
138n
1 Reservoir for brake fluid (under the
housing of the microfilter)143
2 Auxiliary terminal for
jump-starting1623 Engine oil dipstick140
4 Engine oil filler neck140
5 Coolant expansion tank1426 Reservoir for intensive-cleaning
system
*
139
7 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system
*
139
Engine compartment essentials
390de791

143n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake fluid
The warning lamp for the brake
system's hydraulic circuits
comes on/the message
"CHECK BRAKE FLUID"
appears in the Check Control
display panel: Brake fluid level
too low.
To add brake fluidThe brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing on the
driver's side of the vehicle. For adding
brake fluid or for determining and
correcting the cause of brake fluid loss,
consult your BMW center. Your BMW
center is familiar with the specifications
for factory-approved brake fluids
(DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. Should this occur,
refer to the notes on page 132.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have
the brake fluid changed every two years
by a BMW center. Refer also to the
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or to the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the MAX
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<

154n
Lamps and bulbsTail lamps Ð sedanRear lamp/Side marker lamps: LEDs
Remaining bulbs: 21 watts
1 Turn signal
indicator yellow or white
2 Rear lamp/Side marker lamps red
3 Backup lamps white
4 Brake lamps red
5 Reflector red
Please contact your BMW center
if there is a defect in the rear
lamp/side marker lamp assembly.< 394us721
1. Use the upper handle to fold down
the side panel in the luggage
compartment
2. Turn the corresponding bulb holder
to the left (arrow) and remove it
3. Press the defective bulb gently and
turn it to the left. Remove the bulb
and replace it
4. Insert the bulb holder and turn to the
right as far as possible.394de769
Tail lamps Ð sport wagonRear lamp/Side marker lamps: LEDs
Remaining bulbs: 21 watts
1 Turn signal indicator red
2 Rear lamp/Side marker lamps red
3 Backup lamps white
4 Brake lamps, reflector red
5 Reflector red
Please contact your BMW center
if there is a defect in the rear
lamp/side marker lamp assembly.< 392us722

155n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbsLamps in the rear apron panel:
1. Open the cover in the side panel
2. Turn the quick-release fastener and
remove the trim panel in front of the
bulb holder
3. Open the quick-release fastener
(arrow) and remove the bulb holder
4. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
while turning it to the left to remove.
If a subwoofer
* is installed behind the
right-hand panel, unscrew the T-screw
and swing the subwoofer to the side.
392de770
Lamps in the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate:
1. Open the trim panel in the luggage
compartment lid/tailgate
2. Open the quick-release fastener
(arrow) and remove the bulb holder
3. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
while turning it to the left to remove.392de771
Center (high-mount) brake lamp21 watt bulb
1. Open the luggage compartment lid
2. Unclip the cover panel (on the
underside of the parcel tray) with
a screwdriver (arrow)
3. Turn the bulb to the left and remove
4. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
while turning it to the left to remove.
sport wagon: LED strip in the tailgate.
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.394de123

156n
Lamps and bulbs Changing a wheelLicense plate lamps5 watt bulb
1. Insert a screwdriver into the slot and
press to the left (arrow); this disen-
gages the lamp
2. Remove the lamp and replace the
bulb.394de772
Safety measures in the event of a
flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat,
surface. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse (selector lever in Park with
automatic transmission) and engage
the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
If necessary, set up your warning
triangle or portable hazard warning
lamp on the roadside at an appropriate
distance from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and
regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle up on a soft or slip-
pery surface (snow, ice, very smooth
surfaces, etc.), since it could slide side-
ways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack Ð risk of fatal injury.<

164n
Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response.<
Tow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of
vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump-starting: refer
to page 162.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission1. Place the selector lever in position N
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4. Leave the ignition key in position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn
signals, horn and windshield wipers
remain operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers (observe official 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.<
Towing with a commercial
tow truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel-lift or flatbed carrier
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.< 380us124

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)20, 131
Accessories10
Activated-charcoal
filter112
Active seat52
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)70, 73
Add
antifreeze142t
brake fluid143t
engine coolant142t
engine oil140t
washer fluid139t
Adjusting
backrest50
head restraints52
mirrors57
seats48
steering wheel56
temperature105, 109
thigh support50
Air conditioning104
Air distribution105, 109
Air outlets104, 107
Air pressure26t, 133
Air supply105, 109
Air vent104, 107 Airbags20, 58
Alarm system42
Anchorages to secure the
load126
Antifreeze, disposal142t
Antifreeze, radiator142
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)20, 131
Anti-theft alarm system42
Anti-theft protection34
Approved axle weight171
Approved gross vehicle
weight171
Aquaplaning131, 133
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)21
ASC+T/DSC (Automatic
Stability Control plus
Traction/Dynamic Stability
Control)97
Ashtray, front117
Ashtray, rear118
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)70, 73
Attach vacuum cleaner118
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)110 Automatic climate
control107
removing condensation
from windows109
Automatic cruise control78
Automatic curb monitor55
Automatic rear window
cleaning77
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)110
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)21
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction/Dynamic
Stability Control (ASC+T/
DSC)97
Automatic
transmission20, 70
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic20, 73
Average fuel
consumption86
Average speed86, 94
Avoid false alarms43t
Avoiding unintentional
alarms44
B
Backrest, adjusting50
Backup lamps
bulb replacement154t
Battery160
care160t
charging160t
discharged162t
disposal160t
Belts53
Beverage holder117
Blower105, 109
BMW active seat52
BMW comfort seat51
BMW Maintenance
System144t
BMW Universal
Transmitter113
Bottle holder, refer to
beverage holder117
Brake fluid143
adding143
Brake hydraulic system19
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement154t
Brake malfunctions132

Everything from A to Z
177n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake system132
brake fluid level132
brake pads20, 132
disc brakes132
malfunctions132
Break-in procedures130
Bulbs and lamps151t C
California Proposition
65 Warning145
Capacities173
Car care, refer to the "Caring
for your vehicle" manual
Car wash systems, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Care of paintwork, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Care of upholstery materials,
refer to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Cargo area
lamps103
opening from the
inside40
Cargo loading126
Cellular phone117 Center (high-mount) brake
lamp155
Central locking
system32, 37
Changing a wheel/
tire157t
Charge indicator lamp19
CHECK button83
Check Control83t
Check engine oil
level140t
Child seat safety62
Child seats61
Child-restraint systems61
Child-safety locks64
Cigarette lighter118
Clean rear window77
Cleaning windshield77
Climate control, refer to
Automatic climate
control107
Clock88
for additional information
refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Cockpit14
Code, refer to immoblizer
function94
Cold start67
Combination switch76 Comfort seat51
Compartments116
Computer86
for additional information
refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
remote control95
Computer in the MID91
Configuring personal
adjustments, Vehicle and
Key Memory64
Consumption display81
Consumption, fuel86, 93
Convenience operation of
windows and sliding/tilt
sunroof33
Convenience starting
feature67
Coolant142
Coolant temperature
gauge82
Copyright4
Cover, sun blinds112
Cruising range86, 93
Cup holder117
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder117
Curb monitor55
D
Data link connector for
Onboard Diagnostics146
Date
calling up88
changing88
Daytime driving lamps101
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)20
Deactivating95
alarm system tilt
sensor43
interior motion sensor43
Deep water131
Defrost windows106, 109
Defroster mode106, 109
Digital clock in the MID88
Dimensions169
Dipstick, engine oil140t
Displacement168
Display lighting102
Displays16, 17
Disposal
antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor142t
used batteries160t
used oils141t