
Controls
 91Reference
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Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lights off
1Parking lamps
2Low beams/daytime driving lamps
*
3Automatic headlamp control/
Adaptive Head Light
*
Parking lamps
In the switch position1, the front, rear and side 
vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the 
parking lamps for parking. For lighting on one 
side for parking as an additional feature, refer to 
page92.
Low beams
The low beams light up in switch position2 only 
with the engine running. Otherwise the parking 
lamps are lit.
Pathway lighting
After parking the vehicle and switching off the 
headlamps, operating the headlamp flasher 
activates the low beams. You can set the dura-
tion on the Control Display or deactivate the 
function.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open the   menu.
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.3.Select "Light" and press the controller.
4.Select "Pathway lighting" and press the 
controller.
5.Turn the controller to select the corre-
sponding duration.
6.Press the controller to apply the setting.
Lights on warning
If you turn the ignition key to position 0, an 
acoustic signal sounds when you open the 
driver's door for a few seconds to remind you 
that the lamps have not yet been switched off. 
At the same time a message appears on the 
Control Display.
Daytime driving lamps*
If you wish, you can leave the light switch in 
position2.
Always observe all applicable laws governing 
the use of daytime driving lamps.
You can switch on the parking lamps when 
needed using the standard procedure 
described under Parking lamps.
Automatic headlamp control
In switch position3 the low beams are automat-
ically switched on or off depending on the ambi-
ent light, e.g. in a tunnel, at dawn/dusk in the 
rain or snow, and the Adaptive Head Light
* is 
active. The LED next to the symbol is illumi-
nated when the low beams are on. 

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The stations of the last selection criterion are 
displayed again after a short time.
The stations are stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Changing a memory location
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Select "Presets" and press the controller.
2.Select the desired station.
3.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
4.Select "Store" and press the controller.
5.Turn the controller until the desired mem-
ory position is selected. 
The number of the memory position 
appears beside the name or frequency of 
the station.
6.Press the controller.
The station is stored.
RDS Radio Data System
RDS transmits additional information in the FM 
frequency range. RDS stations have the follow-
ing properties:
>In the case of broadcasting networks that 
transmit over a number of frequencies, 
there is an automatic switch to the fre-
quency with the best reception quality.
>If the reception conditions are good, the 
station names are shown on the Control 
Display. If the reception is weak or dis-
rupted, it can take some time before the 
station names appear.
Weather Band*
Weather Radio is a service of the National Oce-
anic and Atmospheric Administration – NOAA – 
of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Weather 
messages are repeated every four to six min-
utes and are routinely revised every one to three 
hours, or more frequently if needed. Most of the 
stations operate 24 hours daily. During severe 
weather, National Weather Service forecasters 
can interrupt the routine weather broadcasts 
and substitute special warning messages. If you 
have a question concerning NOAA Weather 
Radio, please contact your nearest National 
Weather Service Office, or write to National 
Weather Service – Attn: W/OM11 –, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
1325 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD. 
20910.
Selecting Weather Band
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Select "WB" and press the controller.
2.Select the Weather Band station and press 
the controller.
The Weather Band station may be unavailable 
in some regions. 

Under the hood
176
Topping off engine oil
Wait until the level has dropped to just above 
the lower dipstick mark before adding oil. When 
it falls to this level, a message also appears on 
the Control Display.
Refill the oil within the next 125 miles/
200 km, otherwise engine damage could 
result.<
Store oil, grease etc., well out of the reach 
of children; always observe all warning 
labels on the containers.<
Oil change
Have oil changes carried out only by a BMW 
center.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical 
significance for the operation and service life of 
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use 
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Use only approved BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small 
amounts of another synthetic oil between oil 
changes. Use only oils with the API SH specifi-
cation or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details concern-
ing the specific BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils which have been 
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America at 
1-800-831-1117 or visit this website: 
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.BMW engines are designed to operate 
without additives, and their use could 
even lead to damage in some cases.<
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in SAE 
classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class depends 
on the climatic conditions in the area where you 
typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes 5W-40 
and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all ambient 
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not open the cooling system when the 
engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause 
burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additive. 
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center for 
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, as otherwise 
engine damage may result. The additives 
present a health hazard.<
Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-
posing of used coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture. 

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2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to 
open.
3.The coolant level is correct when it lies 
between the Min and Max mark, also refer to 
the drawing next 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 it clicks.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up in red 
in spite of the handbrake being 
released; a message appears on the 
Control Display.
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to 
below the minimum level. At the same time, a 
significantly longer brake pedal path may be 
noticeable. Have the system checked immedi-
ately by a BMW center.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
When you continue driving, an increased 
brake pedal path can be necessary, and 
significantly longer braking distances might be 
required. Please adapt your driving style 
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up in red 
in spite of the handbrake being 
released; a message appears on the 
Control Display. The brake pads have reached 
their minimum pad thickness. Have the brake 
pads replaced as soon as possible.Warning lamp for Canadian models.
For your own safety: use only brake pads 
that BMW has approved for your particu-
lar vehicle model. As BMW cannot assess the 
suitability of other brake pads for use on your 
vehicle, BMW is unable to assume continued 
responsibility for the vehicle's operating safety 
if non-approved pads are installed.< 

Giving and receiving assistance
186
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle can be found in the lug-
gage compartment on the left side.
Comply with legal requirements requiring 
you to carry a hazard warning triangle in 
the vehicle.<
First-aid kit*
The first-aid kit is located in the filler element of 
the rear seat backrest.
1.Press the button downward and pull the 
filler element forward.
2.Take out first-aid kit.To refit the filler element, insert the two 
bottom tabs into the strip and press the 
filler element back into place. Make sure that 
you do not damage the rear seat upholstery.<
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 expi-
ration dates have passed. You can find replace-
ments in any pharmacy.
Comply with legal requirements requiring you 
to carry a first-aid kit in the vehicle.<
Roadside Assistance*
The Roadside Assistance of the BMW Group 
offers you breakdown assistance around the 
clock, including on weekends and public holi-
days.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance in your home country can be found in the 
BMW Contact directory.
In vehicles with BMW Assist or TeleService, 
you can call the Roadside Assistance of the 
BMW Group directly for breakdown assistance 
via the Control Center, refer to page161.
Jump starting
When your battery is discharged, you can use 
two jumper cables to start your BMW 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. Care-
fully adhere to the following sequence, both to 
prevent damage to one or both vehicles, and to 
guard against possible personal injuries.< 

Giving and receiving assistance
188
Towing and tow-starting
Always observe all applicable towing laws 
and regulations.<
Never allow passengers to ride in a towed 
vehicle for any reason.<
Use tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool kit 
mounted on the inside of the luggage compart-
ment under the floor mat, refer to page180, and 
should always remain in the vehicle. It can be 
screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting and the 
vehicle, observe the following: only use 
the tow fitting that comes with the vehicle and 
screw it in as far as possible. Use the tow fitting 
for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral strains on 
the tow fitting, e.g. do not the lift vehicle by the 
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover in bumper:
Press the arrow symbol of the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering wheel 
could lock and it would be impossible to steer 
the vehicle. There is no power assist with the 
engine stopped. This then requires increased 
effort for braking and steering. Active steering is 
deactivated and larger steering wheel move-
ments 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.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.<
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual 
transmission
With the ignition switched on, engage selector-
lever position N, then switch off the ignition.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or 
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter 
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise 
it will not be possible to control vehicle 
response.<
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 offset 
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be strictly limited during cornering. 

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>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will 
exert lateral forces, tending to push the 
vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only. 
Otherwise to other vehicle parts could 
result.<
With 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. 
Secure the tow rope to the tow fitting only. Oth-
erwise damage to other vehicle parts could 
result.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck 
with a so-called lift bar or on a load bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body 
and chassis parts, as otherwise damage 
may result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission.
Jump starting, refer to page186.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic con-
verter with the engine cold. It is better to jump 
start the engine, refer to page186.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers, 
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3.Shift into 3rd gear, vehicles with SMG, see 
below.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch 
pedal completely depressed and slowly 
release the clutch. After the engine starts, 
immediately depress the clutch pedal com-
pletely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual trans-
mission:
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select sequential mode. The correct gear 
will be selected and engaged automatically. 

 199Reference
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Mobility
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display 
texts used to select 
individual functions, 
pointing out where these are 
located.
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System81
– indicator lamp83
– malfunction83
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control62
Acceleration assistant with 
SMG59
Accessories, refer to Your 
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter97
"Activation time" for 
independent ventilation98
Active cruise control62
– indicator lamps64
– malfunction68
– selecting distance65
Active roll stabilization83
Active steering85
– initializing system86
– warning lamp85
Adapting temperature in 
upper body region97
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to 
Brake Force Display86
Adaptive Head Light92
"Add digits" for portable 
phone153
"Address book" for 
navigation120
Address for navigation
– deleting121
– entering115
– selecting120
– storing current position120"Add to destination list"117
Adhesive bandages, refer to 
First-aid kit186
Adjusting the temperature 
with automatic climate 
control95
Adjusting the thigh support45
Adjusting tone during audio 
operation, refer to Tone 
control133
"After opening door"46
"After unlocking"46
Airbags86
– deactivating, Coupe52
– sitting safely44
– warning lamp87
Air distribution
– automatic95
– manual96
Airing, refer to Ventilation97
Air recirculation, refer to AUC 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control95
"Air recirculation on / off"51
Air vents, refer to 
Ventilation94
Air volume95
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications167
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off alarm34
– switching off tilt alarm 
sensor and interior motion 
sensor35
– tilt alarm sensor35
All around the center 
console14
All around the steering 
wheel10
"All channels"141"All doors"29
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires172
"AM", reception 
range133,136
Antenna for portable 
phone150
Antifreeze
– coolant176
– washer fluid61
Antilock Brake System 
ABS81
– indicator lamp83
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system34
Anti-theft system29
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof38
– power windows37
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights192
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights192
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest102
Arrival time
– refer to Computer75
– refer to Starting destination 
guidance124
"Arrow display" during 
Navigation127
Ashtray103
Assist, refer to BMW 
Assist159
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems81
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control95
"Audio"133