
 
Contents
 
Operation, maintenance
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures120
General driving notes121
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)121
Brake system122
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure124
Tire condition124
Tire replacement125
Wheel and tire 
combinations127
Winter tires127
 
In the engine compartment:
 
Hood129
Engine compartment 
essentials130
Washer fluids132
Engine oil132
Coolant134
Brake fluid134
 
Maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System136
 
Laws and regulations:
 
California Proposition 65 
warning138
OBD interface socket138
 Owner service procedures 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit142
Windshield wiper blades142
Lamps and bulbs143
Changing a wheel147
Run Flat tires*150
Battery151
Fuses151
 
Giving and receiving 
assistance: Receiving assistance152
Jump-starting153
Towing the vehicle154 
Technical data
 
Engine data160
Dimensions161
Weights162
Capacities163 

127
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
BMW recommends using only 
wheels and tires that have been 
approved by BMW for use on your par-
ticular model. Although other wheels 
and tires may theoretically have the 
same dimensions, variations in factors 
such as manufacturing tolerances can 
result in contact between tire and body-
work, ultimately leading to serious acci-
dents. BMW cannot evaluate all tires 
and wheels on the market, and is thus 
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will 
continue to perform safely if unap-
proved tires and/or wheels are 
mounted.<
For each tire size, BMW has assessed 
the safe performance of specific tire 
brands and approved them for use. 
Consult any BMW center for details. 
Comply with any local/national regula-
tions, for example by recording the tire 
type in the vehicle documents.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects various systems 
that would otherwise be impaired, for 
example ABS, DSC and ADB-X/DBC.
For this reason, use only tires of the 
same manufacture and tread configura-
tion. In the event of a flat tire, for exam-
ple, remount the approved wheel and 
tire combination as soon as possible.<
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place. 
Store them away from light whenever 
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel.
Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressures specified on the tire 
sidewall.
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends the use of winter 
tires for operation under winter road 
conditions. While all-season tires – with 
M+S designation – provide better winter 
traction than the corresponding sum-
mer tires, they generally do not achieve 
the performance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and 
steering response, install winter tires 
made by the same manufacturer and 
having the same tread configuration on 
all four wheels.
Never exceed the maximum 
speed for which the winter tires 
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents.
Have this work performed by trained 
professionals only. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.
tires. These are indicated by a circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

128
the tire sidewall, refer to Changing a 
wheel. In this case, use only Run Flat 
winter tires, since no spare tire is pro-
vided in the event of a flat tire.Tire condition, tire pressureAt tread depths below approx. 3/16  in / 
4 mm, winter tires display a perceptible 
decrease in their ability to cope with 
winter driving conditions, and should be 
replaced in the interest of safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation 
pressures — and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assembly balanced 
every time you change a tire or wheel.Snow chains*Only certain snow chains have been 
tested by BMW and determined and 
approved as roadworthy. Consult any 
BMW center for details. BMW recom-
mends using only these approved fine-
link snow chains. Use them in pairs on 
either summer or winter tires, but only 
on both rear wheels.325xi, 330xi: only in an emergency – for 
instance, with the vehicle stuck on one 
side, or when obstructions make it 
impossible to reach one tire – a chain 
may also be mounted on just one tire 
for the limited period needed to resolve 
the problem.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety 
precautions when mounting the chains. 
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph / 
50 km/h when using snow chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the 
following tires:
225/50 R 16
225/45 R 17
225/40 R 18
245/40 R 17
255/35 R 18
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Moni-
tor after mounting snow chains to 
the tires.
When driving with snow chains, it may 
be useful to turn off the DSC for a short 
time, refer to page 88 or 89.

