Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
25
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the tailgate is
opened
>To movements inside the vehicle: Interior
motion sensor, refer to the information fur-
ther below
>When the car's inclination changes, for
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to
towing away
>When there is an interruption in the power
supply from the battery
The alarm system signals unauthorized entry
attempts for a short time by means of:
>An acoustic alarm
>Switching on the hazard warning flashers
>Flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
Even when the alarm system is armed, you can
open the tailgate by means of the button on
the remote control, refer to page21. When you
subsequently close the tailgate it is again
locked and monitored.
Switching off an alarm
>Unlock the car with the remote control, refer
to page20, or
>insert the remote control all the way into the
ignition lock.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp under the inside rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after locking:
doors, hood or tailgate are not properly
closed. Even if you do not close the alerted
area, the system begins to monitor the
remaining areas, and the indicator lamp
flashes continuously after approx. 10 sec-
onds. However, the interior motion sensor
is not activated.
>The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
your vehicle has not been disturbed while
you were away.
>If the indicator lamp flashes after unlocking
until the remote control is inserted in the
ignition, but for no longer than approx.
5 minutes: your vehicle has been disturbed
while you were away.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm
system reacts, e.g. to attempts to steal a wheel
or tow the vehicle.
Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and glass sunroof
must be completely closed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following
situations:
>In duplex garages
Things to remember when driving
98 power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
For general information about taking care of
your BMW, refer to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure.
With convenient access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition
switch.
The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page27.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
99
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of the occupants, the less cargo/lug-
gage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>For the safety of the passengers, install the
cargo area net, refer to page90.
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
respective seat backs.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Smaller and relatively light items can be
retained with tensioning straps or draw
straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW Center. Four lashing eyes are
provided for attaching the cargo straps.
Two are located on the side walls of the
cargo area, arrows 1, and two others are on
the inside rear wall of the cargo area, arrows
2.
Comply with the information provided with
the cargo straps.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page144, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Comply with the precautions
included with the installation instructions.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
127
Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative pole.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any occupants other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
It is stored in the onboard tool kit underneath
the cover on the right-hand side of the cargo
area, refer to page119.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press on the upper edges of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Check that the car is radio-ready and that
the electric steering wheel lock is not
engaged, otherwise the car would not be steer-
able. If the electrical system fails, do not
attempt to tow-start or tow away the car. The
electric steering wheel lock cannot be disen-
Giving and receiving assistance
128 gaged and the car is not steerable. Jump start-
ing, refer to page126.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page45.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
325xi
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported on a flatbed surface
only.
Tow-starting
If the electrical system fails, do not
attempt to tow-start or tow away the car.
The electric steering wheel lock cannot be dis-
engaged and the car is not steerable. Jump
starting, refer to page126.<
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission. Only tow-start vehi-
cles with a catalytic converter with the engine
cold. It is better to jump start the engine, refer to
page126.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
147
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps122
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch125
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away128
Battery123
– charging123
– disposal27,123
– jump starting126
– temporary power failure123
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed127
Belts, refer to Safety belts36
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts36
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders88
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning57
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate79,82
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System117
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control66
Brake fluid115
– level too low115
– warning lamp115,116
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements61
Brake Force Display71
Brake hydraulics, refer to
Brakes115
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display71
– replacing bulbs122
Brake pads, breaking in96
Brake rotors98
– brakes96
– breaking in96Brakes
– ABS66
– BMW Maintenance
System117
– brake fluid115
– brake pads116
– breaking in96
– handbrake44
– service requirements61
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely97
Brake system96
– BMW Maintenance
System117
– brake fluid115
– brake pads116
– breaking in96
– disc brakes98
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance125
Breaking in the clutch96
Breaking in the differential96
Break-in period96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs119
Burned fuel
– refer to Average
consumption58
Button for starting engine42
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Capacities145
Capacity of cargo area144
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery123
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing99Cargo area90
– capacity144
– convenient access26
– cover90
– folding up the floor panel92
– lamp77
– lid, refer to Tailgate23
– net90
– opening from outside23
Cargo area net90
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo99
– vehicle98
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car jack
– jacking points123
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest87
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash98
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system96
CBS Condition Based
Service117
Center armrest87
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
149
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals46
Displacement, refer to Engine
data142
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Displays
– instrument cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant115
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery123
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control50
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements61
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control65
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door locking, confirmation
signals21
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades108
Draft-free ventilation80,83
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Drive-off assistant69
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams74
Driving notes96
Driving stability control
systems66
Driving through water97
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes96
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function83
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control66
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control66
– indicator lamps66Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps67
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution66
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door104
– glass sunroof30
– panorama glass roof30
Electric seat adjustment32
Electronic brake-force
distribution66
Electronic oil level check113
Emergency call125
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass sunroof30
– panorama glass roof30
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door104
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission46
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance125
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements61
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control58
Energy Control58
Engine
– breaking in96
– data142
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature57
– speed142
– starting43
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off43
Engine compartment113
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant115Engine oil
– adding114
– BMW Maintenance
System117
– checking level113
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements61
Engine output, refer to Engine
data142
Engine speed142
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine43
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control58
Error messages, refer to
Check Control63
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control66
Event data recorders118
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system
96
Expanding the cargo area90
Exterior mirrors36
– adjusting36
– automatic dimming
feature97
– automatic heating37
External audio device87
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away127
– for tying down loads99
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control63
Failure of an electrical
consumer124
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts36
Everything from A to Z
150 Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner80
First aid pouch125
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock42
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight87
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat
– Run-Flat Tires110
Flat Tire Monitor FTM69
– indicating a flat tire70
– initializing the system69
– malfunction70
– snow chains69,111
– system limits69
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition109
Fog lamps76
– indicator lamp76,130
Folding rear seat back90
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely97
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety5
Front airbags71
Front seat adjustment31
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor69
Fuel105
– display58
– high-quality brands105
– quality105
– specifications105
– tank capacity145
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge58
Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption58
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge58Fuel filler door104
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction104
Fuses124
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control84
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel105
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge58
Gasoline engine, checking oil
level113
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic44
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic45
– manual transmission44
Gearshifts
– with automatic
transmission45
– with manual transmission44
General driving notes96
Glass sunroof, electric
– closing after electrical
malfunction30
– convenient operation20,22
– operation with convenient
access26
– remote control20
Glove compartment87
– rechargeable flashlight87
Grills, refer to Air vents78
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights144
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs120
Handbrake44
– indicator lamp44
– manual release22Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight87
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags71
Headlamp control,
automatic74
Headlamp cover120
Headlamp flasher46
– indicator lamp11,14,130
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs120
Head restraints33
– sitting safely31
Heated
– mirrors37
– rear window79,83
– seats34
Heating78
– mirrors37
– rear window79,83
– seats34
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat82
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo99
Height, refer to
Dimensions143
Height adjustment
– seats32
– steering wheel38
High beams76
– headlamp flasher76
– indicator lamp130
– replacing bulbs120
High water, refer to Driving
through water97
Hills97
Holders for cups88
Homepage4
Hood112
Horn10
Hot exhaust system96
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control66
Hydroplaning
97