Refueling, starting and stopping the engine (BMW 5 Series E39)

Refueling

For information on the type and application features of fuel grades, please refer to the materials Specifications of the current Chapter.



The filler cap opens by pressing on its front edge.

Emergency release of the fuel filler flap

1. Grasp the handle at the top of the right side trim panel of the trunk and pull it down.

2. Pull out the button with the gas pump symbol.

When handling fuel at filling stations, follow the safety instructions posted there.



The fuel tank cap should be inserted into the holder on the back of the fuel filler cap.



When refueling, place the fuel nozzle on the fuel tank neck. If you lift the nozzle during refueling, this will stop the fuel supply - weaken the removal of gasoline vapors, if the nozzle has a system for removing these vapors.

Ignition switch

0 - steering wheel locked

The key can only be inserted into or removed from the lock in this position.

After removing the key, gently rock the steering wheel until it clicks into place.

1 - steering wheel unlocked

Turning the key from position 0 to position 1 is often made easier by gently rocking the steering wheel.

2 ignition on / for BMW 525tds: preheating

All power consumers are ready for operation.

3 turning on the starter

Starting the engine

Before launch

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Set the gearbox control lever to neutral position, or, if equipped with automatic transmission, to position P or N.

3. At low outside temperatures, depress and hold the clutch pedal.

Cars with gasoline engines

Without pressing the accelerator pedal, start the engine.

You should not limit yourself to turning on the starter for too short a time, but you should not keep it on for more than 20 seconds. As soon as the engine starts, release the key immediately. Do not warm up the engine at idle, but immediately start moving at moderate speeds.



BMW 535i, 540i: Your BMW is equipped with a comfort starting system. All you have to do is turn the ignition key to position 3 (starter activation) and immediately let him go.

The starter operates automatically for some time and switches off automatically as soon as the engine starts.

If the battery voltage is insufficient, the engine will not start automatically and will not be switched off. In this case, the engine can be started from the battery of another car (refer to the Introduction to the Manual).

If the engine (cold or overheated) does not start the first time, then you should proceed as follows: To avoid splashing the spark plugs, you can repeat the start attempt only after a short pause. When starting the engine, keep the accelerator pedal pressed to about half its travel.

Starting a cold engine at low temperatures (below -15°C) and at high altitudes (more than 1000 m above sea level).

When you first try to start the engine, keep the starter engaged for a little longer than usual (about 10 seconds). Keep the accelerator pedal depressed to approximately half its travel.

If you have to start the engine frequently at low temperatures and high altitudes, then replace the engine oil with 5W-X viscosity oil (refer to Chapter 1).

Diesel Engine Cars

When the engine is cold:

• The ignition key must be in position 2 until the glow plug indicator lamp or the corresponding message on the display goes out.
• Start the engine.

At extremely low outside temperatures, the starter can be kept on for no longer than 40 seconds.



With a warm engine: If the glow plug indicator lamp does not light, start the engine immediately. Pressing the accelerator pedal does not affect the engine starting process.

Do not warm up the engine at idle, but immediately start moving at moderate speed.

Bleeding the fuel system of a diesel engine: If the fuel tank is empty, then, as a rule, bleeding the fuel system is not required. If, however, problems occur when starting the engine: Keep the starter engaged for about 20 seconds.

Never run the engine indoors. Exhaust gases contain colorless and odorless, but very poisonous carbon monoxide. Inhaling exhaust gases is harmful to health and can cause loss of consciousness and death.

Since a vehicle is a potential source of danger, never leave it unattended with the engine running.

Engine stop

To stop the engine, turn the key to position 1 or 0.

Never remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle is moving. Otherwise, when you turn the steering wheel, the steering column lock will be locked. When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the ignition and lock the steering column lock.

Cars with manual transmission: when parking on steep roads, apply the parking brake, as engaging first or reverse gear may not be sufficient to prevent the transmission from moving off spontaneously under certain circumstances. Cars with automatic transmission: move the automatic transmission lever to position P.