
 
9n
 
Overview
Controls
Maintenance
Repairs
Data
Index
 
The individual vehicle
 
On buying your BMW, you have  
decided in favor of a model with individ-
ualized equipment and features. This 
Owner's Manual describes all models 
and equipment that BMW offers within 
the same group. 
We hope you will understand that  
equipment and features are included 
that you might not have chosen for your 
vehicle. Any differences can easily be 
identified, since all optional accessories 
and special equipment are marked with 
an asterisk 
 
* 
.
If your BMW features equipment which 
is not described in this Owner's Manual 
(car radio or telephone, for instance), 
Supplementary Owner's Manuals are 
enclosed. We ask you to read these 
manuals as well.
 
Status at time of printing
 
BMW pursues a policy of continuous, 
ongoing development that is conceived 
to ensure that our vehicles continue to 
embody the highest quality and safety 
standards combined with advanced, 
state-of-the-art technology. For this 
reason, it is possible that the features 
described in this Owner's Manual could 
differ from those on your vehicle. Nor 
can errors and omissions be entirely 
ruled out. You are therefore asked to 
appreciate that no legal claims can be 
entertained on the basis of the data, 
illustrations or descriptions in this 
manual.
 
AktualitŠt bei Drucklegung 

 
10n
 
For your own safety
 
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels 
containing up to and including 
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with 
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight (that is, 
15 % MTBE or 3% methanol plus an 
equivalent amount of co-solvent) will 
not void the applicable warranties 
respecting defects in materials or work-
manship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel 
quality (volatility, composition, addi-
tives, etc.) among gasolines offered for 
sale in the United States and Canada. 
The use of poor-quality fuels may result 
in driveability, starting and stalling 
problems especially under certain envi-
ronmental conditions such as high 
ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be 
related to the fuel you are using, we 
recommend that you respond by 
switching to a recognized high-quality 
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled 
maintenance.
Follow the relevant safety rules when 
you are handling gasoline.
 <
  
 
Important safety information.
For your own safety, use genuine parts 
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested 
and approved by BMW and Original 
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire 
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure 
optimum performance when installed 
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free 
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for 
damage resulting from installation of 
parts and accessories not approved by 
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product from 
other manufacturers to verify if it can be 
used on a BMW safely and without risk 
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its 
occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories 
and other products approved by BMW, 
together with professional advice on 
using these items, are available from all 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers.
 
Installation and operation of non-BMW 
approved accessories such as alarms, 
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, 
wheels, suspension components, brake 
dust shields, telephones (including 
operation of any portable cellular phone 
from within the vehicle without using an 
externally mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (for instance, CBs, 
walkie-talkie, ham radio or similar 
accessories) may cause extensive 
damage to the vehicle, compromise its 
safety, interfere with the vehicle's elec-
trical system or affect the validity of the 
BMW Limited Warranty. Contact your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center for 
additional information.
 
<
 
 
Maintenance, replacement, or 
repair of the emission control 
devices and systems may be performed 
by any automotive repair establishment 
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.
 
<
 
 
 
Symbol on vehicle parts 
 
Indicates that you should consult 
the relevant section of this 
Owner's Manual for information on a 
particular part or assembly. 
 
For your own safety 

 
22n
 
Steering wheel with multifunction buttons
 
The buttons integrated in the steering 
wheel are provided so that you can 
operate a number of accessories 
quickly and without being distracted 
from traffic conditions. You may 
operate: 
 
>
 
Selected control functions for the 
radio along with CD and cassette 
player 
 
>
 
The recirculated-air mode of the air 
conditioner or the steering-wheel 
heating
 
* 
>The cruise control,
>Selected phone functions
* and
>The voice entry
* 
In order to operate a system, the 
corresponding system must be 
switched on.< 
Press briefly:
Accept incoming call, start dialing, 
terminate call.
Extended pressure:
Activate/deactivate voice entry.
Switch between phone and radio, 
cassette and CD.
Forward:
>Radio
Press briefly: scans for stations in FM 
band
Extended pressure: search function
>CD
Press briefly: jump to next track
Extended pressure: fast forward in 
track
>Cassette
Press briefly: stop track scan or fast 
forward
Extended pressure: fast forward
>Phone
Scan personal phone book.
Rewind: functions as for fast forward.
Volume
Cruise control: calling up.
Cruise control: store and accelerate (+); 
decelerate and store (Ð).
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac-
tivate.
Recirculated-air mode and automatic 
recirculated-air control (AUC) or heated 
steering wheel: switch on/off. 

62n
0 Steering lock engaged 
1 Steering lock disengaged 
2 Ignition on
3 Starting the engine
Steering lock engaged The key can only be inserted and 
removed in this position.
After removing the key, turn the 
steering wheel slightly to the left or right 
until you hear the lock engage.
Once the ignition has been switched off 
(ignition key in position 0 or removed), 
the radio functions are still available for 
approx. 20 minutes. Turn the radio back 
on to use it.390de010
An acoustic warning is sounded when 
you fail to remove the ignition key after 
opening the driver's door. 
Vehicles with automatic trans-
mission:
Do not move the selector lever from the 
"Park" position until the engine is 
running (ignition key in position 2).
In order to turn the key to position 0 or 
to remove it, first move the selector 
lever to the "Park" position (Interlock).< Steering lock disengaged You will find that it is often easier to turn 
the ignition key from position 0 to posi-
tion 1 when you move the steering 
wheel slightly to help disengage the 
lock.
Individual electrical devices are ready 
for operation. Starting the engine 
Vehicles with manual transmis-
sion: depress the clutch when 
starting the engine. If you do not, a lock 
prevents the engine from starting.< 
Before starting >Engage the parking brake 
>Be sure that the gearshift lever is in 
"Neutral" (or the selector lever in 
"Park" if the vehicle is equipped with 
an automatic transmission)
>Depress the clutch pedal. 
Do not allow the engine to run in 
enclosed spaces. The exhaust 
gases contain carbon monoxide, an 
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic 
gas. Breathing the exhaust gases poses 
an extreme health risk, and can lead to 
unconsciousness and death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended 
with the engine running. An unattended 
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.< 
Ignition lock  Starting the engine  

82n
Multi-Information Display (MID)
 
Central displayThe MID serves as the central display 
and operation for the following onboard 
systems:
>Digital clock (e. g. time display, date)
>Audio systems (radio, cassette, CD)
>Computer
* ( e.g. fuel consumption, 
cruising range) 
>Cellular phone ( e.g. dialing).
You will find explanations and notes 
for operating the digital clock and the 
computer on the following pages. 
Please refer to the separate Owner's 
Manuals for operating the audio 
systems, the cellular phone and the 
onboard computer.
Any unrealistic numerical entries 
will not be accepted. 
All stored data will be lost if the power 
supply is interrupted. Time display, 
switch-on times for independent 
heating and ventilation, distance and 
cruise control speed limit may have to 
be reset once the power supply has 
been re-established.<
1 Function button for audio systems
2 Function button for the cellular 
phone
*
3 Indicator lamp for independent venti-
lation
*
>remains on if switch-on time is 
active
>flashes while operating
4 Function button for the digital clock 
and computer
*
5 Indicator display for the various 
onboard systems390us705
6 Display for the entry and query 
buttons. Depending on the operating 
mode, the functions and alternatives 
that can be selected at the buttons 
are displayed here
7 Entry and query buttons for operating 
the various onboard systems 

92n
PDC
*  Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 
The PDC system does not remove 
the driver's personal responsibility 
for evaluating the distance between the 
vehicle and any obstacles. Even when 
sensors are involved, there is a blind 
spot in which objects cannot be 
detected. This applies especially in 
those cases where the system 
approaches the physical constraints of 
ultrasonic measurement, as occurs with 
tow bars and trailer couplings, and in 
the vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped 
objects. 
Certain sources of sound, such as a 
loud radio, could drown out the PDC 
signal tone.< 
Keep the sensors clean and free 
of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the 
sensors for a prolonged period of time. 
Maintain an adequate distance of more 
than 4 in (10 cm).< 
The concept DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in 
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability 
during acceleration and when starting 
from a full stop, as well as optimizing 
traction. In addition, it recognizes 
unstable vehicle conditions, such as 
understeering or oversteering, and, as 
far as is possible within the laws of 
physics, keeps the vehicle on a steady 
course by adapting the rpms and brake 
applications to the individual wheels.
The system starts up automatically 
each time you start the engine.
Indicator lamp 
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly 
after you switch on the ignition, 
refer to page 20. 
Indicator lamp ßashes: 
The system is active and governs drive 
and braking force. 
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after 
the engine is started, or comes on 
during normal driving and stays on: 
The system is either defective or was 
switched off with the button: the stabi-
lizing applications described to the left 
are no longer available. The vehicle will 
remain completely operational, 
however, without DSC.
Consult your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center to have the system 
repaired.  

Everything from A to Z
179n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
JJack157, 158, 160
Jump-starting164tKKey Memory61
Keys30
Keys with radio remote 
control30
Kickdown mode67LLamps and bulbs153
Lashing eyes38, 127
LATCH child-restraint 
system60
Lead-free gasoline25
Length171
License plate lamps
bulb replacement156t
Liftgate36
opening from the 
inside36
radio control operation33
release following an 
electrical 
malfunction36t, 38t
Lighter118
LIGHTS ON warning100
Load-securing devices127
Louvers103, 106Low beams100
automatic100
bulb replacement153t
Low-fuel warning lamp75
Lug bolts160
Lug wrench157t
Luggage net38
Luggage straps38
Lumbar support46
MM+S radial tires140
Maintenance76t, 147t
Maintenance System147
Malfunction displays77t
Manual operation
doors31t
fuel filler door24
liftgate36t
sliding/tilt sunroof43t
tailgate38t
Manual transmission65
Master key30
Maximum cooling109
Mechanical seat45
Memory50
driver's seat50
mirrors50
steering wheel50
Messages concerning 
system malfunctions77Microfilter105, 111
MID (Multi-Information 
Display)82
digital clock83
Mirror defrosting53
Mirror memory50
Mirrors53
Modifications, 
technical10, 148
Monitoring inflation 
pressure, tires98
Moonroof42
Multifunction buttons, 
steering wheel22
Multi-Information Display 
(MID)82
digital clock83
NNavigation system, refer to 
the separate Owner's 
ManualOOBD interface socket149
Odometer74
Oil
additives144
consumption144t
dipstick144t
grades144Oil change interval, refer to 
the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US 
models) or to the Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models)
Oil level19
indicator lamp19
Oil pressure, indicator 
lamp18
OILSERVICE76
Onboard computer, refer to 
the separate Owner's 
Manual
Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) 
system149
Onboard tool kit152t
Opening and closing
from the inside35
from the outside31
using the key31
using the remote 
control32
Outlets, ventilation103, 106
Outside temperature
display74
in the computer80 

Everything from A to Z
181n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Socket
power supplies119t
vacuum cleaner119t
Spare key30
Spare tire158t
Spare wheel158
removal aid159t
Speaker117
Special features of winter 
tires140
Special wash program70
Speed89
Speed control71
Speed limit86, 87
Speedometer15, 17
Sports seat45
Standing lamps101
Starting assistance164t
Starting 
problems63t, 164t
Starting the engine62, 63
Steering wheel
adjustment52
adjustment, automatic52
heating53
lock62
memory50
Steering wheel with 
multifunction buttons22
Steptronic66
Stopwatch84Storage compartments116
in the cargo area124
Summer tires139
Sunroof42
Sunshades112
Switching off the engine64
Switching off the vehicle64
Switch-on times
input85
Symbols8
Synthetic oils144
System malfunction 
indicators77
TTachometer75
Tail lamps155t
bulb replacement155t
Tailgate37
opening from the 
outside36
radio control operation33
release following an 
electrical 
malfunction38t
Tank capacity173
Technical 
modifications10, 148
Telephone preparation117Temperature display, 
outside 
temperature74, 80
Temperature gauge76
Temperature 
layering105, 110
Temperature setting108t
Thigh support 
adjustment45
Third brake lamp156
Tilt alarm33
Tilt alarm sensor40
Tilt function, passenger side 
mirror51
Time
calling up83
changing83
of arrival, estimated88
Timer
refer to Stopwatch
refer also to the Owner's 
Manual for the Onboard 
Computer
Tire136
damage136t
pressure monitoring98
renewal137
tread136
Tire inflation 
pressures26, 136
monitoring98
table27Tire Pressure Monitor 
(RDC)98
warning lamp18, 20
Tire Quality Grading138
Tools152t
Torque170
Tow fittings166t
Towing the vehicle166t
Tow-starting166t
Track width171
Traction Control System, 
refer to DSC92
Transmission65, 66
Transporting children 
safely58
Tread depth, tires136
Trip odometer74
Turn signal indicator69
bulb replacement154t
Turning circle171
UUniform Tire Quality Grading 
(UTQR)138
Universal Transmitter113
Used batteries, 
disposal162
Used oil, disposal144t