
Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster 
1Indicator lamps for turn signals13
2Speedometer with display of speed for 
cruise control63
3Fixed indicator and warning lamps13
4Tachometer64
 and engine oil thermometer65
5Display for
>Variable indicator and warning 
lamps66
>Speed for cruise control63
>Time/date64
>Outside temperature646Display for
>Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
>SMG Sequential manual 
transmission57
>Dynamic Driving Control59
>Computer69
>Date and remaining distance for 
service requirement65
>Odometer and trip odometer64
>Check Control message present66
7Fuel gauge65
8Resetting the trip odometer to zero64 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
78 The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the 
responsibility of the driver. Therefore, do 
not reduce the additional safety margin 
again by taking risks.<
DBC Dynamic Brake Control 
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this 
system automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus helps to 
achieve the shortest braking distance dur-
ing panic stops. This system exploits all of 
the benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake 
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. When the brake pedal is released, 
DBC is deactivated.
Malfunctions of driving stability 
control systems 
The brake system warning lamp 
lights up in red, appearing together 
with the indicator lamps for ABS 
and DSC. A message appears on 
the Control Display. Driving stability 
control and ABS have failed. Con-
ventional braking efficiency remains 
available without limitations.
While you may continue, you should 
remember to proceed cautiously and drive 
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
The DSC warning lamp lights up. 
DSC and DTC have failed. 
The stability maintenance functions 
are no longer available. The vehicle will 
remain completely operational, however, 
without DSC.Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
The warning lamp for the brake sys-
tem lights up yellow and a message 
appears on the Control Display. 
DBC has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
Active roll stabilization* 
The concept 
Active roll stabilization minimizes body roll 
and optimizes vehicle stability during cor-
nering and evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear 
axles form the basis for active roll stabiliza-
tion. Suspension compliance adapts to suit 
driving conditions, varying from perfor-
mance-oriented during cornering to 
smooth and comfort-oriented when the 
vehicle is proceeding in a straight line. Dur-
ing vehicle operation, the system continu-
ously runs through closed-loop control 
cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status 
each time you start the engine.
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up and a 
message appears on the Control 
Display. There is a malfunction in 
the system. Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
If there is a malfunction in the system, 
please remember to adapt your 
speed accordingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer 
and the vehicle will display a greater ten-
dency to tilt during cornering and in cross-
winds.
If a message stating that you should stop 
appears on the Control Display, stop and 
switch off the engine as soon as possible. 
In this case the oil level in the reservoir may  

Mobility
 171Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Engine compartment 
1Filler neck for engine oil, refer to 
Topping up engine oil
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath 
the microfilter cover, refer to page 173
3Dipstick for engine oil, refer to 
Checking oil level
4Starting-aid terminal, refer to page 184 
5Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp 
and windshield cleaning systems, refer 
to page 62
6Expansion tank for coolant, refer to 
page 172
Engine oil 
Checking oil level 
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface with 
the engine at operating temperature
2.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the 
dipstick 3 out and wipe it off with a 
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or 
similar material3.Carefully push the dipstick all the way 
into the guide tube and pull it out again
4.The oil should extend to between the 
two marks on the dipstick.
The engine oil consumption is dependent 
on driving style and driving conditions.
The oil quantity between the centers of the 
two marks on the dipstick, refer to arrows, 
is approx. 1.6 US quarts/1.5 liters. Do not 
fill beyond the upper mark on the dipstick. 
Excess oil can damage the engine. 

Under the hood
172
Topping up engine oil 
Wait until the level has dropped to just on 
the lower dipstick mark before adding oil. 
In this area a message also appears on the 
Control Display.
Store oil, grease etc., well out of the 
reach of children; always observe all 
warning labels on the containers.<
Specified engine oils 
The quality of the engine oil selected has 
critical significance for the operation and 
service life of an engine. BMW continu-
ously approves specific oils after confirm-
ing their suitability for use in its vehicles 
with extensive testing.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil, you can add small 
amounts of another synthetic oil between 
oil changes. Use only oils with the API SH 
specification or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details con-
cerning the specific BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils 
which have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America 
at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this website: 
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this informa-
tion.
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate without additives, and their use 
could even lead to damage in some 
cases.<
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in 
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class 
depends on the climatic conditions in the 
area where you typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes 
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all 
ambient temperatures.
Coolant 
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. Escaping 
coolant can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and the addition 
of antifreeze and anticorrosion agent. Not 
all commercially available additives are 
suitable for your BMW. Ask your BMW cen-
ter for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, as other-
wise engine damage may result. The 
additives present a health hazard; observe 
the instructions on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable envi-
ronmental rules and regulations when 
disposing of used coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level 
1.The engine must be at ambient temper-
ature
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank 
counterclockwise to allow any accumu-
lated pressure to escape, then continue 
turning to open 

Maintenance
174
Maintenance 
The BMW maintenance 
system 
The BMW maintenance system supports 
the preservation of the traffic and operating 
safety of your BMW. The service schedule 
also includes operations related to the 
vehicle's comfort and convenience fea-
tures, such as replacement of the filters for 
the inside air. The ultimate objective is to 
ensure economical maintenance by provid-
ing the ideal service for your 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 
Sensors and special algorithms take the 
different driving conditions of your BMW 
into account. Condition Based Service 
uses this to determine the current and 
future maintenance requirement. By letting 
you define a service and maintenance reg-
imen that reflects your own individual 
requirements, the system builds the basis 
for trouble-free driving.
The service requirement display, refer to 
page 65, individually displays the time or 
distance remaining for selected mainte-
nance work and any legally required inter-
vals:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, front and rear separately
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter>Brake fluid
>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Legally required tests depending on 
local regulations.
Your vehicle stores this information contin-
uously in the master key while the vehicle is 
being driven. After accessing the data 
stored in the master key, your BMW Ser-
vice Advisor can suggest precisely the right 
array of service procedures for your own 
individual vehicle. You should therefore 
hand over to the BMW Service Advisor the 
key you last used to drive when you take 
your vehicle for service.
Make sure the date in the Control 
Center is always set correctly, refer to 
page 74, as otherwise the effectiveness of 
CBS Condition Based Service is not 
ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models 
Please consult your Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US models and 
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models for additional information 
on service 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 War-
ranty and Service Guide Booklet for Cana-
dian models. These entries verify that your 
vehicle has received the specified regular 
maintenance, and may also be required 
when submitting warranty claims.< 

Rules and regulations
176
Rules and regulations
California laws
Proposition 65 Warning 
California laws require us to issue the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of 
automobile components and parts, 
including components found in the interior 
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit 
chemicals known to the State of California 
to cause cancer and birth defects and 
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component 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 thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
Event Data Recorders 
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or 
more sensing and diagnostic modules or a 
recording device capable of recording or 
transmitting certain vehicle data or infor-
mation. In addition, if you have a Subscrip-
tion Service Agreement for the BMW Assist 
system, certain vehicle information may be 
transmitted or recorded in order to provide 
such services.
OBD connector 
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD 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 indicator 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.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
Under certain conditions, the indicator 
lamp 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 
emissions control components, especially 
the catalytic converter. 

Everything from A to Z
202 Emergency services, refer 
to Roadside 
Assistance 184
"Emission inspect." 66
"Enable services" 156
"End call" 148
Engine
– break-in procedure 102
– data 190
– speed 190
– starting 54
– starting difficulties 54
– switching off 55
Engine compartment 171
Engine coolant 172
Engine hood 170
Engine oil
– checking the oil level 171
– specified engine oils 172
– temperature 65
– temperature gauge 65
– topping up 172
Engine output, refer to 
Engine data 190
Engine speed, refer to 
Engine specifications 190
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine 54
"Enter address" for 
navigation 110
Entering activation times of 
independent ventilation/
heating 93
Entering destination 111
Entering the address 110
Entering the 
intersection 111
Entering the town/city for 
navigation 111
Entering zip code for 
navigation 111
"Entertainment" 127
"Entertainment 
settings" 127
Entry map for 
destination 112
Entry to the rear 46
"Equalizer", refer to 
Adjusting the tone 129
"ESN" 134ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control 77
Exhaust system 102
Exterior mirrors 48
– automatic dimming 
feature 48
– automatic heating 48
Eye for towing, refer to 
Tow fitting 186
F
Fader, refer to 
Adjusting the tone 128
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control 66
False alarms, refer to 
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms 33
False alarms with Flat Tire 
Monitor 79
Fastening safety belts, refer 
to Safety belts 47
Fastest route for 
navigation 116
"Fast route" for 
navigation 116
First aid, refer to 
First-aid kit 184
First-aid kit 184
First-aid pouch, refer to 
First-aid kit 184
Flashing on locking/
unlocking 28
Flashlight, refer to 
Rechargeable 
flashlight 95
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor 79
– run-flat tires 80, 168
Flat Tire Monitor 79
– false alarms 79
– initializing the system 79
– limits of system 79
– malfunction 80
– warning lamp 80
Flooding, refer to 
Water on roads 103"FM", reception 
range 127, 130
FM, waveband 130
Fog lamps 86
– indicator lamp 86
Folding up the convertible 
top compartment floor, 
convertible 32
Footwell lamps 87
Forward, fast
– CD changer 140
– CD player 140
For your own safety 6
Front airbags 81
Front head restraints 45
Front seat adjustment 43
"FTM" 79
Fuel
– average consumption 69
– display 65
– fuel specifications 163
– high-quality brands 163
– quality 163
– tank capacity 162
Fuel display, refer to 
Fuel gauge 65
Fuel filler door 162
– releasing in the event of 
an electrical 
malfunction 162
Fuel gauge 65
Fuel specifications 163
Fuses 182
G
Garage-door opener, refer 
to Integrated universal 
remote control 94
Gasoline
– refer to Fuel 
specifications 163
– refer to Required fuel 163
Gasoline display, refer to 
Fuel gauge 65
Gear changes
– automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 58
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission 57