
42n
Alarm system
*
The conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the 
luggage compartment lid is opened.
>To movement inside the vehicle 
(interior motion sensor).
>To a change of the vehicle's tilt Ð if 
someone attempts to steal the 
wheels or tow the vehicle without 
authorization, for example.
>If there is an interruption in battery 
voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized 
vehicle entry and attempted theft by 
simultaneously activating the following:
>Sounding an alarm for 30 seconds.
>The hazard warning flashers are acti-
vated for approx. five minutes.
>The high beams flash on and off in the 
same rhythm.
To activate and deactivate the 
alarm systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked 
by using a key or with the remote 
control, the alarm system is also simul-
taneously armed or disarmed.
The interior motion sensor and the tilt 
alarm sensor are activated approx. 
30 seconds after you have finished 
locking the vehicle.
If the alarm system has been armed 
correctly, the hazard warning flashers 
flash once.
You can have a signal set as 
acknowledgment for both arming 
and disarming the alarm system.<
You can also open the luggage 
compartment lid when the system is 
armed by pressing button 3 of the 
remote control (refer to page 36). When 
it is closed, the lid is once again 
secured.
Indicator lamp displaysThe indicator lamp is located under the 
interior rearview mirror.
>The indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously: the system is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes while the 
system is being armed: the door(s), 
the hood or luggage compartment lid 
are not completely closed. Even if 
you do not close the alerted area(s), 
the remaining areas are secure, and 
the indicator lamp will flash continu-
ously after 10 seconds. However, the 
interior motion sensor is not acti-
vated.
>The indicator lamp goes out when the 
system is disarmed: no manipulation 
or attempted intrusions have been 
detected in the period since the 
system was armed.46cus033 

92n
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
In the event of a flat tireIf there is a tire failure with loss of pres-
sure, the indicator lamp comes on with 
a red lamp. In addition, an acoustic 
signal is sounded.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed 
immediately to stop the vehicle in a safe 
location. Avoid hard brake applications. 
Do not oversteer. Replace the wheel 
and flat tire.
The space-saver spare tire is 
provided for temporary use only in 
the event of a flat tire. It does not have 
RDC electronics and is not monitored.<
RDC cannot alert you to severe 
and sudden tire damage caused 
by external factors.<
Have the tires changed by your 
BMW center. 
Your BMW center has been trained to 
work with the RDC system and is 
equipped with the necessary special 
tools.<
System interferenceLocal devices using the same radio 
frequency can interfere with the RDC.
The yellow indicator lamp will come on 
during the malfunction. 
The indicator lamp also comes on
>in the event of a system fault. 
>if a wheel is mounted without RDC 
electronics. 
>if additional wheels with RDC elec-
tronics are on board.
Please contact your BMW center for 
additional information. 

127n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather. 
Adaptations in driving style should be 
accompanied 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 
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50 
water and extended-duty antifreeze/
corrosion protection. This mixture 
provides protection against freezing 
down to approx. Ð34 7 (Ð37 6). 
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 the deicer, we recommend 
you treat the door lock with BMW lock 
cylinder lubricant.
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.
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 rare situation, it may be effective 
to deactivate the ASC+T/DSC for a 
brief period of time. Refer to page 88.
Starting offWhen starting up from a full stop in 
deep snow or when "rocking" the 
vehicle to free it, it may be effective to 
deactivate the ASC+T/DSC system for 
a brief period of time. Refer to page 88.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. On down-
hill grades or slopes, shift down to the 
next lower gear at an early point. Main-
tain an adequate distance between 
yourself and the vehicle ahead. 

136n
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S 
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter 
road conditions. So-called all-season 
tires with the M+S identification mark 
do indeed possess better winter trac-
tion than summer tires that have the H, 
V, W, Y and ZR speed ratings, but they 
generally fail to provide the same levels 
of performance as winter tires. 
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 which have 
been approved by BMW. Any BMW 
center will be glad to provide you with 
information on the best winter tires for 
every particular driving condition.
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 pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in 
their ability to cope with winter driving 
conditions once the tread wears to 
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and therefore in 
the interest of safety, should 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.
StorageAlways 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
*
Use narrow-link BMW snow chains
 on 
winter tires only in pairs and only on the 
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when 
mounting the chains. 

