The 2010 BMW 5 Series may require routine maintenance services such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacements, and engine air filter replacements. It may also have specific maintenance needs based on the model, such as replacing the spark plugs or the fuel filter. It’s best to consult the owner’s manual or a BMW dealership for a complete list of maintenance services and their recommended schedules.
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the preservation of the traffic and operating safety of your BMW. The ultimate objective is to ensure economical maintenance by providing the ideal service for your vehicle. Should the day come when you decide to sell your BMW, a complete center service history will prove to be an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the different driving conditions of your BMW into account. Condition Based Service uses this to determine the current and future service requirements. By letting you define a service and maintenance regimen that reflects your own individual requirements, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Control Display to show remaining distances and times of selected maintenance intervals and legally mandated deadlines.
- Engine oil
- Brake pads, front and rear separately
- Brake fluid
- Vehicle check
- Legally mandated inspections depending on local regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores the information required maintenance continuously in the remote control during driving. After accessing the data stored in the remote control, your BMW Service Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of service procedures for your own individual vehicle. You should therefore hand over the remote
control you last used to drive to the BMW Service Advisor when you take your vehicle in for service.
⚠ Make sure the date is set correctly, otherwise the effectiveness of CBS Condition Based Service is not ensured.
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for additional information on service requirements.
▶ BMW recommends that you have service and repair operations performed at your BMW center. Take the time to ensure that these service procedures are confirmed by entries in your vehicle’s Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the specified regular maintenance.
Socket for OBD Onboard Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the exhaust-gas composition can be checked via the OBD socket with a device. This socket is located on the driver’s side on the left under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up: The vehicle emissions are raised. The trip can be continued. Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described malfunction in Canadian models. The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In this case you should reduce speed and drive to the nearest BMW center as soon as possible. Heavy engine misfiring causes serious damage to the emission-relevant components, especially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
▶ If the fuel filler cap is not properly tightened, the OBD system will assume that fuel vapor escapes. Then a display lights up. If the cap is then tightened, the display will go out within a few days.
Data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or several measuring and diagnosis modules, or with a device for recording or transmitting certain vehicle data or information. If you have also subscribed to BMW Assist, certain vehicle data can be transmitted or recorded to enable corresponding services.
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care make a significant contribution to retaining your BMW’s value. For the cleaning and care of your vehicle, BMW recommends using only products that BMW has approved for this purpose. Your BMW center will be glad to advise you about products and services for the cleaning and care of your BMW.
▶ Genuine BMW Care Products are materials tested, laboratory tested, and tested in actual use. They offer optimum care and protection for your vehicle.
⚠ Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol or solvents; they can damage your vehicle.
⚠ Cleaning agents can contain substances that are dangerous or pose health risks. You should therefore heed the warnings and hazard indications on the packaging. Open the doors or windows on your vehicle whenever cleaning the interior. Make sure there is sufficient ventilation in enclosed spaces. Use only products that are formulated for vehicle cleaning.
Exterior care
Washing your vehicle
⚠ In the winter months, it is especially important to ensure that the vehicle is washed on a regular basis. Otherwise, significant soiling and road salt can cause damage to the vehicle.
⚠ After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes briefly to dry them. Failure to do so may lead to a reduction in braking efficiency and also to corrosion of the brake rotors.
Car washes
Give preference to cloth car washes. Before driving into the car wash, make sure that it is suitable for your BMW. Pay attention to the following points:
- Dimensions of your vehicle
- If necessary, fold in the outside rearview mirrors.
- Maximum permissible tire width.
⚠ Avoid car washes with rail heights over 4in/10cm, otherwise there is danger of damaging chassis parts.
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
- Deactivate rain sensor to prevent unwanted wiper activation.
- Deactivate rear window wiper* and protect it from damage. Take appropriate protective measures; inquiring with the car wash operator as needed.
- Remove additional add-on parts, e.g., spoilers or phone antennas, if they could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure the vehicle is able to roll by making sure to:
- Insert the remote control into the ignition lock, even with Comfort Access.
- Shift into transmission position N.
- Release the parking brake.
- Switch off the engine.
