
Replacing components
212
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to vehicle safety. You must be duly diligent 
in replacing them. BMW recommends having 
your BMW center perform any work that you do 
not feel competent to perform yourself or that is 
not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with 
your bare fingers, as even minute 
amounts of contamination will burn into the 
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a 
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its 
metal socket.<
A selection of replacement bulbs is available at 
your BMW center.
Whenever you perform any work on the 
electrical system, turn off the consumers 
involved to prevent short circuits from occur-
ring. To avoid possible injury or equipment 
damage when replacing bulbs, observe any 
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
For care and maintenance of the headlamps, 
please follow the instructions in the separate 
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
For bulbs for which changing is not 
described, and for checking and adjusting 
headlamp aim, please contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of 
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These 
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a 
concept similar to that applied in conventional 
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never 
stare into the unfiltered light for several 
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Halogen headlamps
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the 
engine compartment.1Cover cap for low beams
2Cover cap for high beams
Turn the cover cap to the left and remove.
Always wear gloves and eye protection – 
the atmosphere within the H7 bulb is 
pressurized. Otherwise there is a danger of inju-
ries if the bulb is accidentally damaged during 
replacement.<
Low beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Remove and replace the bulb.
High beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove. 

Mobility
 217Reference
At a glance
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Entertainment
face of the jack base rests on the ground 
perpendicularly beneath the jacking point.
The vehicle jack is designed for 
changing wheels only. Do not attempt 
to raise another vehicle model with it or to 
raise any load of any kind. To do so could 
cause accidents and personal injury.<
2.Guide the jack head into the rectangular 
recess of the jacking point when cranking 
up, refer to illustration detail.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are 
changing is raised from the ground.
Mounting a wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the 
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from 
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and 
hub. Also clean the lug bolts.
3.Position the new wheel or compact wheel. 
Secure the wheel by screwing at least two 
lug bolts into opposite bolt holes.
When you mount wheels other than Genu-
ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug 
bolts may also be required.
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all 
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
5.Lower the vehicle and remove the jack from 
beneath the vehicle.
After mounting
1.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
To ensure safety, always have the 
lug bolts checked with a calibrated 
torque wrench as soon as possible to 
ensure that they are tightened to the specified torque. The tightening torque is 
88.5 lb ft/120 Nm.<
2.When stowing the wheel and tools in the 
vehicle, execute these steps in the reverse 
order.
3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure 
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems and valve stem 
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source 
of gradual air loss.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to 
page90, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, 
refer to page92.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h.
The driving characteristics change, for example 
reduced track stability on braking, extended 
braking distance, and altered self-steering 
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction 
with winter tires, these characteristics are more 
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be 
mounted. You should re-equip with 
wheels and tires of the original size as quickly as 
possible.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the 
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery 
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW  center will be glad to advise in 
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the 
terminals in the engine compartment with the 
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting 
on page220. 

Giving and receiving assistance
220
Sports Wagon
Release the two quick-release fasteners and 
fold down the trim piece.
First-aid kit*
Some of the articles contained in the first-aid kit 
have a limited service life. Therefore, check the 
expiration dates of the contents regularly and 
replace the contents concerned in good time if 
necessary.
Sedan
The first-aid kit is located in the luggage com-
partment lid.
Loosen the wing nut to open.
Sports Wagon
The first-aid kit is located in the right side panel 
of the cargo area. Before opening the side 
panel, pull the retaining strap
* toward the rear 
by its rear end and unhook it.
Roadside Assistance*
The Roadside Assistance of the BMW Group 
offers you assistance in the event of a break-
down around the clock, including on weekends 
and public holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance in your home country can be found in the 
Contact brochure.
With BMW Assist or TeleService, you can con-
tact the Roadside Assistance of the BMW 
Group for assistance in the event of a break-
down directly via iDrive, refer to page189.
Jump starting
When your battery is discharged, you can use 
two jumper cables to start your BMW with 
power from the battery in a second vehicle. You 
can also use the same method to help start 
another vehicle. Use only jumper cables with 
fully-insulated clamp handles.
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury, 
always avoid all contact with electrical 
components while the engine is running. Care-
fully adhere to the following sequence, both to 
prevent damage to one or both vehicles, and to 
guard against possible personal injuries.< 

Mobility
 221Reference
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Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other 
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and 
approximately the same capacitance in Ah. 
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any electrical systems and com-
ponents in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between 
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise 
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks, fol-
low this sequence when connecting 
jumper cables.<
In your BMW, the so-called auxiliary terminal 
for jump starting in the engine compartment 
serves as a positive terminal for the battery, also 
refer to engine compartment overview on 
page205. The cover cap is marked with a +.
1.Fold open the cover of the BMW starting-
aid terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
2.Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+ 
to the positive terminal of the battery or a 
starting-aid terminal of the vehicle provid-
ing assistance.
3.Attach the second end of the cable to the 
positive terminal of the battery or to a start-
ing-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/– 
to the negative terminal of the battery or to 
an engine or body ground of the assisting 
vehicle.Your BMW has a special nut as body ground 
or negative terminal.
5.Attach the second end of the cable to the 
negative terminal of the battery or to the 
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be 
started.Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle 
and allow it to run at idle for several minutes 
at slightly increased speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the 
usual way.
If the first starting 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 connection sequence.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Observe applicable laws and regulations 
for tow-starting and towing.<
Do not transport any passengers other 
than the driver in a vehicle that is being 
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The screw-on tow-fitting must always be car-
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the 
front or rear of the BMW. 

Mobility
 223Reference
At a glance
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>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will 
exert lateral forces, tending to push the 
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings, 
as attachment to other vehicle parts can 
lead to damage.<
With 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. 
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as 
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to 
damage.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck 
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With tow truck for 525xi, 530xi
Do not tow the BMW with xDrive with the 
front or rear axle raised individually, other-
wise the wheels may block and the transfer 
case may be damaged.<
The BMW may only be transported on a flat 
bed.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but 
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page220. With a catalytic con-
verter, tow-starting should only be carried out 
with the engine cold, and with automatic trans-
missions, the engine cannot be started by tow-
starting.
If the electrical system fails, do not tow-
start or tow the vehicle, as otherwise the 
electric steering-wheel lock cannot be 
unlocked and the vehicle cannot be steered.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers, 
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page58.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. For information on SMG, 
see below.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely 
depressed and slowly release the clutch. 
After the engine starts, immediately 
depress the clutch again completely.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select the Sequential mode. The correct 
gear will be selected and engaged automat-
ically.
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent 
Control of the 525xi, 530 xi during tow-
starting, refer to page88.< 

Everything from A to Z
236
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display 
texts used to select 
individual functions, and 
indicates where to find them 
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System86
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control67
Acceleration assistant for 
SMG Sequential Manual 
Transmission63
Accessories6
Acoustic signal, refer to Check 
Control79
Activated-charcoal filter109
"Activation time" for parked-
car ventilation109
Active cruise control67
– indicator lamp70
– radar sensor71
– selecting distance69
– warning lamps71
Active head restraints, 
front49
Active seat51
Active seat ventilation51
Active steering93
– warning lamp94
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to 
Brake force display94
Adaptive Head Light102
"Add digits" for mobile 
phone180
"Address book" for navigation 
system140Address for navigation
– deleting141
– entering133,136
– selecting141
– storing140
– storing current position140
"Add to address book"140
"Add to destination list"136
Adjusting active backrest 
width47
Adjusting confirmation signals 
for locking and unlocking31
Adjusting the tone during 
audio operation, refer to 
Tone control153
Adjusting thigh support46
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear154
– right/left balance154
"After door opened"48
"After unlocking"48
Airbags94
– sitting safely45
– warning lamp96
Air circulation, refer to Air 
recirculation108
Air distribution
– automatic106
– manual107
Airing, refer to Ventilation108
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control108
– recirculated-air mode108
"Air recirculation on / off"53
Air vent outlets of automatic 
climate control105
Air vents105
– refer to Ventilation108
Air volume107
AKI, refer to Fuel quality195Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms38
– interior motion sensor38
– switching off alarm38
– switching off tilt alarm 
sensor and interior motion 
sensor38
– tilt alarm sensor38
"All channels"163
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires202
"All stations", calling up with 
radio156,159
All-wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive87
Alterations, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road148
"AM", reception 
range152,156
Antenna for mobile phone174
Antifreeze
– coolant207
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System 
ABS86
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system37
Anti-theft system, refer to 
Central locking system29
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights229
Approved engine oils206
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights229
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest, rear116
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10 

Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Car radio, refer to Radio156
Car wash126
– also refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
– with comfort access40
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system124
"Categories"163
CBC Cornering Brake 
Control86
CBS Condition Based 
Service209
"CD"152,165
CD changer165
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse169
– installation location169
– playing a track167
– random order168
– repeating a track168
– selecting a CD165
– selecting a track166
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
CD player165
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse169
– playing a track167
– random order168
– repeating a track168
– selecting a track166
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
Center armrest
– front113
– rear116
Center brake lamp214
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking system29
– comfort access38
– from inside vehicle32
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own 
safety5
– refer to Parts and 
accessories6Changing language on 
Control Display84
Changing units of measure on 
Control Display84
Changing wheels201,215
CHECK button80
Check Control79
"Check Control 
messages"80
Check Gas Cap195
Checking the air pressure, 
refer to Tire inflation 
pressure196
Child-restraint fixing system 
LATCH56
Child restraints54
Child restraint systems54
Child-safety lock57
Child seats54
Chime, refer to Check 
Control79
Chock215
Chrome parts, care, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cigarette lighter115
Cleaning, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
"Climate"50,106
Clock74
– 12h/24h mode83
– setting time and date82
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside30
Closing fuel filler cap195
Clothes hooks114
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting 
engine59
"Comfort", active backrest 
width adjustment47
Comfort access38
– observe in car wash40
– replacing battery40
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14Comfort operation
– windows with comfort 
access39
– with comfort access39
Comfort seat46
"Communication"178,189
"Communication 
settings"188
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer165
– refer to CD player165
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure197
– wheel change216
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock58
Compartments
– in cargo area118
– refer to Storage area 
package119
– refer to Storage 
compartments114
Compressed audio files165
Computer75
– displays on Control 
Display76
– hour signal83
"Concert hall", refer to Tone 
control154
Condition Based Service 
CBS209
"Confirmation"31
Connecting car vacuum 
cleaner, refer to Connecting 
electrical devices115
Consumption, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption75
Consumption indicator
– Energy Control75
Consumption statistics, refer 
to Average fuel 
consumption75
"Continue guidance to 
destination?"145
"Contrast" with BMW Night 
Vision100 

Everything from A to Z
240 Control Center, refer to 
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to 
iDrive16
– setting brightness83
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– glass sunroof31
– windows31
Convenience start, refer to 
Starting engine59
Coolant207
– checking level207
– temperature74
Cooling, maximum107
Cornering Brake Control 
CBC86
Country of destination for 
navigation134
Courtesy lamps104
Cover, roll-up cover, 
Sports Wagon117
Cradle for telephone or mobile 
phone113
Cruise control66,67
– active cruise control67
Cruising range75
Cup holders114
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights229
Current fuel consumption75
"Current position"148
Current position
– displaying148
– entering140
– storing140
"Curve mode" with 
BMW Night Vision100
"Customer 
Relations"182,190
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data226
D
Dashboard, refer to 
Cockpit10
Data226
– capacities230
– dimensions227
– engine226
– technical data226
– weights229
"Date"83
Date74
– display format83
– retrieval74
– setting83
"Date format"83
Daytime running lamps102
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control86
"Deactivated"48
Deactivating selector lever 
interlock64
Decommissioning the vehicle, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Defect
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– tailgate36
Defrosting windows107
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation107
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows107
"Delete address book" for 
navigation system142
"Delete all numbers" for 
mobile phone181
"Delete data" for navigation 
system142
"Delete" for mobile 
phone181
Destination address
– deleting141
– entering133,136Destination for navigation
– destination list139
– entering via voice136
– entry133
– selecting from address 
book141
– selecting using 
information138
– storing140
Destination guidance144
– bypassing route 
sections148
– canceling voice 
instructions53
– changing specified 
route142
– displaying routes
145
– distance and arrival144
– interrupting144
– starting144
– terminating/continuing144
– voice instructions147
– volume of voice 
instructions147
Destination list for 
navigation139
Destinations recently driven 
to139
"Details" in audio mode167
"Dial" for mobile phone179
"Dial number"179
"Diamond button"53
Diamond button53
Digital clock74
Digital radio, refer to High 
Definition Radio160
Dimensions227
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals64
Direction announcements, 
refer to Voice 
instructions147
Direction instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions147
Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book140
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data226