
Everything under control
80
Everything under control 
Odometer, outside temperature display, clock
When the ignition is off you can briefly acti-
vate the time, outside temperature and 
odometer displays by pressing the knob at 
the upper left of the Info Display. 
1 Outside temperature display, clock 
The outside temperature and the time dis-
plays are active starting at the radio mode 
in the ignition lock. 
You can change the units of measure, 
7/6, in the "Settings" menu, refer to 
page 88. 
Setting the clock, refer to page 88.
Ice warning 
A warning signal sounds when the outside 
temperature falls to roughly +37.57/+36; 
this is accompanied by a message in the 
Check Control. 
Please bear in mind that the ice warn-
ing does nothing to alter the fact that 
glare ice may be present on roads at tem-
peratures higher than +37.57/+36, for  
instance, on bridges and shaded sur-
faces.< 
2 Odometer 
The odometer panel also provides displays 
for the computer and the Check Control. 
Regardless of the current display mode, 
you can view the odometer reading for a 
short period by pressing the knob at the 
upper left of the Info Display. Check Control, refer to page 82. 
Computer, refer to page 84. 
3 Trip odometer 
The trip odometer must be present in the 
display before you can reset it to zero. 
Reset by pressing the knob at the upper left 
of the Info Display. 
Tachometer 
The orange warning sector gradually 
moves upward as the engine warms to its 
normal operating temperature. The seg-
ments disappear in sequence as the engine 
warms to its normal operating temperature. 
Avoid allowing the engine speed to rise as 
far as the orange warning sector whenever 
possible.  

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
92
In case of malfunction 
If the brake system warning lamp 
lights up in red, together with the 
yellow indicator lamps for ABS and 
DSC: the stability control is no 
longer operational. 
If all three lamps light up in yellow: 
malfunction in the stability control 
systems. The electronic brake-
force distribution is active.
While you may continue, you should 
remember to proceed cautiously and drive 
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations. 
Please have the system checked at the 
nearest BMW center. 
Check Control messages, refer to page 82. 
Please take note of the additional informa-
tion on the Control Display. 
Indicator and warning lamps on 
Canadian models.
Driving stability control/ 
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 
The concept 
DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in 
critical driving situations. 
The system optimizes vehicle stability dur-
ing acceleration and when starting from a 
full stop, as well as optimizing traction. 
The system recognizes any tendency for 
the vehicle to assume an unstable attitude 
such as oversteer or understeer; it then 
counteracts this tendency with a combina-
tion of graduated reductions in engine 
torque and selective braking intervention at 
individual wheels. DSC provides optimized stability within the limits defined by the 
laws of physics. 
The DSC is operational every time you start 
the engine. DSC includes the functionality 
of the DTC Dynamic Traction Control and 
DBC Dynamic Brake Control. 
Indicator lamps 
The indicator lamp in the Info Dis-
play goes out soon after you start 
the engine. 
If the indicator lamp flashes: 
DSC controls the drive and braking forces. 
The indicator lamp stays lit: 
DSC has been switched off using the Con-
trol Center. 
The indicator lamp and the brake 
warning lamp remain on continu-
ously: 
DSC, DTC and DBC have been 
deactivated or a system malfunc-
tion is present. 
When the system is off, the stability main-
tenance functions described above are no 
longer available. The vehicle will remain 
completely operational, however, without 
DSC. 
Please respond to any malfunctions by 
referring the problem to your BMW center. 
Indicator and warning lamps on 
Canadian models.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 
In particular driving situations, in deep 
snow, for example, DTC ensures the maxi-
mum forward momentum. The gain in for-
ward momentum in these situations 
involves a reduction in vehicle stability. 
DTC is active up to 45 mph/70 km/h. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
94 In the event of a malfunction, the 
warning lamp lights up yellow. 
Have the system checked and 
repaired at your BMW center as soon as 
possible. 
Check Control messages, refer to page 82. 
Please take note of the additional informa-
tion on the Control Display. 
Warning lamp on Canadian models.
Dynamic Drive 
The concept 
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and 
optimizes vehicle stability during cornering 
and evasive maneuvers. 
Active stabilizers at the front and rear axles 
form the basis for Dynamic Drive. Suspen-
sion compliance adapts to suit driving con-
ditions, varying from performance-oriented 
during cornering to smooth and comfort-
oriented when the vehicle is proceeding in 
a straight line. 
The system assumes operational status 
each time you start the engine. 
Driving with Dynamic Drive 
During vehicle operation, the system con-
tinuously runs through closed-loop control 
cycles lasting only fractions of a second. 
In case of malfunction 
The symbol will light up, accompa-
nied by a status message in the 
Check Control. Please take note of 
the additional information on the Control 
Display. 
You can find more information on the 
Check Control starting on page 82.
If the Dynamic Drive system switches 
off in response to malfunction, please 
remember to adapt your speed accord-
ingly, 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 Check Control message stating that 
you should stop appears in addition to the 
red symbol, stop immediately and switch 
off the engine. In this case the oil level in 
the reservoir may have dropped below the 
minimum, possibly owing to a leak in the 
hydraulic system. 
Please observe the additional instructions 
provided on the Control Display.< 
EDC Electronic Damping 
Control* 
The suspension responds to changes in 
factors such as road surface, or operating 
conditions such as steering and braking, by 
adapting to the new conditions within frac-
tions of a second. 
Two programs are available; they can be 
selected in the "Settings" menu. 
Comfort program 
The Comfort program is suitable for use 
throughout the vehicle's entire speed range 
and regardless of load. 
Sport program
You should select the Sport program for 
consistently performance-oriented 
response from shock absorbers and steer-
ing.  

