
At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
173
Wheel and tire
combinationsThe right choice
Use only wheel and tire combinations
that BMW has approved for your
particular vehicle. Variations in factors such
as manufacturing tolerances mean that
even wheels and tires with identical official
size ratings could actually have different
dimensions than the approved units. These
differences could lead to body contact, and
with it the risk of severe accidents . If non-
approved wheels and tires are used, BMW
cannot evaluate their suitability, and there-
fore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire
size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. Consult your BMW center
for more information. Observe any country-
specific regulations, e.g. on making a
corresponding entry in the vehicle
documents.
The correct combination of wheels
and tires is a vital factor in ensuring
reliable operation of various vehicle
systems such as ABS and DSC.
It is therefore important to ensure that tires
from a single manufacturer with a single
tread configuration are always mounted on
all vehicle wheels. After a flat tire, always
remember to have the specified wheel and
tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.<
Storage Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Always protect tires against all
contact with oil, grease and fuels.
Special characteristics of
winter tires Choosing the right tire BMW recommends winter tires Ð M+S
radial tires for use in cold winter driving
conditions. Although all-season M+S tires
provide better winter traction than standard
summer tires with H, V, W and ZR speed
ratings, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance
as winter tires.
When mounting, always install winter tires
of a single tread configuration and from a
single manufacturer on all four wheels to
ensure safe tracking and secure steering
response. Observe speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. The technicians at your
BMW center will be glad to assist you with
the required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
Tire condition, tire pressure Because winter tires display a noticeable
loss in their ability to cope with cold-
weather driving conditions once the tread
wears to below 0.16 in (4 mm), to ensure
continued safety you should always have
such tires replaced.
Always maintain the specified inflation
pressures in all tires, and remember to
have the wheel and tire assemblies
balanced every time either a wheel or a tire
is replaced. Snow chains*
BMW narrow-link snow chains
are
approved exclusively for use in pairs on
the rear wheels, and should only be

Under the hood
176
Engine compartment 1Engine oil dipstick, refer to next column
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath
the microfilter cover178
3Reservoir for windshield and headlamp
washer system73
4Engine oil filler neck177
5Coolant expansion tank178
6Jump-starting terminal187 Engine oilChecking oil level1.Park the vehicle on a level surface
2.Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature 3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick
out and wipe it off with a clean lint-free
cloth, paper towel, or similar material
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out again
5.The oil should extend to between the
two marks on the disptick
As is the case with fuel economy, the rate
at which the engine uses oil is strongly
influenced by driving style and operating
conditions.
The space between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 litre). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil
can damage the engine.

At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
177
Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without additives, and their
use could even lead to damage in some
cases. This also applies to the automatic
transmission, the differential and the power
steering system.<
Recommendation: have your oil changed at
your BMW center.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come
into contact with oil should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Always store oil, grease, etc., well out of
the reach of children; always observe all
warning labels on the containers.<
Please observe all environmental-
protection rules and regulations when
disposing of used oil.< Specified engine oils The quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. BMW approves
only specific oils after confirming their suit-
ability for use in its vehicles with extensive
testing.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, you can add
small amounts of another synthetic oil
between oil changes. Use only oils with the
API SH specification or higher. Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils
which have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this informa-
tion.
Viscosity ratingsViscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in the
area where you typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot.
Escaping coolant can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later on,
never use anything other than factory-
approved, nitrite and amino-free extended-
duty antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor.
Your BMW center is familiar with the official
specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor contains ethylene glycol Ð a flam-
mable substance. For this reason, do not
spill antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor on
hot engine parts. It could ignite and cause
serious burns.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor.<

