
Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator lamps for turn signals
3Indicator and warning lamps12
4Tachometer46
with indicator and warning lamps12
5Engine coolant temperature gauge47
6Fuel gauge46
7Button for
>Displaying the clock47
>Service interval display47
>Checking the oil level88
8Position of automatic transmission
*40
9Button for
>Resetting trip odometer46
>Setting the clock47
10Display for
>Trip odometer/Odometer46
>Clock47
>Service interval47
>Computer
*48
>Checking the oil level88
Indicator and warning lamps 
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified 
by 
+ are tested for proper functioning whenever 
the key is turned. They each light up once for 
different periods of time.
If a malfunction occurs in one of the monitored 
systems, the corresponding lamp does not go 
out after the engine has started, or it lights up 
again while the vehicle is in motion. You can find 
more information about each system on the 
specified pages.
Turn signal indicators42
Battery charge current 
+97
Headlamp flasher/High beams42, 56
Engine oil pressure/
Engine oil level 
+87
Antilock Brake System ABS/Driving 
stability control systems 
+49 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 39
Automatic transmission
1.Depress the brake.
2.Start the engine.
Special starting conditions
In the following situations, press the accelerator 
pedal halfway down when starting the engine:
>If the engine does not start on the first 
attempt, for instance when it is extremely 
hot or cold.
>If the engine is started at very low tempera-
tures, below approx. +57/–156, at high 
altitudes above approx. 3,300 ft/1,000 m.
Avoid frequent starting attempts in quick 
succession or repeated starting attempts 
during which the engine does not start. Other-
wise, the fuel is not burned or inadequately 
burned; there is a danger of overheating and 
damaging the catalytic converter.<
Switching off the engine
Do not remove the key while the vehicle is 
still moving. Otherwise, the steering lock 
would engage when the steering wheel is 
turned. 
When you leave the vehicle, always remove the 
key and engage the steering lock.
Apply the parking brake when parking on steep 
gradients, otherwise the vehicle could start to 
roll.<
You can have an acoustic signal set as a 
reminder that the key is still in the ignition 
switch after the driver's door has been 
opened.<
Manual transmission
1.Turn the key to position 1 or 0.
2.Engage first gear or reverse gear.
3.Apply the handbrake.
Automatic transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, move the selec-
tor lever to position P.
2.Turn the key to position 1 or 0.
Parking brake
The parking brake is designed primarily to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling when parked. It 
operates against the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp is lit, and when you 
drive off a signal sounds in addition. 
The handbrake is still applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and 
lower the lever.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it should 
be necessary to engage the parking brake 
while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it with 
excessive pressure. In doing so, continuously 
press the button of the handbrake lever. Other-
wise, too violent an application of the hand-
brake can overbrake the rear axle and cause the 
rear of the car to swerve.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming 
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is applied.< 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 85
approved wheels and tires are used, BMW can-
not evaluate their suitability, and therefore can-
not be held liable for driving safety.<
You can inquire about the correct wheel/tire 
combination at your BMW Center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is 
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of 
various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, only use tires of a single brand and 
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, for instance, mount the original wheel and 
tire combination again as soon as possible.
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by 
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a 
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall 
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling 
characteristics.
Run-Flat Tires
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the 
event of a flat, moreover, no spare wheel is 
available. Your BMW Center will be glad to pro-
vide you with more information.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends 
that damaged Run-Flat Tires be replaced 
rather than repaired.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends the use of winter tires for 
operation under winter road conditions. While all-season tires with M+S designation provide 
better winter traction than summer tires, they 
generally do not achieve the full performance of 
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the 
winter tires mounted on your car; failure 
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that 
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the 
maximum permitted speed for the mounted 
tires must be displayed in your field of view. 
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW Center 
can supply these labels.
Storage
Store tires in a cool, dry place, protecting them 
against light whenever possible. Protect the 
tires from contact with oil, grease and fuel. Do 
not exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure 
indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Snow chains* 
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been 
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and 
recommended. Consult your BMW Center for 
more information. Attach snow chains in pairs 
and only to the rear wheels. 
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when 
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed 
of 30 mph/50 km/h when using snow chains.
You are not permitted to mount snow chains to 
tires of the following sizes:
>255/40 R 17
>255/35 R 18
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if 
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the 
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it 
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to 
page50.< 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 87
Important parts in the engine compartment
1Washer fluid reservoir for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system, 
refer to page44
2Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding 
engine oil3Jump-starting connection, refer to page99
4Reservoir for brake fluid, refer to page90
5Body ground, negative terminal, refer to 
page100
6Expansion tank for coolant, refer to page89
Engine oil 
Oil consumption is directly influenced by your 
driving style and vehicle operating conditions.
Warning lamp
Engine oil pressure 
The warning lamp lights up in red: 
The engine oil pressure is too low. 
Stop the vehicle immediately and 
switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level 
and top up if necessary. If the oil level is correct, 
please contact your nearest BMW Center or a 
workshop that works according to BMW repair 
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel.Do not continue driving, otherwise the 
engine could sustain serious damage 
from inadequate lubrication.<
Engine oil level
The warning lamp lights up in yellow 
while you are driving. In addition, a sig-
nal sounds and "+1.0" appears in the 
instrument cluster, refer to page88.
The oil level is at the absolute minimum; refill as 
soon as possible. Do not drive more than 
125 miles/200 km before refilling.
The warning lamp comes on in yellow 
after the engine is switched off. A signal 
also sounds.
Add engine oil at the earliest opportunity, e.g. 
when you stop to refuel. 

Everything from A to Z
112
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System49
– indicator lamp12
Accident, refer to Emergency 
call98
Acknowledgment signal for 
locking/unlocking vehicle19
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate control63
Additives
– coolant89
– engine oil89
Adjusting
– seats30
Adjusting the thigh support32
Airbags52
– deactivating36
– indicator/warning lamp13
– passenger airbags indicator 
lamp36
– reactivation36
– safe seating position30
Airbag switch, refer to Key 
switch for passenger 
airbags35
Air conditioning58
Air-conditioning operation, 
refer to Cooling 
function59,62
Air distribution
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
– individual59,62
Air flow rate
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Airing out, refer to 
Ventilation59,63
Air outlets, refer to 
Ventilation59,63Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure80
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode59,63
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications79
Alarm system23
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms24
– interior motion sensor24
– switching off an alarm24
– tilt alarm sensor24
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires83,85
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode59,63
Ambient temperature 
display46
Antenna, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Antifreeze44,89
– coolant89
– washer fluids44
Antilock Brake System 
ABS49
– indicator/warning lamp12
– indicator lamp13
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system23
Anti-theft protection19,23
Approved engine oils89
Artificial leather, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Ashtray65
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems49
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control63Automatic
– air distribution62
– air flow rate62
– cruise control44
– headlamp control55
– luggage compartment lid 
operation22
– recirculated-air control 
AUC63
– tailgate operation21
Automatic car wash, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Automatic climate control61
Automatic convertible top27
Automatic lamps55
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic40
– indicator lamp13
– interlock38,40
– selector lever41
– selector lever lock40
– shiftlock40
– shift paddles on steering 
wheel41
– towing the vehicle101
– tow-starting101
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control62
Average fuel consumption48
– setting unit of measure48
Average speed48
– setting unit of measure48
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms24
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights109
B
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment31 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 115
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows59,62
Dehumidifying air, refer to 
Switching cooling function 
on/off59,62
Digital clock47
Dimensions107,108
Dimming mirrors71
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signal indicators42
Disc brakes72
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data106
Display elements, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting56
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant89
– vehicle battery97
Distance remaining, refer to 
Cruising range48
Door keys, refer to The key 
set18
Door lock20
Doors, unlocking and locking
– acknowledgment 
signals19,20
– from inside21
– from outside19
DOT quality grades82
Draft-free ventilation59,63
Drive-off assistant50
Driving Dynamic Control42
Driving light, refer to Parking 
lamps/Low beams55
Driving notes70
Driving stability control 
systems49
Driving through water71
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes70
Dry air, refer to Switching 
cooling function on/
off59,62DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control49
– indicator/warning lamp49
– indicator lamp13
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control49
– indicator/warning 
lamp13
,50
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC49
– indicator/warning lamp13
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC49
– indicator/warning lamp49
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC49
– indicator/warning lamp50
E
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution49
Electric
– seat adjustment31
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic41
– convertible top28
– door lock20
– fuel filler door78
– luggage compartment lid22
– storage compartments64
– tailgate22
Electric Power Steering 
EPS52
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,52
Electric power windows25
– power loss25
Electronic
– brake-force distribution49
– oil level check88
Emergency call98
– button98
Emergency operation, refer to 
Opening manually
– tailgate22
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance98Engine38
– break-in period70
– electronics13
– indicator lamp13
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
thermometer47
– speed46
– starting38
– switching off39
– temperature47
Engine compartment87
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant89
Engine oil87
– adding89
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils89
– alternative oil grades89
– approved engine oils89
– capacity110
– change intervals, refer to 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
– change intervals, refer to 
Service interval display47
– checking level88
– indicator/warning lamp12
– oil level87
– pressure
87
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data106
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine38
EPS Electric Power 
Steering52
Equipment scope, refer to the 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control49
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system70 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 119
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket 
for On-Board Diagnosis 
OBD91
Octane numbers, refer to Fuel 
specifications79
Odometer46
Oil, refer to Engine oil87
Oil level87
– checking88
Oil service47
Onboard computer, refer to 
Computer48
Onboard tool kit93
Opening
– from inside21
Opening and closing the 
vehicle
– at the door lock20
– from inside21
– from outside19
– with the remote control19
Outlets, refer to 
Ventilation59,63
Outside temperature display
– changing units of 
measure48
– in the onboard computer48
Outside temperature 
warning46
Overheated engine, refer to 
Coolant temperature47
P
Paintwork, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Parking brake39
– indicator lamp13,39
Parking lamps, refer to 
Parking lamps/Low 
beams55
Parking lamps/Low beams55
– bulb replacement94
Parking lock, refer to P 
Parking40Passenger airbags
– deactivation36
– reactivation36
Passenger-side mirror tilt 
function34
Pathway lighting56
Permissible axle load, refer to 
Weights109
Permissible gross weight, 
refer to Weights109
Pinch protection system
– windows25
Placing the vehicle in storage, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Plastic, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter60
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter63
Power
– windows, refer to 
Windows25
Power convertible top27
Power failure97
Power output, refer to Engine 
data106
Power steering, electric52
Power windows
– initializing25
Pressure, tires80
Pressure monitoring, tires, 
refer to Flat Tire Monitor51
Protective function, refer to 
Pinch protection system25
R
Radio, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Radio navigation, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Radio remote control key, 
refer to Master keys with 
remote control18
Rain sensor43
Reading lamps57Rear lamps
– bulb replacement96
– indicator lamp, defective 
lamp13
Rearview mirror, refer to 
Mirrors34
Rear window defroster
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control63
Recirculated-air mode
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control63
Recirculating the air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode59,63
Reclining seat, refer to 
Seats30
Refueling78
Releasing
– hood86
Remaining distance, refer to 
Cruising range48
Remote control19
– luggage compartment lid19
– malfunction20
– tailgate19
Repairs
– refer to Maintenance 
system91
Replacement key, refer to 
New keys18
Replacement of tires84
Replacing lamps, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs93
Replacing tires, refer to Wheel 
and tire replacement84
Reserve
– indicator lamp, refer to Fuel 
gauge46
Restraint systems
– for children36,37
– refer to Safety belts33
Reverse
– manual transmission40
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic41
Roadside Assistance98
Roadside parking lamps56 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 121
Starting assistance, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC49
Starting difficulties
– jump-starting99
– temperature39
Starting with a flat battery, 
refer to Jump-starting99
Status of this Owner's Manual 
at time of printing5
Steering wheel10
– adjusting34
– buttons on steering 
wheel11
– lock38
Steptronic, refer to Sport 
program and Manual 
operation41
Storage compartments64
– electrical fault64
– eyeglasses compartment65
– glove compartment64
– opening manually64
Storage nets64
Storage space, refer to
– Cargo bay23
Storage space, refer to
Storage compartments64
Storing seat position, refer to 
Seat memory32
Stowage, refer to Storage 
compartments64
Summer tires, refer to Wheels 
and tires80
Supply reservoir, refer to 
Washer fluid reservoir44
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switch for passenger 
airbags35
Switching cooling function on/
off manually59,62
Symbols4
T
Table of contents3
Tachometer46Tailgate21
– emergency operation22
– opening from inside the 
vehicle21
– opening from the outside21
– opening manually22
– remote control19
– roller-blind cover65
Tail lamps, refer to Rear 
lamps96
Tail lights, refer to Rear 
lamps96
Tank contents
– refer to Capacities110
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel 
gauge46
Technical data106
Technical modifications, refer 
to For your own safety5
Telephone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Telephone preparation 
package67
Temperature
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
– coolant, refer to Coolant 
thermometer47
– engine47
Temperature display
– outside temperature46
– outside temperature 
warning46
– setting unit of measure48
Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control44
Third brake lamp, refer to 
Center high-mount brake 
lamp96
Three-point safety belt, refer 
to Safety belts33
Tilt alarm sensor25
Tilt function, passenger-side 
mirror34
Tire inflation pressure80
– checking80
– loss51
– restoring80
Tire renewal84Tires
– age82,84
– break-in procedures70
– changing84
– coding82
– condition83
– damage84
– DOT quality grades82
– flat
51
– inflation pressure80
– pressure monitoring, refer to 
Flat Tire Monitor51
– replacement84
– size80
– storage85
– temperature83
– traction83
– tread83
– tread wear83
– Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading82
– wear indicators, refer to 
Minimum tread depth83
– wheel and tire 
replacement84
– winter tires85
– with emergency features, 
refer to Run-Flat Tires84
Tire storage85
Tool kit, refer to Onboard tool 
kit93
Torque, refer to Engine 
data106
Tow bar101
Towing eyelet100
Towing the vehicle100
– methods101
– with automatic 
transmission101
Tow rope101
Tow-starting101
Tow truck101
Track width, refer to 
Dimensions107,108
Traction control, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC49