Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 87
6.Return the dipstick to the guide tube, 
inserting it as far as it will go.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption is 
directly influenced by your driving style and 
vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks on the 
dipstick corresponds to approx. 1.1 quarts/
1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the 
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the 
engine.<
Adding engine oil
Do not add oil until the oil level has dropped 
almost to the lower mark on the dipstick, refer to 
page86.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km, 
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Continuous exposure to used oil has 
caused cancer in laboratory tests. For this 
reason, thoroughly wash any areas of skin that 
come into contact with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar materials 
so that they are inaccessible to children. Com-
ply with warning labels and the information on 
the containers.<
Comply with the applicable environmen-
tal laws regulating the disposal of used 
oil.<
Oil change
Have your oil changed only by a BMW center or 
a workshop that works according to BMW 
requirements with the appropriately trained 
personnel.
Approved engine oils 
The quality of the engine oil is extremely impor-
tant for the function and life of an engine. Based 
on extensive testing, BMW has approved cer-
tain grades of engine oil.
Use approved High Performance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain an approved High 
Performance Synthetic Oil, you may use small 
volumes of other synthetic oils for topping up 
between oil changes. Use only oils with the 
specification API SH or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details concern-
ing the specific High Performance Syn-
thetic Oil or synthetic oils that have been 
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America toll-
free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this website: 
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
BMW engines are designed to operate 
without oil additives; the use of additives 
could even lead to damage in some cases.<
Coolant 
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up:
The coolant level is too low. Top up the 
coolant as soon as possible.
Do not open the cooling system when the 
engine is hot. If you do, escaping coolant 
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additives. 
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Your BMW center knows 
which additives are appropriate.
Use only approved additives, as the 
engine could otherwise be damaged. The 
additives are hazardous to health.<
Comply with the applicable environmen-
tal laws regulating the disposal of coolant 
additives.< 
Everything from A to Z
112 Manual mode, refer to 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic39
Manual operation
– automatic transmission 
interlock38
– door lock18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door76
– luggage compartment lid18
– power convertible top23
– storage compartments64
Manual transmission38
Manufacturer5
Master key16
– with remote control16
Maximum cooling62
Maximum speed, winter 
tires82
MD operation, refer to 
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Measurements, refer to 
Dimensions104
Mechanical seat28
Memory, refer to
– Seat Memory29
– Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory31
Microfilter
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control63
Microphone, refer to 
Preparations for the cellular 
phone65
Minidisc operation, refer to 
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Mirrors31
– heated31
Mobile phone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual5
Mobile Service96
Modifications, technical, refer 
to For your own safety6
Monitoring system for tire 
pressures, refer to
– Tire inflation pressure78
M Sports seat29Multifunction steering wheel, 
refer to Buttons in the 
steering wheel10
Multifunction switch
– turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher42
– washer/wiper system43
N
Neck supports, refer to Head 
restraints28
Nets64
Nylon rope, refer to Towing 
and tow-starting99
O
OBD interface socket90
Octane numbers, refer to Fuel 
specifications76
Odometer46
Oil, refer to Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved 
oils87
– alternative oils87
– approved oils87
– capacity105
– dipstick86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Oil change intervals, 
refer to the Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models, 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian 
models
Oil consumption86
Oil filter change105
Oil level86
– checking86
– indicator lamp13
Oil pressure86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Oil sensor86
– indicator lamp13
Oil service47
Oil types87Onboard computer
– button BC48
Onboard computer, refer to 
Computer or to the Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer
Onboard monitor, refer to 
Computer or to the Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer
Onboard tool kit91
Opening and closing the 
vehicle
– at the door lock17
– from inside18
– from outside16,17
– with the remote 
control16,17
Operating elements10
Outlets, refer to 
Ventilation59,63
Outside air mode59
– air conditioning59
Outside air mode, automatic 
climate control62
Outside temperature
display47
– changing units of 
measure48
– in the onboard computer48
P
Paintwork, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Parking brake37
– indicator lamp13
Parking lamps/Low beams56
Parking lock, refer to 
Parking39
Parts and accessories, 
refer to Your individual 
vehicle5
Passenger airbags
– deactivation33
– reactivation33
Placing the vehicle in storage, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure