P.<

the telltale in the instrument cluster lights up in ignition setting 2, refer to page 20.

ReleasingRaise slightly, press the knob and move the lever down.

The handbrake is primarily intended for preventing a stationary vehicle from rolling away, and acts on the rear wheels.

In exceptional cases, if the hand-brake has to be used to slow or

stop the car, do not pull the lever up too hard. Keep the knob on the lever held in

Stopping the engine Handbrake

Turn the ignition key back to 1 or 0.

BMW 530d:When the engine is cold, a fuel-burning auxiliary heater is used to warm the car's interior more rapidly. Its exhaust fumes are discharged under the door sill on the driver's side. If the engine is stopped before it has reached its regular operating tempera-ture, the auxiliary heater continues to run for a short time, and therefore pro-duces exhaust fumes.

Never take out the ignition key ApplyingThe lever engages automatically and

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66nManual gearbox

verse gage this gear only when the car is nding still. Press the gear lever to the t until slight resistance is overcome.

e reversing lamps then come on au-matically in ignition key position 2.

Never try to prevent the car from rolling back on an uphill gradient

slipping the clutch; always apply the ndbrake. A clutch that is allowed to p will wear rapidly.<

Wormpla

Thin (d

hen the lever is moved from a forward reverse gear into neutral, it is auto-atically spring-loaded to return to this ne of the gate.

(dot in picture).

When the lever is moved from a forward or reverse gear into neutral, it is auto-matically spring-loaded to return to this plane of the gate.

When selecting a gear in the 5th/6th gear plane, always press the

lever to the right, to avoid accidentally selecting a gear in the 3rd/4th plane of the gate.<

e gear lever comes to rest when not use in the 3rd/4th gear gate plane ot in picture).

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BMW 540iThe gear lever comes to rest when not in use in the 3rd/4th gear gate plane

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ReEnstalef

Thto

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ing the selector leverking mechanism is provided to pre-

accidental movement of the selec-tor lever to certain positions. To release the lock, press the button on the front of the selector lever knob (arrow).

Before moving the selector lever away from P or N with the car at a

standstill, you must press the brake pedal down to release the lever (shiftlock).Keep the brake pedal pressed down until ready to move away, so that the car does not creep forwards (or backwards as the case may be) with the gear engaged.<

Before leaving the car with the en-gine running, move the automatic

transmission selector lever to position P or N and apply the handbrake to prevent the car from moving.

sponds sensitively to your individual driving style and the actual road and traffic situation. Various shift programs are used for this purpose.

You will find more details on the AGS in the chapter headed "Technical Items of Interest" on page 202.

Starting the engineThe engine can only be started in posi-tions P or N.

The gear display differs according to your car's equipment specification (see pictures).

Automatic transmission*

Your BMW is equipped with Adaptive Transmission Control (AGS). It re-

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Selector lever positions P R N D S 3 2

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MovA locvent

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68nAutomatic transmission*

ift electronicsIf the warning lamp comes on or the message "TRANS. FAIL-SAFE PROG" appears in the

eck Control, an automatic transmis-n malfunction has occurred.

l lever positions can still be selected, t in the forward positions only certain ars are actually available when the r is driven.

oid excessive loads, and take the car the nearest BMW Service.

Do not work in the engine com-partment with the selector lever in

riving position, in case the car be-s to move unexpectedly.<

r towing away, tow-starting and jump rting see page 197 onwards.

Sefo

DUsThgestr

Dothpo

PEnstaloc

REnsta

N

lect only if the journey is interrupted

r a fairly long time.

Drive (automatic shift position)e this position for all normal driving. e system shifts up through all forward ars and the AGS functions in an unre-icted manner.

Kick-Down In the "kick-down" position, maximum acceleration and top speed are availa-ble in position D.Press the accelerator pedal down be-yond the regular full-throttle position; increased resistance will be felt.

a dgin

Fosta

not leave the car unattended with e engine running, as this constitutes a tentially severe accident risk.<

Parkgage this gear only when the car is nding still. The driven wheels are ked.

Reversegage this gear only when the car is nding still.

Neutral

S Sport programThis position is recommended if it is in-tended to make full use of the car's per-formance.

3 and 2 Shift-limiting positionsSelect these positions if you wish to restrict gear selection, for instance on steep uphill or downhill gradients in mountainous regions. The transmission continues to shift automatically, but only up to the selected gear.

Position 2 is also particularly suitable for use when towing a trailer.

Sh

Chsio

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Automatic transmission with Steptronic*

oving the selector leverlocking mechanism is provided to event accidental movement of the se-tor lever to certain positions. To re-se the lock, press the button on the nt of the selector lever knob (arrow).

Before moving the selector lever away from P or N with the car at a

ndstill, you must press the brake dal down to release the lever (shift-k).ep the brake pedal pressed down til ready to move away, so that the r does not creep forwards (or back-rds as the case may be) with the ar engaged.<

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mtiouawishto

YoTrspdr

If sitplamtoth

Yocosh

you move the selector lever from po-ion D to the left, into the M/S lever ne, this will activate automatic-trans-

ission shift programs that will appeal those who wish to adopt a more en-usiastic driving style. As soon as you ove the lever in the "+" or "–" direc-n, the Steptronic transmission's man-l gear shift mode is activated. If you sh to return to fully automatic gear ifts, move the lever back to the right, position D.

ur BMW is equipped with Adaptive ansmission Control (AGS). It re-onds sensitively to your individual iving style and the actual road and

the Chapter "Technical Items of Inter-est" on page 202.

Selector lever positionsP R N D M/S + –

Starting the engineThe engine can only be started in posi-tions P or N.

The gear display differs according to your car's equipment specification (see pictures).

lecleafro

stapelocKeuncawage

u can either drive the car as with a nventional automatic transmission, or ift between gears yourself.

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traffic situation. Various shift programs are used for this purpose.

You will find more details on the AGS in

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MA pr

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70n

M/S Manual mode and Sport programWhen changing from D to M/S, the Sport program is activated and D S dis-played on the instrument panel. This po-sition is recommended if it is intended to make full use of the car's available per-formance.

When the lever is next moved, the auto-matic transmission will switch from the Sport program to the manual-shift mode. If you move the lever forwards in the "+" direction, the transmission shifts up; if you move it to the rear, in the "–" direction, a downshift takes place. The gear display reads 1 to 5 or M1 to M5 according to version.

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Use this position for all normal driving. All forward gears are selected as nec-essary and the AGS is fully operational.

Kick-DownIn the "kick-down" position, maximum acceleration and top speed are availa-ble in position D.Press the accelerator pedal down be-yond the regular full-throttle position; increased resistance will be felt.

Automatic transmission with Steptronic*

Before leaving the car with the en-gine running, move the automatic

transmission selector lever to position P or N and apply the handbrake to pre-vent the car from moving.Do not leave the car unattended with the engine running, as this constitutes a potentially severe accident risk.<

P ParkEngage this gear only when the car is standing still. The driven wheels are locked.

R ReverseEngage this gear only when the car is standing still.

N NeutralSelect only if the journey is interrupted for a fairly long time.

D Drive (automatic shift position)

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Automatic transmission with Steptronic*

ift electronicsIf the warning lamp comes on or the message "TRANS. FAIL-SAFE PROG" appears in the

eck Control, an automatic transmis-n malfunction has occurred.

l lever positions can still be selected, t in the forward positions only certain ars are actually available when the r is driven.

oid excessive loads, and take the car the nearest BMW Service.

Do not work in the engine com-partment with the selector lever in

riving position, in case the car be-s to move unexpectedly.<

r towing away, tow-starting and pstarting, see page 197 onwards.

it

Thonforehigsege

ovth

Thfro

has first been moved back to D. speeding. a dgin

Fojum

e AGS performs up- and down-shifts ly at a suitable engine or road speed; r example, it will not shift down if the sulting engine speed would be too h. The instrument panel shows the

lected gear briefly, followed by the ar actually in use.

For rapid acceleration in the man-ual-shift mode – for example when

ertaking – shift down manually or use e kick-down to shift to a lower gear.<

e selector lever can only be moved m M/S to the positions P, R and N if

In the following situations, Steptronic "thinks for you" in the manual-shift mode:

> To prevent the engine from over-speeding, an up-shift to the next-higher gear takes place automatically shortly before the governed speed limit is reached in an intermediate gear

> At low speeds, a lower gear is se-lected automatically without any action on the driver's part

> The kick-down, when used, selects the lowest gear which can still be used without risk of the engine over-

Sh

Chsio

Albugeca

Avto

Page 73: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

72nTurn indicator/headlamp flasher Wipers

Parked position of wipers

Intermittent wipe setting or rain sensor*Normal wiper speed

Fast wiper speed

Flick wipe

Automatic windscreen wash

Automatic intensive cleaning*Knurled wheel for controlling the in-termittent wipe intervals andthe sen-sitivity of the rain sensor

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3

If mindth

1

2

Flashing turn indicators (green re-peater lamps with rhythmic ticking of flasher relay).

the telltale flashes and the relay ticks ore rapidly than usual, a flashing turn icator has failed; if towing a trailer,

e failed lamp could be on the trailer.

2

3

4

5

6

7

High beam headlamps (blue telltale lamp)

Headlamp flasher

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To indicate a turn brieflyMove the lever lightly, only as far as the first detent. It will cancel when re-leased.

0

1

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3 Fast wiper speedThe wipers switch to normal speed when the car comes to a standstill (not on cars with rain sensor).

5 Automatic windscreen wash Fluid from the washer tank is sprayed on to the windscreen and the wipers are operated for a short time.

If the lever is pulled only briefly, washer fluid will be sprayed on to the wind-screen, but the wipers will not be switched on.

6 Intensive cleaning, automatic*Same as 5, but intensive cleaning fluid is first sprayed on to the windscreen.

Changing the wiper blades: see page 176.

need to involve yourself in switching the windscreen wipers on and off, nor do you need to concern yourself with any of the settings between intermittent wipe and continuous wipe. Instead, you can focus your entire attention on pre-vailing road and traffic conditions. This advantage is particularly important in adverse weather conditions.

Activating the rain sensor:From ignition setting 1, shift into lever setting 1. In any event, the wipers will now cross the windscreen once.

2 Normal wiper speedThe wipers change over automatically to the intermittent wipe mode when the car comes to a standstill (not on cars with rain sensor).

Wipers

1 Intermittent wipe interval or rain sensor*

Intermittent wipe interval:

Using knurled wheel 7 you can select four intermittent wipe intervals. The wipe speed is also varied automati-cally, according to road speed.

Rain sensor:

When the rain sensor is activated, the wind screen wipers are controlled auto-matically in response to wetting of the windscreen (they of course also re-spond to snow). This means you do not

You can leave the lever in setting 1 all the time, then all you need to do is to activate the rain sensor from ignition setting 1. To do this,

> turn knurled wheel 7 briefly or> use the automatic windscreen clean-

ing function (5) or the automatic in-tensive cleaning function (6).

To vary the sensitivity of the rain sensor:turn knurled wheel 7.

Switch off the rain sensor in an au-tomatic car wash, or else the car’s

wipers may operate and be damaged.<

Page 75: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

74nWipers

ogramming is cancelled:

move the lever to position 0 for approx. 10 seconds, orwhen the engine is switched off.

hen the rear window is opened, its per is switched off. After closing the ndow it then has to be restarted if re-ired.

renew the wiper blade, see ge 176.

wa

WThmis

HeIf areawiop

if cthviebeDoflu

sher pump will be damaged.<

indscreen washer jetse windscreen washer jets are auto-

atically heated when the ignition key in position 2.

1 Rear window wiper operates intermit-tently. When reverse gear is engaged, the wiper operates continuously.

2 Automatic rear window washer

You can program the desired wipe interval:

>Move the lever briefly from position 0 to position 1 and back

> The time which elapses before switch-ing on again (from 0 to 1) is the pro-grammed wipe interval (max. 30 sec-onds).

adlamp cleaning*the headlamps are switched on, they e automatically cleaned as well on ch fifth occasion that the windscreen per or intensive cleaning system is erated.

The driver should only operate the washers and cleaning equipment

ertain that the fluid will not freeze to e windscreen and interfere with the w ahead. Antifreeze should therefore added to the fluid; see page 156. not run the washer systems if the id reservoirs are empty, or the

Rear window wiper – touring0 Parked position of rear window wiper

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Pr

>

>

Wwiwiqu

Topa

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Heated rear window Cruise control*

ld button 2 in:e car accelerates without the accel-ator pedal being touched. As soon as u release the switch, the speed the r has reached will be maintained and morised.

If engine braking alone is insuffi-cient on a downhill gradient, the

ntrolled speed may be exceeded. It y also prove impossible to maintain

th the available engine power on up-l gradients.<

celeratings button 3 briefly:y time you press the button, road d drops by approx. 1 km/h if you lready running with cruise control.

button 3 in:car slows down by automatically ng the throttle if you are already ing on cruise control. As soon as release the switch, the speed the as reached will be maintained and orised.

SwPrthhig

Wreatse

SwIf to

h power (fast thawing).

hen the telltale lamp goes out, the ar window heating continues to oper-e at reduced output, then switches it-lf off automatically.

itching offthe telltale lamp is on, press the but-n.

Activating the system From ignition key setting 2:Press button 1: the telltale in the instru-ment cluster lights up. You can then use the cruise control.

Maintaining and memorising speed, acceleratingPress button 2 briefly:The car's actual speed is maintained and memorised. Each time the switch is pressed briefly again, road speed is in-creased by approx. 1 km/h.

PresEverspeeare a

HoldThe cuttirunnyou car hmem

itching oness the button: while the telltale is lit, e heated rear window is operating at

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Above about 30 km/h (approx. 19 mph), you can memorise and call up the car's road speed.

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HoTheryocame

comawihil

De

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76n

Do not use the cruise control on twisting roads, in heavy traffic

which prevents a constant speed from being maintained or if the road surface is slippery (snow, rain, ice) or loose (stones, sand).<

Cruise control

Cancelling the cruise control When activated, press button 1: the tell-tale remains lit. You can use the cruise control again when required.

In addition, you interrupt the cruise con-trol function automatically:

>When braking >When operating the clutch or when

moving the automatic transmission selector lever from D to N

> If the selected speed is exceeded or not reached for a lengthy period, for instance by depressing the accelera-tor pedal.

Calling up memorised speedPress button 4:The speed last memorised is recalled and maintained once it has been reached again. If you turn the ignition key to setting 0, the stored road speed is cleared from memory and the system is de-activated.

De-activating the system If you have interrupted the cruise con-trol function, press button 1 once again. The telltale lamp goes out and the stored road speed is cancelled.

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Data

ster.

e layout of the displays differding to your car's equipmen

ip distance recorder reset to zero, press the knoignition key position 1 or bey

utside temperature disple outside temperature is dism ignition key position 1 on

u can change the dimension/7) by pressing

ver allow the engine to run in the red ne of the revolution counter.

this zone the fuel supply is inter-pted to protect the engine. This be-mes evident as an intermittent reduc-n in available power.

Trip distance recorder; outside temperature display Revolution counter

strument

rs ac-t.

b (arrow) ond.

ay played .

al unit

Ice warningIf the outside temperature falls to ap-prox. +36, a warning signal is heard and the display flashes for a short pe-riod.

The warning is repeated if the tempera-ture rises again to at least +66 and then drops a second time to +36.

The ice warning does not rule out the possibility of black ice also

occurring at temperatures that are other-wise above +36, for instance on bridges or where the road is in shadow.<

rucotio

Odometer (distance recorder) You can activate the displays shown on this Figure in ignition setting 0 by press-ing the button (arrow) on the in

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1 the button (arrow) in ignition setting 1 and holding it down

2 then turning the ignition key to 0.

Nezo

In

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clu

Thco

TrToin

OThfro

Yo(6

Page 79: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

78nEnergy Control Fuel gauge

Add fuel in good time, or else there is a risk of running the tank

y and causing damage to the engine the catalytic converter.<

fri

Wm

Inl/1ho

endly your current driving style is.

hen the car is halted, the needle oves back to zero.

When the warning light comes on, there are about

> 8l – BMW 520i, 523i, 528i, 525td/tds, 530d

> 10l – BMW 535i, 540i

of fuel left in the tank.

Fuel tank capacity: see page 223.

Certain vehicle positions, e.g. driving uphill for prolonged periods, may cause slight fluctuations in the fuel gauge reading.

dicates current fuel consumption in 00 km. This enables you to check w economical and environmentally

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The warning light comes on briefly as an operating check when the ignition is switched on.

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dror

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Data

Clock symbolShows that brake fluid renewal is due.

Periods during which the battery was disconnected are ignored by

the display.In such cases you must ensure that the brake fluid is renewed every two years regardless of the display. Also see page 161.<

ate engine and road speeds.

RedIf the warning light comes on or the COOLANT TEMPERATURE Check Control display appears*: the engine is too hot. Switch it off at once and allow to cool down.

Between the coloured zonesNormal operating temperature. At high outside temperatures or when loads on the car are severe, the needle may move up as far as the beginning of the red zone.

Checking coolant level: see page 160.

Green light-emitting diodesThe fewer are on, the sooner the next service will be due.

Yellow LEDThis lights up in conjunction with OILSERVICE or INSPECTION.

A service routine is due. Make arrange-ments with BMW Service.

Red LEDThe service routine is overdue.

Coolant thermometer Service Interval indicator

BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-

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The display layout varies according to your car's equipment specification.

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80n

raphic display e following instructions and

essages are depicted as sym

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iority 1

ese displays appear immediately, companied by a gong signal and by shing fault display symbols 1. If sev-al faults occur at the same time, they displayed in succession. The dis-ys remain in force until the faults ve been rectified, and cannot be ased with CHECK button 3:

RELEASE PARKINGBRAKECOOLANT TEMPERATUREThe temperature is too high. Stop the car immediately and switch off the engine; see page 160STOP! ENGINE OILPRESSEngine oil pressure has dropped too low. Stop the car immediately and switch off the engine; see page 157

Check Control

signal may be heard without any visual display.

sound a gong from ignition setting 2. They remain on display until the faults have been remedied:

1 Check low- and high-beam head-lamps and parking lights

2 Top up washer fluid – goes out after approx. 1 minute

3 Door open

4 Luggage compartment lid/tailgate open

5 Check rear light or brake light. A de-fective third (centre) brake light is in-dicated by the upper symbol.

At the end of a journey, when the driver's door is opened, the LIGHTS ON

beyond. A gong signal is always heard at the same time.

1 Symbol that a warning is present

2 Display

3 CHECK button

The system malfunction displays are di-vided into two priority categories:

flaerareplahaer

>>

>

status bols and

Alphanumeric display*Clear-text instructions and reminders are shown in ignition key position 2 and

390en

111

Pr

Thac

GThm

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Data

> SET TYRE PRESSURE*The RDC has accepted the prevailing tyre pressure as the nominal value it has to monitor.See pages 88

> CHECK TYRE PRESSURE*Check the tyre pressure at the next available opportunity (refueling stop) and correct to the specified levels.See pages 88

> TYRE CONTROL INACTIVE*Brief fault in RDC or system fault, refer to page 89

> CHECK BRAKE LIGHTSA bulb has failed or there is a fault in the electrical circuit; see page 179 and 192 or consult BMW Service

> CHECK LOWBEAM LIGHTSCHECK PARK LIGHTSCHECK TAIL LIGHTSCHECK FRONT FOGLAMPS*CHECK REAR FOGLIGHTSCHECK NUMPLATE LIGHTCHECK TRAILER LIGHTS*CHECK HIGHBEAM LIGHTCHECK REVERSE LIGHTSIn each case a bulb may have failed or the electrical circuit may have a fault. See page 177 onwards and 192 or consult BMW Service

BMW Service; see page 135> FUEL INJECT.SYS.*

Have a check performed by BMW Service; see also page 136

> LIMIT*Display shows whenever you are ex-ceeding the legal speed limit in a given country.

Display appears when the car has reached a given (low) speed

> FASTEN SEAT BELTS*The warning lamp with belt symbol also comes on

> PRE-HEATING*Do not start the engine until the dis-play has gone out

>WASHER FLUID LOWRestore the correct level at the earli-est opportunity; see page 156

> CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVAdd engine oil as soon as possible; see page 157

Check Control

> CHECK BRAKE FLUIDThe level is close to the minimum mark. Add fluid at the earliest oppor-tunity; see page 161. Have the cause of brake fluid loss traced and rectified by BMW Service

> TYRE DEFECT*Immediately reduce speed ready to stop, avoiding any pronounced brak-ing and steering manoeuvres while doing so.See pages 89

> SELFLEVEL SUSP. INACT*Have the car checked by the nearest

Priority 2

These faults or reminders are shown for 20 seconds in ignition key position 2 and beyond. After the text displays have gone out, symbols remain visible to indicate that there are fault mes-sages in the Check Control. The mes-sages can be called up again by press-ing CHECK button 3.

> BOOTLID OPENDisplay only appears when car is driven away from a standstill for the first time

> DOOR OPEN

Page 83: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

82nCheck Control

eck Control testess the CHECK button 3 in ignition y setting 2: the display should show ECK CONTROL OK.

ere are no malfunctions in the sys-s monitored.

mputerdescription of the computer is to be nd in "Radio and information sys-s" and "Monitor".

You can also have Check Control messages and computer informa-

n displayed in another language.<

Thca

>

>

>

>

>

>

sure and longer pedal travel may be needed when braking. Please have a check performed by BMW Service

e following message cannot be lled up again:

EXT. TEMP–5.06This is an example of the display. The actual outside temperature is shown if it is +36 or below; see also page 77.

After the ignition key has been removed and the display has gone out, you can call up CHECK CONTROL displays for up to approx. three minutes by pressing the CHECK button 3. If there are sev-eral displays, the CHECK button must be pressed more than once.

tio

TRANS FAILSAFE PROG*Please visit your nearest BMW Serv-ice centre, refer to page 67 or 69CHECK BRAKE LININGSHave the brake pads checked by BMW Service; see page 132RADIO KEY, BATTERY Renew the battery; see page 183CHECK COOLANT LEVELCoolant level is too low and should be topped up at the earliest opportu-nity; see page 160ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG*The Electronic Engine Output Control (EML) has a fault. Higher pedal pres-

Messages displayed at the end of a journeyAll malfunctions which have been indi-cated during a journey are displayed again in succession when the ignition key is turned back to position 0.

The following information is also pro-vided if appropriate:

> LIGHTS ONWarning at end of journey, when driver's door is opened

> CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVAdd engine oil at the earliest opportu-nity (when refuelling); see page 157.

ChPrkeCH

Thtem

CoA foutem

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Data

Operating range and average speed The range is calculated on the basis of distance actually covered.

The average speed display ignores any stationary periods where the engine was switched off.

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lever, from ignition key setting 1, you can call up on-board computer informa-tion in the instrument cluster display unit. Every time you press the button towards the steering column, another function is displayed on screen (i.e. scrolling function).

The sequence of displays is:ambient temperature, average fuel con-sumption, range, average road speed.

From ignition setting 1, the most recent setting appears on the display.

The layout of the displays differs according to your car's equipment.

You can change the unit of measure-ment for the ambient temperature dis-play (6/7), by

1 pressing and holding down the reset button for the trip distance display (odometer)

2 then turning the ignition key to 0.

See also page 77.

On-board computer

Calling up functionsUsing the button in the turn indicator

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Outside temperature and average fuel consumption

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Page 85: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

84nOn-board computer

mputer with alpha-numerical splay*our car has Check Control with an ha-numerical display, the computer

described in the operating instruc-ns "Radio and information systems".

ClWplalevdis

earing the displayhile average speed is being dis-yed, if you press the turn indicator er briefly, the on-board computer play can be switched off.

Recalculating If you hold the button down longer, the average values displayed for fuel con-sumption and road speed are recalcu-lated, starting from this point in time. The engine must be running.

CodiIf yalpis tio

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The PDC cannot act as a substi-tute for your personal assessment

obstructions. The sensors have cer-n "dead areas" in which objects can-t always be detected. In addition, the tection of obstacles can reach the ysical limits of ultrasonic measure-nt, e.g. trailer towbars and couplings

thin and painted objects. ud sound sources such as loud ra-s can overpower the signal tone of PDC.<

Keep the sensors clean and free from ice, so that they always oper-

reliably. not spray the sensors for any length time with a high-pressure cleaning . Keep such jets at least 10 cm (ap-ox. 4 in) away from the sensors.<

Park Distance Control (PDC)*

lever moved to R. It is switched off when the lever is moved out of reverse gear or away from position R. If you are towing a trailer, of course, the system cannot make the appropriate measure-ments and is therefore out of action.

than usual is heard when the system is first activated, it is malfunctioning. Have the cause traced and rectified by BMW Service.

ateDoof jetpr

PDC assists you when reversing the car into a parking space. An audible warn-ing signal tells you how far you are from obstructions behind the car. To do this, four ultrasonic sensors in the back bumper measure the distance to the nearest object. The measuring range for the two corner sensors ends approx. 60 cm (approx. 2 ft) behind the bumper. The two centre sensors have a range of approx. 1.50 m (approx. 5 ft).

