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24n
Fuel quality Tire inflation pressure The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
You will find the tire inflation pressures
on the door pillar (visible with door
open).Check tire pressuresAll pressure specifications are stated in
psi (kilopascal) for tires at ambient tem-
perature (refer also to the next page).
Reactivate the Tire Pressure
Warning (RDW) after changing a
tire or a wheel. Refer to page 65.<520de008
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly Ð at least every two weeks
and before beginning a longer trip.
Incorrect tire pressure can lead to tire
damage and accidents.<
Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires made by BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers.
You will find a list of approved tire sizes
on page 103.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US standards, but also
European standards. We recommend
the exclusive use of BMW-approved
tires.
Page 26 of 172
25n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire inflation pressureBMW Tires
All pressure specifications in the table are
indicated in psi (kilopascal) with cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
Z8Front: 245/45 R 18 96 W 35 (240) Ð
Rear: 275/40 R 18 99 W Ð 35 (240)
245/45 R 18 96 H M+S 35 (240) 35 (240)
Page 27 of 172
26n
Locks and security systems:
Keys28
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer29
Central locking system30
Opening and closing Ð from
outside30
Using the key30
Using the remote control31
Opening and closing Ð from
inside34
Luggage compartment lid35
Alarm system36
Electric power windows38
The automatic convertible
top39
Adjustments:
Seats43
Steering wheel45
Mirrors45
Car Memory, Key Memory46
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts48
Airbags49
Child restraints51
Child seat safety52
Controls
Page 28 of 172

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
27n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock53
Starting the engine54
Turning the engine off54
Parking brake55
Manual transmission56
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher56
Wiper/Washer system57
Rear window defroster58
Cruise control59
Everything under control:
Odometer60
Tachometer60
Fuel gauge60
Coolant temperature gauge61
Service Interval Display61
Clock62
Multi-Information Radio (MIR)62
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)63
Dynamic Driving Control64
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)65Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams67
Instrument lighting67
High beams/Parking lamps68
Rear foglamp68
Interior lamps68
Reading lamps69
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioning70
Seat heating75
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment76
Storage compartments76
Beverage can holder78
Cellular phone79
Ashtray79
Cigarette lighter80
Loading and transporting:
Cargo loading81
Page 29 of 172

28n
Keys1 The master keys with remote control
determine the Key Memory functions.
Refer to page 46
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is
charged automatically in the steering
lock every time you drive.
For this reason, if you have a master
key that is not being used, use that key
approximately once every year while
driving for an extended period to
charge the battery. Also refer to
page 31.<
2 Spare key, store in a safe place, such
as in your wallet. This key is not
intended for continuous use 520de142
3 Door and ignition key
The lock for the glove compartment
cannot be operated with this key.
This is recommended for valet park-
ing, for instance.
There is a key case available for using
your master key on a regular basis.
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your BMW center. Your
BMW center is obligated to ensure that
a person requesting a key is authorized
to do so, since the keys belong to a
security system (refer to "Electronic
vehicle immobilizer" in the following
columns).
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your
replacement key.
Whenever you receive a new replace-
ment key, turn it once to position 2 in
the ignition lock (ignition switched on)
and then back, so that the electronic
vehicle immobilizer can "learn" the
new key.<
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29n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Electronic vehicle immobilizer The key to securityYour BMW is equipped with a passive
anti-theft system. This electronic immo-
bilization system is designed to reduce
the susceptibility of your vehicle to theft
by making it impossible to start the en-
gine using any means other than the
special keys furnished with the vehicle.
Your BMW center can cancel the elec-
tronic system authorization for individ-
ual keys (in the event of loss, for in-
stance). A deactivated key can no
longer be used to start the engine.520de148
How the electronics workAt the heart of this system is an elec-
tronic chip that is integrated into the
key. The lock mechanism itself is actu-
ally a dual-function device, simulta-
neously serving as a communications
interface designed to allow the security
system to maintain a continuous stream
of variable, vehicle-specific signals with
the electronic circuitry in the key. The
system will release the ignition, electri-
cal steering lock, fuel injection and
starter for use only if it detects an
"authorized" key.
Forcing the key can damage the
integrated electronic circuitry. A
damaged key can no longer be used to
unlock the steering column and start
the engine.<
Page 31 of 172

30n
Central locking system Opening and closing Ð from outside The conceptThe central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is
closed. The system engages and re-
leases the locks on the:
>Doors
>Luggage compartment lid
>Fuel filler door
>Glove compartment
>Storage shelf for the cellular phone.
The central locking system can be
operated:
>From outside via the driver's door
lock, or by using the remote control
>From inside by pressing a button.
If you initiate central locking from in-
side, neither the fuel filler door, glove
compartment, nor the storage shelf for
the cellular phone are locked (refer to
page 34).
If you do set it from outside, the anti-
theft alarm is automatically activated as
well. This prevents the door handles
from unlocking the doors. The alarm
system is also activated or deactivated.
If locked from inside, the central locking
system unlocks automatically in the
event of an accident. In addition, the
hazard warning flashers and interior
lamps come on.
Using the keySwing the cover panel for the door lock
upward. After either locking or unlock-
ing, return it to its original position until
it clicks back into its final position.
Turning the key in the driver's door
once will unlock the driver's door only;
turning the key a second time will un-
lock the passenger door, the luggage
compartment lid, fuel filler door, the
glove compartment, and the storage
shelf for the cellular phone.
If necessary, you can open the fuel filler
door by pressing the respective button
inside the vehicle; refer to page 23.
You can have various signals set
as an acknowledgment message
when locking.<520de100
Convenience operationYou can also operate the windows via
the door lock.
>To open: with the door closed, turn
the key to the "Unlock" position and
hold it
>To close: with the door closed, turn
the key to the "Lock" position and
hold it.
Watch during the closing process
to be sure that no one is inadvert-
ently injured. Releasing the key stops
the operation.
Turn the key all the way to the extreme
left or right to unlock/lock the driver's
door.
Refer to page 141 for operating the
passenger-side door.
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31n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Opening and closing Ð from outsideUsing the remote control The remote control gives you an excep-
tionally convenient method for unlock-
ing and locking your vehicle. Further-
more, it provides three additional
functions that you can only execute by
means of the remote control:
>Switch on the interior lamps
With this function, you can also
"search for" your vehicle Ñ if, for
example, it is parked in an under-
ground garage
>Open the luggage compartment lid
>Panic Mode
In case of danger, you can trigger
an alarm.
The anti-theft system is also deacti-
vated/activated simultaneously with the
unlocking or locking of the vehicle, and
the alarm system is disarmed/armed,
and the interior lamps are turned on/off.
Master keysKeys with remote control are master
keys. Refer to page 28.
You can have various signals set
as an acknowledgment message
when locking.<
Children might be able to lock the
doors from the inside. For this rea-
son, always take the vehicle keys with
you so that the vehicle can be opened
again from the outside at any time.<520de010
Master keys that are used repeat-
edly are always ready for opera-
tion since the battery in the key is
charged automatically in the steering
lock every time you drive.
If it is no longer possible to unlock the
vehicle via the remote control, the bat-
tery is discharged. Use this key while
driving for an extended period in order
to charge the battery. Refer also to
page 28.
To prevent unauthorized use of the
remote control, surrender only the door
and ignition key 3 or the spare key 2
(refer to page 28) when leaving the
vehicle for valet parking, for example.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You
can also obtain replacement keys
there.<