160n
Vehicle storage
If you plan on parking the vehicle 
for more than three months, have 
the maintenance operations described 
on this page performed.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the 
following procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent 
or other treatment to the engine, 
engine compartment, undercarriage, 
axles and major components in 
accordance with approved repair 
procedures. First wash the vehicle 
surface, then clean the interior, 
following up with paint and chrome 
care, after which you clean the 
rubber seals for the hood and doors.
2 Change the engine oil and oil filter at 
operating temperature. As an addi-
tional corrosion protection measure, 
an anticorrosive agent can be added 
to the engine in accordance with the 
manufacturer's instructions.
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top up if necessary.
4 Check the fluid level of the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir and top 
up if necessary.
5 Fill the fuel tank completely to pre-
vent the formation of condensation.
6 Increase the tire inflation pressure to 
51 psi (350 kilopascal).
Before parking the vehicle1 To prevent the brake discs and 
drums from corroding, dry the park-
ing and footbrake by applying the 
brakes.
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry and 
well-ventilated space. Place the 
transmission in 1st gear or set the 
selector lever to the "P" position. 
Chock the wheels to prevent the 
vehicle from rolling if necessary. Do 
not set the parking brake.
3 Remove the battery, charge it 
completely and store it in a cool (but 
frost-free) room.
4 Remove the hardtop and store 
separately. Refer to page 130.
5 Close the convertible top.During storageRecharge the battery every six months. 
If it is not recharged, it will not be 
serviceable. Every time the battery is 
drained, especially over extended 
periods, its service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from 
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic 
Eye"
* turns black. Refer to page 176.
Then have Inspection I performed by 
your BMW center, including a brake 
fluid replacement if necessary. Refer 
to the Service Manual. 

173n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel 
Take these precautionary 
measures if you have either a flat 
tire or are changing the tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from 
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat 
surface. Switch on the hazard warning 
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the 
straight-ahead position, remove the key 
and engage the steering lock. Shift into 
1st or reverse gear (selector lever in 
"Park" with automatic transmission) and 
engage the parking brake. 
All passengers should be outside the 
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail, 
for instance). 
Set up a warning triangle
* or portable 
hazard warning on the roadside at an 
appropriate distance from the rear of 
the vehicle. Comply with all safety 
guidelines and regulations. 
Change the wheel only on a level, firm 
surface which is not slippery. Avoid 
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery 
support surface (snow, ice, loose 
gravel, etc.), as it could slide sideways. 
Position the jack on a firm support 
surface. 
Do not place wooden blocks or similar 
objects  under the jack. If this is done, 
the jack might not be able to reach its 
full support capacity because of the 
limited height. 
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the 
engine when the vehicle is supported 
by the jack. Failure to comply with this 
creates a risk of fatal injury.< 
Your BMW has a space-saver spare tire 
for temporary use to ensure your 
mobility. 
To remove the space-saver spare 
tire, take out the floor panel in the 
luggage compartment completely (refer 
to page 41).<
You will need the following:In order to avoid rattling noises later, 
note the position of the tools when you 
remove them and return them to their 
original position when you are through 
using them.
>Jack (1) 
Raise the floor panel in the luggage 
compartment (refer to page 41) and 
unclip the jack from where it is stored 
(arrow). 
After use, swing the crank back and 
clip into place.
>Wedge (2) 
Located behind the jack on the wall 
in the luggage compartment. Loosen 
the wing nut to remove it.46cde038 

174n
Changing a wheel>Space-saver spare tire
Next to the jack. 
Loosen the wing nut (arrow) by hand, 
remove the storage shelf and take the 
wheel out.
>Lug wrench Ð in the onboard tool kit 
on the underside of the luggage 
compartment lid (refer to page 166).46cde039
Procedure1 Read and comply with the safety 
precautions provided on the 
previous page.
2 Secure the vehicle from rolling: 
Place the wedge against the rear 
surface of the front tire on the side 
opposite the side being raised. If 
the vehicle is parked on a down-
ward slope, place the wedge 
securely in front of this tire. If the 
wheel must be changed on a 
surface with a more severe slope, 
take additional precautions to 
secure the vehicle from rolling.
3 If your wheels are equipped with full 
wheel covers
*: reach into the venti-
lation openings and pull the cover 
off.
46cde055
4 Loosen the lug bolts with a g turn. 
5 Position the jack at the jacking point 
closest to the flat tire (refer to the 
center illustration) so that the jack 
base is vertically below the jacking 
point and the entire surface of the 
head of the jack will move into the 
square recess of the jacking point 
(refer to the illustration detail) when 
the jack is cranked.
6 Crank the vehicle up until the wheel 
in question is raised from the 
ground.
7 Unscrew the lug bolts and remove 
the wheel.
8 Remove accumulations of mud or 
dirt from the mounting surfaces of 
the wheel and hub; clean the lug 
bolts.462de252 

176n
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.<
46cde044