
Adjustments
44
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital con-
tribution to relaxed, fatigue-free driving. The sit-
ting position also plays an important role 
together with the safety belts and airbags in 
providing occupants with maximum levels of 
passive safety in an accident. To ensure that 
the safety systems operate with optimal effi-
ciency, we strongly urge you to observe the 
instructions contained in the following section.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page52.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance 
between yourself and the airbags. Always 
hold the steering wheel by its rim with hands at 
the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, to mini-
mize the risk of injuries to your hands and arms 
in the event of airbag deployment.
No one and nothing is to come between the air-
bags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the 
front passenger side as a storage area. Make 
sure that the front passenger is sitting correctly 
and does not rest feet or legs on the instrument 
panel, otherwise leg injuries can occur if the 
knee and front airbags are triggered.
Never let an occupant's head rest near or on a 
side airbag because the inflating airbag could 
cause a serious or fatal injury.<
Even if you adhere to all the instructions, inju-
ries resulting from contact with airbags cannot 
be fully excluded, depending on the circum-
stances. The ignition and inflation noise may 
provoke a mild hearing loss in extremely sensi-
tive individuals. This effect is usually only tem-
porary.
For airbag locations and additional information 
on airbags, refer to page86.
Safety belt
Fasten your safety belt before starting any trip. 
Airbags complement the safety belt as an addi-
tional safety device, but they do not represent a 
substitute.
Your vehicle has four seats that are all equipped 
with a safety belt.
At all times, occupants should sit upright 
and be properly restrained: infants and 
small children in appropriate child-restraint sys-
tems; larger children and adults using the safety 
belts.
Never allow more than one person to wear a sin-
gle safety belt. Never allow infants or small chil-
dren to ride in a passenger's lap.
Expectant mothers should always wear their 
safety belts, taking care to position the lap belt 
against the lower hips, where it will not exert 
pressure against the abdominal area.
Do not route the belt across your neck, or run it 
across sharp edges. Be sure that the belt does 
not become caught or jammed. Avoid twisting 
the belt while routing it firmly across the hips 
and shoulder. Do not allow the belt to rest 
against hard or fragile objects. Otherwise, in the 
event of a frontal impact, a loose lap belt could 
slide over your hips, leading to abdominal injury. 
Avoid wearing clothing that prevents the belt 
from fitting properly and pull the shoulder belt 
periodically to readjust the tension across your 
lap in order to avoid a reduction in the retention 
effect of the safety belt.<
For instructions on operating safety belts, refer 
to page48.
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while 
operating the vehicle. The seat could 
respond with unexpected movement, and the 
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an 
accident. 

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Report of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up in red. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal 
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation 
pressure loss.
1.Cautiously reduce the vehicle speed to 
below 50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid sudden brak-
ing and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed 
a vehicle speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
If the vehicle is not, as provided at the 
factory, equipped with run-flat tires, 
refer to page172, stop driving. Continued 
driving after a flat tire can result in serious 
accidents.<
2.Check the air pressure in all four tires at the 
next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four 
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor 
may not have been initialized. The system 
must then be initialized.<
3.In case of a complete loss of the tire inflation 
pressure or obvious tire damage, you can 
estimate the possible driving distance for 
continued driving base on the following ref-
erence values:
>With low load: 
1 to 2 persons without luggage: 
approx. 155 miles/250 km.
>With medium load: 
2 persons, luggage compartment full, or 
4 persons without luggage: 
approx. 94 miles/150 km.
>With full load: 
4 persons, luggage compartment full: 
approx. 30 miles/50 km.
Drive reservedly and do not exceed 
a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the 
event of pressure loss, vehicle handling 
changes. This includes reduced tracking 
stability in braking, extended braking dis-
tance and altered natural steering charac-
teristics.
If unusual vibrations occur while the vehicle 
is being driven, this can indicate final failure 
of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and stop as soon as possible. Do not continue 
driving. Contact your BMW center.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up in yellow. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. The Flat Tire Monitor has a mal-
function or has failed. Have the system checked 
as soon as possible.
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering is a system that actively var-
ies the steering angle of the front wheels in rela-
tion to the steering wheel movements.
A t  l o w  s p e e d ,  e . g .  i n  a  t o w n  o r  w h e n  p a r k i n g ,  t h e  
steering angle of the wheels is reinforced, i.e. 
the steering becomes very direct.
In the higher speed range, on the other hand, 
the steering angle is reduced more and more. 
This improves the handling capability of your 
BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle 
before the driver intervenes. This stability-pro-
moting intervention is deactivated when DSC is 
switched off, refer to page82.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The active 
steering is no longer operational. At low 
speed, larger steering wheel move-
ments are required, while the vehicle reacts 
more sensitively to steering wheel movements 
in the higher road-speed range. Have the sys-
tem checked.
If the warning lamp lights up during the first 
engine starting following a power supply inter-
ruption, the system must be activated by being 
initialized. 

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heat when tested under controlled conditions 
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the 
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce 
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to 
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to 
a level of performance which all passenger car 
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A 
represent higher levels of performance on the 
laboratory test wheel than the minimum 
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is 
established for a tire that is properly 
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, 
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat 
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side 
of the tire, refer to page172.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear, 
signs of damage and foreign objects lodged in 
the tread, and check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of 
0.063 in/1.6 mm. 
At tread depths below 0.12 in/3 mm there is an 
increased risk of high-speed hydroplaning, 
even when only small amounts of water are 
present on the road surface.
Winter tires noticeably loose their suitability for 
winter use below a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm. New tires should be mounted in the interest of 
safety.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer 
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire 
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the indica-
tors are at the level of the profile, the legal per-
missible tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has 
been reached.
Tire damage
Due to low-profile tires, please note that 
wheels, tires and suspension parts are 
more susceptible to road hazard and conse-
quential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal 
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or 
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These 
kinds of problems may also be signaled by other 
changes in vehicle response, such as a strong 
tendency to pull to the left or right.
In these cases reduce your speed immediately 
and have the wheels and tires inspected imme-
diately. To do this, carefully drive to the next 
BMW center or a specialized tire dealer which 
works with personnel trained in accordance 
with BMW specifications. Have the vehicle 
towed to the workshop if necessary.
Tire damage can be extremely dangerous to 
vehicle occupants and other road users.<
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents. Have this work performed by skilled pro-
fessionals only. The technicians at your BMW 
center will be glad to assist you with the 
required professional knowledge and special-
ized equipment.< 

Wheels and tires
172
Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by the circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side-
wall.
Run-flat tires consist of self-contained tires and 
special rims. The sidewall reinforcement 
ensures that the tire retains some residual 
safety in the event of pressure drop and driving 
remains possible to a restricted degree.
New wheels and tires
Only have new wheels and tires mounted 
by a BMW center or a specialized tire 
dealer which works with personnel trained in 
accordance with BMW specifications. If this 
work is performed inexpertly, there is a danger 
of damage and associated safety risks. Make 
sure that the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of 
retread tires, as otherwise driving safety 
may be reduced. Possible variations in the 
design and the age – which could be substan-
tial – of the carcasses can lead to more rapid 
wear.<
The right wheels and tires
If you switch from summer to winter tires, or 
vice versa, use run-flat tires, as in the event of a 
flat tire there is no spare tire available. 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.
has tested and approved for your particular 
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and 
tires with identical official size ratings could 
actually have different dimensions than the 
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 find out the right wheel-tire combina-
tion from your BMW center.
The right wheel-and-tire combination 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, always remember to have the specified 
wheel and tire combination remounted on the 
vehicle as soon as possible.
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 regula-
tions, 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 your vehicle; if properly cared 
for, they will provide a combination of safety and 
excellent ride comfort.
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. 

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Run-flat tires
If you switch from summer to winter tires, or 
vice versa, use run-flat tires, refer to page172, 
as in the event of a flat tire there is no spare tire 
available. Your BMW center will be glad to 
advise you.
Watch speed
Observe the permissible maximum speed 
for the respective winter tires, as other-
wise tire damage and occur and cause 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 snow chains. These snow chains are 
approved exclusively for use in pairs on the rear 
wheels with the tire size:
>245/50 R 17 Y
>245/45 R 18 Y
Observe the chain manufacturer's instructions 
when mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a 
vehicle speed of 30 mph/50 km/h with the 
chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after 
mounting snow chains.
When you are driving with snow chains, it can 
be beneficial to switch off DTC briefly, refer to 
page82.< 

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1.Push a screwdriver from the left under the 
lamp and lever up the lamp to the right.
2.Turn the bulb holder 905 to the left and 
remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
 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 into the unfiltered light several 
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Changing a wheel
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as 
standard. An immediate wheel change in the 
event of a flat tire is therefore no longer 
required.
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side 
of the tire, refer to Run-flat tires on page171.
 If you have new tires mounted or switch from 
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, use run-
flat tires, as in the event of a flat tire there is no 
spare tire available. Your BMW center will be 
glad to advise you.
Also refer to New wheels and tires, page172.
Car jacking points
The jacking points for the car jack are located in 
the positions shown.
The suitable tools for changing tires are 
available as accessories from your BMW 
center.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the 
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery 
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
Your BMW center will be glad to advise in all 
matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the 
terminals in the engine compartment with the 
engine switched off. For the connections, refer 
to Jump starting on page186.
Disposal
After replacement, have old batteries dis-
posed of by your BMW center or deposit 
them at a recycling center. Maintain the battery 
in an upright position for transport and storage. 
Always secure the battery to prevent it from tip-
ping over during transport.< 

Everything from A to Z
204 Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– convertible top41
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door166
– glass sunroof38
– luggage compartment 
lid32,33
Emergency release33
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance186
"Emission inspect."71
"Enable services"160
"End call"153
Engine
– breaking-in108
– data192
– speed192
– starting54
– starting difficulties54
– switching off55
Engine compartment175
Engine coolant176
Engine oil
– checking the oil level175
– dipstick175
– specified engine oils176
– temperature70
– temperature gage70
– topping off176
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data192
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
specifications192
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine54
"Enter address" for 
navigation116
Entering destination116
Entering the address115
Entering the intersection117
Entering the town/city for 
navigation116
Entering zip code for 
navigation116
"Entertainment"133"Entertainment settings"133
Entry map for destination117
Entry to the rear48
"Equalizer", refer to Tone 
control135
"ESN"140
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control82
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system108
Exterior mirrors49
– automatic dimming 
feature50
– automatic heating50
Eye for towing, refer to Tow 
fitting188
Eyes for lashing, refer to 
Securing load111
F
Fader, refer to Tone 
control134
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control71
False alarms, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts48
Fastest route for 
navigation122
Fast forward
– CD changer145
– CD player145
"Fast route" for 
navigation122
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit186
First-aid kit186
First-aid pouch, refer to First-
aid kit186
Flashing when locking and 
unlocking, refer to Setting 
acknowledgement 
signals30Flashlight, refer to 
Rechargeable flashlight101
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor84
– run-flat tires85,172
Flat Tire Monitor84
– false alarms84
– initializing system84
– malfunction85
– snow chains173
– system limits84
– warning lamp85
"FM", reception 
range133,136
FM, waveband136
Fog lamps92
– indicator lamp13,92
Folding up convertible top 
compartment floor, 
Convertible34
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely109
Footwell lamps93
For your own safety6
Front airbags86
Front head restraints47
"FTM"84
Fuel
– average consumption74
– display70
– fuel specifications167
– high-quality brands167
– quality167
– tank capacity166
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gage70
Fuel filler door166
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction166
Fuel gage70
Fuel specifications167
Fuses184 

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Mobility
Pressure monitoring of tires, 
refer to Flat Tire Monitor84
Programmable buttons on 
steering wheel51
Protective function, refer to 
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof38
– windows37
R
Radio
– Autostore138
– controls132
– playing stations137
– satellite radio140
– selecting frequency 
manually137
– selecting 
waveband132,136
– station search137
– station selection136
– station with best 
reception138
– storing stations138
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
– Weather Band139
Radio-control key, refer to 
Master key with remote 
control28
Rain sensor of the windshield 
washer system61
"Random", random play 
sequence145
Random play sequence
– CD changer145
– CD player145
Reading lamps93
Rear lamps, refer to Tail 
lamps182
Rearview mirror49
Rear window defroster94
"Received calls"154
Receiving level of portable 
phone, refer to Status 
information20Reception
– quality139
– radio stations139
– regional station138
Rechargeable flashlight101
Recirculated-air mode, refer 
to AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control95
Recirculation of air, refer to 
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control95
Reclining seat, refer to 
Backrest45
Recording times, refer to 
Stopwatch77
"Redial" for portable 
phone154
Redialing with portable 
phone153
Refueling166
Releasing hood174
"Relock door if not 
opened"32
Remaining distance
– refer to Computer75
– refer to Cruising range74
Remote control28
– garage-door opener100
– luggage compartment lid30
– malfunction30
Removing condensation from 
windows95
"Repeat" in audio mode145
Replacement fuses184
Replacement key, refer to 
New keys28
Replacing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs180
Replacing tires
– changing a wheel183
– new wheels and tires172
Reporting an accident, refer to 
Initiating emergency 
call185
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel 
gage70
"Reset" for stopwatch77
"Reset" in audio mode135Residual heat mode96
Restraint systems
– for children52
– refer to Safety belts48
Retreaded tires172
Reverse, fast
– CD changer145
– CD player145
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– manual transmission56
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission57
Road map127
"Roadside Assistance"161
Roadside Assistance186
Roadside parking lamps92
– replacing bulbs182
Rollover protection system on 
convertible87
– lowering87
Rope, refer to Towing and 
tow-starting188
Rotary pushbutton, refer to 
Control Center16
Route122
– bypassing sections128
– changing122,128
– display127
– displaying arrow view127
– displaying map127
– displaying towns/cities and 
streets127
– list127
– selecting122
– selecting criteria122
"Route list" for navigation127
Route map127
"Route preference", 
changing122
Route selection122
Run-flat tires172
– continuing driving with a 
damaged tire85
– flat tire85
– tire inflation pressure168
– tire replacement172
– winter tires173