Practical interior accessories
118 Reach into the recess and pull toward the front.
When you fold back the backrest, be sure
that the catch engages securely. The red
warning indicator disappears in the recess
when the catch is engaged. If it is not properly
engaged, transported cargo could enter the
passenger compartment during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers and endanger the vehicle occu-
pants.<
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,
please observe the safety belt information on
page45.<
Separation net
Do not allow the separation net to snap
back, otherwise there is a risk of injury
and the separation net may be damaged.<
With normal cargo area
Pull the separation net out of the case by the
loop. Grasp the rod on both sides and insert it in
the brackets, arrow1. This is best carried out
from the rear seat.
When you no longer required the separation
net, grasp the rod on both sides and remove it
from the brackets, arrow2. Then slowly allow
the separation net to glide into the case.
With larger cargo area
1.Fold over both rear backrests, refer to
Increasing cargo area.
2.Unlock the case on both sides with the but-
tons, arrow1.
3.Pull out the case downward, arrow2; avoid
tilting when doing so.
4.Push the case into the guides on the back of
the seat backrests.
5.Carefully pull out the separation net and
insert it in the front brackets as described in
With normal cargo area. This is best carried
out from the front seat.
To restore the original state, proceed in the
reverse order. Finally, lay the case in the two
side brackets and then press forward until it
engages. The red warning indicator disappears
in the recess when the catch is engaged. Check
whether the case is properly locked in place by
pulling it with a sudden movement.
Compartment in floor
Automatic roll-up cover: the opened floor panel
strikes against the roll-up cover in the end posi-
tion. If necessary, unhook the roll-up cover at
the rear before opening the floor panel.
Radio
160 the routine weather news and transmits special
warning messages instead. If you have a ques-
tion about NOAA Weather Radio, please con-
tact the nearest office of the National Weather
Service. Details are also provided on the Inter-
net at www.nws.noaa.gov.
Calling up weather news flashes
1.Select "WB" and press the controller.
2.Select a station.
The station for weather news flashes may be
unavailable in some regions.
High Definition Radio*
Many stations transmit both analog and digital
signals. You can receive these stations digitally
and in improved sound quality.
Activating/deactivating digital radio
reception
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.3.Select "Entertainment settings" and press
the controller.
4.Select "HD radio" and press the controller.
5.Select "Off" and press the controller.
The reception of digital stations is deac-
tivated.
This symbol is displayed when a sender is
being received digitally.
With some stations the digital signals are not
transmitted simultaneously with the analog sig-
nals. If you are in an area in which the selected
station is not continuously received digitally,
playback switches between analog and digital
reception. This can result in repetitions or inter-
ruptions. In this case it may be advisable to
deactivate digital radio reception.
Under the hood
206 4.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Service requirements" is
selected and press the controller.
5.Change to the second field from the top if
necessary. Turn the controller until "Engine
oil level" is selected and press the control-
ler. The oil level is displayed.
Possible messages
>"Engine oil level O.K."
>"No measured value available: Updating
engine oil level measurement...":
Engine oil level is being measured. This
process can take approx. 3 minutes when
stopped on a level surface and approx.
5 minutes while driving.
>"Oil level at the minimum! Refill with 1 quart
of engine oil.":
Add 1 US quart/liter of engine oil at the next
opportunity.
>"Engine oil level too high":
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately, otherwise engine damage may
result if too much oil has been added.<
>"Please observe recalculated service inter-
val for engine oil":
Do not add engine oil. Continued driving is
possible. To do this, observe the recalcu-
lated remaining mileage until the next oil
change service, refer to page209. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Do not add 1 US quart/1 liter of oil until a corre-
sponding message is shown on the Control Dis-
play.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come into
contact with oil should be thoroughly washed
with soap and water.
Keep oil, grease etc. out of reach of children and
observe the warnings on the containers to pre-
vent health risks.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or
at a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Do not use oil additives, as these may
result in engine damage.<
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is
unavailable, you can add small quantities of
other synthetic oils between oil changes. Only
use oils of the specification API SH or higher.
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207Reference
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Your BMW center will be happy to answer
detailed questions on BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website at
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is specified in SAE grades.
The choice of the right SAE grade is based on
the climatic conditions in the region in which
you normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the SAE grades
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
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 comprised of water and coolant addi-
tive. Not all commercially available additives are
suitable for your BMW. Ask your BMW center
for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard; observe the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
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 counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.3.The coolant level is correct when the cool-
ant level is between the MIN and MAX
marks, refer to the diagram adjacent 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 lamp lights red up in spite
of the handbrake being released; a
message is shown on the Control Dis-
play: 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 thoroughly
checked.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
When you continue driving, an increased
brake pedal path can be necessary, and
significantly longer braking distances might be
required. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Under the hood
208
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights red up in spite
of the handbrake being released; a
message is shown on the Control Dis-
play. The brake pads have reached their mini-
mum pad thickness. Have brake pads replaced
immediately.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
For your own safety: use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for the corre-
sponding vehicle model. As BMW cannot
assess the suitability of other brake pads for
use on your vehicle, we are unable to assume
continued responsibility for the vehicle's oper-
ating safety if non-approved pads are
installed.<
Maintenance
210
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to the left on the driver's
side, on the underside of the instrument panel
under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The
exhaust-gas values worsen. Have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In
this case you should reduce speed and drive to
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Heavy engine misfiring led to serious damage
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can close when
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display light up. If
the cap is then tightened, the display will go out
within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with
a device for recording or transmitting certain
vehicle data or information. If you have also
signed a contract of participation for BMW
Assist, certain vehicle data can be transmitted
or recorded to enable corresponding services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
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Lamps in luggage compartment lid
License plate lamp
Bulb 5 watts, C 5 W
1.Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to
the right, refer to arrows. This releases the
lamp.
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
Sports Wagon:
Backup lamp
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Changing wheels
Safety precautions in the event of a flat
tire or wheel change: park the vehicle as
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-
ting of the wheels. Apply the handbrake and
engage first gear, reverse gear or selector lever
position P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
diate area in a safe place, such as behind a
guardrail.
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard warning
lamp is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations. Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is
supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises later on, note the posi-
tions of the tools before removing them, then
return them to their initial positions after com-
pleting work.
1Chock
*
2Vehicle jack*
3Lug wrench*
The tools are located in the mount under the
floor mat or floor panel flap.
1.Lift up floor mat or floor panel flap and cover
located beneath it.
2.Take out the required tools.
3.After using the tools, return then to the stor-
age space.
With run-flat tires, no tools are provided
for wheel changes. They can be pur-
chased as accessories at your BMW center.<
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Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency call
Conditions for an emergency call:
>Full preparation package mobile phone.
With this equipment, an emergency call is
still possible when no mobile phone is
logged on in the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is enabled.
Enabling BMW Assist, refer to page187.
>Radio readiness is activated.
>The car phone is logged on to a mobile
communications network.
>The emergency call system is operable.
When the contract of participation with
BMW Assist expires, the car phone can be
deactivated by a BMW center without having to
visit a workshop. Following deactivation of the
car phone, no emergency calls can be made.
The car phone can be reactivated after signing a
new contract with a BMW center.
Initiating an emergency call
1.Briefly press protective cover to open.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the
arrangement of the switches and indicator
lamps may differ somewhat.
2.Press the button for at least 2 seconds.
The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the
voice connection to the BMW Assist response
center has been established, the LED flashes.If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until
the connection has been established. You will
then be able to provide a detailed description of
the situation.
If the current position of your vehicle can be
determined, it will be forwarded to the
BMW Assist response center.
If the LED flashes, but you are unable to hear
the BMW Assist response center through the
hands-free system, this could indicate, for
instance, that the hands-free system is no
longer operational. However, you may then still
be audible for the response center.
Under certain conditions, an emergency call is
automatically initiated immediately after a
severe accident. The automatic emergency call
is not affected by the button being pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency call
cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable
conditions.
compartment lid/tailgate.
Sedan
Loosen the wing nut to open.