
Controls
 111Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Take the retaining strap on the right-hand side 
of the drawer out of the bracket and use it to fix 
the cargo luggage compartment panel in place.
Do not exceed the maximum permissible 
load of 55 lbs/25 kg for the storage com-
partment under the floor panel, otherwise dam-
age could result.<
Lashing eyes
You will find lashing eyes in the luggage com-
partment for securing luggage items with nets 
or tensioning straps, refer to page119.
Ski bag*
Designed for safe, clean transport of up to 
4 pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length 
of up to 6ft 10in/2.10m. When skis of 6ft 10in/
2.10 m length are loaded, the overall capacity of 
the ski bag is reduced due to its tapered design.
Loading
1.Fold down the center armrest.
2.Press the button, reach into the recess and 
fold down the cover.
3.Open the Velcro fastener, spread the ski 
bag between the front seats and insert the 
skis or snowboards. 
The zip fastener makes objects in the ski 
bag easier to reach.4.Insert the latch plate of the ski bag's retain-
ing strap in the center belt buckle.
Make sure to load only clean skis into the ski 
bag. Wrap sharp edges to prevent damage.
Securing cargo
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the ski bag in the manner 
described, otherwise it could endanger 
the car's occupants, e.g. in case of heavy brak-
ing or sudden swerving.<
To store the ski bag, perform the steps 
described for loading in reverse order.
Removing the ski bag
The ski bag can be completely removed, e.g. for 
faster drying or to allow you to use other inserts. 

Driving tips
 119Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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.
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
>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 inside rear wall of 
the luggage compartment 1, and two others 
are on the side walls of the luggage com-
partment 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 page220, 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. 

Wheels and tires
194
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire 
makes it easier to identify and choose the right 
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of 
the US Department of Transport.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in 
the tire coding: DOT … 0705 means that the 
tire was manufactured in week 7 of 2005.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires 
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last 
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable 
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and 
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA 
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear 
Traction AA A B C 
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to 
Federal Safety Requirements in addition 
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating 
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested 
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded 
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as 
well on the government course as a tire graded 
100. The relative performance of tires depends 
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the 
norm due to variations in driving habits, service 
practices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are 
AA, A, B, and C. 
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop 
on wet pavement as measured under controlled 
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C 
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is 
based on straight-ahead braking traction 
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ 
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
225/45 R1791 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's code 
for tire make
Tire size and 
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0705 

Reference 227
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Audio device, 
external107,162
"Audio" tone settings145
"Auto. headlamps"94
Automatic
– air distribution98
– air flow rate98
– cruise control60,62
– headlamp control93
– service notification179
– storing of stations149
Automatic climate control97
– automatic air distribution98
– settings via iDrive98
Automatic curb monitor46
"Automatic programs" with 
automatic climate control99
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC99
Automatic station search149
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
– interlock57
– overriding selector lever 
lock58
– shiftlock57
– sport program58
"Automatic ventilation"101
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control98
"Autostore"
– on the radio150
AUX-IN162
– port107
Average fuel consumption71
– setting the units73
Average speed70
"Avoid ferries" in 
navigation135
"Avoid highways" in 
navigation135
Avoid highways in 
navigation135
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" in 
navigation135
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights220"A - Z"172
B
Backrests, refer to Seats40
Backrest width adjustment42
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs208
Backup lamps, refer to Tail 
lamps207
Balance, tone control145
Band-aids, refer to First-aid 
pouch212
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away214
Bass, tone control145
Bass sounds, refer to Tone 
control145
Bass sounds, refer to Treble 
and bass145
Battery209
– charging209
– disposal37,209
– jump starting212
– temporary power failure209
Battery renewal
– remote control37
Being towed213
Belts, refer to Safety belts45
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts45
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cup holders107
Black ice, refer to Outside 
temperature warning69
Blower, refer to Air flow 
rate99
BMW Assist178
– enabling178
– services offered179
"BMW Contact"182
"BMW Contact 
Numbers"182
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System203
"BMW Service"180"BMW Service settings"179
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup 
holders107
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control84
Brake fluid202
– level too low202
– warning lamp202
Brake fluid, refer to Service 
requirements74
Brake Force Display90
Brake hydraulics, refer to 
Brakes202
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display90
– replacing bulbs208
Brake pads, breaking in116
Brake rotors118
– brakes116
– breaking in116
Brakes
– ABS84
– BMW Maintenance 
System203
– brake fluid202
– brake pads202
– breaking in116
– handbrake54
– service requirements74
Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely117
Brake system116
– BMW Maintenance 
System203
– brake fluid202
– brake pads202
– breaking in116
– disc brakes118
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance211
Breaking in
– sequential manual gearbox 
SMG116
Breaking in the clutch116
Breaking in the 
differential116
Break-in period116 

Reference 231
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid 
from inside34
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance211
Emissions test, refer to 
Service requirements74
"Enable services"179
"End call"171
Energy-conscious driving, 
refer to Energy Control70
Energy Control70
Engine
– breaking in116
– data218
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature69
– speed218
– starting53
– starting, convenient 
access35
– switching off53
Engine compartment199
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant201
Engine oil
– adding201
– BMW Maintenance 
System203
– checking level199
– intervals between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements74
"Engine oil level"200
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data218
Engine speed218
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine53
"Enter address"126
Entering destination126
Entering the address128
Entering the intersection127
"Entertainment"144
"Entertainment 
settings"145,152
Environmentally friendly 
driving, refer to Energy 
Control70"Equalizer", refer to Tone 
control146
Equalizer, refer to Tone 
control146
Error messages, refer to 
Check Control79
"ESN"154
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control84
Event data recorders204
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system116
Exterior mirrors45
– adjusting45
– automatic dimming 
feature117
– automatic heating46
External audio 
device107,162
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing 
away213
– for tying down loads119
F
Fader, tone control145
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control79
Failure of an electrical 
consumer209
False alarm, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts45
Fastest route for 
navigation134
Fast forward
– CD changer160
– CD player160
"Fast route" in navigation135
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic 
climate control101
First aid pouch212Fixture for remote control, 
refer to Ignition lock52
Flashlight, refer to 
Rechargeable flashlight106
Flash when locking/
unlocking31
Flat
– Run-Flat Tires196
Flat Tire Monitor FTM88
– indicating a flat tire89
– initializing the system88
– malfunction89
– snow chains88,197
– system limits88
Flat tires, refer to Tire 
condition195
"FM", waveband144,148
FM, waveband148
Fog lamps95
– indicator lamp13,95
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely117
Footwell lamps96
For your own safety5
Front airbags90
Front seat adjustment40
"FTM"88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor88
Fuel186
– display70
– high-quality brands186
– quality186
– specifications186
– tank capacity221
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge
70
Fuel consumption, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption71
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge70
Fuel filler door186
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction186
Fuses209 

Reference 233
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning 
lamps13
Individual air distribution98
Individually programmable 
buttons on steering 
wheel47
Individual settings, refer to 
Personal Profile29
Information
– on another location130
– on country130
– on current position130
– on destination location130
"Information" in 
navigation131
"Information on 
destination"132
Initializing
– compass, refer to 
Calibrating105
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM88
– glass sunroof39
"Input map"130
Installation location
– CD changer160
Instructions for navigation 
system, refer to Voice 
instructions139
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting96
Instrument panel, refer to 
Cockpit10
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote 
control103
Interesting destination for 
navigation130
"Interim time"82
Interior lamps96
– remote control30
Interior motion sensor35
Interior rearview mirror46
– automatic dimming 
feature117
Interior rearview mirror with 
digital compass104
Interlock57
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers59J
Jacking points209
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump 
starting212
Jump starting212
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control28
Keyless Go, refer to
Convenient access35
Keyless opening and closing, 
refer to Convenient 
access35
Key Memory, refer to Personal 
Profile29
"Keypad"173
Kick-down58
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– sequential manual gearbox 
SMG56
Knock control186
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams93
Lamps and bulbs, replacing 
bulbs205
"Languages" in 
navigation139
"Languages"on the control 
display82
Lap-and-shoulder safety 
belt45
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo119
Last destinations, refer to 
Destination list131
"Last seat pos."44
LATCH child-restraint fixing 
system50
LEDs light-emitting 
diodes205Length, refer to 
Dimensions219
License plate lamp, replacing 
bulbs208
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs205
Lighter108
"Lighting"94
Lighting
– instruments96
– lamps and bulbs205
– of the vehicle, refer to 
Lamps93
Light switch93
"Limit"81
Limit, refer to Speed limit81
Loading
– securing cargo119
Load securing equipment, 
refer to Securing cargo119
Location
– drive for navigation DVD and 
audio CD124
Lock buttons in the doors, 
refer to Locking33
Locking
– adjusting confirmation 
signal31
– from inside33
– from outside30
– without remote control, refer 
to Convenient access35
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside32
– from outside30
"LOGIC7", refer to Tone 
control146
Low beams93
– automatic93
– replacing bulbs206
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support41 

Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Reset" for stopwatch82
"Reset" for tone settings147
Residual heat mode99
Restraint systems
– for children49
– refer to Safety belts45
Reverse
– CD changer160
– CD player160
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– manual transmission55
– sequential manual gearbox 
SMG55
Road map138
"Roadside Assistance"180
Roadside 
Assistance180,211
Roadside parking lamps95
– replacing bulbs207
Roadworthiness test, refer to 
Service requirements74
Roller blind
– sun blinds106
Roof load capacity220
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack119
Rope, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away214
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to 
iDrive16
Route134
– bypassing sections140
– changing134
– display137
– displaying arrow view137
– displaying map view138
– displaying town139
– list139
– selecting134
– selecting criteria134
Route selection134
RSC Runflat System 
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires196
Runflat System Component 
RSC, refer to Run-Flat 
Tires196Run-Flat Tires196
– continuing driving with a 
damaged tire89
– flat tire89
– new tires196
– replacing tires196
– tire pressures188
– winter tires197
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-
Flat Tires196
S
Safety-belt height 
adjustment45
Safety belts45
– damage45
– indicator lamp45
– reminder45
– sitting safely40
Safety systems
– airbags90
– Antilock Brake System 
ABS84
– Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC84
– safety belts45
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat 
Tires196
Sampling tracks
– scan158
Satellite radio153
– enabling153
– selecting channel154
– storing channel154
"SAT" for radio144,153
"Scan"
– sampling radio stations149
– sampling tracks on CD158
Scan
– CD changer158
– CD player158
– radio149
"Scan all" for audio mode159
"Scan directory" for audio 
mode159
Screen, refer to iDrive 
controls16Screw thread for tow 
fitting213
SDARS, refer to Satellite 
radio153
Seat adjustment
– electric41
– mechanical41
Seat and mirror memory44
Seat belt reminder, refer to 
'Fasten safety belts' 
reminder45
Seats40
– adjusting the seats41
– heating43
– sitting safely40
Securing cargo111
Securing the vehicle
– from inside32
– from outside30
"Select as destination"131
"Select current speed"81
Selecting an audio source144
Selecting distance for active 
cruise control64
Selecting menu items19
Selecting new scale for 
navigation138
Selecting the frequency 
manually149
Selecting the route134
Selection options with 
navigation system134
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
– sequential manual gearbox 
SMG55
Selector lever lock, refer to 
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
– sequential manual gearbox 
SMG55
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
– sequential manual gearbox 
SMG55 

Everything from A - Z
238 Sequential manual gearbox 
SMG55
– acceleration assistant57
– breaking in116
– Dynamic Driving Control56
– gear indicator55
– kick-down56
– shiftlock55
– tow-starting215
"Service"80,179,200
Service, refer to Roadside 
Assistance211
Service car, refer to Roadside 
Assistance211
Service data in the remote 
control203
Service Interval Display, refer 
to Condition Based Service 
CBS203
"Service notification"179
"Service Request"180,182
Service requirement display, 
refer to Condition Based 
Service CBS203
"Service 
requirements"75,179,200
Service requirements74
"Service Status"179
"Set date"79
"Set" for audio mode144
"Set time"78
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode78
– date format79
Setting times, refer to 
Preselecting switch-on 
times101
"Set tire pressure"88
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– sequential manual gearbox 
SMG55
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, 
refer to Changing selector 
lever positions57
– sequential manual gearbox 
SMG55Shift paddles56
Short commands of voice 
command system222
Shortest route in navigation, 
refer to Selecting route134
"Short route" in 
navigation135
"Show current position"130
"Show destination 
position"130
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer159
– CD player159
Side airbags90
Side-mounted turn signals
– replacing bulbs207
Side window blind, refer to 
Roller sun blinds106
Side windows, refer to 
Windows37
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely40
– airbags40
– safety belt40
– with head restraint40
Ski bag111
Ski sack, refer to Ski bag111
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to 
Glass sunroof, electric38
Slot for remote control52
SMG, refer to Sequential 
manual gearbox55
Smokers' package, refer to 
Ashtray108
Snap-in adapter, refer to 
Center armrest storage 
compartment106
Socket, refer to Connecting 
electrical appliances108
Socket for On-Board 
Diagnosis OBD204
Song search, refer to Playing a 
track158
Sound output for 
entertainment on/off144
Spare fuses209
Spare fuses, refer to 
Fuses209Spare key28
– adapter28
Spark plugs, refer to Service 
requirements74
Speaking, refer to Voice 
instructions for navigation 
system139
Speed
– with winter tires197
Speed-dependent
volume145
Speed limit81
– setting81
Speed limit warning, refer to 
Speed limit81
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone 
control146
Sport program
– refer to Dynamic Driving 
Control56
Sports seat42
Stability control, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems84
Start/stop button52
– starting the engine53
– switching off the engine53
"Start guid-
ance"128,132,133,136
Starting
– difficulties, temperature53
Starting, refer to Starting the 
engine53
Starting assistance, refer to 
Jump starting212
Starting the engine
– start/stop button52
Start menu17
"State / Province" in 
destination entry126
Station, refer to Radio148
"Status"75
Status of this Owner's Manual 
at time of printing5