Driving
48
Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
Pull lever 4.
Washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield and
the wipers are operated for a short time.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and
appropriate intervals.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do, your vision could be
obscured. Antifreeze should therefore be
added to the fluid, refer to Washer fluid.
Do not use the washers when the washer fluid
reservoir is empty, otherwise you will damage
the washer pump.<
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are heated
automatically while the engine is running or the
ignition switched on.
Rear window wiper
1Intermittent operation. When reverse gear
is engaged, the system switches to contin-
uous operation.
2Cleaning the rear window
Do not use the washers when the washer
fluid reservoir is empty, otherwise you will
damage the washer pump.<
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Always keep it well away from sparks and
open flames, and store it in the tightly closed
original container, well out of the reach of chil-dren. Comply with the instructions on the con-
tainer.<
Washer fluid reservoir
Fill with water and, if required, with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Mix the water and antifreeze before filling
the washer fluid reservoir to make sure
the correct concentration is maintained.<
Capacity
Approx. 6.3 US quarts/6 liters.
Cruise control*
The concept
Cruise control is available for use at speeds of
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then stores
and maintains the speed that you specify using
the lever on the steering column. In order to
maintain the specified speed, the system
brakes the vehicle when the engine braking
effect is insufficient on downhill gradients.
Do not use cruise control when driving
conditions are unfavorable for driving at a
constant speed. Otherwise you could lose con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident as a
result. Unfavorable driving conditions include,
for example, winding roads, heavy traffic or a
poor road surface, e.g. snow, rain, ice or loose
material.<
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while cruise control is acti-
vated. An indicator lamp notifies you that you
Everything under control
62
Possible displays
1Button for selecting functions
2Service requirements
3Engine oil
4Exhaust emissions test
*
5Roadworthiness test*
6Microfilter7Spark plugs
8Brakes, front
9Brakes, rear
10Brake fluid
More information on the BMW Maintenance
System can be found on page117.
Clock
Setting the time
To set the 12h/24h mode, refer to Formats and
units of measure on page60.
1.Lightly push button 1 in the turn indicator
stalk up or down repeatedly until the appro-priate symbol appears in the display,
accompanied by the time and the word
"SET".
2.Press button 2.
3.Use button 1 to set the hours.
4.Press button 2.
5.Use button 1 to set the minutes.
6.Press button 2.
The system displays the new time.
7.Use button 2 to save the new time.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
113
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page115
2Washer fluid reservoir for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system,
refer to page483Jump-starting connection, refer to
page126
4Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding
engine oil
5Reservoir for brake fluid, under the cover of
the microfilter
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
Your car is equipped with an electronic oil-level
monitor.
For a precise measurement and display of the
oil level, it is necessary that the engine be at
operating temperature, e.g. after uninterrupted
driving for at least approx. 6.5 miles/10 km. You
can have the oil level displayed while you are
driving, or while the vehicle is at a standstill on a
level surface and the engine is running.
You can have the oil level reading displayed in
the instrument cluster.1.Lightly push button 1 in the turn indicator
stalk up or down repeatedly until the appro-
priate symbol is shown in the display,
accompanied by the word "OIL".
2.Press button 2 in the turn indicator stalk.
The oil level is checked and the reading dis-
played.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
115
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is not
available, you can add small quantities of other
synthetic oils in between oil changes. Only use
oils with the API SH specification or higher.
Your BMW Center will be glad to answer
any questions regarding BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
Selecting the appropriate SAE class depends
on the regional climatic conditions in which you
normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the 5W-40 and
5W-30 classes.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant is a mixture of water and an additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW Center for
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
are hazardous to your health.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.
3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the maximum and minimum marks in the
filler neck, refer also to the diagram next to
the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunctions
Brake fluid
The warning lamps light up in red
even though the handbrake has been
released. Stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system checked without
delay.
Display of this malfunction on Cana-
dian models.
If you continue to drive the car, you may
have to depress the brake more and brak-
ing distances may be significantly longer.
Please adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
117
Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW. The service schedule also
includes operations related to the vehicle's
comfort and convenience features, such as
replacement of the filters for the inside air. The
objective is to optimize efforts with respect to
minimal vehicle maintenance costs.
If and when you come to sell your BMW, a com-
prehensive record of servicing will prove a sig-
nificant benefit.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. Condition Based Service uses this to
determine the current and future service
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirements, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
In the instrument cluster, you can have the
remaining times or distances for selected main-
tenance tasks and any legally prescribed dates
displayed, refer to page61:
>Engine oil
>Brakes: separately for front and rear
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
for auto-
matic climate control
>Microfilter
for air conditioner
>Brake fluid>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Legally mandated inspections depending
on local regulations
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control
while you are driving. Your BMW Service Advi-
sor can read out this data from the remote con-
trol unit, and propose an optimized mainte-
nance approach. Whenever you take your car in
for servicing you should therefore hand your
BMW Service Advisor the remote control unit
that you last used.
Make sure that the date in the instrument
cluster is always set correctly, refer to
page63; otherwise the effectiveness of Condi-
tion Based Service CBS is not assured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW Center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
131
Engine compartment lid open
Tailgate or rear window open
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
refer to page48.
Lights up in red:
Service is due Schedule a service appointment
Check service requirements, refer to
page61.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with convenient access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have the
remote control checked, if necessary.
Battery in remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer jour-
ney or, in cars with convenient access,
replace the battery.
Lights up in red:
Driver's and/or front passenger's air-
bags malfunctioningHave the system checked immediately.
Lights up in yellow:
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
for rear-seat passengers malfunction-
ingHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immediately.
Active steering defective You can continue your journey.
Steering characteristics are modified
and steering wheel could be off-center.
Steer carefully.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up:
Emergency call system has failed or is
malfunctioningHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
12Cause What to do
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
133
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Handbrake engaged
Indication in Canadian models
Handbrake engaged
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Brake-pedal travel may be considerably
longer. You can continue your journey,
but moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system checked
immediately.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is released.Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Brake-pedal travel may be considerably
longer. You can continue your journey,
but moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system checked
immediately.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is released.Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
12Cause What to do
Everything from A to Z
146
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System66
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control50
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control83
Active cruise control50
– indicator lamps53
– malfunction54
– selecting distance52
– sensor54
Active steering70
– warning lamp71
Adapter for spare key18
Adaptive Head Light75
Additives
– coolant115
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner79
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control81
Airbags71
– sitting safely31
– warning lamp73
Air conditioner78
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation80,83
Air distribution
– automatic82
– individual79
– manual79
Air flow rate79,82
Airing, refer to
Ventilation80,83Air outlets, refer to Air
vents78
Air pressure, tires106
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,82
Air supply
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation80,83
Air vents78
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications105
Alarm system25
– avoiding unintentional
alarms25
– interior motion sensor25
– switching off an alarm25
– tilt alarm sensor25
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires111
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,82
Antifreeze
– coolant115
– washer fluid48
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft system19
Anti-trapping mechanism
– windows28
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights144
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights144
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest87
Ashtray
– front88
– rear89Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC66
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control82
Audio device, external87
Automatic
– air distribution82
– air flow rate82
– cruise control48,50
– headlamp control74
Automatic climate control78
– automatic air distribution82
Automatic curb monitor37
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC82
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic44
– interlock44,45
– overriding selector lever
lock46
– shiftlock45
– sport program45
AUTO program for automatic
climate control82
AUX-IN
– port87
Average fuel consumption58
– setting the units60
Average speed58
Avoiding unintentional
alarms25
Axle loads, refer to
Weights144
B
Backrests, refer to Seats31
Backrest width adjustment33
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs122