How to Service a BMW 535I

1. Consult the terms of your BMW 'Ultimate Service Plan.' This plan -- which comes standard with the purchase of all new BMW models -- includes free service and maintenance on your vehicle for the first four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. If your vehicle is still under the terms of this plan, take your 535i to your nearest BMW dealership for service instead of doing the work on your own.
2. Check the tire pressure on your 535i. This should only be done when the tires are cold and the car is parked on a flat surface. Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the current pressure in all four of your tires. Ideal pressure for tires depends on the make and model of the tires you have on your car; however, the BMW owner's guide says most BMW-compatible tires will have an air pressure of 2.0 to 2.8 pounds per square inch. If the pressure is too low, use an air compressor to fill them up slowly until you reach the correct level.
3. Check the engine oil level. There is an oil level monitor on the dashboard of your 535i. This monitor can have several different read outs, including 'Engine Oil level OK,' 'Engine oil level below minimum' and 'Engine oil level too high.' If your vehicle gives you the first reading, you don't have to do anything. If you get the second reading, open the oil neck located under your hood just to the passenger's side of center and add one quart of oil; BMW recommends using oil types SAE 0W-40, SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-40 and SAE 5W-30. If you get the third reading, take your BMW to a service center to have the excess engine oil drained.
4. Replace old or improperly-functioning windshield wiper blades. Lift the wiper arms into a vertical position so they are not touching the windshield. Move the blades into a horizontal position, perpendicular to the wiper arms. Slide the old blades off. Slide the new blades on. Return the blades and wiper arms to their standard position at the base of your windshield.
5. Switch burned out headlights with new ones. Access the headlight chamber by unscrewing the screws on the cap located inside the front corner of your engine compartment. Remove the old bulb and replace it with a new one. BMW recommends using 55-watt bulbs for low beams, 24-watt bulbs for turn signals and 55-watt bulbs for high beams. Close the compartment and re-tighten the screws.