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Reference
188Special characteristics of winter tires
188Snow chains
*
Under the hood
189Hood
190Engine compartment
190Engine oil
191Coolant
192Brake fluid
192Brake hydraulic systems
Maintenance
193The BMW Maintenance System
193Care
Rules and regulations
194California Proposition 65 Warning
194OBD connector
Replacing components
195Onboard tool kit
195Windshield wiper blades
195Lamps and bulbs
197Changing a tire
200Battery
201Fuses
Giving and receiving assistance
202Warning triangle
*
202First-aid kit
*
202Jump-starting
203Towing
Technical data
208Engine specifications
209Dimensions
210Weights
211Capacities
Everything from A to Z
212Contents
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Reference
65
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deacti-
vated when
>the engine is switched off
>the system detects that the driver's seat
is not occupied while the engine is run-
ning
>the hood is opened while the engine is
running
>the luggage compartment is opened
with the transmission in reverse while
the engine is running, and
>when the parking brake is used to bring
the vehicle to a stop.
The indicator lamp changes from
green to red, and the AUTO P letters in the
Info Display disappear.
Before starting off again, briefly press the
button to disengage the parking brake
manually, refer to page 63, or reactivate
Automatic Hold, refer to page 64.
Before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, always move the
automatic transmission's selector lever to
position P and ensure that the parking
brake is engaged. The vehicle could start to
roll if you fail to observe these precautions.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Automatic Hold is automatically
deactivated whenever the system
detects any tendency for the wheels to spin
in response to slippery road surfaces. Note
the status reports in the Check Control.
You can find more detailed information on
Check Control on page 85.<
Malfunctions
If a malfunction occurs, the indicator
lamp lights up yellow in the Info Dis-
play and a status report will appear in the
Check Control. Please note any supple-
mentary information that appears in the
Control Display.
Releasing the parking brake
manually
You can respond to any interruptions in the
supply of electrical power, for instance, if
the battery is discharged or disconnected,
by releasing the parking brake manually.
Before proceeding to release the
parking brake manually, and each
time you park the vehicle without engaging
the parking brake, always ensure that the
automatic transmission's selector lever is
in position P, refer to page 67. Note the
range indicated in the Info Display.
If it is not possible to avoid parking on an
extremely steep slope, use some supple-
mentary means, such as a wheel chock, to
make certain that the vehicle will not roll,
refer to page 198. Otherwise the danger
exists that the vehicle could roll when
parked on a very steep hill.<
Should it also be necessary to release the
automatic transmission's lockout manually,
for instance, if the battery is discharged,
always adhere to the following sequence:
1.If necessary, start by manually releasing
the parking brake
2.Then release the automatic transmis-
sion's lockout manually, refer to
page 70.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages 202 and 203.
What you will need
1Screwdriver handle
2Emergency-release tool
310 mm open-end wrench
You will find the required tools in the
onboard tool kit mounted on the inside of
Driving
70 To obtain maximum acceleration, for
passing maneuvers, etc., during
operation in the manual mode, use the
kickdown or downshift manually.<
Malfunctions
A status report will appear in the Check
Control to alert you to any malfunctions in
the transmission-control system. Please
note any supplementary information that
appears in the Control Display. The direc-
tional arrows also start to flash in the Info
Display.
While it will remain still possible to move
the selector lever to any desired position,
the transmission will revert to operation in
its default mode with only a limited number
of forward gears.
Some types of malfunction will make it
impossible to engage all gears.
The engine may respond with reduced
output when accelerating from a standing
start.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads
and consult the nearest BMW center.
If no status messages appear in the
Info Display you should accelerate
carefully to confirm that you are driving in
the desired direction.
Never work in the engine compartment
with any of the forward or reverse gears
engaged, as the vehicle could start to
move. Engage the parking brake, refer to
page 62.<
Releasing transmission lockout
manually
You can respond to any interruptions in the
supply of electrical power, for instance, if
the battery is discharged or disconnected,
by releasing the transmission lockout man-
ually.
To prevent the drive wheels from
locking up and sliding, the transmis-
sion lockout must always be released man-
ually before the vehicle is towed.< Press the brake pedal before
releasing the transmission lockout
manually. If the brakes are not applied, the
vehicle could start to roll if parked on a
steep slope.
The transmission lockout should only be
released for towing. Remember to engage
the transmission lockout when you repark
the vehicle after moving it.
Should it also be necessary to release the
parking brake manually, owing to a dis-
charged battery, etc., always adhere to the
following sequence:
1.Start by manually releasing the parking
brake, refer to page 65
2.Then proceed to manually release the
transmission lockout.<
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages 202 and 203.
Releasing
1.Use the vehicle key to release the cover
panel beneath the instrument panel by
turning the lock counterclockwise, then
fold down the cover
2.Use the strap 1 to pull out the release
lever, continuing until it snaps into
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Reference
71
place Ð the transmission lockout is
released.
Re-engage the transmission lockout
after parking the vehicle at its destina-
tion. Otherwise there is a danger that the
vehicle could start to roll if parked on a
steep slope.<
Engaging again
1.Disengage the release lever by pressing
it together with the red detent lever,
arrow 1
2.Guide the release lever all the way back
into its original position Ð the transmis-
sion lockout is again engaged
3.Fold up and lock the cover panel. Now Ð
and not before Ð the key may be
removed.
Once the transmission lockout has
been re-engaged, the warning in the
Check Control should disappear, and the
symbol in the Info Display should change
from N to P. Should this fail to happen,
there is a danger that the vehicle could
start to roll.<
Information on jump-starting, tow-starting
and towing begins on page 202.
Turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher
1High beams Ð blue indicator lamp
2Headlamp flasher Ð blue indicator lamp
3Turn signal indicators Ð the green indi-
cator lamp flashes, accompanied by a
periodic ticking from the turn signal
indicator relay
Using turn signal indicators
Move the lever beyond the detent position.
It then returns to the center position when
released. Press the lever as far as the
detent to switch off the turn signal indica-
tors.
Signaling briefly
Press the lever up to but not beyond the
detent. It then returns to the center position
when released.
If the flashing of the indicator lamp and the
ticking from the relay are both faster than
normal, this indicates that one of the bulbs
is defective; if a trailer is attached, this
could also indicate that one of its turn
signal indicator bulbs is defective.
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121
Securing the load
Secure the bag's contents by tight-
ening down the strap at the buckle.<
Stowing the ski bag
1.To close the hatch in the luggage
compartment:
Press the handle and slide to the left
2.Fold up the ski bag and place it in the
compartment
3.Engage the cover as shown
4.Close the cover.
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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203
positive terminal of the support battery.
To do so:
Connect one terminal clamp to the pos-
itive terminal of the battery or to an aux-
iliary terminal for jump starting on the
support vehicle. Connect the second
terminal clamp on the positive terminal
of the battery or an auxiliary terminal for
jump starting of the vehicle to be
started.
On your BMW, there is a special nut as
body ground on the suspension strut
dome, see arrow 2 in the illustration
3.Use the second jumper cable to set up
the connection between the negative
terminals of both vehicles.
To do so:
Connect a terminal clamp to the nega-
tive terminal of the battery and/or to an
engine or body ground of the support
vehicle.Connect the second terminal
clamp to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground
of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine on the support vehicle
and allow it to run for several minutes at
a fast idle
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in
the usual way.
If the first start attempt is not suc-
cessful, wait a few minutes before ano-
ther attempt in order to allow the
discharged battery to recharge
3.Allow the engines to run for several
minutes
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by
reversing the connection sequence.
If required, have the battery inspected and
recharged at your BMW center.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Towing
Even if the transmission is in perfect
working order, remember to disen-gage the transmission lockout manually
before towing the vehicle. Failure to
observe this precaution could result in
automatic activation of the transmission
lockout while the vehicle is being towed.<
Releasing transmission lockout manually,
refer to page 70.
Tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool
kit mounted on the inside of the luggage
compartment lid, refer to page 195, and
should always remain in the vehicle. This
fitting, which fits the tow sockets on both
the front and the rear of the vehicle, is
intended exclusively for use in towing the
vehicle on paved roads.
Access to tow sockets
Press the arrow symbol to push out the
cover.
Front
Rear
Screw the tow fitting in until it bot-
toms firmly. If this is not done, the
threads could be damaged.
Never attempt to tow or tie down the
vehicle using suspension components, as
Giving and receiving assistance
204 this could lead to damage that might ulti-
mately result in an accident.<
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use either a tow bar or a
nylon rope.
Keep the vehicles in line, taking care
to avoid towing at an offset angle, and
make certain that the tow rope connecting
the two vehicles is tight before starting
off.<
Tow bars
The tow fittings used should be on the
same side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid moun-
ting the tow bar at an offset angle, please
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability
will be strictly limited in corners
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar
will exert lateral forces, tending to push
the vehicle sideways.
Never use a vehicle to tow another
vehicle that is heavier than itself, as
this could lead to a loss of control.<
Towing
Do not tow the vehicle by the rear
axle; because the steering detent is
not operational, the wheels could turn to an
extreme angle during towing.<
1.Turn on the ignition to allow operation
of the brake lamps, turn signal indica-
tors, horn, parking brake and winds-
hield wipers
2.Turn on the hazard warning flashers
where allowed by law
3.Release the transmission lockout man-
ually, refer to page 70
4.Towing speed:
maximum of 45 mph (70 km/h)
5.Towing distance:
maximum of 90 miles (150 km).
If the electrical system in the towed vehicle
has failed, use an alternate means to iden-
tify the vehicle as being towed such as a sign or warning triangle placed in the rear
window.
The steering and brakes are without
power assistance when the engine is
off. This means that higher levels of effort
will be required to operate the steering and
brakes.<
Tow-starting
It is not possible to start the engine by tow-
starting the vehicle.
Jump-starting, refer to page 203.
Have the source of the starting difficulties
diagnosed and repaired at your BMW
center.
Towing with a commercial tow truck
>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel lift or flatbed carrier
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in a
towed vehicle for any reason.<