
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.<

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127
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*
Anchorage points
The anchorage points are located within
the door openings.
A special rack system is available as an
option for your BMW. Please comply with
the precautions included with the installa-
tion instructions.
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's
center of gravity when loaded, they have a
major effect on its handling and steering
response.
You should therefore always remember not
to exceed the approved roof weight, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle
loads when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights in the
Technical data section on page 210.
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
and that it does not extend outward to
beyond the limits of the loading surface.
Always load the heaviest pieces first Ð on
the bottom. Be sure that adequate clea-
rance is maintained for raising the sliding/
tilt sunroof, and that objects do not project
into the opening path of the luggage com-
partment lid.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or being
lost during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration
and braking maneuvers. Take corners
gently.
Entry/pass tags
Infrared windshield technology has been
used on your vehicle to minimize solar
heating of the vehicle interior. This tech-
nology also reduces the ability of electronic
devices to transmit and receive through the
windshield, which will impair their perfor-
mance and operating range.
If you want to place an electronic toll col-
lection device or entry/pass tags behind
the windshield, please use the area marked
in the illustration. This area is clearly visible
from inside the vehicle.

Wheels and tires
188 The correct combination of wheels
and tires is a vital factor in ensuring
reliable operation of various vehicle sys-
tems such as ABS and DSC.
It is therefore important to ensure that tires
from a single manufacturer with a single
tread configuration are always mounted on
all vehicle wheels; after a flat tire, always
remember to have the specified wheel and
tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.<
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as pos-
sible. Always protect tires against all con-
tact with oil, grease and fuels.
Special characteristics of
winter tires
Choosing the right tire
BMW recommends winter tires Ð M+S tires
for use in cold winter driving conditions.
Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than standard
summer tires with H, V, W and ZR speed
ratings, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance
as winter tires.
When mounting, always install winter tires
of a single tread configuration and from a
single manufacturer on all four wheels to
ensure safe tracking and secure steering
response.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents.
Have this work performed by skilled pro-
fessionals only. The technicians at your
BMW center will be glad to assist you with
the required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
Tire condition, tire pressure
Because winter tires display a noticeable
loss in their ability to cope with cold-wea-
ther driving conditions once the tread
wears to below 0.16 in (4 mm), to ensure
continued safety you should always have
such tires replaced.
Always maintain the specified inflation
pressures in all tires, and remember to
have the wheel and tire assemblies bal-
anced every time either a wheel or a tire is
replaced.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain snow chains, clas-
sifies them as road-safe and approves
them. Consult your BMW center for more
information. BMW recommends only using
these approved, narrow-link snow chains.
These snow chains are approved exclusi-
vely for use in pairs on the rear wheels, and
should only be mounted on tires with the
dimensions 245/50 R 18. Observe the
manufacturer's instructions when installing
snow chains. Do not exceed a vehicle
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) with the chains
mounted.

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189
Under the hood
Hood
Releasing
Pull the lever located under the left side of
the instrument panel.
Never attempt to perform any service
or repair operations on your vehicle
without the required, professional technical
training. When you are unfamiliar with the
service procedures and precautions,
always have any required work carried out
at your BMW center. Unprofessional
attempts at service and repair, and the
incorrect handling of parts and materials
that can occur during such attempts, con-
stitute a potential safety hazard, both for
the vehicle's occupants and for other road
users.<
Opening
Pull the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx.
16 in (40 cm) with momentum. It must be
clearly heard to engage.
Observe the same precautions that
apply to all closing operations by
ensuring that the hood's travel range is
clear and unobstructed before allowing the
hood to fall into position.
If you see any signs that the hood is not
completely closed while driving your
vehicle, you should stop at once and close
it securely.<

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199
Procedure
1.Read carefully and comply with the
safety precautions on page 198
2.Secure the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling:
Place the wheel chock against the rear
surface of the front tire on the side
opposite the side being raised. If the
vehicle is parked on a downward slope,
place the wheel chock securely in front
of the tire. If the wheel must be changed
on a surface with a more severe slope,
take additional precautions to secure
the vehicle from rolling
3.Loosen the lug bolts 1/2 a turn
4.Set up the jack beneath the jacking
point closest to the flat tire. Ensure that
the entire surface of the jack's base is in
firm contact with the ground and that
the jack itself is standing completely
vertical, not tilted, and that the fitting on
the top of the jack will align with the
rectangular recess on the vehicle when
you raise it, refer to illustration
5.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you
are changing is raised from the ground
6.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel
7.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt
from the mounting surfaces of the
wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts
8.Position the spare wheel. Secure the
wheel by turning at least two lug bolts
into opposite bolt holes
9.Screw in the remaining lug bolts.
Tighten all the bolts securely in a diag-
onal pattern 10.Lower the jack and remove it from
beneath the vehicle
11.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pat-
tern
12.Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems and valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
Vehicles with a Flat Tire Monitor or TPM
Tire Pressure Monitor:
After mounting a spare tire or correcting
the inflation pressure(s) always reinitialize
the system, refer to page 98 or 99.
The vehicle jack is designed for chan-
ging wheels only. Do not attempt to
raise another vehicle model with it or to
raise any load of any kind. To do so could
cause accidents and personal injury.
To ensure safety, always have the lug bolts
checked with a calibrated torque wrench to
ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
fied torque of 140 Nm as soon as pos-
sible.<
Reverse the removal sequence to store the
wheel and tools in the vehicle.
When you mount wheels other than Ori-
ginal BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
bolts may also be required.
Always have damaged tires replaced and
the wheel and tire assembly rebalanced at
the earliest possible opportunity.
Driving with the spare tire
On certain wheel-tire combinations,
the size of the spare tire deviates from
that of the rest of the tires. The spare tire is
fully capable of running in all load and
speed ranges. However, to recreate the
original conditions, the tire should be
replaced as soon as possible.<

213
At a glance
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Reference
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 107
Automatic transmission
with L mode 67
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 69
Ð operation via buttons in
steering wheel 69
"AUTO P" 54, 64
"AUTOSTOR" 161
"Autostore" for radio
operation 150
Average fuel
consumption 88
Average speed 88
Avoid false alarms 41
"Avoid highway" 137
"Avoid route" 139
"Avoid sect." 139
"Avoid tolls" 137
Avoid unintentional
alarms 41
"A-Z" 175
B
Backrest adjustment 47
Ð front seats 46
Ð rear seats 47
Backrests, refer to
Seats 45
Backup lamp, bulb
replacement 197
Balance 147
"Balance" in sound system
operation 148
Bass 147
"Bass" in sound system
operation 148
Battery 200
Ð discharged 202
Ð switch 201
"BC", refer to Computer 88
Belts 50
Beverage holders 118
Blinds 115
Blower 107
BMW active seat 52"BMW Assist" 19, 22, 178
Ð "Roadside
Assistance" 178
BMW Assist 178
BMW comfort seat 46
"BMW Services" 178
"Booktape" 158
Brake, malfunctions 192
Brake assistant, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC 96
Brake fluid 192
Brake hydraulic
systems 192
Brake lamp, adaptive 101
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement 197
Brake pads 125, 193
Brakes 125
Brake system
Ð brake fluid 192
Break-in procedures 124
"Brief info" information
bulletin 23
"Brightness" during
TV operation 161
"Brightness" in the Control
Center 92
Bulb changes 195
Buttons in steering
wheel 18
Ð refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 69
C
California Proposition
65 Warning 194
Call
Ð ending 175
Ð making 174
Calling 174
Ð from telephone
directory 175
Ð from the redialing list 176
Ð from the Top 8 list 176
Ð redialing 176Can holders, refer to
Beverage holders 118
Capacities 211
Car care, refer to Care
manual
"Car data" 19, 22
Cargo, securing 126
Cargo area
Ð emergency release 40
Ð manual operation 40
Ð opening and locking
separately 39
Ð opening from the
inside 39
Ð opening from the
outside 38
Ð operating via remote
control 36
Cargo loading 126
"Car parked" 109, 112
Car phone 171, 174
Car radio, refer to
Radio 146
Car wash 124
Car wash, refer to Care
manual
Cassette 158
Cassette deck 158
Ð adjusting the tone 147
Ð "Booktape" 158
Ð controls 146
Ð Dolby 158
Ð fast forward 159
Ð music search 159
Ð operating
temperatures 158
Ð reverse 159
Ð selecting tape side 158
Ð skipping pauses 159
Ð switching on 158
Ð volume 147
CBC Cornering Brake
Control 96
CBS Condition Based
Service 193
"CD" 146, 153

