
A congenial climate
60
A congenial climate
For almost all conditions, the AUTO pro-
gram 12 offers the optimal air distribution and 
air volume. Select an interior temperature you 
find pleasant.
The following section contains more detailed
information on the available setting options.
Your vehicle has been designed to auto-
matically select your personal climate-
control settings whenever you unlock the doors 
using your individually programmed remote 
control.< 
Automatic air distribution and supply 
The AUTO program adjusts the 
airflow and distribution patterns for 
you while also using your prese-
lected temperature setting as the basis for 
adjusting the interior climate to adapt to exter-
nal influences: summer, winter. 
The cooling is switched on automatically with 
the AUTO program.
Individual air distribution 
You can cancel the AUTO program 
by selecting specific air distribu-
tion patterns for your personal 
comfort, the automatic air supply 
remains in operation. You can 
direct air to flow onto the win-
dows  , toward the upper body  , and into 
the footwell  . You can reactivate the auto-
matic air distribution mode by selecting the 
AUTO button.
Adjusting temperature 
The figures in the display provide a 
general indication of interior tem-
perature. When you start the vehi-
cle, the AUTO program ensures 
that the selected temperature is 
achieved as quickly as possible. It 
then maintains this temperature, regardless of 
the season.
Air supply/blower 
You can vary the air supply by 
pressing the upper or lower button. 
This switches off the automatic 
program for the air supply, and the 
word AUTO goes out in the dis-
play. The automatic mode for air 
distribution remains in operation as before. You 
can reactivate the automatic air supply mode by 
selecting the AUTO button.
If you press the lower button when at the lowest 
blower speed, all displays go out: the blower, 
heating and air conditioner are switched off. 
The outside air supply is shut off. You can 
restart the automatic climate control by press-
ing any of its buttons.
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation 
This program quickly removes ice 
and condensation from the wind-
shield and door windows. 
Air conditioner 
When the air conditioning is on, 
the air is cooled, dehumidified, 
and then reheated depending on 
the temperature setting. Depending on the 
weather, the windshield may fog over briefly 
when the engine is started. The air conditioner 
reduces the formation of condensation on the 
windows.
The air conditioner can only operate when the 
engine is running and is automatically switched 
on with the AUTO program.
Condensation forms in the air conditioner 
system during operation, and then exits 
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water 
under the vehicle are therefore normal.< 
Outside air/AUC Automatic 
recirculated-air control/recirculated-
air mode 
You can respond to unpleasant 
odors or pollutants in the immedi-
ate environment by suspending 
the supply of outside air. The system then recir- 

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.< 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 93
Maintenance 
The BMW maintenance 
system 
The BMW maintenance system supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your BMW. 
Regular maintenance is not only required for 
the safety of the vehicle, it also improves the 
resale value. 
Service Interval Display 
The BMW maintenance system takes the driv-
ing conditions of the vehicle into account when 
determining service intervals:
From the point of view of maintenance, 
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in 
short-distance urban driving are not the equiva-
lent of the same distance covered at moderate 
speeds in long-distance highway travel. 
The BMW maintenance system is divided into 
engine oil service as well as Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals accord-
ing to the actual loads on the vehicle covers 
every kind of operating situation. However, 
even those who drive only short distances, 
significantly less than 6,200 miles/10,000 km 
annually, should have the engine oil changed at 
least every 2 years since oil deteriorates over 
time, regardless of use.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs 
moisture from the atmosphere over the 
course of time. To ensure that the brake system 
continues to provide safe and reliable perfor-
mance, remember to have the brake fluid changed at least every two years by a BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center, also refer to the 
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for 
US models or the Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models.< 
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models/Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian 
models
For detailed information on required mainte-
nance items and the work involved, please refer 
to the Service and Warranty Information Book-
let for US models or to the Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Depending on operating conditions, it may be 
advisable to have the body checked for damage 
from rocks or gravel as a precaution against cor-
rosion.
BMW recommends that you have your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center per-
form the maintenance and repair.
Check that the maintenance work is recorded in 
the Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models or the Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These 
entries will serve as proof that the vehicle has 
received regular maintenance.< 
OBD connector 
The interface socket for the Onboard Diagnos-
tics is located on the left of the driver's side at  

Maintenance
94 the bottom of the instrument cluster and under 
a cover. The cover has the letters OBD on it. 
The most important components for the com-
position of the emissions can be checked by a 
device via this interface. 
If the Service Engine Soon indicator 
lamp lights up either continuously or 
intermittently, this indicates a malfunc-
tion in the emissions-related electronic sys-
tems. Although the vehicle remains operational, 
you should have the systems checked by your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center at the ear-
liest possible opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the 
need for service, not that you need to stop the 
vehicle. However, the systems should be 
checked by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center at the next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates 
a high level of engine misfire. Reduce speed 
and contact the nearest BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center immediately. Severe engine 
misfiring over even a short period of time can 
seriously damage emission control system 
components, especially the catalytic converter.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight enough, 
the OBD system can detect leaking vapor 
and the indicator lamp will light up. If the fuel 
filler cap is then tightened, the indicator lamp 
will usually go out after a short period of time.<
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 cer-
tain vehicle data or information. In addition, if 
you have a Subscription Service Agreement for 
the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle infor-
mation may be transmitted or recorded in order 
to provide such services.
Care 
For all information on this subject, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle brochure. 

Replacing components
98 lead to personal injury should the bulb be dam-
aged.< 
1.Pull the cover in front of the fog lamp for-
ward. 
2.Loosen the screws, refer to arrow, and pull 
out the headlamp. 
3.Turn the lamp base at the back of the head-
lamp to the left and remove it. 
4.Replace the bulb. 
Tail lamps 
21 watt bulb 
1Turn signal 
2Backup lamp 
3Tail lamp/brake lamp 
4Tail lamp/brake lamp
* 
Replacing tail lamps 
1.Open the flap in the side panel, refer to 
page68.
2.To release the plug connection of the cable, 
press the spring, refer to arrow1.
3.Lift the side panel somewhat.
4.To remove the back panel of the lamp, 
release the retainer, refer to arrow2.5.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb fitting 
while turning it to the left for removal and 
replacement.
6.Install in the reverse order.
Lamps in the tailgate 
Please contact your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center. 
License plate lamps 
10 watt bulb 
1.Press the lamp out to the side with a screw-
driver. 
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb. 
Tailgate lamp 
5 Watt bulb 
1.Pull off the bulb holder.
2.Replace the bulb.
LEDs light-emitting diodes 
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of 
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These 
light-emitting diodes are related to ordinary 
lasers. 

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 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 115
Circulation of air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode57,60
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cleaning rear window39
Cleaning windows, 
reservoir90
Cleaning windshield39
Clock43,44
– 12/24 hour mode44
– setting, also refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
– setting time43
Closing
– from inside18
– from outside16
Clothes hooks65
Clutch72
– breaking-in72
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the 
engine34
Combination of wheel/tire86
Compact wheel, wheel 
changes99
Compartments, refer to 
Storage compartments64
Computer44
– also refer to Owner's Manual 
for Onboard Computer
– functions44
Condensation, refer to
– Air conditioner57,60
– Parking vehicle73
Connecting a car vacuum 
cleaner, refer to Power 
socket65
Consumption, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption44
Consumption indicator, refer 
to Fuel gage42
Controls, refer to Cockpit10Convenience operation
– from outside18
– panorama glass sunroof18
– windows18
Coolant91
– level91
– temperature gage42
– warning lamp91
Cooling, refer to 
Temperature57,60
Cooling system filling 
capacity, refer to Filling 
capacities112
Copyright2
Cruise control40
– buttons on steering 
wheel12
– indicator lamp40
Cruising range45
Cup holders63
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights112
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data110
D
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting54
Dashboard system, refer to 
Cockpit10
Data, technical110
– dimensions111
– engine110
– filling capacities112
– weights112
Daytime driving lamps53
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control47
– warning lamp49
Deactivating front passenger 
airbags31,52
Decommissioning the vehicle, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Defective lamp53
Defects7Defrosting windows58,60
– air conditioner58
– automatic climate control60
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioner58
– automatic climate control60
Defrosting windshield, refer to 
Defrosting windows58,60
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows58,60
Digital clock43
Dimensions111
Dipstick, engine oil90
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals38
Disc brakes73
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data110
Display illumination, refer to 
Instrument lighting54
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting54
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster11
Disposal
– engine oil91
– vehicle battery101
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control46
Door keys16
Door lock18
Doors, manual operation18
DOT Quality Grades84
Draft-free ventilation58,61
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams53
Driving notes72
Driving on poor roads76
Driving stability control 
systems47
Driving through water76
Drying the air, refer to Air 
conditioner57,60
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control47
– indicator lamp47 

Everything from A to Z
116 DVD changer, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC47
– warning lamp49
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC47
– indicator lamp47
E
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution47
Electrical malfunctions
– automatic transmission 
malfunction38
– door lock18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door80
– panorama glass sunroof22
– tailgate19
Electronic brake-force distri-
bution EBV47
Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic 
Stability Control47
Emergency call103
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– doors18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door80
– panorama glass sunroof22
– tailgate19
Emergency Service, refer to 
Receiving assistance103
Engine
– breaking-in72
– data110
– indicator lamps34
– speed42
Engine compartment89
Engine coolant91
Engine oil90
– approved engine oils91
– indicator/warning lamp90Engine oil grades91
Engine oil level90
– indicator/warning lamp90
Engine oil pressure90
– indicator/warning lamp90
Engine oil sensor90
– indicator/warning lamp90
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data110
Equipment range, refer to 
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control47
Exhaust system73
Exterior mirrors28
Eye, tow-starting and 
towing105
F
Failure of a current 
consumer102
False alarms, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms23
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts27
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter58
– Microfilter/activated 
charcoal filter61
Fine wood, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit104
First-aid kit104
Flat tire99
– compact wheel99
– Flat Tire Monitor49
– refer to Tire inflation 
pressure82
– refer to Wheel changes99Flat Tire Monitor49
– indicator lamp50
Flooding, refer to Driving on 
poor roads76
Floor cover69
Fog lamps, indicator lamp54
Folding rear seat back67
Front airbags51
Front fog lamps54
– replacing bulbs97
Fuel81
– average consumption44
– capacity112
– gage42
– quality81
Fuel consumption, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption44
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gage42
Fuel filler door80
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction80
Fuel gage42
Fuel tank contents, refer to 
Filling capacities112
Fuses102
G
Garage-door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control62
Gasoline, refer to Fuel 
quality81
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gage42
Gear change
– manual transmission36
Gear indicator with automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic37
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic36
– manual transmission36
General driving notes72