Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
117
Run-Flat Tires
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, moreover, no spare wheel is
available. Your BMW Center will be glad to
advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that damaged Run-Flat Tires be replaced
rather than repaired.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW Center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall
of the tire.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW Center for
more information. Attach snow chains in pairs
and only to the rear wheels. Observe the manu-facturer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
You are not permitted to mount snow chains to
tires of the following sizes:
>255/40 R 17
>255/35 R 18
>255/30 R 19
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to
page68.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
121
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is not
available, you can add small quantities of other
synthetic oils in between oil changes. Only use
oils with the API SH specification or higher.
Your BMW Center will be glad to answer
any questions regarding BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
Selecting the appropriate SAE class depends
on the regional climatic conditions in which you
normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the 5W-40 and
5W-30 classes.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant is a mixture of water and an additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW Center for
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
are hazardous to your health.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.
3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the maximum and minimum marks in the
filler neck, refer also to the diagram next to
the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunctions
Brake fluid
The warning lamps light up in red
even though the handbrake has been
released. Stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system checked without
delay.
Display of this malfunction on Cana-
dian models.
If you continue to drive the car, you may
have to depress the brake more and brak-
ing distances may be significantly longer.
Please adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Indicator and warning lamps
144Engine speed too high Select a higher gear if the driving situa-
tion permits you to do so.
Active cruise control deactivated:
>Driving stability control systems are
active or
>handbrake is applied or
>the vehicle has not achieved a
speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h or
>engaged gear not suitable for the
speed being driven orKeep a safe distance.
>radar sensor dirty Clean the radar sensor, refer to
page56.
Active cruise control failed Keep a safe distance.
Have the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp failed Have the low beams checked as soon
as possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment
system failedHave the headlamp beam throw adjust-
ment system checked.
Adaptive Head Light failed
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, refer to
page121.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your jour-
ney. Contact your BMW Center.
Engine oil level too low Add engine oil immediately; refer to
page119 for more information.
12Cause What to do
Everything from A to Z
158
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires117
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system123
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control65
Manual air distribution81
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Manual operation
– door lock22
– glass sunroof29
– panorama glass roof29
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
Manual release
– fuel filler door106
Manual transmission44
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling83
Maximum speed
– with winter tires117
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory35
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– for air conditioner82
– for automatic climate
control85
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System123
Microphone for telephone14
Mirror dimming feature99
Mirrors37
– automatic curb monitor37
– exterior mirrors37
– heating37
– interior rearview mirror37Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest89
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest89
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobile phone in the vehicle98
Mobile phones, use inside the
car, refer to Mobile phone in
the vehicle98
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor71
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher48
– refer to Wiper system49
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints33
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments90
New tires116
Nose weight150
Nozzles, refer to Windshield
washer nozzles50
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data148
O
OBD socket124
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for On-Board Diagnosis124
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications106
Odometer59Oil
– capacity151
Oil, refer to Engine oil119
Oil consumption119
Oil level119
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal129
Onboard tool kit125
Opening and closing
– convenient access25
– from inside22
– from outside20
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control20
Opening and unlocking
– from the inside23
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation82,85
Outlets, refer to Air vents80
Output, refer to Engine
data148
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control84
Outside-temperature
display59
– changing units of
measure62
– in computer62
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature59
Overriding selector lever
lock48
P
Panorama glass roof
– closing after electrical
malfunction29
– convenient operation20
– remote control20
Parking
– vehicle43
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control67
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake44
Parking lamps/low beams76
– replacing bulbs127
Refueling
So that you always have access to the data you
need when refueling, you are recommended to
enter the relevant figures for your car in the
table provided below. Consult the index for indi-
vidual specifications.Fuel
Engine oil
Do not add engine oil until the corresponding
warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up,
refer to page120.
Tire inflation pressures
Designation
Please enter your preferred fuel here.
Quality
Summer tires
FrontRearWinter tires
FrontRear
Up to 4 persons
5 persons or 4 plus luggage