Controls
3Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Contents
The fastest way to find specific topics is
to use the index, refer to page218.
Using this Owner's Manual
4 Notes
7 Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Cockpit
17 Control Center
26 Voice command
Controls
34Opening and closing
46 Adjustments
58 Transporting children safely
62 Driving
81 Everything under control
91 Technology for comfort, convenience
and safety
100 Lamps
103 A congenial climate
112 Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
122Things to remember when driving
Navigation
130Starting navigation system
132 Destination entry
139 Destination guidance
145 What to do if …
Entertainment
148On/off, tone
152 Radio
158 CD Compact Disc
160 CD changer
163 TV
165 DVD changer
Communications
174Using the phone in your vehicle
182 BMW Assist
Mobility
186Refueling
188 Wheels and tires
194 Under the hood
198 Maintenance
200 Rules and regulations
201 Replacing components
209 Giving and receiving assistance
Reference
214Technical data
218 Everything from A to Z
Opening and closing
42
Luggage compartment
Net*
You can use the net to store smaller objects
on the bulkhead separating the luggage
compartment from the rear seats.
Do not stow objects behind the side
trim panels on the left and right in the
luggage compartment, as otherwise the
electrical parts could overheat and be dam-
aged.<
Alarm system
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood, or the luggage
compartment lid is opened
>To movement in the vehicle interior:
interior motion sensor
>To changing the vehicle's tilt if someone
attempts to steal the wheels or tow the
vehicle
>To interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized vehi-
cle entry and attempted theft by simulta-
neously activating:
>An acoustic alarm, which lasts for a
period of approx. 30 seconds
>The hazard warning flashers for approx.
five minutes
>The high beams, which flash on and off
in the same rhythm.
Arming and disarming alarm system
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.
The system indicates that it has been cor-
rectly armed by switching on the hazard
warning flashers for a single cycle and by
emitting an acoustic signal.You can have different acknowledg-
ment signals set to confirm arming
and disarming.<
You can also open the luggage compart-
ment lid with the system armed using
button3on the remote control, refer
to page36. When you close the lid, the sys-
tem is rearmed.
Unlocking vie the door lock will trigger
the alarm on some national-market
versions.
Pressing the 'Panic mode' button for a
longer period also triggers the alarm, refer
to page36.<
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote
control, refer to page36
>or insert the remote control all the way
into the ignition lock, engaging the
detent.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp below the interior
rearview mirror flashes continuously:
the system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes when the
system is vehicle is locked: door(s) or
tailgate are not completely closed. Even
if you do not close the alerted area, the
system begins to monitor the remaining
areas, and the indicator lamp flashes
continuously after 10 seconds. How-
ever, the interior motion sensor is not
activated
>The indicator lamp goes out when the
vehicle is unlocked: no manipulation or
attempted intrusions have been
Driving
66 Provided that the remote control is
inserted in the ignition lock, you can
also release the parking brake manually
after the engine has been switched off,
refer to page64. This function is useful in
automatic car washes, etc.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.<
When leaving the vehicle, always
release the remote control from the
detent in the ignition lock; this precaution
prevents children from disengaging the
parking brake, etc.<
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deacti-
vated when
>the engine is switched off
>the system detects that the driver's seat
is not occupied while the engine is run-
ning
>the hood is opened while the engine is
running
>the luggage compartment is opened
with the transmission in position R while
the engine is running, and
>when the parking brake is used to bring
the vehicle to a stop.
The indicator lamp changes from
green to red, and the AUTO P letters in the
Info Display disappear.
Before starting off again, briefly press the
button to disengage the parking brake
manually, refer to page64, or reactivate
Automatic Hold, refer to page65.
Before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, always move the
automatic transmission's selector lever to
position P and ensure that the parking
brake is engaged. The vehicle could start to
roll if you fail to observe these precautions.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Automatic Hold is automatically deac-
tivated whenever the system detects
any tendency for the wheels to spin in
response to slippery road surfaces. Note the status reports in the Check Control.
You can find additional information on the
Check Control on page83.<
Malfunction
If a malfunction occurs, the indicator
lamp lights up yellow in the Info Dis-
play and a status report will appear in the
Check Control. Please note any supple-
mentary information that appears on the
Control Display.
Releasing parking brake manually
You can respond to any interruptions in the
supply of electrical power, for instance, if
the battery is discharged or disconnected,
by releasing the parking brake manually.
Before proceeding to release the
parking brake manually, and each
time you park the vehicle without engaging
the parking brake, always ensure that the
automatic transmission's selector lever is in
position P, refer to page68. Note the range
indicated in the Info Display.
If the wheel must be changed on a surface
with a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing e.g. with a chock, refer to page204
Otherwise there is a danger that the vehicle
could start to roll if parked on a steep
slope.<
Should it also be necessary to release the
automatic transmission's lockout manually,
for instance, if the battery is discharged,
always adhere to the following sequence:
1.If necessary, start by manually releasing
the parking brake
2.Then release the automatic transmis-
sion's lockout manually, refer to
page70.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages209 and210.
Using the phone in your vehicle
174
Using the phone in your vehicle
Safety notice
A car phone can provide many services, in
an emergency even initiating a lifesaving
rescue. However, bear the following in
mind:
Adjustments
To avoid posing an unnecessary haz-
ard due to inattention, both to your
own vehicle's occupants and to other road
users: never attempt to use the controls or
make entries unless traffic and road condi-
tions allow.<
Using the phone in your vehicle
Using a portable phone to make and
receive calls while driving is now ille-
gal in virtually every country in the world.
Always use your hands-free system, or
stop your vehicle in an area where you will
not pose a safety hazard to other road
users and switch the engine off.<
Antenna
When using the phone, ensure that all
persons in the area are at least 20 in/
50 cm from the antenna. Never use your
BMW portable phone if the antenna is dam-
aged. Contact between your skin and a
damaged antenna can result in minor
burns.
I f t h e a n t e n n a i s d a m a g e d , h a v e i t r e p l a c e d
immediately.<
Special environmental conditions
Do not use your phone within a
garage, or near an open hood. The air
in these areas could contain fuel vapors,
and the portable phone might generate
sparks that could result in burns.
This same precaution applies to opening
luggage compartment lids on vehicles
equipped for operation using natural gas or
hydrogen, and to all vehicles with luggage
compartment-mounted batteries.Always switch off your BMW portable
phone in areas where blasting work is
being conducted with explosives. The
phone signals could potentially act as a
high-frequency transmitter and set off
explosions.
Always switch off your BMW portable
phone in areas where an increased explo-
sion danger is present. This category
includes filling stations along with fuel and
chemical storage depots, etc., and all areas
in which the air can contain fuel, chemicals
or metal particles. Under these conditions,
your BMW portable phone could conceiv-
ably generate sparks that could lead to a
fire or explosion. Always observe all legal
regulations governing the use of portable
phones in the vicinity of filling stations,
chemical factories and other areas where
an explosion potential exists.
Never use the BMW portable phone in hos-
pitals, care centers or at other locations
where medical equipment may be in oper-
ation, such as accident sites, etc.
Your wireless service provider can furnish
you with more detailed information on legal
regulations governing the use of your
phone.<
Medical equipment
Portable phones can generate inter-
ference capable of preventing hearing
aids and cardiac pacemakers from operat-
ing correctly. If you or any occupant of the
vehicle use such equipment, consult a phy-
sician or the manufacturer of the equip-
ment to determine whether it is adequately
shielded against high-frequency energy.
Persons with cardiac pacemakers should
bear the following in mind:
Always hold the switched-on BMW porta-
ble phone more than 6 in/15 cm away from
the cardiac pacemaker.
Do not carry the BMW portable phone in
your breast pocket.
Use the ear on the opposite side of the car-
diac pacemaker to reduce the likelihood of
Under the hood
194
Under the hood
Never attempt to perform any service
or repair operations on your vehicle
without the required, professional technical
training. If you are not familiar with the reg-
u l a t i o n s t o b e o b s e r v e d , o n l y h a v e w o r k o n
your vehicle carried out by a BMW center
or a workshop that uses personnel trained
in accordance with BMW requirements. If
this work is not carried out properly, there
is a danger of subsequent damage and
related safety hazards.<
Hood
Unlocking
Pull the lever located under the left side of
the instrument panel.
