
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.  

Driving
70
Sport program and manual operation 
Press the S/M/D button on the steering 
wheel:
The sport program is activated, and S 
appears in the program indicator of the Info 
Display. This program is recommended for 
a performance-oriented driving style. 
Pressing the S/M/D button again switches 
into the manual mode.
When the buttons on the back of the steer-
ing wheel are touched, the transmission 
upshifts. When the buttons on the front of 
the steering wheel are touched, the trans-
mission downshifts. The Info Display shows 
the manual ranges M1 through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation of engine and vehicle speed; thus, 
for example, a downshift that would cause 
the engine to overrev will not be executed 
by the system.  The selected gear appears 
briefly in the Info Display, followed by the 
current gear.
Pressing the S/M/D button again switches 
into the Automatic program again, and D 
appears in the program indicator of the Info 
Display.
Malfunction 
A message appears in the Check Control 
and in the Control Display. The directional 
arrows also start to flash in the Info Display. 
A malfunction has occurred in the transmis-
sion system. Avoid heavy loads. 
While it will remain still possible to move 
the selector lever to any desired position, 
the transmission will revert to operation in 
its default mode with only a limited number 
of forward gears. 
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to 
pages209 and210. 
Manual release of transmission 
lockout 
You can respond to any interruptions in the 
supply of electrical power, for instance, if 
the battery is discharged or disconnected, 
by releasing the transmission lockout man-
ually. 
To prevent the drive wheels from 
locking up and sliding, the transmis-
sion lockout must always be released man-
ually before the vehicle is towed.< 
Press the brake pedal before releas-
ing the transmission lockout manu-
ally. If the brakes are not applied, the vehi-
cle could start to roll if parked on a steep 
slope. 
The transmission lockout should only be 
released for towing. Remember to engage 
the transmission lockout when you repark 
the vehicle after moving it. 
Should it also be necessary to release the 
parking brake manually, owing to a dis-
charged battery, etc., always adhere to the 
following sequence: 
1.Start by manually releasing the parking 
brake, refer to page66 
2.Then proceed to manually release the 
transmission lockout.< 
Jump-starting and towing, refer to 
pages209 and210.  

Controls
 71Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Releasing 
1.Use the vehicle key to release the cover 
panel beneath the instrument panel by 
turning the lock counterclockwise, then 
fold down the cover
2.Pull out the release lever with the loop1 
until it locks into place: the transmission 
lockout is unlocked.
Re-engage the transmission lockout 
after parking the vehicle at its destina-
tion. Otherwise there is a danger that the 
vehicle could start to roll if parked on a 
steep slope.< 
Locking again 
1.Disengage the release lever by pressing 
it together with the red detent lever, 
arrow 2.Guide the release lever all the way back 
into its original position – the transmis-
sion lockout is again engaged 
3.Fold up and lock the cover panel again. 
Now – and not before – the key may be 
removed.
Once the transmission lockout has 
been re-engaged, the warning in the 
Check Control should disappear, and the 
symbol in the Info Display should change 
from N to P. Should this fail to happen, 
there is a danger that the vehicle could start 
to roll.< 
Information on jump-starting and towing 
begins on page209. 
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher 
1High beams 
2Headlamp flasher 
3Turn signals 
Using turn signals
Move the lever beyond the resistance 
point. It then returns to the center position 
when released. Press the lever up to the 
resistance point to switch off the turn sig-
nals. 
Signaling briefly
Press the lever up to but not beyond the 
resistance point. It then returns to the cen-
ter position when released. 
If the flashing of the indicator lamp and the 
ticking from the relay are both faster than 
usual, this indicates that one of the bulbs is  

Mobility
 195Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Engine compartment 
1Engine oil dip stick, refer to Checking oil 
level 
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath 
the microfilter cover197 
3Reservoir for windshield and headlamp 
washer system73 
4Engine oil filler neck196
5Vehicle identification number
6Coolant expansion tank196 
7Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting210 
Engine oil 
Checking oil level 
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface 
2.Switch the engine off after it has 
reached normal operating temperature 
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-
free cloth, paper towel, or similar mate-
rial 
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way 
into the guide tube and pull it out again 5.The oil should extend to between the 
two marks on the dipstick. 
As is the case with fuel economy, the rate 
at which the engine uses oil is strongly 
influenced by driving style and operating 
conditions. 
The oil quantity between the two marks 
of the dipstick is approx. 1.65 US quarts/ 

