Page 3 of 211

 
Foreword
 
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and 
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the 
information that we have compiled for you before driving your new BMW. It contains  
important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maximum use and 
satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW. The manual 
also contains information on care and maintenance designed to enhance operating 
safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your vehicle throughout an 
extended service life.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It 
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important 
operating, safety and maintenance information.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). We 
recommend that you read these publications thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
Ð New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Ð Limited Warranty Rust Perforation
Ð Emissions System Defect Warranty
Ð Emissions Performance Warranty
Ð California Emissions Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US models) and the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 9 of 211
 
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
 
9n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 12 of 211
 
Contents
 
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit158
Windshield wiper blades158
Lamps and bulbs158
Changing a wheel165
Battery168
Fuses170
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal 
filter171
 
In case of electrical 
malfunction:
 
Fuel filler door172
Sliding/Tilt sunroof172
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting173
Towing the vehicle174Adaptive Transmission Control 
(ATC)178
Airbags179
Automatic Stability Control plus 
traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC)180
Radio reception181
Four-wheel drive182
Safety belt tensioner183
Interior rearview mirror with 
automatic dimming 
feature184
Rain sensor185
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)186
Self-diagnostics187
Xenon lamps188Engine data192
Dimensions193
Weights194
Capacities195
Electrical system196
V-belts196 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 15 of 211
 
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
 
15n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)24
Sports steering wheel with 
multifunction buttons25
Hazard warning flashers26
Warning triangle26
First-aid kit26
Refueling27
Fuel specifications28
Tire inflation pressure28  
Overview 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 31 of 211

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
31n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock62
Starting the engine62
Switching off the engine63
Parking brake64
Manual transmission65
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic66
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher69
Wiper/Washer system69
Rear window defroster71
Cruise control72
Everything under control:
Odometer74
Tachometer74
Energy Control74
Fuel gauge75
Temperature gauge75
Service Interval Display75
Check Control76
Clock76
Computer77
Technology for safety and 
convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)79
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)80
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)82
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)86Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams88
Instrument lightning88
High beams/Parking lamps89
Fog lamps89
Interior lamps89
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
Air conditioner92
Automatic climate control98
Seat heating103
Roller sun blind103
Interior conveniences:
HiFi system104
Glove compartment104
Storage compartments105
Cellular phones107
Ashtray, front107
Cigarette lighter108
Ashtray, rear108
Loading and transporting:
Through-loading system109
Ski bag110
Cargo loading112
Roof-mounted luggage rack113 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 113 of 211

113n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack
* 
Always position and secure the 
load correctly. If you do not, it can 
endanger the passengers during brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross 
vehicle weight and the permissible axle 
loads (refer to page 194). If you do, the 
operating safety of the vehicle is no 
longer ensured and you are in violation 
of the law.
Do not carry hard or heavy objects 
unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment. If you do so, they may be 
projected through the air during braking 
and evasive maneuvers, thus 
endangering vehicle occupants.<
AnchorsAccess to the anchors:
To open the cover (arrow), please use 
the tool included with the luggage rack 
system.
A special roof-rack system is available 
for your BMW as an optional extra. 
Please comply with the precautions in-
cluded with the installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center of 
gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they 
exercise a major effect on its handling 
and steering response.
You should therefore always remember 
not to exceed the approved roof weight, 
the approved gross vehicle weight or 
the axle weights when loading the rack. 
You will find the specifications under 
"Technical Data"  on page 194.462de271
Make sure that the load is not too heavy, 
and attempt to distribute it evenly. 
Always load the heaviest pieces first (on 
the bottom). Be sure that adequate 
clearance is maintained for raising the 
sliding/tilt sunroof, and that objects do 
not project into the opening path of the 
luggage compartment lid.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or 
being lost during driving (danger to 
following traffic).
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden ac-
celeration or braking. Do not corner at 
high speeds. 
The roof load increases the aerody-
namic resistance. Increased fuel 
consumption and additional stresses 
on the vehicle's body result from this. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 115 of 211

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
115n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Under the hood:
Hood134
Engine compartment136
Washer fluids138
Washer nozzles138
Engine oil139
Coolant142
Brake fluid143
Vehicle Identification 
Number144
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance 
System145
Caring for your vehicle146
Airbags151
Airbags152
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications to the 
vehicle153
California Proposition 
65 Warning153
OBD interface socket154
Car care Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures116
Driving notes117
Catalytic converter117
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)118
Disc brakes120
Brake system121
Winter operation122
Power steering123
Cellular phones124
Radio reception124
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure125
Tire condition125
Tire replacement126
Tire rotation127
Wheel and tire 
combinations128
Winter tires129
Snow chains129
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications130 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 129 of 211

 
129n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 
Winter tires
 
Choosing the right tire
 
BMW recommends winter tires (M+S 
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter 
road conditions. Although all-season 
M+S tires provide better winter traction 
than standard summer tires with H, V, 
W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of 
performance as standard snow tires in 
winter driving. 
In the interest of safe tracking and 
steering response, install winter tires 
made by the same manufacturer having 
the same tread configuration on all four 
wheels.
Mount only winter tires approved by 
BMW. Any BMW center will be glad to 
provide you with information on the 
best winter tires for your particular 
driving conditions.
 
Do not exceed specified 
maximum speeds
 
Never exceed the maximum speed 
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled 
professionals only. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.
 
<
 
Tire condition, tire pressure
 
Winter tires display a perceptible loss in 
their ability to cope with winter driving 
conditions once the tread wears to 
below 0.16 inches (4 mm), and should 
thus be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation 
pressures Ð and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assemblies balanced 
every time you change the tires.
 
Storage
 
Always store tires in a cool, dry place. 
Store them away from light whenever 
possible. Protect the tires against 
contact with oil, grease and fuel.
 
Snow chains
 
*  
The use of narrow-link BMW snow 
chains on winter tires is approved only 
in pairs and only on the rear wheels. 
BMW 325xi, 330xi: in a worst-case 
scenario, if your vehicle is stuck on one 
side or you cannot access one tire, then 
a chain may be attached to one rear 
wheel for a short period of time.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety 
precautions when mounting the chains.