Page 110 of 155
110n
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
Never mount wheels and tires that 
have not been specifically 
approved by BMW for use on your 
particular model. Although other wheels 
and tires may theoretically have the 
same dimensions, variations in factors 
such as manufacturing tolerances can 
result in contact between tire and body-
work, ultimately leading to serious acci-
dents. BMW can not evaluate all tires 
and wheels on the market, and is thus 
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will 
continue to perform safely if unap-
proved tires and/or wheels are 
mounted.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects various systems 
that would otherwise be impaired, for 
example ABS, ATC, ASC+T/DSC and 
ADB/ADB-X/DBC.
For this reason, use only tires of the 
same manufacture and tread configura-
tion. In the event of a flat tire, for 
example, remount the approved wheel 
and tire combination as soon as 
possible.< 
     
        
        Page 118 of 155

118n
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The brake warning lamp comes 
on when the parking brake is 
not engaged: the brake fluid 
level is too low, refer to page 17.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of 
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW 
center. Your BMW center is familiar 
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss results in extended 
brake pedal travel. Refer to the informa-
tion on page 106.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, 
it absorbs moisture from the air 
over time.
In order to ensure the brake system's 
safety and reliability, have the brake 
fluid changed every two years by a 
BMW center, refer to page 66 or to the 
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian 
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the 
vehicle's paint. You should always store 
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the 
brake fluid reservoir beyond the MAX 
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon 
contact with hot engine parts and 
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating 
the disposal of brake fluid.< 
     
        
        Page 133 of 155

133n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Changing a wheel Battery Fuses
Safety tires are only possible in 
conjunction with Tire Pressure 
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<
If the defective wheel cannot 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.<
Battery careThe battery is absolutely maintenance-
free, that is, the original electrolyte will 
normally last for the service life of the 
battery under moderate climatic condi-
tions.
Please consult your BMW center 
whenever you have any questions 
concerning the battery. Since the battery 
is absolutely maintenance-free, the 
following is for your information only.<
Never disconnect the battery 
when the engine is running; the 
ensuing voltage surge would seriously 
damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronic systems.
vehicle, leave the engine off at all times. 
Connect the charge cables to the termi-
nals in the engine compartment. 
Terminal locations, refer to Jump-
starting on page 134. 
Return used batteries to a recycling 
point or your BMW center. Maintain 
the battery in an upright position for 
transport and storage. Secure the 
battery against tilting during transport.<
The fuses are located in the glove 
compartment behind a cover secured 
by two snap clips.
Do not attempt to repair a blown 
fuse or replace it with a fuse 
having a different color or amperage 
rating. To do this could cause a fire in 
the vehicle resulting from a circuit over-
load.< 
     
        
        Page 134 of 155

134n
Do not use spray starter fluids to start 
the engine.
When your battery is discharged you can 
used two jumper cables to start your 
vehicle with power from the battery in a 
second vehicle. You can also use the 
same method to help start another 
vehicle. Always use jumper cables with 
fully insulated handles on the terminal 
clamps.
Do not touch high-voltage wiring 
and cables on a running engine. 
Contact with components carrying high 
voltage can be harmful or fatal. Care-
fully observe the following instructions 
to avoid personal injury and/or damage 
to one or both vehicles.< 
1. Ensure that the battery in the support 
vehicle is also rated at 12 volts. This 
information is provided on the top of 
the battery casing
2. Do not disconnect your battery from 
your vehicle's electrical system. 
Switch off all electrical accessories in 
both vehicles
3. Make absolutely certain that there is 
no contact between the bodywork of 
the two vehicles Ð short circuit 
hazard
4. Start the engine on the support 
vehicle and allow it to run
5. Use one jumper cable (+) to connect 
the positive terminal of the battery in 
the support vehicle with the auxiliary 
positive terminal provided in the 
engine compartment of your BMW 
(arrow 1). The cover on this auxiliary 
terminal is identified by a "+" symbol. 
Remove by pulling the tab
6. Next, connect one end of the other 
jumper cable (Ð) to either the support 
vehicle's negative battery terminal or 
a suitable ground on its engine or 
bodywork. Connect the other end to 
the negative battery terminal or a 
suitable ground on the vehicle being 
started. There is a special nut on 
your BMW (2)
Always adhere to this sequence 
when connecting jumper cables; 
failure to observe this procedure can 
lead to sparks at the battery terminals 
and pose an injury hazard.< 
7. Start the support vehicle's engine 
and let it run at an increased idling 
speed for a few minutes. Start the 
engine on the vehicle needing the 
jump-start, and allow it to run as 
usual. If the first start attempt is not 
successful, wait a few minutes 
before another attempt in order to 
allow the discharged battery to 
recharge
8. Before disconnecting the jumper 
cables let the engines run for a few 
minutes
9. Then disconnect the jumper cables 
in reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault, 
have the battery recharged by your 
BMW center.
Jump-starting 
     
        
        Page 146 of 155

Everything from A to ZA 
ABS (Antilock Brake 
System)19, 105 
Accessories10 
Activated-charcoal filter91 
Adaptive Transmission 
Control (ATC)59 
ADB (Automatic Differential 
Brake)73 
Adding 
brake fluid118 
coolant117 
engine oil115 
washer fluid114 
Adjusting 
backrest41 
manual seat41 
mirrors47 
power seat42 
steering wheel46 
thigh support41 
Air conditioning85 
Air distribution86, 89 
Air outlets, 
ventilation85, 88 
Air supply86, 89 Airbags18, 48 
sitting correctly40 
Alarm system35 
Antifreeze and anti-
corrosion agents117 
disposal117 
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)19, 105 
Anti-theft system35 
Approved gross vehicle 
weight142 
Aquaplaning105, 107 
Armrest92 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability 
Control plus Traction)71 
Ashtray 
front94 
rear95 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission 
Control)59 
Attach vehicle vacuum 
cleaner94 
AUC (Automatic recircu-
lated-air control)90 Automatic climate 
control88, 89 
Automatic cruise control63 
Automatic Differential Brake 
(ADB)73 
Automatic headlight 
control82 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC)90 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction (ASC+T)71 
Automatic transmission58 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic18, 58 
Average fuel 
consumption69 
Average speed69 
Axle loads142 
B 
Backrest41 
Backup lamps57 
bulb replacement127 
Battery133 
care133 
charging133 
disposal133 Battery charge current 
indicator17 
Beverage holder93 
Blower86, 89 
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil116 
BMW Maintenance 
System119 
BMW sports seat 
manual adjustment41 
power adjustment42 
Bore140 
Bottle holder, refer to 
beverage holder93 
Brake fluid118 
disposal118 
Brake lamps 
bulb replacement127 
Brake pads19 
Brake system 
brake fluid level106 
brake pads106 
brake rotors, 
corrosion106 
defect in hydraulic 
circuits106 
disc brakes106 
   
A-Z