
Controls
 95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible. 
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
Dynamic Drive 
The concept 
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and 
optimizes vehicle stability during cornering 
and evasive maneuvers. 
Active stabilizers at the front and rear axles 
form the basis for Dynamic Drive. Suspen-
sion compliance adapts to suit driving con-
ditions, varying from performance-oriented 
during cornering to smooth and comfort-
oriented when the vehicle is proceeding in 
a straight line. 
The system assumes operational status 
each time you start the engine. 
Driving with Dynamic Drive 
During vehicle operation, the system con-
tinuously runs through closed-loop control 
cycles lasting only fractions of a second. 
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up, accom-
panied by a status message in the 
Check Control. Please take note of 
the additional information on the Control 
Display. A malfunction has occurred in the 
system. Have the system checked as soon 
as possible.
If the Dynamic Drive system switches 
off in response to malfunction, please 
remember to adapt your speed accord-
ingly, especially in curves. 
The suspension will be noticeably softer 
and the vehicle will display a greater ten-
dency to tilt during cornering and in cross-
winds. 
If a Check Control message stating that you 
should stop appears in addition to the red 
symbol, stop immediately and switch off 
the engine. In this case the oil level in the 
reservoir may have dropped below the min-imum, possibly owing to a leak in the 
hydraulic system. 
Please observe the additional instructions 
provided on the Control Display.< 
EDC Electronic Damping 
Control* 
The suspension responds to changes in 
factors such as road surface, or operating 
conditions such as steering and braking, by 
adapting to the new conditions within frac-
tions of a second. 
Two programs are available; they can be 
selected in the "Settings" menu. 
Comfort mode 
The Comfort mode is suitable for use 
throughout the vehicle's entire speed range 
and regardless of load. 
Sport program 
You should select the Sport program for 
consistently performance-oriented 
response from shock absorbers and steer-
ing. 
Flat Tire Monitor 
The concept 
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the 
inflation pressures in the four fitted tires as 
you drive. The system provides an alert 
whenever the inflation pressure drops sig-
nificantly in relation to the pressure another 
tire.  

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96 The check of the tire inflation pressure is 
based on monitoring the relative speeds of 
the wheels. A flat tire is detected and 
reported on the basis of a deviation in cer-
tain speed ratios.
Functional requirements
So that the Flat Tire Monitor can learn the 
correct inflation pressure, please perform 
the following:
1.Check the inflation pressures in all tires
2.Compare with the inflation pressure 
table on page189 and correct if neces-
sary
3.Initialize the system.
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate 
sudden severe tire damage caused by 
outside factors and does not detect a natu-
ral, even pressure drop in all four tires.<
In the following situations, on the other 
hand, there can be delays in detecting tire 
pressure losses, and even system failure:
>When you are driving on snow-covered 
or slippery road surfaces
>In the case of performance-oriented 
driving: slip on the drive wheels, high 
lateral acceleration
>False alarms and undetected loss of 
pressure may occur when you are driv-
ing with snow chains fitted.
Initializing system 
Perform the initialization immediately 
after correcting the inflation pressure, 
changing a tire or changing a wheel or all 
wheels. A drive is necessary for this pur-
pose.<
1.Start the engine, but do not drive off
2.Select "RPA" from the "Settings" menu 
and confirm your selection. The initial-
ization menu appears 3.Select "SET" and confirm your selection
4.Drive off.
"FTM is being initialized" is displayed as the 
status.
It takes at least 10 minutes before the Flat 
Tire Monitor can detect and report a flat 
tire.
When driving with snow chains, do 
not initialize the system.< 
Select and confirm to exit from the 
menu.
Indication of a flat tire 
The warning lamp lights up red, 
accompanied by a status message 
in the Check Control. In addition, an 
acoustic signal sounds. A flat tire or a major 
air loss has occurred.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle 
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and 
steering maneuvers
2.Identify damaged tire
If identification is not possible, 
contact your BMW center.<
3.Replace the damaged tire, refer to 
Changing wheels on page204. 

Refueling
186
Refueling 
Fuel filler door 
Always switch off the engine before 
refueling. If you do not, fuel cannot be 
filled into the tank and a message will 
appear in the Check Control.< 
To open and close: briefly press the rear 
edge of the fuel filler door. 
Manual release 
In the event of an electrical defect in the 
system, you can release the fuel filler door 
manually: 
1.Lift the handle to remove the cover 
panel on the right side of the luggage 
compartment 
2.Take the button with the fuel pump 
symbol from the bracket and pull it to 
unlock the fuel filler door. 
Always observe all applicable precau-
tions and regulations when handling 
fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in 
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these 
containers can leak, cause an explosion, 
and lead to fire in the event of a collision.< 
Simple and environmentally friendly 
When handling fuels always observe 
any safety guidelines posted at the 
filling station.< 
Put the filler cap in the bracket attached to 
the fuel filler door. 
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the filler 
nozzle during refueling 
>results in premature pump shutoff 
>can lead to reduced efficiency in the 
fuel-vapor recovery system. 
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle 
clicks off the first time. 
Closing fuel filler cap
Close the filler cap carefully after refu-
eling, continuing until you hear the 
detent engage. While closing, be sure not 
to squeeze the strap which is fastened to 
the cap. A loose or missing cap will activate 
a message
* in the Check Control.< 
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 23.2 US gallons/88 liters, including 
the reserve capacity of approx. 2.6 gallons/
10 liters. 
Never attempt to continue driving 
until the tank is completely empty, as 
engine functions could be affected, and the 
vehicle could sustain damage as a result.<  

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/ 

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.