- Leave the remote control in the ignition lock so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
⚠ When using steam jets or high-pressure washers, ensure that you maintain sufficient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed a temperature of 1407/606. Insufficient distance or excessive pressure or temperature can damage parts of the vehicle or can result in water penetration. Follow the operating instructions for the high-pressure cleaning jets.
⚠ When using high-pressure cleaning jets, do not remain in one place for a long time and be sure to maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm from sensors, e.g., Park Distance Control sensors or radar sensors.
Hand washing
When washing the vehicle by hand, use plenty of water and car washing shampoo. Clean the vehicle with gentle pressure using a sponge or a washing brush.
▶ Before cleaning the windshield, deactivate the rain sensor or switch off the ignition to prevent unwanted wiper operation.
Follow local guidelines for washing vehicles by hand.
Headlamps
Do not rub dry and never use abrasives or strong solvents to clean the covers. Loosen dirt, e.g., insects, with shampoo or insect remover and wash away with plenty of water. Use a window de icer to remove accumulated ice and snow, not a scraper.
Windows
Use a glass cleaner to clean the inside and outside surfaces of the windows and the glass surfaces of the mirrors.
▶ Do not use quartz-containing cleansers to clean glass surfaces of the mirrors.
Paintwork care
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value and protects the paint from the long-term effects of aggressive substances. Regionally occurring environmental factors can affect and damage vehicle finish. It is therefore important to tailor the frequency and extent of your car care accordingly. Immediately remove particularly aggressive substances such as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree resin, or bird droppings; otherwise, they may damage your paint.
Repairing paint damage
▶ Repair stone damage or scratches immediately, depending on the severity of the damage, to prevent the formation of rust.
BMW recommends having paint damage professionally repaired using Genuine BMW finish materials in accordance with factory guidelines.
Waxing
Sealant is required when water no longer beads on the clean surface of the paint. Use only products that contain carnauba wax or synthetic wax to seal your finish.
Rubber gaskets
Treat only with water or a rubber care product.
⚠ To avoid noise or damage, do not use products that contain silicone to care for rubber gaskets.
Chrome components
Particularly after exposure to road salt, thoroughly cleanse parts like the radiator grille, door handles, or window frames with plenty of water with shampoo added to it. For additional treatment, use chrome polish.
Alloy wheels
Depending on your system, braking can generate dust, which settles on the light-alloy wheels. Remove this dust regularly with acid-free wheel cleaner.
⚠ Do not use aggressive, acid-containing, strongly alkaline, or coarse cleansers and do not use steam cleaners at temperatures greater than 140 °F/606, otherwise you may damage your vehicle.
Outside sensors
Sensors on the outside of the vehicle, such as Park Distance Control sensors or radar sensors, should be kept clean and free of ice to retain their full function.
Interior care
Upholstery/fabrics
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in order to remove surface dirt. In the event of more serious soiling such as beverage stains, use a soft sponge or a lint-free microfiber cloth in combination with suitable
interior cleaners. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
▶ Clean upholstery material over a large area extending out to the seams. Avoid intense friction.
⚠ Open Velcro fasteners on pants or other items of clothing can cause damage to the seat covering. Make sure that the Velcro fasteners are closed.
Leather/leather coverings
▶ The leather used by BMW is a high quality natural product. Slight patterns in the grain are part of the typical properties of a natural leather.
Dust and dirt from the road chafe in pores and folds and result in considerable wear and cause the leather surface to become prematurely brittle. We therefore suggest that you clean the leather with a dust cloth or vacuum cleaner at regular intervals.
Particularly with light-colored leather, make sure to clean it regularly since it has a greater tendency to become soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year with a leather lotion since dirt and grease harm the protective layer of the leather.
Carpets/cargo bay
Carpeting, floor mats, and luggage compartment rugs and paneling can be cleaned with a vacuum or in the event of more serious soiling, cleansed with an interior cleaner.
Floor mats and luggage compartment rugs can be removed for cleaning. When inserting into place, make sure that the seat rails do not protrude over the floor mats; otherwise floor mats can be damaged.
Fluff on new floor mats is a result of the production process and can be removed by repeated vacuuming.
Plastic components inside
Clean the glass cover of the instrument panel, imitation leather surfaces, lamp lenses, and matte components with water and, if necessary, a solvent-free plastic cleaner.
Fine wooden components
Use a damp cloth to clean fine wooden trim panels and components. Follow up by drying with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and thus have a negative impact on safety.
⚠ Chemical cleaning Do not clean chemically, as this may destroy the webbing.
Inside sensors
Clean inside sensors such as those of the highbeam assistant using a lint-free cloth moistened with glass cleaner.
Displays
Clean displays like the radio or the Control Display using a display-cleaning cloth or a soft, nonabrasive lint-free cloth.
⚠ Avoid using excessive pressure when cleaning displays; otherwise, you could damage them.
⚠ Never use chemical-based cleansers or household scouring products. Keep all liquids away from the equipment. Otherwise corrosion or damage to surfaces or electrical components can occur.
CD/DVD drives
⚠ Do not use cleaning CDs; they can damage parts of the player.
Storing your vehicle
When storing your vehicle for longer than three months, please seek the advice of your BMW center or a workshop that works in accordance with BMW guidelines.
Replacing components
Onboard vehicle tool kit
Sedan
The Onboard vehicle tool kit is located in theluggage compartment lid. Loosen the wing nut to open.
Sports Wagon
The Onboard vehicle tool kit is located in the left side panel of the cargo bay.
Wiper blade replacement
Front
- Fold the wiper arm out and grasp firmly.
- Press the safety tabs together while sliding the wiper blade toward the front to disengage it.
- Mount the new wiper blade and slide in until it is heard to engage.
Rear*
- Lift off the wiper arm completely and pull off the wiper blade, refer to arrow.
- Mount the new wiper blade and press on until it is heard to engage.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution to vehicle safety. You must be duly diligent in replacing them. BMW recommends having your BMW center perform any work that you do not feel competent to perform yourself or that is not described here.
▶ Never touch the glass of new bulbs with your bare fingers, as even minute amounts of contamination will burn into the bulb’s surface and reduce its service life. Use a clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its metal socket.
A selection of replacement bulbs is available at your BMW center.
⚠ Only replace bulbs when cool, as otherwise you may be burned.
⚠ Whenever you perform any work on the electrical system, turn off the systems/ consumers involved to prevent short circuits from occurring. To avoid possible injury or equipment damage when replacing bulbs, observe any instructions provided by the bulb manufacturer.
⚠ For bulbs for which changing is not described, and for checking and adjusting headlamp aim, please contact your BMW center.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translucent lenses serve as the light source for many of the controls and displays in your vehicle. These light-emitting diodes, which operate using a concept similar to that applied in conventional lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 lightemitting diodes.
⚠ Do not remove the covers, and never stare into the unfiltered light for several hours, as irritation of the retina could result.
Halogen headlamps
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the engine compartment.
1 Cover cap for low beams
2 Cover cap for high beams
To remove the cover caps:
- Low beams: press the detent, arrow, and remove the cover from the guide.
- High beams: turn the cover cap to the left and remove.
⚠ Always wear gloves and eye protection the atmosphere within the H7 bulb is pressurized. Otherwise there is a danger of injuries if the bulb is accidentally damaged during replacement.
Low beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
- Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove
- Remove and replace the bulb.
High beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
- Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
- Remove and replace the bulb.
Parking and roadside parking lamps
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel.
Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and the probability of a failure is very low, provided that they are not switched on and off an unusual number of times. If one of these bulbs should nevertheless fail, it is possible to continue driving with great caution using the fog lamps, provided traffic laws in your area do not prohibit this.
⚠ Have work on the xenon lighting system performed only by your BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. Due to the high voltage present in the system, there is a danger of fatal injuries when work is carried out improperly.
Access to lamps
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the engine compartment.
1 Cover cap for parking and roadside parking lamps, daytime running lamps
2 Sealing cap for turning lamps*
To remove the covers:
- Parking lamps and roadside parking lamps, daytime running lamps: turn the cover cap to the left and remove.
- Turning lamps: turn the sealing cap to the left and remove.
Parking lamps and roadside parking lamps, daytime running lamps
H8 bulb, 35 watts
- Turn the bulb in the direction of the arrow, in the opposite direction on the other side, and remove.
- Remove the connector and replace the bulb.
Turning lamps*
H3 bulb, 55 watts
- Remove the sealing cap, refer to Access tolamps.
- Push the locking bar to the side out of the anchor and fold upward.
- Remove the connector and take out thebulb.
- Replace the bulb and reinstall.
- Fold down the locking bar and engage it.
- Reconnect the connector.
- Mount the sealing cap. Watch the markings on the bulb when doing so.
Turn signals, front
21-watt bulb, PY21W
- Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
- Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while turning it to the left for removal and replacement.
Side-mounted turn signals
5-watt bulb, W5W
- Press back against the front edge of the lamp with the tip of your finger, then pivot itout.
- Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
- Remove the bulb for replacement.
Side marker lamps, front and rear
To replace, please go to your BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel.
Tail lamps
Sedan
- Turn signals1, tail lamps 6 and side marker lamps 7 are designed using LED technology. In the event of a malfunction, please go to your BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel.
- Backup lamps: 16-watt bulb, W16W
- Other lamps: 21-watt bulb, P21W
1 Turn signal
2 Tail lamp and brake lamp
3 Backup lamp
4 Brake lamp
5 Reflector
6 Tail lamp
7 Side marker lamp
Sports Wagon
- Turn signals 1, tail lamps 3 and side marker lamps 7 are designed using LED technology. In the event of a malfunction, please go to your BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel.
- Backup lamps: 16-watt bulb, W16W
- Brake lamps: 21-watt bulb, P21W
1 Turn signal
2 Brake lamp
3 Tail lamp
4 Backup lamp
5 Brake lamp
6 Reflector
7 Side marker lamp
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. In the event of a malfunction, please go to your BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel.
Fender-mounted lamps
Sedan
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the cargo bay.
All the bulbs are integrated into a central bulb fitting.
- Lift up floor mat.
- Undo the quick-release fasteners of the side panel and pull out the panel.
- Turn the lock to the left and remove the bulb holder
- Backup lamps: Remove and replace the bulb. Other lamps: Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while turning it to the left for removal and replacement.
Sports Wagon
- Right side: Unhook the retaining strap*
- Open the side panel.
- Turn the bulb socket to the left and remove.
- Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while turning it to the left for removal and replacement.
Lamps in luggage compartment lid
License plate lamp
5-watt bulb, C5W
- Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to the right, refer to arrows. This releases the
lamp.
- Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
Sports Wagon: Brake lamp and backup lamp
- Turn the locks to the left and fold down the trim.
- Fold down the foam insulation.
- Pull out the bulb holder for the backup lamp 1 or brake lamp 2 downward.
- Backup lamp: remove the bulb for replacement. Brake lamp: apply gentle pressure to the bulb while turning
it to the left for removal and replacement.
Changing wheels
⚠ Safety precautions in the event of a flat tire or wheel change: park the vehicle as far as possible from passing traffic and on solid ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers. Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle and ensure that they remain outside the immediate area in a safe place, such as behind a
guardrail.
If a warning triangle* or portable hazard warning lamp* is required, set it up on the roadside at an appropriate distance from the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface. Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a support base for the jack, as this would prevent it from extending to its full support height and reduce its load-carrying capacity. To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is supported by the jack.
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises later on, note the positions of the tools before removing them, then return them to their initial positions after completing work.
1 Chock*
2 Vehicle jack*
3 Lug wrench*
The tools are located in the mount under the floor mat or floor panel flap.
- Lift up floor mat or floor panel flap and cover located beneath it.
- Take out the required tools.
- After using the tools, return them to the storage space.
▶ With run-flat tires, no tools are provided for wheel changes. They can be purchased as accessories at your BMW center.
Sports Wagon: removing and installing floor panel flap of storage area
- Unhook the luggage compartment roller cover at the rear.
- Raise the floor panel flap.
- Unhook the two catch straps at the top.
- Unlock the gas spring strut, refer to arrow, and remove.
- Fold over the floor panel flap toward the front to release it and remove.
- Open the front floor panel flap.
- Swing up the spare tire cover and hook the hooks into the upper frame of the tailgate opening.
- Take out the cross support upward.
When installing the floor panel flap, proceed in the reverse order and press down the hinge covers.
Compact wheel*
- Unscrew the wing nut 1.
- Remove the washer 2 laterally.
- Take out the tool mounts 3.
- Remove the compact wheel.
Preparing wheel change
- Observe the safety precautions above.
- Prevent the vehicle from rolling: Place the chock behind the front wheel on the other side of the vehicle, or on inclines, in front of this wheel. On steeply inclined roads, always secure the vehicle against rolling.
- Loosen the lug bolts a half turn.
Jacking up vehicle
- Position the vehicle jack at the jacking point closest to the wheel so that the entire surface of the jack base rests on the ground perpendicularly beneath the jacking point.
⚠ The vehicle jack is designed for changing wheels only. Do not attempt to raise another vehicle model with it or to raise any load of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and personal injury.
- Guide the jack head into the rectangular recess of the jacking point when cranking up, refer to illustration detail.
- Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are changing is raised from the ground.
Mounting a wheel
- Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the wheel.
- Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from the mounting surfaces of the wheel and hub. Also clean the lug bolts.
- Position the new wheel or compact wheel. Secure the wheel by screwing at least two lug bolts into opposite bolt holes. When you mount wheels other than Genuine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug bolts may also be required.
- Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
- Lower the vehicle and remove the jack from beneath the vehicle.
After mounting
- Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
⚠ To ensure safety, always have the lug bolts checked with a calibrated torque wrench as soon as possible to ensure that they are tightened to the specified torque. Otherwise, incorrectly tightened lug bolts are a hidden safety risk. The tightening torque is 88.5 lb ft/120 Nm.
- When stowing the wheel and tools in the vehicle, execute these steps in the reverse order.
- Check and correct the tire inflation pressure at the earliest opportunity.
▶ Protect valve stems with valve stem seal caps against dirt and contamination. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source of gradual air loss.
- Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor.
- Replace the damaged tire as soon as possible and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. The driving characteristics change, for example reduced track stability on braking, extended braking distance, and altered self steering characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction with winter tires, these characteristics are more pronounced.
⚠ Only one compact wheel may be mounted. Restore the wheels and tires to their original size as quickly as possible. Failure to do so is a safety risk.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100% maintenance-free, i.e., the electrolyte will last for the life of the battery when the vehicle is operated in a temperate climate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the terminals in the engine compartment with the engine switched off. Connections.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your BMW center or bring them to a recycling center. Maintain the battery in an upright position for transport and storage. Always restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping over during transport.
Power failure
Following a temporary power failure, e.g., due to a discharged battery, the use of some equipment will be restricted, requiring its reinitialization. In the same way, individual settings are lost and must be updated again:
- Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory The positions must be stored again.
- Time and date Must be updated again.
- Radio In some cases, radio stations may have to be stored again.
- Navigation system You must wait until the system becomes functional again.
- Glass roof, electric It may only be possible to raise the glass roof. The system must be initialized.
- Panorama glass roof It may only be possible to raise the glass roof. The system must be reinitialized.
- Active steering The system automatically initializes itself briefly during a trip. The system is deactivated during this time.
- xDrive The system automatically initializes itself during a trip. Indicator lamps light up during this time. If the lamps do not disappear during the current trip, have the system checked.
- Power windows The pinch prevention system for the power windows must be reinitialized.
▶ Talk to your BMW center before placing the stored vehicle back in service.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and do not replace a defective fuse with a substitute of another color or amperage rating, as this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately resulting in a fire in the vehicle.
Sedan
Spare fuses, plastic tweezers and fuse allocation diagram are located in the compartment for the onboard tool kit.
Sports Wagon
Spare fuses and a pair of plastic tweezers are contained in the onboard tool kit. A fuse allocation diagram is located in the cargo bay behind the right-hand side panel.
In glove compartment
- Release both quick-release fasteners.
- Fold the cover forward or remove.
Sedan: in cargo bay
- Lift up floor mat.
- Release the quick-release fastener of the right side panel and pull out the panel.
Sports Wagon: in cargo bay
- Unhook the retaining strap*.
- Open the right-hand side panel.