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Luggage compartment Ð sport wagonFold the rear backrests downReach into the recess and pull upward 
(arrow).
The rear backrest is divided into two 
sections (one-third and two-thirds of 
the width of the seat). You can fold 
either section of the backrest down 
separately in order to increase the 
capacity of the cargo area.
When you close the backrest, be 
sure that the catch engages 
securely. The red warning indicator 
disappears in the recess when the 
retainer is locked.
The center safety belt can be retracted 
only when the larger backrest is 
engaged.<392de753
Roll-up coverPull the roll-up cover out and hook it 
into the rear bracket.
The cover will support light objects 
such as items of clothing.
Do not place heavy or bulky 
objects on the roll-up cover, 
otherwise, they could endanger occu-
pants while braking hard, during 
evasive maneuvers, or in an accident, 
for example.
Do not allow the cover to snap back, 
since this could damage it.<
For storing the case, refer to the next 
page.392de754
Partition netPull out the partition net by the strap 
and hold the bar firmly in the other 
hand. Then grasp the bar on both sides, 
pull it up and engage it in the holders. It 
is easiest to do this from the back seat.
Do not allow the partition net to 
snap back. Doing so could pose a 
risk of injury and the partition net could 
be damaged.<
When the rear backrests are folded 
down, you can store the case in front of 
the rear seats, pull the partition net out 
from there and insert it in the front 
holders (refer to the next page).392de163 
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Tire replacement Wheel and tire combinationsUniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where 
applicable on the tire sidewall between 
tread shoulder and maximum section 
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA 
Temperature A
Do not use retreaded tires, since 
driving safety may be impaired. 
This is due to the possible variations in 
casing structures and, in some cases, 
to their extreme age, which can lead to 
a decrease in their durability.< Tire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the 
sidewall:
DOT ... 2601 indicates that the tire was 
manufactured in Week 26 of the year 
2001.
Although tires may have a theoretical 
service life of up to 10 years, BMW 
strongly recommends that you replace 
all tires after an absolute maximum of 
6 years.
The right choice
Never mount wheels and tires that 
have not been specifically 
approved by BMW for use on your 
particular model. Although other wheels 
and tires may theoretically have the 
same dimensions, variations in factors 
such as manufacturing tolerances can 
result in contact between tire and body-
work, ultimately leading to serious acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires 
are used, BMW cannot evaluate their 
suitability, and therefore cannot be held 
liable for driving safety.<
BMW has tested certain tires for each 
tire size, rated them according to road 
safety and approved them. Your BMW 
center can inform you which tires have 
been tested in this way. Observe 
possible national guidelines, e.g. 
regarding entry into vehicle documents.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems 
such as ABS, ATC, ASC+T/DSC. The 
function of these systems is impaired if 
improper wheel and tire combinations 
are used.
Always ensure that all of the tires 
mounted on the vehicle are the same 
series, from the same manufacturer and 
with the same tread pattern. If you have 
to mount the spare tire in response to a 
flat, etc., you should remount a tire of 
the correct specifications  as soon as 
possible.< 
The use of rims and wheel bolts 
that do not meet the specifica-
tions of the original factory-installed 
equipment will affect the safe operation 
of your vehicle and may cause an acci-
dent and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such 
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire 
types will adversely affect roadholding 
and can lead to loss of vehicle 
control.< Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place, 
protecting them against light whenever 
possible. Protect the tires against 
contact with oil, grease and fuel.  
Everything from A to Z
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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