Page 55 of 147

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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 low tempera-
tures of roughly +5 7 (Ð15 6) or below 
and at altitudes of 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.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the 
engine computer system. Increased 
speeds at start-up are normal and 
should decrease as the engine warms 
up. If engine speed does not decrease, 
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharging, 
always deactivate 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 catalyst 
damage.<
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 87 of 147

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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.
*
The flashlight is located on the left side 
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 release: 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 127 of 147

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Battery FusesMaintenanceThe 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.<
Charging the batteryWhen charging the battery in the 
vehicle, leave the engine off at all times. 
Connect the charge cables to the termi-
nals in the engine compartment. For 
terminal locations, refer to Jump-
starting on page 128. 
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 falling over in transit.<
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 138 of 147

Everything from A to ZA 
ABS (Antilock Brake 
System)19, 99 
Acceleration traction control, 
refer to DSC71 
Accessories10 
Activated-charcoal filter86 
Adaptive Transmission 
Control (ATC)58 
ADB (Automatic Differential 
Brake)71 
Adding 
brake fluid112 
coolant111 
engine oil109 
washer fluid108 
Adjusting 
head restraints43 
lumbar support42 
manual seat41 
power seat42 
steering wheel46 
thigh support41 
Air conditioning80 
temperature settings81 
Air distribution81, 84 Air nozzles80, 83 
Air outlets80, 83 
ventilation80 
Air supply81, 84 
Airbags18, 48 
sitting correctly40 
Alarm system36 
Antifreeze111 
radiator111 
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)19, 99 
Anti-theft system36 
Aquaplaning99 
Armrest87 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability 
Control plus Traction)70 
Ashtray 
front89 
rear90 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission 
Control)58 
Attach vehicle vacuum 
cleaner89 
AUC (Automatic 
recirculated-air 
control)85 
Automatic climate 
control83 
temperature settings84 Automatic cruise control62 
Automatic Differential Brake 
(ADB)71 
Automatic headlight 
control77 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC)85 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction (ASC+T)70 
Automatic transmission57 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic18, 57 
Automatic-dimming inside 
rearview mirror48 
Average consumption68 
Average speed68 
Axle loads134 
B 
Backrest 
adjusting41 
releasing43 
Backup lamps56 
bulb replacement121 
Battery127 
charge current indicator 
lamp17 
charging127 Beverage holder88 
Blower81, 84 
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil110 
BMW Maintenance 
System113 
BMW sports seat 
manual adjustment41 
power adjustment42 
Bore132 
Bottle holder, refer to 
beverage holder88 
Brake fluid112 
Brake hydraulic system17 
Brake lamps 
bulb replacement121 
Brake system100 
brake fluid level100 
brake pads100 
brake pads, indicator19 
disc brakes100 
Brake system, brake 
malfunction100 
Break-in procedure98 
Bulbs and lamps, 
replacement118 
   
A-Z