
Controls
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Mobility
The transmission automatically shifts to 
position P: interlock.<
If the remote control is still in the ignition 
lock when the driver's door is opened, a 
gong will sound and a message will appear 
in the Info Display.
Starting the engine 
Do not run the engine in closed 
rooms, as otherwise the inhaling of 
toxic exhaust gases can cause uncon-
sciousness and death. The exhaust gases 
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and 
colorless, but highly toxic gas. 
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the 
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
1.Insert the remote control all the way into 
the ignition lock. With Comfort Access, 
this is not required
2.Press the brake pedal 
3.Briefly press the start/stop button. 
Your BMW is equipped with the con-
venience starting feature. After press-
ing the brake pedal, all you need to do is 
briefly press the start/stop button. 
The system responds by automatically 
engaging the starter and allowing it to run 
until the engine starts, after which it then 
disengages automatically. 
The automatic starting mode will not oper-
ate or will be canceled if the battery voltage 
is low. The engine can be started by jump-
starting, refer to page 207.<
Do not allow the engine to warm up by 
leaving it running while the vehicle remains stationary. Instead, drive off immediately at 
a moderate engine speed. 
If you have accidentally switched off 
the engine while driving, it can be 
restarted from a speed of approx. 3 mph/
5  km/h by pressing the button. It is not nec-
essary to press the brake pedal.< 
Under the following conditions you should 
press the accelerator pedal halfway down 
when starting: 
>If the engine fails to start on the first 
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or 
cold 
>During a cold start at high altitudes, 
from approx. 3,281 ft/1,000 m, at very 
low temperatures, from approx. + 57/
Ð156. 
Refrain from starting the vehicle 
repeatedly at brief intervals, and 
avoid an excessive number of starting 
attempts if the vehicle fails to start; 
repeated activation of the starter over an 
extended period would allow unburned or 
only partially combusted fuel to enter the 
catalytic converter, where it can cause 
overheating and damage to the unit.<
Switching off the engine
With the vehicle stationary, briefly press the 
start/stop button. This also activates the 
radio mode. 
The transmission automatically shifts to 
position P: interlock.
Transmission position N remains 
engaged if you keep to the following 
order:
1.With Comfort Access: insert the remote 
control into the ignition lock
2.With the engine running, engage trans-
mission position N
3.Switch off the engine
4.Leave the remote control in the ignition 
lock.
This function is useful in automatic car 
washes, etc.
Position P is engaged automatically after  

Driving
64 Provided that the remote control is 
inserted in the ignition lock, you can 
also release the parking brake manually 
after the engine has been switched off, 
refer to page 62. This function is useful in 
automatic car washes, etc.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.< 
When leaving the vehicle, always 
release the remote control from the 
detent in the ignition lock; this precaution 
prevents children from disengaging the 
parking brake, etc.<
For your safety 
Automatic Hold is automatically deacti-
vated when 
>the engine is switched off 
>the system detects that the driver's seat 
is not occupied while the engine is run-
ning 
>the hood is opened while the engine is 
running 
>the luggage compartment lid is opened 
with the transmission in reverse while 
the engine is running, and 
>when the parking brake is used to bring 
the vehicle to a stop. 
The indicator lamp changes from 
green to red, and the AUTO  P letters in the 
Info Display disappear. 
Before starting off again, briefly press the 
button to disengage the parking brake 
manually, refer to page 62, or reactivate 
Automatic Hold, refer to page 63. 
Before leaving the vehicle with the 
engine running, always move the 
automatic transmission's selector lever to 
position P and ensure that the parking 
brake is engaged. The vehicle could start 
to roll if you fail to observe these precau-
tions. 
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the 
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.< 
Automatic Hold is automatically 
deactivated whenever the system 
detects any tendency for the wheels to spin 
in response to slippery road surfaces. Note the status reports in the Check Control. 
You can find additional information on the 
Check Control on page 82.< 
Malfunctions 
If a malfunction occurs, the indicator 
lamp lights up yellow in the Info Dis-
play and a status report will appear in the 
Check Control. Please note any supple-
mentary information that appears on the 
Control Display. 
Releasing the parking brake 
manually 
You can respond to any interruptions in the 
supply of electrical power, for instance, if 
the battery is discharged or disconnected, 
by releasing the parking brake manually. 
Before proceeding to release the 
parking brake manually, and each 
time you park the vehicle without engaging 
the parking brake, always ensure that the 
automatic transmission's selector lever is 
in position P, refer to page 66. Note the 
range indicated in the Info Display. 
If the wheel must be changed on a surface 
with a more severe slope, take additional 
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing e.g. with a chock, refer to page 203. 
Otherwise there is a danger that the vehicle 
could start to roll if parked on a steep 
slope.< 
Should it also be necessary to release the 
automatic transmission's lockout manually, 
for instance, if the battery is discharged, 
always adhere to the following sequence: 
1.If necessary, start by manually releasing 
the parking brake 
2.Then release the automatic transmis-
sion's lockout manually, refer to 
page 68. 
Jump-starting and towing, refer to 
pages 207 and 208.  

