
Controls
 95Reference
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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.  

Mobility
 193Reference
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remounted on the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible. 
Recommended tire sizes and brands 
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire 
size, classifies them as road-safe and 
approves them. You can find out about 
these at specialized dealers or at your 
BMW center. Observe any country-specific 
regulations, e.g. on making a correspond-
ing entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-mounted tires have been spe-
cially selected to provide optimized perfor-
mance when installed on your vehicle; if 
properly cared for, they will provide a com-
bination of safety and excellent ride com-
fort.
Run-flat tires 
If your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires, 
refer to Run-flat tires, only use these tires, 
as in the event of a breakdown there is no 
spare tire available.
Special characteristics of winter 
tires 
BMW recommends winter tires for use in 
cold winter driving conditions. Although so-
called 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. 
Run-flat tires 
When mounting new tires or switching from 
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, use 
run-flat tires, as in the event of a break-
down there is no spare wheel available. 
Your BMW center will be glad to advise 
you.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed 
for which the winter tires are rated. 
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents. Have this work performed by skilled 
professionals only. The technicians at your 
BMW center will be glad to assist you with the required professional knowledge and 
specialized equipment.< 
Storage 
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry 
pl ace  w it h  as l itt le  exp osu r e t o li gh t a s po s-
sible. Always protect tires against all con-
tact 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 snow chains, clas-
sifies them as road-safe and approves 
them. Consult your BMW center for more 
information. BMW recommends only using 
these approved, narrow-link snow chains. 
Use on summer or winter tires is only per-
missible in pairs on the rear wheels. 
Observe the manufacturer's instructions 
when installing snow chains. 
Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h with the chains mounted. 
After mounting snow chains, do not 
activate the Flat Tire Monitor.
When you are driving with snow chains, it 
can be beneficial to switch off DSC briefly, 
refer to page94.<  

Mobility
 195Reference
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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  

Reference 223
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Electrical defect
– door lock38
– driver's door38
– fuel filler door186
– glass roof, electric45
– luggage compartment 
lid40
– parking brake66
– transmission interlock for 
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic70
Electric steering wheel 
adjustment54
Electronic Damping Control 
EDC95
Electronic Stability 
Program ESP, refer to 
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control93
Electronic toll collection 
device, refer to 
Entry/pass tags126
Emergency actuation, refer 
to Manual operation
– driver's door38
– fuel filler door186
– glass roof, electric45
– luggage compartment 
lid40
– parking brake66
– transmission interlock for 
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic70
Emergency call177
– dialing phone number178
– with emergency call 
button177
Emergency release of 
luggage compartment lid 
from luggage 
compartment's interior41
Emergency services, refer 
to Roadside 
Assistance182
"Emissions inspection", 
vehicle83
Energy-conscious driving, 
refer to Energy Control86
Energy Control86
Engaging locks from 
inside39Engine
– break-in122
– data214
– indicator lamp13
– speed214
– starting63
– switching off63
Engine compartment195
Engine coolant196
Engine oil195
– filling capacity217
– indicator/warning lamp83
– specified engine oils196
Engine oil level195
Engine oil pressure83
Engine oil sensor83
Engine output, refer to 
Engine specifications214
Engine specifications214
Engine speed214
Entering country133
Entering house number134
Entering intersection134
Entering street134
Entering switch-on time of 
independent ventilation 
system110
"Entertainm.", 
Control Center24
"Entertainment" in audio 
mode148
Entry/pass tags126
Entry map for current 
position and 
destination132
Environmentally friendly 
driving, refer to 
Energy Control86
Equalizer150
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control93
Exhaust system, refer to 
High temperatures122
Exterior mirrors53
– automatic dimming 
feature53
"Extra"
– rear air conditioning109
– rear cooler114F
"Fader" in audio mode150
Failure messages13
– refer to Check Control83
Failure of a current 
consumer207
False alarm, refer to 
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms43
Fan, refer to Air supply105
Fasten safety belt51
Fastest route137
"Fastest route" for 
navigation137
Fast forward
– CD159,162
– DVD167
Fault displays, refer to 
Check Control83
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal 
filter108
Fine wood, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit209
First-aid kit209
Fittings for tow-starting and 
towing210
Flashlight, refer to 
Rechargeable 
flashlight115
Flat tire206
– Flat Tire Monitor95
– refer to Tire condition191
– run-flat tires206
– spare tire205
Flat Tire Monitor95
– indicator lamp96
Flooding, refer to Driving 
through water123
Floor coverings, carpet, 
refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Floor mat, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure 

Reference 227
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
N
"Name" for navigation133
"Navigation"131
Navigation destination
– manual entry132
– selecting from the 
directory134
– selecting via map135
Navigation drive, 
location130
Navigation system130
– address book142
– adjusting volume27,141
– current position143
– destination entry132
– destination guidance in 
assistance window131
– destination list137
– displaying route139
– looking for interesting 
destination136
– manually entering 
destination address132
– navigation CD/DVD130
– new route140
– recent destinations136
– route list140
– selecting destination via 
information135
– selecting destination via 
map135
– selecting route 
criteria137
– starting destination 
guidance139
– switching off, refer to 
Terminating/interrupting 
destination guidance142
– terminating/interrupting 
destination guidance142
– voice instructions141
"Navi info.", function 
button54
Neck restraints, refer to 
Head restraints49
Nets125
"New route" for 
navigation140"Next"
– looking for interesting 
destinations136
– selecting destination via 
map135
"None Release", 
Control Center24
Notepad function28
Notepad of voice command 
system28
Nozzles, refer to 
Ventilation106,110
Nylon rope210
O
OBD socket200
Octane numbers, refer to 
Fuel specifications187
Odometer81
– refer to Trip odometer81
Oil
– additives, refer to 
Diesel engine196
– dipstick195
– filling capacity217
– specified engine oils196
– viscosity ratings196
Oil change intervals, refer 
to Service requirement 
display82
Oil consumption195
Oil filter change217
Oil level195
– indicator lamp83
Oil pressure, indicator 
lamp83
Oil sensor, indicator 
lamp83
Oil temperature83
"OK" for DVD mode169
Onboard computer refer to 
Control Center17
Onboard tool kit201
"On country" for 
navigation136
"1,2,3"179
"On location" for 
navigation135"On town/city" for 
navigation136
Opening and closing
– from inside38
– from outside35
– via door lock38
– with remote control35
Opening without key, refer 
to Comfort Access37
Oral note28
Outside air105
Outside air mode, 
automatic climate 
control105
Outside temperature 
display81
– changing unit of 
measure89
Overview
– operating principle10
– radio control148
P
Panic mode36
Park detent, refer to 
Transmission lockout69
Park Distance Control 
PDC91
Parking, vehicle64
Parking aid, refer to PDC 
Park Distance Control91
Parking brake64
– Automatic Hold65
– manual operation64
Parking lamps100
– bulb replacement202
Parking lamps/low 
beams100
"Parking lamps on!", 
vehicle85
Parking with Automatic 
Hold65
Parts and accessories, 
refer to Your individual 
vehicle5
Passenger-side mirror tilt 
function56
Pathway lighting100