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175Reference
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approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
another vital factor in ensuring reliable opera-
tion of various vehicle systems such as ABS
and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. After a flat
tire, have the original wheel and tire combina-
tion remounted on the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble.
Recommended tire brands
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size,
classifies them as road-safe and approves
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
Observe any country-specific regulations, e.g.
on making a corresponding entry in the vehicle
documents.
The factory-mounted tires have been specially
selected to provide optimized performance
when installed on yo ur vehicle; if pro perly cared
for, they will provide a combination of safety and
excellent ride comfort.
Run-flat tires
When mounting new tires or changing from
summer tires to winter tires or vice versa, use
run-flat tires because there is no spare tire in
case of a flat. Your BMW center will be glad to
advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that you do not have damaged run-flat
tires repaired; they should be replaced.<
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
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed for the winter tires, otherwise tire
damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
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 side wall
of the tire.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and approves
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation. BMW recommends using these
approved, fine-link snow chains.
Use is only permitted in pairs, with winter tires
on the rear wheels.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
After snow chains are mounted, do not
initialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
When driving with snow chains, it can be useful
to activate the DTC temporarily, refer to
page78.<
Mobility
177Reference
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Engine compartment
1Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding
engine oil
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath the
microfilter cover
3Starting-aid terminal, refer to page1904Dipstick for engine oil, refer to Checking oil
level. The dipstick is further toward the rear
on the 545i
5Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp and
windshield cleaning systems, refer to
page58
6Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page178
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
1.With the engine at operating temperature,
i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km of uninter-
rupted driving, park the vehicle in a horizon-
tal position.
2.Switch off the engine.
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull out the dip-
stick 4 and wipe it off with a clean lint-free
cloth, paper towel, or similar material.
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.The oil should extend to between the two
marks on the dipstick.
The oil quantity between the middle of the two
marks on the dipstick is approx. 1.6 US quarts/
1.5 liters.
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1.Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to
the right, refer to arrows. This releases the
lamp.
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
Backup lamps
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
LEDs light-emitting diodes
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare directly into the unfiltered light for
several hours, as this could result in irritation of
the retina.<
Changing wheels
Safety precautions in the event of a flat
tire or wheel change: Park the vehicle as
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-
ting of the wheels. Apply the handbrake and
engage first gear, reverse gear or selector lever
position P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
diate 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 vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is
supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises later on, note the posi-
tions of the tools before removing them, then
return them to their initial positions after com-
pleting work.
1Chock
*
2Vehicle jack*
3Lug wrench*
The tools are located in the hollow of the com-
pact wheel.
1.Lift up floor mat or floor panel flap and cover
located beneath it.
2.Take out the required tools.
3.After using the tools, return then to the stor-
age space.
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191Reference
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an engine or body ground of the assisting
vehicle.
5.Attach the second end of the cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to the
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be
started.
Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle
and allow it to run for several minutes at
increased 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 dis-
charged battery to recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Towing and tow-starting
Always observe all applicable towing laws
and regulations.<
Never allow passengers to ride in a towed
vehicle for any reason.<
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit and must always remain in the
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear
of the BMW.In order to avoid damaging the tow fitting
and the vehicle, please follow these
instructions: use only the tow fitting provided
with the vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use
the tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper: press on
the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine
stopped. This then requires increased effort for
braking and steering. Active steering is deacti-
vated and larger steering wheel movements are
required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Reference 203
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Mobility
Arrival time
– refer to Computer70
– refer to Starting destination
guidance124
"Arrow display" during
navigation126
Ashtray
– front99
– rear100
Assist, refer to BMW
Assist161
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems77
Assistance window20
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control91
"Audio"134
Audio132
– controls132
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
Automatic
– air distribution91
– air volume91
– garage door opener96
– headlamp control87
– service notification162
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit45
– storing stations139
Automatic car washes108
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control90
– automatic air distribution91
– settings using the Control
Center92
– switching off92
Automatic curb monitor41
"Automatic programs"93
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC91
Automatic station search139Automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– convenience start52
– interlock51
– kick-down56
– selector lever interlock55
– shiftlock55
– sport program56
– starting the engine52
– tow starting192
– tow-starting192
"Automatic ventilation"94
AUTO program for automatic
climate control91
"Autostore" on the radio140
Average fuel consumption70
– setting the units73
Average speed, refer to
Computer70
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation123
Avoid freeways for
navigation122
"Avoid highways" for
navigation122
Avoiding unintentional
alarms34
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation123
Axle loads, refer to
Weights198
"A - Z"155
B
Backrests, refer to Seats38
Backrest width adjustment39
Backup lamps, refer to
Reverse gear53
– replacing bulbs184
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps184
Balance, tone control134
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit189
Bass, tone control134Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery187
– jump starting190
Being towed191
Belts, refer to Safety belts42
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders99
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning65
Blower, refer to Air volume91
BMW Assist161
– enabling161
– services offered162
BMW maintenance
system180
"BMW Service"163
"BMW Service settings"162
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders99
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control77
Brake fluid179
– warning lamp179
Brake Force Display82
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display82
– replacing bulbs184
Brake pads179
– breaking-in106
Brake rotors108
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System77
– brake fluid179
– Brake Force Display82
– brake pads179
– breaking-in106
– handbrake52
– warning lamps13
Brake system106,179
– brake fluid level179
– brake pads106,179
– breaking-in106
– disc brakes108
– warning lamp79,179
Reference 207
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Mobility
E
Easy entry/exit45
– backrest width40
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player132
Electrical malfunction
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door168
– glass sunroof37
– glass sunroof, electric37
– luggage compartment lid33
Electric steering wheel
adjustment45
Electronic brake-force
distribution77
Emergency call189
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door168
– glass sunroof37
– luggage compartment lid33
Emergency release of luggage
compartment lid from
luggage compartment's
interior33
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance190
"Emission inspect."67
"Enable services"162
"End call"155
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control66
Energy Control66
Engine
– breaking-in106
– data196
– speed196
– starting51
– starting difficulties51
– switching off52
Engine compartment177
Engine coolant178Engine oil
– adding178
– checking the oil level177
– specified engine oils178
Engine output, refer to Engine
data196
Engine speed196
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine51
"Enter address"116
Entering destination116
Entering the address115
Entering the intersection117
"Entertainment"133
"Entertainment settings"134
Entry map for destination117
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control135
"ESN"142
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control78
Event Data Recorders181
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system106
Exterior mirrors45
– automatic dimming
feature107
– automatic heating45
Exterior rearview mirror
– passenger-side mirror tilt
function41
F
Fader, tone control134
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control67
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms34
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts42
– warning lamp43
Fastest route for
navigation122
"Fast route" for
navigation122First aid, refer to First-aid
kit189
First-aid kit189
Flashlight98
– refer to Rechargeable
flashlight98
Flash when locking/
unlocking30
Flat tire
– changing wheels185
– compact wheel186
– Flat Tire Monitor80
– run-flat tires80,174
Flat Tire Monitor79
– false alarms80
– initializing system80
– malfunctions81
– snow chains175
– system limits80
– warning lamp80
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition173
"FM", reception
range133,138
FM, waveband138
Fog lamps88
– indicator lamp13,88
Folding down rear seat101
Folding rear seat back101
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely107
Footwell lamps89
Forward, fast
– CD changer147
– CD player147
For your own safety6
Front airbags83
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest
– front98
Front seat adjustment38
"FTM"80
Fuel169
– capacity198
– display66
– high-quality brands169
– quality169
– specifications169
Reference 209
At a glance
Controls
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Mobility
Indicator/warning lamps13
– ABS Antilock Brake
System79
– active steering81
– airbags84
– brake fluid179
– brake pads179
– brake system13,79
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control13,78
– DTC Dynamic Traction
Control13,78
– Flat Tire Monitor80
– front fog lamps13
– overview13
– safety belt warning42
Individual air distribution92
Individually assignable
buttons on the steering
wheel46
Individual settings, refer to
Key Memory28
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure170
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor79
Information
– on another location118
– on current position118
– on destination location118
"Information" for
navigation119
"Information on
destination"119
Initializing, refer to Power
loss187
"Input map"118
Installation location
– CD changer147
– portable phone98
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions125
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer
to Instrument lighting89
Instrument lighting89Instrument panel
– refer to Cockpit10
– refer to Instrument
cluster12
Integrated universal remote
control96
"Interim time"73
Interior lamps89
– remote control30
Interior motion sensor34
– switching off34
Interior rearview mirror45
– automatic dimming
feature107
Interlock on automatic
transmission51
Intermittent mode of the
wipers57
J
Jacking points186
Joystick, refer to Control
Center16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting190
Jump starting190
K
Key Memory28
"Keypad"157
Keys28
Kick-down
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission54
Knock control169
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams87
Lamps and bulbs182
"Languages"74
– for navigation126
Lashing down cargo, refer to
Securing cargo109
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo109
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list119
"Last seat pos."41
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system49
LEDs light-emitting
diodes185
Length, refer to
Dimensions197
Letter symbol with portable
phone157
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs184
"Light"56,87
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs185
Lighter99
Lighter socket100
Lighting
– instruments89
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps87
Lights on warning87
Light switch87
"Limit"72
Loading
– securing cargo109
– stowing cargo109
– vehicle108
Location, navigation drive114
"Lock after driving off"32
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking32
Locking
– from inside32
– from outside30
– setting confirmation
signals30
Everything from A to Z
212 Portable phone
– accepted calls156
– adjusting volume153
– calling154
– ending call155
– hands-free system153
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest98
– missed calls156
– operation using Control
Center153
– phone book155
– redialing156
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
– SMS157
– Top 8156
– touch tone dialing157
Portable phone battery152
Portable phone in the
vehicle107
Portable phones, use in the
interior, refer to Mobile
communications
systems107
Position
– displaying125
– storing120
Power failure187
Power windows, refer to
Windows34
Preselecting activation times
of the Independent
ventilation94
"Presets" on the
radio138,143
Pressure, tires170
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor79
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel46
Protective function, refer to
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof, electric36
– windows35
R
Radio
– autostore139
– controls132
– sampling stations139
– satellite radio141
– selecting the frequency
manually139
– selecting the
waveband133,138
– station search139
– station selection138
– station with the best
reception139
– storing stations140
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
– Weather Band141
Radio-control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control28
Rain sensor57
"Random", random play
sequence147
Reading lamps89
Rear armrest, refer to Rear
center armrest100
Rear lamp, refer to Tail
lamps184
– replacing bulbs184
"Rear not enabled"137
Rear seat back, folding101
"Rear seat entertainment via
headphones"136
"Rear seat entertainment via
speakers"136
Rear seats
– folding backrests101
– head restraint adjustment42
– heating44
Rear ventilation93
Rearview mirror45
Rear window blind, refer to
Roller sun blinds97
Rear window defroster90
Rear window safety switch35"Received calls"156
Receiving level of portable
phone, refer to Status
information20
Reception
– quality141
– radio stations141
– regional station139
Recirculated-air mode
– air recirculation91
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control91
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest39
Recording times, refer to
Stopwatch72
"Redial" for portable
phone156
Refueling168
Releasing hood176
"Relock door if not
opened"32
Remaining distance
– refer to Computer70
– refer to Cruising range70
Remote control28
– entertainment136
– garage door opener96
– luggage compartment lid30
– malfunction30
Removing condensation on
the windows91
"Repeat" in audio mode146
Replacement fuses187
Replacement key, refer to
New key28
Replacement of tires, refer to
Changing wheels185
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs182
Replacing tires174
Reporting an accident, refer
Initiating an emergency
call189
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gage66
Reservoir for washer
systems58