
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.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96
Flat tire
Indicator lamp
The symbol in the Info Display lights
up red and a message appears
simultaneously. In addition, an
acoustic signal sounds.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears on the Control Display. You
can find more information on the Check
Control starting at page 82.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2.Identify damaged tire
If identification is not possible,
contact your BMW center.<
3.Replace the damaged tire, refer to
Changing wheels on page 202.
Vehicles with run-flat tires:
1.Cautiously reduce the vehicle speed to
below 50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid sudden
braking and steering maneuvers. Do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph/
80 km/h
Due to the reinforcement on the
side walls of the run-flat tires,
inflation pressure loss can not usually
be recognized from the outside, refer to
Run-flat tires on page 205.<
2.To continue driving, comply with the
instructions for driving with damaged
tires on page 205.
System malfunctions
Indicator lamp
The symbol in the Info Display lights
up yellow and a message appears
simultaneously. Please contact
your BMW center for assistance.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears on the Control Display.
Self-leveling suspension*
In the event of malfunction
A Check Control message appear-
ing together with this symbol indi-
cates a malfunction in the self-lev-
eling suspension. Please take note of the
additional information on the Control Dis-
play.
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If the rear of
the vehicle is visibly lower than the front,
possibly accompanied by a tilt noticeable
when you compare the left rear with the
right rear, please respond by immediately
proceeding to the nearest BMW center.
Drive with appropriate caution in the mean-
time. The vehicle has reduced ground
clearance and driving comfort may be
noticeably reduced. Even if the attitude of
the vehicle is normal, you should consult
the nearest BMW center if the warning
lamp indicates a system fault.
Brake force display
The Brake force display indicates the inten-
sity with which you are applying your
brakes to drivers of following vehicles.
The display consists of two stages:
>Normal braking:
The brake lamps in the tail lamp assem-
blies and the high-mount brake lamp on
the rear tray light up during braking
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
The tail lamps also light up with the
same intensity as the standard brake
lamp units to enhance the warning
effect of the brake lamps.

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.

Navigation
Driving tips
143Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
Selecting an address
Home address
Deleting addresses
To delete individual entries:
To delete all current entries:
Current position
Display of current position
1.Select "Location" and confirm.
You can request the current position of
your BMW or view a display showing your map position. If the navigation system is
unable to identify a town or city, your cur-
rent map coordinates will appear.
If the navigation system recognizes the
city, but not the street and intersection, you
can enter these manually, refer to "ABC..."
for instructions. The entry is applied as the
current position with "ACCEPT".
"AS ADDRESS" can be used to import your
current position into the address book; you
can also enter a name as desired. Entry of a
name is mandatory for locations identified
only by their map coordinates.
"DELETE" deletes the entry from the
address book.
Entering the current position
We recommend that you avoid entering
subsequent corrections of your position
unless absolutely necessary. After trans-
port by truck or rail, etc., the GPS receiver
may require several minutes to determine
your current position. You can reduce the
amount of time the system requires to
determine your position by entering it man-
ually.
To enter your current position:
1.Select "Location" and confirm
2.The procedure for entering your current
position is the same as that used to
enter your destination, refer to
page 132.
Once effective GPS reception has
been established, it will no longer be
possible to revise your position manually.< 1.{Navigation}
2.{Destination input with address}
3.{Select destination}
4.Enter destination
or
1.{Navigation}
2.{Read out address book}
>To scroll forward: {Next}
>To scroll back: {Back}
>To repeat: {Repeat}
>To import to destination list:
{Select}.
1.{Navigation}
2.{Route guidance to home}.
1.{Navigation}
2.{Delete}
3.Select name.
1.{Navigation}
2.{Delete address book}.

Wheels and tires
192
Replacing wheels/tires
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled pro-
fessionals only. The technicians at your
BMW center will be glad to assist you with
the required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
The correct wheel and tire combination
affects various systems whose function
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS or
DSC.
Have the wheel and tire assemblies bal-
anced every time either a wheel or a tire is
replaced.
BMW does not recommend the use
of retreaded tires, as otherwise driv-
ing safety may be reduced. Possible varia-
tions in the design and the age Ð which
could be substantial Ð of the carcasses can
lead to unusually rapid wear.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that
BMW has tested and approved for your
particular vehicle. Variations in factors such
as manufacturing tolerances mean that
even wheels and tires with identical official
size ratings could actually have different
dimensions than the approved units Ð these
differences could lead to body contact, and
with it the risk of severe accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used, BMW
cannot evaluate their suitability, and there-
fore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
After a flat tire, always remember to have
the original wheel and tire combination
remounted on the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible.
Recommended tire brands
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
If your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires,
refer to Run-flat tires, only use these tires,
as in the event of a breakdown there is no
spare wheel available.
Special characteristics of winter
tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in
cold winter driving conditions. Although
so-called all-season M+S tires provide bet-
ter winter traction than summer tires, they
generally fail to provide the same levels of
cold-weather performance as winter tires.
When switching to winter tires, observe the
description at Tire condition, and Replac-
ing wheels/tires, refer to page 191.
Run-flat tires
If your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires,
refer to Run-flat tires, only use these tires,
as in the event of a breakdown there is no
spare wheel available.
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.<

Mobility
197Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
flammable. Therefore, do not pour over hot
engine parts, as otherwise they could catch
fire and cause burns.
Always observe the instructions for use
provided on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used anti-
freeze and anticorrosion agents.<
Checking coolant level
Correct coolant level with the engine cold Ð
approx. +687/206:
1.Turn the cap of the expansion tank
counterclockwise to allow any accumu-
lated pressure to escape, then continue
turning to open
2.The coolant level is correct when the
coolant extends to between the MIN
and MAX marks on the filler neck, refer
to the diagram adjacent to the filler
neck
3.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
up to the specified level Ð do not overfill.
Brake fluid
The symbol lights up and a mes-
sage appears in the Check Control:
The brake fluid in the reservoir has
fallen to below the minimum level.
The brake fluid reservoir is located under
the microfilter housing trim panel on the
driver's side of the vehicle. To have brake
fluid added to the system, or to have the source of any brake fluid loss traced and
rectified, please contact your BMW center,
which can also supply the factory-
approved Ð DOT 4 Ð brake fluids.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over
the course of time.
To ensure that the brake system continues
to provide safe and reliable performance,
remember to have the brake fluid changed
every two years at the latest, refer to
page 82 and to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and also damages vehi-
cle paintwork. Always store these agents in
tightly-closed original containers kept well
away from the reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the
brake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX
mark. Should it come into contact with hot
engine components, the brake fluid could
ignite and cause personal injury in the form
of burns.<
Always observe all applicable envi-
ronmental rules and regulations when
disposing of used brake fluid.<
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
Brake hydraulic systems
A low brake-fluid level combined with
longer-than-usual pedal travel could be
a sign that one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits has failed.
Proceed to the nearest BMW center.
Remember that pedal travel may be
increased, and there may also be a sub-
stantial increase in the amount of pedal
pressure required to brake the vehicle.
Please adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.<

Everything from A to Z
216
A
"ABC..." for
navigation 132, 133
ABS Antilock Braking
System 91
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control 73
"ACCEPT" for
navigation 136, 143
Accessories 6
Activated-charcoal
filter 108
"Activation time" 109
Active cruise control 73
Ð malfunctions 79
Ð selecting distance 76
Active head restraints,
front 47
Active seat 51
Active seat ventilation 50
Adapter for spare key 32
Adaptive Head Light 99
Adding engine oil 195
"Address book" 142
Adjusting cooling capacity
of rear air conditioner 108
Airbags 97
Air conditioner in the
rear 108
Air distribution 103, 106
Airing, refer to
Ventilation 105
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 188
Air supply 104
Ð rear air conditioner 108
Air vent outlets 102
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications 187
Alarm system 39
Ð avoiding unintentional
alarms 40All-season tires 192
"AM..." 148, 152, 154
AM waveband 152
Anchorages 125
"ANGLE" for DVD
mode 168
Antifreeze 196
Ð washer fluid 71
Antifreeze protection
Ð coolant 196
Ð radiator 196
Antilock Braking System
ABS 91
Anti-theft alarm
system 33, 39
Approved gross vehicle
weight 214
Aquaplaning, refer to
Hydroplaning 122
"Arrow display" for
navigation 140
"AS ADDRESS"
Ð creating a directory 142
Ð current position 143
Ð destination
entry 132, 134, 135
Ð destination list 136
Ð home address 142
Ð last destinations 136
"AS DEST."
Ð creating a directory 142
Ð destination
entry 134, 135
Ð home address 142
Ð last destinations 136
"AS DESTINATION"
Ð creating a directory 142
Ashtray 115
Assistance window, refer to
Control Center 22
Ð help texts 22
Ð status lines 23AUC Automatic
recirculated-air
control 104
"Audio" 148, 152
Audio 148
Ð adjusting the tone 149
Ð controls 148
Ð switching on/off 149
Ð volume 149
"AUDIO" for DVD
mode 168
"AUTO", automatic climate
control 106
Automatic
Ð air distribution 103
Ð cruise control 71
Ð curb monitor 54
Ð headlamp control 99
Ð luggage compartment lid
control 34, 38
Ð steering wheel
adjustment 52
Automatic car wash, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate
control 102
Ð automatic air
distribution 103
Ð rear air conditioner 108
Ð rear cooler 113
Ð settings in Control
Center 106
Automatic Hold
Ð parking 63
Ð parking brake 63
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 104
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 66
Ð manual operation 67
Ð sport program 67
"AUTO P" 53, 63
Everything from A to Z
Index