
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repealed, even with DSC.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
 169Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Recommended tire sizes and makes 
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire 
size, classifies them as road-safe and 
approves them. You can find out about 
these at specialized dealers or at your 
BMW center. Observe any country-specific 
regulations, e.g. on making a correspond-
ing entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-mounted tires have been spe-
cially selected to provide optimized perfor-
mance when installed on your vehicle; if 
properly cared for, they will provide a com-
bination of safety and excellent ride com-
fort.
Run-flat tires 
In the event of replacement, use run-flat 
tires, refer to page 168, as there is no spare 
wheel available for flats.
For safety reasons, BMW recom-
mends that you do not have damaged 
run-flat tires repaired; they should be 
replaced.<
Special characteristics of winter 
tires 
BMW recommends winter tires for use in 
cold winter driving conditions. Although all-
season M+S tires provide better winter 
traction than summer tires, they generally 
fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Run-flat tires 
If you switch from summer to winter tires, 
or vice versa, use run-flat tires, refer to 
page 168, as in the event of a flat tire there 
is no spare tire available. Your BMW center 
will be glad to advise you.
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 
professionals only. The technicians at your 
BMW center will be glad to assist you with the required professional knowledge and 
specialized equipment.<
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. Do not 
exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure 
indicated on the side wall of the tire.
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 using 
these approved, narrow-link snow chains. 
These snow chains are approved exclu-
sively for use in pairs on the rear wheels 
with the tire size 245/45 R 18.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions 
when mounting snow chains.
Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h with the chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Runflat Indicator 
after mounting snow chains.
When you are driving with snow chains, it 
can be beneficial to switch off DSC briefly, 
refer to page 77.< 

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 

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 

Reference 205
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Manual operation
– convertible top 39
– door lock 29
– driver's door 29
– fuel filler door 162
– glass roof 36
– luggage compartment 
lid 30, 31
Manual transmission 56
Map
– changing scale 120
– destination entry 112
– facing north 120
"Map, direction of 
travel" 120
"Map, facing north" 120
Master key with remote 
control 26
Maximum cooling 89
Maximum speed with 
winter tires 169
Memory
– refer to Key Memory 26
– refer to Seat, mirror and 
steering wheel 
memory 44
Menus, refer to 
Control Center 16
Microfilter 92
Microphone
– for hands-free 
system 146
– for portable phone 14
– for voice command 
system 14
Mirrors 48
– automatic curb 
monitor 45
– dimming feature 48
– heating 48
– memory, refer to Seat, 
mirror and steering wheel 
memory 44
"Missed calls" 149
Missed calls 149
Mobile communication 
devices in vehicle 104
Monitor, refer to 
Control Center 16
"Monitor display on" 76Most recent portable phone 
numbers 149
Multifunction steering 
wheel MFL 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher 60
– refer to Wiper/washer 
system 61
Music track, finding 139
"Mute on / off" 49
MW, waveband 130
N
"Navigation" 108
Navigation destination
– manual entry 110
– selecting via map 112
Navigation drive, 
location 108
Navigation DVD 108
Navigation system 108
– address book 114
– bypassing route 
sections 120
– destination entry 110
– destination guidance in 
assistance window 109
– destination list 113
– displaying current 
position 109
– entering a destination 
manually 110
– looking for interesting 
destination 113
– navigation DVD 108
– route display 119
– route list 120
– selecting destination 
using information 113
– selecting destination 
using map 112
– selecting route 
criteria 116
– starting 108
– starting destination 
guidance 118
– terminating/continuing 
destination guidance 118
– voice instructions 119
– volume adjustment 119"Navigation voice instruc-
tions on" 119
Neck support, refer to 
Front head restraints 45
"New address" for 
navigation 114
"New destination" 110, 112
"New route" 120
New wheels and tires 168
"Next entertainment 
source" 49
Nozzles
– refer to Ventilation 88
– refer to Windshield 
washer nozzles 61
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing 185
O
OBD connector 176
Octane numbers, refer to 
Fuel specifications 163
Odometer 64
Oil
– additives 172
– capacity 193
– consumption 171
– dipstick 171
– level 171
– specified engine oils 172
Oil change intervals
– refer to Service 
requirement display 65
– refer to the Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models or 
to the Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models 174
Old batteries, refer to 
Disposal 181
"On a new destination" for 
navigation 113
Onboard computer, refer to 
Control Center 16
"Onboard information" 70
Onboard tool kit 178
"On destination" 113
"On location" 113