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
Mobility
197Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
up to the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Twist closed the cap and tighten firmly
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss
eliminated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up and a
message appears in the Check
Control: stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time,
a considerably longer brake pedal travel
may be noticeable. Have the system
checked immediately.
Warning lamp on Canadian models.
During continued driving increased
brake pedal travel may be necessary,
and considerably longer braking distances
may result. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
For messages and indicator lamps in the
Info Display, refer to page83.
For your own safety: use only brake
pads that BMW has released for your
particular vehicle model. As BMW cannot
assess the suitability of other brake pads
for use on your vehicle, we are unable to assume continued responsibility for the
vehicle's operating safety if non-approved
pads are installed.<
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.<
Replacing components
204
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light source
for many of the controls and displays in
your vehicle. These light-emitting diodes,
which operate using a concept similar to
that applied in conventional lasers, are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emitting
diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for sev-
eral hours, as irritation of the iris could
result.<
Changing wheels
Safety precautions to observe in the
event of a flat and during all tire
changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, surface.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Engage the parking brake and move the
transmission's selector lever to P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the
vehicle and ensure that they remain outside
the immediate area in a safe place, such as
behind a guardrail.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all
safety guidelines and regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm sur-
face which is not slippery. The vehicle or
the jack could slip to the side if you attempt
to raise the vehicle on a soft or slippery sur-
face such as snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar
object as a support base for the jack, as
this would prevent it from extending to its
full support height and reduce its load-
carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie
under the vehicle, and never start the
engine while it is supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises, note the positions
of the tools before removing them, then
return them to their initial positions after
completing work.
>Lug wrench
Located beside the spare tire
>Wheel chock
The chock is located next to the spare
tire, or behind the trim panel on the left
side of the luggage compartment on
vehicles equipped with a trailer cou-
pling.
Remove the floor mat and the cover
above the spare tire.
Unscrew the wingnut and remove the
wheel chock
>Vehicle jack
Located in the luggage compartment
behind the right-hand side panel.
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
Everything from A to Z
220 "Brightness"
– in the Control Center90
– in TV mode164
Brightness90
– in TV mode164
– on Control Display90
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs201
Buttons on multi-function
steering wheel16
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic70
Bypassing traffic
congestion140
C
Calculating distance86
California laws
– Event Data Recorders200
– Proposition 65
Warning200
Call
– beginning178
– during a call179
– ending178
– replacing179
– when absent181
Calling
– from phone book179
– from the Top 8 list180
– redialing180
– with telephone keypad,
folding176
Calls, switching between
two calls179
Can holder, refer to
Beverage holders116
Capacities217
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car data", vehicle84
Care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car jack points205Car key, refer to
Key/remote control34
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Car phone, refer to
separate portable phone
Owner's Manual174
Car radio, refer to
Radio152
Car wash122
– refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– with Comfort Access122
Catalytic converter, refer to
High temperatures122
CBC Cornering Brake
Control92
– warning lamp13
CBS Condition Based
Service198
"CD"
– in audio mode148
– in CD player mode158
CD changer160
– adjusting tone149
– controls148
– fast forward, reverse162
– location160
– random sequence161
– sampling161
– selecting a CD161
– selecting track162
– starting160
– volume149
CD player158
– adjusting tone149
– controls148
– fast forward, reverse159
– random sequence158
– sampling158
– selecting tracks158
– starting158
– volume149
Center armrest115,118
Center brake lamp, bulb
replacement203
Center console, refer to
Comfort features14Central locking system35
– Comfort Access37
– interior38
"CHANGE" for
navigation137
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing language89
Changing navigation CDs/
DVDs130
Changing scale140
Changing settings on the
Control Display89
Changing time display89
Changing units of measure
in Control Display89
Changing wheels204
Charge current indicator
lamp83
CHECK button84
Check Control83
– "Check"84
Child's seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems58
Child-restraint systems58
Child-safety lock60
Chrome parts, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Chrome-plated parts, care,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cigarette lighter117,118
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning windshield72
Climate comfort
windshield126
"Climate" for seat
heating52
"Clock"90
Clock81
– 12/24-hour mode89
– setting90
– setting time and date90
Closing
– from inside38
– from outside35
Clothes hooks116
Cockpit10,14