
 
11n
 
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Headlamps84
Instrument panel rheostat84
High beams/Parking lamps85
Fog lamps85
Interior lamps85
Reading lamps86
 
Controlling the climate 
for pleasant driving:
 
Automatic climate control88
Heated seats93
Roller sun blind93
 
Cabin convenience:
 
HiFi System94
Glove compartment94
Storage compartments95
Cellular phones95
Ashtray96
Cigarette lighter96
Clothes hooks97
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Through-loading facility98
Ski bag99
Cargo loading100
Roof-mounted luggage rack101
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures104
Driving notes104
Catalytic converter105
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)106
Disc brakes108
Brake system109
Winter operation110
Power steering112
Cellular phones112
Radio reception112
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressures113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Tire rotation114
Wheel and tire 
combinations115
Winter tires116
Snow chains116
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications117
 
Under the hood:
 
Hood119
Engine compartment120
Washer fluids122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant126
Brake fluid127
Vehicle Identification
Number128
 
Care and maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System129
Caring for your car130
Airbags135
Vehicle storage136
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications 
to the vehicle136
OBD connector137 

73n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Cruise control In addition, cruise control is canceled 
automatically:
>if the brakes are applied 
>if the clutch is depressed or the auto-
matic transmission selector lever is 
moved from "Drive" to "Neutral" 
>if the cruise speed is either exceeded 
or not met for an extended length of 
time, e. g., when you step on the 
accelerator pedal.
To resume the stored settingPress button 4:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored. When you 
turn the ignition key to position 0, the 
stored speed is deleted from the sys-
tem's memory and the system is deacti-
vated.To deactivate the system When the cruise control has been can-
celed, press button 1 again. The indica-
tor lamp goes out and the stored speed 
is deleted.Do not use cruise control on twist-
ing roads, when high traffic density 
prevents driving at a constant speed, 
when the road surface is slick (snow, 
rain, ice), or when the road surface is 
loose (rocks, sand).< 

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
103n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures104
Driving notes104
Catalytic converter105
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)106
Disc brakes108
Brake system109
Winter operation110
Power steering112
Cellular phones112
Radio reception112
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressures113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Tire rotation114
Wheel and tire 
combinations115
Winter tires116
Snow chains116
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications117Under the hood:
Hood119
Engine compartment120
Washer fluids122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant126
Brake fluid127
Vehicle Identification 
Number128
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance 
System129
Caring for your car130
Airbags135
Vehicle storage136
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications to the 
vehicle136
OBD connector137 

104n
To ensure that your vehicle provides 
maximum economy throughout a long 
service life, we request that you ob-
serve the following: 
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and 
road speeds, but do not exceed the fol-
lowing engine or road speeds at this 
time: 4,500/min or 100 mph (160 km/h).
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid 
pressing the accelerator beyond the 
kickdown point.
After 1,200 miles (2,000 km), you can 
gradually increase the engine speed or 
road speed.
You should also observe these break-in 
procedures if the engine or differential 
is replaced later in the course of the 
vehicle service life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated with 
their manufacture, tires do not achieve 
their full traction potential until an initial 
break-in period has elapsed. For this 
reason, drive cautiously during the first 
200 miles (300 km).Brake systemBrake pads and disks do not attain their 
optimal wear patterns until after approx. 
300 miles (500 km).
To break-in the separate parking brake 
drums, apply the parking brake lightly 
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic 
signal, for instance), provided that traf-
fic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on 
when the parking brake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit 
on your BMW is available only when the 
engine is running. When you move the 
car with the engine off – when towing, 
for example – substantially higher levels 
of pedal force will be required to brake 
the vehicle.<
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting 
on the brake pedal. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high 
temperatures, brake wear, and possibly 
to brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
A wedge of water can form between the 
tires and the road surface when you op-
erate the vehicle on wet or slushy roads. 
This phenomenon is referred to as 
aquaplaning or hydroplaning. It is char-
acterized by a partial or complete loss 
of contact between the tires and the 
road surface. The ultimate results are 
loss of steering and braking control.
Driving through water: 
Do not drive through water more than 
1 ft (30 cm) deep. Drive only at walking 
speed, otherwise damage to the engine, 
the electrical system and the transmis-
sion can occur.
Rear parcel tray:
Never use the rear parcel tray to store 
heavy or bulky objects. They could pose 
a danger to the occupants when the car 
is braked heavily.
Break-in procedures Driving notes  

108n
Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater 
fade resistance under heavy use. 
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when 
the vehicle is not used at all, and in op-
erating conditions where brakes appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an in-
creased tendency for corrosion of the 
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs be-
cause the minimal pressure that must 
be exerted by the pads to clean the 
rotors by brake applications is not 
reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they 
will tend to respond to braking with a 
pulsating effect that even extended 
brake applications will fail to cure.
For your own safety: Only use 
brake linings that BMW has re-
leased for your particular vehicle model. 
BMW cannot vouch for driving safety or 
the suitability of brake linings other than 
those they have released.<
Driving notesWhile driving in wet conditions and in 
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light 
pressure to the brake pedal every few 
miles (kilometers). Watch traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does 
not endanger other road users. The 
heat that is generated by the brake ap-
plications helps to dry the brake pads 
and rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained 
while the wheels continue to rotate, 
peaking when the wheels remain on the 
verge of locking without actually doing 
so. ABS maintains this state automati-
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert 
to the staggered braking technique 
described on page 110.
Long or steep mountain descents do 
not necessarily lead to reduced braking 
efficiency if you drive downhill with the 
transmission in a gear that allows mini-
mal brake applications (or, with an auto-
matic transmission, in an appropriate 
lower range).
You can further increase the engine's 
braking effect by selecting a lower gear, 
downshifting as far as first gear or plac-
ing the selector lever in position (1).Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended, 
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure over 
an extended period of time, you should 
decelerate the vehicle by applying more 
substantial force on the pedal (watch 
for following traffic!) and then pausing 
before repeating the application. This 
staggered braking technique allows the 
brakes to cool in the intervals between 
active braking phases, preventing over-
heating and ensuring that full braking 
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch de-
pressed or with the transmission 
or selector lever in neutral. Do not drive 
with the engine shut off. The engine 
provides no braking effect when the 
clutch pedal is depressed or the trans-
mission is in neutral, and there is no 
power-assist for brakes and steering 
when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any 
other objects to protrude into the area 
around the accelerator, clutch and 
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.< 

