Telephone overview
178
Touch tone dialing
The touch tone code is required for access to
network services or for controlling devices, e.g.
remote checking of an answering machine.
This function is available when a connection
has been established.
Emergency call with
emergency call button*
When the vehicle is equipped with the full
mobile phone preparation package, you can
trigger an emergency call via the emergency
call button on the headliner.
Conditions for an emergency call:
>BMW Assist is activated.
>Radio ready state is activated.
>The wireless communications network is
available.
>The emergency call system is operable.
Initiating an emergency call
1.To open the protective cover:
Briefly press the protective cover.
2.Press the emergency call button for at least
2seconds.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.
An additional speaker is integrated in the front
passenger footwell for emergency calls.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle
until the connection has been estab-
lished. You will then be able to provide a
detailed description of the situation.<
On vehicles with BMW Assist enabled, a tele-
phone connection to the BMW Assist response
center is established. If the current vehicle posi-
tion can be determined, this is conveyed to the
response center.
A navigation CD/DVD must be inserted
and the GPS signal must be received.
Otherwise, the current vehicle position cannot
be transferred.
If the navigation system is inoperative, the cur-
rent position of the vehicle is not transmitted.<
Upon receipt of the data, a confirmation report
will appear on the Control Display. The BMW
Assist response center can initiate immediate
action for emergency assistance.
Under certain conditions, an emergency call is
initiated automatically immediately after a
severe accident. An automatic emergency call
is not affected by the emergency call button
being pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency call
cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable
conditions.< 5Entering digits 1 - 9.
6Entering special characters.
7Entering the digit 0.
8Press briefly: entering special
characters.
Press and hold
*: pause for touch
tone dialing.
BMW Assist
186
BMW Assist
To avoid posing an unnecessary hazard,
both to your own vehicle's occupants and
to other road users, only make entries while the
vehicle is stationary.<
The contract of participation with BMW Assist
and the registration must be completed before
you can use BMW Assist.
Requirements
>Make sure that the vehicle can determine its
current position. Reception is best when
you have an unobstructed view to the sky.
>Leave radio ready state switched on while
connecting to the system.
The position of the vehicle can influence
the mobile communications/GPS recep-
tion. As a rule, mobile communications/GPS
reception is only possible when your vehicle is
out in the open.
When vehicle data is exchanged with the BMW
center, a corresponding message appears on
the Control Display.<
Initializing BMW Assist
To be able to use the services of BMW Assist,
you must first initialize the system.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "BMW Assist".
3.Select "Status" and press the controller.4.Select" BMW Assist" and press the control-
ler.
5.Select "INITIALIZE" and press the control-
ler.
The system goes through four phases to estab-
lish the contact with the BMW center and set up
the services you have selected.
The initialization lasts up to 9 minutes. The cur-
rent status appears on the Control Display. If
you bring up another system, the initialization
continues to run in the background.
During initialization, please do not turn off
the system, i.e. leave the ignition
switched on.
The services of BMW Assist can only be dialed
up after initialization.
In order to assure the transmission of data, the
initialization must be carried out while the vehi-
cle is stationary.<
Following initialization, the system changes to
the service overview.
*
Mobility
193Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Fuel specifications
Do not use leaded gasoline; otherwise,
permanent damage to the catalytic con-
verter will result.<
Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with a
lower AKI rating. The minimum AKI rating is 87.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no effect on the engine life.
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10Ξ ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8Ξ oxygen by weight,
that is, 15Ξ MTBE or 3Ξ methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems,
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may result in unscheduled maintenance.<
Wheels and tires
194
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
The condition of the tires and the maintenance
of the specified tire pressure are crucial not only
to the tire's service life, but also to driving com-
fort and most importantly, driving safety.
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the tires
are cold. This means after a maximum of
1,25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are
warm, the tire inflation pressure increases.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it as needed, including the
spare wheel: at least twice a month and before
starting long trips. If you fail to observe this pre-
caution, you may be driving on tires with incor-
rect tire pressures, a condition that can not only
compromise your vehicle's driving stability, but
also lead to tire damage and the risk of an acci-
dent. Do not drive with deflated, i.e. flat tires,
except run-flat tires. A flat tire will seriously
impair your vehicle's handling and braking
response. Attempts to drive on a flat tire can
lead to loss of control over the vehicle.<
After correcting the tire inflation pressure,
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page90, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page92.<
Pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to the tire
sizes and tire brands respectively
approved and recommended by BMW; a list of
these is available from your BMW center.