150
Do not attempt to install the full 
wheel cover on the space-saver 
spare tire, since this could damage the 
cover.<
The vehicle jack is designed for 
changing wheels only. Do not 
attempt to raise another vehicle model 
with it or to raise any other type of load. 
To do so could cause accidents and 
personal injury.
To ensure continued safety, have the 
tightness of the torque bolts checked 
with a calibrated lug wrench – torque 
specification: 88.5 lb ft/120 Nm – at the 
earliest opportunity.<
When storing a wheel in the spare tire 
recess, take care to avoid bending the 
threaded rod.
If light-alloy wheels other than original 
BMW light-alloy wheels have been 
mounted, it may be necessary to use 
different lug bolts for those wheels.
Replace the defective tire as soon as 
possible and have the new wheel/tire 
balanced.
Driving with the space-saver 
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h.
Be aware that vehicle handling may be 
altered. Anticipate, e.g., reduced track-
ing during braking, longer braking dis-
tances, and changed steering charac-
teristics when approaching limit 
conditions. These handling characteris-
tics will be even more pronounced if 
winter tires are mounted.
Only one space-saver spare tire 
may be mounted at one time. 
Mount a wheel and tire of the original 
size at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.
tions, the size of the spare tire will 
differ from that of the remaining tires. 
The spare tire is fully functional at all 
loads and speeds. However, the spare 
tire should be replaced at the earliest 
possible opportunity in order to achieve 
the original operating conditions.<
Run Flat tires*Run Flat tires are labeled on the side-
wall with a circular symbol containing 
the letters RSC. Run Flat tires consist of 
self-supporting tires and special rims. 
The tire reinforcement ensures that 
driving remains possible to a restricted 
degree in the event of pressure drop or 
even if the tire is deflated.
When mounting or replacing sum-
mer tires with winter tires, or vice 
versa, use Run Flat tires since no spare 
wheel is available in the event of a flat. 
In this event, BMW recommends con-
sulting your BMW center. Your BMW 
center has the information needed for 
working with Run Flat tires and is 
equipped with the necessary special 
tools.<
Changing a wheel 

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake 
System 121
indicator lamp 18
Acceleration assistant 72
Accessories, refer to For 
your own safety 5
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 152
Activated-charcoal filter 106
ADB-X Automatic Differen-
tial Brake, all-wheel 89
Adding brake fluid 134
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning 98
Air conditioning mode 100
automatic climate 
control 104
Air distribution
air conditioning 100
automatic climate 
control 104
Air distribution, 
individual 104
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 98, 102
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure 25, 124
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode 
100, 105Air supply
air conditioning 100
automatic climate 
control 104
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 100, 104
Airbags 57
indicator lamp 18, 59
sitting safely 47
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 98, 102
Alarm system 41
avoiding unintentional 
alarms 42
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires 127
Antifreeze 134
coolant 134
washer fluid 132
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 121
indicator lamp 18
Anti-theft system 32
Anti-theft warning system, 
refer to Alarm system 41
Approved axle loads, refer 
to Weights 162
Approved gross weight, 
refer to Weights 162
Armrest
front 108
rear 109Artificial leather, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Ashtray
front 110
rear 111
Assistant systems, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) 87
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 105
AUTO program, refer 
to Automatic air distribu-
tion 104
Automatic
air distribution 104
air supply 104
cruise control 78
headlamp control 94
Automatic car wash, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Automatic climate 
control 102
Automatic curb monitor 54
Automatic Differential Brake, 
all-wheel ADB-X 89
Automatic dimming, interior 
rearview mirror 56
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC) 105Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic 73
indicator lamp 19, 75
interlock 65
selector lever lock 73
shiftlock 73
Automatic windshield 
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 77
Average fuel 
consumption 85
Average speed 85
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms 42
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights 162
B
Backrest, adjusting 49
Backrest, refer to Seat 
adjustment 48, 50
Backup lamps 68
bulb replacement 145
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit 23
Battery 151
charge 151
disposal 151
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 153
remote control 32, 33
Battery charge current 18 

Everything from A to ZLuggage compartment lid 38
emergency operation 38
emergency release 40
indicator lamp 82
opening from inside the 
vehicle 38, 39
opening from outside 38
remote control 34
securing separately 38
unlocking manually 38
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 117
Lumbar support 50
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires 127
Maintenance 82, 136
Maintenance system 136
Making telephone calls, 
refer to the telephone 
Owner's Manual
Malfunction
door lock 36
fuel filler door 24
Malfunction displays 82Manual operation
door lock 36
driver's door 36
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 46
luggage compartment
lid 38
Manual transmission 68
Master keys
with remote control 32
MC operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for 
Radio/Onboard Computer
MD operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for 
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mechanical seats 48
Memory, refer to Seat and 
mirror memory 53
Memory, refer to Vehicle 
Memory, Key Memory 64
Microfilter
air conditioning 101
automatic climate
control 106
Microphone, refer to Cellular 
phone 110
Mini disc operation, refer to 
the Owner's Manual for 
Radio/Onboard ComputerMirrors 55
automatic curb monitor 54
heated 55
memory, refer to Seat and 
mirror memory 53
Mobile Service 152
Modifications, technical, 
refer to For your own 
safety 5
Multifunction steering
wheel 22
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 76
washer/wiper system 77
N
Navigation system, refer to 
the Owner's Manual for 
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to 
Head restraints 51
Nets 108
Nozzles, refer to Ventilation 
98, 102
O
OBD interface socket 138
Odometer 80Oil
additives, refer to Adding 
engine oil 133
capacity 163
dipstick 132
quality 133
viscosity 133
Oil change interval, refer
to Service interval 
display 136
Oil change intervals, refer to 
the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models/Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
Oil consumption 132
Oil dipstick 132
Oil filter change 163
Oil level
checking 132
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 82
Oil types 133
Old batteries, refer to Dis-
posal 151
Onboard computer 84
Onboard computer, refer to 
the Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer 

Everything from A to Z
175
Storing seat positions, 
refer to Seat and mirror 
memory 53
Storing tires 127
Stroke, refer to Engine 
data 160
Sun blind, refer to Roller sun 
blind 106
Surface ice, refer to Ice 
warning 84
Switches, refer to 
Cockpit 14
Switching off
engine 67
vehicle 67
Symbols 4
Synthetic oils 133
T
Tachometer 80
Tail lamps
bulb replacement 145
Tail lamps, refer to Rear 
lamps 145
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel 
tank capacity 163
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel 
gauge 81
Technical data 160
Technical modifications 5Technical modifications, 
refer to For your own 
safety 5
Telephone hookup 110
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Television, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
Temperature
air conditioning 100
automatic climate 
control 104
Temperature adjustment 
100, 104
Temperature display
engine coolant 81
ice warning 84
outside temperature 84
setting units 84
Temperature layering
101, 105
Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control 78
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 49
Third brake lamp, refer to 
Center high-mount brake 
lamp 146
Three-point safety belt 51
Through-loading system 112Tilt alarm
deactivate 42
Tilt alarm sensor 34
remote control 34
Tilting passenger-side exte-
rior mirror 54
Time 83
Tire pressure monitoring, 
refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor 92
Tire replacement 125, 147
Tires
age 126
breaking in 120
changing 147
condition 128
damage 124
flat 147
inflation pressure 25, 124
replacing 125
size, refer to Wheel and 
tire combinations 127
storing 127
tread 124
treadwear indicator, 
refer to Tire tread – tire 
damage 124
winter tires 127
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit 142Torque
engine 160
lug bolts 148
Tow sockets for towing eye-
let 155
Towing eyelet 155
Towing the vehicle 154
Track width, refer to Dimen-
sions 161
Transmission
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 73
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 69
Transmission lock, refer to P 
Park 73
Transmission malfunction
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 75
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 71
Transport securing devices, 
refer to Securing cargo 
116
Transporting children 
safely 60
Trap protection
electric power windows 43
Tread depth, refer to Tire 
tread 124
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

Everything from A to ZTreadwear indicator in the 
tires, refer to Tire tread – 
tire damage 124
Treadwear, tires 124
Trigger alarm – Panic 
mode 34
Trip distance recorder, refer 
to Trip odometer 80
Trip meter, refer to Trip 
odometer 80
Trip odometer 80
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage 
compartment lid 38
Trunk lighting, refer to Lug-
gage compartment light-
ing 38
Turn signal indicator 76
bulb replacement 144
indicator lamp 20
Turn signal indicator, side
bulb replacement 145
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions 161
TV function, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
U
Underbody protection, refer 
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochureUniform Tire Quality 
Grading 126
Units
average fuel 
consumption 85
temperature 84
Unlocking
from inside 37
from outside 33, 36
V
Valve
screw caps 148
Vehicle
battery 151
break-in procedures 120
care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
dimensions 161
loading 114
starting 65
switching off 67
washing, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure 77
weight 162
Vehicle Memory 64
Vehicle storage
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Vehicle weight 162Ventilation 98, 102
draft-free 101, 105
Viscosity 133
Voice Input System 22
Voice recognition, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Volume
luggage compartment 162
W
Warning and indicator 
lamps 18
Warning lamp 'Please fas-
ten safety belts' 18
Warning messages 82
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet 136
Warranty, refer also to sepa-
rate booklet 7
Washer fluid
adding 132, 163
Washer fluid reservoir 132
volume 132
Washer jets, refer to Wind-
shield washer jets 78
Washer/wiper system 77, 78
washer fluid 132
Waste tray, refer to 
Ashtray 110
Water on roadways, deep 
water 121
Weights 162Wheel and tire 
combinations 127
Wheelbase, refer to Dimen-
sions 161
Wheels and tires 127
Wheelslip control DSC 87
Width, refer to 
Dimensions 161
Window condensation
removing 101, 104
Windows
convenience operation
34, 36
power 43
remote control 33, 34
Windshield washer 
nozzles 78
Windshield washer reservoir
volume, see 
Capacities 163
Windshield washer reser-
voir, filling 163
Windshield wiper blades
replacing 142
Windshield wipers, refer to 
Washer/wiper system 77
Winter tires 127
condition 128
storing 127
Work in the engine compart-
ment 129