110n
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather. Adap-
tations in driving style should be accom-
panied by preparations on the vehicle 
itself to ensure that your progress 
through the winter remains safe and 
trouble-free.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture is kept 
at the year-round ratio of 50:50 of water 
and antifreeze/corrosion protection. 
This mixture provides protection against 
freezing down to approx. – 347 
(– 376). Replace the coolant every four 
years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to 
free them if frozen. This deicer also 
contains lubricant.
After using deicer, treatment with BMW 
lock barrel grease is recommended.Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather-stripping from 
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood 
and luggage compartment lid seals.
A full range of car-care products is 
available from your BMW center.<
Snow chains BMW snow chains
* can be mounted on 
both summer and winter tires. Mount 
them in pairs on the rear wheels only 
and comply with the manufacturer's 
safety precautions. Do not exceed a 
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h). 
In this situation (snow chains mounted), 
deactivate the DSC. Refer to page 81.
Starting offWe recommend that you use the man-
ual control switch to deactivate DSC 
when starting off in deep snow or when 
rocking the car to free it (refer to 
page 81).Driving on low-traction road 
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control 
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive 
engine speeds and shift to the next 
higher gear at an early point. Adapt 
your speed and driving style when ap-
proaching grades or slopes. Maintain 
an adequate distance between yourself 
and the car ahead.
BrakesWinter road conditions substantially 
reduce the traction available between 
the tires and the road surface. 
Remember that braking distances will 
be significantly longer as a result.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels 
from locking during brake applications, 
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability 
and steering response.
If the ABS does not respond in a critical 
braking situation and the wheels lock: 
Reduce the pressure on the brake 
pedal until the wheels just start to roll 
again while still maintaining enough 
force to continue braking. Then in-
crease the pressure, reduce the pres-
sure when the wheels lock, reapply 
pressure etc.
This staggered braking procedure will 
reduce stopping distances while help-
ing you maintain steering control. 
You can then attempt to steer around 
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal. 

130n
Washing your car Right from the start, you can wash your 
new BMW in an automatic car wash. 
Car wash systems that do not employ 
brushes are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and 
remove dead insects before washing 
the car.
To prevent spots, avoid washing when 
the hood is still warm, or immediately 
after and during exposure to strong 
sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be 
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the 
dimensions of your vehicle
>No damage will occur on vehicles 
with attached body accessories (such 
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the 
car wash operator if necessary
>The wheels and tires of your vehicle 
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system
>The vehicle is cleaned with minimum 
brush pressure, and that ample water 
is available for washing and rinsing.Vehicles with rain sensor:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax 
from car washes or the presence of 
dead insects can cause rain sensor 
malfunctions.
Switch the rain sensor off when 
the vehicle passes through the car 
wash (refer to page 70). Damage could 
occur by an undesired actuation of the 
wipers if the system is not deacti-
vated.<
Parts of the car that are inaccessible 
to the automatic washer – such as door 
sills, door and hood edges, etc. – 
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially im-
portant to ensure that the car is washed 
on a regular basis. Large quantities of 
dirt and road salt are difficult to remove, 
and they also cause damage to the ve-
hicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure 
washers are used, be sure to 
maintain an adequate distance between 
the spray source and the vehicle's sur-
face. Inadequate distance and exces-
sive pressure can damage or weaken 
the finish, making it more susceptible to 
subsequent attack. In addition, mois-
ture could penetrate to vehicle compo-
nents, leading to long-term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps, 
please observe the following: 
>Do not rub dry. Never use abrasives 
or strong cleaning agents to clean the 
covers
>Remove dirt and contamination 
(such as insects) by soaking with 
BMW Car Shampoo and then rinsing 
with plenty of water
>Always use a deicer spray to remove 
accumulated ice and snow – never 
use a scraper.<
After washing the car, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them. Braking 
efficiency might otherwise be reduced 
by the moisture and the brake rotors 
could also be corroded.<
Caring for your car  

160n
On vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion, the ATC (Adaptive Transmission 
Control) uses a number of factors to 
calculate the maximally efficient gear. In 
this process, it considers your individ-
ual driving style as well as current driv-
ing conditions.
ATC recognizes your personal driving 
style from the positions and movements 
of the accelerator pedal, deceleration 
when braking and lateral acceleration 
through curves. Based on different shift 
characteristics – from comfort-oriented 
to performance-oriented – ATC will se-
lect the appropriate gear.
462uso11
In order to include driving conditions in 
its calculations, ATC registers curves 
and both uphill and downhill gradients. 
For example, if you maintain speed 
through a curve, it does not upshift. On 
uphill gradients, it shifts up only when 
the engine speed increases in order to 
make more efficient use of power re-
serves. On downhill gradients, ATC 
shifts down when the speed of the vehi-
cle increases and the driver must apply 
the brakes.
ATC
*