Opening
Pull the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx.
16 in/40 cm with momentum. It must be
clearly heard to engage.
Observe the same precautions that
apply to all closing operations by
ensuring that the hood's travel range is
clear and unobstructed before allowing the
hood to fall into position.
If you see any signs that the hood is not
completely closed while you are driving
your vehicle, you should stop at once and
close it securely.<
Under the hood
196 1.5 liter. Do not fill beyond the upper mark
on the dipstick. Excess oil can damage the
engine.
Adding engine oil
Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark or a message
appears in the Check Control before add-
ing oil.
Store oil, grease etc., well out of the
reach of children; always observe all
warning labels on the containers.<
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. BMW approves
only specific oils after confirming their suit-
ability for use in its vehicles with extensive
testing.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil between
oil changes. Use only oils with the API SH
specification or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details con-
cerning the specific BMW High Per-
formance 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 informa-
tion.
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate 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 add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and the addition
of antifreeze and anticorrosion agent. Not
all commercially available additives are
suitable for your BMW. Ask your BMW cen-
ter for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, as other-
wise engine damage may result. The
additives present a health hazard; observe
the instructions on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used anti-
freeze and anticorrosion agents.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient temper-
ature
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank
counterclockwise to allow any accumu-
lated pressure to escape, then continue
turning to open
3.The coolant level is correct when the
coolant extends to between the MIN
and MAX marks on the filler neck, refer
to the diagram adjacent to the filler neck
Everything from A to Z
224 "FM..."
– audio mode148
– radio152
FM, waveband152
Fog lamps101
– indicator lamp11
Footbrake, refer to
Driving notes123
Front airbags98
Front armrest115
Front fog lamps
– indicator lamp11
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating58
Fuel187
– average consumption86
– gauge86
– quality187
– volume217
Fuel filler door186
– releasing in the event of
an electrical defect186
Fuel level, refer to
Fuel gauge85
Fuel level gauge, refer to
Fuel gauge85
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge86
Fuel-saving driving, refer to
Energy Control86
Fuel tank capacity217
"FULL MENU" in DVD
mode167,168
"Full Release",
Control Center24
Fuses207
G
Garage door opener, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control112
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
specifications187
Gear changes, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic70
Gear indicator68
General driving notes122
Glasses compartment116Glass roof, electric,
convenience
operation36,38
Glove compartment115
GPS, refer to Navigation
system130
Grills, refer to
Ventilation106
Gross weight, refer to
Weights216
H
Handbrake64
– Automatic Hold65
– indicator lamp13
Hands-free mode177
Hands-free system177
Hazard warning flashers15
Head airbags98
Headlamp control,
automatic100
Headlamp cover, care,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Headlamp flasher71
– indicator lamp13
Headlamps100
– bulb replacement201
– care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Headlamp washer fluid
tank, capacity, refer to
Filling capacities217
Headlamp washer system
– cleaning headlamps72
– fluid tank73
– washer fluid73
Head Light, refer to
Adaptive Head Light101
Headphones25
Head restraints49
– front head restraints,
active49
Heated mirrors53
Heated rear window,
automatic climate
control104
Heated seats52
Heated steering wheel54Heated windshield,
automatic climate
control105
Heating103
– exterior mirrors53
– seats52
– steering wheel54
Heating and ventilation103
Heating while stopped105
Heavy cargo, refer to
Stowing cargo124
Height, refer to
Dimensions215
Height adjustment
– seats47
– steering wheel54
"Help", Control Center22
Help text on Control
Display22
High beams101
– bulb replacement202
– headlamp flasher101
– indicator lamp13
Highs, refer to Tone
settings150
High temperatures122
Highway137
Hills123
Holders for beverage
cans116
Home address142,143
Hood194
Horn11
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to DBC Dynamic
Brake Control94
Hydraulic system,
brakes197
Hydroplaning123
I
Ice warning81
iDrive, refer to
Control Center17
Ignition62
Ignition key34
Ignition lock62
– with Comfort Access62
Illuminated vanity mirror54