Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
25
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to
towing away
>When there is an interruption in the power
supply from the battery
The alarm system signals unauthorized entry
attempts for a short time by means of:
>An acoustic alarm
>Switching on the hazard warning flashers
>Flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
Even when the alarm system is armed, you can
open the luggage compartment lid by means of
the button on the remote control, refer to
page21. When you subsequently close the lug-
gage compartment lid, it is again locked and
monitored.
Switching off an alarm
>Unlock the car with the remote control, refer
to page20, or
>insert the remote control all the way into the
ignition lock.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp under the inside rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after locking:
doors, hood or luggage compartment lid are
not properly closed. Even if you do not close
the alerted area, the system begins to mon-
itor the remaining areas, and the indicator lamp flashes continuously after approx. 10
seconds. However, the interior motion sen-
sor is not activated.
>The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
your vehicle has not been disturbed while
you were away.
>If the indicator lamp flashes after unlocking
until the remote control is inserted in the
ignition, but for no longer than approx.
5 minutes: your vehicle has been disturbed
while you were away.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm
system reacts, e.g. to attempts to steal a wheel
or tow the vehicle.
Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and glass sunroof
must be completely closed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following
situations:
>In duplex garages
>When transporting on car-carrying trains
>When animals are to remain in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor
Press the button on the remote control
twice in a row.
The indicator lamp comes on for approx. two
seconds, then begins to flash steadily. The tilt
alarm sensor and the interior motion sensor are
switched off until the next time the vehicle is
unlocked and subsequently locked again.
Convenient access*
Convenient access enables you to enter your
vehicle without needing to hold the remote con-
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
101
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 permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of the occupants, the less cargo/lug-
gage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
respective seat backs.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Smaller and relatively light items can be
retained with tensioning straps or draw
straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW Center. Four lashing eyes are
provided for attaching the cargo straps.
Two are located on the inside rear wall of
the luggage compartment 1, and two others
are on the side walls of the luggage com-
partment 2.
Comply with the information provided with
the cargo straps.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page150, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Comply with the precautions
included with the installation instructions.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
133
Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative pole.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any occupants other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
It is stored in the onboard tool kit underneath
the cover on the right-hand side of the luggage
compartment, refer to page125.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press on the upper edges of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Check that the car is radio-ready and that
the electric steering wheel lock is not
engaged, otherwise the car would not be steer-
able. If the electrical system fails, do not
attempt to tow-start or tow away the car. The
electric steering wheel lock cannot be disen-
Giving and receiving assistance
134 gaged and the car is not steerable. Jump start-
ing, refer to page132.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page47.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
With the ignition switched on, engage selector
lever position N, and then switch the ignition
back off.
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
323i*, 325i, 330i
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
325xi, 330xi
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported on a flatbed surface
only.
Tow-starting
If the electrical system fails, do not
attempt to tow-start or tow away the car.
The electric steering wheel lock cannot be dis-
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
153
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs128
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps127
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch131
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away134
Battery129
– charging129
– disposal27,129
– jump starting132
– temporary power failure129
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed133
Belts, refer to Safety belts36
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts36
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders90
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning59
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate81,84
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System123
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders90
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control68
Brake fluid121
– level too low121
– warning lamp121,122
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements63
Brake Force Display73
Brake hydraulics, refer to
Brakes121
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display73
– replacing bulbs128
Brake pads, breaking in98Brake rotors100
– brakes98
– breaking in98
Brakes
– ABS68
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– brake fluid121
– brake pads122
– breaking in98
– handbrake44
– service requirements63
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely99
Brake system98
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– brake fluid121
– brake pads122
– breaking in98
– disc brakes100
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance131
Breaking in
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG98
Breaking in the clutch98
Breaking in the differential98
Break-in period98
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs125
Burned fuel
– refer to Average
consumption60
Button for starting engine42
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders90
Capacities151
Capacity of luggage
compartment150
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery129Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing101
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo101
– vehicle100
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car jack
– jacking points129
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest89
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash100
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system98
CBS Condition Based
Service123
Center armrest89
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulbs128
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
155
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine
data148
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Displays
– instrument cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant121
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery129
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control53
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements63
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control67
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door locking, confirmation
signals21
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades114
Draft-free ventilation82,85
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders90
Drive mode46
Drive-off assistant71
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams76
Driving notes98
Driving stability control
systems68
Driving through water99
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes98
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function85
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control68
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control68
– indicator lamps68Dynamic Driving Control46
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps69
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution68
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door106
– glass sunroof29
– panorama glass roof29
Electric seat adjustment32
Electronic brake-force
distribution68
Electronic oil level check119
Emergency call131
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass sunroof29
– panorama glass roof29
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door106
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside24
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance131
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements63
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control60
Energy Control60
Engine
– breaking in98
– data148
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature59
– speed148
– starting43
– starting, convenient
access25
– switching off43Engine compartment119
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant121
Engine oil
– adding120
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– checking level119
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements63
Engine output, refer to Engine
data148
Engine speed148
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine43
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control60
Error messages, refer to
Check Control65
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control68
Event data recorders124
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system98
Exterior mirrors37
– adjusting37
– automatic dimming
feature99
– automatic heating37
External audio device90
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away133
– for tying down loads101
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control65
Failure of an electrical
consumer129
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts36
Everything from A to Z
156 Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control85
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner82
First aid pouch131
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock42
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight89
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat
– Run-Flat Tires116
Flat Tire Monitor FTM71
– indicating a flat tire72
– initializing the system72
– malfunction73
– snow chains72,117
– system limits72
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition115
Fog lamps78
– indicator lamp78,136
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely99
Footwell lamps79
For your own safety5
Front airbags74
Front seat adjustment31
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor71
Fuel106
– display60
– high-quality brands106
– quality106
– specifications106
– tank capacity151
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption60
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Fuel filler door106
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction106Fuses129
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control86
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel106
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Gasoline engine, checking oil
level119
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– manual transmission44
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Gearshifts
– with automatic
transmission47
– with manual transmission44
– with the sequential manual
gearbox SMG45
General driving notes98
Glass sunroof, electric28
– anti-trapping mechanism29
– closing after electrical
malfunction29
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing29
– operation with convenient
access26
– raising29
– remote control20
Glove compartment89
– rechargeable flashlight89
Grills, refer to Air vents80
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights150
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs126
Handbrake44
– indicator lamp44
– manual release22
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight89
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags74
Headlamp control,
automatic76
Headlamp cover126
Headlamp flasher48
– indicator lamp11,14,136
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs126
Head restraints33
– sitting safely31
Heated
– mirrors37
– rear window81,85
– seats34
Heating80
– mirrors37
– rear window81,85
– seats34
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat84
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo101
Height, refer to
Dimensions149
Height adjustment
– seats32
– steering wheel38
High beams78
– headlamp flasher78
– indicator lamp136
– replacing bulbs126
High water, refer to Driving
through water99
Hills99
Holders for cups90
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
159
Parts and accessories, refer to
The individual vehicle5
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function37
Pathway lighting76
PDC Park Distance Control67
Personal Profile19
Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control85
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner82
Power failure129
Power windows28
– safety switch28
Power windows, refer to
Windows27
Pressure, tires108
Pressure monitoring, tires71
– Flat Tire Monitor71
Protection function, refer to
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof, electric29
– windows28
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First add pouch131
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor71
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/Remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness42
Radio readiness42
– switched off42
– switched on42
Rain sensor50
Reading lamps79
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps127
– replacing bulbs128Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints34
– folding head restraint down
and up34
Rear turn signals
– replacing bulbs128
Rear ventilation85
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors37
Rear window defroster81,85
Rear window roller blind, refer
to Roller sun blinds89
Rear window safety switch28
Rechargeable flashlight89
Recirculated-air mode81,84
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode81,84
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest32
Refueling106
Releasing
– hood118
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range60
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access25
– garage door opener86
– luggage compartment lid21
– malfunctions21,27
– service data123
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs125
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires116
Reporting an accident, refer to
Initiating an emergency
call131
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Reservoir for washer
systems
50
Residual heat mode84Restraint systems
– for children39
– refer to Safety belts36
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– manual transmission45
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Roadside Assistance131
Roadside parking lamps78
– replacing bulbs127
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements63
Roller blind
– sun blinds89
Roof load capacity150
Roof-mounted luggage
rack101
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away134
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires116
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires116
Run-Flat Tires116
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire72
– flat tire72
– new tires116
– replacing tires116
– tire pressures108
– winter tires117
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-
Flat Tires116
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment36
Safety belts36
– damage36
– indicator lamp36
– reminder36
– sitting safely31