How to Check the Odometer on a BMW 5 Series?

[OOlive]

BMW 5 Series allows you to observe remaining fuel range, mileage, display time, etc., through the toggle buttons under the onboard computer. Below are detailed introductions about the BMW 5 Series: 1. Specific steps to check the odometer on BMW 5 Series: There is a button marked with 'M' on the turn signal stalk. Press this button, and the small screen on the dashboard will display garbled characters. Then, press the circular button on the head of the stalk and rotate the ring on the stalk to switch the displayed information. Finally, press the circular button to confirm. 2. Changes in the exterior of BMW 5 Series: The 2020 BMW 5 Series new car, based on the Premium model, adds a panoramic sunroof, Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and comfort seats, with the option of run-flat tires. 3. Changes in the configuration of BMW 5 Series: The new BMW 5 Series has adjusted its configurations, with overall additions and reductions. The entire lineup has removed four colors, including Brazilian Brown, Platinum Silver, Burgundy Red, and Hukaro Beige, as well as the Innovation Package, Hi-Fi Sound System, and electric sunshades for the rear and side windows. It is equipped with a 10.25-inch central control screen, 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel, Apple CarPlay, ambient lighting, and aviation headrests.

[LeBenjamin]

When I first got my BMW 5 Series, I also spent quite some time figuring out how to read the dashboard. After starting the car, my eyes would go straight to the LCD screen behind the steering wheel. The most noticeable thing is the speedometer, while the total mileage is usually displayed at the bottom center or lower right corner of the screen, showing numbers like "12345 km" which indicate the accumulated kilometers driven. If the number is preceded by "ODO," it’s even clearer—this abbreviation stands for total mileage. Once, after a car wash, I noticed the dashboard was covered in dust, making the numbers hard to read, so I specifically kept a microfiber cloth in the glove compartment. At red lights, I’d habitually glance at the mileage, as naturally as checking the time on my phone, and it also helps me estimate the maintenance schedule. Oh, and never look down for it while driving—just a quick glance with your peripheral vision is enough to see it clearly. Safety first, after all.

[Karla]

As a seasoned driver who has owned three generations of BMW 5 Series, let me tell you, there's no need to panic about checking the odometer. Once the ignition is on or the engine starts, the dashboard automatically wakes up, and the total mileage is displayed fixed at the bottom like the time on a phone screensaver. I make it a habit to check the fuel level and mileage first thing when I get in the car, especially before long trips. The new 5 Series' digital dashboard even allows you to switch display modes, but the total mileage always remains on the default interface and won't disappear if you switch to the navigation screen. I remember once a friend accidentally pressed a steering wheel button and hid the mileage display, but a long press on the button at the top of the turn signal stalk resets the interface. I recommend recording the mileage once a month and saving a photo on your phone for future reference when selling the car or for maintenance records.

[MadelineFitz]

Last week I taught my sister how to read the dashboard on her new 5 Series - it's actually super simple: Sit in the driver's seat looking straight ahead behind the steering wheel, and after powering on, the row of white numbers at the very bottom of the instrument cluster shows the total mileage. BMW's design is very user-friendly - these numbers are large enough without obstructing the speedometer. During a test drive, I noticed direct sunlight causes glare on the digits, but polarized sunglasses actually make them clearer. Don't get confused by the TRIP odometer - that usually resets automatically after refueling as a short-term counter. Telling them apart is easy: total mileage is typically over 10,000 km while trip mileage fluctuates in the hundreds or thousands. Making it a habit to glance at startup is much safer than looking down at your phone.

[DeLila]

As a frequent visitor to auto repair shops, I'd like to remind BMW owners that it's important to regularly record mileage. The 5 Series dashboard typically has three sections (left, center, right), with the total mileage permanently displayed at the bottom center or lower right corner, remaining clearly visible even when backlit. Once, a customer thought their instrument panel was malfunctioning, but it turned out to be caused by ghosting from a low-quality screen protector. I recommend taking a photo for records every 5,000 kilometers and creating a dedicated album on your phone. Be cautious when changing the instrument cluster battery - some older models might reset the odometer, so always have it done by professionals. The newer full LCD instrument clusters are more user-friendly and can even be programmed with maintenance reminders. If the mileage display flickers intermittently, it might indicate loose wiring connections, and you should visit a BMW dealership for inspection promptly.

[QuinnDella]

When accompanying a friend to inspect a used 5 Series, focus on the dashboard. Here are some tips: After starting the car, the total mileage display location varies in three ways: older models show it on the small screen at the top of the center console, post-2014 models display it at the bottom of the dashboard, and the latest full-width screens show it directly behind the steering wheel. During inspection, confirm that the displayed numbers are continuous without signs of wear; any breaks might indicate odometer tampering. Once, I found the decimal point in the mileage shifted during inspection—the car had actually run 120,000 km but showed 12,000 km. Don’t obsess over minor mileage changes in daily driving; it’s normal for a new car to run 2,000 km in the first three months. Just glance at it at a red light—getting distracted could lead to a rear-end collision.