In ignition key position 2, the system is activated automatically after approx. 1 second when reverse gear is selected or the automatic transmission selector

Audible warning signalsThe distance from an obstruction is in-dicated by an intermittent audible sig-nal. The closer the car approaches the obstruction, the more rapid the se-quence of signals. When the distance is less than 30 cm (approx. 12 in), the sig-nal becomes continuous.

The signal is interrupted after approx. 3 seconds if the distance from the ob-stacle remains constant during this time, for instance when reversing paral-lel to a wall.

If a continuous signal at a pitch higher

of tainodephmeorLodiothe

Page 87: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

86nASC+T/DSC*

itching on againess the button a second time; the tell-e lamp will go out.

Not even ASC+T/DSC can over-come the laws of physics. If the

it speed is exceeded, the driver is re-onsible for the consequences: a lack traction and poor lateral roadholding. e extra safety potential offered by s system must never be understood an invitation to take additional risks.<

u will find further details on ASC+T/C in the Chapter "Technical items of

st", page 203.

Thnaer

ThASmingin Nomth

Thth

AuplSt

> if snow chains are fitted.See also page 133.

ese systems ensure additional dy-mic stability, particularly when accel-ating and cornering.

e DSC adds to the advantages of C+T. In addition to achieving opti-

um dynamic stability when accelerat- and starting from a standstill, a gain

stability is obtained when cornering. te however that the car always re-

ains subject to the limits imposed by e basic laws of dynamics.

e system is in operation whenever e engine has been started.

tion of the ASC+T/DSC stability control function. Please visit BMW Service for repair work.

Switching offPress the button; the telltale lamp will come on.

Depending on the car's equipment, the button is marked either ASC or DSC.

When ASC+T/DSC is switched off, you are driving conventionally. It is advisa-ble to switch off the system to improve traction:

> if the car has to be rocked out of a hollow or a soft surface, or started in deep snow or on a loose surface

intere

tomatic Stability Control us Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic ability Control (DSC)*

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Telltale lampThe telltale lamp in the instru-ment cluster goes out shortly after the engine has been

started. See page 21.

If the telltale lamp flashes:The system is active, that is to say it is compensating for fluctuations in trac-tion caused by the road surface.

If the telltale lamp does not go out after the engine has been started or comes on during the journey:The system is defective, but the car it-self is fully operational with the excep-

SwPrtal

limspof Ththias

YoDS

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Electronic Damping Control (EDC)*

ort programith the ignition key in position 2, press EDC button (arrow); the telltale lamp

xt to the S will come on.

e Sport program should be selected ou require a firmer response from the spension in all operating situations.

change over to automatic control: ess the button again; the telltale lamp ll go out.

anfo

Ththda

d therefore enhances both ride com-rt and safety.

is system automatically ensures at movement of the road wheels is mped according to the car's needs,

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Automatic control Automatic control is activated each time the engine is started. It takes effect over the entire road-speed range and regardless of the load on the car. If the influencing factors change (road sur-face and other operating factors such as steering, braking etc.), the damping force exerted by the shock absorbers is automatically varied within a fraction of a second.

SpWthene

Thif ysu

ToPrwi

Page 89: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

88n

If there is a loss of tyre pressureIf the tyre pressure has dropped too far after a short time (quite normal on any tyre), the yellow telltale lamps up or the message "check tyre pressure" appears in the Check Control.

This is to remind you that the tyre pres-sure should be corrected to the speci-fied values again as soon as possible.

If you are asked to check tyre pressures shortly after correcting

them, the corrected pressure values were not plausible. Please check the tyre pressures again and correct them to the values specified in the tyre pres-sure table. After this, re-activate the system.<

sure is not normal. do not start the engine)2 Keep the button pressed in (arrow)

until the yellow telltale lamp on the in-strument panel comes on for a few seconds or the Check Control dis-plays "SET TYRE PRESSURE"

3 After the car has been driven for sev-eral minutes, the RDC adopts the ac-tual tyre pressures as the nominal values which it is to monitor.

Do not repeat this process until you have ensured that tyre pressures are correct. Otherwise RDC operates auto-matically in ignition setting 2 and there-fore takes effect during every journey.

Tyre pressure control (RDC)*

The principleThe RDC monitors tyre pressures at all four road wheels, both at a standstill and when the car is being driven. The system reports any sudden loss of pressure in one or more tyres.

To enable the RDC to "get to know" the correct tyre pressure, check tyre pres-sures in all tyres against the tyre pres-sure table on page 27 and correct if necessary. Then activate the system.

This telltale in the instrument cluster or the Check Control in-forms you whenever tyre pres-

Activating the system1 Turn the ignition key to position 2 (but

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Tyre pressure control (RDC)*

ultse RDC can be subjected to brief in-ference locally by outside equipment

devices which use the same radio quency.

hile there is a fault in the system, the llow telltale lamps up or the message yre pressure control inactive" ap-ars in the Check Control.

e same display appears

in the event of a system fault if a wheel not equipped with RDC is fitted to the car if one or more wheels equipped with RDC electronics are carried on the car in addition to the spare wheel.

nsult BMW Service if necessary.

cabe

WIf ofthin go

Wimande

wiis

lly after fitting, when the system has en activated.<

Co

ith a burst tyreyou suffer a tyre defect involving loss pressure, the red telltale lamps up, or e message "TYRE DEFECT" appears the Check Control. In addition, a ng sounds.

hen this occurs, slow down to a stop mediately, avoiding harsh braking d steering manoeuvres. Replace the fective wheel with tyre.

The spare wheel supplied as standard with your car is equipped

th the necessary RDC electronics and therefore also monitored automati-

The RDC system cannot provide advance notification of any serious

sudden tyre damage caused by external influences.<

Have your tyres changed by BMW Service.

BMW Service is informed about how to handle RDC and is equipped with the necessary special tools.<

FaThterorfre

Wye"Tpe

Th

>>

>

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90n

rn the knurled wheel to vary the ensity of the lighting.

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Sidelights/low-beam (dipped) headlamps Instrument lighting

Low beam headlampsIf you switch off the ignition while the low-beam headlamps are switched on, only the park-

ing lights remain lit.

You can also have the "Delayed switch-off" ("Follow-me-home")

headlamp setting selected: if the head-lamp flasher lever is operated, the low-beam headlamps then remain on for a short time after the ignition has been switched off.<

You can have the daytime dipped headlamp setting selected on your

car.<

Side lights

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LIGHTS ON warningWhen the ignition key is turned back to 0 and the driver's door is opened, a buzzer sounds for several seconds as a reminder if the lights are still on.

On cars with alphanumerical Check Control*:the reminder appears on the Check Control; see page 81.

Daytime (dim-dip) circuit*If desired, the light switch can remain in the second position: when the ignition is turned off, the car's lights go out.

Tuint

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Data

igh-beam/parking lights

1 High-beam headlamps

2 Headlight flasher (blue telltale lamp)

3 Parking lights

Right or left parking lightsIn ignition key position 0, move the turn indicator lever beyond its normal left or right turn position until it reaches a final detent and is retained there.

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besu

Va

0 1 1

He

To ing

a

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m headlamps must be adjusted to it the load carried in the car:

lues in ( ) apply when towing a trailer.

(1) = 1 to 2 persons without luggage(1) = 5 persons without luggage (2) = 5 persons with luggage

2 (2) = 1 person, load area or luggage compartment full

equipped with automatic beam angle adjustment.

adlight beam throw adjustment* H

avoid dazzling the drivers of oncom- vehicles, the beam throw of the low

Cars with self-levelling suspension*:All load conditions: position 0.Exception:1 person, luggage compartment or load area full or when towing a trailer: posi-tion 1.

Comply with permitted rear axle load, see page 217.

Please use the correct settings to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.<

Xenon headlamps*Cars with xenon headlamps are

Page 93: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

92nFog lights Interior lighting

e interior lights are controlled auto-tically.

itching interior light on and off anuallyess the button (arrow) briefly.

switch off the light permanently, hold button depressed for about 3 sec-

ds.

cancel this mode, press the button.

e load-area light in the touring oper-s similarly.

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when the fog lights are in use.

ar fog lights*The yellow telltale lamp in the instrument cluster comes on when the rear foglights are lit.

SwmPr

Totheon

To

Thate

g lights*The green telltale lamp on the instrument panel comes on

Foglights and rear foglightsPlease comply with local leg-islation concerning the use of front and rear fog lights.

Thma

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Data

senger area. They can be switched on and off using the buttons beside them.

To protect the battery, all lights in-side the car are switched off about

15 minutes after the ignition key has been turned to 0.<

Interior lighting Reading lights

Footwell lights The footwell lights operate in the same way as the interior light.

There are reading lights at the front next to the interior light, and in the rear pas-

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Page 95: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

94nAir conditioning

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Data

seat passengers 97

6 Temperature 96

7 Air flow directed on to the>Windows > Upper body area > Footwell

Any intermediate position is pos-sible; see page 96

8 Air supply 96Air temperature control takes effect when the fan is switched on

9 Heated rear window 96

10 Cooling 96

11 Recirculated air mode 96

Air conditioning

1 Air supply to windscreen and side windows

2 Air to the upper body areaThe knurled wheels down the sides open and close the air vents (any in-termediate setting possible) and the levers alter the direction of air flow. The centre knurled wheel varies the temperature of the airflow; see page 97

3 Airflow to footwells

4 Airflow to rear-seat footwells

5 Airflow to upper-body area, rear-

Page 97: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

96nAir conditioning

itch off the air conditioning at out-e temperatures below approx. 56. is helps to prevent the windows from sting up. he windows fog over immediately er switching off the air conditioning, itch it on again.

Moisture condensate forms in the air conditioning and is discharged

derneath the car. Traces of water on ground are therefore normal.<

circulated air modeIf there are strong smells out-side, you can shut off the sup-ply of outside air for temporary

iods. The air inside the car is then irculated.

our car has a multifunctional steering eel with recirculated air button, this also be used to shut off the incom- airflow (see page 23).

If the windows fog over in the recirculated air mode, switch it off

, if necessary, increase the airflow.<

Te

thpean

Ai

is

TiFo22drseFoTuthbobetioha

Thobind

started.

mperatureThe scale values are guide fig-ures for the interior tempera-ture. 226 has been found to be a pleasant setting. When

e car is in motion, the selected tem-rature is reached as soon as possible d held constant.

r distribution You can direct air on to the windows, on to the upper body and into the foot-well. Any intermediate setting

possible. In position a small

from outside the car is entirely shut off.

Heated rear window When the heated rear window is switched on, the telltale lamp comes on. The heated

rear window switches itself off automat-ically.

CoolingAir is cooled when the air con-ditioner is switched on, then is heated back to suit the tem-

perature setting. Depending on weather conditions, the windscreen may fog over momentarily when the engine is

perrec

If ywhcaning

and

ps for pleasant drivingr the air temperature 6 the setting 6 will normally result in pleasant iving conditions. For air distribution tting 7, move selector to "6 o'clock". r setting 8, move to centre position. rn outlets 2 so that the airflow passes e occupants without striking their dies directly. Turn the knurled wheel tween air vents 2 into a central posi-n to allow slightly cooler air to en-nce fatigue-free driving.

e description below tells you how to tain various settings which may be ividually preferred.

amount of air continues to reach the windows in order to prevent them from fogging over. The 6 o'clock setting is recommended in normal conditions (see illustration and overview of system on page 94).

Air supplyThe airflow volume can be continuously varied. The greater the incoming flow of air, the more effective heating

and ventilation will be. In position 0 the blower and air conditioning are switched off and the fresh air supply

SwsidThmiIf taftsw

unthe

Re

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Micro-filter The micro-filter traps dust and pollen in the incoming airflow. It is renewed when your BMW Service carries out routine maintenance work. If airflow is noticeably less than usual, this may in-dicate that the filter should be renewed earlier.

body area can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences:

Turn knurled wheels 1 to open or close the outlets steplessly. Alter the direc-tion of the airflow by moving levers 2.

Turn outlets so that the airflow passes the occupants without striking their bodies directly.

Knurled wheel 3 blends a varying amount of cool air with the air for the upper body area outlets:

> Turn towards the blue mark – cooler> Turn towards the red mark – warmer.

lessly. The airflow direction is varied at levers 2.

The air emerging here is slightly cooler that the air for the footwells.

Air conditioning

Draught-free ventilation The outlets for the occupants' upper

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Rear-seat area ventilationKnurled wheel 1 opens the outlets step-

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Page 99: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

98nAir conditioning

pid heating Select an interior temperature which you find pleasant at the rotary tem-perature control, e.g. 226Turn the rotary air distribution control to position Turn the rotary blower control (air supply) fully to the rightClose the rear seat-area outlets.

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23

4

5

6

Co1

perature control, e.g. 226Switch on the air conditioningTurn the rotary air distribution control to position Set the rotary blower control (air sup-ply) to a central positionOpen the air outlets for the upper body zoneTurn knurled wheel 3 to a tempera-ture setting which you find pleasant; see "Draught-free ventilation", page 97.

perature control, e.g. 2262 Switch on the air conditioning and

select the recirculated-air mode3 Turn the rotary air distribution control

to position 4 Turn the rotary blower control (air

supply) fully to the right5 Open the air outlets for the upper

body zone6 Set knurled wheel 3 to cold (blue);

see page 97.

2

3

4

olingSelect an interior temperature which you find pleasant at the rotary tem-

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Rapid ventilation1 Select an interior temperature which

you find pleasant at the rotary tem-

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Ra1

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1 Select an interior temperature which you find pleasant at the rotary tem-perature control, e.g. 226

2 Turn the rotary air distribution control to position

3 Turn the rotary blower control (air supply) fully to the right

4 Close the rear seat-area outlets5 To defrost the rear window, switch on

rear window heating.

The latent heat store* enables heat to be obtained from ignition key position 1 on, even if the engine is not running.

condensation, the following settings are recommended:

1 Select an interior temperature which you find pleasant at the rotary tem-perature control, e.g. 226

2 Turn the rotary air distribution control to position

3 Set the rotary blower control (air sup-ply) to a central position

4 Close the rear seat-area outlets.

Air conditioning

Defrosting and demisting windows

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HeatingIf the windows are free from ice and

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Page 101: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

100nAutomatic air conditioning*

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passengers 105

6 Automatic air distribution 102

7 Individual air distribution 102

8 Temperature – left side 102

9 Temperature display, air supply 102

Automatic air conditioning*

1 Air supply to windscreen and side windows

2 Air to the upper body areaThe knurled wheels down the sides open and close the air vents (any in-termediate setting possible) and the levers alter the direction of air flow. The centre knurled wheel varies the temperature of the emerging air; see page 104

3 Air to footwells

4 Air to rear-seat footwells

5 Air to upper body area, rear-seat

10 Temperature – right side 102

11 Defrosting and demisting windows 103

12 Air conditioning 103

13 Automatic Recirculated Air Control (AUC) 103

14 Heated rear window 75, 104

15 Air supply 103

16 Residual heat utilisation 104

17 Air inlet grille for interior tempera-ture sensor – keep unobstructed

Page 103: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

102nAutomatic air conditioning*

erature You can also select your own in-dividual temperature setting on driver and passenger sides of

r. The displayed values are a to the actual interior temperature. is recommended as a pleasant g, whether or not the air condi-g is in operation. During the jour-he chosen temperature is reached ickly as possible – in summer and ter – and maintained at a constant .

nurled wheel 3 (see "Draught-free ation", page 104) to a central set-ince slightly cooler air at this level

lps to prevent driving fatigue. is feature can be used primarily for nding air to make slight adjustments d enhance personal comfort.

You can obtain full output from the heater (non-regulated) at the 326

tting. At 166 the full cool air output obtained when the air conditioning is itched on.<

he

Thobind

auobwi

A Prtope225610wisoingpathbeartin

lps to avoid driving fatigue.

e description below tells you how to tain various settings which may be ividually preferred.

You can have your car pro-grammed so that your preferred

tomatic air conditioning settings are tained whenever you unlock the car th your personal remote-control key.<

cooling effect is obtained when knurled wheel 3 (see page 104) is in the cold setting.

Individual air distributionYou can also switch off the AUTO program and choose your own combination of air distribu-tion settings. Air flows on to the

windows, to the upper body zone and to the footwell .

tinheThblean

seis sw

pleasant interior temperatureess AUTO key 4 to switch on the au-matic mode. Choose an interior tem-rature which you find pleasant, e.g. 6. Above ambient temperatures of

you can also use the air conditioner . This dries the air and prevents the ndows from misting up, for instance if meone sits in the car with wet cloth-. Turn outlets 2 so that the airflow sses the occupants without striking eir bodies directly. The knurled wheel tween outlets 2 for the upper body ea should be turned to a central set-g, since slightly cooler air at this level

Automatic air distribution The AUTO program handles the setting of air distribution for you

and also adapts your temperature pref-erences to suit ambient conditions (summer, winter). It ensures a pleasant interior climate at every time of year. Select a pleasant interior temperature for yourself, e.g. 226. Selected tem-peratures and the reminder AUTO for the airflow appear on display 7; see overview on page 100. Open the outlets for the occupants' upper body zone. Switch the air conditioning on in the warm season of the year. Maximum

Temp

the caguide226 settintioninney, tas quin winvalue

Turn kventil

g, s

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Automatic Recirculated Air Control (AUC)

If the air outside the car has an unpleasant odour or contains

pollutants, you can shut off the suply to the interior of the car temporarily. The air inside the car is then recirculated. Obtain the desired operating mode by pressing the button as often as neces-sary.

> Telltale lights off: fresh air enters car from the outside.

> Left telltale lamp on – AUC operation: the system identifies pollutants in the outside air and shuts off the supply if necessary. The air inside the car is then recirculated.After this, the automatic system switches between outside air supply and recirculated air according to the available air quality.

> Right telltale lamp on: the outside air supply is permanently shut off. The air inside the car is recirculated.

If your car has a multifunctional steering wheel with recirculating air switch (see page 23), you can use it to change be-tween "Off" and the recirculating air mode (or between AUC and the recircu-lating air mode).

"–", all displays disappear: blower, heating and air conditioning are switched off and the air supply shut off. The automatic air conditioning can be switched on again by pressing any but-ton (except REST button 14).

Defrosting and demisting windows

This program removes ice and condensation quickly from the

windscreen and from the side windows.

on again.

Moisture condensate forms in the air conditioning and is discharged

underneath the car. Traces of water on the ground are therefore normal.<

Automatic air conditioning*

Air supply

In the AUTO program, air sup-ply is controlled automatically;

AUTO appears in display 7 – see the summary on page 100. Using "+" and "–" you can vary the air supply. Your en-try is indicated by a bar display, the au-tomatic air supply is switched off and the automatic airflow distribution sys-tem remains unchanged. However, you can switch the automatic air supply sys-tem back on by pressing the AUTO but-ton.

In the lowest fan setting, if you press

Air conditioningAir is cooled and dried when the air conditioner is switched on,

then is heated back up to suit the tem-perature setting.Depending on weather conditions, the windscreen may fog over momentarily when the engine is started.At outside temperatures below approx. 56, switch off the air conditioning. This helps to prevent the windows from misting up. If the windows fog over immediately the air conditioning is switched off, switch it

Page 105: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

104nAutomatic air conditioning*

aught-free ventilation e outlets for the occupants' upper dy area can be adjusted to suit your rsonal preferences:

rn knurled wheels 1 to open or close outlets steplessly. Alter the direc-

n of the airflow by moving levers 2.

rn outlets so that the airflow passes occupants without striking their dies directly.

urled wheel 3 blends a varying ount of cool air with the air for the per body area outlets:

Turn towards the blue mark – coolerTurn towards the red mark – warmer

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Inseingthto

an

He

cosw

Re

whsta

ignition setting 1, you can adjust the ttings of the automatic air condition- system. In ignition key position 0,

e heated air is directed automatically the windscreen, side windows and

footwells.

This function can be activated if outside temperature is below ap-

prox. +156, the engine is at its regular operating temperature and the battery is sufficiently charged.<

pe

Tuthetio

Tuthebo

Knamup

>>

If the windows fog over in the re-circulated air mode, switch it off

d, if necessary, increase the airflow.<

ated rear windowWhen the heated rear window is switched on, the telltale lamp

mes on. The heated rear window itches itself off automatically.

sidual heat utilisationHeat from the engine is stored and used to heat the car's interior

en the ignition is switched off, for in-nce when waiting at a level crossing.

Latent heat store*Automatically activated in ignition key position 1 when residual heat is used.

DrThbo

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lessly. Use knurled wheel 3 to vary the temperature of the airflow, subject to the position of the knurled wheel at the front of the car.

You can vary the airflow direction at levers 2.

Automatic air conditioning*

Rear-seat area ventilationKnurled wheel 1 opens the outlets step-

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Micro-filter and activated charcoal filter The micro-filter traps dust and pollen in the incoming airflow. The activated charcoal filter in addition removes gas-eous pollutants from the air entering the car. This combined filter is changed by BMW Service during routine mainte-nance work. If the airflow is noticeably less than usual, this may indicate that the filter should be renewed earlier.

Page 107: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

106nHeated seats* Steering wheel heating* Roller sunblind*

om ignition setting 1, press the button operate.

ller sun blinds for rear side indows*ll the blind out at its loop and secure o the retainer.

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Byca

Thwhmonsta

Diwhsekepe

Thhetio

pressing the button repeatedly, you n obtain different heat outputs.

e maximum heat output is obtained en three telltale lamps are on, the

inimum heat output when only one is . Temperature control is by thermo-t.

rect switching off is also possible en a higher heat output has been lected:ep the button pressed in for a longer riod.

When the steering wheel is being heat-ed, the telltale lamp in the button is on.

If your car has a multifunctional steering wheel without steering wheel heating, this position is occupied by the recircu-lated air button (see page 23).

RowPuit t

e seat cushion and seat back can be ated when the ignition key is in posi-n 2.

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The steering wheel heating is opera-tional in ignition key position 2; to switch on and off, press the key (arrow).

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Frto

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Auxiliary ventilation*

Ventilates the interior of the car and lowers its temperature by means of the (automatic) air conditioning blower.

The auxiliary ventilation is operated by the Multi-Information-Display (MID) or the on-board monitor; refer to your Operating Manual.

Two different switch-on times can be preselected; the ventilation system then runs for 30 minutes. It can also be switched on and off directly. Since its current consumption is high, it should not be run twice in succession unless there has in the meantime been an op-portunity to recharge the car's battery by driving the car.

Independent ventilation control can be operated at any outside temperature above 166 if the switch-on time is preselected, or switched on directly at any outside temperature, but not when the car is being driven.

Air emerges from the variable-flow, controlled-direction outlets for the up-per body zone on the fascia. These out-lets must therefore remain open if the independent ventilation system is to be used.

In ignition key position 1, the airflow volume and air distribution are adjusted in the same way as for auxiliary heating.

The auxiliary heater runs for 30 minutes. It can also be switched on and off di-rectly. Since its current consumption is high, it should not be run twice in suc-cession unless there has in the mean-time been an opportunity to recharge the car's battery by driving the car.

The auxiliary fuel-burning heater can be operated at outside temperatures be-low 166 if the switch-on time is prese-lected, or switched on directly at any outside temperature. This only applies when the car is driven, however, until the engine has reached its regular oper-ating temperature.

once a month, then switched off again after about 5 minutes.<

Do not operate the auxiliary heater in confined spaces (closed

rooms). Always switch off the auxiliary heater before refuelling the car.<

Auxiliary heater*

If your car has an auxiliary fuel-burning heater, it is also equipped with inde-pendent ventilation control. Cars are also supplied with independent ventila-tion control only.

Both systems are operated by the Multi-Information-Display (MID) or the on-board monitor; refer to the Operat-ing Manual.

Two different switch-on times can be preselected, so that you can be sure that the car's interior is warm when it is next entered. Snow and ice are also easier to remove from the windows.

The heated air is directed automatically to the windscreen, side windows and footwell; maximum heating output is al-ways used.

In ignition key position 1 you can adjust the interior temperature, air supply and air distribution.The auxiliary heater continues to run for a short period after it has been switched off (telltale lamp out).

Even during the warm season of the year the auxiliary heater

should be switched on directly about

Page 109: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

108nRemote control for auxiliary heater*

terferenceeration of the remote control may be erfered with by outside equipment erating on the same frequency.

is sig

Sw12

3

3

4

Yoanpr

1

2

the first three regular flashes have been seen.

