
At a glance
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Reference
101
The symbol will appear in yellow in the
Check Control and a message will appear.
You will also see the same message
>in the event of a system fault
>if a wheel is mounted without the
appropriate TPM electronics
>if, in addition to the spare tire, addi-
tional wheels with TPM electronics are
on board.
Please refer to the additional information
supplied in the Control Display, and have
the system inspected at your BMW center.
Self-leveling suspension*
In the event of malfunction
A Check Control message
appearing together with this symbol
indicates a malfunction in the self-
leveling suspension. Please take note of
the additional information in the Control
Display.
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If the rear of
the vehicle is visibly lower than the front,
possibly accompanied by a tilt noticeable
when you compare the left rear with the
right rear, you should respond by immedi-
ately proceeding to the nearest BMW
center. Drive with appropriate caution in
the meantime. The vehicle has reduced
ground clearance and driving comfort may
be noticeably reduced. Even if the attitude
of the vehicle is normal, you should consult
the nearest BMW center if the warning
lamp indicates a system fault.
Adaptive brake lamp
The adaptive brake lamp indicates the
intensity with which you are applying your
brakes to drivers of following vehicles.
The display consists of two stages:
>Normal braking:
The brake lamps in the tail lamp assem-
blies and the high-mount brake lamp on
the rear tray light up during braking
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
The tail lamps also light up with the
same intensity as the standard brake
lamp units to enhance the warning
effect of the brake lamps.

Lamps
102
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
Parking lamps/side marker lamps
With the switch in this position, the
front, rear and side vehicle lighting
is switched on. You can use the side
marker lamps for parking. For lighting on
one side for parking as an additional fea-
ture, refer to page 103.
Low beams
When you switch off the ignition
with the headlamps on, the head-
lamps go out, and only the parking
lamps remain on.
Follow-me-home lamps:
After parking the vehicle and
switching off the headlamps, you can use
the headlamp flasher control to activate
the low beams for a period of roughly
40 seconds. You also have the options of
extending this period or, as an alternative,
having this function deactivated.<
Lights on warning
If you switch off the ignition while the head-
lamps are on, when you subsequently open
the driver's door a gong will sound for sev-
eral seconds, while the Check Control will
provide you with a message
.
Daytime driving lamps*
If you wish, you can leave the light switch in
the low-beam position:
All external lamps go out when you switch
off the ignition.
Always observe all applicable laws gover-
ning the use of daytime driving lamps.
You can switch on the parking lamps when
needed using the standard procedure
described under Parking lamps.
You can have the daytime driving
lamps on your vehicle programmed to
operate as desired.<
Automatic headlamp control
When you set the switch to this
position, the system activates and
switches on and off the low beams
in response to changes in ambient light
conditions, for instance, in tunnels, at dawn
and dusk, and in rain and snow. The green
indicator lamp next to the symbol is illumi-
nated when the low beams are on.
Following automatic activation the
vehicle's external lighting remains on
when you switch on the fog lamps.<
The automatic headlamp control
cannot serve as a substitute for your
personal judgment in determining when the
lamps should be switched on in response
to ambient lighting conditions.
For example, the system cannot detect fog.
To avoid safety risks, you should always
switch on the lamps manually under these
conditions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the
headlamp control system adjusted on
your vehicle.<

At a glance
Controls
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Reference
125
undermining your ability to steer and brake
the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft (30 cm),
and then only at walking speed at the most.
Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the elec-
trical systems and the transmission may be
damaged.<
Brake system
Braking with ABS
The best way to achieve optimal response
from the ABS is to apply maximum pres-
sure to the brake pedal during emergencyÐ
panic stops. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can never-
theless avoid possible obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-
cate to the driver that ABS is in its active
mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
Disc brakes
Driving in wet conditions
While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to
ensure that full braking efficiency will then
be available when you need it.
Hills
You can retain full and unimpaired braking
efficiency by downshifting to a gear in
which only minimal brake applications are
needed when descending long or steep
downhill stretches.
You can further enhance the engine's bra-
king effect by selecting a lower gear in the
automatic transmission's manual mode,
downshifting as far as first gear on extre-
mely steep stretches, refer to page 68. This
strategy helps you avoid placing excessive
loads on the brake system.
Never allow the vehicle to coast with
the transmission in Neutral Ð or with
the engine switched off Ð there is no engine
braking when the transmission is in Neu-
tral, and no power-assist for brakes and
steering when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.<
Corrosion
When the vehicle is driven only occasio-
nally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased ten-
dency for corrosion to form on rotors, while
contaminants accumulate on the brake
pads. This occurs because the minimal
pressure which must be exerted by the
pads during brake applications to clean the
rotors is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors,
the brakes will tend to respond with a pul-
sating effect that even extended applica-
tion will fail to cure.
Brake pads
If the brake pad wear warning lamp
appears in the Check Control,
accompanied by a text: please take
careful note of the additional information in
the Control Display.

Things to remember when driving
126 Warning lamp for Canadian models.
The brake pads have reached their
minimum pad thickness. Have them
replaced at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For your own safety: use only brake
pads that BMW has released for your
particular vehicle model. Because BMW
cannot assess the suitability of other brake
pads for use on your vehicle, we are unable
to assume continued responsibility for the
vehicle's operating safety if non-approved
pads are installed.<
Cargo loading
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as
low as possible, placing it directly
behind the bulkhead behind the rear
seats
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat
is not occupied, secure each safety belt
in the opposite buckle.
Securing the load
>Use the luggage net* or securing straps
to hold down small and light-weight
luggage and cargo, refer to page 40
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available
at your BMW center. Anchorages for
attaching these heavy-duty straps have
been provided in your vehicle's luggage
compartment, refer to the illustration
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the anchorage fittings.
Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can even
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross
vehicle weight or either of the approved
axle loads, refer to page 210, as excessive
loads can pose a safety hazard, and may
also place you in violation of freeway safety
laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger com-
partment, as they could fly around and
even pose a safety hazard to the vehicle's
occupants during abrupt braking or evasive
maneuvers.<

Under the hood
192
Checking coolant level
Correct coolant level with the engine cold
Ð approx. +687 (206):
1.Turn the cap of the expansion tank
counterclockwise to allow any accumu-
lated pressure to escape, then continue
turning to open
2.The coolant level is correct when the
coolant extends to between the MIN
and MAX marks on the filler neck, refer
to the diagram adjacent to the filler
neck
3.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
up to the specified level Ð do not overfill.
Brake fluid
The symbol lights up and a mes-
sage appears in the Check Control
panel:
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level.
The brake fluid reservoir is located under
the microfilter housing trim panel on the
driver's side of the vehicle. To have brake
fluid added to the system, or to have the
source of any brake fluid loss traced and
rectified, please contact your BMW center,
which can also supply the factory-
approved Ð DOT 4 Ð brake fluids.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over
the course of time.
To ensure that the brake system continues
to provide safe and reliable performance,
remember to have the brake fluid changed
every two years at the latest, refer to
page 84 and to the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and also damages
vehicle paintwork. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the
brake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX
mark. Should it come into contact with hot
engine components, the brake fluid could
ignite and cause personal injury in the form
of burns.<
Always observe all applicable envi-
ronmental rules and regulations when
disposing of used brake fluid.<
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
Brake hydraulic systems
A low brake-fluid level combined with
longer-than-usual pedal travel could be a
sign that one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits has failed.
Proceed to the nearest BMW center.
Remember that pedal travel may be
increased, and there may also be a sub-
stantial increase in the amount of pedal
pressure required to brake the vehicle.
Please adapt your driving style accor-
dingly.<

Rules and regulations
194
Rules and regulations
California Proposition 65
Warning
California laws require us to state the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of compo-
nent wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing tho-
roughly with soap and water.<
OBD connector
The Onboard Diagnostic Ð OBD Ð interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related components and systems for deterioration
and malfunction.
An illuminated lamp informs you of
the need for service, not of the need
to stop the vehicle. However, the
systems should be checked by your BMW
center at the earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will
blink or flash. This indicates a rather severe
level of engine misfire. When this occurs,
you should reduce speed and consult the
nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Severe engine misfire over only a short
period of time can seriously damage emis-
sions control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator will
light up. If the filler cap is subsequently
tightened, the indicator should go out
within a few days.<

