Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
7
Service and warranty
This manual is supplemented by a Service and
Warranty Information Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Cana-
dian models.
We recommend that you read this publication
thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warran-
ties:
>New Vehicle Limited Warranty
>Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
>Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
>Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
>California Emission Control System Limited
Warranty.
Detailed information about these warranties is
listed in the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models, Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Reporting safety defects
The following only applies to vehicles owned
and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause injury
or death, you should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA in addition to notifying BMW of North
America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New
Jersey 07675-1227, telephone toll-free
1-800-831-1117.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order
a recall and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your retailer, or BMW of
North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 or
366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area, or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor vehicle safety
from the Hotline.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
39
A detent prevents inadvertent shifting into
selector lever positions R and P. To disengage
the detent, press the button on the front of the
selector lever knob, see arrow.
PPark
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
transmission locks to prevent the rear wheels
from turning.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
NNeutral
Select this, for example, in car washes. The
vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic shift program
This position is designed for driving under all
normal operating conditions. All forward gears
are available.
Kickdown
With kickdown, you achieve maximum acceler-
ating performance.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the full-throttle
position.
M/S Manual mode and Sport program
Move the selector lever from position D to the
left into the M/S range:
The Sport program is activated. This is indi-
cated by the display SD in the instrument clus-
ter. This position is recommended for perfor-
mance-oriented driving. The Sport program is
enabled automatically when the Driving
Dynamic Control system is activated, refer to
page41.
Steptronic enters the manual selection mode
and executes the desired shift whenever you
tap the selector lever in the direction indicated
by + or –. M1 to M 5 appear in the instrument
cluster.
The transmission will only execute upshifts and
downshifts that will result in an appropriate
combination of vehicle speed and engine rpm.
For instance, downshifts that would result in
excessive engine speed will not be executed.
The desired gear will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster, followed by the actual gear.
To use the automatic transmission mode again,
move the selector lever to the right to position
D.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The trans-
mission system is malfunctioning.
Avoid heavy loads.
All of the selector lever positions can continue
to be engaged; in the forward drive positions,
however, the vehicle will be operating in a
restricted gear range only. Have the system
checked immediately.
Towing and jump starting beginning with
page97.
Driving
40
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG*
The concept
The sequential manual gearbox SMG is an
automated manual gearbox with which clutch-
ing and shifting is assumed by an electro-
hydraulic system.
The SMG is operated via two shift paddles on
the steering wheel and the selector lever in the
center console.
It offers the following functions:
>Optionally manual or automatic operation:
sequential mode or drive mode
>Ability to choose between two different
driving programs: standard or Sport, refer to
page41
>Protection against misshifting, and auto-
matic downshifting at minimum engine rpm
even in sequential mode
>Kickdown function in the drive mode
>Acceleration assistant, refer to page42.
The SMG is ready for operation when the igni-
tion key is in position 2.
Selector lever positions
You can see the current selector lever position
in the center console.
>R: Reverse
>N: Neutral
>One-touch functions for the sequential
mode
+: manual upshifting
–: manual downshifting>D: Drive mode.
N is automatically selected if the driver's
door is opened while the engine is run-
ning and the driver does not actuate the pedals,
the shift paddles or the selector lever.
This is accompanied by an acoustic signal and a
flashing N in the instrument cluster.<
Gear indicator
R N 1 to 6
The gear currently engaged is displayed; in the
Drive mode, a D appears in front of the gear
Shiftlock
While the vehicle is stationary and before shift-
ing out of N, depress the footbrake, as other-
wise the desired gear shift is not executed.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Sequential mode
Each time the engine is started, the sequential
mode is activated as soon as you move the
selector lever towards the right while depress-
ing the brake pedal.
The gear is changed via the shift paddles or the
selector lever.
It is also possible to drive off in second gear, e.g.
on slippery roads.
D Drive mode
In the drive mode all forward gears are shifted
automatically.
To switch from sequential to drive mode: tap
the selector lever to the right toward D.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
41
Kickdown:
For rapid acceleration, e.g. during passing,
depress the accelerator pedal completely. You
achieve maximum acceleration.