Telltale light

Switching off

u can switch the auxiliary heater on d off with the remote control handset ovided that the outside temperature below 166. The average range for nal reception is approx. 350 metres.

itching onExtend aerial 2 fullyPress button 1. Telltale light 3 comes on three times, then emits short rhythmic flashes for the remainder of the operating period (max. 30 min-utes)Push the aerial back in, but only after

ning after a preselected time input or direct switch-on.<

Switching on

Radio aerial

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Switching off1 Extend aerial 2 fully2 Press button 4. The telltale lamp

flashes three times and then goes out3 Finally, push the aerial back in.

Renewing the battery and operating a new transmitter: see page 185.

The best signal transmission is obtained if the remote control is

held either vertical or horizontal. When switching on and off, do not touch the aerial or point it at the car.The remote control only operates the auxiliary heater if this is not already run-

InOpintop

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Data

The lid of the compartment on the front, inclined section of the centre console can be slid open and closed (arrow).If a cassette holder* is installed, each cassette compartment is opened by pressing the small button next to it.

Compartment on centre console be-tween front seats: To open, reach into the recess and pull up. If a car phone is installed, it will occupy this compart-ment.

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Storage compartments

automatically.

To closeSwing the lid up.

LockingLock with a master key. The glove box can only be unlocked with a master key.

If you only hand over the door key and ignition key, for example to

hotel staff (see page 34), this will pre-vent unauthorised access to the glove box.<

To openPull the handle. The lamp comes on

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After using the glove box, close its lid without delay, so that it cannot

cause injury in the event of an acci-dent.<

Rechargeable hand lamp* This is inside the glove box, on the left.The lamp is protected against over-charging and can therefore remain in the socket when it is not in use.

Always switch the lamp off before inserting it into the socket, or else

it could be overcharged and damaged.<

Glove box

Page 111: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

110nStorage compartments Car phone* Drink can holders*

ere are two holders for drink cans or ps at the front of the centre console e illustration) and another two at the d of the centre console, below the ille.

ess briefly to release and open them; ing back inwards when not required.

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Thto

Thdo

free microphone in the roof lining, near the interior lamp.

For further information on the car phone, see the separate operating instructions.

engr

Prsw

ere is an open storage compartment the left of the steering column.

ere is further storage space in all ors and on the front seat backs*.

Hands-free telephone system* On cars prepared for telephone installa-tion* there is a trim panel for the hands-

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Thcu(se

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Cigarette lighter*

Press the recess (arrow) briefly, then press the cigarette lighter in.

The cigarette lighter can be removed when it pops back out.

Hold the hot cigarette lighter only by its knob, or else you may suffer

burns.The cigarette lighter remains opera-tional when the ignition key has been removed. For this reason, do not leave children in the car unattended.<

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arrow.

To extinguish a cigarette, knock off the ash and insert a short distance only into the funnel-shaped hole.

ashtray will pop up and can be re-moved.

On cars with non-smoker fittings, the insert is removed in the same way.

Ashtray, front*

To openPress briefly in the direction of the

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To emptyPress the edge of the lid (arrow): the

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112nCigarette lighter* Ashtray, rear*

CiThvavidpo20noplu

Onso

To empty Press the edge of the lid (arrow). the ashtray will pop up and can be re-moved.

garette lighter socket is can be used for a hand lamp, cuum cleaner or similar device, pro-ed that it runs on 12 V DC and its wer consumption does not exceed 0 Watts. Make sure that the socket is t damaged by attempting to insert gs of the wrong pattern.

cars with non-smoker fittings, the cket is at the same point.

To open Press the recess briefly.

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Each seat back can be locked with one of the car's master keys.

This prevents access to the luggage compartment from the inside of the car if you are obliged to hand over door and ignition key 3 (see page 34). This is an advantage, e.g. in hotels.

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other two-thirds of the total width. Either side can be folded forwards indi-vidually if long or bulky objects have to be carried in the car.

Folding:Insert the fingers into the recess and pull forwards (arrow 1).

When the seat backs are returned to the raised position again, make sure that their catches engage correctly. The red panel (arrow 2) must move down.

> If you connect up the two belt sec-tions, you can use the centre seat belt just like any normal three-point seat belt.

> Disconnecting the seat belt (arrow) makes it more convenient to fold down the larger seat back.

The rear seat back is divided into two sections, one of them one-third and the

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The centre seat belt has a small addi-tional belt lock.

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Through-loading system*

Page 115: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

114nSki bag*

stalling the centre armrestert the centre armrest from the top d press it down until it is heard to en-ge in its holders.

Make sure that the pins at the sides do not damage the seat up-

lstery.<

Thsk

Usthco2.lensabe

1 Unfold the centre armrest completely2 Detach the cover over the opening at

the top (it has a burr fastener) and place it on the armrest

3 Hold the front of the armrest with one hand, place the other hand under the armrest and move it sharply upwards (arrow).

is enables a maximum of four pairs of is to be carried safely and kept clean.

ing the full length of the ski bag and e additional space in the luggage mpartment, skis up to a length of 10 m can be carried. If skis of this gth are carried, however, the ski

ck will only be able to hold two pairs fore it becomes too narrow.

Removing the centre armrest (Not on cars with through-loading sys-tem or on touring; see page 116).

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InInsanga

ho

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Secure the skis or any other stored objects with the retaining

strap on the ski bag. Tighten the turn-buckle to ensure that the retaining strap is taut.<

To stow away the ski bag, follow the opposite procedure.

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unlock the loading flap in the luggage compartment

2 Press the locking levers together (arrows 2) and swing the cover for-wards

3 Lay out the ski bag between the front seats. The zip fastener simplifies ac-cess to the contents of the bag, and makes drying it out easier

of the rear window shelf with the magnetic retainers.

Make sure that the skis are clean before they are inserted into the bag, and that any sharp edges on them or their bind-ings do not damage or pierce the ski bag.

Ski bag*

Loading1 Press the button (arrow 1): this will

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4 Inside the luggage compartment, se-cure the loading flap to the underside

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116nSki bag*

If the flap in the load area is con-cealed by the pull-out floor panel,

not fold the larger section of the rear at back, otherwise the flap will be maged.<

2

3

W1

(it is secured by a burr fastener) and place it on the armrestPress catch 1 down and swing the cover forwardsPress catch button 2: this unlocks the flap in the luggage compartment.

(it is secured by a burr fastener) and place it on the armrest

2 Press catch 1 down and swing the cover forwards

3 Press button 2: this releases the flap in the load area.In conjunction with the removable luggage floor* (refer to page 120): removal of floor, unlock the flap and slide the floor back in – the floor sec-tion then covers the flap.

ith through-loading systemSwing out the centre armrest, detach the cover over the opening at the top

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In the touring 1 Swing out the centre armrest, detach

the cover over the opening at the top

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doseda

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Protective net* Pull the protective net out by its loop, then hold the rod at both sides and in-sert it into the retainers. This is best done from the back seat.

Do not allow the protective net to retract too fast, or it could cause

injury and itself become damaged.<

When the rear seat backs are folded, the net tube can be secured in front of the rear seats, from which point the net can still be pulled out and secured at the front retainers (see next page).

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forwards (arrow).

The rear seat back is divided into two sections, one of them one-third and the other two-thirds of the total width. You can fold down both sides to enlarge the luggage area.

When the seat backs are returned to the raised position again, make

sure that their catches engage cor-rectly. The red warning zone in the recess then disappears.The centre seat belt can only be pulled out when the larger section of the rear seat back is locked into position.<

the retainers at the back

The cover can support the weight of light articles, e.g. clothing.

Do not place any heavy or hard objects on the roller cover or

these could endanger the occupants if ever you have to brake sharply.Do not allow the roller cover to run back too fast, as this could damage it.<

For storage of the roller cover when the seat is folded, see next page.

Load area – touring

Folding rear seat back Insert fingers into the recess and pull

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Roller-blind cover Pull out the roller cover and secure it in

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118nLoad area – touring

de flaps open, press the button.

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2

InSicaga

Repr1

(arrow 1)Pull the tube out to the rear (arrow 2).

stallingmply insert the tube into the two side tches and push it forward until it en-ges.

Insert the tube from the right, as shown in the picture. The loop on the protec-tive net must be at the top and the end of the roller cover must be placed around the tube at the bottom rear.

You can pull out the protective net and insert it in the brackets above it in the roof area.

moving roller cover and otective netPress the buttons at the ends

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StorageHolders for the tube are provided in front of the rear seat.

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SiTo

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Raising the spare wheel coverSwing the cover up and attach it to the red holder on the floor panel flap (arrow).

Before folding the cover back down, re-turn the holder to its original position.

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the handle and swing up the flap (large arrow).

The flap is lockable with a master key.

The partitions in the compartment can be repositioned. If they are removed and their holders turned to the left and taken out, a compartment with a flat floor is obtained.

derside of the flap and attach it to the upper frame of the tailgate cutout.

Before folding the floor panel flap down again, return the holder to its original position.

Load area – touring

Compartment in floorTo open: press the recessed section of

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Raising the floor panel flapSwing up the holder (black) on the un-

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Page 121: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

120nLoad area – touring

ising the load-area floorr access to the area under the floor, spare wheel etc.:

Swing up the load-area floor panel and retain it with the rod (arrow)Open the quick-release fasteners on the spare wheel cover.

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DothruIf acoacth

PuToPu

Do not drive the car with the load-area floor extended.

not release the load-area floor when e car is standing on a slope, or it may n out by itself and cause injury.n unsecured load is being carried, it uld slide if the load-area floor extends cidentally, and fall to the ground when e floor panel reaches its limit stop.<

>

>

ll-out load-area floor* release, pull the recessed handle up. ll out the floor.

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When extended, the panel can with-stand the following loads:

> Up to 300 kg (660 lb) distributed over its entire surface

> Up to 75 kg (165 lb) at the rear edge.

Do not place heavier loads on the panel, or damage may occur.

Do not reach under the load-area floor when sliding it back in, or injury could be caused.<

RaFothe

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Always stow the load correctly and secure it so that it cannot en-

danger the car's occupants if the driver has to brake heavily or swerve.Do not exceed the gross weight or axle load limits (see page 217), as this could endanger the car's operating safety and infringe the law.Do not carry heavy or hard objects loose in the occupant area, in case they are thrown around and endanger the occupants when the car is braked heav-ily or during a sudden avoidance man-uoeuvre.<

sert each of the outer seat belts into their opposite locks.

BMW:

> Place heavy loads as far forward as possible – right behind the back rests or the load area partition– and keep load low (this Figure illustrates the touring)

>Wrap protective material round sharp corners and edges

> Do not stack loads higher than the seat backs

> Pull out the protective net* (refer to page 117f) and ensure that objects are not able to pass through the sep-arating net

>When carrying very heavy loads with no passengers on the back seat, in-

with the tensioning straps, a load-area net* or other suitable straps (see page 43)

> BMW Service can supply suitable means of lashing and securing larger or heavier loads*. Lashing points are provided in the corners of the lug-gage compartment or load area (pic-ture shows touring)

> Please note the information supplied with load securing equipment.

Load

Loading If you carry heavy or bulky loads in your

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Securing the load > Small and light items can be retained

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122nRoof rack*

ac

A asustio

A becogrWthgrararpa

MAcTo

companying the roof rack system.

special roof rack system is available an accessory for your BMW. If it is ed, please comply with the installa-n instructions supplied.

loaded roof rack alters the car's road haviour and steering response quite nsiderably, by moving its centre of avity.hen loading the roof rack, ensure that e specified roof load limit, the car's oss weight limit and the axle loads e not exceeded. The relevant figures e shown in the technical data section, ge 217.

The roof load increases the car's sur-face area exposed to the wind, so that fuel consumption will be higher and the loads on the roof structure of the car more severe.

ounting pointscess to the mounting points: open the covers (arrow), use the tool

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The roof load must be uniformly distrib-uted and should not be too large in area. Heavy items of luggage should always be placed at the bottom. Make sure that sufficient clearance is availa-ble for raising the sliding/tilting sunroof and that no objects extend into the hinge-up area of the tailgate.

Secure loads to the roof rack so that they cannot shift or fall off during the journey, and thus endanger following traffic.

Drive smoothly and avoid violent accel-eration, braking or cornering.

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Look after a detachable ball end in ac-cordance with its manufacturer's oper-ating instructions, to ensure that it can be fitted and removed without difficulty.

If a trailer tow hitch is installed, the self-regenerating action of the rear

bumper system may not be able to take effect.<

The use of a stabilizing device can be recommended, particularly if the trailer is a heavy one. Information can be ob-tained from BMW Service.

ice. You are recommended to have up-rated suspension fitted as well.On models with self-levelling suspen-sion, the trailer-towing suspension need not be retrofitted.

BMW does not approve of any other suspension systems offered by the au-tomotive trade for trailer towing pur-poses.

Towing a trailer

Towing a trailerWhen a trailer is towed, the demands on both car and driver are more severe.

A trailer reduces manoeuvrability, the ability to climb hills, acceleration and braking capacity and makes the car handle and corner differently.

The permissible trailer load and nose weight (towbar downthrust) are stated in "Technical Data", page 217. The trailer load limit is also entered in the car's registration papers. Consult BMW Service regarding increased trailer weights.

Trailer tow hitch*The suspension settings of your BMW afford optimum safety, ride comfort and sports performance.

If a trailer tow hitch is fitted by the manufacturer, the vehicle will also be equipped with uprated suspension* at the rear as standard. This compensates for the weight of the tow hitch and also ensures optimum road behaviour when the trailer is not being towed.

If a trailer tow hitch* is retrofitted, it must be of a type approved by BMW and be expertly installed by BMW Serv-

Page 125: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

124nTowing a trailer

not exceed either the trailer's gross ight or the specified trailer load limit the car. The smaller value is the limit ich should be adhered to.

fore purchasing a trailer it is advisa- to obtain a declaration from the iler concerning the effective trailer ight and trailer payload limit.

adientsthe interests of safety and to avoid lding up other traffic, do not attempt climb gradients steeper than 12X. If application is made to tow a heavier iler, the limit is 8X.

altitude above sea level increases, gine power output tends to drop. You ould therefore take particular care en driving through mountainous untry, since the maximum gradient which the outfit can be started may lower than usual.

BMW 530d: Avoid driving up lengthy hills in 1st gear alone,

ce this could overheat the fuel and use bubbles to form, so that the en-e is starved of fuel and stalls. Auto-tic-transmission cars: Select posi-n D.<

pawapa

Fohetio

Fitfirthth

CoReTa

nel in the cutout provided, pull down-rds and to the rear and remove the nel from the cutout.

r attaching and removing the ball ad, please see the separate instruc-ns.

ting st install the cover flap at the top with e groove in the aperture, then press in e lower area (arrow).

towed. The car's payload limit is re-duced by the weight of the trailer tow hitch and, if a trailer is being towed, by its nose weight. The gross weight limit for the combined car and trailer must not be exceeded.

LoadWhen loading the trailer, make sure that the weight is kept as low as possible and stowed if possible close to the axle.

A low centre of trailer gravity makes the outfit much more stable and safe to drive.

Asenshwhcoonbe

sincaginmatio

ver flap* movingke hold of the trailer tow hitch cover

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Nose weight This is the load exerted downwards by the trailer on the ball head of the tow hitch (it can be determined with the aid of bathroom scales or similar).

In Germany: a minimum nose weight of 25 kg (55 lb) is laid down by law.

Try to achieve a nose weight close to the permitted limit (see page 217) with-out exceeding it.

The trailer's nose weight affects the towing vehicle, and must not lead to the car's gross weight limit or rear axle load limit being exceeded if a trailer is being

Doweforwh

Bebletrawe

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Electrical system

Higher electrical consumption can be expected if a trailer (cara-

van) is towed. Try to avoid operating electrical equipment for too long peri-ods at a time, in order to limit the drain on the car's battery.<

Before starting a journey, check that the trailer's rear lamps are op-

erating correctly.<

been chosen to ensure that driving sta-bility is satisfactory at this speed. If higher speed limits apply in other coun-tries, you are none the less recom-mended not to drive faster for safety reasons.

If the trailer begins to swing from side to side, the outfit can only be stabilized by braking immediately.

Towing a trailer

Downhill gradientsSpecial care must be taken when de-scending gradients: before doing so, al-ways change down to the next-lower gear – and if necessary as far as 1st gear or automatic transmission selec-tor lever position 2 – and drive down the hill slowly.

Speed limitThe maximum speed limit when towing a trailer is 80 km/h in Germany, and similar speed limits apply in other coun-tries also. The trailer load limits have

Tyre pressuresCheck the car's and the trailer's tyre pressures most carefully. For the trailer, comply with the manufacturer's recom-mendations.

Outside mirrorsIf the standard outside mirror is not suit-able for towing a trailer, legislation pre-scribes two outside mirrors which bring both rear corners of the trailer into your field of view. Suitable mirrors, some with adjustable arms, can be obtained from BMW Service.

Page 127: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

126n

Page 128: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

Initial overview

Controls in detail

Operation, maintenanceand general care

Minor repairs

Technical data

Index

chnical items of interest

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Driving precautions:Running in 128Driving hints 128Catalytic converter 129Anti-lock brake system

(ABS) 130Disc brakes 131Brakes 132Winter operation 133Power steering 135Self-levelling suspension 135Digital Diesel Electronics

(DDE) 136Car telephone 136Car radio 136

In the engine compartment:Engine hood 147Engine compartment 148Washer fluid 156Washer jets 156Engine oil 157Coolant 160Brake fluid 161Power steering oil 162Vehicle identification

number 162Type plate 162

Maintenance and general care:The BMW Maintenance

System 163

Te

Wheels and tyres:Tyre pressures 137Condition of tyres 137New tyres 138Wheel-changing 138Wheel and tyre

combinations 139Winter tyres 140Snow chains 140Approved wheel and tyre

sizes 141

Care of the car 164Airbags 170Laying up out of use 170

Legal requirements and regulationsRule of the road 171Registration abroad 171Technical modifications 172OBD socket 172

Recycling:Recycling in the Service

area 173Returning the car 173

Page 129: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

128n

Brakes:Do not rest your foot on the brake

dal while the car is in motion. Even ght continuous pressure on the brake dal could cause overheating, brake d wear or even brake system failure.uaplaning:

hen driving on wet or slushy surfaces, duce speed to prevent a wedge of ter from forming between the tyre d the road. This situation, known as uaplaning, means that the tyre can tually lose contact completely with road surface, so that the car can

ither be steered nor can the brakes properly applied.ater on roads: hen there is water on the roads, only ive through to a max. depth of 30 cm in), and no faster than a walking ce, otherwise damage to the engine, ctrical system and transmission may caused.ar-window shelf: not place heavy or hard objects on shelf, or these could injure the car's

cupants when the brakes are ap-ed.

Running in Driving hints

170 km/h (106 mph)

> Cars with diesel engines3500 rpm or150 km/h (92 mph)

Avoid full throttle and do not use the automatic transmission kick-down.

From a distance reading of 2000 km (approx. 1250 miles) onwards, engine and road speeds can be gradually in-creased.

Comply with these running-in instruc-tions again if an exchange engine or final drive is fitted later in the car's life.

beWWdr(12paelebeReDotheocpli

Please comply with the following in-structions, which are intended to en-sure that your car achieves its optimum operating life and economy.

Engine and final driveUp to 2000 km (approx. 1300 miles):drive at varying road and engine speeds, but do not exceed the follow-ing maximum values:

> Cars with spark-ignition (petrol, gas-oline) engine6-cylinder: 4500 rpm or

160 km/h (99 mph)8-cylinder: 4500 rpm or

TyresNew tyres do not achieve their full road grip immediately, for production rea-sons. You should therefore drive in a restrained manner for the first 300 km (approx. 200 miles).

BrakesBrake pads and discs do not achieve a favourable wear and contact pattern until the car has covered about 500 km (approx. 300 miles).

peslipepaAqWrewaanaqacthene

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Always comply with the above precautions, to prevent unburned

fuel from reaching the catalytic con-verter. Otherwise there is a risk of the catalytic converter overheating and be-ing damaged.High temperatures occur on all vehicles equipped with a catalytic converter. Never remove the heat shields protect-ing the exhaust system, nor apply un-derseal to them. Make sure that when driving or parking the car or when the engine is idling, no material which could catch fire easily (e.g. hay, leaves, grass etc.) can come into contact with the hot exhaust system. It could ignite and cause a fire, with the risk of severe inju-ries or damage.<

tached.

> Do not run the fuel tank empty> Tow-start the car only when the en-

gine is cold, to prevent unburned fuel from igniting in the catalytic converter and causing damage. It is better to jump-start the car

> Avoid any other situations in which fuel remains unburned or is only par-tially burned, for example: running the starter motor too frequently or for ex-cessively long periods in rapid suc-cession if the engine does not start (though the engine can of course be stopped and restarted at any time if it is running correctly). Running the engine with a spark plug lead de-

Driving hints Catalytic converter

Coat hooks:Items of clothing hung from the hooks must not obstruct the driver's view. Do not hang heavy objects from the hooks, they could cause injury to the car's oc-cupants during sudden or heavy brak-ing or avoidance manoeuvres.<

The catalytic converter reduces the pol-lutant content of the exhaust gas.

Cars with a spark-ignition engine must be run on unleaded petrol.Even very small amounts of lead in the fuel are sufficient to damage the oxygen sensor and the catalytic converter per-manently.

To ensure that the engine always oper-ates correctly and reliably, and to avoid damaging it, the following instructions should complied with:

> Always comply with the specified maintenance work

Page 131: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

130nAnti-lock brake system (ABS)

en the wheels are locked. However, advantages of greater stability and ability to steer while braking are still

ailable to the driver.

formation for your safetyen ABS is unable to overcome the s of physics. It cannot absolve the

iver from the consequences of brak- too late, maintaining insufficient ace from vehicles ahead, exceeding limits of adhesion when cornering at

eed or encountering a poor stretch of ad where aquaplaning occurs. Avoid- such situations remains the driver's

sponsibility. Although ABS enhances tive driving safety, this should not be garded as an invitation to take corre-ondingly greater risks.

Make no modifications to the ABS system.

l work on the ABS should be en-sted only to skilled, authorized per-nnel.<

ABmbr

>>

ThABwhincarwhrecaro

Wshthbrwe

S is capable of satisfying two funda-ental requirements whenever the akes are applied:

Safe drive stabilitySecure steering and manoeuvrability on differing road surfaces (asphalt, cement, mud, rain, snow, ice).

wheel.

The ABS regulation cycle takes place within fractions of a second. The brake pedal pulsates to warn the driver that the ABS is active and therefore that the car is reaching the adhesion limit. In ad-dition, a rattling noise reminds you – as a consequence of the ABS action – that the friction coefficient or grip between tyre and road surface (slippery surface) is diminishing, and that you should re-duce your road speed accordingly.

On roads with loose surfaces on a firm base, e.g. on gravel or snow, and when driving with snow chains, you may find the braking distance is greater than

reacresp

Altruso

e principleS prevents the wheels from locking en the brakes are applied, and thus reases active safety. Locked wheels

e dangerous, because the front eels cannot then be steered and the

ar wheels may slide sideways and use the car to spin or slide off the ad.

ith ABS in action, the car achieves the ortest possible braking distances for e prevailing conditions (straight-line aking or cornering, on asphalt, ice, t roads etc.).

Braking with ABSThe system functions above approx. 8 km/h (5 mph). Below about 3 km/h, it stops operating. The wheels can there-fore theoretically tend to lock during the final stages of braking action. However, in practice, this is not considered to be critical.

You use ABS most effectively by apply-ing maximum brake pressure in situa-tions which call for this ("full braking"). Since you retain steering control of the car, you are still able, despite hard braking, to avoid any obstacles with rel-atively calm movement of the steering

whthetheav

InEvlawdringspthesproing

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Driving hintsIn damp weather or heavy rain it is ad-visable to apply the brakes with light pedal pressure every few kilometres. When doing so, make sure that no other road-user is endangered. This will gen-erate sufficient heat to dry out the discs and pads.

It is a well-known fact that the most ef-fective braking is obtained not with locked wheels but when they are still just rotating. ABS maintains this state of affairs automatically. Should the ABS malfunction, the driver should adopt the cadence braking principle if possible (see page 134).

To avoid any risk of brake fade when descending long or steep hills, select the gear which calls for a minimum amount of braking (or shift the auto-matic transmission down to an equiva-lent speed stage).

The engine's braking effect can be fur-ther increased by selecting a lower gear or, with automatic transmission, 1st gear or lever position 2.

discs tend to judder, and even lengthy brake applications usually fail to elimi-nate this effect entirely.

