Transporting children safely
50
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, otherwise they could endanger
themselves and other persons, e.g. by opening
the doors.<
Children always in the rear
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children is on the back seat.
Children younger than 13 years of age or
with a height under 5 ft/150 cm may only
be transported in the rear in child restraint sys-
tems which correspond to the age, weight and
height of the child. Otherwise there is an
increased danger of injury in an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must wear a
safety belt as soon as a suitable child restraint
system can no longer be used due to their age,
size and weight.
With the exception of the driver's seat, all seats
in your BMW comply with the recommenda-
tions of the standard SAE J1819 for the safe
securing of child restraint systems in motor
vehicles.
Exception for front passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front and side airbag on the passenger
side must be deactivated. Otherwise, there is
an increased risk of injury for the child if the air-
bags are triggered, even with a child restraint
s ystem. Your BMW center will be glad to advis e
you.<
For more information on automatic deactivation
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page79.
Installing child restraint
systems
Observe the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions for selection,
installation and use of the child restraint sys-
tems. Otherwise the degree of protection may
be reduced.<
Backrest width on front passenger seat
Before mounting a child restraint system
on the front passenger seat, the backrest
width adjustment must be open completely.
After mounting the child's seat, no memory
position may be called up and the active back-
rest width adjustment must be deactivated,
otherwise the stability of the child's seat on the
front passenger seat is limited.<
1.After unlocking the vehicle, place on the
front passenger seat and close the door to
call up the memory position.
2.Completely open the backrest width adjust-
ment, refer to page41.
3.Deactivate active backrest width adjust-
ment, refer to page41.
4.Install child's seat.
Child seat security
All rear safety belts and the safety belt for the
front passenger can be locked against pulling
out to secure child restraint systems.
Driving tips
107Reference
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Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg. Otherwise, this could
damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage
can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
seat back.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrest.
Things to remember when driving
108
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net*, luggage straps, or
securing straps to hold down small and
lightweight luggage and cargo.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes
mounted in the luggage compartment or
cargo area are used to secure these heavy-
duty cargo straps, refer to illustration.
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load as
described above. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Use only the lashing eyes to secure heavy-duty
cargo straps, refer to illustration, otherwise the
cargo straps could become detached or the
vehicle could be damaged.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page204 ff., as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could fly around and pose a safety
hazard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the door
openings.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under
Weights on page204 ff.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed
and must not extend outward beyond the limits
of the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest
pieces at the bottom. Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the glass
sunroof, and that objects do not project into the
opening path of the luggage compartment lid.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Mobility
175Reference
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Fuel specifications
Do not use leaded gasoline, otherwise
permanent damage to the catalytic con-
verter will result.<
Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 93
Always use this premium grade fuel to obtain
maximum fuel economy and performance.
The minimum approved fuel grade is AKI 91.
Do not use gasoline below the specified
minimum quality, as otherwise engine
damage can result.<
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 10 % ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight,
that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % 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 also result in unscheduled maintenance.<
Mobility
177Reference
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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
Technical data
204
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
M5
Curb weight lbs./kg 4,012/1,820
Approved gross vehicle weight lbs./kg 5,071/2,300
Load lbs./kg 1,058/480
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,403/1,090
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,800/1,270
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 17.7/500
Notes
Fuel tank gal/liters approx. 18.5/70 Fuel grade: page175
of that reserve gal/liters approx. 4/15
Window and headlamp
washer system US quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5For more details: page59
Engine with oil filter change US quarts/liters 9.8/9.25 Oil grades: page184
Everything from A to Z
210
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions, and
indicates where to find them
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System74
Accessories6
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control67
Activated-charcoal filter91
"Activation time" for parked-
car ventilation91
Active head restraints,
front43
"Active seat backrest"48
Active seat ventilation45
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display78
Adaptive Head Light84
"Add digits" for mobile
phone160
"Address book" for navigation
system120
Address for navigation
– deleting121
– entering113,116
– selecting121
– storing120
– storing current position120
"Add to address book"120
"Add to destination list"116
Adjusting active backrest
width41
Adjusting confirmation signals
for locking and unlocking31
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control133Adjusting thigh support41
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear134
– right/left balance134
"After door opened"43
"After unlocking"43
Airbags78
– sitting safely40
– warning lamp80
Air circulation, refer to Air
recirculation90
Air distribution
– automatic88
– manual89
Airing, refer to Ventilation90
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control90
– recirculated-air mode90
"Air recirculation on / off"47
Air vents87
– refer to Ventilation90
Air volume89
AKI, refer to Fuel quality
175
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off alarm35
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor35
– tilt alarm sensor35
"All channels"143
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires180
"All stations", calling up with
radio136,139
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road128"AM", reception
range132,136
Antenna for mobile phone154
Antifreeze
– coolant184
– washer fluid60
Antilock Brake System
ABS74
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system34
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system29
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights204
Approved engine oils184
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights204
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear98
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer64
– refer to Starting destination
guidance124
"Arrow display" for navigation
system125
Ashtray
– front97
– rear97
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist167
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems74
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control90
Reference 211
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Audio132
– controls132
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
"Audio", refer to Tone
control133
"Audio Aux"132,151
– on external audio device151
Audio device, external96
Automatic
– air distribution88
– air volume88
– headlamp control83
– service notification168
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit47
– storing stations137
Automatically switching
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant84
Automatic car washes106
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control87
– automatic air distribution88
– switching off90
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor46
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control83
– refer to Daytime running
lamps84
– refer to High-beam
assistant84
– refer to Interior lamps86
– refer to Pathway lighting83
Automatic low-beam function,
refer to High-beam
assistant84
"Automatic programs"88
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC90
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic station search137"Automatic ventilation"91
AUTO program for automatic
climate control88
"Autostore" on the
radio136,138
AUX-In
– connection96
– refer to External audio
device151
Average fuel consumption64
– setting the units72
Average speed, refer to
Computer63
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system123
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system123
Avoiding freeways for
navigation122
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system123
Axle loads, refer to
Weights204
"A - Z"160
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support41
Backrests, refer to Seats40
Backrest width41
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs189
"Balance", refer to Tone
control134
Balance, refer to Tone
control134
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit196
Bass, refer to Tone
control133
"Bass", tone control134
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery195
– jump starting197Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort
access37
– vehicle battery195
Battery replacement, remote
control with comfort
access37
Being towed198
Belts, refer to Safety belts44
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders96
Blower, refer to Air volume89
"BMW Assist"169
BMW Assist167
– enabling167
– services offered168
"BMW Contact"162
"BMW Contact
Numbers"162
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system186
"BMW Service"169
"BMW Service settings"168
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders96
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control74
Brake fluid185
– warning lamp185
Brake force display78
Brake lamps
– brake force display78
– replacing bulbs189
Brake pads185
– breaking-in104
Brake rotors106
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System74
– brake fluid
185
– brake force display78
– brake pads185
– breaking-in104
– handbrake55
– warning lamps13