
Cockpit
12
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in 
different colors and combinations.
The following section explains the significance 
of the individual colors as well as how you 
should respond when they appear.
>red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>yellow:
Have the system inspected as soon as 
possible
or
For your information
>green:
For your information
>blue:
For your information
Buttons on steering wheel* 
The buttons integrated into the steering wheel 
are provided so that you can operate a number 
of accessories quickly and without being dis-
tracted from traffic conditions. You may oper-
ate: 
>Selected audio source functions
>Recirculated-air mode/steering wheel 
heater Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System 
+49
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis 
control system for Canadian models
Brake pads
 +92
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 47, 49
Flat Tire Monitor 
+49
Automatic transmission 
+36
Engine oil 
+90
Service Engine Soon 
+94
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for 
Canadian models
Check Gas Cap
* +80
Engine electronics 
+34
Battery charge current 
+101
Topping off coolant91
Topping off washer fluid90
Lamp defective53
Turn signals38
Front fog lamps54
Headlamp flasher38
High beams54
Cruise control40
Indicates from ignition key in posi-
tion 2 when a door or the tailgate is 
opened. 

Things to remember when driving
72
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in 
Moving parts should be allowed to adjust to one 
another. To ensure that your vehicle provides 
maximum economy throughout a long service 
life, we request that you observe the following 
instructions. 
Engine and differential 
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km: 
Drive at varying engine and driving speeds, 
however do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/
160 km/h in the process:
Always obey all official speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kick-down point. 
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/2,000 km, 
the engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually 
increased. 
Tires 
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. For this reason, drive with extra care 
during the initial 200 miles/300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum speed lim-
its.
When the vehicle is operated on wet or 
slushy roads, a wedge of water may form 
between the tire and the road surface. This phe-
nomenon is referred to as hydroplaning and can 
lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehi-
cle control and braking effectiveness. Reduce 
your speed on wet roads.<
Brake system 
Approx. 300 miles/500 km must elapse before 
the brake pads and rotors achieve the optimal 
pad-surface and wear patterns required for 
trouble-free operation and long service life later 
on. To break in the separate handbrake drums, 
apply the handbrake lightly when coasting to a 
stop – at a traffic signal, for instance; use cau-
tion to avoid posing a danger to other road 
users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure from 
time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on when the 
handbrake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit 
on your BMW is available only when the 
engine is running. When you move the vehicle 
with the engine off – e.g. by towing – substan-
tially higher levels of pedal force will be required 
to brake the vehicle.<
Clutch 
The functio n of the clutch is als o only at its o pti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following component replacements
Observe the break-in instructions again if previ-
ously addressed components must be replaced 
again during driving later.
General driving notes 
Closing tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the tail-
gate is completely closed, as otherwise 
exhaust fumes could enter the interior of the 
vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the 
tailgate open:
1.Close all windows and the panorama glass 
sunroof.
2.Greatly increase the air supply of the air 
conditioner or automatic climate control, 
refer to page56 or59. 

Things to remember when driving
74 Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates to 
the driver that ABS is in its active mode. 
Wet roads 
While driving in wet conditions and in heavy 
rain, it is a good idea to apply light pressure to 
the brake pedal every few miles. Watch traffic 
conditions to ensure that this maneuver does 
not endanger other road users. The heat which 
is generated by the brake applications helps to 
dry the brake pads and rotors. The full braking 
force will then be available when you need it. 
Hills 
To prevent overheating and reduced effi-
ciency of the brake system, drive long or 
steep downhill gradients in the gear in which 
the least braking is required. Otherwise, even 
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to 
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure.<
You can further enhance the engine's braking 
effect by selecting a lower gear in the automatic 
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as 
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches, 
refer to page37. This strategy helps you avoid 
placing excessive loads on the brake system. 
During slower downhill driving, use the HDC Hill 
Descent Control, refer to page48.
Never drive with the clutch engaged, the 
transmission in Neutral or with the engine 
switched off, as otherwise there is no engine 
braking when the transmission is in neutral, and 
no power-assist for brakes and steering with 
the engine switched off. 
Never allow floor mats, carpets or other objects 
to protrude into the area around the brake or 
accelerator pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Corrosion on brake rotors 
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are less frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the 
brake pads. This occurs because the minimal 
pressure which must be exerted by the pads 
during brake applications to clean the rotors is 
not reached. 
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the 
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating 
effect that even extended application will fail to 
cure. 
Cargo loading 
To avoid loading the tires beyond their 
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage 
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result 
can assume the form of a sudden air loss.<
Determining load limit 
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
XXX Ibs. or YYY kg, as otherwise the vehicle 
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.< 
2.Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle. 

Under the hood
92 sure to escape, then continue turning to 
open.
3.The coolant level is correct if the upper end 
of the red float bar is at least at the same 
height as the top edge of the filler neck, 
refer to arrow. The bar end may only pro-
trude by a maximum of ιin/2 cm, i.e. up to 
the second mark on the float bar, refer also 
to sketch beside the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to 
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Screw on the cap and tighten firmly.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system 
Malfunction 
Brake fluid 
The warning lamp lights up red despite 
the handbrake being released: 
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 immedi-
ately.
During continued driving increased brake 
pedal pressure may be necessary, and 
considerably longer braking distances may 
result. Please adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.< 
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
Brake pads 
The warning lamp lights up.
The brake pads have reached their min-
imum pad thickness. Have brake pads 
replaced immediately. 
For your own safety: use only brake pads 
that BMW has approved for your particu-
lar vehicle model. As BMW cannot assess the 
suitability of other brake pads for use in your 
vehicle, we are unable to assume continued 
responsibility for the vehicle's operating safety 
if non-approved pads are installed.< 

Everything from A to Z
114 Black ice, refer to Ice 
warning44
Blower
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
BMW maintenance system93
Bottle holder, refer to Cup 
holders63
Brake fluid92
– level92
– warning lamp92
Brake Force Display50
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display50
– indicator lamp, defective 
lamp12,53
– replacing bulbs98
Brake pads
– breaking-in72
Brake pedal, refer to Safe 
braking73
Brake rotors
– brake system72
– breaking-in72
Brakes73,92
– ABS73
– brake fluid92
– breaking in72
– handbrake35
– indicator/warning lamp11
Brake system92
– brake fluid92
– brake pads92
– breaking-in72
– disc brakes74
– warning lamp92
Brake wear warning
– brake pads92
– warning lamp92
Breakdown service, refer to 
Receiving assistance103
Breaking-in72
Bulb replacement, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs95
Buttons on steering wheel12
C
California law
– Event Data Recorders94
– Proposition 65 Warning6
Calling, refer to telephone 
Owner's Manual
Can holder, refer to Cup 
holders63
Capacities112
Capacity, cargo area112
Car care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing75
Cargo area67
– capacity112
– cover67
– emergency operation, refer 
to Manual unlocking19
– floor cover69
– folding rear seat backrest67
– lashing eyes69
– lid, refer to Tailgate19
– opening, remote control17
– power socket69
Cargo loading74
– determining load limit74
– securing cargo75
– stowing cargo75
– vehicle74
Caring for artificial leather, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochureCaring for the vehicle finish, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Key set16
Car phone, refer to separate 
Owner's Manual
Car phone preparation66
Car radio, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Car wash73
– refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Cassette operation, refer to 
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system73
CD operation, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Central locking system16
– interior18
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel99
Changing gears
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic37
Changing wheels86
Charge-current indicator 
lamp12,101
Charging battery101
Check Gas Cap, warning 
lamp12,80
Checking oil level90
Child's seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems31
Child-restraint fixing system 
LATCH33
Child-restraint systems31
Child-safety locks33
Chock99
Chrome parts, care, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cigarette lighter65