To ensure that the car's safety is not affected, use only brake pads

and linings approved by BMW.<

ABS Disc brakes

In the event of a faultthe ABS warning lamp lights up, refer to page 20. The brake sys-tem then operates as it would in

cars not fitted with ABS. Arrange to have this examined by BMW Service as soon as possible. Additional faults to the brake system could otherwise occur without being readily apparent.

Disc brakes offer maximum braking effi-ciency, responsive control of braking force and the ability to resist severe loads.

If the car is used only for short dis-tances, is out of use for lengthy periods or not subject to more than light loads, corrosion of the brake discs and con-tamination of the brake pads may oc-cur, because the minimum contact pressure between pads and discs, which is needed to generate a self-cleaning effect, has not been reached.

When the brakes are applied, corroded

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132nDisc brakes Brakes

ake fluid level The brake hydraulics warning lamp lights up or the message "Check brake fluid" appears in

Check Control display:

e brake fluid level in the reservoir is o low (see page 161).

he brake fluid level is too low and if ake pedal travel is much longer than ual, one of the two hydraulic brake cuits may have failed.aking performance is still adequate th the remaining brake circuit in use.

Visit your nearest BMW Service. When driving the car in this condi-

n, note that higher brake pedal pres-re and considerably longer brake dal travel may be necessary. Modify ur driving style accordingly.<

e warning lamp also comes on when CHECK BRAKE LININGS warning

pears on the Check Control display.

levswactranowhMbrnoot

If dowistehais noatcobrhecie

er in neutral, or while the engine is itched off, otherwise engine braking tion will not be present with the nsmission in neutral and there will be power assistance to the brakes ile the engine is switched off.

ake sure that the full travel of the ake, clutch and accelerator pedals is t obstructed by floor mats, carpets or her objects.<

low warning lamp comes on. Normal brake action remains

available without restriction.Have the system checked at the next opportunity by BMW Service.

Please note the "Information for your safety" concerning ABS on

page 130. It also applies to DBC where appropriate.<

tiosupeyo

Ththeap

engine braking alone is insufficient, not apply the brakes for too long th only slight or moderate force. In-ad, it is better to brake the car quite rd (providing that the road behind you clear) so that your speed is reduced ticeably, and to repeat this process

brief intervals as necessary. The oling-down phases between these ake applications should avoid over-ating and maintain full braking effi-ncy.

Never drive with the clutch pedal-held on, with the shift or selector

Dynamic Brake Control DBC* If the brake pedal is pressed down rap-idly, this system automatically boosts the braking force to a maximum and thus helps to pull the car up in the shortest possible distance when a full brake application is made. It also makes full use of the advantages offered by ABS.

Maintain pressure on the brake pedal during the entire brake application. If the brake pedal is released, DBC will be switched off.

If a malfunction occurs, the yel-

Br

the

Thto

If tbruscirBrwi

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Diesel fuel To ensure that the diesel engine oper-ates reliably during the cold season of the year, it must be run on winter-grade diesel oil, which garages usually sell during the period in question. Fuel filter heating is installed as standard equip-ment to prevent the fuel from solidifying during operation.

The use of flow improvers is not permit-ted, as these can lead to problems in the fuel system.

Snow chains BMW snow chains* may be fitted to both summer and winter tyres, but only to both rear wheels. Always observe the manufacturer's safety recommenda-tions. When snow chains are in use, do not exceed 50 km/h (approx. 30 mph). To improve traction, it is advisable to switch off the ASC+T/DSC* when snow chains are fitted, refer to page 86.

LocksBMW door lock de-icer can be used to free them if frozen. This de-icer also contains lubricant.After its use, treatment with BMW lock barrel grease is recommended.

Rubber parts To prevent rubber parts on doors, bon-net and boot from freezing solid, coat them with a rubber care agent or with BMW silicone spray.

BMW Service can supply suitable car-care products.<

Brakes Winter operation

Brake padsThe warning lamp for the brake linings lights up, or the message "Check brake linings" appears in

the Check Control display:

The brake linings have reached the safe limit for lining wear. To replace them, visit your nearest BMW Service at the next available opportunity.

To ensure that the car's safety is not affected, use only brake pads

and linings approved by BMW.<

The winter, with its frequently changing weather conditions, not only calls for your style of driving to be modified as appropriate but also for certain mea-sures to be taken to ensure that your car can be driven safely and reliably

CoolantEnsure that the 50:50 mix ratio (water/long-term anti-freeze and corrosion in-hibitor) is present. This is equivalent to frost resistance down to approx. –376. Renew the coolant every 4 years.

Page 135: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

134nWinter operation

If the road surface is slippery, do not shift to a lower gear in order to

w the car, or else the rear wheels y slip and you could lose control of car as a result.<

When applying the brakes hard on slippery roads or if the amount of

rface grip varies widely, always de-tch as well.<

rrecting a skid press the clutch pedal, release the celerator pedal or set the automatic nsmission selector lever to N. Try to er into the skid and bring the car der control in this way.

MTocaAS

DrOpavtoorthMcle

duce when the wheels start to lock then increase again etc.This intermittent braking action (the ca-dence braking principle) reduces brak-ing distances and you retain steering control of your car at the same time.You can still try to drive round danger areas once you have reduced the brake pedal pressure.

steun

oving away from a standstill set off in deep snow, or to "rock the r free", it is advisable to switch off the C+T/DSC*, refer to page 86.

iving on slippery roadserate the accelerator pedal gently,

oid high engine speeds and shift up the next higher gear early. On uphill downhill gradients, change down to e next lower gear in good time. aintain a safe distance from the vehi- in front.

BrakesWinter road conditions greatly reduce the amount of tyre grip that is available, so that the driver must expect braking distances to be considerably longer than usual in every situation.

ABS prevents the wheels from locking, so that the car remains stable and can always be steered.

Should the ABS fail and the road wheels lock, reduce pressure on the brake pedal until the wheels just start to turn, but still remain braked. Then increase pedal pressure again, re-

slomathe

suclu

CoDeactra

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Self-levelling suspension*

If the self-levelling suspension telltale lamp comes on or the Check Control displays SELF-

LEVEL SUSP.INACT., a malfunction has occurred in the self-levelling suspen-sion.

Stop the car and examine it. If the body is distinctly lower at the back than at the front, and possibly standing at an angle (for instance, lower at the left than at the right), take it to the nearest BMW Service. Drive cautiously while the car is in this condition. The car's ground clearance is reduced and its ride com-fort below the usual standard.

Even if the car appears to be at its nor-mal ride height and attitude, always take it to a BMW Service if a malfunc-tion is displayed.

when the handbrake is applied.< If the power assistance should fail, greater effort will be required at

the steering wheel.<

Winter operation Power steering

ParkingSelect 1st gear or reverse, or move the automatic transmission selector lever to P. If the gradient makes it necessary, apply the handbrake as well on cars with a manual-shift gearbox. To prevent the handbrake linings from sticking to the drums in freezing weather or as a result of corrosion, dry out the hand-brake briefly first, by applying it as the car is coming to a halt. Make sure that following traffic is not endangered.

The brake lights do not come on

If the steering is stiff to turn:Check oil level; see page 162.

Steering becomes heavy when you turn the steering wheel rapidly: Without fail, visit BMW Service to have your steering system checked.

Special instruction for Servotronic*If steering becomes lighter as speed in-creases:An electronic fault has occurred. Have it rectified by BMW Service.

Page 137: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

136nDDE Car phone* Car radio

e reception and reproduction quality a mobile radio system depends on range of the desired station, your lo-

tion for reception and the alignment the aerial. verse factors such as high voltage res, buildings or natural obstacles n cause noise interference even if ur car is equipped with optimum sup-ession.imatic influences such as the intensity solar radiation, fog, rain or snowfall n also interfere with radio reception.

r phones not recommended by BMW mobile phones may also interfere th the car's radio when they are used. such cases, a low-frequency hum is en heard.

eration and tuning of your car radio described in the separate instruc-

ns accompanying this handbook.

Se

Di

SYinj

Exthstiagprfoththch

rvice. equipment with an aerial inside the car or not fitted to the car's exterior.

Detach the telephone aerial before driving the car on to a car train or

into a car wash.<

wiIn oft

Oparetio

gital Diesel Electronics (DDE) If the DDE warning lamp comes on during a journey or the Check Control displays FUEL INJECT.

S, a malfunction of the electronic fuel ection system has occurred.

cept in an extreme situation where e engine refuses to run, the car can ll be driven, since the engine man-ement system has an emergency-run ogram. Note, however, that full per-rmance may not be available when is program is in use. For this reason, e fuel injection system should be ecked as soon as possible by BMW

Only mobile communication systems (car phone, radio telephone etc.) with a rating of max. 10 Watts are permitted. They can still cause malfunctions when the car is being operated if they are not intended for use with your car. Since BMW cannot examine and test each product, it is unable to accept any re-sponsibility for the installation of items it has not approved. Before purchasing any such system you are recommended to obtain advice from BMW Service.

In order to safeguard your BMW's oper-ating reliability, do not operate any in-car telephones or other mobile radio

Thof thecaof AdwicayoprClof ca

Caor

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Do not continue driving with a flat tyre. If air pressure is lost from a

tyre, this seriously affects the car's han-dling and braking, and could cause the driver to lose control.Avoid overloading the car, as this could cause the tyres' load capacity limit to be exceeded. Otherwise you could over-heat the tyres and cause internal dam-age to them in the short to medium term. In some cases, this can result in sudden loss of tyre pressure.Unusual vibration while the car is being driven could indicate a tyre fault or some other defect on your car. The same applies to any other abnormal road behaviour, such as pulling severely to the right or left. In such cases, reduce speed immediately. Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW Service or tyre dealer, or have the car towed there so that it can be checked or its tyres inspected.All forms of tyre damage (which could in the worst case lead to sudden and total loss of pressure) represent a risk of seri-ous or even fatal injury to the car's oc-cupants and to all other road users.<

Check the tyre pressure – also of the spare wheel – at regular inter-

vals, at least twice a month and before setting out on any long journeys. Incor-rect tyre pressures can adversely affect the car's roadholding and cause tyre damage, which could result in an acci-dent.<

the presence of foreign bodies, unusual wear and sufficient tread depth.

Tread depth should if possible not be allowed to drop below 3 mm (approx. 0.12 in). Wear indicators (arrow) in the tread recesses indicate when a tread depth of 1.6 mm has been reached; this is the European legal limit for passenger car tyres in Europe. Below a tread depth of 3 mm there is a risk of aqua-planing at fairly high road speeds even if the water is not very deep.

Information for your safetyThe radial-ply tyres approved for your car are matched to its characteristics and ensure not only optimum road safety but also the desired level of ride comfort

The condition of the tyres and mainte-nance of the specified tyre pressures not only influence tyre life but also road safety to a very considerable extent.

Incorrect pressures are often a cause of tyre problems. They also have a consid-erable effect on the roadholding of your BMW.

Tyre tread – tyre damageInspect the tyres frequently for damage,

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Tyre pressures Condition of tyres

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138n

Never interchange wheels be-tween the front and rear axles if

tyres of different sizes are fitted (see page 141 onwards).<

wall:DOT ... 328 means for instance that the tyre was manufactured in Week 32 of the year 1998.

BMW recommends tyre replacement after not more than 6 years, even if tyres up to 10 years old may still be suitable.

Spare tyres more than 6 years old should be reserved for genuine emer-gencies, e.g. if a regular tyre has be-come punctured. New tyres should be fitted in their place as soon as possible, and they should no longer be brought into regular service when new tyres are fitted.

taken at relatively frequent intervals (max. 5000 km/3000 miles). BMW Serv-ice will gladly advise you.

If you do decide to interchange the wheels, please take the following pre-cautions:do so only between front and rear on each side of the car, otherwise braking response and road grip may be ad-versely affected.

Always check tyre pressures after fit-ting, and adjust as necessary.

New tyres Wheel-changing

To maintain the car's good road behav-iour, always fit tyres of the same make and tread pattern to all wheels.

Do not use retreaded tyres, as these could have adverse effects

on the car's safety. Their carcases may differ in internal construction or have aged sufficiently to cast doubt on their durability.<

Age of tyresA tyre's date of manufacture is shown as part of the inscription on the tyre

Between the axlesTread wear patterns differ at the front and rear wheels according to individual operating conditions. In the interests of safety and the car's road behaviour, in-terchanging them is not recommended.

If a cost advantage is anticipated as a result of interchanging the wheels from front to rear, always remember that the actual removal and fitting of the wheels may incur additional cost which may not be justified by the expected in-crease in tyre life. If wheels are inter-changed, this should always be under-

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Data

On winter tyres:

Q M+S = up to 160 km/h (100 mph)T M+S = up to 190 km/h (118 mph)H M+S = up to 210 km/h (131 mph)

Markings on light alloy wheels:

Prevent dirt from entering the tyre valves by attaching screw-on dust caps. Dirt in the tyre valve can often lead to a gradual loss of air pressure.

Rim width in inchesShoulder pattern code letterSymbol for well-base rimRim diameter in inchesHump on 2 rim flanges

7 x 15 H 2J

stance ABS, AGS, ASC+T/DSC.For this reason, use only tyres of the same make and tread pattern on all wheels, and after a puncture, for in-stance, fit the approved wheel and tyre combination again as soon as pos-sible.<

The speed code letter indicates the maximum permissible speed at which the tyre is to be operated.

On summer tyres:

S = up to 180 km/h (112 mph)T = up to 190 km/h (118 mph)H = up to 210 km/h (131 mph)V = up to 240 km/h (149 mph)W = up to 270 km/h (168 mph)Y = over 270 km/h (168 mph)ZR = over 240 km/h (149 mph)

Speed code letter(ahead of the R on ZR tyres)

Wheel and tyre combinations

Choosing the correct tyres Use only tyres approved by BMW; see page 141 onwards.

In view of the car's top speed, certain makes and sizes of tyre are compul-sory. Details can be obtained from BMW Service.Comply with any relevant national or local regulations.

The correct wheel and tyre combi-nation has an influence on various

systems, the function of which could otherwise be adversely affected, for in-

Markings on tyres and wheelsThe correct choice is made easier if the meaning of the tyre markings is under-stood.

Markings on radial-ply tyres:

e.g.

Nominal width in millimetresAspect ratio in XCode letter for radial ply Rim diameter in inchesLoad capacity figure(not on ZR tyres)

225/60 R 15 96 W

Page 141: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

140nWinter tyres

re storageore wheels and tyres in a cool, dry d preferably dark place when not in e. Protect tyres against contamina-n from oil, grease and fuel.

ow chains* e-link BMW snow chains may be fit- to either summer or winter tyres,

t only to both rear wheels. When fit-g, comply with the manufacturer's in-uctions.

FitBMthtio

ThBMtyrfothanchmZRfo

Instaofall

anced each time the wheels are changed or new tyres fitted.

only winter tyres approved by BMW. W Service will gladly advise you on

e correct winter tyres for the condi-ns in which your car has to operate.

handling of tyres can cause damage and lead to accidents.All work on tyres should therefore be carried out only by experts. BMW Serv-ice will gladly place its specialised knowledge and facilities at your dis-posal.<

Tyre condition and tyre pressuresBelow a tread depth of 4 mm (0.16 in), winter tyres become noticeably less suitable for winter driving conditions and should therefore be replaced for safety reasons.

Keep to the specified tyre pressures and have the wheels and tyres rebal-

e correct tyresW recommends you to fit winter

es (M+S radial-ply) if the car is used r driving in wintery conditions. Al-ough tyres sold for all-year use with M+S marking have better winter aracteristics than summer tyres arked with speed letters H, V, W or , they do not normally match the per-

rmance of winter tyres.

the interests of reliable directional bility and steerability, fit winter tyres

the same make and tread pattern to four road wheels.

Note the speed limit applicable to these tyresIn Germany: a warning notice stating the maximum permitted speed with winter tyres fitted must be displayed in the driver's field of view if the car is ca-pable speed higher than that permitted for the tyres (please check for similar lo-cal legislation). Tyre dealers and BMW Service can supply these labels.

Never exceed the maximum speed laid down for the winter tyres fitted

to your car.Lack of expert knowledge or incorrect

TyStanustio

SnFintedbutinstr

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Data

Approved wheel and tyre sizes – saloon

5/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H 6.5Jx157Jx15

6.5Jx157Jx15

5/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H 7Jx15 7Jx15

5/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16

5/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17

W 525tdr summer tyres, tyres of speed cate-ry "H" are sufficient.

Re

W

20

22

22

23

23

Fr

Ty

BM

Su

20

22

22

re sizes Pressed-steel wheel

Alloy wheel

W 520i, 523i, 525td/tds

mmer

5/65 R 15 94 V – 6.5Jx157Jx15

5/60 R 15 96 V – 7Jx15

5/55 R 16 95 V – 7Jx16

5/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17

ont: 235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17

ar: 255/40 R 17 94W – 9Jx17

inter (M+S)

BMFogo

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142n

225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H 7Jx15 7Jx15

225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16

235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17

BMW 530d Wheel size 6.5Jx15 is not approved.

Approved wheel and tyre sizes – saloon

Tyre sizes Pressed-steel wheel

Alloy wheel

BMW 528i, 530d

Summer

225/60 R 15 96 W – 7Jx15

225/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16

235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17

Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17

Rear: 255/40 R 17 94W – 9Jx17

Winter (M+S)

205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H 6.5Jx157Jx15

6.5Jx157Jx15

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Data

Approved wheel and tyre sizes – saloon

ents. If tyre and wheel sizes not stated in the car's official reg-ration documents are fitted, a special entry must be made.

ow chains*ow chains cannot be fitted to 17-inch eels.

Comist

Ty

BM

Su

22

23

Fr

Re

W

22

23

re sizes Pressed-steel wheel

Alloy wheel

W 535i, 540i

mmer

5/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16

5/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17

ont: 235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17

ar: 255/40 R 17 94W – 9Jx17

inter (M+S)

5/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16

5/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17

mply with the tyre and wheel data stated in the car's docu-

SnSnwh

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144n

225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16

235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17

BMW 528i, 530d

Summer

225/60 R 15 96 W – 7Jx15

225/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16

235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17

Winter (M+S)

225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H 7Jx15 7Jx15

225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16

235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17

BMW 523i touringTyre size 205/65 R 15 94 V is not approved.

Approved wheel and tyre sizes – touring

Tyre sizes Pressed-steel wheel

Alloy wheel

BMW 520i, 523i, 525tds

Summer

205/65 R 15 94 V – 7Jx15

225/60 R 15 96 V – 7Jx15

225/55 R 16 95 V – 7Jx16

235/45 R 17 94 W – 8Jx17

Winter (M+S)

205/65 R 15 94 Q/T/H 7Jx15 7Jx15

225/60 R 15 96 Q/T/H 7Jx15 7Jx15

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Data

Approved wheel and tyre sizes – touring

ow chains*ow chains cannot be fitted to 17-inch eels.

Ty

BM

Su

22

23

W

22

23

Comtra

re sizes Pressed-steel wheel

Alloy wheel

W 540i

mmer

5/55 R 16 95 W – 7Jx16

5/45 R 17 94 Y – 8Jx17

inter (M+S)

5/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H – 7Jx16

5/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H – 8Jx17

mply with the tyre and wheel data stated in the car's docu-ents. If tyre and wheel sizes not stated in the car's official regis-tion documents are fitted, a special entry must be made.

SnSnwh

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146n

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To close Press the engine compartment lid lightly at the points illustrated (arrows) to close it, or allow it to drop from a height of approx. 10 cm (4 in) until it is heard to engage.

To avoid injuries, as when closing all doors or lids on the car, make

sure that the engine compartment lid is unobstructed.If you notice during the journey that the engine compartement has not been properly closed, stop the car at the ear-liest possible moment and close it cor-rectly.<

390d

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Do not work on the car unless you possess the appropriate special-

ised knowledge. Before working in the engine compartment, switch off the en-gine and allow it time to cool. Discon-nect the battery before working on the electrical system. For any work on the car at all, comply with the relevant notes and instructions. If unfamiliar with the regulations which have to be com-plied with, have the work performed by BMW Service; incorrect handling of parts and materials could represent a safety risk for the car's occupants or other road users.<

UnlockingPull the lever at the left under the fascia.

390d

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To open pull the release lever and open the lid.

390d

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Engine hood

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148nEngine compartment – BMW 520i, 523i, 528i

390d

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Data

Engine compartment – BMW 520i, 523i, 528i

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Engine oil dipstick 157

Reservoir for brake fluid (under the microfilter housing) 161

Jump-start connection point 196

Power steering oil reservoir 162

Coolant level-equalizing tank 160

Engine oil filler cap 157

Reservoir for intensive cleaning system 156

Reservoir for windscreen washer and headlamp cleaning system 156

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150nEngine compartment – BMW 535i, 540i

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Data

Engine compartment – BMW 535i, 540i

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Reservoir for brake fluid (under the microfilter housing) 161

Power steering oil reservoir 162

Jump-start connection point 196

Engine oil dipstick 157

Engine oil filler cap 157

Coolant level-equalizing tank 160

Reservoir for intensive cleaning system 156

Reservoir for windscreen washer and headlamp cleaning system 156

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152nEngine compartment – BMW 525td/tds

390d

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Data

Engine compartment – BMW 525td/tds

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Engine oil dipstick 157

Reservoir for brake fluid (under the microfilter housing) 161

Jump-start connection point 196

Power steering oil reservoir 162

Coolant level-equalizing tank 160

Engine oil filler cap 157

Reservoir for intensive cleaning system 156

Reservoir for windscreen washer and headlamp cleaning system 156

Page 155: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

154nEngine compartment – BMW 530d

390d

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Data

Engine compartment – BMW 530d

1 Engine oil dipstick 157

2 Reservoir for brake fluid (under the microfilter housing) 161

3 Jump-start connection point 196

4 Power steering oil reservoir 162

5 Coolant level-equalizing tank 160

6 Engine oil filler cap 157

7 Reservoir for intensive cleaning system 156

8 Reservoir for windscreen washer and headlamp cleaning system 156

Page 157: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

156nWasher fluid Washer jets

indscreen washer indscreen:e jets of liquid should strike the wind-reen in such a way that reliable aning is assured even at high eeds. Correct the direction of the jet ecessary by inserting a needle and ving the jet as required, or have this rk performed by BMW Service.

ar window:ve these jets adjusted by BMW Serv- if necessary.

adlight cleaning systemve these jets adjusted by BMW Serv- if necessary.

ap

Filwitu

flu

WapapIn

HewCa

indscreen washer:prox. 3.5 (6.2) – saloonprox. 6.0 (10.6) – touring

cl. headlamp cleaning system:prox. 6.0 (10.6).

l with water and – when required – th anti-freeze according to manufac-rer's instructions.

It is best to mix the water and additive before filling the washer

id tank.<

Fill with intensive cleaning agent. This is frost-resistant down to approx. –276 and can be obtained from BMW Serv-ice.

Antifreeze for the cleaning or in-tensive cleaning systems is easily

flammable. Keep it away from possible ignition sources and store it only in the carefully sealed original packs, out of reach of children. Comply with the in-structions on the pack.<

Haice

adlight cleaning system* and indscreen washer pacity in litres (Imp. pints)

390d

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Intensive cleaning system*Content app. 1.0 litre (1.8 pints).

390d

e083

WWThscclespif nmowo

ReHaice

He

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Data

Adding engine oil Do not add more oil until the level has dropped almost as far as the lower dip-stick mark. However, the oil level should not be allowed to fall below the lower dipstick mark.

BMW engines are designed not to need separate additives in the en-

gine oil, and indeed adding these sub-stances could even be harmful in cer-tain circumstances. This applies to manual-shift gearbox or automatic transmission, final drive and power steering.<

390d

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face 2 Switch off the engine, which should

be at its regular operating tempera-ture

3 After about 5 minutes, take out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a non-fluffy cloth, paper tissue or similar

4 Push the dipstick fully back into the tube, then pull it out again

5 The oil level must be between the two marks on the dipstick.

Like fuel consumption, engine oil con-sumption depends on driving style and operating conditions.

(1.75 pints). Do not add oil above the upper dipstick mark. Adding too much oil will harm the engine.

Engine oil

Checking engine oil level 1 Position the car on a flat, level sur-

390d

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The quantity of oil between the two dipstick marks is approx. 1 litre

460d

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158nEngine oil

460d

e162

ofavoilca

apgin

Di

Ththtio

SpThsivloncopr

Sp

Uslife

If prtochne

"Special oil". Only if no such oil is ailable should you top up the engine level with an oil to ACEA: A3 specifi-tion.

BMW Service can provide details of the "long-life" and "special" oils

proved by BMW for your car's en-e.<

esel engines:

e engine oil must always comply with e ACEA A3 and ACEA B3 specifica-ns.

tures under the lower limit are permitted for short periods. However, the engine may not start as easily from cold.

ecified engine oils e quality of the engine oil is a deci-e factor for the correct operation and g life of your car's engine. BMW has nducted extensive tests before ap-oving certain grades of engine oil.

ark-ignition engines:

e only an approved grade of "long-" oil.

you are unable to purchase an ap-oved grade of "Longlife" oil, you can p up the oil level in between oil anges, if only a small amount of oil is eded, with a BMW-approved grade

Viscosities The viscosity of an oil determines its ability to flow and is quoted as an SAE classification.

Choice of the correct SAE oil classifica-tion depends on the climatic conditions in which your BMW is operated.

BMW recommends the use of oils in SAE categories SAE 0W-X or SAE 5W-X. X indicates any suitable higher value, e.g. 30, 40 or 50.

These oils can be used at any outside temperatures.

If an SAE 10W-X oil is used, tempera-

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which is inaccessible for children and always read and comply with any warn-ing instructions on the containers.<

Engine oil

Comply with local and national hazardous-material disposal regu-

lations when discarding used oil.<

Recommendation: have oil changes carried out only by BMW Service.

In laboratory tests, prolonged contact with used oils has caused

cancer.For this reason, always wash the af-fected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water after work.Keep all oils, greases etc. in a place

Page 161: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

160nCoolant

ark-ignition engine:

rrect coolant level with engine cold prox. 206):

screw the cap on the header tank.

e coolant level is correct when the per end of the red float rod is level th the edge of the filler pipe (see ow in picture or drawing next to filler p).

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copr

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r contain ethylene glycol, which is mmable. For this reason, try to avoid illing long-life antifreeze and corro-n inhibitor on hot parts of the engine, ce it could cause burns if it were to ite.<

When disposing of used long-life antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor,

mply with the relevant environmental otection laws.<

Correct coolant level with engine cold (approx. 206):Add to just below the KALT/COLD mark on the translucent reservoir.

Un

Thupwiarrca

Do not top up the cooling system while the engine is hot otherwise

u may scald yourself on the resultant olant steam. avoid the risk of subsequent dam-e, use only long-life antifreeze and rrosion inhibitor free from nitrites and ino compounds, and approved by

e manufacturer. BMW Service is fa-iliar with these products.tifreezes and corrosion inhibitors are zardous to health. Keep them in aled original packs, out of reach of ildren.ng-life antifreeze and corrosion inhib-

Checking coolant level Diesel engine:

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Co(ap

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Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is to say it absorbs moisture gradu-

ally from the air.To ensure that the car's brake system remains in good working order, have the brake fluid renewed every two years by BMW Service; see also page 79, 191 and the Service Booklet.Brake fluid is hazardous to health, and also attacks the car's paintwork. Keep it in sealed original packs, out of reach of children.Do not spill brake fluid; add it only up to the MAX mark on the reservoir. If it comes into contact with hot parts of the engine, brake fluid may ignite and cause burns.<

When disposing of old brake fluid, comply with the relevant environ-

mental protection laws.<

a long-life antifreeze and corrosion in-hibitor has been added. The 50:50 mix-ing ratio must be maintained all the year round to ensure protection against cor-rosion. No other additives are needed.

Renew the coolant every 4 years.

travel. Comply with the instructions on page 132.

Coolant Brake fluid

Adding coolant Open the cap on the equalizing tank only when the engine has cooled down. The needle of the coolant thermometer on the instrument panel must be in the blue zone, otherwise there is a risk of being scalded.

1 Turn the cap slightly counter-clock-wise until it starts to open, then allow the pressure to escape before open-ing it fully

2 Top up slowly until the correct level is reached – do not overfill.

The coolant consists of water to which

If the warning lamp lights up for brake hydraulics, or the mes-sage "Check brake fluid" ap-

pears in the Check Control: The brake fluid level is too low in the reservoir.

The brake fluid reservoir is located un-der the micro-filter housing on the driver's side. To top up the brake fluid, or to rectify the cause of any loss of brake fluid, please consult BMW Serv-ice whose staff is familiar with the fac-tory-approved grades of brake fluid (DOT 4).

Loss of fluid will increase brake pedal

Page 163: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

162nPower steering oil Vehicle identification Type plate

the engine compartment down the t side wall, and also where necessary the left upper side of the dash-ard*.

e data on the type plate must agree th those in the car's documents.

e car's data are needed as a refer-ce for all queries, checks and spare rt orders.

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Illu52Oi

e the engine compartment illustra-ns starting on page 150.

ith the engine stationary, unscrew the ntainer lid and insert the dipstick ce again with its cover, but without rewing it on.

e oil level must be between the arks on the dipstick.

ter checking, screw on the container .

nsult your local BMW Service agent here is a shortage of oil because only F (automatic transmission fluid) can used, and specialist knowledge is quired when topping up.

bo

Thwi

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stration shows oil reservoir for BMW 0i, 523i and 528i as an example.l reservoirs on other models:

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In the engine compartment, on the left spring strut mounting (arrow).

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In lefon

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rvice Bookletr further information on maintenance ints and the scope of maintenance rk, please refer to the car's Service oklet.

pending on the circumstances in ich the car is used, it may be worth-ile to inspect it for damage caused stones flung up from the road, in der to guard against subsequent cor-sion.

Have maintenance and repair work carried out by BMW Service.

W Service is in possession of the t information on maintenance and ir procedures and equipped with pecial tools needed for your car. eck on parts subject to wear is in-d in the maintenance schedules. sure that maintenance work is

irmed in the Service Booklet after it een carried out. These entries are nce that your car has been serv-regularly and correctly, and are the basis of any warranty claims.<

The BMW Maintenance System

loads imposed on it.

that your car remains safe and reliable at all times.

Please remember that regular mainte-nance is not only essential to ensure that your car remains safe, but also to enhance its resale value.

not be equated with 100,000 kilometres made up of long main-road journeys only.

The maintenance routines based on actual use of the car consist of the Oil Service and Inspections I and II.

The principle of determining mainte-nance intervals according to load effec-tively covers all the operating condi-tions to which the car is likely to be exposed. Drivers who cover only very short annual distances – well below 10,000 km (approx. 6,000 miles) – should nonetheless have an engine oil change carried out every two years, since engine oil ages regardless of the

latesrepathe sA chcludeMakeconfhas bevideiced also

The BMW maintenance system has been designed to ensure that minimum cost and effort are involved in ensuring

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Service Interval indicatorAdvanced technologies have been adopted as a means of computing maintenance requirements, which are then shown on the Service Interval indi-cator. Whereas conventional systems call for maintenance when a fixed dis-tance in kilometres/miles has been cov-ered, the BMW Maintenance System has for many years now taken the car's operating conditions into account as well, since one kilometre is by no means the same as another.100,000 kilometres completed exclu-sively in the form of short journeys can-

SeFopowoBo

Dewhwhbyorro

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164n

When cleaning the headlamps, please note:

> do not rub them when dry or use caustic or abrasive cleaning agents

> soak dirt or other deposits (e.g. dead insects) with BMW Shampoo and wash down with plenty of water

> use a de-icer spray to remove ice de-posits – not a scraper or other hard tool.<

After washing the car, drive it briefly and apply the brakes to dry

them out; this is necessary to prevent uced braking effect when the brakes wet, and also to avoid corrosion of brake discs.<

and cause long-term damage or fail-ure.<

If an automatic car wash is used, make sure

> that it can safely accommodate your size of car

> that it cannot damage add-on body elements (e.g. spoilers or a car phone aerial). If necessary, consult the oper-ator of the car wash first

> that your car's wheels and tyres can-not be damaged by the mechanism used to move the car through the au-tomatic wash

> the brush pressure is as low as possi-ble, and the car wash operates with ample rinsing water.

door sills, folds in door and lid panels etc.

During the winter months in particular, wash the car more frequently. Severe dirt deposits and road salt are difficult to remove and tend to damage the paintwork if not attended to promptly.

If a steam jet or high-pressure washer is used, make sure that it

is held sufficiently far away from the car's panel surfaces. High pressure jets striking it from only a short distance away could cause damage, or surface deterioration leading to damage at a later date. In addition, water could pen-etrate various components on the car

redare the

Care of the car

Car wash You can put your new BMW through an automatic car wash right from the start. Ideally, you should try to find one that operates without brushes.

Before washing the car, soak dead in-sects and obstinate dirt marks and wash them off.

To prevent patches from forming, do not wash the car when the engine hood is still hot, directly after it has been ex-posed to strong sunlight or if it is parked in the sun.

Cars with a rain sensor:clean the windscreen regularly. Wax or silicone coatings from car washes, and also insects adhering to the glass could prevent the rain sensor from operating correctly.

Switch off the rain sensor in an automatic car wash, otherwise the

car’s wipers may operate and be dam-aged.<

Clean the areas not reached in the automatic wash by hand, for example

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Care of paintwork The long-term effects of substances which could damage the paint can be counteracted by washing the car regu-larly, particularly if it is used in an area suffering from severe atmospheric pol-lution or natural forms of contamination (tree sap, pollen etc.).

However, always remove particularly aggressive substances as soon as pos-sible, to avoid the risk of paint damage or discoloration. These may include spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid or bird droppings.

Contamination of the paint surface is particularly easy to identify after the car has been washed. Remove such resi-dues without delay, using cleaning-grade petroleum spirit or alcohol on a clean cloth or wadding. Remove tar splashes with a suitable tar stain re-mover. Finally, apply a paint preserving product to the treated areas.

Cleaning and care products can be obtained from BMW Service.<

velop under the paint, and spread out from the damaged areas.

maintaining not only its safe condition but also its resale value.

Increasing awareness of the damage which unfavourable environmental con-ditions can cause to paintwork has led to paint suppliers and automobile man-ufacturers steadily increasing the dura-bility of the paint finishes. Nonetheless, regional environmental factors could have adverse effects on the car's paint-work. Please wash and clean the car as frequently as needed.

In the case of mechanical loads caused by sand, road salt, stone chippings or similar, the paint surface may be broken and corrosion may then be able to de-

tal panel surfaces are affected.

In coastal regions the high salt content and humidity of the air encourages more rapid corrosion.

In tropical zones, strong ultra-violet ra-diation and high atmospheric humidity are often accompanied by temperatures above 406 in the shade. Light-col-oured cars can reach a temperature as high as 806 and dark-coloured cars up to 1206.

Care of the car

Paintwork The car's paintwork is built up in several layers, for protection against corrosion. In addition to cataphoretic dip coating with primer, the body cavities are spe-cially protected with materials that have been subjected to stringent and suc-cessful testing for a number of years.The underside of the body has a resil-ient PVC coating applied to it, followed by complete wax-based undersealing for additional protection.Always remember that regular care of your car will go a long way towards

Mud and dirt from the roads, tar stains, dead insects, bird droppings (strongly alkaline) and even resin and pollen from trees all contain substances that can damage the paintwork if not removed promptly (by causing patches, blisters, caustic burns or flaking off of the top coat).

In industrial areas, airborne fly ash, lime, oily soot, acid rain or sulphur diox-ide as well as other impurities in the air are bound to attack the paintwork if not cleaned with sufficient regularity, though in most cases only the horizon-

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166n

re of windows ater- and dirt-repellent windscreen (in eparation) e coating is not affected by wax from tomatic car washes or windscreen sher additives.pending on the how often the wipers

e used, and also on environmental in-ences, the windscreen coating will ur an unavoidable degree of wear. e properties of the coating then dete-rate to an increasing extent. After ap-ox. 20,000 to 25,000 km, the glass gins to resemble a non-coated wind-reen. BMW Service can then renew

the windscreen coating.

Keep the inside surfaces of windows, and the mirrors, clean and free from smears with a glass cleaner. Never use cleaning agents or polishing pastes containing quarz powder on the mirrors.

For care of the protective glass*, please note:

The inside surfaces of the car's side windows have a plastic film applied to them. For this reason, avoid attaching any adhesive labels unless it is not in-tended to remove them again. Clean only with water, to which a com-mercially available dishwasher deter-gent can be added if desired. Do not use abrasive cleaning products.

age, remove the rust and clean them. Apply primer coating with a BMW primer stick, allow to dry thoroughly, then apply the top coat. After a few days, polish the touched-in areas and apply a paint protection product.

You can have more widespread paint damage expertly repaired by BMW Service in accordance with the manu-facturer's directives, using original BMW paint materials.

Care of the car

Protecting the paintwork Polish the paintwork only with products containing Carnauba or synthetic waxes.

A sure sign that the paintwork needs protective treatment is when water no longer forms large droplets and rolls off the surface.

Remove care product residues and sili-cone from the windscreen with glass cleaner.

Touching in paint damageMinor paint damage can be touched in with a BMW paint spray aerosol or BMW paint pencil.

The colour of your car's paintwork is stated on the type plate (see page 162) and on the first page of the Service Booklet.

Scratches and damage caused by flying stones must be repaired immediately, to prevent rust from forming.

If any areas of the body have already started to rust as a result of paint dam-

CaWprThauwaDearfluincThrioprbesc

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Seat belts should only be cleaned with mild soap suds (without removing them from the car). Do not dry-clean or use chemical products, or the fabric may be weakened.

Never allow inertia reel seat belts to re-tract unless they are dry. Dirt on the seat belts can interfere with the action of the reel and represent a safety haz-ard.

Floor carpets and mats* can be treated with a car interior cleaner if very dirty. The floor mats can be taken out of the car to enable the interior to be cleaned more thoroughly.

Real wood trims and wooden parts should only be cleaned using a damp cloth. Then rub dry with a second soft cloth.

Cleaning and care products can be obtained from BMW Service.<

road salt in winter. Use chrome polish to buff up these parts.

Clean plastic parts, imitation leather surfaces, the roof lining, the light glasses, the glass over the instruments and parts that are sprayed matt black with water and possibly a plastic care product. Do not soak the seats or roof lining right through. Never use solvents such as nitro thinners, cold cleanser, fuel or similar.

Apart from water, treat rubber parts only with rubber care products or sili-cone spray.

Care of the car

Fogged-over or iced-up windows can be treated inside the car with a demist-ing cloth or de-icing spray – do not use an ice scraper.<

Clean the wiper blades with soapy wa-ter. Renew the windscreen wipers twice a year, before and after the cold sea-son. This is particularly important on cars with a rain sensor.

Use only BMW-approved wiper blades.<

Care of special components Alloy wheels should be treated with a suitable cleaner, particularly in the win-ter months, but do not use aggressive, acid, strongly alkaline or abrasive cleaning agents or steam jets at more than 606 (comply with the manufac-turer's instructions for use).

If your car has chrome-plated parts* such as window surrounds, door han-dles etc., they should be cleaned most carefully with plenty of water to which a shampoo can be added; this is particu-larly important if the car is exposed to

Page 169: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

168nCare of the car

re of leather e leather* used by BMW is a natural oduct of the highest quality, proc-sed by the very latest methods, and ll remain in good condition for many ars if correctly treated.

ce this is an authentic natural prod-t, its special characteristics and how s used and looked after must be en due consideration.

gular cleaning and care are needed, ce dust and dirt, for instance from roads, collect in pores and creases,

use severe abrasion and can lead to leather surface becoming prema-ely brittle. You are therefore recom-nded to remove dust from the ther at regular intervals with a cloth

vacuum cleaner.

r cleaning, please use BMW leather aning foam.

ing to the fact that dirt and grease n, over time, permeate the protective ating on the leather, cleaned leather rfaces must be treated with a BMW ther care product. This also helps to

event a static electrical charge from ilding up.

pafaclewastazere

If streitwief

CaThclostore

Thticnohoav

Rerusubr

rticularly obstinate fluff. Stains and irly large areas of dirt should be aned off without delay, using luke-rm water and an interior cleaner, in remover or cleaning-grade ben-

ne. Brush the fabric afterwards to store its appearance.

the car is likely to be exposed to ong sunlight for a lengthy period, her cover the seats or mask off the ndows in order to prevent a bleaching fect.

theturmeleaor

Focle

Owcacosuleaprbu

re of upholstery materials e pressure areas which occur when th seats are in daily use can be re-red by brushing against the pile di-

ction with a slightly moistened brush.

e tendency of the pile to lie in a par-ular direction on velour upholstery is t a quality defect and, just as on me textiles or clothing, cannot be oided.

move fluff from cloth upholstery and bbed-in threads or scraps of cloth or ede with a suitable fluff roller or burr ush. A cleaning glove is available for

The build-up of a static electrical charge on the seats, particularly if at-mospheric humidity is low, can give the occupants an unpleasant electric shock if they touch metal parts of the car after leaving it. Although this is not danger-ous in any way, it can be avoided by holding on to a bare or polished metal part of the car while getting out.

CaThpreswiye

Sinucit igiv

Resintheca

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Cleaning and care products can be obtained from BMW Service.<

Care of the car

To protect it against moisture and damp, the leather can be treated with BMW impregnating agent.

This treatment is recommended every six months, assuming normal use of the car.

If any liquids are spilled, wipe them off immediately. Dab grease or oil stains carefully with stain remover.

If exposed to strong sunlight when the car is parked for a lengthy period, leather seats should be covered or the windows blanked off to prevent fading.

Cleaning agents can contain haz-ardous substances or constitute a

health risk. Always comply with the warning and hazard avoidance instruc-tions on the pack.When cleaning the interior of the car, leave the doors or windows open. Never use any solvents or other sub-stances not specifically intended for cleaning the car.<

Page 171: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

170nAirbags Laying up out of use

ase ask BMW Service what precau-ns are necessary if the car is to be d up out of use for more than three nths.

3

Im

seciaocfabeit SeNedivitsco

1

2

Side airbags (front and rear seats*)

portant safety instructions Do not remove the airbag gas generators. Have testing and as-

mbly work performed only by spe-lly trained personnel. If the airbag cupant restraint system develops a ult, is shut down out of use or has en triggered off in an accident, have

repaired or dismantled only by BMW rvice.ver make any modifications to the in-idual components of the system or wiring. This includes the upholstered vers on the steering wheel, dash-

Front airbags for the driver and pas-senger

Head airbags (at front)

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board, side panels on front and rear doors and roof struts as well as down the sides of the roof liners. Do not apply adhesive or any surface material to these covers or modify or process them in any other way. Do not remove the steering wheel.In order to comply with valid safety regulations, have airbag generators scrapped only by BMW Service.Any careless or unskilled interference with the system could lead to its failure or to accidental triggering off with the risk of injury.<

Pletiolaimo

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the road:

Cars with xenon headlamps, right-hand-drive cars:

1 Remove the plugs above the head-lamps

2 For driving on the left: slide lever to-wards centre of carFor driving on the right: slide lever to-wards outside of car

Left-hand-drive cars without xenon headlamps:Please contact BMW Service or, to avoid dazzle from the headlamps, have BMW Service carry out the necessary modification.

Service or the importer.

When entering another country involves a switch to driving on the other side of

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Cars are always supplied to conform with the registration laws of the country in which they are intended for use.

If the owner moves to another country, it is important to check beforehand that import regulations and vehicle licensing laws do not make it too difficult to im-port the car.

You can obtain this information in Ger-many by calling Tel. 089/382-0 and stating the model, the vehicle identifica-tion number and the date first regis-tered.

In other countries, please contact BMW

Rule of the road Registration abroad

Page 173: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

172nTechnical modifications OBD socket

cess to socket for On-Board Diagno- (OBD):t the cover on the top of the compart-nt next to the steering column row).

mponents which have a decisive ect on exhaust emissions can be ted at this interface with a suitable vice.

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Anconicrereactionu

me(ar

Coefftesde

y BMW Service will gladly advise you ncerning the value of proposed tech-al modifications to your car, the legal

quirements and the manufacturer's commendations. Enquiries should be companied by the vehicle identifica-n number and, if relevant, the engine mber.

Light-emitting diodes (LED)Controls, displays and other equipment items inside your car have light-emitting diodes (LEDs) behind a cover as their light source. These LEDs resemble con-ventional lasers and are classified by law as "Class 1 light-emitting diodes".

Do not remove the cover or ex-pose the eyes directly to the unfil-

tered light source for several hours at a time, as this could cause irritation to the iris.< Ac

sisLif

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Recycling in the Service areaReturning the car

substances and has drawn up handling principles far in excess of anything cur-rently called for by law.

ciples laid down by BMW.

Your BMW Service station will gladly advise you on returning the

car for disposal as and when it has to be withdrawn from use.<

In many countries, BMW Service col-lects residual materials during mainte-nance and repair work according to specific categories, for example:

> old oil> oil filters> antifreeze> brake fluid> batteries> tyres> air cleaner elements> airbags> windscreens and rear windows

BMW organises, pays for and super-vises the removal and disposal of these

When your car reaches the end of its useful life, the fact that it is largely suit-able for recycling will avoid unneces-sary expense for you and undue burden on the environment. Easily removable components and assemblies containing re-usable materials wherever possible increase the value of a scrapped vehi-cle.

BMW cooperates with selected, li-censed disposal and recycling compa-nies in its various countries; these ac-cept your vehicle at the end of its useful life and recycle or dispose of it and its component parts according to the prin-

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174n

Page 176: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

Initial overview

Controls in detail

Operation, maintenanceand general care

Minor repairs

Technical data

Index

chnical items of interest

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Mai

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nica

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ta

Replacing parts:Toolkit 176Wiper blades 176Lights and bulbs 177Radio remote control 183Auxiliar heater remote

control 185Wheel-changing 186Lockable wheel studs 189 Battery 190Fuses 192

If an electrical fault occurs:Fuel filler flap 194Sliding/tilting sunroof 194touring: Tailgate 195

Te

Mutual aid:BMW Emergency Service 196Starting with a flat battery 196Tow-starting, towing away 197Fire extinguisher 199

Key

w

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176n

ar* Hold the wiper blade against the glass and pull the wiper arm off/un-clip it (arrow) at the outer pivot Offer up the new wiper blade and press it against the wiper arm (clip into position).

Use only BMW-approved wiper blades.<

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Toolkit Wiper blades

2 Move the sliding safety catch (arrow) and take off the wiper blade towards the windscreen

3 Attach the new wiper blade and slide the safety catch back.

2

The toolkit is located in the luggage compartment lid/tailgate.

To open, undo the wing bolt(s).

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Front 1 Raise the wiper arm slightly and hold

it firmly

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Re1

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3 Attach new bulb holder with bulb to plug connector – making sure that it engages correctly

4 Install in the opposite order of work.

Please note when cleaning the headlamps:

> Do not rub them when dry or use caustic or abrasive cleaning agents

> Soak dirt or other deposits (e.g. dead insects) with BMW Shampoo and wash down with plenty of water

> Use a de-icer spray to remove ice de-posits – not a scraper or other hard tool.<

A box containing spare bulbs is availa-ble from BMW Service.

Before any work is done on the electrical system, switch off the

affected consumer equipment or dis-connect the negative terminal from the battery, to prevent any risk of short-cir-cuits occurring. Observe any instructions supplied by the bulb manufacturer, to avoid causing injury or damage when changing bulbs.<

Right-hand-drive cars: HB4 bulb

The H7 bulb is pressurised, so wear goggles and gloves. There is

otherwise a risk of physical injury if the bulb should be damaged.<

1 Turn the bulb holder to the left (arrow) and take it off

2 Pull out the bulb and change it.

2 High-beam headlampsHB3 bulb, 60 Watt

1 Turn the bulb holder to the left and take it off

2 Detach the cable connector

Lights and bulbs

Bulbs and lights are crucial safety fea-tures of your car. Appropriate care and attention should therefore be taken when handling these components. If you are unfamiliar with such tasks, it is better to entrust them to BMW Service.

Do not touch the glass of a new bulb with the fingers, because

even slight amounts of dirt or grease will then be burned into the bulb and re-duce its working life. Use a clean tissue, cloth or similar, or hold the bulb by its base.<

1 Low-beam headlampsH7 bulb, 55 Watt

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178nLights and bulbs

ont flashing turn indicator Watt bulb

Press bulb holder together at the lugs (arrows) and remove to the rearPress the bulb in slightly, turn to the left and removeAfter changing the bulb, insert the bulb holder (note correct position of lugs) and engage.

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ris

XeThexurswnushfogrtio

ligou

k of possibly fatal injury.<1 Turn the bulb holder to the left (arrow)

and take it off2 Pull out the bulb and change it.

1

2

3

non headlamps* e operating life of these light units is tremely long and the likelihood of fail-e very low, provided that they are not itched on and off a very great mber of times. If a Xenon headlamp ould nonetheless fail, switch on the g lights and continue the journey with eat care, provided that local legisla-n does not prohibit this.

In view of the high voltages that are present, work on the entire

hting system should only be carried t by skilled personnel, to avoid the

Side and parking lights 5 Watt bulb

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Rear lights – saloon Rear lights: 5 Watt bulbsOther lights: 21 Watt

1 Flashing turn indicators yellow

2 Rear lights, rear fog lights red

3 Rear fog lights red

4 Reversing lights white

5 Brake lights red

If both bulbs fail in the rear lights, the brake lights take on the func-

tion of the rear lights.<

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1 Press the light forwards with the fin-gertip at its rear edge (arrow) and take it out

2 Press the bulb in slightly, turn to the left and remove.

The bulb is pressurised, so protect the eyes and wear gloves. There is

otherwise a risk of physical injury if the bulb should be damaged.<

1 Pull the cover next to the fog light for-wards and remove it

2 Take out the two screws (arrows) and swing the fog light out

3 Release the spring on the back of the fog light and turn the cap to the left

4 Disconnect the wire spring clip and renew the bulb after pulling off the contact cap.

Lights and bulbs

Side turn indicator repeater*5 Watt bulb

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Fog lights H7 bulb, 55 Watt

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180nLights and bulbs

hts in rear panel:

Open the flap in the side panel trimTurn the quick-release fastener and take off the trim in front of the bulb holderTurn the quick-release fastener (arrow) and take off the bulb holderPress the bulb in slightly, turn to the left and remove.

sub-woofer loudspeaker* is in-lled behind the right-hand flap, re-se the toggle screw and swing the b-woofer to one side.

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2

3

1

Turn the quick-release bulb holder to the left (arrow) and take it offPress the bulb in slightly, turn to the left and remove.

1 Flashing turn indicators yellow

2 Rear lights red

3 Rear fog lights red

4 Reversing lights white

5 Brake light, reflector red

If both bulbs fail in the rear lights, the brake lights take on the func-

tion of the rear lights.<

3

4

If astaleasu

Fold down the side trim in the lug-gage compartment, using the handle at the top

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Rear lights – touring Rear lights: 5 Watt bulbsOther lights: 21 Watt

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Lig

12

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Licence plate lights 5 Watt bulb

1 Insert screwdriver into slot and press to the right (arrow); this will release the light

2 Take out the light and change the bulb.

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2 Turn the quick-release fastener (arrow) and take off the bulb holder

3 Press the bulb in slightly, turn to the left and remove.

1 Open the luggage compartment lid2 Use a screwdriver to unclip the cover

on the underside of the rear window shelf (arrow)

3 Turn the bulb holder to the left and take it off

4 Press the bulb in slightly, turn to the left and remove.

touring: LED strip light in tailgate.

Lights and bulbs

Lights in tailgate:

1 Open the trim in the tailgate

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Central brake light* 21 Watt bulb

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182nLights and bulbs

ggage compartment lights ht on underside of rear window

elf: Halogen bulb, 10 Watt.

ht in the luggage compartment lid: Watt bulb.

Press light out of recess with a screwdriverTake off the reflectorChange the bulb.

ad-area lights ht on roof lining: Watt bulbs.

Press the glass out at the side with a screwdriverChange the bulb.

ht at end of tailgate: 10 Watt bulb

Press the light out at the upper edge with a screwdriverTake off the reflectorChange the bulb.

2

Re

Inlig

1

2

3

InFr

Inlig

1

2

In

1

1

Take out the bulb.

ar – saloon

terior light (10 Watt bulb) with reading hts (5 Watt bulbs)

Insert a screwdriver at the top and press the light out of the cutoutsInterior light: press the lug back at the reflector and change the bulbReading light: press the bulb in slightly, turn to the left and remove.

5 Watt bulb

1 Lever the cover out at one side with a screwdriver

2 Change the bulb.

Glove box light 5 Watt bulb

1 Press light out of recess with a screwdriver

2 Take off the reflector3 Change the bulb.

2

Lig

1

23

terior lights ont

terior light (10 Watt bulb) with reading hts (10 Watt bulbs)

Interior light: Press the light out to the side with a screwdriver and take off the cover. Pull the bulb out of its con-tact tabsReading light: press the bulb in slightly, turn to the left and remove.

direct lighting

Watt bulb

Unclip the bulb holder

Rear – touring

Interior light: 5 Watt bulbs

1 Press the light out from the top with a screwdriver

2 Take off the glass3 Change the bulb.

Interior light (10 Watt bulb) with reading lights (6 Watt bulbs)

1 Press the light out at the side next to the switch with a screwdriver

2 Take off the glass3 Change the bulb.

Footwell lights

LuLigsh

Lig10

1

23

LoLig10

1

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Control displays "REMOTE KEY BATTERY". The LED no longer lights up when a button is pressed, and the re-mote control will not perform the lock-ing action.

Use only one battery of the type stated in the battery compartment (CR 2016), and make quite sure that it is installed in the correct position.

1 Using a screwdriver, lift the cover out at the recess (arrow)

The battery type and correct installed position are marked on the base of the battery compartment.

Dispose of old batteries only to an authorised collecting point or re-

turn them to BMW Service.<

Radio remote control

Changing the battery Renew the battery when the Check

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2 Remove the two screws (arrows) and take off the cover.

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Page 185: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

184nRadio remote control

tra

12

3

4

5

NeIf co

nsmitter), it must first be initialised:

Enter the car and close the doorsInsert the ignition key into the steer-ing lock, turn briefly to position 1 (max. 5 seconds) then back to 0; re-move the keyPress button 1 (see picture) and hold it in. Press button 2 three times in rapid succession (within 10 seconds) without releasing button 1Release button 1. LED 3 will flash slowly for a maximum of 10 secondsThe central locking system indicates that initialisation has been performed successfully by closing and releasing the locks in rapid succession.

transmitter, for example by hand-ing over only door and ignition key 3 or the spare key (see page 34) to hotel staff.<

w transmitter you begin to operate a new remote ntrol (a replacement or an additional

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If the LED does not flash and the central locking system does not operate, the initialising procedure must be repeated.

If you use further remote control trans-mitters for this car, all of them (up to four) must be re-initialized within 30 seconds each. Repeat steps 3 and 4 above for each of the transmitters. The central locking will confirm each initial-ising operation as described in step 5.

In the event of faults, contact BMW Service, which can also supply replace-ment transmitters.

Prevent unauthorised use of the

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no longer flashes when the auxiliary heater is switched on.

1 Pull open cover 1 for battery com-partment

2 Insert two batteries of the same type as before (LR 1). Battery type and installed position are marked on the base of the battery compartment

3 Press the cover back into position.

Dispose of old batteries only to an authorised collecting point or re-

turn them to BMW Service.<

the fuse again, press button 33 Next, press button 4 within 5 seconds4 After a further 3 seconds, the system

is operational.

Remote control for auxiliary heater*

Changing the batteries Renew the batteries if the telltale lamp

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New transmitter If you begin to use a new transmitter (a replacement or additional transmitter), it must first be initialised. Either one or two transmitters can be used.

Observe the times stated below accurately, otherwise initialising

will fail and have to be repeated.<1 Remove the fuse for the auxiliary

heater (in luggage compartment or load area on right, see page 193) and insert it again after 10 seconds

2 Within 3 seconds of having inserted

Page 187: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

186nWheel-changing

hat you need avoid rattling noises later, please ke a note of the positions of the tools en they are removed, and re-attach m in the same positions later.

JackSaloon: fold back the floor mat in the luggage compartment and loosen the wing nut (arrow).touring: raise the floor panel and the spare wheel cover (see page 119).After using the jack, retract it fully, swing the crank handle back in and clip it securely Wheel chockNext to the jack. Unscrew the wing nut to remove it

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ordisvaOnnosuis sid

HatrafaflaEnahantoAlledpocrIf n

a flashing warning light at a sufficient tance to the rear. Comply with rele-

nt local laws.ly change wheels on flat, firm and n-slip surface. On a soft or low-grip rface (snow, ice, tiles or similar) there a risk of the car or the jack sliding eways.

whthe

>

>

Safety precautions in the event of a puncture or tyre failure:

lt the car as far away from the main ffic flow as possible, on a firm sur-

ce; switch on the hazard warning shers.gage the steering lock in the straight-ead position, apply the handbrake d select first or reverse gear or selec-r lever position P.l occupants must leave the car and be to a point where they are not ex-sed to risk, for example behind a

ash barrier at the side of the road.ecessary, set up the warning triangle

Position the car's jack on a firm surface.Never place wood blocks or similar un-der the jack, or the maximum lifting ca-pacity may be exceeded. When the car has been jacked up, do not lie under it or start the engine, as this could lead to a potentially fatal accident.<

WToma

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5 If hub covers are fitted*: lever the cover off by inserting a screwdriver into the slot. For thiefproof wheel studs, see page 189

6 Slacken off the wheel studs by a 1/2 turn

7 Attach the jack to the nearest mounting point to the wheel which it is intended to remove; the full sur-face area of the base of the jack should make contact with the ground, and the jack head should enter the rectangular recess of the mounting point (see picture detail) as the jack is raised

8 Continue to turn the crank handle until the wheel you wish to change is lifted clear of the ground

9 Take out the wheel studs and re-move the wheel

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Both are kept next to the jack. Take off the adapter or the plastic cap. Un-screw the wing nut (arrow) by hand and take out the wheel

>Wheel stud wrench and screwdriverIn the car's toolkit under the luggage compartment lid (see page 176).touring: the wheel stud wrench is next to the spare wheel.

previous page2 Prevent the car from rolling away:

place the wheel chock behind the front wheel on the side opposite to where the wheel is to be removed (or in front of the front wheel on a downhill gradient). If the car cannot be moved to a point on a less se-vere gradient, you must protect it reliably against rolling away

3 If full-width wheel covers are in-stalled*: insert the fingers into the vent holes and pull the cover off

4 Version with adapter*: Place the adapter on the wheel stud cover, at-tach the wheel stud wrench and press to the left (see illustration)

Wheel-changing

> Spare wheel and adapter* for re-moval of hub cap* (see next column)

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Procedure1 Note the safety precautions on the

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Page 189: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

188nWheel-changing

ve a flat tyre repaired as soon as ssible, and the wheel and tyre rebal-ced before fitting.

For the lightweight wheel, use only BMW approved balance

ights for alloy wheels. Do not at-pt to use hammer-on steel balance

ights on these wheels.<

11

12

1314

15

10

Offer up the new wheel and secure it with at least two studs inserted on opposite sides of the hub Insert and screw up the remaining wheel studs, then tighten them all firmly, working across the hub rather than round itLower the car and remove the jackTighten the studs alternately on op-posite sides of the hubWith full-width wheel covers: place the cover in position so that the valve cutout is aligned with the tyre valve, then press the cover on to the wheel with both hands

ing. Do not attempt to raise an-other type of vehicle or any other load with this jack; this could result in injury or damage.For safety reasons, have the wheel stud tightening torque checked without de-lay, using a suitable calibrated torque wrench (correct tightening torque =100 Nm).<

When replacing a wheel in the spare wheel well, make sure that the central threaded rod in the well is not bent or damaged.

If the car is fitted with alloy wheels not of the Original BMW type, note that dif-ferent wheel studs may be needed.

Remove heavy dirt deposits from the wheel and hub contact faces and clean the wheel studs

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For this lightweight wheel, use only the special full-width cover

supplied with the car, otherwise the cover may not be held firmly.<

16 With hub cap: offer up the cap and press into position

17 On wheels with a wheel stud cover (hub cap): align the arrow on the cover with the line on the wheel, then press the cover on

18 Correct the tyre pressure at the ear-liest opportunity.

Use the jack only for wheel chang-

Hapoan

wetemwe

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The code number is embossed on the front of the adapter. Please make a careful note of this number and keep it in a safe place, in case the adapter is lost.

pressed on.<

2 Wheel stud for adapter

3 Adapter (in toolkit, next to spare wheel in the touring)

To remove:

1 Turn cap 1 slightly to the left with the wheel stud wrench, and take it off

2 Take adapter 3 out of the toolkit and insert it into the wheel stud

3 Unscrew wheel stud 2.

After inserting and tightening the wheel stud again, remove the adapter and press on the stud cap.

The cap is located correctly if the M of the BMW badge is over a

raised section on the wheel stud when

Wheel-changing Thiefproof wheel studs*

Tyre size 255/40 R 17 94W* on the rear wheels:

In the event of a puncture or similar, it may be necessary to fit the spare wheel and tyre (of different size) at the rear. The car's spare wheel and tyre are of full capacity in all load and speed ranges. In such cases, fit a wheel and tyre of the correct size as soon as pos-sible.<

1 Cap (not needed for wheels with wheel stud cover or hub cap)

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Page 191: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

190nBattery

A highly explosive detonating gas is generated when the bat-tery is charged.

If acid comes into contact with the eyes, rinse immediately with clean water for several minutes.

en immediately seek medical assist-ce. Neutralize acid spillage on the in or clothes immediately with soap d rinse off with plenty of water. If acid s been swallowed, consult a physi-n immediately.

To protect the housing from ultra-violet rays, do not expose battery to direct sunlight. As

tteries which have run flat could eze, store in a place where there is risk of frost damage.

aintenancee battery is entirely maintenance-free accordance with German Industrial andard DIN 43 539/2, that is to say e acid filling is sufficient for the whole erating life of the battery.

loa

SwthprIf,spscsid

LoThsid

and cause injury.

d area.

ing the trim panel down by pulling e handle at the top; on the touring, ess the button. on the touring, a sub-woofer loud-eaker* is installed, release the toggle rew and swing the sub-woofer to one e.

Battery acid is highly caustic. Al-ways wear protective gloves and goggles. Do not tilt battery:

acid could then escape from breather vents.

Keep the acid and the battery out of the reach of children.

Naked flames and sparks must be avoided; smoking is prohib-ited. Avoid sparks when working

on wiring and electrical equipment. The ignition key must be in position 0 when disconnecting or reconnecting the bat-tery. Never short-circuit the battery ter-minals, or a powerful spark could result

bafreno

MThin Stonop

catione battery is behind the right-hand e trim in the luggage compartment/

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Symbols Your car's battery is marked with the following symbols. For your own safety, check the meaning of these symbols before handling or working on the bat-tery.

Before handling or working on the battery, please note the fol-lowing precautions.

Always wear eye protection. Do not allow any particles con-taining acid or lead to enter the

eyes, or to make contact with skin or clothing.

Thanskanhacia

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When installing the battery, connect the lead to its positive terminal first, then the lead to its negative terminal.

During installation, check that the battery is correctly mounted and

fit the protective hoop, otherwise the battery will not be secure enough in the event of an accident.<

Recharging the battery Recharge the battery only with the en-gine stopped, or remove it from the car.

Before undertaking any work on the car's electrical system, dis-

connect the lead from the negative ter-minal of the battery in order to avoid the risk of short-circuits and fire or injury.<

If the car is laid up out of use for more than 4 weeks, disconnect the negative lead from the battery in order to sepa-rate it from the car's electrical system.

If the car is not to be used for more than six weeks, remove the battery, recharge it and store it in a cool place where is no risk of frost damage. After 6 months at the latest, and always before the bat-tery is installed again, it must be re-charged to prevent it from becoming

nection on the battery (2).

ration) can be used to read off the state of battery charge:

> green: adequate charge> black: state of charge is too low. The

battery needs to be recharged. Please contact BMW Service and ar-range for this to be done

> yellow: the battery must be replaced.

The battery will not achieve its full operating life unless it is kept ade-

quately charged. Have the state of charge checked more frequently if the car is mainly used for short journeys.<

Do not disconnect battery leads while the engine is running, other-

wise excess current will destroy the ve-hicle electronics unit.Do not make any modifications to the leads at the positive terminal, since this could render the protective function of the safety battery terminal ineffective. Repairs and disposal should only be undertaken by properly trained person-nel.<

When removing the battery, first dis-connect the lead at the negative termi-nal, then the lead at the positive termi-nal. Dismantle the battery retaining bracket (1) and unfasten the screw con-

Battery

State of charge The "Magic Eye" (hydrometer, in prepa-

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Removing and installing

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Page 193: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

192nBattery Fuses

ose the fuse strip by pressing on the at the top and turning the two quick-lease fasteners to the right.

ere are additional fuses in the lug-ge compartment/load area (see next ge).

cars equipped for towing a trailer* re are additional fuses for the trailer

hts in the trailer module, which is be-d the right trim panel in the luggage mpartment.

e fuse for the permanent positive line above the battery in a separate fuse x. If a fault develops, have this fuse anged by BMW Service.

Do not repair burnt out fuses or replace them with fuses with dif-

ent colours or ampere ratings other-se overloaded electrical wires can use a fire in the vehicle.<

he fuse burns out several times, have cause of the fault rectified by BMW rvice.

toingInbrre

ustofodu

tufillanag

co

r when the brake fluid renewal warn- is given.

such cases you must ensure that the ake fluid is renewed every two years gardless of the display.<

In glove box 1 Open the glove box and turn the two

white quick-release fasteners to the left. The fuse strip also contains spare fuses and plastic tweezers for changing the fuses

2 Pull the fuse for the failed electrical consumer out of its holder with the tweezers

3 A blown fuse – identifiable by the melted wire must be replaced by an-other of the same colour and ampere rating.

A list of fuses with ampere ratings and consumers is located under the fuse strip.

ch

ferwica

If ttheSe

eless. Every time a battery is allowed run flat, particularly if left in this state r some time, its operating life is re-ced.

Dispose of old batteries only to an authorised collecting point or re-

rn them to BMW Service. Batteries ed with acid should be transported d stored upright. Protect batteries ainst falling over when in transit.<

Periods of time in which the car's battery is disconnected are not

unted by the Service Interval indica-

If an electrical consumer fails, switch it off and check its fuse.

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Cllidre

Thgapa

Onthelighinco

This bo

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handle provided.

The list of fuses with ratings in amperes and equipment connections is on the back of the side trim.

to open it, and pull the trim to one side.

There is a list of fuses with current rat-ings and attached consumers on the back of the flap.

If a sub-woofer loudspeaker* is in-stalled behind the right-hand flap, re-lease the toggle screw and swing the sub-woofer to one side.

Fuses

In luggage compartmentFold the right side trim down with the

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In the load areaPress the button on the right-hand flap

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Page 195: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

194n

erate manually Take out the interior lamp (see page 182), reach into the aperture and press out the cover Remove the plug (arrow) and turn the sunroof panel in the desired direction with the Allen key from the car's toolkit (see page 176).

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Fuel filler flap Sliding/tilting sunroof*

of the handle at the top 2 Pull the button with the fuel pump

symbol (arrow).

swing it down2 Pull the button with the fuel pump

symbol (arrow).

If a sub-woofer loudspeaker* is in-stalled behind the right-hand flap, re-lease the toggle screw and swing the sub-woofer to one side.

2

Manual release – saloon 1 Swing the right side trim in the lug-

gage compartment down by means

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Manual release – touring1 Open the right-hand flap in the load

area by pressing the button, and

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Op1

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operate the tailgate manually.

1 Working from the load area, open and take out the two side flaps (arrow)

and raise the cover 3 Take out the plastic plug (arrow) and

pull towards the interior of the car to release the tailgate

4 Open the tailgate, press the plug back in and close the cover at the quick-release fasteners

5 Insert and close the two side flaps.

Tailgate

Manual release – touring If an electrical defect occurs, you can

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2 In the tailgate, open the two quick-re-lease fasteners for the toolkit cover

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Page 197: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

196n

Use one jumper lead to connect the positive terminal of the other battery to the jump-starting connection in your car's engine compartment. The cap over this connection is marked Batt. + (see illustration). Pull the cap up to remove it. This Figure illus-trates, by way of example, the jump start point on the BMW 520i, 523i and 528i. For other models, see de-scription of engine compartment, starting on page 150Connect the negative terminals of the two batteries as follows: Make the first connection to the negative termi-nal of the donor battery or to earth (ground) on the engine or body of the donor vehicle, and then to earth (ground) on the vehicle which you wish to start. On your BMW a special

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BMW Emergency Service Starting with a flat battery

National dialling code for Germany (usually 0049) 89 - 260 99 09.

There is a list of national dialling codes at the end of the list of BMW European Service points.

could result or one or both vehicles be damaged.

1 Check that the other vehicle's battery has a voltage of 12 V and approxi-mately the same capacity in Amp/h (this should be printed on the battery)

2 Do not disconnect the flat battery from the car's electrical system

3 The two vehicles' bodies must not touch – risk of short-circuit 5

The BMW Emergency Service is there to assist you, even in the evenings, at weekends and on public holidays.

If you have a breakdown, just call the BMW Emergency Service control centre for the country in which you are situ-ated. Telephone numbers are shown at the end of the list of BMW European Service points.

If you cannot obtain the assistance you require (e.g. because of difficulties in obtaining a telephone connection or communicating in the local language), please call the BMW Emergency Serv-ice in Munich, Germany:

Do not use the spray products sold as starting aids.

If the car's own battery is flat, the en-gine can be started by using two jumper cables from another vehicle's battery. Use only cables with fully insulated bat-tery post clips, e.g. to German DIN 72551 standard or equivalent.

Do not touch any electrically live parts when the engine is running

or a fatal accident may occur.<

Do not depart from the procedure de-scribed below, or else personal injury

4

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ow-starting, towing away

Towing eyeThe screw-in towing eye is kept in the car's toolkit (on the touring, next to the spare wheel) and should always be car-ried on the car. It can be screwed in at the front or the rear of the car, and is only to be used for towing on a firm road surface.

Access to threaded hole Front:Press the arrow symbol on the cover and swing it out to remove.

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ntha

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rrow in illustration

Connect the jumper leads in the correct order when you are assist-

ing the driver of another vehicle as well, so that no sparks occur at the battery and possibly cause injury.<

6 If the donor vehicle's battery is not strongly charged, run its engine

7 Start the engine of the affected vehi-cle in the usual way, and allow it to run as well as the other vehicle's en-gine. If an initial attempt to start the engine fails, wait several minutes until the flat battery has been recharged to a slightly greater degree

Starting with a flat battery T

ut is provided for this purpose on e suspension strut housing; see

8 Before disconnecting the jumper leads from your BMW, switch on the lights, heated rear window and maxi-mum heater blower speed and then keep the engine running for at least 10 seconds, in order to avoid voltage peaks reaching the electrical con-sumers from the voltage regulator

9 Disconnect the jumper leads in the opposite order from that in which they were originally attached.

Have the battery recharged (depending on the cause of the fault).

Page 199: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

198nTow-starting, towing away

w-startingrs with catalytic converter should ly be tow-started if the engine is ld. It is always preferable to use per leads.

Switch on the hazard warningflashers(comply with local regulations)Turn the ignition key to position 2Select 3rd gearKeep the clutch pedal down. When the car is moving, gradually release the clutch pedal. After the engine has fired and is running, depress the clutch pedal againSwitch off the hazard warning flash-ers.

ve the cause of starting problems ced and rectified by BMW Service.

tomatic-transmission cars:ese cars cannot be tow-started.arting with jumper leads: see ge 196.

daNeofcode

Folonte

RePran

Screw the towing eye in fully to avoid the risk of its thread being

maged.ver tow the car or lash it down at any

the suspension elements, as this uld cause damage and lead to acci-nts occurring later.<

r towing, either use a towbar or a ny- rope or tape to help avoid sudden

nsile loads.

when the towing vehicle's brakes are applied.

Do not tow a vehicle heavier than your own, as there is otherwise a

risk of losing control.<

5

Hatra

AuThStpa

ar:ess the arrow symbol on the cover d swing it out to remove.

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Using a towbar The towing eyes of both vehicles should be on the same side.If it is impossible to avoid attaching the towbar at an angle, note the following:

> Towbar clearance may be restricted when cornering

> The angled towbar generates lateral forces which could be critical if the road surface is slippery

> To compensate for the angled tow-bar, the towed and towing vehicles may have to be offset in relation to one another

> there is a risk of skidding to one side

ToCaoncojum

1

234

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Fire extinguisher*

Holder* on driver's seat, or on front passenger's seat unless this space is occupied by a first aid box.

To ensure that the fire extinguisher re-mains operational, have it checked every two years by its manufacturer's authorised after-sales service organisa-tion.

If these service points are not listed on the extinguisher or in any documenta-tion available to you, please consult a local trade directory or the "yellow pages" of the telephone service to ob-tain the address.

turned to position 1 even if the electrical system has failed; this is to ensure that the steering lock cannot en-gage and prevent the car from being steered.When the engine is not running, there is no power assistance and the brake servo is out of action. The steering and brakes will require extra effort to oper-ate.<

Tow-starting, towing away

Towing away1 Ignition key in setting 1 to enable

brake lights, headlamp flashers, horn and windscreen wipers to be acti-vated

2 Switch on the hazard warning flash-ers. (comply with local regulations).

If the car's electrical system has failed, the car must be rendered identifiable to following vehicles, for instance by plac-ing a notice or the warning triangle in the rear window.

Make sure that the ignition key is

Automatic-transmission cars:

1 Set the selector lever to N2 Maximum towing speed:

70 km/h (approx. 43 mph)3 Maximum towing distance: 150 km

(approx. 93 miles).

Page 201: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

200n

Page 202: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

Initial overview

Controls in detail

Operation, maintenanceand general care

Minor repairs

Technical data

Index

chnical items of interest

201n

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Adaptive transmission control (AGS) 202

Airbags 203Automatic Stability Control plus

Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 203

Car radio 204Seat belt catch tensioner 204Hi-fi system (DSP) 205Interior mirror, automatic-

dip 205Integral-link rear

suspension 206Latent heat store 206Self-levelling suspension 207Rain sensor 207

Te

Tyre Pressure Control (RDC) 208

Xenon headlamps 208Water- and dirt-repellent

windscreen 209

Key

w

Page 203: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

202nAGS*

matic transmission shift points. It takes your individual driving style and the ac-tual road and traffic situation into ac-count.

AGS identifies driving style from the opening angle and speed of movement of the accelerator pedal, the rate of re-tardation when braking and lateral ac-celeration when cornering. It then se-lects a suitable shift characteristic – which can range all the way from re-laxed travel with the emphasis on re-finement to harder, highly enthusiastic driving.

Adaptive transmission control (AGS) evaluates a number of factors before determining the best possible auto-

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In order to take driving conditions into account, AGS registers corners and both uphill and downhill gradients. It suppresses up-shifts, for instance, when cornering fast. On uphill gradients it delays the up-shift until a higher en-gine speed has been reached, in order to make better use of the engine's power reserves. When driving downhill, on the other hand, AGS shifts down more rapidly as the car becomes faster and the driver applies the brakes.

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Extremely responsive sensors monitor the speeds of rotation of the road wheels and in the case of DSC also the steering lock angle, lateral acceleration, braking pressure and the car's move-ment round its vertical axis.

If differences in the wheel rotating speeds are detected by the system, there is a risk of wheelspin occurring, and the power input is therefore re-duced; in addition, the rear wheel brakes are applied if necessary.

If an unstable driving condition is de-tected by DSC, the front brakes may also be applied in order to stabilise the car.

The driver may find it difficult initially to grow accustomed to the action of the system. However, it ensures the best possible forward traction and dynamic stability at all times.

When the brakes are applied by the system, some noise will be heard.

ASC+T/DSC*

car. If a frontal impact causes a rate of retardation at which the seat belts alone could not provide sufficient occupant protection, the gas generators for the driver's and front passenger's airbags are ignited in parallel. However, the front passenger's airbag is only triggered off if a further sensor has identified that the seat is occupied.

In the event of a side impact, the front and rear* airbags are triggered off as necessary.

The entire process is over in a fraction of a second.

Retardation sensors continuously moni-tor the acceleration forces acting on the

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The airbags located under the marked covers are inflated within a few millisec-onds by the gas which is generated, causing them to emerge. When they do so, they split open at the programmed rupture lines down the upholstered cov-ers and force these covers outwards.

In view of the very brief system re-sponse time, the noise of propellant ignition and inflation is lost in the gen-eral accident situation. The gas re-quired for filling the airbags is not dan-gerous and escapes after a very short period of time (emerging as smoke).

Airbags

Page 205: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

204nCar radio Seat belt catch tensioner

e seat belt catch tensioner ensures t in the event of a collision the seat lt is tautened across the wearer's dy and holds it firmly in the seat. ithin a fraction of a second, the belt tch is retracted by gas pressure, so t the lap and shoulder straps of the

at belt are both tautened at the same e. This provides further protection ainst slipping under the lap belt.

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teboairVHliswamna

Th(LWpic

r, because the signals are broadcast th as ground waves and through the – reflected by the ionosphere.F (FM) reception provides far higher

tening quality than any of the AM vebands. The range of each trans-

itter, however, is low, since the sig-ls are transmitted by line of sight.

milliseconds, and is not apparent to the listener.

boWcathasetimag

e medium wave (MW), long wave ) and short wave (SW) bands can be

ked up a long way from the transmit-

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The limitations from which all non-sta-tionary radio receivers suffer are com-pensated for by a variety of ingenious systems:

The Radio Data System (RDS) ensures that when a radio station is being broadcast on several frequencies, the set automatically switches to whichever frequency offers the best reception.

For aerial diversity, several VHF aerials must be available. An integrated micro-processor automatically selects the aer-ial which provides the best reception of the incoming VHF signal. The change to the best aerial field occurs within a few

Ththabe

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ti-glare*

This gel undergoes a chemical reaction when the voltage reaches it, and dark-ens the mirror steplessly (electrochro-mic principle).

The mirror no longer has to be reset manually to avoid being dazzled by fol-lowing vehicles, so that the driver can concentrate fully on the general traffic situation.

Processor (DSP) and integrated loud-speakers yields a fascinatingly natural, precise sound quality. The loudspeaker system employs sub-woofers, woofers, mid-range units and dome-pattern tweeters to create a most impressive spatial effect. The loudspeakers are lo-cated in such a way that all the car's occupants have the impression that the sound image comes from the front, as in a concert hall. During the journey, the sound image is automatically modified to take road speed and noise levels into account.

vehicles according to its intensity, and restores the original reflecting capacity of the mirror as soon as the offending light source is no longer present. A light sensor facing forwards in the mirror casing measures light intensity in front of the car. There is a second light sen-sor in the mirror glass. An electronic regulating system compares the light intensities at the front and rear. The dif-ference between them generates an electrical voltage which is applied to a gel coating on the mirror glass.

HiFi system (DSP)* Inside mirror, automatic an

The Professional DSP hi-fi system with top-quality hi-fi amplifier, Digital Sound

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The automatic-dip interior mirror coun-teracts the glare caused by following

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Page 207: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

206nIntegral-link rear suspension Latent heat store*

e principle uses the latent heat re-sed from an environmentally accept-le salt mixture when it changes from iquid to a solid state. Like the heat ich is released when ice melts, the at from the warm engine is stored by nverting the salt mixture into a fluid.

empty", the latent heat accumulator ll be ready for further use after the car s been driven for about 15 minutes.

this way, the latent heat accumulator able to increase driving safety by im-oving conditions within the car and gine response, but without imposing y burden on the environment.

action on the driver's part is needed, the device is electronically control-.

dirmis Evlarsil

Thlinprsoefing

Thaxsam

Thgrar

ectly to the body. They are resiliently ounted on a sub-frame, which in turn resiliently attached to the bodyshell. en the slightest road surface irregu-ities are absorbed by this double re-ient mounting principle.

e wheel locating arms of the integral k rear suspension have pivots with a ecisely computed degree of elasticity, that a predetermined self-steering fect is achieved. This enhances driv- safety in all situations.

e picture shows the saloon's rear le. The touring's compact, weight-ving rear axle the shock absorbers ounted at an angle from the vertical.

temperatures. When the engine is re-started, this heat is available for imme-diate use, for instance to defrost the windscreen and side windows. The times required for heating the car inte-rior and the time taken by the engine to reach operating temperature are re-duced substantially (arrow).

The latent heat accumulator consists of an extremely well-insulated reservoir connected to the engine's cooling sys-tem.

Noasled

e control arms of the patented inte-al link rear suspension system, which e made of aluminium, are not pivoted

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The latent heat store is capable of re-taining waste heat from the engine for several days, even at very low outside

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Thleaaba lwhheco

If "wiha

In is prenan

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If the intermittent-wipe mode has been selected, the wipers respond immedi-ately, for instance, if the vehicle in front splashes water on to the windscreen. In this way, the rain sensor makes a con-tribution to greater safety as well as more convenient driving.

spite load changes.

The car is equipped with air spring struts at the rear instead of the conven-tional steel springs and shock absorb-ers. An electronic control unit deter-mines body ride height at any given moment with the help of two sensors, and injects air from a compressor into the air springs if necessary.

By increasing air spring pressure in re-sponse to load, the self-levelling sus-pension not only ensures a constant ride height but also a consistently high standard of ride comfort regardless of the load being carried.

the glass.

An infra-red beam is directed against the glass through an optical device, and reflected fully if the windscreen is dry. The amount of reflected light is meas-ured by the device.

If there are droplets of water on the windscreen, the amount of light re-flected directly back is reduced, since the infra-red beam can escape at the glass surface. In other words, the pro-portion of reflected light determines the amount of rain striking the windscreen.

Self-levelling suspension* Rain sensor*

Self-levelling rear suspension keeps the car's ground clearance constant de-

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The rain sensor operates the wind-screen wipers when rain is detected on

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Page 209: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

208nTyre pressure control (RDC)* Xenon headlamps*

non light greatly increases the illumi-tion of the areas in front of the car d at the side of the road; it is consid-ably brighter and more uniform than nventional halogen headlamps.

the xenon headlamp an electric arc es the place of the filament, and nerates an intensive light source. A xture of an inert gas and a metallic pour in a quartz glass sleeve is ig-ed by a high electrical voltage. The sulting arc is maintained by a lower ltage. When the xenon headlamps switched on, a brief period is

eded for the full beam strength to ild up. Maximum brightness is hieved after about 15 seconds.

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bytra

yo

ThwhstrlonsePrlar

Thsupr

u are driving.

ere is an electronic unit in every eel, designed to withstand high esses and strains and to cope with a g service life. It contains a pressure

nsor, a transmitter and a battery. essure is measured at frequent, regu- intervals and the reading transmitted radio. If there is any irregularity, the nsmission rate is increased.

erco

In takgemivanitrevoarenebuac

is system performs regular tyre pres-re checks for you and monitors the essure of all four tyres, even while

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There are aerials in the body beside each wheel which receive signals from all four wheels. A central electronic control unit evaluates these multiple signals and reports any changes as they appear.

RDC makes a significant contribution to road safety.

Xenaan

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indscreen

Other advantages:

> A clear view and therefore greater safety when weather conditions are poor

> Less glare when driving after dark in rainy weather.

Xenon light also makes an important contribution towards road safety by en-abling the driver to see other road users, particularly pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, at the side of the road.

water droplets do not adhere; as they roll off they take dirt particles with them.

Even when new, glass in conventional windows has a rough surface when viewed under a microscope (1). The water- and dirt-repellent windscreen is given an absolutely transparent liquid coating.

Depending on how clean the windscreen is, droplets of water blow off at a speed of approx. 60 km/h (approx. 37 mph). The coating, which is absolutely trans-parent, has no adverse effect on the view through the windscreen.

Xenon headlamps* Water- and dirt-repellent w

Xenon light helps the driver to locate the car's position effectively, particu-larly in poor weather and difficult driving conditions for instance at night, in heavy rain or if road works are encoun-tered and the markings on the road sur-face are missing.

Cars with xenon headlamps are also equipped with automatic headlamp beam angle control. The road surface is thus illuminated effectively despite changes in the load on the car, and on-coming traffic is not dazzled. See also page 91.

This windscreen (in preparation) has a specially smoothed surface to which

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Page 211: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

210n

Page 212: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

Initial overview

Controls in detail

Minor repairs

Technical data

Index

211n

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Engine data 212Fuel consumption, carbon diox-

ide/O emission level 213Dimensions 215Weights 217Performance 221Filling capacities 223Electrical system 224V-belts 224

Operation, maintenanceand general care

chnical items of interest

Te

Key

w

Page 213: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

212n

528i/touring BMW 535i

34988

93 180/2455800

3453800

10

78,984

ctronics

525tds/touring BMW 530d/touring

29266

43 135/1844000

3901750 to 3200

18

8884

sel Electronics (DDE)

Engine data

BMW 520i/touring BMW 523i/touring BMW

DisplacementNumber of cylinders

cc 19916

24946

27936

Max. power output– at engine speed

kW/bhprpm

110/1505900

125/1705500

142/15500

Max. torque– at engine speed

Nmrpm

1903500

2453500

2803500

Compression ratio e 11 10,5 10,2

StrokeBore

mmmm

6680

7584

8484

Mixture preparation Digital Motor Ele

BMW 540i/touring BMW 525td BMW

DisplacementNumber of cylinders

cc 43988

24976

24976

Max. power output– at engine speed

kW/bhprpm

210/2865400

85/1154800

105/14600

Max. torque– at engine speed

Nmrpm

4403600

2301900

2802200

Compression ratio e 10 22 22

StrokeBore

mmmm

82.792

82.880

82.880

Mixture preparation Digital Motor Electronics

Digital Die

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Data

523i BMW 523i

gearbox13.4 /21.1).8 /28.8).3 /34.0)20

Automatic15.0/15.6 (18.8/18.1)10.3/10.7 (27.4/26.4)9.1/9.4 (31.0/30.1)242/250

535i BMW 535i

gearbox

)

)

)

Automatic16.7 (16.9)11.7 (24.1)10.1 (28.0)241

BMW 525td

5-sp. gearbox11.3(25.0)6.0 (47.1)7.9 (35.8)210

BMW 520i BMW 520i BMW

Town

Country

Total

O emissions

litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)grammes/km

5-sp. gearbox12.6/13.7 (22.4/20.6)9.0/9.6 (31.4/29.4)8.1/8.3 (34.9/34.0)215/220

Automatic14.5/15.3 (19.5/18.5)9.9/10.5 (28.5/26.9)9.1/9.4 (31.0/30.1)242/250

5-sp.13.1/(21.69.4/9(30.18.1/8(34.9215/2

BMW 528i BMW 528i BMW

Town

Country

Total

O emissions

litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)grammes/km

5-sp. gearbox13.6/13.8 (20.8/20.5)9.5/9.8 (29.7/28.8)8.1/8.3 (34.9/34.0)215/220

Automatic15.6/15.5 (18.1/18.2)10.5/10.7 (26.9/26.4)9.1/9.4 (31.0/30.1)242/250

5-sp.16.9 (16.711.6 (24.411.9 (23.7283

BMW 540i BMW 540i

Town

Country

Total

O emissions

litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)grammes/km

6-sp. gearbox 17.7/18.0 (16.0/15.7)12.1/12.4 (23.3/22.8)12.3/12.7 (23.0/22.2)293/302

Automatic17.2/17.6 (16.4/16.1)12.1/12.6 (23.3/22.4)9.1/9.4(31.0/30.1)242/250

First value: saloon; second value: touring

Fuel consumption, carbon dioxide (CO ) emissions 2

Page 215: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

214nFuel consumption, carbon dioxide (CO ) emissions

MW 530d BMW 530d

-sp. gearbox.8/10.0

28.8/28.2).2/7.4

39.2/38.2).1/8.3

34.9/34.0)15/220

Automatic11.7/11.9 (24.1/23.7)8.3/8.5 (34.0/33.2)9.1/9.4 (31.0/30.1)242/250

is not the same as the average fuel ing style, load, road condition, traffic nce data are measured in the condi-

. This standard specifies the permit- on both performance and fuel con-stance roof rack, wider tyres,

To

Co

To

O

Fir

Fucodetiotesuad

2

BMW 525tds BMW 525tds B

wn

untry

tal

emissions

litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)litres/100 km (Imp. mpg)grammes/km

5-sp. gearbox11.5/11.7 (24.6/24.1)6.2/6.3 (45.6/44.8)8.1/8.3 (34.9/34.0)215/220

Automatic13.0/13.4 (21.7/21.1)7.0/7.2 (40.4/39.2)9.1/9.4(31.0/30.1)242/250

59(7(8(2

st value: saloon; second value: touring

el consumption is determined according to a standard test method (93/116/EU). It nsumption in practice, which depends on a great many different factors such as drivnsity and flow, weather, tyre pressures etc. Engine power output and road performans laid down by 80/1269 EU and DIN 70020 (with the car to standard specification)d tolerances. Additional equipment on the car may have quite a significant influencemption, since it usually affects the car's weight and c value (drag coefficient), for inditional mirrors etc.

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Data

Dimensions

tomatic-dip outside mirrors5i, 540i: 11.4 m (37.4 ft)

3

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All dimensions in millimetres (mm). Value after /: with auMinimum turning circle (dia.)11.3 m (37.1 ft); BMW 53

Page 217: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

216nDimensions

ip outside mirrors4 m (37.4 ft)

3

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All dimensions in millimetres (mm). Value after /: with automatic-dMinimum turning circle (dia.): 11.3 m (37.1 ft); BMW 540i: 11.

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Data

3i BMW 528i BMW 535i

nal extras)17)83)

1575 (3472)1605 (3538)

1685 (3715)1730 (3814)

76)42)

75)41)

2040 (4497)2070 (2070)

2050 (4519)2080 (4586)

2150 (4740)2195 (4839)

2240 (4938)2285 (5038)

9) 1000 (2205) 1090 (2403)

80)12)

1170 (2580)1250 (2756)

1200 (2646)1305 (2877)

ally permitted in Germany). t values in certain countries.3)00 89)89)

750 (1653)2000/2000 (4409/4409)2000 (4409)

750 (1653)2000/2000 (4409/4409)2000 (4409)

90 (198)

100 (220)

460 (16.2)

wish to load the car itself up to its per- than 10X.

Weights – saloon

BMW 520i BMW 52

Weight of car, unladen (with one occupant, ready for road, tank full, excluding optiowith manual gearboxwith automatic transmission

kg (lb)kg (lb)

1545 (3406)1575 (3472)

1550 (341580 (34

Permitted gross weightwith manual gearboxwith automatic transmissionwhile towing a trailerwith manual gearboxwith automatic transmission

kg (lb)kg (lb)

kg (lb)kg (lb)

1980 (4365)2010 (4431)

2020 (4453)2050 (4519)

1985 (432015 (44

2030 (442060 (45

Front axle load limit kg (lb) 975 (2149) 975 (214

Rear axle load limit for trailer towing kg (lb)kg (lb)

1125 (2480)1230 (2712)

1125 (241230 (27

Towing loads according to EU operating permit (acc. to factory specification and legBMW Service will have details of possible increases. Note and comply with differenunbrakedbraked, max. gradient 12X (manual gearbox/auto-matic transmission)braked, max. gradient 8X (supplementary permit)

kg (lb)kg (lb)

kg (lb)

750 (1653)1500/1700 (3307/3748)1900 (4189)

750 (1651800/19(3968/411900 (41

Trailer nose weight kg (lb)

Roof load kg (lb)

Luggage compartment capacity acc. to VDA test l (cu.ft)

If you make full use of the quoted trailer load limit on gradients up to 12X and also missible gross weight limit, you are recommended not to drive up gradients steeperDo not exceed either the axle load limits or the car's gross weight limit.

Page 219: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

218nWeights – saloon

td BMW 525tds BMW 530d

l extras)3) 1585 (3494)

1615 (3560)1650 (3638)1660 (3660)

2)

6)

2020 (4453)2050 (4519)

2090 (4608)2120 (4674)

2115 (4663)2125 (4685)

2205 (4861)2215 (4883)

9) 1020 (2249) 1060 (2337)

2)4)

1135 (2502)1240 (2734)

1170 (2579)1275 (2811)

lly permitted in Germany). alues in certain countries.)9)9)

750 (1653)1900 (4189)1900 (4189)

750 (1653)2000 (4409)2000 (4409)

90 (198)

100 (220)

460 (16.2)

ish to load the car itself up to its per-an 10X.

Wwiwi

Pewiwiwhwiwi

Fr

Re

ToBMunbrbr(su

Tr

Ro

Lu

If mDo

BMW 540i BMW 525

eight of car, unladen (with one occupant, ready for road, tank full, excluding optionath manual gearboxth automatic transmission

kg (lb)kg (lb)

1705 (3759)1735 (3825)

1580 (348–

rmitted gross weightth manual gearboxth automatic transmissionile towing a trailer

th manual gearboxth automatic transmission

kg (lb)kg (lb)

kg (lb)kg (lb)

2170 (4784)2200 (4850)

2260 (4982)2290 (5049)

2015 (444–

2080 (458–

ont axle load limit kg (lb) 1090 (2403) 1020 (224

ar axle load limit for trailer towing kg (lb)kg (lb)

1200 (2646)1305 (2877)

1135 (2501240 (273

wing loads according to EU operating permit (acc. to factory specification and legaW Service will have details of possible increases. Note and comply with different v

brakedaked, gradients up to 12Xaked, gradients up to 8X pplementary permit)

kg (lb)kg (lb)kg (lb)

750 (1653)2000 (4409)2000 (4409)

750 (16531900 (4181900 (418

ailer nose weight kg (lb)

of load kg (lb)

ggage compartment capacity acc. to VDA test litres (cu.ft)

you make full use of the quoted trailer load limit on gradients up to 12X and also wissible gross weight limit, you are recommended not to drive up gradients steeper th not exceed either the axle load limits or the car's gross weight limit.

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Data

23i BMW 528i

ras)3649)3715)

1690 (3726)1720 (3792)

4861)4927)

4861)

4927)

2200 (4850)2230 (4916)

2200 (4850)

2230 (4916)

2205) 1010 (2227)

2811)2998)

1290 (2844)1380 (3042)

rmitted in Germany). in certain countries.

653)900

4189)4189)

750 (1653)2000/2000 (4409/4409)2000 (4409

0 (198)

0 (220)

5 (14.5–53.8)

load the car itself up to its per-0X.

ight of 2125 kg (4685 lb). If the kg (3373 lb).

Weights – touring

BMW 520i BMW 5

Weight of car, unladen (with one occupant, ready for road, tank full, excluding optional extwith manual gearboxwith automatic transmission

kg (lb)kg (lb)

1645 (3627)1675 (3693)

1655 (1685 (

Permitted gross weightwith manual gearboxwith automatic transmissionwhile towing a trailerwith manual gearbox

with automatic transmission

kg (lb)kg (lb)

kg (lb)

kg (lb)

2195 (4839)2225 (4905)

2125 (4685) or 2195 (4839)2225 (4905)

2205 (2235 (

2205 (

2235 (

Front axle load limit kg (lb) 1000 (2205) 1000 (

Rear axle load limit for trailer towing kg (lb)kg (lb)

1275 (2811)1360 (2998)

1275 (1360 (

Towing loads according to EU operating permit (acc. to factory specification and legally peBMW Service will have details of possible increases. Note and comply with different valuesunbrakedbraked, gradients up to 12X (manual gearbox/auto-matic transmission)braked, max. gradient 8X (with supplementary permit)

kg (lb)kg (lb)

kg (lb)

750 (1653)1600/1700 (3527/3748)1900 (4189)

750 (11800/1(3968/1900 (

Trailer nose weight kg (lb) 9

Roof load kg (lb) 10

Luggage compartment capacity acc. to VDA test l (cu.ft) 410–152

If you make full use of the quoted trailer load limit on gradients up to 12X and also wish tomissible gross weight limit, you are recommended not to drive up gradients steeper than 1Do not exceed either the axle load limits or the car's gross weight limit.BMW 520i with manual gearbox: 1600 kg (3527 lb) trailer load only up to a gross vehicle wefull gross vehicle weight of 2195 kg (4839 lb) is utilised, the max. towing load is only 1530

Page 221: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

220nWeights – touring

MW 525tds BMW 530d

l extras)695 (3737)725 (1725)

1760 (3880)1770 (3902)

205 (4861)235 (4927)

205 (4861)235 (4927)

2310 (5093)2320 (5115)

2310 (5093)2320 (5115)

040 (2293) 1065 (2348)

280 (2822)370 (3020)

1300 (2866)1390 (3064)

lly permitted in Germany). alues in certain countries.50 (1653)900 (4189)900 (4189)

750 (1653)2000 (4409)2000 (4409)

90 (198)

100 (220)

–1525 (14.5–53.8)

ish to load the car itself up to its per-an 10X.

Wwiwi

Pewiwiwhwiwi

Fr

Re

ToBMunbrbr

Tr

Ro

Lu

If mDo

BMW 540i B

eight of car, unladen (with one occupant, ready for road, tank full, excluding optionath manual gearboxth automatic transmission

kg (lb)kg (lb)

1815 (4001)1845 (4067)

11

rmitted gross weightth manual gearboxth automatic transmissionile towing a trailer

th manual gearboxth automatic transmission

kg (lb)kg (lb)

kg (lb)kg (lb)

2280 (5026)2310 (5093)

2370 (5225)2400 (5291)

22

22

ont axle load limit kg (lb) 1095 (2414) 1

ar axle load limit for trailer towing kg (lb)kg (lb)

1275 (2811)1410 (3108)

11

wing loads according to EU operating permit (acc. to factory specification and legaW Service will have details of possible increases. Note and comply with different v

brakedaked, gradients up to 12Xaked, gradients up to 8X (supplementary permit)

kg (lb)kg (lb)kg (lb)

750 (1653)2000 (4409)2000 (4409)

711

ailer nose weight kg (lb)

of load kg (lb)

ggage compartment capacity acc. to VDA test l (cu.ft) 410

you make full use of the quoted trailer load limit on gradients up to 12X and also wissible gross weight limit, you are recommended not to drive up gradients steeper th not exceed either the axle load limits or the car's gross weight limit.

