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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Sequential M gearbox* SMG IIDrivelogicDrivelogic makes various driving
programs available to you.
Press Drivelogic repeatedly until the
desired driving program is shown in the
SMG display of the instrument cluster,
refer to page 61.
In the automated mode you can select
from five driving programs ranging from
convenience mode/winter operation to
sporty and highly dynamic.
In the first automated driving program,
starting off takes place in second gear,
which is advisable under winter road
conditions with ice and snow.
In the sequential mode you can choose
from six driving programs ranging from
balanced, dynamic to sporty, puristic
driving. The sporty, puristic driving
program can only be activated with the
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) deacti-
vated, refer to page 76.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC acti-
vated on whenever possible.<
Following each change between the
sequential and the automated mode,
the last driving program selected in the
respective mode is active.
Exception: instead of the last selected
sequential driving program 6,
program 5 is activated only after the
engine has been started again.
Your vehicle is set so that when
the engine is started, the last
selected driving program saved in your
key is activated for each shifting
mode.<
Gradient assistanceThe gradient assistance enables
starting off on grades with virtually no
roll-back. It can be activated in the
sequential and automated mode with
the vehicle stopped and can be used
for both forward and reverse driving.
1. Depress footbrake with vehicle
stopped
2. Activate the gradient assistance by
pulling the left paddle for at least
0.5 seconds. An increase in the
engine speed indicates that the
gradient assistance is activated.
Pulling the left paddle again briefly
deactivates the gradient assis-
tance again.<
3. Release the footbrake and start off
within 2 seconds.
64n
Sequential M gearbox* SMG II
The vehicle may roll slightly before
it is held by the gradient assis-
tance after releasing the footbrake.
Two seconds after the footbrake is
released, the vehicle begins to roll, as it
is no longer held with the gradient
assistance.<
The gradient assistance must be reacti-
vated before each use.
Indicator lamp
The transmission indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster goes
out after the engine is started.
>If it does not go out, or if it lights up
during driving, a fault has occurred.
The available functions may be
limited under certain circumstances.
Drive carefully and with the Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) activated.
Have the system checked by the
nearest BMW center
>If the indicator lamp flashes while
driving, the system is overloaded.
Avoid high loads until the indicator
lamp goes out again permanently.
Shift lightsTo achieve the best possible vehicle
acceleration with a sporty driving style
in the sequential mode, shift lights in
the instrument cluster indicate the
optimum shifting point shortly before
the maximum engine speed is reached.
1 When the maximum engine speed is
approached, yellow indicator fields
(shift lights) in the tachometer light up
consecutively to indicate the
approaching upshift time
2 Shift at the latest when the last indi-
cator field lights up red.Tire replacement, snow chainsFollowing a tire or wheel change and
after mounting or removing snow
chains, the slip recognition of the
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Sequential M gearbox* SMG II
Indicator/Headlamp ßasher
SMG II must "become familiar" with the
changed condition.
Reinitialize the system afterwards:
1. Move the selector lever into
position 0 on a straight stretch of
road at a speed of over 20 mph
(30 km/h)
2. Pull both shift paddles for approx.
2 seconds.
If you do not carry out the initialization,
the system automatically "learns" the
changed condition gradually during
driving. This can become apparent due
to brief opening and closing of the
clutch. 1 High beams (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator
lamp)
3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator
lamp accompanied by periodic
clicking sound from the relay)
To signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond
the resistance point. It then returns to
the center position when released.
If the indicator lamp of the turn
signal indicators and the clicking
from the relay are both faster than
normal, one of the turn signal indicators
has failed.<
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cruise control To deceleratePress button (Ð) briefly:
When cruise control is active, every tap
of the button reduces the speed by
approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
Press and hold button (Ð):
With the cruise control active, the
system automatically reduces the
throttle opening to slow the vehicle.
When you release the button, the
system maintains and stores the
current speed.
To interrupt the cruise controlWhen the system is activated, press the
button. The indicator lamp stays on.
You can use the cruise control again
whenever you want by calling up the
speed that was stored last.
In addition, cruise control is interrupted
automatically:
>When the brakes are applied
>When pressing down the clutch pedal
>If you exceed or fall below the
programmed speed for an extended
period (by depressing the acceler-
ator, for example)
>When shifting in the sequential mode,
refer to sequential M gearbox
*
SMG II on page 59.
