Page 5 of 147

 
5n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenaceRepairsDataIndex
 
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Low beams77
Instrument lighting78
High beams/Standing lamps78
Fog lamps78
Interior lamps79
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioning80
Automatic climate control83
Roller sun blind86
 
Interior conveniences:
 
Premium sound system86
Glove compartment87
Storage compartments87
Cellular phone89
Ashtray, front89
Ashtray, rear90
Clothes hooks90
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Through-loading system91
Ski bag92
Cargo loading93
Roof-mounted luggage rack94
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures98
Driving notes99
Antilock Brake System (ABS)99
Brake system100
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure101
Tire condition101
Tire replacement102
Wheel and tire 
combinations104
Winter tires105
 
In the engine compartment:
 
Hood106
Engine compartment 
essentials107
Washer fluids108
Engine oil109
Coolant111
Brake fluid112
 
Maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System113
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications114
California Proposition 
65 Warning114
OBD interface socket115 
     
        
        Page 105 of 147

105n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S 
radial tires) for operation under 
inclement winter driving conditions. 
While all-season tires (M+S designa-
tion) provide better winter traction than 
summer tires with the load ratings H, V, 
W, Y and ZR, they generally do not 
achieve the performance of 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.Never exceed the maximum 
speed for which the winter tires 
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents.
Have this work performed by trained 
professionals only. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in 
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope 
with winter driving conditions, and 
should be replaced in the interest of 
safety.
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
*
BMW narrow-link snow chains are 
intended for mounting on summer or 
winter tires in pairs at the rear wheels 
only. Comply with all manufacturer's 
safety precautions when mounting the 
chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the 
following tires:
225/50 R 16 92
225/45 R 17 91
245/40 ZR 17 
     
        
        Page 126 of 147

126n
Changing a wheelAlways use BMW-approved balance 
weights on black-finished aluminum-
alloy wheels. Never allow anyone to 
attempt to balance these wheels using 
conventional rim-clip balance weights.Driving with the space-saver 
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
You can anticipate changes in vehicle 
handling such as delayed braking 
response, longer braking distances and 
sacrifices in roadholding.
The changes in handling characteristics 
will be even more pronounced if winter 
tires are mounted.
Only one space-saver spare tire 
may be mounted at a time. Rein-
stall wheels and tires of the same size 
and specification as soon as possible. 
Maintain correct tire pressures. Refer to 
page 25.<
Safety tires
*
Safety tires consists of self-contained 
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that the tire retains 
some residual safety in the event of 
pressure drop and driving remains 
possible to a restricted degree. The 
vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure 
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor, 
which indicate a flat tire.Flat tireIf there is a tire failure, the red warning 
lamp symbol lights up. A supplemen-
tary gong is also heard.
For additional information on Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor 
refer to pages 73 bzw. 75.
Reduce vehicle speed carefully to 
under 50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding hard 
brake applications and steering maneu-
vers.
With the safety tires, you can drive 
another approx. 155 miles (250 km) to 
reach a safe parking location, a service 
station or the nearest BMW center. 
With a low vehicle load, this can also be 
considerably more than 155 miles 
(250 km).Safety tires are only possible in 
conjunction with Tire Pressure 
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<
If the defective wheel can not be seen 
as such immediately from the outside, 
check the tire inflation pressure at all 
four wheels.
Have the tires changed by your 
BMW center. For safety reasons, 
do not have a safety tire repaired. Your 
BMW center has the information 
needed for working with safety tires 
and is equipped with the necessary 
special tools.<
If appropriate, please consult your 
BMW center to reequip your 
vehicle from summer to winter tires Ð or 
vice versa.< 
     
        
        Page 144 of 147
Everything from A to ZV 
Vehicle Memory53 
Vehicle weight134 
Vehicle, starting54 
Ventilation80, 83 
draft-free82, 85 W
 
Warning lamp "Fasten safety 
belts"18 
Warning lamps17 
Warning messages66 
Warning triangle22 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet (Canadian 
models)113 
Washer fluids108 
adding108 
Washer nozzles, 
adjusting108 
Washer reservoir, filling108 
Washing your vehicle, refer 
to the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Water on roadways99 Weights134 
Wheel and tire 
combinations104 
Wheelbase133 
Wheels and tires101 
Width133 
Windows38 
Windshield washer reservoir 
capacity135 
filling108 
Windshield washer, 
filling108 
Windshield wiper60 
blade replacement118 
Winter tires105 
Wiper system60 
Work in the engine 
compartment106 
X 
Xenon lamps119  
     
        
        Page 145 of 147
To ensure that you always have conve-
nient access to all essential information 
when you stop for fuel, we recommend 
that you fill out the adjoining chart by 
entering the data that apply to your 
vehicle.
Consult the index for individual specifi-
cations. 
Fuel Please enter your preferred fuel here. Engine oil The oil volume between the two marks 
on the oil dipstick corresponds to 
approx. 1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Designation
QualityTire inflation pressures 
Summer tires Winter tires 
Front Rear Front Rear
Up to 4 persons 
5 persons or 4 plus luggage
Refueling