Driving
68 page 66. We recommend this program for 
performance-oriented driving. 
When you press the S/M/D button a sec-
ond time the transmission switches to its 
manual mode; press again to return to the 
automatic program. 
You can also return to the standard auto-
matic program by reselecting D. 
In the manual mode the transmission 
upshifts when you briefly press the buttons 
on the rear of the steering wheel. You 
downshift by briefly pressing the buttons 
on the front of the steering wheel. The Info 
Display shows the manual ranges M1 
through M6. 
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation of engine and vehicle speed; thus, 
for example, a downshift that would cause 
the engine to overrev will not be executed 
by the system.  The selected gear appears 
briefly in the Info Display, followed by the 
current gear.
To obtain maximum acceleration, for 
passing maneuvers, etc., during 
operation in the manual mode, use the 
kickdown or downshift manually.< 
Malfunctions 
A status report will appear in the Check 
Control to alert you to any malfunctions in 
the transmission-control system. Please 
note any supplementary information that 
appears on the Control Display. The direc-
tional arrows also start to flash in the Info 
Display. 
While it will remain still possible to move 
the selector lever to any desired position, 
the transmission will revert to operation in 
its default mode with only a limited number 
of forward gears. 
Some types of malfunction will make it 
impossible to engage all gears. 
The engine may respond with reduced out-
put when accelerating from a standing 
start. If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads 
and consult the nearest BMW center. 
If no status messages appear in the 
Info Display you should accelerate 
carefully to confirm that you are driving in 
the desired direction. 
Never work in the engine compartment 
with any of the forward or reverse gears 
engaged, as the vehicle could start to 
move. Engaging the parking brake, refer to 
page 62.< 
Manual release of transmission 
lockout 
You can respond to any interruptions in the 
supply of electrical power, for instance, if 
the battery is discharged or disconnected, 
by releasing the transmission lockout man-
ually. 
To prevent the drive wheels from 
locking up and sliding, the transmis-
sion lockout must always be released man-
ually before the vehicle is towed.< 
Press the brake pedal before releas-
ing the transmission lockout manu-
ally. If the brakes are not applied, the vehi-
cle could start to roll if parked on a steep 
slope. 
The transmission lockout should only be 
released for towing. Remember to engage 
the transmission lockout when you repark 
the vehicle after moving it. 
Should it also be necessary to release 
the parking brake manually, owing to a dis-
charged battery, etc., always adhere to the 
following sequence: 
1.Start by manually releasing the parking 
brake, refer to page 64 
2.Then proceed to manually release the 
transmission lockout.< 
Jump-starting and towing, refer to 
pages 207 and 208.  

Controls
 69Reference
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Mobility
Releasing 
1.Use the vehicle key to release the cover 
panel beneath the instrument panel by 
turning the lock counterclockwise, then 
fold down the cover
2.Pull out the release lever with the loop 1 
until it locks into place: the transmission 
lockout is unlocked.
Re-engage the transmission lockout 
after parking the vehicle at its destina-
tion. Otherwise there is a danger that the 
vehicle could start to roll if parked on a 
steep slope.< 
Locking again 
1.Disengage the release lever by pressing 
it together with the red detent lever, 
arrow 
2.Guide the release lever all the way back 
into its original position Ð the transmis-
sion lockout is again engaged 
3.Fold up and lock the cover panel again. 
Now Ð and not before Ð the key may be 
removed.
Once the transmission lockout has 
been re-engaged, the warning in the 
Check Control should disappear, and the 
symbol in the Info Display should change 
from N to P. Should this fail to happen, 
there is a danger that the vehicle could 
start to roll.< 
Information on jump-starting and towing 
begins on page 207. 
Turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher
1High beams: blue indicator lamp 
2Headlamp flasher: blue indicator lamp 
3Turn signal indicators: green indicator 
lamps, accompanied by a periodic tick-
ing from the turn signal indicator relay
Using turn signal indicators
Move the lever beyond the resistance 
point. It then returns to the center position 
when released. Press the lever as far as the 
resistance point to switch off the turn signal 
indicators.  

Mobility
 195Reference
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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
 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.  

Mobility
 207Reference
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Giving and receiving assistance 
Warning triangle* 
The warning triangle is conveniently stored 
in the onboard tool kit mounted on the 
inside of the luggage compartment lid. 
Comply with legal requirements 
requiring you to carry a hazard warn-
ing triangle in the vehicle.< 
First-aid kit* 
You will also find the first-aid kit in the 
onboard tool kit's container. 
Some of the articles contained in the 
first-aid kit have a limited service life. 
For this reason, check the expiration dates 
of each of the items regularly, and replace 
any whose expiration dates have passed. 
You can find replacements in any phar-
macy. 
Always comply with laws requiring a first-
aid kit to be carried in the vehicle.< 
Jump-starting 
When your battery is discharged you can 
use two jumper cables to start your vehicle 
with power from the battery in a second 
vehicle. You can also use the same method 
to help start another vehicle. Use only 
jumper cables with fully-insulated clamp 
handles.To avoid the risk of potentially fatal 
injury, always avoid all contact with 
electrical components while the engine is 
running. Carefully adhere to the following 
sequence, both to prevent damage to one 
or both vehicles, and to guard against pos-
sible personal injury.< 
Preparing
1.Check whether the battery of the other 
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and 
approximately the same capacitance 
in  Ah. This information can be found on 
the battery 
2.Switch off the engine of the support 
vehicle
3.Switch off any electrical systems and 
components in both vehicles. 
Ensure that no contact exists 
between the bodywork on the two 
vehicles, otherwise there is a danger of 
short circuits.< 
Connecting the jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks, 
always observe this sequence when 
connecting jumper cables.< 
Your BMW is equipped with an auxiliary 
terminal specifically designed for jump-
starting. It is located within the engine 
compartment, refer to arrow 1 in the illus-
tration. The symbol + is embossed on the 
cover.  

Giving and receiving assistance
208 1.Remove the cover of the BMW auxiliary 
terminal for jump-starting 
2.Connect one terminal clamp of the pos-
itive/+ jumper cable to the positive ter-
minal of the battery or an auxiliary ter-
minal for jump-starting of the vehicle 
providing starting assistance
3.Connect the second terminal clamp of 
the positive/+ jumper cable to the posi-
tive terminal of the battery or to an aux-
iliary terminal for jump-starting of the 
vehicle to be started
On your BMW, there is a special nut as 
body ground on the suspension strut 
dome, refer to arrow 2 in the illustration.
4.Attach one end of the negative/Ð jumper 
cable to the negative terminal of the 
battery or to an engine or body ground 
of the vehicle providing assistance
5.Connect the second terminal clamp of 
the negative/Ð jumper cable to the neg-
ative terminal of the battery or to the 
engine or body ground of the vehicle to 
be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine on the support vehicle 
and allow it to run for several minutes 
at a fast idle 
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in 
the usual way. 
If the first start attempt is not success-
ful, wait a few minutes before another 
attempt in order to allow the discharged 
battery to recharge 
3.Allow the engines to run for several 
minutes 
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by 
reversing the connection sequence. 
If required, have the battery inspected and 
recharged at your BMW center. 
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine.< 
Having vehicle towed 
Always observe all applicable towing 
laws and regulations.
Even if the transmission is in perfect work-
ing order, remember to disengage the 
transmission lockout manually before tow-
ing the vehicle. Failure to observe this pre-
caution could result in automatic activation 
of the transmission lockout while the vehi-
cle is being towed.< 
Manual release of the transmission lockout, 
refer to page 68.
Towing with a commercial tow truck 
>Use a wheel lift or flatbed carrier 
>Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Never allow passengers to ride in a 
towed vehicle for any reason.< 
Towing with raised front axle 
Do not tow the vehicle by the rear 
axle; because the steering detent is 
not operational, the wheels could turn to an 
extreme angle during towing.< 
1.Manual release of the transmission 
lockout, refer to page 68. 
2.Towing speed:
Maximum of 45 mph/70 km/h 
3.Towing distance:
Maximum of 90 miles/150 km.