Wheels and tires
190
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of
the tire makes it easier to identify and
choose the right tires.
Tire size
Speed rating
Q = up to 105 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines
of the U.S. Department of Transport.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated
on the sidewall:
DOT ... 0904 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in the 9th week of 2004.
BMW recommends that you replace all
tires – including the spare – after a maxi-mum of 6 years, even though the tires may
have a theoretical service life of up to 10
years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.<
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half, 1γ, times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.< e.g.
Nominal width
in mm
Cross-sectional
relationship in Ξ
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not for ZR tires
Speed rating,
before R on ZR tires
245/45 R19104H
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire makes
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0904
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
Maintenance
198
Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
System
The BMW Maintenance System serves to
retain the operating and road safety of your
BMW. The service schedule also includes
operations related to the vehicle's comfort
and convenience features, such as
replacement of the filters for the inside air.
The aim is to optimize maintenance with
regard to reducing the cost of running the
vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to
sell your BMW, you will find that a complete
dealer service history is an asset of inesti-
mable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the
different driving conditions of your BMW
into account. As a result, Condition Based
Service determines the current and future
maintenance requirements. By letting you
define a service and maintenance regimen
that reflects your own individual require-
ments, the system forms the basis for trou-
ble-free driving.
The service requirement display, refer to
page82, shows you the times or distances
remaining until the deadlines for selected
service and maintenance procedures, as
well as legally-mandated inspections:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, separate for front and rear
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter >Brake fluid
>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Coolant
>Legally prescribed inspections depend-
ing on national regulations.
Your vehicle stores this information contin-
uously in the ignition key while the vehicle
is being driven. After accessing the data
stored in the vehicle key, your BMW service
advisor is able to suggest precisely the
right array of service procedures for your
own individual vehicle. You should there-
fore hand over to the BMW service advisor
the key you last used to drive when you
take your vehicle for service.
Storage periods with the battery dis-
connected are not taken into account
by the CBS maintenance system. Have the
time-dependent service and maintenance
operations, such as brake fluid and cool-
ant, and if necessary engine oil and the
micro/activated charcoal filter, updated by
a BMW center.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Additional information on required service
and maintenance operations is contained
in the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian mod-
els.
BMW recommends having mainte-
nance and repairs carried out by your
BMW center.
Make sure that the maintenance operations
are confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models. These entries serve as
proof of the regular maintenance per-
formed on your BMW.<
Rules and regulations
200
Rules and regulations
California laws
Proposition 65 Warning
California laws require us to issue the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or
more sensing and diagnostic modules or a
recording device capable of recording or
transmitting certain vehicle data or infor-
mation. In addition, if you have a Subscrip-
tion Service Agreement for the BMW Assist
system, certain vehicle information may be
transmitted or recorded in order to provide
such services.
OBD socket
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related
components and systems for deterioration
and malfunction.
The warning lamp lights up.
Worsening of the exhaust emission
values. Have the vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
lamp will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator lamp
should go out within a few days.<
Mobility
201Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in the lug-
gage compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
The adapter for the spare key can be stored
beneath the open-ended spanners.
Windshield wiper blades
To replace the blades, start by folding the
wipers out and away from the windshield,
refer to page73.
Lamps and bulbs
The lamps and bulbs are essential factors
contributing to the safety of your vehicle.
Therefore, comply fully with the following
instructions during bulb replacement. If you
are not familiar with the specified proce-
dures, BMW recommends having the
replacements carried out at your BMW
center.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs
w i t h y o u r b a r e f i n g e r s , a s e v e n m i n u t e
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life.
Use a clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the
bulb by its metal socket.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement
bulbs at your BMW center. To prevent short circuits, before
working on any electrical system,
equipment or accessory you should always
switch it off and disconnect the cable from
the battery's negative terminal before start-
ing.
To avoid possible injury or equipment dam-
age when changing bulbs, observe any
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
When maintaining the headlamps,
please comply with the instructions in
the separate Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.<
Headlamps
For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Engine compartment, left side:
Turn the quick-release snaps 905 counter-
clockwise and remove the cover.
After replacing the bulb return the cover to
its original position and press the quick-
release clamps down.
Replacing components
202
Releasing lamp cover
The illustration shows the left side of the
engine compartment.
1High beams
Press the tab down, refer to arrow.
Always wear gloves and eye protec-
tion – the atmosphere within the bulb
is pressurized. Failure to observe this pre-
caution can lead to personal injury should
the bulb be damaged.<
1 High beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
1.Remove the cover
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Xenon lamps
The service life of these bulbs is very long
and the probability of a failure is very low,
provided that they are not switched on and
off an unusual number of times. In the
unlikely event that one of these lamps
should fail, you can respond by switching
on your fog lamps and proceeding care-
fully, where allowed by law. Only have work on the xenon lighting
system including bulb changes car-
ried out by a BMW center or a workshop
that uses personnel trained in accordance
with BMW requirements. Due to the high
voltage involved, there is a danger to life
and limb when work is carried out improp-
erly.<
Parking and standing lamps
In the event of a malfunction, please con-
tact your BMW center.
Turn signals, front
Two bulbs, 3457AK or 3457NAK*
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove
2.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and
replacement.
Side-mounted turn signals
Bulb 5 watts, W 5 W
1.Press against the front edge of the lamp
with the tip of your finger, then push it to
the rear and release the detent at the
front
2.Turn the lamp 903 and remove
3.Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove
4.Extract the bulb for replacement.
Mobility
209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Giving and receiving assistance
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is conveniently stored
in the onboard tool kit mounted on the
inside of the luggage compartment lid.
Comply with legal requirements
requiring you to carry a hazard warn-
ing triangle in the vehicle.<
First-aid kit*
You will also find the first-aid kit in the
onboard tool kit's container.
Some of the articles contained in the
first-aid kit have a limited service life.
Therefore, check the expiration dates of the
contents regularly and replace the contents
concerned in good time if necessary. You
can find replacements in any pharmacy.
Comply with legal requirements requiring
you to carry a first-aid kit in the vehicle.<
Jump-starting
When your battery is discharged you can
use two jumper cables to start your vehicle
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 terminal
clamps.
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal
injury, always avoid all contact with
electrical components while the engine is running. Carefully adhere to the following
sequence, both to prevent damage to one
or both vehicles, and to guard against pos-
sible personal injury.<
Preparing
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and
approximately the same capacitance
in Ah. This information can be found on
the battery
2.Switch off the engine of the support
vehicle
3.Switch off any electrical systems and
components in both vehicles.
Ensure that no contact exists
between the bodywork on the two
vehicles, otherwise there is a danger of
short circuits.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks,
always observe this sequence when
connecting jumper cables.<
Your BMW is equipped with an auxiliary
terminal specifically designed for jump-
starting. It is located within the engine
compartment, refer to arrow 1 in the illus-
tration. The symbol + is embossed on the
cover.
1.Remove the cover of the BMW auxiliary
terminal for jump-starting
2.Connect one terminal clamp of the pos-
itive/+ jumper cable to the positive ter-
minal of the battery or an auxiliary termi-