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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.
Things to remember when driving
124
Things to remember when driving
Break-in procedures
To ensure that your vehicle continues to
furnish optimal economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we
request that you devote careful attention to
the following section.
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
During this initial period you should attempt
to avoid constant, steady-state operation
and vary both vehicle and engine speeds
as often as possible. Until the break-in
period has been completed you should
also refrain from exceeding the following:
>4,500 rpm or 105 mph (170 km/h)
Always obey all official speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode during
these initial miles.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), the engine and vehicle speeds
can be gradually increased.
You should also comply with these break-in
procedures should the engine or differen-
tial need to be replaced at a later point.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve their
full traction potential until after an initial
break-in period. Therefore, drive reservedly
during the first 200 miles (300 km).
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles (500 km) to achieve
optimal contact and wear patterns
between brake pads and rotors.
General driving notes
High temperatures
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not remove
the heat shields installed adjacent to
various sections of the exhaust system,
and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while
parking take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any
highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead
to a fire, and with it the risk of serious pro-
perty damage as well as personal injury.<
Parking the vehicle
Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water under the vehicle are thus normal.
Before driving into the car wash
1.Fold in the door mirrors, refer to
page 52, as otherwise they could be
damaged due to the width of the vehicle
2.Leave the remote control in the ignition
lock, as otherwise the P position of the
automatic transmission will automati-
cally be selected when the remote con-
trol is removed. Also refer to page 68
3.Release the parking brake, especially
when you have activated Automatic
Hold. Refer to pages 63 and 64.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface. This phenomenon is referred
to as hydroplaning, and is characterized by
a partial or complete loss of contact bet-
ween tires and road surface, ultimately
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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
190
Engine compartment
1Engine oil dipstick, see below,
Checking oil level
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath
the microfilter cover192
3Reservoir for windshield and headlamp
washer system73
4Engine oil filler neck191
5Coolant expansion tank192
6Auxiliary terminal for jump starting203
Engine oil
Checking oil level
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface
2.Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-
free cloth, paper towel, or similar mate-
rial
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out again
5.The oil should extend to between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As is the case with fuel economy, the rate
at which the engine uses oil is strongly
influenced by driving style and operating
conditions.
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.<
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Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
System
The BMW Maintenance System is desi-
gned to ensure that your vehicle will con-
tinue to furnish consistent reliability com-
bined with optimal safety. The service
schedule also includes operations related
to the vehicle's comfort and convenience
features, such as replacement of the filters
for the inside air. The ultimate object is to
furnish economical maintenance by provi-
ding the ideal service for your individual
vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to
sell your BMW, you will find that a complete
dealer service history is an asset of inesti-
mable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
CBS is a more advanced version of the Ser-
vice Interval Display. Sensors combine with
highly-specialized algorithms to supply
service information that reflects your
vehicle's actual operating conditions more
precisely than ever before.
The system now furnishes individual dis-
plays of the times remaining until the dead-
lines for specific service operations as well
as official state inspections:
>Engine oil
>Brakes Ð separate for front and rear
>Particle/activated-charcoal filter
>Brake fluid >Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Coolant
>Official state inspections.
CBS monitors both current and upcoming
service requirements. After accessing the
data stored in the vehicle's key, your BMW
service advisor is able to suggest precisely
the right array of service procedures for
your own individual vehicle.
By letting you define a service and mainte-
nance regimen that reflects your own indi-
vidual requirements, Condition Based Ser-
vice builds the basis for trouble-free
driving.
You can find more detailed information on
the Service Interval Display on page 83.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models for additional information on ser-
vice requirements.
Have service and repair operations
performed at your BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service
procedures are confirmed by entries in
your vehicle's Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These
entries verify that your vehicle has received
the specified regular maintenance, and
may also be required when submitting war-
ranty claims.<
Care
You can find everything you need to know
on this topic by consulting the separate
Care manual.
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4.Extract the bulb for replacement.
Side marker lamps, front and rear
Please contact your BMW center for
replacement.
Tail lamps
1Tail lamp
2Brake lamp
3Backup lamp
4Turn signal indicator, yellow
5Reflector
Tail lamps and brake lamps
These lamps use LED technology for oper-
ation. Please contact a BMW center in case
of a malfunction.
Fender-mounted lamps
The illustration shows the recess on the left
side of the luggage compartment.
Rear turn signal indicator
Bulb 21 watts Ð P 21 W
1.Use the handle at the top to swivel
down the side trim panel
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and
replacement.
Lamps in luggage compartment lid
Remove the trim panel from the luggage
compartment lid.
1Backup lamp
2License plate lamp
Backup lamps and license plate
lamps
Backup lamp: bulb 16 watts Ð W 16 W
License plate lamp: bulb 5 watts Ð W 5 W
1.Pull the bulb holder out
2.Extract the bulb for replacement.
Changing a tire
Safety precautions to observe in the
event of a flat and during all tire
changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat surface.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Engage the parking brake and move the
transmission's selector lever to P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the
vehicle and ensure that they remain outside
the immediate area in a safe place, such as