To recall the stored speedPress button:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored.
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire replacement Wheel and tire combinationsTire ageBMW recommends the replacement of
all tires after 6 years at the latest, even
if a tire life of 10 years is possible.
The date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 4 101 means that the tire was
produced in the 41st week of the year
2001. Following wheel/tire changesFollowing wheel and/or tire replace-
ment you will need to reinitialize both
the Flat Tire Monitor and the sequential
M gearbox
* SMG II, refer to pages 65,
78.
The right choice
Use only wheels and tires
approved by BMW for the corre-
sponding vehicle model, as otherwise
the tires may make contact with the
body as the result of tolerances despite
the same nominal size being used,
resulting in serious accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore 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 wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
such as ABS, DSC, Flat Tire Monitor.
The function of these systems is
impaired if improper wheel and tire
combinations are used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern on the
vehicle and, for example, restore the
approved wheel and tire combination
following a flat tire as soon as possible.<
The use of rims and lug bolts that
do not meet the specifications of
the original factory-installed equipment
will affect the safe operation of your
vehicle and may cause an accident 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.
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Special characteristics of winter tires Snow chainsChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under adverse
winter driving conditions. So-called all-
season tires with the M+S identification
mark do indeed possess better winter
traction than summer tires that have the
H, V, W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they
generally fail to provide the same levels
of performance as snow tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels. Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which 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 pressureOnce winter tires wear to a tread depth
of less than 0.16 in (4 mm), their perfor-
mance under winter driving conditions
deteriorates noticeably. Worn tires
should therefore be replaced for safety
considerations.
Inflate tires to specified pressure and
have the wheels balanced every time
the tires or wheels have been replaced.Use narrow-link BMW snow chains
* on
winter tires in pairs only and only on the
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h)
with snow chains.
After mounting or removing snow
chains, always reinitialize the sequential
M gearbox
* SMG II, refer to page 65.
It is not possible to mount snow
chains on tires with 18- and
19-inch wheels.
Deactivate the Flat Tire Monitor when
using snow chains. Malfunction warn-
ings and undetected losses in pressure
are a possibility when driving with snow
chains.
For additional information, refer to
page 77.<
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Towing the vehicleTowing a vehicle1. Shift lever in Neutral
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4. Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn
signal indicators, horn and wind-
shield wipers remain operative, and
to prevent the steering lock detent
from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard-warning
system (observe applicable legal
regulations).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to
prevent the steering lock from
engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.c
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
*
SMG II:
To push or tow, engage selector lever
in position 0.
Never work on the vehicle with a
driving position engaged.c
Towing with a commercial tow
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use wheel lift or flatbed equipment
>Please comply with applicable state
towing laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, leading to
possible accidents.c
Everything from A to ZOil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Oil consumption110
Oil filter change139
Oil level, indicator lamp19
OILSERVICE71
Onboard computer72
refer to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"
Onboard tool kit120
Opening and closing
from inside33
via remote control30
via the door lock29
Operating vehicle at low
ambient
temperatures111
Outside temperature
display73
P
Park Distance Control
(PDC)75
Parking brake58
Parking help75
Parking lamps80
PDC (Park Distance
Control)75
Performance136
Pollen filter85, 89
Power windows39 R
Radiator139
Radio navigation system,
refer to the "Radio Owner's
Manual"
Radio, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor66
Reading lamps82
Rear backrest, folding94
Rear lamps, refer to tail
lamps123t
Rear view mirror48
Rear window
defroster84, 88
Rear-entry assist45 Recirculated-air
mode84, 88
Reclining seat42
Refueling22
Releasing
fuel filler door following an
electrical
malfunction22t
Remote control30
Removing condensation
from the windows87
Repairing a flat tire126
Replace windshield wiper
blades120t
Replacement key28t
Replacing bulbs120t
Reporting safety defects11
Roller sun blind89
Roof load capacity138
Roof-mounted luggage
rack97
S
Safety belts45
height adjustment45
three-point safety belt94
Safety buttons33
Safety feature39
Seat heating47
Seat memory46
Seats, adjusting42
Securing cargo96
Securing loads96
Self-defrosting mirrors48
Sequential M gearbox SMG
II59
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet114
Service Interval
Display71, 114
Side airbags49
Side impact Head Protection
System49
Side turn signals
bulb replacement122t
Ski bag95