Everything from A to Z
196 Backup lamp, bulb
replacement 183
Bass 141
Battery 185
Ð discharged 187
Battery switch 185, 186
"BC," refer to Computer 83
Belts 50
Beverage holders 112
Blinds 109
Blower 101
BMW active seat 52
"BMW ASSIST" 19, 22
BMW comfort seat 46
"Booktape" 153
Brake, malfunctions 178
Brake lamp, adaptive 94
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement 183
"Brake pads" 179
Brake pads 119
Brakes 119
Brake system
Ð brake fluid 178
Break-in procedures 118
Brief commands for voice
command system 29
"Brief info" 23
Bulb changes 181
Buttons in steering
wheel 18
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning 180
Call
Ð terminating 162
Calling 162
Ð from telephone
directory 163
Ð from the redial list 164
Ð from the Top 8 list 163
Ð redialing 164
Can holders, refer to Bever-
age holders 112
Capacities 194
Car care, refer to Car care
manual
Cargo, securing 120Cargo area
Ð capacity 194
Ð opening from the
inside 39
Car Memory 59
"Car parked" 103, 106
Car radio, see Radio 140
Car wash, refer to separate
Car care manual
Cassette 153
Cassette deck 153
Ð booktape 153
Ð fast-forward mode 154
Ð music search 154
Ð reverse 154
Ð selecting tape side 153
Ð skipping pauses 154
Ð switching on 153
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control) 91
CBS (Condition Based
Service) 179
"CD" 140, 146
CD changer 148
Ð fast forward 150
Ð humidity 148
Ð operating
temperatures 148
Ð random play 150
Ð reverse 150
Ð safety 148
Ð scan function 149
Ð skipping tracks 150
Ð switching on 149
Ð temperature range 148
CD player 146
Ð activation 146
Ð fast forward 146
Ð random selection 147
Ð reverse 146
Ð sampling 147
Ð scan 147
Ð skip track 146
Cell phone, refer to sepa-
rate Mobile phone
manual 158
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp 183
Center armrest 113
Center console, refer to
Comfort features 16Central locking
system 35, 38
"CHANGE" for
navigation 130
Changing bulbs 181
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 181
Changing language 86
Changing settings in Con-
trol Display 86
Changing units of measure
in Control Display 86
Check Control 80
Ð "Check" 81
Checking engine oil
level 176, 176
Checking tire
pressures 170
Child-restraint systems 57
Ð refer also to LATCH child-
restraint system 58
Child-safety locks 59
Child seats 57
Cigarette lighter 113
Cleaning, refer to Car care
manual
"Climate" 19, 22
"Clock" 86
Clock 77
Ð setting time and date 86
Closing
Ð from the inside 37
Closing assist
Ð doors 38
Ð luggage compartment
lid 39
Cockpit 12, 16
Coin box, see
Compartments 111
Cold start 62
Combination switch 71
"Comfort"
Ð "EDC" 92
Comfort features 16
Comfort seat 46
Ð in rear 47
"Communication" 19, 22
Compact Disc, see CD 146
Compartments 111

Everything from A to Z
198 "EDC" 92
Ð "Comfort" 92
Ð "Sport" 92
EDC (Electronic Damping
Control) 92
Electrical malfunction
Ð automatic transmission
lockout 70
Ð fuel filler door 168
Ð parking brake, emergency
use 65
Ð sliding/tilt sunroof 44
Electric power seats 46
Electric power windows 42
Electric seats 46
Electric steering column
adjustment 53
Electronic Brake-force Dis-
tribution (EBV) 91
Electronic Damping Control
(EDC) 92
Elements of operation 12
Emergency operation
Ð doors 37
Ð fuel filler door 168
Ð luggage compartment
lid 40
Ð sliding/tilt sunroof 44
Ð transmission lockout
(automatic
transmission) 70
Emergency SOS call
Ð automatic activation 161
"Emissions inspection" 79
Energy Control 83
Engine compartment 176
Engine coolant 176, 177
"Engine oil" 179
Engine oil
Ð consumption 176
Ð grades 177
Engine oils 177
Engine output, data 192
Engine specifications 192
"Entertainment" 19, 22
Estimated time of arrival 83
Extended vehicle storage,
see supplemental Car
care manual
Exterior mirrors 52
Ð automatic dimming 52"Extra" in "Climate"
menu 103
"Extra" with rear air
conditioner 105
"Extra" with rear cooler 110
FFactory preparations for
phone installation 161
Fader 141
Failure of an electrical
accessory 186
"Fastest route" 131
Fastest route 131
Fault displays 80
Filling the washer
reservoir 73
Filling the windshield
washer reservoir 73
First-aid kit 187
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing 189
Flashlight 111
Flat tires 171
"FM..." 140, 143
FM waveband 143
Fog lamps 97
"Footwell" 103
Footwell lamps 98
Forward lamps 98
Front armrest 111
Front seat adjustment 45
Fuel 169
Fuel consumption
display 83
Fuel economy 83
Fuel filler cap cover 168
Fuel filler door
Ð releasing in the event of
electrical defect 168
Fuel gauge 82
Fuel level display 82, 83
Fuel specifications 169
Fuel tank capacity 168
Fuses 186
GGarage door opener, refer
to Universal garage door
opener 108
Gasoline 169
General operating
information 118
Glasses compartment 111
Glove compartment 110
GPS, refer to Navigation
system 124
GPS navigation system 124
Ð address book, refer to
Creating a directory 134
Ð current location 135
Ð destination entry 126
Ð destination guidance in
assistance window 125
Ð destination list 130
Ð digital coverage area 124
Ð directory 128
Ð manual entry of destina-
tion address 126
Ð map CD 124
Ð map-guided destination
selection 128
Ð new route 133
Ð recent destinations 130
Ð route display 132
Ð route list 132
Ð route selection 130
Ð safety 124
Ð selecting destination in
"Information" 129
Ð selecting points of
interest 129
Ð selection options 126
Ð start active guidance 131
Ð starting 125
Ð terminate/interrupt active
guidance 134
Ð voice guidance 133
Ð wordmatch principle 136
Guidance
Ð terminate 134
Guidance system
Ð interrupt 134
Ð starting 131