
Controls
 89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Malfunction
If the HDC display goes out in the HDC mode or 
is not shown:
HDC is temporarily not available, as the brake 
temperature is too high.
Dynamic Drive*
The concept
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and opti-
mizes vehicle stability during cornering and 
evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic Drive is based on active stabilizers on 
the front and rear axles. Suspension compli-
ance adapts to suit driving conditions, varying 
from performance-oriented during cornering to 
smooth and comfort-oriented when the vehicle 
is proceeding in a straight line. During vehicle 
operation, the system continuously runs 
through closed-loop control cycles lasting only 
fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status each 
time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow and 
a message is shown on the Control Dis-
play. There is a malfunction in the sys-
tem. Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
If a malfunction occurs, please remember 
to adapt your speed accordingly, espe-
cially in curves. 
The suspension will be noticeably softer and 
the vehicle will display a greater tendency to tilt 
during cornering and in crosswinds. 
If a message stating that you should stop is 
shown on the Control Display, stop at a suitable 
location and switch off the engine as soon as 
possible. In this case the oil level in the reservoir 
may have dropped below the minimum, possi-
bly owing to a leak in the hydraulic system. 
Do not continue driving, but instead contact 
your BMW center.<
Sports Wagon: 
Self-leveling suspension
xDrive: the vehicle is raised somewhat at 
the rear after locking. This is normal and is 
linked to minor noises.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp for self-leveling sus-
pension lights up yellow and a message 
is shown on the Control Display. A mal-
function has occurred in the self-leveling sus-
pension. Stop and check the vehicle. If it is con-
siderably lower at the rear than at the front, and 
possibly also on one side – rear left compared to 
rear right –, go to the nearest BMW center or a 
workshop that works according to BMW repair 
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Drive with appropriate caution in the 
meantime. The vehicle has reduced ground 
clearance and driving comfort may be notice-
ably reduced. Even if the position of the vehicle 
is normal, go to the nearest BMW center or a 
workshop that works according to BMW repair 
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the tires as you drive. The sys-
tem provides an alert whenever the inflation 
pressure drops significantly in relation to the 
pressure in another tire.
In the event of a pressure loss, the rolling radius 
and therefore the rotation speed of the wheels 
change. This change is detected and is 
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat 
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure. 

Mobility
 205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Engine compartment
1Filler neck for engine oil, refer to 
Adding engine oil
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath the 
microfilter cover
3Starting-aid terminal, refer to page2204Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp 
and windshield cleaning systems, refer to 
page66
5Expansion tank for coolant, refer to 
page207
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on 
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil 
level check.
The condition for the most accurate indication 
of the oil level possible is measurement with the 
engine at operating temperature, i.e. following 
an uninterrupted drive of at least 6 miles/10 km. 
You can display the oil level on the Control Dis-
play while driving or when stopped on a level 
surface with the engine running.
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 "Service" and press the controller. 

Mobility
 207Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.< 

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Display"84
Display, refer to iDrive16
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting104
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
"Display settings"82
Displays on the windshield, 
refer to Head-Up Display96
Disposal
– battery of remote control 
with comfort access40
– vehicle battery218
Distance, refer to 
Computer76
Distance cruise control, refer 
to Active cruise control67
"Distance to dest."76
Distance to destination, refer 
to Computer76
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control85
Divided rear seat back, refer to 
Through-loading 
system116
Door entry lighting104
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
Door locking, acknowl-
edgment signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades200
Draft-free ventilation108
Drinks holder, refer to Cup 
holders114
Drive mode62
"Driver's door only"30
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams101
Driving notes124
Driving route, refer to 
Displaying route145Driving stability control 
systems86
Driving through water125
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes124
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function107
Drying the air, refer to Cooling 
function107
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control86
– indicator lamp13,87
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control87
– activating87
– indicator lamp
13,87
DVD for navigation132
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC86
Dynamic Drive89
Dynamic Driving Control62
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC86
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC87
E
Easy entry/exit52
– backrest width47
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on CD player152
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof, electric42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– tailgate36
Electric steering wheel 
adjustment52
Electronic brake-force 
distribution86
Electronic oil level check205
Emergency call219Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– selector lever interlock, 
automatic transmission64
– tailgate36
Emergency release for 
luggage compartment lid in 
luggage compartment34
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance220
"Emission inspect."78
"Enable services"188
"End call"179
"End Night Vision"100
Energy-conscious driving, 
refer to Energy Control75
Energy Control75
Engine
– breaking-in124
– data226
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature74
– speed226
– starting59
– starting, comfort access38
– starting difficulties59
– switching off60
Engine compartment205
Engine coolant207
Engine oil
– adding206
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils206
– approved engine oil206
– checking oil level205
– electronic oil level check205
"Engine oil level"206
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data226
Engine overheating, refer to 
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed226