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Changing a wheel Battery Driving with the space-saver 
spare tireDrive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Be aware that vehicle handling will be 
altered. Slower brake response time, 
longer braking distances and changed 
steering characteristics may be 
anticipated when approaching limit 
conditions. 
The changes in handling characteristics 
will be even more pronounced in 
conjunction with winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire
* 
may be mounted at a time. Mount 
a wheel and tire with the same size 
and specifications as the others at the 
earliest possible opportunity. Maintain 
correct tire pressures. Refer to 
page 28.<
LocationThe battery is located at the right-rear 
of the luggage compartment. Remove 
the luggage compartment floor panel 
(refer to page 40), and give a screw-
driver or a coin a f-turn counter-clock-
wise to release and remove the two 
fasteners, plus an additional fastener in 
the top center side trim panel. In order 
to remove the storage tray, slide the 
side trim panel slightly upward.
Battery posts, terminals, and 
related accessories contain lead 
and lead compounds. Wash hands after 
handling.<46cde045
Charge conditionYou can read the charge condition of 
the battery with the "Magic Eye"
* 
(a hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge.
>Black: not adequately charged. The 
battery must be recharged. Please 
contact your BMW center for addi-
tional information.
>Yellow: replace the battery.
The service life specified for the 
battery can be achieved only if it is 
always kept adequately charged. If the 
vehicle is primarily used for stop-and-
go traffic, be sure to check the charge 
state more often.<
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