Page 56 of 155

56n
Starting the engine Switching off the engine 
Do not actuate the starter for too 
short a time, but do not actuate it 
for more than approx. 20 seconds. 
Release the ignition key immediately 
when the engine starts.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by 
leaving it running while the vehicle 
remains stationary. Instead, drive off 
immediately at a moderate engine 
speed.<
If the engine does not start on the first 
attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for 
instance): 
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at extremely cold tempera-
tures of approx. +5 7 (Ð15 6) or below 
and at high altitude over 3,300 ft 
(1,000 m):
>On the first start attempt, engage the 
starter for a longer period (approx. 
10 seconds)
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter.
The engine's idle speed is controlled by 
the engine-management system. A high 
idle after starting is normal and should 
decrease as the engine warms up. If the 
idle speed does not decrease, service 
is required.
To prevent the battery from discharging, 
always switch off electrical devices that 
are not in use. Switch the ignition off 
when the vehicle is not being driven.
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent 
or long periods with the starter 
engaged, can lead to damage to the 
catalytic converter.<
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
You should never remove the igni-
tion key when the vehicle is in 
motion, as the steering lock could 
engage.
When you leave the vehicle, always 
remove the ignition key and engage the 
steering lock.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when 
parking on hills and slopes, as first gear 
or reverse may not provide adequate 
resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "Park".< 
     
        
        Page 92 of 155

92n
Glove compartment Storage compartmentsTo openPull the handle. The lamp in the glove 
compartment will come on.To closeFold the cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an 
accident, close the glove 
compartment immediately after use.<
To lockLock with one of the master keys. A 
master key will also be required to 
unlock the glove compartment.
If you turn over only your door and 
ignition key for valet parking, for 
example, access to the glove compart-
ment is not possible, refer to page 28.
of the glove compartment.
It features integral overload protection, 
so it can be left in its holder continu-
ously.
To avoid completely discharging 
and possibly damaging the lamp, 
always ensure that it is switched off 
before inserting it in the socket.<
Front center armrest To open: press the button (arrow) and 
lift upward.Additional compartments and 
nets
*
You will find additional storage 
compartments in the front doors and in 
the center console. Storage nets are on 
the front seat backrests. 
     
        
        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 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