221
At a glance
Controls
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Mobility
Reference
Route
Ð display 138
Ð list 139
Ð map cancellation 138
Ð map display 138
Ð selection 137
"Route guid." 137, 140
Route map 138
"Route selec." 137
Route selection 137
"RPA" 98
Run-flat tires 186, 200
S
S 154
Safety belts 50
Safety belt tensioners 50
Safety lock buttons 38
Safety precautions to
observe when using your
phone 170
Safety switch for rear
windows 43
"Save dest." 135
"SCAN"
Ð CD changer 157
Ð CD player 154
Ð radio 150
Scan
Ð CD changer 157
Ð CD player 154
Ð radio 150
Scan sampling
Ð CD changer 157
Ð CD player 154
Ð radio 150
Screen
Ð rear 24
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory 54
Seat heating 51
Seat memory 54
Seats
Ð adjusting 45
Ð sitting safely 45
"Seat temp." 51, 109
Seat ventilation, refer to
Active seat ventilation 51
SECAM during
TV operation 161Securing cargo, refer to
Cargo loading 126
Securing the load, ski
bag 121
Selecting new route with
navigation system 139
Selecting new scale for
navigation system
display 138
Selecting stored radio
stations 151
Selection options for
navigation 131
Selector lever, automatic
transmission 67
Self-defrosting mirrors 52
Self-leveling
suspension 101
"Service" 83, 193
Ð "Emissions inspection" 84
Ð "Spark plugs" 83
Ð Vehicle inspection 84
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models 193
Service brakes 125
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models 193
Service Interval
Display 83, 193
Service Requirement
Display, refer to Service
Interval Display 83, 193
"SET", refer to Setting
speed limit 89
Set time 113
"Set time 1" 113
"Set time 2" 113
"Settings" 19, 22, 25
Setting the brightness 92
Setting the speed limit 89
Setting time and date 91
Setting timer 113
Shifting, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 69
Shiftlock 67
Short commands for voice
command system 29
Shortest distance 137
"Shortest route" 137Shoulder support 46
"Side" in sound system
operation 158
Side window blind, refer to
Sun blinds 115
Sitting safely 45
Ski bag 120
Sliding/tilt sunroof 43
Ð closing in the event of an
electrical defect 44
Ð convenience mode 37
Ð convenience operation 36
Snow chains 188, 188
Soft Close Automatic
Ð doors 38
Ð luggage compartment
lid 39
SOS call
Ð using SOS button 173
Sound system
Ð "MANUAL" selection
mode 151
Sound system adjustments
Ð "Balance" 148
Ð balance left/right 147
Ð "Bass" 148
Ð equalizer 147
Ð "Fader" 148
Ð fader front/rear 147
Ð "LOGIC7" 148
Ð LOGIC7 147
Ð midrange setting 148
Ð "RESET" 148
Ð speed-sensitive
volume 147
Ð "Speed Vol." 148
Ð "Treble" 148
Spare fuses 201
Spare key 34
Ð adapter 34
Spare tire 198
"Spark plugs" 83, 193
Specifications for engine
oil 191
Speed limit
Ð "Limit" 89
Speed limit selection,
revision 89
Speedometer 14
"Speed Vol." in audio
mode 148