Page 5 of 159

 
5n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)81
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)83
Flat Tire Monitor85
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Low beams87
Instrument lighting88
High beams/Standing lamps88
Fog lamps88
Interior lamps89
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioning90
Automatic climate control93
 
Interior conveniences:
 
Glove compartment96
BMW Universal Transmitter97
Storage compartments99
Cellular phone100
Ashtray, front100
Ashtray, rear101
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Ski bag102
Cargo loading103
Roof-mounted luggage rack for 
the hardtop105
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures108
Driving notes109
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)109
Brake system109
Hardtop110
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Wheel and tire 
combinations116
Winter tires116
 
In the engine compartment:
 
Hood118
Engine compartment 
essentials119
Washer fluids120
Engine oil121
Coolant123
Brake fluid124
 
Maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System125
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications126
California Proposition 
65 Warning126
OBD interface socket127 
     
        
        Page 117 of 159

117n
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 and 
with 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 Ñ and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assemblies balanced 
every time you change the tires.
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, 
protecting them against 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 with the 
following tires:
225/50 R 16 92
225/45 R 17 91
245/40 ZR 17 
     
        
        Page 138 of 159

138n
Changing a wheelDriving 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 in 
conjunction with winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire 
may be mounted at one time. 
Reinstall wheels and tires of the same 
size and specification as soon as 
possible. Maintain correct tire pres-
sures, refer to page 25.<
Safety tires
*
Safety tires consist of self-supporting 
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 page 83 or 85.
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 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.< 
     
        
        Page 156 of 159
Everything from A to ZW
 
Warning lamps17 
Warning messages76 
Warning triangle22 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet (Canadian 
models)125 
Washer fluid, adding120 
Washer nozzles, 
adjusting120 
Washer reservoir, filling120 
Washing your vehicle, refer 
to the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Weights146 
Wheel and tire 
combinations116 
Wheelbase145 
Wheels and tires113 
Wheelslip control, refer to 
DSC81 
Width145 
Wind deflector46 
Windows38 Windshield washer 
system120 
capacity147 
filling120 
Windshield wiper70 
Winter tires117 
Wiper system70 
Work in the engine 
compartment118 
X 
Xenon lamps131  
     
        
        Page 157 of 159
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 dipstick corresponds to approx. 
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Designation
QualityTire inflation pressures 
Summer tires Winter tires 
Front Rear Front Rear
Up to 2 passengers 
4 passengers plus luggage
Refueling