Controls
 95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Flat Tire Monitor 
The concept 
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the 
inflation pressures in the four fitted tires as 
you drive. The system provides an alert 
whenever the inflation pressure of one tire 
drops significantly in relation to the pres-
sure of another tire. 
The check of the tire inflation pressure is 
based on monitoring the relative speeds of 
the wheels. A flat tire is detected and 
reported on the basis of a deviation in cer-
tain speed ratios.
Functional requirements
So that the Flat Tire Monitor can learn the 
correct inflation pressure, please perform 
the following:
1.Check the inflation pressures in all tires
2.Compare with the inflation pressure 
table on page 189 and correct if neces-
sary
3.Initialize the system.
Limits of the system
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate 
sudden severe tire damage caused 
by outside factors and does not detect a 
natural, even pressure drop in all four 
tires.<
In the following situations, on the other 
hand, there can be delays in detecting tire 
pressure losses, and even system failure:
>When you are driving on snow-covered 
or slippery road surfaces
>In the case of performance-oriented 
driving: slip on the drive wheels, high 
lateral acceleration
>False alarms and undetected loss of 
pressure may occur when you are driv-
ing with snow chains fitted.
Initializing the system 
Perform the initialization immediately 
after correcting the inflation pressure, 
changing a tire or changing a wheel or all 
wheels. A drive is necessary for this pur-
pose.<
1.Start the engine, but do not drive off
2.Select "FTM" from the "Settings" menu 
and confirm. The initialization menu 
appears 
3.Select "SET" and confirm
4.Drive off.
Status: "FTM is being initialized" is dis-
played.
It takes at least 10 minutes before the Flat 
Tire Monitor can detect and report a flat 
tire.
When driving with snow chains, do 
not initialize the system.< 
Select and confirm to exit from the 
menu. 

Driving tips
 123Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
to as hydroplaning, and is characterized 
by a partial or complete loss of contact 
between tires and road surface, ultimately 
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 electri-
cal systems and the transmission may be 
damaged.< 
Brake system 
Braking with ABS 
The best way to achieve the best response 
from the ABS is to apply maximum pres-
sure to the brake pedal Ð panic stop. Since 
the vehicle maintains steering responsive-
ness, you can nevertheless 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. Otherwise, even light 
but consistent pedal pressure can lead to 
high temperatures, brake wear and possi-
bly 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 
braking effect by selecting a lower gear 
in the automatic transmission's manual 
mode, downshifting as far as first gear 
on extremely steep stretches, refer to 
page 67. This strategy helps you avoid 
placing excessive loads on the brake sys-
tem. 
Never allow the vehicle to coast with 
the transmission in Neutral Ð or with 
the engine switched off Ð as there is no 
engine braking when the transmission is in 
Neutral, and no power-assist for brakes 
and steering when the engine is not run-
ning. 
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 occasion-
ally, 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 on 
the Control Display.  

Refueling
186
Refueling 
Fuel filler door 
Always switch off the engine before 
refueling. If you do not, fuel cannot be 
filled into the tank and a message will 
appear in the Check Control.< 
To open and close: briefly press the rear 
edge of the fuel filler door. 
Manual release 
In the event of an electrical defect in the 
system, you can release the fuel filler door 
manually: 
1.Lift the handle to remove the cover 
panel on the right side of the luggage 
compartment 
2.Take the button with the fuel pump 
symbol from the bracket and pull it to 
unlock the fuel filler door. 
Always observe all applicable precau-
tions and regulations when handling 
fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in 
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these 
containers can leak, cause an explosion, 
and lead to fire in the event of a collision.< 
Simple and environmentally friendly 
When handling fuels always observe 
any safety guidelines posted at the 
filling station.< 
Put the filler cap in the bracket attached to 
the fuel filler door. 
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the filler 
nozzle during refueling 
>results in premature pump shutoff 
>can lead to reduced efficiency in the 
fuel-vapor recovery system. 
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle 
clicks off the first time. 
Close the filler cap carefully after refu-
eling, continuing until you hear the 
detent engage. While closing, be sure not 
to squeeze the strap which is fastened to 
the cap. A loose or missing cap will activate 
a message in the Check Control.< 
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 23.2 gallons/
88 liters, including the reserve capacity of 
approx. 2.6 gallons/10 liters.
Never attempt to continue driving 
until the tank is completely empty, as 
engine functions could be affected, and the 
vehicle could sustain damage as a result.<  

Mobility
 195Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Engine compartment 
1Engine oil dip stick, refer to Checking 
oil level 
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath 
the microfilter cover197 
3Reservoir for windshield and headlamp 
washer system71 4Engine oil filler neck196
5Coolant expansion tank197 
6Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting207 
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
196 The oil quantity between the two marks 
of the dipstick is approx. 1.65 US quarts/
1.5 liter. Do not fill beyond the upper mark 
on the dipstick. Excess oil can damage the 
engine. 
Adding engine oil
Wait until the level has dropped to just 
above the lower mark or a message 
appears in the Check Control before add-
ing oil. 
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate without additives, and their use 
could even lead to damage in some cases. 
This also applies to the automatic transmis-
sion, the differential and the power steering 
system.< 
Recommendation: have your oil changed 
at your BMW center. 
Continuous exposure to used oil has 
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come 
into contact with oil should be thoroughly 
washed with soap and water.
Store oil, grease, etc., well out of the reach 
of children; always observe all warning 
labels on the containers.
protection when disposing of used oil.< 
Specified engine oils 
The quality of the engine oil selected has 
critical significance for the operation and 
service life of an engine. BMW approves 
only specific oils after confirming their suit-
ability 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. 
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 
system when the engine is hot. 
Escaping coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are 
hazardous to health. Always store these 
agents in tightly-closed original containers 
kept well away from the reach of children.