Page 139 of 185

139n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Wheel and tire combinations 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 Sports Activity Vehicle center for
more information. Observe any regula-
tions applicable in the country of use,
e.g. requiring entry in the vehicle docu-
ments.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
such as ABS, ATC and DSC. The func-
tion 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 when-
ever possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel.
Page 146 of 185

146n
Brake fluid
If the indicator lamp for the
brake hydraulic system appears
or if the CHECK BRAKE FLUID
warning appears in the Check
Control: the brake fluid level is
too low.
Add brake fluidThe brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing trim panel
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 Sports Activity
Vehicle center. Your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center is familiar with
the specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page 135.
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 Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Refer also to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or 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.<
Page 164 of 185

164n
Do not use spray starter fluids to start
the engine.
When your battery is discharged you
can used two jumper cables to start
your vehicle with power from the
battery in a second vehicle. You can
also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Always use jumper
cables with fully insulated handles on
the terminal clamps.
Do not touch the parts conducting
current while the engine is
running. Failure to comply with this
creates a risk of fatal injury. Carefully
observe the following instructions to
avoid personal injury and/or damage to
one or both vehicles.<
1. Be sure that the battery on the
support vehicle is also rated at
12 volts. This information is provided
on the top of the battery casing
2. Do not disconnect your battery from
your vehicle's electrical system.
Switch off all electrical accessories in
both vehicles
3. Make absolutely certain that there is
no contact between the bodywork of
the two vehicles Ð short circuit
hazard
4. Start the engine on the support
vehicle and allow it to run5. Use one jumper cable (+) to connect
the positive terminal of the battery in
the support vehicle with the auxiliary
positive terminal provided in the
engine compartment of your BMW
specifically for jump starting. The
cover on this auxiliary terminal is
identified by a "+" symbol, refer to
the illustration. To remove the cover,
tip up the cap (arrow)
530de325
Jump-starting
Page 166 of 185

166n
Towing the vehicle Tow fittingThe screw-in tow fitting is stored
beneath the cargo area floor. Carry it
with you at all times. This fitting is
designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle, and is intended for towing
on paved road surfaces only.
It should not be used to pull a vehicle
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.
Always observe all applicable towing
laws and regulations. Access to tow sockets Front:
Use a screwdriver on the left or right
side (arrows) to press the cover out. 530us128
Rear: Pull the cover off.
Screw the tow fittings in until they
are tight. If you do not, the threads
could be damaged.
Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-
nents of the running gear, or lash them
down in any way. If you do so, the
components could be damaged,
leading to possible accidents.<
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-
ience of this material helps protect both
vehicles from sudden jerking move-
ments. 530de318
Avoid "off-center" towing. Be sure
that the tow rope is pulled tightly
when the towing vehicle begins to
move.<
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 a
vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting refer
to page 164.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle. If you do so,
damage to the energy-absorbing
bumpers could result.
Page 176 of 185

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)19, 134
Accessories10
Activated-charcoal
filter111
Adaptive brake light99
Adding
brake fluid146t
coolant145t
engine oil143t
washer fluid143t
Adjusting
head restraints47
mirrors53
seats44
steering wheel52
thigh support45
Air conditioner103
Air distribution104, 108
Air outlets103, 106
Air supply104, 108
Airbags19, 55
Alarm system39
Antifreeze145
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)19, 134
Anti-theft system32
Approved gross vehicle
weight172
Aquaplaning134, 136Arrival time88
Ashtray
front118
rear119
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)109
Automatic climate
control106
removing condensation
from the windows108
Automatic cruise control71
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic dimming
exterior rearview
mirrors54
interior rearview mirror54
Automatic headlight
control100
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)109
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment52
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic66
Average fuel
consumption80
Average speed80, 89
Avoiding unintentional
alarms40t
Axle loads172
BBackup lamps65
bulb replacement155t
Battery162
charge162
discharged164t
Battery charge indicator
lamp18
Belts49
Beverage holder117
Blower104, 108
BMW comfort seat46
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil144
BMW Maintenance
System147
BMW sports seat45
BMW Universal
Transmitter113
Brake fluid146
Brake lamps
bulb replacement155t
Brake light, adaptive99
Brake system135
brake fluid146
brake fluid level135
brake pads indicator20
disc brakes135
hydraulic system
indicator18
malfunctions135tBreak-in procedures132
Bulbs and lamps153
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning148
Can holder, refer to
beverage holder117
Capacities173
Car care, refer to the "Caring
for your vehicle" manual
Car wash systems, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Care of upholstery materials,
refer to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Cargo area38, 122
capacity172
cover122
lamps102
Cargo floor, pull-out126
Cargo loading127
Cellular phone117
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp156
Central locking system30
button35
Changing a wheel157t
CHECK button77