
76
Service interval displayRemaining distance to next 
serviceThe displays shown in the illustration 
appear for a few seconds when the 
ignition key is in position 1 or higher or 
after the engine is started.
The next service due appears with the 
message OIL SERVICE or 
INSPECTION, together with the dis-
tance remaining in miles – in kilometers 
in Canada – before the next scheduled 
service.
The computer bases its calculations of 
the remaining distance on the preced-
ing driving style.
A flashing message and a "–" in front of 
the number mean that the service inter-
val has already been exceeded by the 
distance shown on the display. Please 
contact your BMW center for an 
appointment.
Check ControlWhen the ignition key is in position 2, 
the following information and/or condi-
tions are indicated using symbols until 
the conditions have been corrected.
1Check the low beams and high 
beams, as well as the parking lamps
2Door open
3Luggage compartment lid open
4Check tail or brake lamps
When you open the driver's door after 
having turned the ignition key to posi-
tion 0, you will hear an acoustic signal 
for a few seconds to remind you that 
the lamps have not been switched off. 

126
Washer fluidsHeadlamp* and windshield 
washer systemCapacity approx. 
5.6 US quarts/5.3 liters
Fill with water and, if required, with a 
washer antifreeze additive according to 
manufacturer's recommendations.
We recommend that you mix the 
washer fluid before adding it to 
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agents for the washer 
fluid are highly flammable. For this 
reason, keep them away from sources 
of flame and store them only in closed 
original containers, inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with the instructions on 
the containers.<
Engine oilChecking the oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has 
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean 
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar 
material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the 
way into the guide tube and pull it 
out again
5. The oil level should be between the 
two marks on the dipstick.
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 US quarts/1 liter. Do not fill beyond 
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess 
oil will damage the engine. 

128
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling 
system when the engine is hot. If 
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant 
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water as well as an 
additive such as antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor. Not all commercially 
available additives are suitable for your 
BMW. Your BMW center knows which 
additives are appropriate.
Only use approved additives, as 
the engine could otherwise be 
damaged. The additives are hazardous 
to your health; therefore, follow the 
instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of antifreeze with corrosion inhib-
itor.<
Checking the coolant level and 
adding coolantCheck the coolant level when the 
engine is cold, approx. 687/+206.
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank 
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure 
to escape. Then open
2. The coolant level is correct when the 
upper end of the red float rod is at 
least even with the upper edge of the 
filler neck; see arrow. The end of the 
float may stick out by a maximum of 
3/4 in/2 cm – that is, up to the sec-
ond mark on the float
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-
ant is low, slowly add coolant until 
the correct level is reached – do not 
overfill.
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The warning lamp comes on 
even though the parking brake 
is released: 
The brake fluid level in the reservoir is 
too low, refer to page 18. At the same 
time, there may be significantly greater 
pedal travel. Have the system checked 
as soon as possible.
Warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
If you continue driving, extended 
pedal travel may be necessary 
and braking distances may be signifi-
cantly longer. Be sure to adapt your 
driving style accordingly.< 

130Maintenance
BMW Maintenance SystemThe BMW Maintenance System helps 
maintain your vehicle's road safety and 
operational safety. Comfort-related 
aspects, such as the timely change of 
filters for the air inside the vehicle, are 
taken into consideration. The goal is to 
optimize maintenance with respect to 
low total cost of ownership.
If you should sell your BMW one day, 
consistent service and maintenance will 
prove to your advantage. 
Service interval displayThe service interval display shows you 
when an oil service, an inspection – 
always alternating between I and II – or 
a brake fluid change is due. The special 
feature is that the service intervals are 
calculated according to your BMW's 
individual driving conditions instead of 
from fixed mileage increments.
The technology developed for this 
takes your personal driving style into 
account, as well as your BMW's driving 
conditions. After all, short-distance 
driving, i.e. frequent cold starts, or driv-
ing off at high engine speeds, affects 
your BMW differently from long-dis-
tance driving with the engine at consis-
tent operating temperature.
Special feature regarding engine 
oil changeThe calculation of the service intervals 
covers practically every kind of operat-
ing situation. If you drive very rarely, 
however, you should have the oil 
changed at least every two years, since 
engine oil deteriorates over time 
regardless of use.Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models/ 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian modelsFor additional information on required 
maintenance intervals and procedures, 
please refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet for US mod-
els, or the Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models.
As a precaution against rust, it is advis-
able to have the body checked for dam-
age from rocks or gravel at the same 
time, depending upon operating condi-
tions. 

