
 
Contents
 
Operation, maintenance
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures120
General driving notes121
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)121
Brake system122
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure124
Tire condition124
Tire replacement125
Wheel and tire 
combinations127
Winter tires127
 
In the engine compartment:
 
Hood129
Engine compartment 
essentials130
Washer fluids132
Engine oil132
Coolant134
Brake fluid135
 
Maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System136
 
Laws and regulations:
 
California Proposition 65 
warning138
OBD interface socket138
 Owner service procedures 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit142
Windshield wiper blades142
Lamps and bulbs143
Changing a wheel147
Run Flat tires*150
Battery151
Fuses151
 
Giving and receiving 
assistance: Receiving assistance152
Jump-starting153
Towing the vehicle154 
Technical data
 
Engine data160
Dimensions161
Weights162
Capacities163 

127
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
BMW recommends using only 
wheels and tires that have been 
approved by BMW for your particular 
vehicle model, as otherwise body con-
tact and serious accidents can result 
despite the use of the same nominal 
size, e.g. due to manufacturing toler-
ances. BMW cannot evaluate all tires 
and wheels on the market, and is thus 
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will 
continue to perform safely if unap-
proved tires and/or wheels are 
mounted.<
For each tire size, BMW has assessed 
the safe performance of specific tire 
brands and approved them for use. 
Consult any BMW center for details. 
Comply with any local/national regula-
tions, for example by recording the tire 
type in the vehicle documents.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such 
as ABS, DSC and ADB-X/DBC. The 
function of these systems is impaired if 
improper wheel-tire combinations are 
used. For this reason, use only tires of 
the same manufacture and tread con-
figuration. In the event of a flat tire, for 
example, remount the approved wheel 
and tire combination as soon as possi-
ble.<
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place. 
Store them away from light whenever 
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel.
Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressures specified on the tire 
sidewall.
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends the use of winter 
tires for operation under winter road 
conditions. While all-season tires – with 
M+S designation – provide better winter 
traction than the corresponding sum-
mer tires, they generally do not achieve 
the performance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and 
steering response, install winter tires 
made by the same manufacturer and 
having the same tread configuration on 
all four wheels.
Never exceed the maximum 
speed for which the winter tires 
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents.
Have this work performed by trained 
professionals only. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.
tires. These are indicated by a circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

128
the tire sidewall, refer to Changing a 
wheel. In this case, use only Run Flat 
winter tires, since no spare tire is pro-
vided in the event of a flat tire.Tire condition, tire pressureAt tread depths below approx.  3/16 in / 
4 mm, winter tires display a perceptible 
decrease in their ability to cope with 
winter driving conditions, and should be 
replaced in the interest of safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation 
pressures — and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assembly balanced 
every time you change a tire or wheel.Snow chains*Only certain snow chains have been 
tested by BMW and determined and 
approved as roadworthy. Consult any 
BMW center for details. BMW recom-
mends using only these approved fine-
link snow chains. Use them in pairs on 
either summer or winter tires, but only 
on both rear wheels.325xi: in an extreme emergency – for 
instance, with the vehicle stuck on one 
side, or when obstructions make it 
impossible to reach one tire – a chain 
may also be mounted on just one tire 
for the limited period needed to resolve 
the problem.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety 
precautions when mounting the chains. 
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph / 
50 km/h when using snow chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the 
following tires:
225/50 R 16
225/45 R 17
245/40 R 17
225/40 R 18
255/35 R 18
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Moni-
tor after mounting snow chains to 
the tires.
When driving with snow chains, it may 
be useful to turn off the DSC for a short 
time, refer to page 87 or 88.

150
Do not attempt to install the full 
wheel cover on the space-saver 
spare tire, since this could damage the 
cover.<
The vehicle jack is designed for 
changing wheels only. Do not 
attempt to raise another vehicle model 
with it or to raise any other type of load. 
To do so could cause accidents and 
personal injury.
To ensure continued safety, have the 
tightness of the torque bolts checked 
with a calibrated lug wrench – torque 
specification: 88.5 lb ft/120 Nm – at the 
earliest opportunity.<
When storing a wheel in the spare tire 
recess, take care to avoid bending the 
threaded rod.
If the original BMW light-alloy wheels 
have been replaced with other light-
alloy wheels, different lug bolts may be 
required.
Replace the defective tire as soon as 
possible and have the new wheel/tire 
balanced.
Driving with the space-saver 
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h.
Be aware that vehicle handling may be 
altered. Anticipate, e.g., reduced track-
ing during braking, longer braking dis-
tances, and changed steering charac-
teristics when approaching limit 
conditions. These handling characteris-
tics will be even more pronounced if 
winter tires are mounted.
Only one space-saver spare tire 
may be mounted at one time. 
Mount a wheel and tire of the original 
size at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.
tions, the size of the spare tire will 
differ from that of the remaining tires. 
The spare tire is fully functional at all 
loads and speeds. However, the spare 
tire should be replaced at the earliest 
possible opportunity in order to achieve 
the original operating conditions.<
Run Flat tires*Run Flat tires are labeled on the side-
wall with a circular symbol containing 
the letters RSC. Run Flat tires consist of 
self-supporting tires and special rims. 
The tire reinforcement ensures that 
driving remains possible to a restricted 
degree in the event of pressure drop or 
even if the tire is deflated.
When mounting or replacing sum-
mer tires with winter tires, or vice 
versa, use Run Flat tires since no spare 
wheel is available in the event of a flat. 
In this event, BMW recommends con-
sulting your BMW center. Your BMW 
center has the information needed for 
working with Run Flat tires and is 
equipped with the necessary special 
tools.<
Changing a wheel 

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake 
System 121
indicator lamp 18
Acceleration assistant 70
Accessories, refer to For 
your own safety 5
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 152
Activated-charcoal filter 104
ADB-X Automatic Differen-
tial Brake, all-wheel 88
Adding brake fluid 135
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning 96
Air conditioning mode 98
automatic climate 
control 102
Air distribution
air conditioning 98
automatic climate 
control 102
Air distribution, 
individual 102
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 96, 100
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure 25, 124
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode
98, 103Air supply
air conditioning 98
automatic climate 
control 102
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 98, 102
Airbags 54
indicator lamp 18, 56
sitting safely 44
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 96, 100
Alarm system 38
avoiding unintentional 
alarms 39
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires 127
Antifreeze 134
coolant 134
washer fluid 132
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 121
indicator lamp 18
Anti-theft system 30
Anti-theft warning system, 
refer to Alarm system 38
Approved axle loads, refer 
to Weights 162
Approved gross weight, 
refer to Weights 162
Armrest
front 106
rear 107Artificial leather, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Ashtray
front 108
rear 108
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 103
AUTO program, refer 
to Automatic air distribu-
tion 102
Automatic
air distribution 102
air supply 102
cruise control 77
headlamp control 93
Automatic car wash, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Automatic climate 
control 100
Automatic curb monitor 51
Automatic Differential Brake, 
all wheel ADB-X 88
Automatic dimming, interior 
rearview mirror 53
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC) 103Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic 71
indicator lamp 19, 73
interlock 63
selector lever lock 71
shiftlock 71
Automatic windshield 
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 75
Average fuel 
consumption 84
Average speed 84
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms 39
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights 162
B
Backrest, adjusting 46
Backrest, refer to Seat 
adjustment 45, 47
Backup lamps 66
bulb replacement 145
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit 23
Battery 151
charge 151
disposal 151
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 153
remote control 30, 31
Battery charge current 18 

Everything from A to Z
171
Ignition lock 63
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 18
alarm system 38
brakes 18, 19
Check Gas Cap 19
coolant 19, 80
DSC 19
Flat Tire Monitor 
18, 19, 92
fog lamps 20
Please fasten safety 
belts 18
reserve 80
Service Engine Soon 19
Individual air distribution 102
Individual settings, refer to 
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory 61
Inflation pressure 124
Inflation pressure monitor-
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-
tor 91
Inflation pressure, tires 25
INSPECTION 81
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 94
Instrument panel 14
Interface socket for onboard 
diagnostics (OBD) 138Interior lamps 95
remote control 32
Interior motion sensor 38
switching off 39
Interior rearview mirror 53
automatic dimming 
feature 53
Interior temperature
adjusting 98, 102
Interlock, refer to Steering 
wheel lock 63
Intermittent
mode, wipers 75
Interval
display, service 81
J
Jack 147
Jacking points 148
Jump-starting 153
K
Key Memory 61
Keys 30
with remote control 30
Kickdown 68, 72
L
Lamp defect 143
Lamps and bulbs 143
Lashing down loads, refer to 
Cargo loading 113Lashing eyelets, refer to 
Securing cargo 115
Lashing fittings, refer to 
Securing cargo 115
LATCH child-restraint 
mounting system 59
Leather care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
LEDs light-emitting 
diodes 95
Length, refer to 
Dimensions 161
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 146
Light switch 93
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs 95
Lighter 108
LIGHTS ON warning 93
Lights, refer to Parking 
lamps/Low beams 93
Litter bag holder 107
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 113
Loading
vehicle 113
Lock buttons on doors, refer 
to Locking 35
Lock, steering wheel 63Locking
from inside 35
from outside 31, 34
Locking and unlocking 
doors
from inside 35
from outside 31, 34
Low beams 93
automatic 93
bulb replacement 143
indicator lamp, defective 
lamp 81
Lug bolts 148
key 148
torque 148
Luggage area cover, see 
Cargo area cover 111
Luggage compartment, refer 
to Cargo area 37
Luggage net, refer to Parti-
tion net 111
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 116
Luggage straps 37
Lumbar support 47
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires 127
Maintenance 81, 136
Maintenance system 136
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

Everything from A to Z
175
Tailgate lamp
bulb replacement 147
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel 
tank capacity 163
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel 
gauge 80
Technical data 160
Technical modifications 5
Technical modifications, 
refer to For your own 
safety 5
Telephone hookup 107
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Television, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
Temperature
air conditioning 98
automatic climate 
control 102
Temperature adjustment
98, 102
Temperature display
engine coolant 80
ice warning 83
outside temperature 83
setting units 83
Temperature layering
99, 103
Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control 77Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 46
Third brake lamp, refer to 
Center high-mount brake 
lamp 146
Three-point safety belt 48
Through-loading system 111
Tilt alarm sensor 32
remote control 32
switching off 39
Tilting passenger-side exte-
rior mirror 51
Time 82
Tire change 147
Tire pressure monitoring, 
refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor 91
Tire replacement 125, 147Tires
age 126
breaking in 120
changing 147
condition 128
damage 124
flat 147
inflation pressure 25, 124
replacing 125
size, refer to Wheel and 
tire combinations 127
storing 127
tread 124
treadwear indicator,
refer to Tire tread – tire 
damage 124
winter tires 127
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit 142
Torque 160
engine 148
lug bolts 148
Tow sockets for towing eye-
let 155
Towing eyelet 155
Towing the vehicle 154
Track width, refer to Dimen-
sions 161Transmission
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 71
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 67
Transmission lock, refer to P 
Park 71
Transmission malfunction
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 73
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 69
Transport securing devices, 
refer to Securing 
cargo 115
Transporting children 
safely 57
Trap protection
electric power windows 40
Tread depth, refer to Tire 
tread 124
Treadwear indicator in the 
tires, refer to Tire tread – 
tire damage 124
Treadwear, tires 124
Trigger alarm – Panic 
mode 32
Trip distance recorder, refer 
to Trip odometer 79
Trip meter, refer to Trip 
odometer 79
Trip odometer 79
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

Everything from A to ZTrunk lid, refer to Tailgate 35
Trunk lighting, refer to cargo 
area lighting 35
Trunk, refer to Cargo area
Turn signal indicator 74
bulb replacement 144
indicator lamp 20
Turn signal indicator, side
bulb replacement 145
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions 161
TV function, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
U
Underbody protection, refer 
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading 126
Units
average fuel 
consumption 84
temperature 83
Unlocking
from inside 35
from outside 31, 34
V
Valve
screw caps 148Vehicle
battery 151
break-in procedures 120
care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
dimensions 161
loading 113
starting 63
switching off 65
washing, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure 75
weight 162
Vehicle Memory 61
Vehicle storage
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Vehicle weight 162
Ventilation 96, 100
draft-free 99, 103
Viscosity 134
Voice Input System 22
Voice recognition, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Volume
cargo area 162
W
Warning and indicator 
lamps 18Warning lamp
Please fasten safety 
belts 18
Warning messages 81
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet 136
Warranty, refer to separate 
booklet 7
Washer fluid
adding 132, 163
Washer fluid reservoir 132
volume 132
Washer jets, refer to Wind-
shield washer jets 76
Washer/wiper system 75, 76
washer fluid 132
Waste tray, refer to 
Ashtray 108
Water on roadways, deep 
water 121
Weights 162
Wheel and tire 
combinations 127
Wheelbase, refer to Dimen-
sions 161
Wheels and tires 127
Wheelslip control DSC 86
Width, refer to 
Dimensions 161
Window condensation
removing 99, 102Windows
convenience operation 
32, 34
power 40
remote control 31, 32
Windshield washer 
nozzles 76
Windshield washer reservoir
volume, see 
Capacities 163
Windshield washer reser-
voir, filling 132, 163
Windshield wipers, refer to 
Washer/wiper system 75
Winter tires 127
condition 128
storing 127
Wiper blades
replacing 142
Work in the engine compart-
ment 129
Wrench, refer to Onboard 
tool kit 142
X
Xenon lamps
bulb replacement 143