To switch back to sequential mode: tap the
selector lever again to the right toward D, or
change the current gear via the shift paddles or
the selector lever.
When driving off on inclines, drive
smoothly without pausing. Do not keep
the vehicle in place by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal; instead, apply the parking brake. Oth-
erwise, the gearbox could overheat.<
Shifting gears
With selector lever
>To upshift, tap the selector lever toward +
>To downshift, tap the lever toward –.
With shift paddles on steering wheel
>To upshift, pull one of the shift paddles
>To downshift, push the paddle.
In the following situations, the SMG in the
sequential mode assists you:
>The transmission will only execute upshifts
and downshifts that will result in an appro-
priate combination of vehicle speed and
engine rpm. For instance, downshifts that
would result in excessive engine speed
cannot be executed
>During a stop the gearbox is automatically
downshifted into first gear
>Shortly before a gear-dependent minimum
speed is reached, the gearbox automatically
shifts down without you taking any action.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The trans-
mission system is malfunctioning.
Avoid heavy loads.
All of the selector lever positions can continue
to be engaged; in the forward drive positions,
however, the vehicle will be operating in a
restricted gear range only. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Towing and tow-starting, refer to page98;
Jump starting, refer to page97.
Overheating
An acoustic warning signal sounds. The gear-
box is overheating. If possible, stop the vehicle
or drive off swiftly so that the system can cool
off again.
Driving Dynamic Control
Driving Dynamic Control allows your BMW to
react in a sportier driving style at the touch of a
button:
>The engine responds more spontaneously
to any motion of the accelerator pedal
>The vehicle is steered more directly and
traction is enhanced
>Cruise control:
When the speed last stored is called up, this
speed is attained more quickly.
Additional features with SMG:
>Gears are shifted more quickly
>The engine speed range is optimally utilized
in the drive mode.
With automatic transmission:
>The Sport program is activated.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
99
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph /
70 km/h or a towing distance of 90 miles/
150 km. Otherwise, the automatic transmission
could be damaged.<
Vehicles with sequential manual
gearbox SMG
To push or tow the vehicle, turn on the ignition
and move the selector lever to position N, then
turn the ignition off again.
Towing methods
In some countries, it is not permitted to tow the
vehicle with a tow bar or tow rope on public
roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable towing
regulations for the country in which you are
driving.
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise,
vehicle handling can no longer be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should be
on the same side. If the tow bar can only be
used in a diagonal position, please note the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance is restricted while you are driving
around corners
>The inclination of the tow bar produces late-
ral force.
Only attach the tow bar to the towing eye-
lets. Other parts of the vehicle could oth-
erwise be damaged.<
With a tow rope
When the towing vehicle is driving off, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing
because they prevent sudden jerking
movements. Attach tow ropes only to the tow-
ing eyelet. Other parts of the vehicle could oth-
erwise be damaged.<
With a tow truck
Have the BMW transported by a tow truck with
a lift sling, or on a flatbed.
Do not lift the vehicle by the towing eye-
let, or by parts of the body or chassis.
Otherwise damage could result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with automatic
transmission.
Jump-starting, refer to page97.<
Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic conver-
ters if the engine is cold. It is better to have the
vehicle jump-started, refer to page97.
1.Turn on the hazard warning flashers; com-
ply with national regulations
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2
3.Engage the 3rd gear. For vehicles with
SMG, refer to following column
4.Have the vehicle towed with the clutch
pedal completely depressed and then
slowly release the clutch pedal. After the
engine has started, immediately depress
the clutch pedal again completely
5.Pull over at a suitable location, remove the
tow bar or tow rope, and turn on the hazard
warning flashers
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with sequential manual
gearbox SMG
>Have the vehicle towed with the selector
lever in position N
>Select sequential mode. The correct gear
will automatically be selected and engaged.
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
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
113
Plastic, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
– Microfilter59
– Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter63
Power convertible top21
Power loss
– electric power windows20
Power output, refer to Engine
data102
Power seat29
Power socket65
Power steering, electric42
Power supply interruption
– battery95
Power windows
– initializing20
Power windows protective
function, refer to Trap
protection20
Preparations for the cellular
phone65
Pressure, tires78
Pressure monitoring, tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor52
R
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Radio navigation, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Radio remote control key,
refer to Master keys with
remote control16
Rain sensor43
Reading lamps57
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement93
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp13
Rearview mirror31
Rear window defroster
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control63
Recirculated air mode
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62Recirculating the air, refer to
Recirculated air
mode59,62
Reclining seat, refer to
Seats28
Refueling76
– fuel filler door76
Releasing
– hood84
Remaining distance, refer to
Range49
Remaining distance to next
service47
Remote control16
– luggage compartment lid17
– malfunction17
Replacement key16
Replacement key, refer to
New keys16
Replacement of tires82
– changing a wheel94
– new wheels and tires82
Replacing lamps, refer to
Lamps and bulbs91
Restraint systems
– for children35
– refer to Safety belts30
Reverse
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– manual transmission38
Reverse gear
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG40
Rod antenna, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting98
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run
Flat tires82
Rubber parts, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run Flat
tires
82Run Flat tires82
– changing a tire81,82
– changing a wheel94
– flat tire53
– tire inflation pressure78
– winter tires82
S
Safe seating position27
– with airbags27
– with safety belts27
Safety belts30
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– safe seating position27
– warning lamp12,30
Safety systems, refer to
– Airbags53
– Antilock Brake System
ABS50
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC50
Safety tires, refer to Run Flat
tires82
Screwdriver, refer to Onboard
tool kit91
Seat adjustment28
– mechanical28
– M Sports seat29
– power29
Seat heating30
Seat memory29
Seat position, storing29
Seats28
– adjusting the sports seat29
– heating30
– memory, refer to Seat
memory29
– power adjustment29
– safe seating position27
– storing positions29
Securing, locking the vehicle
– from inside18
– from outside17
Securing loads,
refer to Cargo loading71
Everything from A to Z
114 Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG40
Selector lever lock, refer to
Range selection38
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG40
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG40
Service, refer to Mobile
Service96
Service, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models89
Service and warranty7
Service interval display47,89
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– manual transmission38
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG41
Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection38
Shift paddles41
Side airbags53
Side turn signal indicators,
bulb replacement93
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector24
SMG Sequential manual
gearbox40
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray65
Snow chains83
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics90
SOS, refer to Emergency
call96
Spare fuses95Spare key16
Spare wheel, refer to Run Flat
tires82
Special oils, refer to
Specified engine oils87
Special wash program, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Specified engine oils87
Speed
– winter tires82
Speedometer12
Sport program
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– Driving Dynamic
Control41,42
Sports seat
29
Stability control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC50
Standing lamps57
Starting, engine36
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine36
Starting assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC50
Starting difficulties
– jump-starting97
– temperature36
Starting with a flat battery,
refer to Jump-starting97
Status at time of printing5
Steering lock36
Steering wheel10
– adjusting31
Steptronic, refer to Manual
mode39
Storage compartments64
– electrical fault64
– opening manually64
Storage nets64
Storage space, refer to
– Luggage compartment19
– Storage compartments64
Storing desired speeds, refer
to Cruise control44Storing seat position, refer to
Seat memory29
Summer tires, refer to
Wheels and tires78
Surface ice, refer to Ice
warning48
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switch for passenger
airbags33
Symbols4
T
Tachometer46
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps93
– bulb replacement93
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity105
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel
gauge46
Technical data102
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety6
Telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Telephone preparation65
Temperature
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
– engine46
Temperature display
– ice warning48
– outside temperature47,48
– setting unit of measure48
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control44
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center high-mount brake
lamp93
– bulb replacement93
Three-point seat belt, refer to
Safety belts30
Tilt alarm sensor
– deactivating26
– remote control26
Tire coding80