
Mobility
 177Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Observe all national and local maximum speed 
limits, otherwise violations of the law could 
occur.
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire 
makes it easier to identify and choose the right 
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Z = over 150 mph/240 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of 
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in 
the tire coding: DOT... 0806 indicates that the 
tire was manufactured in week 8 of 2006.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires 
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last 
for 10 years. This also concerns the tire of the 
spare wheel.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable 
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and 
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA 
Temperature A
Tire sizePressure specifications in psi/kPa
Traveling speeds
up to max. of
100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds 
including those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
245/45 R 18 100 V XL M+S 35/240 38/260 35/240 38/260 41/280 47/320
255/40 ZR 19 37/250 - 37/250 - 41/280 -
285/35 ZR 19 - 37/250 - 37/250 - 47/320
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page204.
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ 
Belted construction – radial
Rim diameter in inches
Carrying capacity ID-code
(not in ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in ZR tires before the R)
245/45 R18100 V
285/35 ZR19
e.g.
Manufacturer code 
for tire make 
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0806 

Mobility
 179Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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 cause wheels, 
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazards and consequential dam-
ages.
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. To do so, drive carefully to the 
nearest BMW center or tire shop that works 
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If necessary, 
have the vehicle towed there. Tire damage can 
be extremely dangerous for vehicle occupants 
and other road users.<
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only 
by your BMW center or tire shop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this 
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety 
hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend that you use 
retreaded tires, as driving safety may be 
impaired. The causes for this include the possi-
bly different tire casing structures and the often 
wide variations in their age, which can result in a 
limited service life.<
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. When selecting the tires, also ensure 
that they have a sufficient load-carrying capac-
ity. If non-approved wheels and tires are used, 
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, and 
therefore cannot be held liable for driving 
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct wheel/tire combination also affects 
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. Following 
tire damage, have the original wheel and tire 
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon 
as possible. 

Mobility
 181Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Under the hood
Never attempt to perform any service or 
repair operations on your vehicle without 
the required professional technical training. 
If you do not know what repair procedures to 
follow, have work on your vehicle done only by 
your BMW center or a workshop that works 
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If this work is 
not carried out properly, there is a danger of 
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards.<
Hood
Releasing
Pull lever.
Opening
Press the release handle and open the hood.
You cannot start off with the hood open.<
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard 
to engage.
Make sure that the closing path of the 
hood is clear, otherwise injuries may 
result. 
If you see any signs that the hood is not com-
pletely closed while driving your vehicle, you 
should stop at once and close it securely.< 

Mobility
 183Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
value indicates the current oil level in liters 
above Minimum.
After starting the engine, the last determined 
value is displayed.
The oil level must be between the two marks.
Exact measurement
The oil level is measured continuously while 
driving or when stopped with the engine run-
ning.
The determination of a new value can take 
30 minutes or longer.
If only dashes are shown in the display, it 
was not possible to determine a new 
value. This can, for example, be the case when 
driving short distances or with a sporty driving 
style.<
Fast measurement
In addition to the continuous measurement, you 
can also quickly determine the current oil level, 
e.g. after adding engine oil, however with a low 
measuring accuracy.
1.With the engine at operating temperature, 
i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km of uninter-
rupted driving, park the vehicle in a horizon-
tal position.
2.Allow the engine to run at idle.
3.Press the BC button in the turn signal lever 
repeatedly until the oil level display is 
shown in the instrument cluster.
4.Press the BC button in the turn signal lever 
for at least 2 seconds.
The oil level is determined. A clock symbol 
is displayed during the measurement.
5.After approx. 1 minute the current oil level is 
displayed.
If not all measuring conditions are met, 
e.g. with the engine cold, "-.-" is dis-
played. The requested measurement is carried 
out as soon as possible.<
Possible displays
1Oil level OK
2Oil level at minimum:
Add a maximum of 1 US quart/1 liter of 
engine oil at the next opportunity, refer to 
Adding engine oil below
3Oil level too high
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately, otherwise engine damage may 
result if too much oil has been added.<
4Oil level at maximum
5Quick measurement running: oil level is 
being determined
6No value can be determined at this time
Adding engine oil
Do not add oil until a value slightly above the 
Minimum of 0.0 quarts/liters is displayed by the 
oil level measurement. In this area a message is 
also shown on the Control Display.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km, 
otherwise the engine could be damaged.
Add a maximum of 1 US quart/1 liter of oil, oth-
erwise the engine may be damaged by adding 
too much oil. 

Mobility
 185Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
3.The coolant level is correct when the upper 
end of the float rod is at the same height as 
the upper edge of the filler neck, also refer 
to the drawing next 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.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights red up in spite 
of the handbrake being released; a 
message is shown on the Control Dis-
play. The brake pads have reached their mini-
mum pad thickness. Have brake pads replaced 
immediately.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
For your own safety: use only brake pads 
that BMW has approved for the corre-
sponding 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 oper-
ating safety if non-approved pads are 
installed.< 

Mobility
 187Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Socket for OBD Onboard 
Diagnostics interface
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.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The 
exhaust-gas values worsen. Have the 
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. 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. 
Heavy engine misfiring led to serious damage 
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can close when 
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display light up. If 
the cap is then tightened, the display will 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 trans-
mitted or recorded to enable corresponding 
services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure. 

Mobility
 189Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Due to the high voltage present in the 
system, there is a danger of fatal injuries when 
work is carried out improperly.<
Parking and roadside parking lamps
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your 
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Turn signals, front
Bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while 
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Side-mounted turn signals
Bulb 5 watts, W 5 W
1.Press back against the front edge of the 
light with the tip of your finger, then pivot it 
out.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
3.Remove the bulb for replacement.
Side marker lamps, front and rear
To replace, please go to your BMW center or a 
workshop that works according to BMW repair 
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel.
Tail lamps
>Turn signals: bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
>Backup lamps: bulb 16 watts, W 16 W
>Other lamps: bulb 21 watts, P 21 W
1Turn signal
2Tail lamp and brake lamp
3Tail lamp and brake lamp
4Backup lamp
5Reflector
6Roadside parking lamp, tail lamp and 
brake lamp
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. 
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your 
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Fender-mounted lamps
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the 
luggage compartment.
All the bulbs are integrated into a central bulb 
fitting.
1.Lift up floor mat.
2.Undo the quick-release fasteners of the 
side panel and pull out the panel. 

Mobility
 191Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
The M Mobility System consists of
1Sealant bottle and sticker with speed limit
2Filling hose from sealant bottle to wheel
Model with pressure gauge on hose*
3Connector and cable for lighter socket
4Mounting for sealing bottle
5Compressor
6On/Off switch
7Pressure gauge for indicating tire inflation 
pressure
8Screw on pressure gauge for reducing tire 
inflation pressure
9Connecting hose for connecting compres-
sor and sealant bottle or compressor and 
wheel
Connector, cable and connecting hose are 
stored in the compressor housing.
Model with pressure gauge integrated 
in housing*
3Connector and cable for lighter socket
4Mounting for sealing bottle
5Compressor
6On/Off switch
7Pressure gauge for indicating tire inflation 
pressure
8Button for reducing tire inflation pressure
9Connecting hose for connecting compres-
sor and sealant bottle or compressor and 
wheel
Connector, cable and connecting hose are 
stored on underside of compressor.
Using M Mobility System
To repair a flat tire with the M Mobility System, 
proceed as follows:
>Fill sealant into wheel, refer to page191.
>Distribute sealant, refer to page192.
>Produce tire inflation pressure, refer to 
page192.
Filling sealant into wheel
Strictly comply with the specified order, 
otherwise highly pressurized sealant 
could escape.<
1.Shake sealant bottle.
2.Screw hose9 onto connection of sealant 
bottle.
3.For model with pressure gauge on hose: 
Make sure that screw8 on pressure gauge 
is closed.