
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
88
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.<
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 signaled 
as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
To ensure the reliable signaling of a flat tire, the 
system must be initialized at the correct tire 
inflation pressure.
The initialization must be repeated after 
every correction of the tire inflation pres-
sure and after every tire or wheel change.<
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate 
sudden severe tire damage caused by 
outside factors and does not detect a natural, 
even pressure drop in all four tires.<
In the following situations, the system could be 
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snow-covered or slippery roads
>Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels, 
high lateral acceleration
>Driving with snow chains
*
Initializing system
The initialization finishes during driving, 
which can be interrupted at any time. 
When driving resumes, the initialization is auto-
matically continued. 
Do not initialize the system when driving with 
snow chains
*.<
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16. 

Mobility
 189Reference
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Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold 
winter driving conditions. Although all-season 
M+S tires provide better winter traction than 
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the 
same levels of cold-weather performance as 
winter tires.
Watch speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise 
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry 
place with as little exposure to light as possible. 
Always protect tires against all contact with oil, 
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum 
tire inflation pressure indicated on the side wall 
of the tire.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains, 
classifies them as road-safe and recommends 
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
These snow chains are approved exclusively for 
use in pairs on the rear wheels with the tire size:
>245/50 R 17 Y
>245/45 R 18 Y
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions 
when installing snow chains. Do not exceed a 
vehicle speed of 30 mph/50 km/h with the 
chains installed.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after 
installing snow chains as this could cause 
the Flat Tire Monitor to malfunction.
When you are driving with snow chains, it can 
be beneficial to switch off DTC briefly, refer to 
page87.< 

Mobility
 191Reference
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Engine compartment
1Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Topping off 
engine oil
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath the 
microfilter cover, refer to page193
3Jump-starting terminal, refer to page2034Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp and 
windshield cleaning systems, refer to 
page66
5Expansion tank for coolant, refer to 
page193
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends 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 principle details, 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. 

Under the hood
192 4.Select "Service requirements" and press 
the controller.
5.Select "Engine oil level" and press the con-
troller. 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 
engine oil.": 
Add 1 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 page195. Have the 
system checked as soon as possible.
Topping off engine oil
Do not add 1 quart/1 liter of oil until a corre-
sponding message appears on the Control Dis-
play.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km, 
otherwise engine damage could result.<
Continuous contact with used oil has 
caused cancer in laboratory tests. 
For this reason, thoroughly wash exposed areas 
of skin with soap and water after such work.
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach of children 
and heed warnings on containers. Failure to do 
so could pose health risks.<
Oil change
Have oil changes carried out only by a BMW 
center or a repair shop that works in accordance 
with BMW guidelines and uses appropriately 
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.
Use only 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. Use 
only oils of the specification API SH or higher.
Your BMW center will be happy to answer 
detailed questions on BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic 
oils.< 

Mobility
 193Reference
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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.
Do not use oil additives; under some 
circumstances, they can harm your 
engine.<
Viscosity grades
The viscosity is a measure of the thickness of 
the oil 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 open the cooling system when the 
engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause 
burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additive. 
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able 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.<
Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-
posing of used 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 it lies 
between the Min and Max mark, also refer to 
the drawing next 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 it clicks.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up in red 
in spite of the handbrake being 
released; a message appears on the 
Control Display.
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to 
below the minimum level. At the same time, a 
significantly longer brake pedal path may be 
noticeable. Have the system checked immedi-
ately by a BMW center.
Warning lamp for Canadian models. 

Everything from A to Z
222 Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC86
Dynamic Drive88
Dynamic Driving Control64
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC86
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC87
E
Easy entry, refer to Getting in 
back51
Easy entry/exit53
EBV, refer to Electronic brake-
force distribution86
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on CD player140
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door182
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– storage compartment, hotel 
function33
Electric steering wheel 
adjustment53
Electronic brake-force 
distribution86
Electronic oil level check191
Emergency assistance, refer 
to Roadside Assistance203
Emergency call202
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door182
– glass sunroof41
– hotel function33
– luggage compartment lid34
– selector lever interlock, 
automatic transmission63Emergency release for 
luggage compartment lid in 
luggage compartment34
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance203
"Emission inspect."78
"Enable services"175
"End call"167
Engine
– breaking-in114
– data210
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature74
– speed210
– starting59
– starting, comfort access36
– starting difficulties59
– switching off59
– switching off when equipped 
with Automatic transmission 
with comfort access37
Engine compartment191
Engine coolant193
Engine oil
– additives192
– approved oils192
– electronic oil level check191
– recommended oils192
– temperature75
– temperature gauge75
– topping off192
"Engine oil level"192
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data210
Engine overheating, refer to 
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
specifications210
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine59
"Enter address"122,128
Entering address121,124
Entering destination via town/
city name122
Entering intersection123
Entering town/city for 
navigation122Entering zip code for 
navigation123
"Entertainment"140
"Entertainment 
settings"141,148
Entertainment sound output 
on/off141
Entry map for destination125
Equalizer, refer to Tone 
control143
"Equalizer", tone control143
"ESN"150
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control86
Event Data Recorders196
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system114
Exterior mirrors52
– automatic dimming 
feature53
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out52
– tilting down passenger-side 
mirror53
Eye for tow-starting and 
towing, refer to Tow 
fitting204
Eyes for lashing, refer to 
Securing cargo117
F
"Fader", refer to Tone 
control142
Fader, refer to Tone 
control142
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control79
False alarms, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms36
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts51
Fastest route for 
navigation130 

Reference 227
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Neck support, refer to Front 
head restraints50
"New address" for 
navigation128
"New destination"121,125
New remote control28
"New route"136
New wheels and tires188
"Next entertainment 
source"54
Nozzles
– refer to Ventilation103
– refer to Windshield washer 
nozzles66
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing204
O
OBD Socket196
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel 
specifications183
Odometer74
Oil
– additives192
– approved engine oils192
– capacity212
– consumption191
– consumption, refer to 
Engine oil, checking191
– level191
– topping off192
Oil change intervals
– refer to Service 
requirements77
– refer to the Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models or to 
the Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet for Canadian 
models
"On a new destination" for 
navigation127
"onboard info"76
Onboard monitor, refer to 
iDrive16
Onboard tool kit197
"On destination"127"On location"127
Opening and closing
– comfort access36
– from inside32
– from outside30
– using door lock32
– using the remote control30
Operation by voice for mobile 
phone170
– adjusting volume171
– canceling170
– commands170
– correcting phone 
number171
– dialing phone number171
– placing a call171
– redialing172
– voice phone book171
"Options"177
Orientation menu, refer to 
Start menu17
Output, refer to Engine 
data210
Outside air, refer to AUC 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control103
Outside temperature 
display74
– changing unit of measure83
P
Panic mode31
Park Distance Control PDC85
"Parked car operation"104
"Parked car ventilation"104
Parked car ventilation
– activating an activation 
time105
– setting activation time104
– switching on and off 
directly104
Parking, vehicle59
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park 
Distance Control85
Parking assistant, refer to Park 
Distance Control PDC85Parking brake, refer to 
Handbrake60
Parking lamps/low beams96
– replacing bulbs198
Parts and accessories6
Passenger airbags, deacti-
vating, refer to Exception for 
front passenger’s seat56
Passenger-side exterior 
mirror, tilting down53
"Pathway lighting"96
Pathway lighting96
"PDC"86
"PDC display on"86
PDC Park Distance Control85
Personal Profile29
"Perspective"134
"Phone"167
Phone book166
Phone numbers
– deleting from phone 
book169
– dialing167
– most recent numbers168
– selecting in phone book168
– Top 8168
Plasters, refer to First-aid 
kit203
"Play" in audio mode154
"Play" on the radio, 
selecting151
Plug-in unit for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock58
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter104
Position
– displaying136
– storing128
Power failure201
Power windows, refer to 
Windows38
"Presets" on the 
radio144,150
Presetting parked car venti-
lation activation times104
Pressure, tires184
"Profile"177