
Mobility
 217Reference
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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. 

Giving and receiving assistance
222 Sedan: 
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page211.
Sports Wagon: 
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side 
panel in the cargo area, refer to page211.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the 
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the 
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral 
loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the 
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper: press on 
the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page58, otherwise the low 
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield 
wipers would not be available. If the vehicle 
electrical system fails, do not tow-start or tow 
the vehicle. The electric steering-wheel lock 
cannot be unlocked and the vehicle cannot be 
steered. For information on jump starting, refer to page220. There is no power assistance with 
the engine stopped. This then requires 
increased effort for braking and steering. Active 
steering is deactivated and larger steering 
wheel movements are required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with 
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever position, refer to 
Deactivating selector lever interlock page64.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.<
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
Engage selector lever position N with the igni-
tion switched on.
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body 
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may 
result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or 
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the 
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter 
than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it 
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle 
response.<
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 offset 
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering. 

Mobility
 223Reference
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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.< 

Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Arrival time
– refer to Computer76
– refer to Starting destination 
guidance144
"Arrow display" for navigation 
system145
Ashtray
– front115
– rear115
Assist, refer to 
BMW Assist187
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems86
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control108
Audio152
– controls152
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
"Audio", refer to Tone 
control153
"Audio Aux"152,171
– on external audio device171
Audio device, external114
Automatic
– air distribution106
– air volume106
– garage door opener111
– headlamp control101
– service notification188
– steering wheel adjustment, 
refer to Easy entry/exit52
– storing stations157
– tailgate operation36
Automatically switching 
between high beams and 
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant103
Automatic car washes126
– also refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control105
– automatic air 
distribution106
– switching off108Automatic closing of doors, 
refer to Automatic soft 
closing33
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp 
control101
– refer to Daytime running 
lamps102
– refer to High-beam 
assistant103
– refer to Interior lamps104
– refer to Pathway lighting101
Automatic low-beam function, 
refer to High-beam 
assistant103
"Automatic programs"106
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC108
Automatic roll-up cover, 
Sports Wagon117
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic station search157
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic63
– deactivating selector lever 
interlock64
– interlock63
– kick-down64
– selector lever interlock63
– shiftlock63
– sport program64
– tow-starting222,223
– with comfort access40
"Automatic ventilation"109
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control106
"Autostore" on the 
radio156,158
AUX-In
– connection114
– refer to External audio 
device171
Average fuel consumption75
– setting the units84
Average speed, refer to 
Computer75
"Avoid ferries" for navigation 
system143"Avoid highways" for 
navigation system143
Avoiding freeways for 
navigation142
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms38
"Avoid tollroads" for 
navigation system143
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights229
"A - Z"180
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support46
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, refer to 
Reverse gear61
– replacing bulbs213
"Balance", refer to Tone 
control154
Balance, refer to Tone 
control154
Band-aids, refer to First-aid 
kit220
Bass, refer to Tone 
control153
"Bass", tone control154
Battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery217
– jump starting220
Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort 
access40
– vehicle battery218
Battery replacement, remote 
control with comfort 
access40
Being towed222
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders114
Blower, refer to Air 
volume107
"BMW Assist"189 

Everything from A to Z
244 Ignition key position 1, refer to 
Radio readiness58
Ignition key position 2, refer to 
Ignition on58
Ignition lock58
– starting engine with comfort 
access40
Independent ventilation, refer 
to Parked car ventilation109
Indicator/warning lamps
– active steering94
– airbags96
– brake fluid207
– brake pads208
– DSC13,87
– DTC13,87
– Flat Tire Monitor90
– fog lamps13
– safety belt warning49
– TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor92
Indicator and warning 
lamps13
Individual air distribution107
Individually programmable 
buttons on steering 
wheel53
Individual settings, refer to 
Personal Profile29
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure196
Inflation pressure monitoring
– refer to Flat Tire Monitor89
– refer to TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor91
Information
– on another location138
– on current position138
– on destination location138
"Information" for navigation 
system138
"Information on 
destination"140
"Initializing..."90Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor90
– radio, refer to Storing 
stations158
– refer to Power failure218
– refer to Setting time and 
date82
– seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory47
"Input map"138
Installation location
– CD changer169
– mobile phone113
– navigation drive132
Instructions for navigation 
system, refer to Voice 
instructions147
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer 
to Instrument lighting104
Instrument lighting104
Instrument panel
– refer to Cockpit10
– refer to Instrument 
cluster12
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote 
control111
Interesting destination for 
navigation138
"Interim time"82
Interior lamps104
– switching on with remote 
control31
Interior motion sensor38
– switching off38
Interior rearview mirror52
– automatic dimming 
feature125
Interlock on automatic 
transmission63
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers65
J
Jacking points216
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump 
starting220
Jump starting220
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort 
access38
Keyless opening and closing, 
refer to Comfort access38
Key Memory, refer to Personal 
Profile29
"Keypad"182
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to 
Personal Profile29
Kick-down
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic64
– SMG Sequential Manual 
Transmission62
Knock control195
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams101
Lamps and bulbs212
"Languages"84
– for navigation system147
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo128
Last destinations, refer to 
Destination list139
"Last seat pos."48
LATCH child-restraint fixing 
system56
Length, refer to 
Dimensions227
License plate lamp, replacing 
bulbs215
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs212 

Everything from A to Z
250 Settings
– BMW Night Vision99
– changing on Control 
Display82
– clock, 12h/24h mode83
– configuring, refer to 
Personal Profile29
Setting speed limit81
Setting time, refer to Prese-
lecting activation time109
"Set tire pressure"90
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic64
– SMG Sequential Manual 
Transmission62
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic63
– SMG Sequential Manual 
Transmission61
Shift paddles62
Short commands of voice 
command system231
"Short route" for 
navigation143
Short route in navigation, refer 
to Selecting route142
Shoulder support46
"Show current position"138
"Show destination 
position"138
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer168
– CD player168
Side airbags94
Side marker lamps, replacing 
bulbs213
Side turn signals, replacing 
bulbs213
Side window blinds, refer to 
Sun blinds112
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely45
– with airbags45
– with head restraint45
– with safety belts45
Ski bag120Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof, 
electric41
– refer to Panorama glass 
sunroof43
Slope assistant, refer to 
Starting assistant125
SMG Sequential Manual 
Transmission61
– acceleration assistant63
– breaking-in124
– Dynamic Driving Control62
– gear display61
– kick-down62
– shiftlock61
– towing222
– tow-starting223
Snow chains203
Socket for Onboard 
Diagnostics interface210
Socket for remote control, 
refer to Ignition lock58
Sockets, refer to Connecting 
electrical devices115
Soft closure aid, refer to 
Automatic soft closing33
Song search with CD, refer to 
Playing a track167
SOS, refer to Initiating an 
emergency call219
Spare fuses218
Spare key28
– adapter28
Spare remote control28
Spare wheel
– refer to Changing 
wheels215
– refer to Compact wheel216
Special oils, refer to Approved 
engine oils206
Specified oil grades, refer to 
Approved engine oils206
Speed
– with compact wheel217
– with winter tires202
Speed-dependent 
volume154
Speed limit warning, refer to 
Speed limit81Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone 
control154
"Sport", active backrest width 
adjustment47
Sport program, refer to 
Dynamic Driving Control62
Sports Wagon
– automatic roll-up cover117
– automatic tailgate 
operation36
– compartments in cargo 
area118
– increasing cargo area117
– opening rear window34
– opening tailgate35
– panorama glass sunroof43
– rear window wiper66
– rear window wiper, changing 
wiper blade211
– releasing fuel filler door in 
event of electrical 
malfunction194
– roll-up cover117
– roll-up cover for cargo 
area117
– self-leveling suspension89
– separation net118
– socket in cargo area116
– storage area package119
– tail lamps, replacing 
bulbs214
Stability control, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems86
"Star button"53
Star button53
Start/Stop button58
"Start" for stopwatch82
"Start guidance"136,144
Starting, refer to Starting 
engine59
Starting assistance, refer to 
Jump starting220
Starting assistant125
Starting difficulties
– jump starting220
– refer to Special starting 
conditions59