
Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator and warning lamps12
3Tachometer46
with indicator and warning lamps12
4Engine coolant temperature gauge46
5Fuel gauge46
6Button for
>Time47
>Service interval display47
7Display field for selector lever and program 
indicator
>Automatic transmission
*38
>Sequential manual gearbox SMG
*40
8Button for
>Trip odometer, reset to zero46
>Setting time47
9Display for
>Trip odometer/Odometer46
>Clock47
>Service interval47
>Computer
*48
Indicator and warning lamps 
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified 
by 
+ are tested for proper functioning whenever 
the ignition key is turned. They each light up 
once for different periods of time.
If a malfunction occurs in one of the monitored 
systems, the corresponding light does not go 
out after the engine has started, or it lights up 
again while the vehicle is in motion. You can find 
more information about each system on the 
specified pages.
Safety belt reminder +30
Airbags 
+53
Battery charge current 
+94 

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
 13
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in 
various colors and combinations.
>Red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue driving cautiously
>Yellow:
Have the system checked soon
or
for your information
>Green or blue:
For your information. Engine oil pressure/Engine oil level/
Engine oil sensor 
+86
Brake system 
+ 
Parking brake released88
Parking brake applied37
With other warning lamps51
Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models
Antilock Brake System ABS/Driving 
stability control systems 
+50
Antilock Brake System ABS/Driving 
stability control systems for Canadian 
models
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC
 +50
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC 
+50
Flat Tire Monitor 
+52
Automatic transmission/Sequential 
manual gearbox SMG 
+39, 41
Brake pads 
+88
Add coolant87
Check gas cap 
+76
Service engine soon 
+90
Service engine soon indicator lamp for 
Canadian models
Defective bulb56
Turn signal indicators42
Fog lamps57
Headlamp flasher/High beams42, 57
Electric Power Steering 
+42
Doors or luggage compartment lid 
open
Engine electronics 
+ 
Malfunction in the engine electronics. 
You can continue to drive with 
reduced engine output or engine 
speed. Please have the system 
inspected by your BMW center. 

Technology for safety and driving convenience
54 For information on the correct seating position, 
refer to page27.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the 
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or 
modify them in any other way. Do not attempt to 
remove the airbag retention system from the 
vehicle. Never modify or tamper with either the 
wiring or the individual components in the air-
bag system. This category includes the uphol-
stery in the center of the steering wheel, on the 
instrument panel, and the side trim panels on 
the doors. Do not attempt to remove or disman-
tle the steering wheel. 
Do not touch the individual components 
directly after the system has been triggered, 
because there is a danger of burns.
If you note any indication of system malfunc-
tion, if you desire to have an airbag deactivated, 
or if the airbag retention system is triggered in 
response to an accident, you should always 
entrust all inspection, repair and dismantling 
operations to your BMW center. 
Unprofessional attempts to service the system 
could lead to failure in an emergency or to 
undesired airbag activation, either of which 
could result in personal injury. 
To ensure compliance with official safety regu-
lations, please also entrust disposal of airbag 
generators to a BMW center.<
Airbag warning information is also provided on 
the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the 
passenger airbags
Before transporting a child on the pas-
senger seat be sure to observe the infor-
mation/instructions under Transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page33.<
Your BMW has a seat occupation detection 
system. By evaluating the weight on the pas-
senger's seat, the system detects whether or 
not the seat is occupied by a child in the child-
restraint system or an adult.
>When a child is seated in the child-restraint 
system or in an empty seat, the front, side 
and knee airbags are automatically deacti-
vated on the passenger's side>When an adult is traveling in the passen-
ger's seat, the front, side and knee airbags 
remain active on the passenger's side.
Although not desired, it can occur in the 
case of heavier children that the passen-
ger airbags remain active or, in the case of very 
light adults or young persons, that the passen-
ger airbags are deactivated. The condition of 
the passenger airbag system will be shown by 
the indicator lamp in the central console, refer 
to Passenger airbag status lamp below. If the 
indicator lamp indicates that the passenger air-
bags are active and you want them to be deac-
tivated, the airbags have to be deactivated with 
the vehicle ignition key and the key switch on 
the outer passenger's side of the instrument 
panel. Apart from passengers, do not place any 
additional objects on the passenger seat. Do 
not fit seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball 
mats or other items to the passenger seat 
unless they are specifically recommended by 
BMW. Do not place any items under the seat. 
Otherwise, the function of the seat occupation 
detection could be impaired.<
Operational readiness of the airbag 
system 
The airbag indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster indicates the operational readiness of 
the entire airbag system and the safety belt ten-
sioners as of ignition key position 1.
The indicator lamp goes out after a few sec-
onds.
Airbag system malfunction
>The indicator lamp does not light up as of 
ignition key position 1
>The warning lamp lights up continuously. 