132Laws and regulations
California lawsProposition 65 warningCalifornia laws require us to state the 
following warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety 
of automobile components and 
parts, including components found in 
the interior furnishings in a vehicle, con-
tain or emit chemicals known to the 
State of California to cause cancer and 
birth defects and reproductive harm. In 
addition, certain fluids contained in 
vehicles and certain products of com-
ponent wear contain or emit chemicals 
known to the State of California to 
cause cancer and birth defects or other 
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related 
accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash your hands after hand-
ling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that 
have caused cancer in laboratory ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by 
washing thoroughly with soap and 
water.
ules or a recording device capable of 
recording or transmitting certain vehicle 
data or information. In addition, if you 
have a Subscription Service Agreement 
for the BMW Assist system, certain 
vehicle information may be transmitted 
or recorded in order to provide such 
services.
OBD interface socketThe interface socket for onboard diag-
nostics is located on the left-hand side 
of the driver's side, below the instru-
ment panel and under a cover panel. 
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
This interface makes it possible to 
access data on emissions-related com-
ponents using special equipment.
An illuminated indicator informs 
you of the need for service, not 
that you need to stop the vehi-
cle. However, the systems should be 
checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this 
indicates a high level of engine misfire. 
Reduce speed and contact the nearest 
BMW center immediately. Severe  

147
Mobile Service*To establish contact with the BMW 
Group's Mobile Service:
Press button 2 for at least 2 seconds.
The indicator lamp above the buttons 
lights up. As soon as a telephone con-
nection has been set up with the Mobile 
Service, the indicator lamp flashes.
Depending on the country you are in, 
your vehicle's current location will also 
be transmitted if your vehicle is 
equipped with an activated BMW Assist 
function.
Jump-startingWhen your battery is discharged, you 
can use two jumper cables to start your 
vehicle with power from the battery in a 
second vehicle. You can also use the 
same method to help start another 
vehicle. Only use jumper cables with 
fully insulated handles on the terminal 
clamps.
Do not touch high-voltage wiring 
and cables on a running engine. 
Contact with components carrying high 
voltage can be harmful or fatal. Care-
fully observe the following instructions 
to avoid personal injury and/or damage 
to one or both vehicles.
approximately the same capacity – 
measured in Ah. This information is 
provided on the battery
2. Stop the engine of the support vehi-
cle
3. Switch off all electrical components 
in both vehicles.
Make absolutely certain that there 
is no contact between the body-
work of the two vehicles, otherwise 
there is a short circuit hazard.<
Connecting the jumper cables
Always adhere to this sequence 
when connecting jumper cables; 
failure to observe this procedure can 
lead to sparks at the battery terminals 
and pose an injury hazard.<
The auxiliary jump-starting terminal 
located in your BMW's engine compart-
ment acts as the positive battery termi-
nal. Refer to the engine compartment 
overview on page 124. The cover of this 
auxiliary terminal is marked with a +.
1. Open the cover of the BMW auxiliary 
jump-starting terminal. Do so by pull-
ing the tab – see arrow 1
Receiving assistance
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

148
2. Connect one terminal clamp of the 
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive 
terminal of the battery or to an auxil-
iary jump-starting terminal of the 
support vehicle 
3. Connect the second terminal clamp 
of the plus/+ jumper cable to the 
positive terminal of the battery or to 
an auxiliary jump-starting terminal of 
the vehicle to be started
4. Your BMW is equipped with a special 
nut – see arrow 2 – to serve as the 
ground or negative terminal.
Attach a terminal clamp of the 
minus/– jumper cable to the negative 
terminal of the support vehicle's bat-
tery or to a suitable ground on its 
engine or bodywork 
5. Attach the second terminal clamp of 
the minus/– jumper cable to the neg-
ative terminal of the battery or to a 
suitable ground on the engine or 
bodywork of the vehicle to be 
started.Starting the engine1. Start the engine of the support vehi-
cle and let it run for several minutes 
at a slightly elevated engine idle 
speed2. Start the engine of the other vehicle 
as usual. 
If the first start attempt is not suc-
cessful, wait a few minutes before 
another attempt in order to allow the 
discharged battery to recharge
3. Allow the engines to run for several 
minutes
4. Disconnect the jumper cables in 
reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault, 
have the battery checked and 
recharged by your BMW center.
Do not use spray starter fluids to 
start the engine.

150
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 pro-
duces lateral force.
Only attach the tow bar to the 
towing eyelets. Other parts of the 
vehicles could otherwise be dam-
aged.<
With a tow ropeWhen the towing vehicle is driving off, 
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for tow-
ing because they prevent sudden 
jerking movements. Attach the tow rope 
only to the towing eyelets. Other parts 
of the vehicles could otherwise be 
damaged.<
With a tow truckHave the BMW transported by a tow 
truck with a lift sling, or on a flatbed.
Never allow passengers to ride in 
a towed vehicle for any reason.<
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow-
ing eyelet, nor by parts of the 
body or chassis. Otherwise damage 
could result.
automatic transmissions. Jump-
starting, refer to page 147.<
Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic 
converters if the engine is cold. It is 
better to have the engine jump-started, 
refer to page 147.
1. Turn on hazard warning flashers; 
comply with national regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
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 gear-
box SMG:
>Have the vehicle towed with the 
selector lever in position N
>Select sequential mode. The correct 
gear will automatically be selected 
and engaged.
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle