BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Quick Reference Guide

Introduction

Long regarded as the gold standard in the luxury sedan market, the BMW 5 Series is renowned for its outstanding performance, sophisticated styling, and cutting-edge technology. The German automaker’s 5 Series has consistently won over the hearts of auto enthusiasts and raised the bar for what a luxury sedan ought to be. The most recent generation of the BMW 5 Series, which is available from 2020 to 2023, builds on this heritage while bringing in a number of fascinating updates and improvements.

Design
The BMW 5 Series perfectly balances sportiness and sophistication in its appearance. The 5 Series exudes an air of elegance and dynamism with its svelte lines, assertive stance, and refined details. BMW’s iconic kidney grille, which has been slightly enlarged to improve its visual presence, is present on models from 2020 to 2023. In addition to improving performance and fuel economy, LED headlights and taillights give the vehicle a contemporary touch.

Interior
The luxurious cabin of the BMW 5 Series welcomes you inside and exudes comfort and style. A brand’s dedication to excellence is reflected in the environment it creates thanks to top-notch components, flawless craftsmanship, and careful attention to detail. Both the driver and the passengers can enjoy lengthy trips in the utmost comfort thanks to the roomy seating. A seamless and connected driving experience is provided by the driver-centric cockpit design, which includes an intuitive infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster.

Technology
The 2020–2023 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a plethora of state-of-the-art technological features to meet the demands of contemporary drivers. On a sizable touchscreen, the iDrive infotainment system provides seamless smartphone integration, navigation, and access to various vehicle settings. Modern driver assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking improve safety and give drivers peace of mind. For a more immersive driving experience, optional features include a head-up display, gesture control, and a premium sound system.

Performance
The BMW 5 Series continues to offer thrilling driving dynamics when it comes to performance. There are numerous available powertrain choices, including effective gasoline engines, potent diesel engines, and even plug-in hybrid versions for environmentally conscious drivers. A sporty and interesting driving experience is facilitated by the precise handling, responsive steering, and well-tuned suspension system. The 5 Series is a versatile sedan for both daily commuting and spirited driving because it skillfully blends performance and comfort.

Safety
Safety has always been a top priority for BMW, and the 5 Series has many cutting-edge safety features to shield its passengers. The 5 Series includes a full array of active and passive safety features, including multiple airbags, stability control, traction control, and advanced braking systems, in addition to the driver-assistance systems. Together, these features improve safety and lessen the likelihood of accidents.

Conclusion
The BMW 5 Series, which will be available from 2020 to 2023, is the pinnacle of luxury sedans, fusing tasteful design, cutting-edge technology, and thrilling performance. With its elegant exterior, plush interior, and cutting-edge features, the 5 Series keeps setting the bar higher in the cutthroat luxury sedan market. The BMW 5 Series offers a compelling package that will satisfy even the most discerning drivers, whether you’re looking for a comfortable daily driver or an exhilarating performance sedan.

Entering

Opening and closing
Buttons on the vehicle key

 

1. Unlocking
2. Locking
3. Opening the trunk lid
4. Panic mode, pathway lighting

Unlocking the vehicle

Press the button on the vehicle key.

Depending on the settings, either only the driver’s door or all vehicle access points are un‐locked.
If only the driver’s door is unlocked, press the button on the vehicle key again to unlock the other vehicle access points.

Press and hold the button on the vehicle key after unlocking.

The windows and the glass sunroof are opened, as long as the button on the vehicle key is pressed.

Locking the vehicle

1. Close the driver’s door.
2. Press the button on the vehicle key.
   All vehicle access points are locked.

Buttons for the central locking system
Overview

Buttons for the central locking system.

Locking
Press the button with the front doors closed.

The fuel filler flap remains unlocked.

Unlocking
Press the button.

Panic mode
You can trigger the alarm system if you find your‐self in a dangerous situation.

• Press the button on the vehicle key and hold for at least 3 seconds.
• Briefly press the button on the vehicle key three times in succession.

To switch off the alarm: press any button.

Comfort Access
Principle
The vehicle can be accessed without operating the vehicle key.
Carrying the vehicle key with you, e.g., in your pants pocket, is sufficient.
The vehicle automatically detects the vehicle key when it is in close proximity or in the car’s interior.

Unlocking the vehicle

Grasp the handle of a vehicle door completely.

Locking the vehicle

Touch the grooved surface on the handle of a closed vehicle door with your finger for approx. 1 second without grasping the door handle.

Opening and closing the trunk lid with no-touch activation

Principle
The trunk lid can be opened and closed with no-touch activation using the vehicle key you are carrying.

Performing the foot movement

1. Stand in the middle behind the vehicle at ap‐prox. one arm’s length away from the rear of the vehicle.
2. Wave a foot under the vehicle in the driving direction and immediately pull it back. With this movement, the leg must pass through the ranges of both sensors.

Trunk lid
Opening

• Unlock the vehicle and then press the button on the outer side of the trunk lid.
  Press and hold the button on the vehicle key for approx. 1 second.

Depending on the setting, the doors may also be unlocked.

Without automatic tailgate operation: closing Close the trunk lid manually.
With automatic tailgate operation: closing

• Press the button on the inside of the trunk lid.

Displays, control elements
In the vicinity of the steering wheel

1. Light switch element
2. Turn signal indicator, high beams
3. instrument cluster
4. Wipers

Start/Stop button Indicator/warning lights
The indicator/warning lights can light up in a variety of combinations and colors.
Several of the lights are checked for proper functioning and light up temporarily when drive-ready state is turned on.

Driver’s door

1. Exterior mirrors
2. Power windows
3. Safety switch
4. Seats, comfort features
5. Central locking system
6. Opening the trunk lid

Switch console

1. Selector lever
2. Controller
3. Parking brake, Automatic Hold
4. Parking assistance systems
5. Driving Dynamics Control

iDrive
Principle
iDrive is the operating concept of the infotainment system and includes a large number of functions.

Buttons on the Controller

Go to the main menu.

Go to the Media/Radio menu.

Go to the Communication menu.

Go to navigation map.

Go to destination input menu for navigation.

Go to the previous display.

Go to the Options menu.

Voice control
Activating the voice control system

• Press the button on the steering wheel.

Say the command.

Ending voice control

• Press the button on the steering wheel or ›Cancel‹.
• Set-up and use
  Seats, mirrors and steering wheel
  Electrically adjustable seats
  

1. Thigh support
2. Forward/backward, height, seat tilt
3. Upper backrest
4. Backrest width
5. Lumbar support
6. Backrest tilt, head restraint

Adjusting the head restraint
Adjusting the height: electrical head restraints

Press switch up or down.

Adjusting the distance: manual head restraints

 

• Back: press the button and push the head restraint toward the rear.
  Forward: pull the head restraint toward the front.

After setting the distance, make sure that the head restraint engages correctly.

Adjusting the distance: power head restraints
The head restraint is automatically repositioned when the upper backrest is adjusted.

Side extensions

1. Fold the side extensions forward to increase lateral support.

Adjusting the exterior mirrors

• Adjusting
  Selecting a mirror, Automatic Curb Monitor
• Folding in and out

Adjusting the steering wheel
Electrical steering wheel adjustment

Press the switch to adjust the forward/back position and height of the steering wheel to the seat position.

Memory function
Principle
The following settings can be stored and, if necessary, retrieved using the memory function:

• Seat position.
• Exterior mirror position.
• Steering wheel position.
• Height of the Head-up Display.

Storing

1. Set the desired position.
2. Press the button. The writing on the button lights up.
3. Press the desired button 1 or 2 at the door while the writing is lit. A signal sounds.

Calling up settings
Press the desired button 1 or 2.

Infotainment

Radio
Buttons and functions
Depending on the country and equipment version, the radio has the following buttons.

Button Function

Press: turns sound output on/ off.
Turn: adjusts the volume.

the entertainment source.
Press once: changes the station/ track.
Press and hold: fast forward/ rewind the track.
Programmable memory buttons.

Button Function
Changeover of waveband/satellite radio.
Changing the waveband.
Menu Apps

Navigation destination input Entering a destination via the search

1. Press the button on the Controller.
2. “Where to?”
3. Enter at least two letters or characters. Select point of interest categories from the points of interest menu as needed.
   The search term may be completed automatically in orange lettering.
   Move the Controller up to accept the suggested search term.
4. Select the icon, if needed.
   A list of the results is displayed.
5. If necessary, “Filter”
6. “Show results”
7. Select the desired entry.
8. If necessary, “Start guidance”

Connecting a mobile phone
General information
After the mobile phone is connected once to the vehicle, the mobile phone can be operated using iDrive and the steering wheel buttons.

Connecting the mobile phone via Bluetooth

1. “COM”
2. “Mobile devices”
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. “New device”
5. “Phone calls and audio”
   The vehicle’s Bluetooth name is displayed on the Control Display.
   Compare the control number displayed on the Control Display with the control number on the display of the mobile device, and con‐firm that the two match.
6. A Bluetooth connection is established.
   The mobile device is connected to the vehicle and displayed in the device list.

Using the telephone
Accepting a call
Depending on the equipment, incoming calls can be answered in several ways.

• Via iDrive:
• “Accept”

Press the corresponding button on the steering wheel.

• Via the selection list in the instrument cluster: Use the thumbwheel on the steering wheel to select: “Accept”
  Via touchscreen: tap on the corresponding entry on the Control Display.

Dialing a number

1. “COM”
2. If necessary, “Telephone”
3. “Dial number:”
4. Enter the numbers.
5. Select the icon. The connection is established via the mobile phone to which this function has been assigned.

Establish the connection via the additional tele‐phone:

1. Press the button.
2. “Call via”

Apple CarPlay© preparation
Principle
CarPlay allows certain functions of a compatible Apple iPhone to be used via Siri voice control and iDrive.
Functional requirements

1. Compatible iPhone, iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7.1 or later.
2. Corresponding mobile contract.
3. If necessary, the setting for mobile data must be activated on the iPhone.
4. Bluetooth, WLAN, and Siri voice control are activated on the iPhone.
5. WLAN is activated on the vehicle.

Pairing the iPhone with CarPlay

1. “COM”
2. “Mobile devices”
3. “New device”
4. “Phone calls and audio”
   The vehicle’s Bluetooth name is displayed on the Control Display.
5. On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth devices in the vicinity and select the vehicle. A control number is displayed.
6. Compare the control number displayed on the Control Display with the control number on the display of the mobile device, and con‐firm that the two match.
7. “Use Apple CarPlay”

The iPhone is connected to the vehicle and dis‐played in the device list.

On the road

Driving
Drive readiness Turning on drive readiness

1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.

Turning off drive-ready state
Steptronic transmission:

1. Engage selector lever position P with the vehicle stopped.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
   The engine is switched off.
3. Set the parking brake.

Auto Start/Stop function
The Auto Start/Stop function switches the engine off automatically while stationary to save fuel. The engine starts automatically under the following preconditions:
Steptronic transmission:

• By releasing the brake pedal.
• When Automatic Hold is activated: step on the accelerator pedal.

Parking brake Setting

the switch.
The LED on the switch and the indicator light in the instrument cluster are illuminated.

Releasing
With drive-ready state switched on:

Steptronic transmission: press the switch while the brake is pressed or selector lever position P is set.
The LED and indicator light turn off.
The parking brake is released.
Steptronic transmission: parking
The parking brake is automatically set if the vehicle is being held by Automatic Hold and the drive-ready state is switched off or the vehicle is exited.
Steptronic transmission
Engaging selector lever position D, N, R

1. Gear position D.
2. Neutral N.
3. R is reverse.

With the driver’s safety belt fastened, briefly push the selector lever in the desired direction, past a resistance point, if needed. The selector lever re‐turns to the center position in each case.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you select a gear position or reverse, maintain pressure on the brake pedal until you are ready to start.

A selector lever lock prevents the inadvertent shifting to selector lever position R or the inadvertent shifting from selector lever position P.
Engage selector lever position R only when the vehicle is stationary.

Releasing the selector lever lock

Press the button.
Engaging P
Engage selector lever position P only when the vehicle is stationary.

Press button P.

Steptronic transmission, Sport program and manual mode

Activate the Sport program manual mode:
Press the selector lever to the left from selector lever position D.
Manual mode:

• To shift down: press the selector lever forward.
• To shift up: pull the selector lever rearwards.

End the sport program/manual mode: Press the selector lever to the right.

Turn signal, high beams, headlight flasher
Turn signal

• Blinking: press the lever past the resistance point.
  Triple turn signal activation: lightly tap the lever up or down.
  Brief blinking: press the lever to the resistance point and hold it there for as long as you want the turn signal to blink.

High beams, headlight flasher

• 
• Press the lever forward or pull it backward.
• High beams on, arrow 1.
  The high beams light up when the low beams are switched on.
• High beams off/headlight flasher, arrow 2.

Lights and lighting Light functions

Icon Function

Lights off.
Daytime driving lights.

Parking lights.

Automatic headlight control. Adaptive light functions.

Low beams.

Instrument lighting.

roadside parking light.

Left roadside parking light.

Window wiper system
Turn on window wiper system

• 
• Press the lever up until the desired position is reached.

1. Resting position of the wipers: position 0.
2. Rain sensor: position 1.
3. Normal wiper speed: position 2.
4. Fast wiper speed: position 3.

Turn off the window wiper system and flick wipe

Press the lever down.

• Turn off: press the lever down until it reaches the 0 position.
• Flick wipe: press the lever down from the 0 position.

Activate/deactivate rain sensor

Activate: press the lever up once from its 0 position, arrow 1.
Deactivate: press the lever back into the 0 position.
Adjusting the rain sensor sensitivity

Pull the lever.

Climate control
Automatic climate control.

Button Function

Air conditioning.

Maximum cooling.

AUTO program.

Air recirculation mode.

Air flow, manual. Intensity AUTO program.

Air distribution, manual.

SYNC program.

Defrost function.

Rear window defroster.

Active seat ventilation.

Seat heating.

Opening the Climate menu.
For example, for the following settings: upper body temperature adjustment, pre-ventilation.

Intermediate stop
Refueling
Fuel cap

1. To open the fuel filler flap, press on the rear edge, arrow. The fuel filler flap opens.
2. Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise.
3. Place the fuel cap in the bracket attached to the fuel filler flap.

Gasoline
For the best fuel efficiency, the gasoline should be sulfur-free or very low in sulfur content.
Fuels that are marked on the gas pump as containing metal must not be used.

Wheels and tires
Tire pressure specifications
The tire inflation pressure specifications can be found in the tire inflation pressure table in the printed Owner’s Manual.

After correcting the tire pressure
With runflat tires:
Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
With Tire Pressure Monitor:
The corrected tire inflation pressures are applied automatically. Make sure that the correct tire set‐tings have been made.

With tires that cannot be found in the tire pressure values on the Control Display, reset the Tire Pressure Monitor TPM.

Checking the tire pressure
Regularly check the tire inflation pressure and correct it as needed:

• At least twice a month.
• Before embarking on an extended trip.

Cleaning the wheels
The friction during hard braking may produce brake dust and make the rims dirty. Brake dust can be removed by cleaning the rims. BMW recommends using vehicle care and cleaning products from BMW.

Electronic oil measurement
Functional requirements
A current measured value is available after approx. 30 minutes of normal driving.

Displaying the engine oil level

1. “CAR”
2. “Vehicle status”
3. “Engine oil level”

Different messages appear on the Control Dis‐play depending on the engine oil level. Pay attention to these messages.

Adding engine oil
General information
Safely park the vehicle and switch off drive-ready state before adding engine oil.

Adding engine oil

Only add engine oil when the message is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Observe the quantity to be added in the message.
Take care not to add too much engine oil. Observe recommended engine oil types.

Providing assistance
Hazard warning flashers

The button is located in the center console.
Breakdown Assistance BMW Roadside Assistance

1. “APPS”
2. “Installed apps”
3. “BMW Assist”
4. If necessary, “BMW Roadside Assistance” A voice connection is established.

ConnectedDrive Concierge service
The BMW Assist Concierge service offers information on events, filling stations or hotels, and provides phone numbers and addresses. Many hotels can be booked directly by the BMW Concierge service. The Concierge service is part of the optional BMW Assist Response Center.

1. “COM”
2. “BMW Assist”
3. If necessary, select the entry for the Concierge Service.

A voice connection to the Concierge service is established.

Teleservices
Teleservices are services that help to maintain vehicle mobility.
Teleservices can comprise the following services:

• BMW Roadside Assistance.
• BMW Accident Assistance.
• Teleservice Call.
• Teleservice Report.
• Teleservice Battery Guard.
•  Your dealer’s service center.

FAQs

1. What are the available engine options for the BMW 5 Series? 
   The BMW 5 Series is available with a variety of engines, including 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder units that come in both petrol and diesel versions.
2. Is the BMW 5 Series available in hybrid or electric versions? 
   Yes, there are hybrid models of the BMW 5 Series, including the 530e and 545e, which pair an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. There isn’t a fully electric version of the 5 Series, though, as of the September 2021 deadline that I’m aware of.
3. What is the performance of the BMW M5 model?  
   The BMW M5 is the 5 Series’ high-performance model. It has a strong V8 engine that generates impressive horsepower and acceleration. Depending on the specific model year and configuration, the precise performance requirements could change.
4. Does the BMW 5 Series have all-wheel drive (AWD)? 
   The all-wheel-drive xDrive technology from BMW, which improves traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions, is available for the BMW 5 Series.
5. What are the available transmission options for the BMW 5 Series? 
   Both manual and automatic transmissions are available for the BMW 5 Series. The most popular option is the 8-speed automatic gearbox, which is available.
6.  What are some notable technology features in the BMW 5 Series? 
   The BMW 5 Series is outfitted with a variety of cutting-edge technological features, such as a sizable infotainment display, smartphone connectivity, voice commands, navigation, and numerous driver-assistance systems including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
7. How spacious is the interior of the BMW 5 Series? 
   The interior of the BMW 5 Series is roomy and pleasant, with room for both front and rear passengers’ heads and legs. It features a plush interior with elegant details and top-notch materials.
8. Does the BMW 5 Series have advanced safety features? 
   The BMW 5 Series does include a number of cutting-edge safety systems, including parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, frontal collision warning, and rearview cameras. Depending on the model and setup, there can be additional safety measures available.
9. What is the fuel efficiency of the BMW 5 Series? 
   The engine and configuration affect the BMW 5 Series’s fuel efficiency differently. In general, the 5 Series has competitive fuel economy for its class, especially in hybrid models like the 530e.
10. Can I connect my smartphone to the BMW 5 Series?
    Yes, you can connect your compatible device to the infotainment system for simple access to apps, calls, texts, and more with the BMW 5 Series thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
11. Does the BMW 5 Series offer a heads-up display (HUD)? 
    Yes, a heads-up display is an option for the BMW 5 Series. This device projects critical information onto the windscreen so you can see it without taking your eyes off the road. It can show you information like your speed, navigational instructions, and safety alerts.
12. Is the BMW 5 Series equipped with a Wi-Fi hotspot? 
    The BMW 5 Series does, in fact, come with an optional built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that enables users to access the internet while on the move.

Useful Links

View Full User Guide: BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 User Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: BMW Owner’s Manuals – BMW USA