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Data

W 528i BMW 535i

0 (149)5 (146)

250 (155)247 (153)

2.5

5.0

(8.8) 6.9 (7.6)

.6 9.7

7.4

.2 (29.4) 27.1 (28.1)

W 525tds BMW 530d

1 (131)

5 (127)

225 (139)

225 (139)

2.9

5.6

.4 (11.0) 8.1 (8.4)

.4 11.1

7.2

.6 (32.3) 28.8 (29.6)

Performance – saloon

BMW 520i BMW 523i BM

Top speed with automatic transmission

km/h (mph)km/h (mph)

220 (136)210 (130)

228 (141)226 (140)

2423

Acceleration from0 to 50 km/h (0 to 31 mph) s 3.3 2.8 2.6

0 to 80 km/h (0 to 50 mph) s 6.8 5.8 5.3

0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) s 10.2 (11.5) 8.5 (9.7) 7.5

0 to 120 km/h (0 to 75 mph) s 13.9 11.6 10

80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in 4th gear

s 10.7 9.2 8.2

Standing-start kilometre s 31.1 (32.7) 29.2 (30.5) 28

BMW 540i BMW 525td BM

Top speed

with automatic transmission

km/h (mph)

km/h (mph)

250 (155) (governed)250 (155) (governed)

198 (123)

21

20

Acceleration from0 to 50 km/h (0 to 31 mph) s 2.5 3.8 3.4

0 to 80 km/h (0 to 50 mph) s 4.6 8.0 7.0

0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) s 6.2 (6.5) 11.9 10

0 to 120 km/h (0 to 75 mph) s 8.5 17.1 14

80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in 4th gear

s 6.2 11.7 9.4

Standing-start kilometre s 25.9 (26.5) 33.3 31

Values in ( ): – with automatic transmission

Page 223: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

222nPerformance – touring

BMW 528i

233 (144)229 (142)

2.6

5.5

7.9 (9.3)

11.1

8.4

28.8 (30.1)

BMW 530d

222 (137)222 (137)

2.9

5.7

8.3 (8.9)

11.6

7.6

29.3 (30.2)

Towi

Ac

St

Towi

Ac

St

Va

BMW 520i BMW 523i

p speed th automatic transmission

km/h (mph)km/h (mph)

212 (131)209 (129)

224 (139)222 (137)

celeration from 0 to 50 km/h (0 to 31 mph) s 3.3 2.9

0 to 80 km/h (0 to 50 mph) s 7.0 6.0

0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) s 10.6 (11.9) 8.9 (10.2)

0 to 120 km/h (0 to 75 mph) s 14.5 12.2

80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in 4th gear

s 10.7 9.0

anding-start kilometre s 31.6 (33.4) 29.7 (31.1)

BMW 540i BMW 525tds

p speed th automatic transmission

km/h (mph)km/h (mph)

250 (155) (governed)250 (155) (governed)

210 (130)203 (126)

celeration from0 to 50 km/h (0 to 31 mph) s 2.4 3.4

0 to 80 km/h (0 to 50 mph) s 4.6 7.2

0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) s 6.3 (6.7) 10.7 (11.4)

0 to 120 km/h (0 to 75 mph) s 8.8 14.9

80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in 4th gear

s 6.6 9.9

anding-start kilometre s 26.2 (26.9) 32.0 (32.7)

lues in ( ): – with automatic transmission

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Data

Filling capacities

Litres (Imp. u Note

Fuel tank – including reserve of

approx. 70 (1approx. 8 (1.8 engineapprox. 10 (2 engine

Fuel grade: page 25

Windscreen washer

incl. headlamp cleaning systemIntensive cleaning system

approx. 3.5 (6approx. 6.0 (1approx. 6.0 (1approx. 1.0 (1

For further details, page 156

Cooling system, incl. heater circuit 8.5 (99.9 pint12.5 (22.0 pin10.0 (99.9 pin9.2 (16.2 pint

For further details, page 160

Engine oil with filter renewal 6.5 (11.4 pint7.5 (13.2 pint6.75 (99.9 pints7.0 (12.3 pints)

Long-life oil for spark-ignition and diesel engines.Oil grades: page 158

Manual gearbox, automatic transmission and final drive

– Permanently filled, no oil changes

– BMW 535i, 540i) – BMW 525td/tds

– BMW 530d

nits)

5.4 gal.) gal.) – with 6-cylinder

.1 gal.) – with 8-cylinder

.2 pints) – Saloon0.6 pints) – touring0.6 pints).8 pints)

s) – BMW 520i, 523i, 528its) – BMW 535i, 540its) – BMW 525td/tdss) – BMW 530d

s) – BMW 520i, 523i, 528is)

Page 225: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

224nElectrical system V-belts

You can obtain Original BMW Parts and Accessories together

th competent advice from BMW Serv-.<

BaBM12

BM12

BM12

SpNG

Bo

Coolant pump – alternator – power steeringRibbed, 5 K x 1815

Air conditioning compressorRibbed, 4 PK x 781

BMW 530d

Coolant pump – alternator – power steeringRibbed, 5 PK x 2063

Air conditioning compressorRibbed, 5 PK x 810

ttery W 520i, 523i, 528i:

V, 70 Amp/h

W 535i, 540i: V, 90 Amp/h

W 525td/tds, 530d: V, 95 Amp/h

ark plugs K BKR 6 EQUP

sch FGR 7 DQP

BMW 520i, 523i, 528i

Coolant pump – alternator – power steeringRibbed, 6 K x 1538

Air conditioning compressorRibbed, 5 K x 906

BMW 535i, 540i

Coolant pump – alternator – power steeringRibbed, 7 K–LB x 1635

Air conditioning compressorRibbed, 5 K x 1007

BMW 525td/tds

wiice

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Data

Page 227: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

226n

Page 228: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

Initial overview

Controls in detail

Operation, maintenanceand general care

Minor repairs

Technical data

Index

chnical items of interest

227n

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Data

From A to Z 228

Minor repairs from A to Z 234

Te

Page 229: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

From A to Z

83il-

91

136e

, 204

Car washes 164Caravan towing 123Care of car 133Care of car, exterior 165Cassette operation,

see radio operating instructions

Catalytic converter 129CD operation, see radio

operating instructionsCentral locking 36

Button, safety buttons on doors 39

Centre brake light 181Chassis number 162Check Control 80Check Control button 80Child restraint systems 61Child seat 61Childproof door locks 62Cigarette lighter 111Clock, see radio operating

instructionsO emissions 213Code, see radio operating

instructionsComfort seat 51Compartments in load

area 118Computer 83Consumption 78Controls 14Coolant 133, 160

A – Z

Aquaplaning 128, 137Artificial leather, care 167ASC+T (Automatic Stability

Control plus Traction)21, 86, 203

Ashtrays 111AUC (Automatic Recircu-

lated Air Control) 103

BBattery 190, 224

Charging 191Removing and installing 191State of charge 191

Battery capacity 224

Car Memory 57Car phone 110, 136Car phone malfunctionsCar phone, see separat

operating instructionsCar radio reception 136Car radio, see separate

operating instructions

automatic 102Air distribution 96, 102Air outlets 94Air supply 96, 103Air vents 100Airbags 21, 59, 170, 203Alarm system 44Alloy wheels 141Antifreeze 133, 160Anti-glare interior mirror 205Anti-lock brake system

(ABS) 21, 130Anti-theft system 44

Auxiliary heater 107Changing remote control battery 185New transmitter 185

Auxiliary heater control, see radio operating instruc-tions

Auxiliary heater, remote con-trol 108

Average fuel consump-tion 83

Average speed 83Axle loads 217

pads 20Brake lights

Changing bulb 179Brakes 131

Malfunctions 132Breakdown Service 196Bulb-changing 177

CCan holder 110Car care, exterior 165Car care, interior 167Car keys 34

AABS (anti-lock brake

system) 21, 130Acceleration 221Accessories 5Activated charcoal filter 105Adaptive Transmission Con-

trol 67, 202Aerial 136Aerial diversity 204Air conditioning,

Automatic air conditioning 100

Automatic Recirculated Air Control (AUC) 103

Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T) 21, 86, 203

Automatic transmission 21, 67

Automatic transmission with Steptronic 69

Battery changingRadio remote control 1Remote control for auxiary heater 185

Beam throw adjustment Belt catch tensioner 204Biodiesel 26Blower 96, 103BMW Comfort seat 51Brake fluid 161Brake hydraulics, brake

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Data

r 35,

nt 40

96

148lid

n 157

157

Serv-

r

Fog lights 92Changing bulb 179

Folding rear seat back 113Foot brake 131Footwell lights 93

Changing bulb 182Foreign use 171Front seat adjustment 49Frost protection,

radiator 160Fuel additives 133Fuel consumption 78Fuel consumption figures 213Fuel consumption,

average 83Fuel filler flap 25

Release if an electrical defect occurs 194

Fuel gauge 78Fuel grade 25Fuel reserve telltale 78Fuel tank 223Fuses 192

GGearbox, manual-shift 66Glove box 109Glove box light, changing

bulb 182Grills 100Gross weight 217

Dimensions 215Dipped headlamps 90Dipstick 157Disc brakes 131Displacement 212Display lighting 90Displays 16Door keys 34

Electric windows 46Electrical consumer

failure 192Electrical defect

Fuel filler flap 194Sunroof 194Tailgate (touring) 195

Electronic Damping Control (EDC) 87

Failure displays 80Fault displays 80Filling capacities 223Fire extinguisher 199First aid kit 24Flashing turn indicato

repeaters 22Flat battery 196Flooding 128

trol) 22, 132Deadlock 44Defogging windows 99Defrost setting 102Defrosting windows 99Demisting windows 99Diesel fuel 26, 133Diesel-engine injection sys-

tem 136Digital clock, see radio oper-

ating instructionsDigital Diesel Electronics

(DDE) 136

DSP Digital Sound Proces-sor 205

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) 22, 132

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 21, 86, 203

EEco-diesel 26EDC (Electronic Damping

Control) 87Electric mirror heating 54

Engine data 212Engine oil 157Engine oil consumptioEngine oil grades 158Engine oil level 20, 21Engine oil level checkEngine oil pressure 20Engine size 212Equipment fitted, see

ice Booklet

F

From A to Z

Coolant thermometer 79Cruise control 75Cup holder 110

DDate, see radio operating

instructionsDaytime dipped head-

lamps 90DBC (Dynamic Brake Con-

DoorsLocking and unlocking 36Manual operation 36Remote control 37

Driving area 14Driving hints

Aquaplaning 128DSC (Dynamic Stability Con-

trol) 21, 86, 203DSP amplifier, refer to Radio

Owner's Manual

Electronic immobilizeEmergency operation

doors 36load area 40luggage compartmetailgate 40

Emergency Service 1Energy Control 78Engine compartment Engine compartment

release 147

Page 231: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

From A to Z

g 72

con-

1

6

-

117

0

Load, securing 121Lockable wheel studs 189Locks 133Long-life oils 158Low-beam headlamps 90

Changing bulb 177Luggage compartment 40

Capacity 217Remote control 38Securing separately 40

Luggage compartment lid 40Opening from inside car 41

Luggage compartment lights 92Changing bulb 182

Lumbar support 51

MM+S tyres 140Magic eye, see battery state

of charge 191Maintenance 79, 163Make-up mirrors 54Malfunction displays 80Manual gearbox 66Manual operation of

tailgate 40Memory 55MFL (multifunctional steering

wheel) 23Micro-filter 97, 105Microphone 110

Heating with engine stopped 104

Heating, rapid 98Heavy loads 121Height 215HiFi system 205High-beam headlamps

22, 91

matic 73Interior light 37, 92

Remote control 37Interior lights

Changing bulb 182Interior mirror, automatic-

dip 205Interior movement protec-

tion 44

ing bulb 181Light switch 90Lights-on warning 90Load area 40, 117Load area capacity 217Load area cover, touring Load area lights 40

Changing bulb 182Load area net 43Load floor, removable 12

on right/left 171Headlight beam throw

adjustment 91Headlight cleaning

system 156Headlight covers, care of

164, 177Heat accumulator 206Heated rear window 75, 96Heated seats 106Heated steering wheel 106Heating and ventilation

94, 100

Independent ventilation 107Inside mirror 54Inspection 79Instrument cluster 16instrument cluster switch 72Instrument lighting 90Instrument panel 14Integral rear suspension 206Integrated children's

seats 61Intensive cleaning

system 156Intensive cleaning, auto-

trol 34Keys, replacing 34Knock control 25

LLashing down loads 43, 12Lashing points 43Latent heat accumulator 20Laying up out of use 170Leather, care of 168Length 215Licence plate lights, chang

HHand lamp 109Handbrake 21, 65Hands-free system 110Hazard warning flashers 24Head airbags 59Head restraints 50Headlamp cleaning

system 74Headlamp flasher 72Headlight adjustment driving

Changing bulb 177Horn 15Hydraulic Brake Assistant,

see DBC 22, 132

IIce warning 77Ice, removing from

windows 102Ignition switch 63Immobilizer 35

Interlock 63Intermittent-wipe settin

JJack 186Jump starting 196

KKey Memory 57Keys 34Keys with radio remote

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Data

2

141 of 166

r 120

204l 376

operat-

l ester 26

RDC (Tyre Pressure Control) 88, 208

RDS (Radio Data System) 204

Reading lights 93Rear fog lights 92

Changing bulb 179Rear light 179Rear lights

Changing bulb 179Rear lights, changing bulb

(touring) 180Rear seat back, folding 113Rear window

Opening 41Rear window heating 75Rear window washer, auto-

matic 74Rear window wiper 74

Renewing wiper blade 176Rear window, heated

96, 104Recirculated air mode

96, 103Reclining seat mecha-

nism 49Recycling 173Refuelling 25Registration abroad 171Remote control 37

Changing battery 183New transmitter 184

separate operating instructions

Net, protective (touring) 117Non-smoker equipment 112Nose weight 124Nozzles 100

OOBD socket 172

Paint, protecting 166Paintwork 165Paintwork repairs 166Paintwork, removing dirt 165Park Distance Control

(PDC) 85Parking aid 85Parking brake 65

Radio reception 136Radio remote controRadio telephones 13Radio, see separate

ing instructionsRain sensor 73, 207Range 83Rapeseed oil methy

operating instructionsMobile telephones 136Modifications, technical

5, 172Multifunctional steering

wheel (MFL) 23Multi-Information Display

(MID), see radio operating instructions

NNavigation system, see

Old batteries 192On-board computer, see

also radio operating instructions

Operating range 83Outside mirrors 53Outside temperature

display 77Outside temperature,

computer display 83

P

Power steering oil 16Pre-heating 22, 63Pressed-steel wheelsProtective glass, careProtective net 117Pull-out load-area flooPunctures 137, 186

RRadiator 133Radio Data System

(RDS) 204,

From A to Z

MID (Multi-Information Dis-play), see radio operating instructions

Mirror memory 55Mirror, anti-glare 54Mirror, inside, automatic-

dip 54Mirrors 53Mirrors, outside, automatic-

dip 55Mobile phone, see separate

Octane numbers 25Odometer 77Oil additives 157Oil change intervalsOil for power steering 162Oil grades 158Oil level

Checking 157Oil level warning light 21Oil pressure warning light 20Oil Service 79

Parking in winter 134Parking lights 91

Changing bulb 178PDC (Park Distance

Control) 85Performance 212, 221Petrol 25Pollen 105Pollen filter 97Power socket 112Power steering 135

Page 233: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

From A to Z

19698

106

55g 52

erat-

09

on-

-

Summer-grade diesel fuel 133

Sun roller blind 106Sun visors 54Sunroof 47

Convenient closure and opening 36Manual operation 194

Symbols 4, 190

TTailgate

Manual operation 40, 195Opening from inside car 41Securing separately 40

Technical modifications5, 172

Telephone 110Telephone, preparation for

installing 110Telephone, see separate

operating instructionsTelltale lights 20Temperature display, engine

coolant 79Temperature, adjusting

96, 102Thiefproof wheel studs 189Thigh support, adjusting

50, 52Third brake light 181Through-loading system 113

SSeat back adjustment 49Seat belt catch tensioner 59Seat belts 58, 59Seat heating 106Seat height adjustment 49, 51

Sliding/tilt sunroof 47Closing if an electrical defect occurs 194

Sliding/tilting sunroof 47Snow chains 133, 140Socket 112Socket for On-Board Diag-

nosis 172Spare keys 34

ing instructionsStorage compartments 1Storage space 109Stratified temperature c

trol 97Rear-seat area ventilation 104

Summer tyres 139

Reversing lightsChanging bulb 179

Revolution counter 77Roller sunblinds 106Roller-blind cover, touring

Load area cover,touring 117

Roof load 217Roof rack 122Rubber parts 133Rule of the road

Adjusting headlamps 171Running-in 128

Service Interval indicator 79, 163

Servicemobile, see Emer-gency Service 196

Servotronic 135Shiftlock 67, 69Shoulder support 51Side airbags 59Side lights 90

Changing bulb 178Ski bag 114Ski bag, touring 116Skidding 134

Starting the engine 63Starting with a flat

battery 196Steering 135Steering lock 63Steering wheel heating Steering wheel height

adjustment 52Steering wheel memorySteering wheel, adjustinSteptronic 69Stopping the engine 65Stopwatch, see radio op

Remote control, auxiliary heater 108

Removable load floor 120Replacement keys 34Residual heat 104Restraint system 61Retaining straps 43Retreaded tyres 138Return of vehicles 173Reverse 66Reversing lamps 66

Seat memory 55Seat, electrically adjusted 51Seat, manually adjusted 49Seats, adjusting 49Selecting desired memory

settings 57Selector lever, automatic

transmission 67Self-levelling suspension 22,

135, 207Service Booklet 163

Spare wheel 186Spark plugs 224Special oils 158Speech input (see also

separate operating instructions) 23

Speedometer 16Split rear seat back 113Sport seat 50, 52Starting difficulties 129,Starting problems 64, 1

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Data

162

07ee

area 97

d

156

ent 9

86

189

, 141

Wheels, interchanging 138Width 215Window lifts 46Windows

Convenient closure and opening 36Remote control 37Safety switches 46

Windows, defrosting 99, 102Windscreen washer reser-

voir, refilling 156Windscreen washer, auto-

matic 73Windscreen wipers 72Windscreen, water- and dirt-

repellent 166, 209Winter driving 133Winter operation 133Winter tyres 139, 140Winter-grade diesel fuel 133Wiper blades, renewing 176Wipers 72Wool velour, care of 168Work on engine 147

XXenon headlamps 91, 178,

208

Securing load 121Ski bag 116

Towbar downthrust 124, 217Towing away 197, 198Towing eyes 197Tow-starting 197, 198Track 215Traction control, see ASC+T

and/or DSC 86Trailer loads 217

UUnladen weight 217Upholstery, care of 168

VVacuum cleaner, connect

ing 112V-belts 224

Weights 217Wheel changing 186Wheel covers 187Wheel stud wrench 1Wheel studs 187Wheel studs, lockableWheelbase 215Wheels 139Wheels and tyres 139

Compartments in load area 118Folding rear seat back 117Lashing loads 121Load area 117Opening rear window 41Rear window wiper 74Releasing tailgate if an electrical defect occurs 195Renewing rear window wiper blade 176

Type plate 162Tyre changing 138, 186Tyre damage 137Tyre inscriptions 139Tyre markings 139Tyre Pressure Control

(RDC) 88, 208Tyre pressure monitoring

88, 208Tyre pressures 27, 137Tyre sizes 141Tyre tread 137

WWarm feet – cool hea

97, 104Warning displays 80Warning lights 20Warning triangle 24Washer jets, adjustingWashing the car 164Water- and dirt-repell

windscreen 166, 20Water on road 128

From A to Z

Tilt alarm sensor 37, 45Timer, see radio operating

instructionsTools 176Top speed 221Topping up engine oil 157Torch 109Torque 212touring

Changing load area light bulb 182

Trailer nose weight 217Trailer tow hitch, cover

flap 124Trailer towing 123Transmitter initialising

(remote control) 184Tread depth, tyres 137Trip distance recorder 77Turn indicators 72

Changing bulb 178Turning circle 215

Vehicle identification Vehicle recycling 173Ventilation 97, 100Ventilation grilles 94Ventilation outlets 94Ventilation, auxiliary 1Ventilation, draught-fr

97, 104Ventilation, rear-seat Vents, ventilation 100Voice input 23

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in al

24le

bulb

ng-

lb

0ad

MMaintenance 79, 163Manual operation

Doors 36Fuel filler flap 194Luggage compartment lid 40, 195Sliding/tilting sunroof 194

NNew transmitter

Radio remote control 184Remote control for auxilia-ry heating 185

OOil grades 158

PParking light, changing

bulb 178Power steering oil,

adding 162Protective glass, care of 166

RRadio interior movement

detector, switching off 45Rear fog light, changing

bulb 179Rear lights, changing

bulb 179

Minor repairs from A to Z

DDefect tyre 186Defrosting 103Defrosting windows 99, 103De-icing windows 99, 103Demisting windows 99, 103Diesel, Fuel injection mal-

function 136Door, manual operation 36

Fire extinguisher 199First aid box 24Flashing turn indicator,

changing bulb 178Flat battery 196Fog lights, changing

bulb 179Footwell lights, changing

bulb 182

ing bulb 181Low-beam headlights, bu

changing 177Luggage compartment lid

Emergency operation 4Luggage compartment/lo

area lights, changing bulb 182

Brake fluid, adding 161Brake lights, changing

bulb 179Brakes, malfunctioning 132Breakdown Service 196Bulb changing 177

CChanging tyres 186Check-Control 80Checking oil level 157Coolant, adding 161

Sliding/tilting sunroof 194Emergency Service 196Engine compartment, open-

ing 147Engine oil grades 158Engine oil level check 157Engine oil, topping up 157

FFailure indications 80Fault indications 80Filling windscreen washer

fluid 156

of the road 171Headlight covers, care

of 177High-beam headlights,

changing 177

IInterior lights, changing

bulb 182

LLicence plate lights, cha

AAnti-freeze, adding 161

BBattery changing

Radio remote control 183Remote control for auxiliary heater 185

Battery, recharging 191Battery, state of charge 191Bonnet, opening 147

EElectrical consumer

failure 192Electrical fault

Fuel filler flap 194Sliding/tilting sunroof 194

Emergency operationDoors 36Fuel filler flap 194Luggage compartment lid 40, 195

Fuel filler flap, unlockingthe event of an electricfault 194

GGlove box light, changing

bulb 182

HHazard warning flashers Headlamp adjustment, ru

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Data

up 156 156g 156

86

99eser-

des,

ng 1767

inactive 135Servicemobile, see Emer-

gency Service 196Side light, changing bulb 178Sliding/tilting sunroof

Closing in the event of an electrical malfunction 194Power supply failed 48

Towing away 197Towing eyes 197Tow-starting 197Tyre damage 137Tyre pressures, checking 27

WWarning lights 20Warning signals 80

heaterBattery changing 185New transmitter 185

Renewing fuses 192Reserve wheel 186Reversing light, changing

bulb 179Rule of the road

Headlamp adjustment 171

SSelf-levelling suspension

TTelltale lights 20Tilt alarm, switching off 45Toolkit 176touring

Fuel filler flap, unlocking in the event of an electrical fault 194Luggage compartment lid, unlocking in the event of an electrical fault 195

Towing 198

renewing 176Wiper blades, renewiWorking on engine 14

Rear lights, changing bulb (touring) 180

Rear window wiper, renew-ing blade 176

Rear window wiper, renew-ing blade (touring) 176

Recharging battery 191Remote control

Battery changing 183New transmitter 184

Remote control for auxiliary

Sliding/tilting sunroof, clos-ing (electrical defect) 194

Snow chains 140Spare wheel 186Starting difficulties 64, 129,

198Starting problems 196Starting with a flat

battery 196Steering stiff to turn 135

Warning triangle 24Washer fluid, toppingWasher jets, adjustingWasher reservoir, fillinWheel stud wrench 1Wheel-changing 186Windows 103Windows, defrosting Windscreen washer r

voir 156Windscreen wiper bla

Minor repairs from A to Z

Page 237: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

So that you always have access to the data you need when refuelling, you are recommended to add the relevant infor-mation to the table shown here.

Fuel For description, see page 25

Designation

RON: for nominal power out-put

RON: also permitted

RON: minimum, use only if unavoidable

Summer Winter

nt rear front rear

Refuelling stop

Engine oil For description, see page 158

The quantity of oil between the two dip-stick marks is approx. 1 litre (1.75 pints).

Grade

Tyre pressures For description, see page 27 fro

4 persons

5 persons or 4 plus luggage

Page 238: 1999 BMW E39 5 Series Owner's Handbook

The Ultimate Driving Machine

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