Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
83
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half, 1 γ, times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B
and C, representing the tire’s resistance 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
Run-Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall with a
circular symbol containing the letters RSC.
Refer to page84.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance proper-
ties than summer tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 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.
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove
are distributed around the tire's circumference;
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.<
Replacing components
96
Rear lamps
1Turn signal indicators, 21 watts, PY21W
Silver Vision
2Brake lamp, 21 watts, P21W
3Backup lamp, 16 watts, W16W
4Tail lamp, LED
5Brake lamp, 21 watts, H21W
In the event of a malfunction in lamp 4 or 5,
please contact your BMW Center or a workshop
that works according to BMW repair proce-
dures with correspondingly trained personnel.
Changing bulbs
1.Remove the cover in the cargo bay by turn-
ing the lock, see arrow.
2.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb socket
while turning it to the left and remove it.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
4.Insert bulb socket.
5.Reattach the cover.
Side marker lamps, rear
To change the bulbs, please contact your BMW
Center or a workshop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel.
Center high-mount brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation.
In the event of a malfunction, please contact
your BMW Center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.
License plate lamps
5-watt bulb, W5W
1.Push out the lamp with a screwdriver and
remove it.
2.Change the bulb and reinsert the lamp.
Changing a wheel
Run-Flat Tires
Your BMW is equipped with Run-Flat Tires as
standard. Therefore, no wheel has to be
changed immediately in the event of a loss in
inflation pressure.
Run-Flat Tires are labeled on the tire sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC. Also observe the information on page84.
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
advise you. Refer also to Wheel and tire
replacement, page84
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your
BMW Center.<
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
Everything from A to Z
118 Lighting of the instruments,
refer to Instrument
lighting56
LIGHTS ON warning56
Light switch55
Loads, refer to Cargo
loading72
Loads, securing73
Locking the doors
– from inside21
– from outside19,20
Locking the vehicle
– from inside21
– from outside19
Longlife oils
– approved engine oils89
Low beams55
– automatic55
– bulb replacement94
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp13
Luggage compartment
– capacity109
– floor panel93
– increasing capacity23
– opening and closing21,22
– opening from inside the
vehicle21,22
– opening from the
outside21,22
Luggage compartment lid22
– emergency release23
– indicator lamp13
– opening from inside the
vehicle22
– opening from the outside22
– remote control19
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires85
Maintenance91
– refer to Service Booklet
– refer to Service interval
display47,91
Making telephone calls, refer
to Owner's Manual for
TelephoneMalfunction
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– convertible top28
– door lock20
– fuel filler door78
– luggage compartment lid22
– storage compartments64
– tailgate22
Malfunction of electrical
accessory97
Manual
– air distribution62
– air flow rate62
Manual convertible top26
Manual mode, refer to
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
Manual operation
– door lock20
– driver's door20
– fuel filler door78
– luggage compartment lid22
– power convertible top28
– storage compartments64
– tailgate22
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission40
Manual transmission40
Manufacturer5
Master keys with remote
control18
Maximum cooling62
Maximum speed
– with winter tires85
MD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions107,108
Mechanical seat31
Memory
– Seat memory32
– Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory18
Microfilter
– air conditioning60
– automatic climate control63Microphone, refer to Mobile
phone preparation
package67
Minidisc operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Mirrors34
– exterior mirrors
34
– heating34
– interior rearview mirror34
Mobile communications in the
vehicle, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobile phone preparation
package67
Mobile phones, use inside the
car, refer to Mobile
communications in the
vehicle70
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
M Sports seat31
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signal
indicators/headlamp
flasher42
– refer to Washer/wiper
system43
N
Navigation system, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints32
Nets64
New
– keys18
– tires84
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope101
Everything from A to Z
120 Rod antenna, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Roller-blind cover65
Rope, refer to Towing
methods101
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires84
Rubber parts, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires84
Run-Flat Tires84
– changing a tire83,84,85
– changing a wheel96
– flat tire51
– Flat Tire Monitor51
– tire inflation pressure80
– winter tires85
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-
Flat Tires84
S
Safe seating position30
– with airbags30
– with head restraints30
– with safety belts30
Safety belts33
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– damage34
– indicator/warning lamp33
– reminder33
– safe seating position30
Safety knobs, doors, refer to
Locking the doors from
inside21
Safety systems
– airbags52
– Antilock Brake System
ABS49
– driving stability control
systems49
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires84Screwdriver, refer to Onboard
tool kit93
Screw thread, tow fitting101
Seat Belt Reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder33
Seat heating33
Seat memory32
Seats30
– adjusting mechanically31
– adjusting the sports seat31
– heating33
– memory, refer to Seat
memory32
– power adjustment31
– safe seating position30
– saving positions, refer to
Seat memory32
Securing, locking the vehicle
– from inside21
– from outside19
Selector lever40
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– lock, refer to Range
selection, shiftlock40
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance98
Service, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models91
Service and warranty6
Service interval display47,91
Sheet ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning46
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission40
Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection40
Shift paddles on the steering
wheel41Side airbags52
Side marker lamps, front
– bulb replacement95
Side marker lamps, rear96
Side turn signal indicators,
bulb replacement95
Side windows, refer to
Windows25
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector66
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray65
Snow chains85
Socket, On-Board Diagnosis
OBD91
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances67
SOS, refer to Emergency
call98
Spare
– fuses97
– key18
– wheel, refer to Run-Flat
Tires85
Spare fuses, refer to Fuses97
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils89
Special wash program, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Specified engine oils, refer to
Approved engine oils89
Speed
– Run-Flat Tires51
– winter tires85
Speedometer12
Sport program
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– Driving Dynamic Control42
Sports seat31
Spray nozzles, refer to
Cleaning windshield44
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems49
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine38
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
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
123
Winter tires85
– changing96
– condition83
– Run-Flat Tires84
– storage85
Wiper blades
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– changing93
Wood decoration, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Work in the engine
compartment86
Wrench, refer to Onboard tool
kit93
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulbs94