Care. Vehicle care
Vehicle care for the BMW 5 VII generation requires specific products and measures. This chapter covers the care of paint, leather, upholstery, rubber and plastic parts, as well as displays and cameras. Important safety notes help prevent damage caused by incorrect cleaning agents. Specific cleaning procedures are explained for various surfaces, such as matte paint, genuine wood and Kenaf. The importance of properly secured floor mats is also highlighted, as are the correct storage and cleaning of seat belts. Thorough care preserves not only the value of the vehicle but also its safety and everyday functionality.
Care products
General
BMW recommends using BMW care and cleaning products. Suitable care products are available from an authorized BMW service partner, another qualified service partner or a specialist workshop.
Safety information
WARNING Cleaning agents may contain hazardous or harmful substances.
There is a risk of injury. When cleaning the interior, open the doors or windows. Use only agents intended for vehicle cleaning. Observe the instructions on the packaging.
Vehicle paint
General
Regular care contributes to driving safety and preserves value. Environmental influences in areas with higher air pollution or natural contaminants, such as tree resin or pollen, can affect the vehicle paint. Adjust the frequency and scope of vehicle care accordingly.
Remove aggressive substances, e.g. spilled fuel, oil, grease or bird droppings, immediately to prevent paint changes and discoloration.
Matte paint
Use only cleaning and care products that are suitable for vehicles with matte paint.
Leather care
Regularly remove dust from the leather with a cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Otherwise, dust and road dirt will abrade into pores and folds, causing heavy wear and premature embrittlement of the leather surface.
To prevent staining, e.g. from clothing, clean and care for the leather approx. every two months.
Clean light-colored leather more often, as soiling is more visible on it.
Use leather care products, as otherwise dirt and grease will slowly attack the protective layer of the leather.
Upholstery fabric care
General
Vacuum the upholstery regularly with a vacuum cleaner.
For heavier soiling, e.g. beverage stains, use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth with suitable interior cleaners.
Clean the upholstery over a large area up to the seams.
Avoid rubbing vigorously.
Safety information
NOTICE Open hook-and-loop fasteners on clothing can damage the seat covers.
There is a risk of property damage.
Make sure the hook-and-loop fasteners are closed.
Care of special components
Light-alloy wheels
When cleaning the vehicle, use only neutral wheel cleaners with a pH value of 5 to 9.
Do not use harsh cleaning agents or steam jets above 60 °C. Observe the manufacturer's instructions.
Aggressive acidic or alkaline cleaning agents can destroy the protective coating of adjacent components, such as the brake disc.
After cleaning, apply the brakes briefly to dry them. The heat generated by braking dries the brake discs and brake pads and protects them against corrosion.
Chrome-look surfaces
Clean components such as the radiator grille or door handles thoroughly with plenty of water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive, especially where road salt has been applied.
Rubber parts
Environmental influences can cause surface soiling and loss of gloss on rubber parts. For cleaning, use only water and suitable care products.
Treat heavily stressed rubber parts with a rubber care product at regular intervals. Do not use silicone-based care products on rubber seals, to avoid damage or noise.
Genuine wood parts
Clean genuine wood trim and parts made of genuine wood only with a damp cloth.
Then dry with a soft cloth.
Kenaf
Treat parts made of kenaf fibers, e.g. in the tailgate trim, only with a suitable care product.
Plastic parts
NOTICE Alcohol-based or solvent-based cleaners such as nitro thinner, cold cleaner, fuel or similar can damage plastic parts.
There is a risk of property damage.
Use a microfiber cloth for cleaning.
If necessary, dampen the cloth slightly with water.
Plastic parts include, for example:
- Artificial leather surfaces.
- Headliner.
- Light lenses.
- Matte black painted parts.
- Painted parts in the interior.
Use a microfiber cloth for cleaning.
If necessary, dampen the cloth slightly with water.
Do not soak the headliner.
Seat belts
WARNING Chemical cleaners can destroy the webbing of the seat belts. Seat belts may lose their protective effect. There is a risk of injury or death.
Use only mild soapy water to clean the seat belts
Dirty webbing impairs retraction and therefore reduces safety.
Clean the webbing only with mild soapy water while installed.
Retract the seat belts only when they are dry.
Floor carpets and floor mats
WARNING Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict pedal travel or block a depressed pedal. There is a risk of an accident.
Stow objects in the vehicle so that they are secured and cannot get into the driver's footwell. Use floor mats that are suitable for the vehicle and can be fastened securely to the floor. Do not use loose floor mats and do not place several floor mats on top of each other. Make sure there is sufficient clearance for the pedals. Make sure the floor mats are securely fastened again after they have been removed, e.g. for cleaning.
The floor mats can be removed to clean the interior.
For heavier soiling, clean the floor carpets with a microfiber cloth and water or textile cleaner. Rub in the direction of travel, forwards and backwards; otherwise the carpet may felt.
Sensors/camera lenses
To clean sensors or camera lenses, use a cloth slightly dampened with glass cleaner.
Displays, screens and head-up display protective cover
NOTICE Chemical cleaners, moisture or liquids of any kind can damage the surface of displays and screens. There is a risk of property damage. For cleaning, use a clean, antistatic microfiber cloth.
NOTICE The surface of displays can be damaged by improper cleaning.
There is a risk of property damage. Avoid excessive pressure and do not use abrasive materials.
For cleaning, use a clean, antistatic microfiber cloth.
Clean the head-up display protective cover with a microfiber cloth and a commercially available household dishwashing liquid.
Vehicle storage
If the vehicle is to be taken out of service for longer than three months, special measures must be taken. Further information is available from a manufacturer service partner, another qualified service partner or a specialist workshop.
Whether paint, leather or light-alloy wheels – the BMW 5 Series Touring (model years 2017–2024) shows with its care instructions that preserving value is an integral part of the premium promise. From the choice of cleaning agents to the handling of sensitive materials, the driver is guided step by step.
The tips on seat belts, displays or floor mats are particularly practical – small details that contribute decisively to function and safety. The clear warnings prevent misuse and damage.
In this way, vehicle care becomes an expression of quality, responsibility and technical understanding – typically BMW.
Test yourself
A quick BMW 5 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.