Driving tips
123Reference
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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.
Things to remember when driving
124 Warning lamp for Canadian models.
The brake pads have reached their mini-
mum pad thickness. Have them replaced
at your BMW center as soon as possible.
For your own safety: use only brake
pads that BMW has released for your
particular vehicle model. As BMW cannot
assess the suitability of other brake pads
for use on your vehicle, we are unable to
assume continued responsibility for the
vehicle's operating safety if non-approved
pads are installed.<
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond
their approved carrying capacity,
never overload the vehicle. Overloading
can lead to overheating and increases the
rate at which damage develops inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume the
form of a sudden air loss.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's door pillar
*:
The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never
exceed XXX lbs. or YYY kg, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged and
unstable driving conditions may
result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passenger that will be riding
in your vehicle3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passenger from XXX lbs. or
YYY kg
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-
pound passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.:
1,400 Ibs. minus 750 Ibs. = 650 Ibs.
5.Determine the combined weight of lug-
gage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight should not exceed
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
part of the load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the
manual for transporting a trailer to
determine how this may reduce the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permitted load is the total of the weight
of occupants and cargo/luggage. The
greater the weight of occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Mobility
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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.
Mobility
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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.<
Maintenance
198
Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
System
The BMW Maintenance System is
designed to ensure that your vehicle will
continue to furnish consistent reliability
combined with optimized safety. The ser-
vice schedule also includes operations
related to the vehicle's comfort and conve-
nience features, such as replacement of
the filters for the inside air. The aim is to
optimize maintenance with regard to
reducing the cost of running the 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
CBS is a more advanced version of the
Service Interval Display. Sensors combine
with highly-specialized algorithms to sup-
ply service information that reflects your
vehicle's actual operating conditions more
precisely than ever before.
The system now furnishes individual dis-
plays of the times remaining until the dead-
lines for specific service operations as well
as official state inspections:
>Engine oil
>Brakes: separate for front and rear
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
>Brake fluid
>Spark plugs >Vehicle check
>Coolant
>Official state inspections.
CBS monitors both current and upcoming
service requirements. After accessing the
data stored in the vehicle's key, your BMW
Service Advisor is able to suggest precisely
the right array of service procedures for
your own individual vehicle.
By letting you define a service and main-
tenance regimen that reflects your own
individual requirements, Condition Based
Service builds the basis for trouble-free
driving.
You can find more detailed information
on the Service Interval Display on page 81.
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.<
Care
You can find everything you need to know
on this topic by consulting the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
Replacing components
202
Side marker lamps, front and rear
Please contact your BMW center for
replacement.
Tail lamps
1Rear lamp
2Brake lamp
3Backup lamp
4Turn signal indicators
5Reflector
Rear lamps and brake lamps
These lamps use LED technology for oper-
ation. Please contact a BMW center in case
of a malfunction.
Fender-mounted lamps
The illustration shows the recess on the left
side of the luggage compartment.
Rear turn signal indicator
Bulb 21 watts Ð P 21 W or PY 21 W*
1.Use the handle at the top to swivel
down the side trim panel
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove 3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and
replacement.
Lamps in the luggage compartment
lid
Remove the trim panel from the luggage
compartment lid.
1Backup lamp
2License plate lamp
Backup lamps and license plate
lamps
Backup lamp: bulb 16 watts Ð W 16 W
License plate lamp: bulb 5 watts Ð W 5 W
1.Pull the bulb holder out
2.Extract the bulb for replacement.
Changing wheels
Safety precautions to observe in the
event of a flat tire and during all tire
changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, surface.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Engage the handbrake and move the trans-
mission's selector lever to P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the
vehicle and ensure that they remain outside
the immediate area in a safe place, such as
behind a guardrail.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Mobility
205Reference
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Run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circu-
lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire. They consist of self-
contained tires and special rims. The tire
reinforcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of pres-
sure drop and driving remains possible
to a restricted degree. The vehicle is
equipped with a Flat Tire Monitor which
indicates punctures.
The reinforcement on the flanks of the
tires means that it is usually not pos-
sible to detect an air loss from outside.<
Flat tire
If you have a flat tire, the indicator lamp
symbol in the Check Control will light up in
red, and a message will appear. In addition,
a gong sounds.
You can find more detailed information on
the Flat Tire Monitor on page 95.
Reduce vehicle speed carefully to under
50 mph/80 km/h, avoiding hard brake
applications and steering maneuvers.
If the defective wheel is not recognizable
as such immediately, check the inflation
pressure in all four tires.
For reasons of safety, do not arrange
for run-flat tires to be repaired. Your
BMW center has the information needed
for working with these tires and is equipped
with the necessary special tools.<
Continuing driving with a damaged
tire
Driving on run-flat tires can continue
depending on the vehicle load and the
severity of the tire damage, at a maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. You can deter-
mine the possible mileage for continued
driving on the basis of the following general
indications:
>Tire inflation pressure 0 psi/kPa:
With empty vehicle approx. 90 miles/
150 km
With full payload approx. 30 miles/
50 km
>Tire inflation pressure 7 psi/50 kPa to
15 psi/100 kPa:
Approx. 300 miles/500 km
>Tire inflation pressure greater than
15 psi/100 kPa:
Approx. 600 miles/1,000 km.
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the case
of air loss, you can expect changes in vehi-
cle handling such as reduced lane stability,
longer braking distances, and changes in
self-steering properties.<
Battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e.,
the electrolyte will last for the life of the bat-
tery when the vehicle is operated in a tem-
perate climate.
For all questions that regard the bat-
tery, please consult your BMW cen-
ter.<
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via
the terminals in the engine compartment
with the engine off. Connections, refer to
Jump-starting on page 208.
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