215
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Reference
Control Center 19
Ð assistance window 23
Ð automatic climate
control 109
Ð changing menu page 20
Ð changing settings 91
Ð confirm selection or
entry 20
Ð display, menus 22
Ð display help texts 23
Ð language selection 91
Ð lists 20
Ð menu entry selection 20
Ð rear 24
Ð selecting units of measure
and display format 91
Ð setting time and date 91
Ð status lines 24
Ð symbols 21
Ð symbols and lists 20
Control Center, setting
brightness 92
Control Display 19
Ð rear 24
Controller, refer to Control
Center 19
Controls 12, 16
Convenience operation of
windows and sliding/tilt
sunroof 36, 37
Convenience starting
feature 62
Coolant 190, 191
Cooler, refer to Rear
cooler 116
Cooling adjustment
Ð rear air conditioner 111
Copyright 2
Cornering Brake Control
CBC 96
Country of destination 133
Courtesy lamps 104
Creating voice address
book 141
Cruise control
Ð active cruise control 75
Cruise control, refer to
Programmable cruise
control 73Cruising range 87
Cup holders, refer to
Beverage holders 118
Curb lamp
Ð bulb replacement 196
Curb weight 210
Current fuel
consumption 88
"Customer Relations" 178
D
Dashboard 12, 16
Data 208
"Date" 91
Daytime driving lamps 102
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 96
Deactivating
Ð interior motion
sensor 36, 41
Ð tilt alarm sensor 36, 41
Default settings 147
Defrosting windows and
removing
condensation 107
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting windows
and removing
condensation 107
Defrost setting 107
"DELETE" for
navigation 136, 137
Destination 132
Destination during
navigation
Ð selecting with
"Information" 135
Ð select using voice 141
Destination entry 132
Destination list for
navigation system 136
"Destinations" 132
"Dest. input" 132
"Detour" 139
Dialed numbers 176
Digital coverage area for
navigation 130
Dimensions 209Dimming mirrors 52
Dipstick, engine oil 190
Direction
Ð arrow 138
Ð to destination 137
Ð voice instructions 140
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signal
indicators 71
Disc brakes 125
Displacement 208
Display
Ð computer 22
Ð Control Center 22
Display, refer to Control
Display 19
Display format and units of
measure in Control
Display, changing 91
Display illumination 103
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 103
Displays 14
Distance 88
Distance tempomat
Ð refer to Active cruise
control 75
Distance to destination 88
Distance warning 93
"Dolby..." for audio
operation 159
Door keys 34
Door mirrors
Ð automatic dimming 52
Doors
Ð child-safety lock 59
Ð locking and unlocking 35
Ð manual operation 37
Ð remote control 35
DOT Quality Grades 186
Draft-free ventilation 108
Drink holders, refer to
Beverage holders 118
Driving stability
control 94, 96
Driving tips 124
"DSC" 95
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 94

217
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Reference
Fuel tank capacity 182
"FULL MENU" 165, 166
"Full Release" 25
Fuses 201
G
Garage door opener, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control 114
Gasoline 183
General driving
instructions 124
Glasses compartment 118
Glove compartment 117
GPS, refer to Navigation
system 130
GPS navigation system
Ð selecting destination in
"Information" 135
Ground lamps 104
Guidance system
Ð interrupting 140
Ð starting 137
Ð terminating 140
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 62
Hand lamp 117
Hands-free
microphone 173
Hands-free system 173
Hazard warning flashers 16
Headlamp cleaning
system 73
Headlamp control,
automatic 102
Headlamp flasher 71
Headlamps
Ð automatic control 102
Ð cleaning 73
Ð high beams 103
Ð low beams 102
Headlamp washers 72
Head restraints 47
Ð front head restraints,
active 48
Ð rear head restraints 48
Heated seats 51Heated steering wheel 53
Heating and ventilation 105
Heating while stopped 108
Height 209
Height adjustment
Ð seats 46
Ð steering wheel 53
"Help" 19, 22
Help texts in Control
Display 23
High beams 103
Ð bulb replacement 196
Home address 141
Hood release 189
Horn 13
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 96
Hydroplaning 124, 186
I
Ice warning 82
idrive, refer to Control
Center 19
Ignition key 34
Ignition lock 61
"Indep. heater" 112
"Indep. ventil." 109, 112
Indicator lamps 15
"Individual" 110
Individual button
assignments on steering
wheel 53
Inflation pressure 184
Info Display 14
"Information" for
navigation 135, 136
Information on the
navigation system, refer
to Voice guidance for
navigation 139
Infrared windshield, refer to
Entry/pass tags 127
Instrument cluster, refer to
Info Display 14
Instrument illumination 103
Instrument panel 12, 16
Integrated universal remote
control 114
Interior lamps 103
Ð remote control 36Interior mirrors 52
Ð automatic dimming 52
Interior motion sensor 42
Interior protection
Ð deactivation 36, 42
Interior rearview mirror 52
Ð automatic dimming 52
Intermittent wipe 72
J
Jack 198
Joystick, refer to Control
Center 19
Jump-starting 202
K
Key Memory 60
Keys 34
Ð adapter for spare key 34
Kickdown 68
L
Lamps 102
Ð fog lamps 103
Ð high beams/standing
lamps 103
Ð interior lamps 103
Ð parking lamps/low
beams 102
Language control 18, 26
"Last" 176
"Last dest." 136
"Last exit" 139
Latch, refer to
LATCH child-restraint
system 59
LATCH child-restraint
system 59
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 104
"Left"
Ð for automatic climate
control 109
Ð for heated seats 51
Length 209
Level control system 101
License plate lamp,
bulb replacement 197