>Tire sizes for your vehicle
>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving
up to 100 mph/160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h
adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation
pressures listed on the following pages in the
column for traveling speeds up to a max. of
100 mph/160 km/h to achieve optimum driving
comfort.
These pressure specifications can be found on
the door post when you open the driver's door.
The permissible top speed for these tire
inflation pressures is 100 mph/160 km/h.
Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, tire dam-
age and accidents may result.<
Tire inflation pressures for driving
above 100 mph/160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in
excess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please
observe, and, if necessary, adjust tire pressures
for speeds exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h from
the relevant table on the following pages.
Otherwise, tire damage and accidents could
occur.<
Observe all national and local maximum speed
limits; otherwise, violations of the law could
occur.
Wheels and tires
198
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, B, and C, A
being highest, and represent the tire's resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page199.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Indicates specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread depth,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not fall below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm.
At tread depths below 0.12 in/3 mm, there is an
increased risk of high-speed hydroplaning,
even when only small amounts of water are
present on the road surface.
Winter tires display a noticeable loss in their
ability to cope with cold-weather driving condi-
tions once the tread wears to below 0.16 in/
4 mm. To ensure continued safety, you should
always have such tires replaced.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread
has been driven down to the wear indicators, a
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been
reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low profile tires make wheels,
tires, and suspension parts more susceptible to
road hazards and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These
kinds of problems may also be signaled by other
changes in vehicle response, such as a strong
tendency to pull to the left or right.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. Drive carefully to the nearest
BMW center or tire shop that works according
to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel. If necessary, have the
vehicle towed there.
Tire damage can be extremely dangerous for
vehicle occupants and other road users.<
Mobility
199Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire.
The run-flat tires consist of special rims and
tires that are self-supporting to a limited
degree. The tire reinforcement ensures that the
tire retains some residual safety in the event of
pressure drop and driving remains possible to a
restricted degree.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>When equipped with Flat Tire Monitor, refer
to Indication of a flat tire on page91.
>When equipped with Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to Low tire pressure message on
page93.
New wheels and tires
Only have new wheels and tires mounted
by a BMW center or a tire specialist that
works in accordance with BMW guidelines and
uses appropriately trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
hazards.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of
retreaded tires; otherwise, driving safety
may be reduced. Possible variations in the
design and the age – which could be substan-
tial – of the tire casing structures can lead to
unusually rapid wear.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact, and with it, the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can ask your BMW center for the right
wheel and tire combination.
The correct wheel and tire combination affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, such as ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. After a flat
tire, always remember to have the original
wheel and tire combination remounted on the
vehicle as soon as possible.
Wheels with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor*
When mounting new tires or converting from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise, the
Tire Pressure Monitor cannot detect a flat tire,
refer to page91. Your BMW center will be
happy to advise you on this subject.
Under the hood
204 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 the cool-
ant extends to between the MIN and MAX
marks on the filler neck, 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.Twist closed the cap and tighten firmly.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up and a mes-
sage is shown on the Info Display: 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 checked immedi-
ately.Warning lamp on Canadian models
During continued driving increased brake
pedal travel may be necessary, and con-
siderably longer braking distances may result.
Please adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Brake pads
For messages and indicator lamps on the Info
Display, refer to page80.
For your own safety: use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for your particu-
lar 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 operating safety
if non-approved pads are installed.<
Maintenance
206
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics
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.
Emissions values
The warning lamp lights up. The emis-
sions values are deteriorating. Have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
Under certain circumstances, the warning lamp
will flash. 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. Serious engine misfiring,
even for only a short period of time, can seri-
ously damage emission control components,
especially the catalytic converter.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can detect the
vapor leak and the indicator lamp will light up. If
the cap is then tightened, the display must 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
You can find useful information on caring for
your BMW in the Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.