Mobility
 207Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Battery 
Battery care 
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., 
the electrolyte will last for the life of the bat-
tery when the vehicle is operated in a tem-
perate climate. Your BMW center will be 
happy to advise you on all questions con-
cerning the battery.
Charging battery 
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via 
the terminals in the engine compartment 
with the engine off. Connections, refer to 
Jump-starting on page210. 
Battery switch 
Before storing the vehicle for an extended 
period of several weeks or more, slide the 
battery switch located behind the trim 
panel on the right side of the luggage com-
partment to OFF. This reduces the current 
flow from the battery for the period during 
which the vehicle remains parked. A mes-
sage appears in the Check Control. Please 
take note of the supplementary information 
provided on the Control Display. 
Disposal 
Have old batteries disposed of follow-
ing replacement at your BMW center 
or bring them to a collection point. Maintain 
the battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Always secure the battery 
to prevent it from tipping over during trans-
port.<
Power failure 
Following a temporary power failure, e.g. in 
the case of a flat battery, some equipment 
is subject to restricted use and must be 
reinitialized. Individual settings are also lost 
and must be updated again:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
The positions must be stored again, 
refer to page55
>Time and date
Must be updated again, refer to 
page90
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to 
page 154
>Navigation system
The operability must be waited for, refer 
to page130.
Fuses 
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse, 
and do not replace a defective fuse 
with a substitute of another color or amper-
age rating, as this could lead to a circuit 
overload, ultimately resulting in a fire in the 
vehicle.< 
Spare fuses are located on the fuse strip in 
the glove compartment; plastic tweezers 
can be found at the fuse holder in the lug-
gage compartment.
In glove compartment 
Press the tab on the cover to the front, then 
fold up the cover. 

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- 

Giving and receiving assistance
210 nal for jump-starting of the vehicle 
providing starting assistance
3.Connect the second terminal clamp of 
the positive/+ jumper cable to the posi-
tive terminal of the battery or to an aux-
iliary terminal for jump-starting of the 
vehicle to be started
On your BMW, there is a special nut as 
body ground on the suspension strut 
dome, refer to arrow2 in the illustration.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable 
minus/– to the negative terminal of the 
battery or to an engine or body ground 
of the vehicle providing assistance
5.Connect the second terminal clamp of 
the negative/– jumper cable to the neg-
ative 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 support vehicle 
and allow it to run for several minutes at 
a fast idle 
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in 
the usual way. 
If the first start attempt is not success-
ful, wait a few minutes before another 
attempt in order to allow the discharged 
battery to recharge 
3.Allow the engines to run for several 
minutes 
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by 
reversing the connection sequence.
If required, have the battery inspected and 
recharged at your BMW center.
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine.< 
Towing 
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. 
To avoid damage to the tow fitting 
and the vehicle, observe the follow-
ing: only use the tow fitting that comes with 
the vehicle and screw it in as far as it will 
go. Only use the tow fitting to tow on roads. 
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. 
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.< 
Access to screw thread 
Press the arrow symbol to push out the 
cover. 
Being towed
Do not tow the vehicle by the rear 
axle; because the steering detent is 
not operational, the wheels could turn to an 
extreme angle during towing. There is no 
power assist with the engine stopped. This 
then requires increased effort for braking 
and steering.< 
Switch on the hazard warning flashers 
depending on the local regulations. If the 
electrical system fails, mark the vehicle to 
be towed, e.g. with a sign or warning trian-
gle in the rear window.  

Reference 219
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Audio"
– audio mode148
– radio152
Audio148
– adjusting tone149
– controls148
– switching on/off149
– volume149
"AUDIO" for 
DVD mode169
Audio mode148
"AUTO", automatic climate 
control107
Automatic
– air distribution104
– air supply104
– headlamp control100
– luggage compartment lid 
operation36,41
– steering wheel 
adjustment54
– windshield washer72
Automatic car wash, refer 
to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate 
control103
– rear air conditioner109
– rear cooler114
– settings in Control 
Display107
Automatic curb monitor56
Automatic Hold
– parking65
– parking brake65
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC105
Automatic soft closing
– doors39
– luggage compartment 
lid40
Automatic station 
search152
Automatic station 
storage153Automatic transmission 
with Steptronic68
– ignition62
– interlock62
– selector lever interlock68
– shiftlock69
– towing210
"AUTO P"
– function button54
– vehicle65
AUTO program, refer to 
Automatic air 
distribution104
"AUTOSTOR" for radio154
Average fuel 
consumption86
– setting units89
Average speed86
– setting units89
"Avoid highway"137
Avoiding tolls137
"Avoid route"141
"Avoid sect."140
"Avoid tolls"137
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights216
"A-Z", telephone179
B
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment47,48
Backrest width 
adjustment47
Backup lamps, bulb 
replacement203
"Balance" in audio 
mode150
Bandages, refer to 
First-aid kit209
Bar, towing211
"Bass" in audio mode150
Battery207
– indicator lamp207
– jump-starting209
– remote control34
– switch207
"BC", refer to Computer87
Belts, refer to Safety 
belts51
Beverage holders116Blower, automatic climate 
control103
BMW active seat53
"BMW Assist"182
BMW Assist182
BMW Maintenance 
System198
"BMW Services", 
BMW Assist182
Bottle holder, refer to 
Beverage holders116
Brake fluid197
– indicator lamp13
– level197
Brake Force Display97
Brake hydraulic 
systems197
Brake lamps
– adaptive, refer to Brake 
force display97
– bulb replacement203
– indicator lamp, defective 
lamp83
Brake pad wear indicator, 
indicator lamp13
Brake rotors
– brake system123
– break-in122
Brakes123
– ABS92
– brake fluid197
– break-in122
– indicator/warning 
lamps13,92,94
– parking brake64
Brake system197
– brake fluid level197
– brake pads82
– break-in122
– disc brakes123
– indicator lamp13
Breakdown recovery, refer 
to Roadside 
Assistance182
Breakdown service, refer to 
Roadside Assistance182
Break-in procedures122
"Brief info", Control 
Center22