Page 98 of 155
98n
Cargo areaTo remove cargo cover and 
partition net1. Press the buttons on the sides 
(arrow 1)
2. Extract the case by pulling to the rear 
(arrow 2).InstallationSimply slide the case forward in the two 
side holders until it engages.
Storing with backrests folded 
forwardSupports for the case are also provided 
on the rear sides of the backrests 
(arrow 1).
Slide the case into the supports as 
shown in the illustration, continuing 
until the detent engages (arrow 2). 
Ensure that the cargo cover is toward 
the front of the vehicle, with the parti-
tion net's loop on the top.
You can pull the partition net out and 
insert it in the holders above it in the 
upper roof area.
To ensure that the case centers 
correctly, remember to insert it 
from the right side, always continuing 
until the detents snap into place. Failure 
to observe the prescribed insertion 
procedure could also result in damage 
to the door's upholstery.< 
     
        
        Page 99 of 155
99n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cargo area Cargo loadingFloor panelGrasp the ring to lift into its raised posi-
tion, then use the tab to suspend the 
panel from the rubber weatherstripping 
on the drip channel (arrow).
Side coversOpen the side covers by pressing the 
button.
Stowing cargoWhen transporting cargo in your BMW:
>Always load heavy and bulky objects 
as far forward and as low as possible, 
stowing them directly behind the 
backrests or the cargo area's parti-
tion
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>Do not pile objects higher than the 
top edge of the backrest
>Pull out the partition net
* (refer to 
previous page), taking care to ensure 
that there is no danger that any of the 
objects stored in the cargo area will 
protrude through the net*
>For very heavy loads when the rear 
seat is not occupied, secure each 
safety belt in the opposite buckle. 
     
        
        Page 100 of 155

100n
Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack
*
Securing cargo >Small and light luggage and cargo 
can be secured with the aid of flex-
ible straps or a cargo area net
*, refer 
to page 35
>For large, heavy pieces, see your 
BMW center for load-securing 
devices
*. Anchorages for securing 
cargo straps have been provided on 
the inner corners of the cargo area 
(arrow).
Read and comply with the instructions 
enclosed with the load-securing 
devices.
Always position and secure the 
load correctly. If you do not, it can 
endanger the passengers during 
braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the approved gross 
vehicle weight or the maximum axle 
loads, refer to page 142, otherwise the 
vehicle's operating safety is no longer 
assured and you are in violation of the 
law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in 
the passenger compartment without 
securing them. Otherwise they would 
be thrown around during braking and 
evasive maneuvers and endanger the 
passengers.<
A special roof-rack system is available 
as an optional extra for your BMW. 
Please observe the precautions 
included with the installation instruc-
tions.AnchoragesAccess to the anchorages:
To fold up the covers (arrow), please 
use the tool provided with the roof-rack 
system.Loading and driving notesRoof-mounted luggage racks raise the 
center of gravity of the vehicle when 
they are loaded. For this reason, they 
exercise a major effect on the vehicle's 
handling and steering response. 
     
        
        Page 104 of 155

104n
To ensure that your vehicle provides 
maximum economy throughout a long 
service life, we request that you 
observe the following information. 
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km): 
Constantly vary both engine and vehicle 
speed, remembering not to exceed 
4,500 rpm or 100 mph (160 km/h) 
during this period.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Do not use full throttle, and avoid 
pressing the accelerator beyond the 
kickdown point during these initial 
miles.
You can then proceed to increase both 
engine and vehicle speed once the 
initial 1,200 miles (2,000 km) have 
elapsed.
You should also observe the same 
break-in procedures if the engine or 
differential is replaced later in the 
course of the vehicle's life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated 
with their manufacture, tires do not 
achieve their full traction potential until 
after an initial break-in period. We thus 
ask you to drive with extra care during 
the first 200 miles (300 km).
Always obey all official speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on 
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of 
water may form between the tire and 
the road surface. This phenomenon is 
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or 
complete loss of traction, vehicle 
control and braking effectiveness. 
Reduce your speed on wet roads.
elapse before the brake pads and 
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface 
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and an extended service 
life later on.
To break-in the separate parking brake 
drums, apply the parking brake lightly 
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic 
signal, for instance), provided that 
traffic conditions allow you to do so. 
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on 
when the parking brake is 
engaged. 
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit 
on your BMW is available only when the 
engine is running. When you move the 
vehicle with the engine switched off Ð 
when towing, for example Ð substan-
tially higher levels of pedal force will be 
required to brake the vehicle.
elapse before the clutch starts to 
operate at optimum efficiency. 
Remember to engage the clutch care-
fully during this initial period.
Break-in procedures 
     
        
        Page 107 of 155

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are 
matched to the vehicle and have been 
selected to provide optimum safety and 
driving comfort.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but 
also driving comfort and Ð above all else 
Ð driving safety that depend on the 
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire inflation 
pressure.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is 
a frequent cause of tire damage. It 
also significantly influences the road-
holding ability of your BMW. Be sure to 
check the tire inflation pressure, 
including the space-saver spare tire or 
the spare tire, on a regular basis, at 
least twice a month and before every 
extended journey, refer to page 24. If 
this is not done, incorrect tire pressures 
can cause driving instability and tire 
damage, ultimately resulting in an 
accident.<
Tire tread Ð tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread 
wear, signs of damage and for foreign 
objects lodged in the tread. Check the 
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to 
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though 
the legally specified minimum tread 
depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear 
indicators (arrow) are embedded in the 
base of the tire's tread. Their locations 
are indicated by the legend TWI Ð Tread 
Wear Indicator Ð at various points on 
the tire's shoulder. When the tread 
reaches a depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), 
these indicators appear to signal that 
the tires have worn to the minimum 
legal level. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread 
depth, there is an increased risk of 
aquaplaning, even at relatively 
moderate speeds and with only small 
amounts of water on the road.
Do not drive on a deflated (flat) 
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs 
steering and braking response, and can 
lead to complete loss of control over 
the vehicle. 
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that 
the permitted load on the tires is not 
exceeded. Overloading leads to over-
heating and causes damage inside the 
tires. The ultimate result can assume 
the form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during 
normal vehicle operation can indicate a 
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
tion. The type of problem can be 
caused by contact with curbs, etc.  This 
is also true for irregularities in the 
vehicle's handling characteristics, such 
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the 
left or right. Should this occur, respond 
by immediately reducing your speed. 
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW 
center or professional tire center, or 
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its 
wheels and tires inspected.
Tire inflation pressure
 
Tire condition 
     
        
        Page 115 of 155

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine oilChecking oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has 
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the 
dipstick out and wipe it off with a 
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or 
similar material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the 
way into the guide tube and pull it 
out again
5. The oil level should be between the 
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption 
is directly influenced by your driving 
style and vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks 
on the dipstick corresponds to approx. 
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond 
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess 
oil will damage the engine.
Adding engine oilWait until the level has dropped to just 
above the lower mark before adding oil. 
However, you should never let the oil 
drop below the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to 
operate without oil additives; the 
use of additives could lead to damage 
in some cases. This is also true for the 
manual transmission, the automatic 
transmission, the differential, and the 
power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed 
by your BMW center. 
     
        
        Page 124 of 155
124n
The onboard tool kit is located beneath 
the floor panel in the cargo area.
Raising the floor panel, refer to 
page 99.
Windshield1. Fold the wiper arm completely out 
from the windshield
2. Position the wiper blade at an angle 
and pull the release spring (arrow) 
3. Fold the wiper blade down and 
unhook it toward the windshield
4. Pull the wiper blade past the wiper 
arm toward the top
5. Insert a new wiper blade and apply 
pressure until you hear it engage.
Use only wiper blades approved 
by BMW.<
Rear window1. Fold the wiper arm completely out 
from the windshield
2. Pull out the wiper blade (arrow)
3. Guide the new wiper blade into 
place, continue to apply pressure 
until you hear the detent engage.
Onboard tool kit Windshield wiper blades 
     
        
        Page 126 of 155
126n
Lamps and bulbsParking lampsEngine compartment, left side:
1. Turn the bulb holder to the left 
(arrow) and remove it
2. Remove and replace the bulb.
5 watt bulb
Turn signal, front 21 watt bulb 
1 Extend a screwdriver through the 
upper opening and loosen the screw, 
continuing until you can extract the 
bulb by removing it from the front
2 Disconnect the plug
3 Apply gentle pressure and turn the 
bulb toward the word "AUF" (refer to 
the marking on the housing), then 
remove it for replacement
4 Connect the plug
5 Align the lamp assembly's two ridges 
and the centering pin with the guides 
on the vehicle when installing
6 Slide in the lamp, applying gentle 
pressure to seat it firmly
7. Tighten the screw.