Maintenance
90
OBD interface 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 sys-
tem for the vehicle's lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and mal-
function.
If the Service engine soon indicator 
lamp comes on either continuously or 
intermittently, this indicates a fault in 
the emission-related electronic systems. 
Although the vehicle remains operational, you 
should have the systems checked by your 
BMW center at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.
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 cente r  a t  t h e  n e x t  o p p o r -
tunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates a 
high level of engine misfire. Reduce speed and 
contact the nearest BMW center immediately. 
Severe engine misfiring over even a short 
period of time can seriously damage emission 
control system components, especially the cat-
alytic converter.Indication of the above-described mal-
function in Canadian models.
If the gas cap is not on tight enough, the 
OBD system can detect leaking vapor 
and the indicator will light up. If the gas cap is 
then tightened, the indicator 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
Interesting facts about the care of your vehicle 
are found in the Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure. 

Replacement procedures
94 Please contact a BMW center in case of a mal-
function.
License plate lamps 
5 watt bulb
1.Push out the lamp with a suitable object and 
remove it
2.Replace the bulb.
Snap the lamp back into place.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Control elements, display units and other inte-
rior equipment in your vehicle use a light-emit-
ting diode behind a cover as a light source. 
These light-emitting diodes are similar to con-
ventional lasers.
Do not remove the covers, and do not 
look directly at the unfiltered light for sev-
eral hours. Otherwise, it can lead to retinal irrita-
tion of the eye.<
Changing a wheel
Run Flat tires
Your BMW is equipped with Run Flat tires. 
Therefore, the wheel no longer has to be 
changed immediately in the event of a loss in 
inflation pressure.
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall with a 
circular symbol containing the letters RSC. 
Refer to page82.
BMW recommends that you consult your BMW 
center if you wish to replace the tires of your 
B MW , o r change  from  summe r to winter tire s o r 
vice versa. 
Your BMW center knows how to work with Run Flat tires and is equipped with the necessary 
special tools.
When mounting or replacing summer 
tires with winter tires, or vice versa, use 
only Run Flat tires since no spare wheel is avail-
able in the event of a flat.<
Jacking points
The jacking points are located at the positions 
indicated in the illustration.
Your BMW center can provide you with a 
suitable jack as an accessory.<
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is completely maintenance-free. 
This means that the original electrolyte will nor-
mally last for the service life of the battery under 
moderate climatic conditions. Your BMW cen-
ter will be happy to advise you if you have any 
questions concerning the battery.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up:
The battery is no longer being charged. 
The alternator drive belt is defective or 
there is a malfunction in the charging circuit of 
the alternator. Please contact the nearest BMW 
center.
If the drive belt is defective, pull over and 
switch off the engine immediately to pre-
vent overheating and serious engine damage. 
If the onboard supply voltage drops to a very 
low level, increased steering effort may also be 
necessary.< 

