Page 5 of 186

 
5n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)96
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC)97
Level control system99
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)99
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Low beams101
Instrument lighting102
High beams/Standing 
lamps102
Fog lamps102
Interior lamps103
Reading lamps103
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioning104
Automatic climate control107
Roller sun blind112
Parked-car ventilation 
system112
 
Cabin convenience:
 
BMW Universal Transmitter113
Glove compartment116
Storage compartments116
Cellular phone117
Beverage holder117
Ashtray, front117
Cigarette lighter118
Ashtray, rear118
 
Loading and transporting 
cargo:
 
Through-loading system119
Ski bag120
sport wagon:
Luggage compartment123
Roll-up cover123
Partition net123
Storage areas in the luggage 
compartment124
Cargo loading126
Roof-mounted luggage rack127
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures130
Driving notes131
Antilock Brake System131
Brake system132
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure133
Tire condition133
Tire replacement134
Wheel and tire 
combinations135
Special characteristics of winter 
tires136
Snow chains136 
     
        
        Page 136 of 186

136n
Special characteristics of winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing 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 interests of safe tracking and 
steering response, install radial tires 
made by the same manufacturer and 
with the same tread configuration on all 
four wheels if you elect to mount winter 
tires.Do not exceed specified 
maximum speeds
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 skilled 
professionals only. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.< 
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in 
their ability to cope with winter driving 
conditions once the tread wears to 
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus 
be replaced.
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.BMW close-mesh tire chains
 are 
approved exclusively for use in combi-
nation with winter tires on the rear 
wheel only. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when 
mounting the chains. Do not exceed a 
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) while 
driving with mounted snow chains.
It is not possible to mount snow 
chains on tires with 17-inch 
wheels.<  
     
        
        Page 181 of 186

Everything from A to Z
181n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Reminder signal (Memo)89 
Remote control34 
computer95 
Removable rear-seat 
backrest119 
Remove condensation from 
windows106, 109 
Replacing 
fuses160t 
lamps and bulbs151t 
wiper blades150t 
Reporting safety defects11 
Reservoir, washer 
system139t 
Residual heat111 
Rims135 
Roller sun blind112 
Roll-up cover123 
Roof load capacity171 
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack127 S 
Safety belts53 
Safety defects, reporting11 
Safety lock buttons37 
Seat belts53 
Seats electric power50 
manually-adjusted50 
memory setting54 
Secure the load126 
Securing cargo42, 126 
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission70, 73 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US 
models)144 
Service Interval 
Display82, 144 
Shiftlock70, 73 
Shoulder support51 
Side airbags58 
Side Impact Head Protection 
System58 
Side lamps 
bulb replacement152t 
Side turn signal 
bulb replacement153t 
Ski bag120 
Ski bag in the sport 
wagon122 
Sliding/tilt sunroof46 
manual operation47 
with glass moonroof47 
Snow chains136 Socket for attaching 
electrical appliances118 
Spare tire157t 
Speaker117 
Special characteristics of 
winter tires136 
Special oil141t 
Speed94 
Speed limit91 
Speed, average86, 94 
Speedometer15, 16, 17 
sport wagon 
anchorages126 
compartments in the 
luggage 
compartment124 
cover in the luggage 
compartment124 
folding down the rear 
backrest123 
LATCH child-restraint 
system64 
load-securing 
devices126 
luggage 
compartment123 
opening the rear 
window40 
partition net123 rear window wiper, blade 
replacement150t 
releasing the tailgate after 
an electrical 
malfunction39 
roll-up cover123 
securing a load126 
ski bag122 
tail lamp assembly, bulb 
replacement154t 
transporting children 
safely64 
Standing lamps102 
Starting assistance162t 
Starting problems67t 
Starting the engine67 
Steering wheel 
heating56 
lock66 
memory setting54 
Steering wheel with 
multifunction buttons22 
Steptronic73 
Stopwatch89 
for additional information 
refer to the "Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer" 
Storage compartments116 
in the cargo area124  
     
        
        Page 183 of 186
Everything from A to Z
183n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet (Canadian 
models)144 
Washer system76 
Washing your vehicle, refer 
to the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Water on the roads131 
Weights171 
Wheel and tire 
combinations135 
Wheel change157t 
Wheelbase169 
Width of vehicle169 
Windshield wipers76 
blade replacement150t 
Winter tires136 
Wiper blade 
replacement150t 
Wiper system76 
Work in the engine 
compartment137t X 
Xenon lamps152  
     
        
        Page 184 of 186
To ensure that you always have conve-
nient access to all essential information 
when you stop for fuel, we recommend 
that you take the time to 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 space 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 4 persons 
5 persons or 4 plus luggage
Refueling