Giving and receiving assistance
96
Giving and receiving assistance
Receiving assistance
The BMW Group's Mobile Service offers you 
24-hour assistance in the event of a breakdown, 
even on weekends and holidays.
The telephone number of the Mobile Service 
control center in your country is listed in the 
Contact brochure.
If your vehicle has the necessary equipment, 
you can contact the Mobile Service or issue an 
emergency call using buttons in the center con-
sole, behind the parking brake under a cover.
When the emergency call is initiated, a tele-
phone connection is established with the BMW 
Assist response center.
If your vehicle is equipped with an activated 
BMW Assist and the current location of the 
vehicle can be determined, this location is 
transmitted to the BMW Assist response cen-
ter.
Requirements for initiating an emergency call or 
contacting Mobile Service:
>Ignition key in position 1 or higher
>The car phone must be registered with a 
mobile network
>The emergency call system must be opera-
tional.
Access to the buttons
Fold up the cover.
1Emergency call
2Roadside Assistance
Initiating an emergency call* 
Press button1 for at least 2 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the button lights up. As 
soon as a telephone connection to the BMW 
Assist response center has been set up, the 
indicator lamp flashes.
If the indicator lamp is flashing but you cannot 
hear the emergency call center, you may still be 
heard by the emergency call center.
For technical reasons, the emergency call 
function cannot be guaranteed in certain 
unfavorable conditions.<
If certain requirements are met, an emergency 
call is automatically initiated after a serious 
accident. The automatic emergency call will not 
be hindered by pressing the button.
Roadside Assistance* 
Press button2 for at least 2 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the button lights up. As 
soon as a telephone connection to the Road-
side Assistance has been set up, the indicator 
lamp flashes.
Depending on the country you are in, your vehi-
cle's current location will also be transmitted if 
your vehicle is equipped with an activated BMW 
Assist function.
Warning triangle* 
The warning triangle is stored in the rear lug-
gage compartment panel. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 107
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit97
Bar, towing99
Battery94
– charging95
– disposal95
– indicator lamp12,94
– jump-starting97
– power supply interruption95
– remote control16
Belts, refer to Safety belts30
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts30
Beverage holders64
Blower
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Blower, refer to Air 
supply59,62
BMW5
BMW Maintenance 
System89
Bottle holders, refer to 
Beverage holders64
Brake fluid88
– filling88
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,88
– level88
Brake force display52
Brake hydraulic system88
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,88
Brake lamps
– brake force display52
– bulb replacement93
– indicator lamp, defective 
lamp13
Brake pads88
– break-in procedures68
– warning lamp88
Brake pad wear indicator
– brake pads88
– warning lamp13
Brake rotors
– brake system69
– break-in procedures68Brakes
– ABS50
– brake fluid88
– brake pads88
– break-in procedures68
– indicator/warning 
lamps13,51
– parking brake37
Brake system
– brake fluid88
– brake pads88
– break-in procedures68
– disc brakes69
– indicator lamp13
Breakdown
– Flat Tire Monitor52
Breakdown service, refer to 
Mobile Service96
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential68
Break-in procedures68
Bridging, refer to Jump-
starting97
Bulb replacement, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs91
Buttons in the multifunction 
steering wheel10
C
California laws
– Event Data Recorders90
– Proposition 65 warning6
Can holders, refer to Beverage 
holders64
Capacities105
Capacity
– luggage compartment, refer 
to Weights103
Car battery94
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
Car keys, refer to Keys16Carpet care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Car radio, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Car telephone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Car wash, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system69
CD changer, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
CD operation, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Center high-mount brake 
lamp, bulb replacement93
Central locking system16
– interior18
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel94
– Run Flat tires94
Charge indicator lamp12,94
Check gas cap, indicator 
lamp13
Child-restraint mounting 
system, LATCH35
Child-restraint systems33
Child seat, refer to 
Installing child-restraint 
systems34
Chrome parts, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cigarette lighter65
Cigarette lighter socket65
Cleaning the rear window, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 109
Dry air, refer to Air 
conditioning mode59,62
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control50
– indicator lamp13,51
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control50
– indicator lamp13,51
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC50
– indicator lamp13
– warning lamp51
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC50
– indicator lamp13,51
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC50
– indicator lamp13,51
E
Electrical fault
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic39
– convertible top23
– door lock18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door76
– luggage compartment lid18
– SMG41
– storage compartments64
Electric Power Steering 
EPS42
– indicator lamp13,42
Electric power windows20
– power loss20
Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC50
Electronic transmission 
control module39
Emergency call96Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– convertible top23
– doors18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door76
– luggage compartment lid18
– storage compartments64
Emergency service, refer to 
Mobile Service96
Engine36
– break-in procedures68
– data102
– electronics13
– indicator lamp13
– speed46
– starting36
– switching off37
Engine compartment85
Engine coolant87
Engine coolant temperature 
gauge46
Engine data102
Engine oil86
– alternative oils87
– approved engine oils87
– capacity105
– indicator/warning lamp13
Engine oil level86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Engine oil pressure86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Engine oil sensor86
– indicator/warning lamp
13
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data102
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
data102
EPS Electric Power 
Steering42
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC50
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system69
Exterior mirrors31
– automatic dimming 
feature70
– folding in and out31Eyelets, towing and tow-
starting98
F
False alarm, refer to
– Avoiding unintentional 
alarms26
– Stopping the alarm26
Fasten safety belts
– refer to Safety belts30
– warning lamp12,30
Fault
– automatic transmission39
– luggage compartment lid18
– SMG41
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter59
– Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter63
Fine wood, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Finger guard system, power 
windows20
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit97
First-aid kit97
Flat
– Run Flat tires82
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor52
– indicator/warning lamp13
– Run Flat tires82
Flat tire, refer to
– Changing a wheel94
– Tire condition81
Flat Tire Monitor52
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,53
– initializing52
– warning lamp53
Flat tire service, refer to 
Mobile Service96
Floods, refer to Driving 
through water69
Floor covers, carpets, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure