Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
53
help provide protection in the event of side
impact. The relevant side airbag supports the
side upper body area. The respective knee air-
bag protects the legs from hitting the cockpit.
The airbags will purposely not be activated by
every collision, e.g. not by more minor acci-
dents, or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way. Do not attempt to
dismantle the airbag retention system. Do not
modify the individual components of the sys-
tem or its wiring in any way. This includes the
padding in the steering wheel, the dashboard
and the doors.
Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the
steering wheel. Do not touch the individual
components immediately after the system has
been triggered, because there is a danger of
burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW Cen-
ter or a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel and has the required explosives
licenses. Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation, either of
which could result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the passenger
seat cushion determines whether and how the
seat is occupied. The front and side airbags for
the passenger are activated or deactivated by
the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp in the center console
shows the current status of the passen-
ger airbags, deactivated or activated, refer to
Status of passenger airbags below.<
Before transporting a child on the pas-
senger seat, observe the safety and han-dling instructions under Transporting children
safely, refer to page35.
Adolescents and adults sitting in certain posi-
tions could inadvertently deactivate the front
and side airbags on the passenger side; the
indicator lamp for the passenger airbags comes
on. In such cases, the passenger should change
his or her sitting position so that the passenger
airbags are activated and the indicator lamp
goes out. If the passenger airbags cannot be
restored to the desired status despite the pas-
senger changing his or her seat position, use
the key switch to activate or deactivate the pas-
senger airbags, refer to page35. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the passenger seat unless they
are specifically recommended by BMW. Do not
place any items under the seat which could
press against the seat from below. Otherwise a
correct analysis of the seat cushion is not
ensured.<
Status of passenger airbags
The center console contains one of the indica-
tor lamps for the passenger airbags shown in
the illustration.
The indicator lamp for the passenger airbags
shows the functional status of the passenger's
front and side airbags in accordance with
whether and how the passenger seat is occu-
pied. The indicator lamp shows whether the
passenger airbags are activated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp comes on as intended
when a child in an appropriate child-
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the passen-
ger are not activated.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
65
Coupe: eyeglasses compartment
To open
Press the strip on the eyeglasses compartment.
Beverage holders
Do not place glassware in a beverage
holder; otherwise there is an increased
risk of injury in the event of an accident.<
A beverage holder is located on either side
beneath the air outlets.
1.Press the trim piece beneath the air outlets;
see arrow1.
2.Place the beverage into the holder.
3.Adjust the holder to fit the size of the bever-
age container; see arrow2.
Ashtray*
To empty
1.Open cover.
2.Pull out ashtray1.
Cigarette lighter
Press in lighter2. As soon as the lighter springs
back out, it can be removed.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by
the knob only. Holding or touching it in
other areas could result in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains operational even
when the key has been removed. For this rea-
son, children should never be left in the vehicle
unattended.<
Coupe: roller-blind cover
The roller-blind cover is raised when the tail-
gate is opened.
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the
roller-blind cover. If you do, they can
endanger the passengers, for example during
braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not let the roller-blind cover retract too
quickly; otherwise it could be damaged.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
89
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum amount of 1 US quart/
1 liter of engine oil until the warning lamp lights
up in the instrument cluster, refer to page87, or
until the oil level monitor shows "+1.0".
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result.<
Oil change
Have your oil changed only by a BMW Center or
a workshop that works according to BMW
requirements with the appropriately trained
personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil is extremely impor-
tant for the function and life of an engine. BMW
continuously approves specific oils after con-
firming their suitability for use in its vehicles
with extensive testing.
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is not
available, you can add small quantities of other
synthetic oils in between oil changes. Only use
oils with the API SH specification or higher.
Your BMW Center will be glad to answer
any questions regarding BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or other approved syn-
thetic oils.
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Do not use any oil additives, as they could
cause engine damage under some cir-
cumstances.<
Viscosity classes
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
Selecting the appropriate SAE class depends
on the regional climatic conditions in which you
normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the 5W-40 and
5W-30 classes.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up:
The coolant level is too low. Top up the
coolant as soon as possible.
Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. If you do, escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additives.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Your BMW Center knows
which additives are appropriate.
Only use approved additives, otherwise
the engine could be damaged. The addi-
tives are hazardous to health.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking the coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
Everything from A to Z
114 Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing a wheel96
– Run-Flat Tires96
Charge indicator lamp12,97
Check gas cap, indicator
lamp13
Child-restraint mounting
system, LATCH37
Child-restraint systems36
Child seat, refer to Installing
child-restraint systems36
Chrome parts, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter65
Cleaning the rear window,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning the windows
– automatically, refer to Rain
sensor43
– reservoir capacity110
– spray nozzles44
– washer/wiper system43
– washer fluid44
– washer fluid reservoir44
Clock47
– 12h/24h mode48
– onboard computer48
– setting48
– setting, refer also to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Clothes hooks66
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine38
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compact disc operation, refer
to Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard ComputerComputer48
– button BC48
– clock, 12h/24h mode48
– refer to Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Computer, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked72
Condensation, removing from
windows
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory18
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances67
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption48
Consumption display, refer to
Fuel gauge46
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– convertible top20
– from outside20
– windows20
Convertible top26,27
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– convenience operation20
– electrical fault28
– emergency closing28
– fully automatic27
– malfunction28
– manual26
– mechanical26
Convertible top compartment
panel23
Coolant89
– checking level89
– indicator lamp13
– thermometer47
Coolant water, refer to
Coolant89Cooling
– maximum62
– refer to Switching cooling
function on/off59,62
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant89
Cooling function
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Cooling system, refer to
Capacities110
Copyright2
Correct tires84
Cruise control44
Cruising range48
Cup holders, refer to
Beverage holders65
Curb weight, refer to
Weights109
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data106D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting56
Data, technical
– capacities110
– dimensions107,108
– engine106
– measurements107,108
– weights109
Daytime running light55
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control49
– indicator/warning lamp13
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking19
Defective bulb55
Defrosting, windows59,62
Defrosting the windshield,
refer to Defrosting
windows59,62
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
117
Height adjustment
– seats31
– steering wheel34
High beams56
– bulb replacement94
– headlamp flasher42
– indicator lamp12
High temperatures70
Holders for beverages65
Homepage BMW4
Hood86
Horn10
Hot exhaust system70
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to Dynamic Brake
Control DBC49
Hydraulics, brake90
Hydroplaning71
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning46
Identification mark
– Run-Flat Tires84
– tire coding82
– tires84,85
Ignition, refer to Ignition
switched on38
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock38
Ignition keys, refer to The key
set18
Ignition lock38
Imprint2
Inclines71Indicator/warning lamp12
– airbags54
– alarm system24
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– brakes13
– coolant temperature47
– DSC49
– DTC50
– engine oil level87
– engine oil pressure87
– engine temperature47
– fasten safety belts33
– Flat Tire Monitor51
– passenger airbags36
– reserve46
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview12
Individual vehicle
– equipment, refer to Your
individual vehicle5
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure80
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor51
– Tire inflation pressure80
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM51
– windows25
Inspection47
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting56
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Interior lamps56
– remote control19
Interior motion sensor24
Interior rearview mirror34
– automatic dimming
feature
71
Interior temperature
adjusting59,62
Interlock, refer to Steering
locked38,40
Intermittent
– operation of the wipers43Interval
– display, service47
J
Jack96
Jacking points97
Jets, refer to
Ventilation59,63
Jump-starting99
K
Key Memory18
Keys18
Keys, refer to The key set18
Key switch for passenger
airbags35
Kickdown41
Knee airbags52
Knock control79
L
Lamps55
Lamps and bulbs93
LATCH, child-restraint
mounting system37
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
LEDs Light-emitting
diodes93
Length, refer to
Dimensions107,108
License plate lamps, bulb
replacement96
Light-alloy wheels, care, refer
to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs93
Lighter socket, refer to
Cigarette lighter65
Lighting
– instruments56
– lamps and bulbs93
– vehicle, refer to Lamps55
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
Everything from A to Z
122 Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission40
Transmission detent, refer to
Range selection40
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction41
Transporting children
safely35
Transport securing device,
refer to Cargo loading73
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tread depth83
Trip distance recorder, refer to
Trip odometer46
Triple turn signal42
Trip meter, refer to Trip
odometer46
Trip odometer46
Trunk, refer to Cargo bay23
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions107,108
Turn signal indicators42
– bulb replacement95
– indicator lamp12,13
Turn signals
– triple turn signal42
TV function, refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading73
U
Undercoating, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Units
– average consumption48
– average speed48
– temperature48
– time48
Units of measure
– outside temperature
display48
– time format48Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking19
Unlocking
– from inside21
– from outside19
– luggage compartment
lid19,22
– tailgate19,21
Used batteries, refer to
Battery disposal97
V
Vehicle
– battery97
– break-in period70
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– cargo loading72
– car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– dimensions, refer to
Dimensions107,108
– engine39
– leaving the vehicle39
– parked72
– placing in storage, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
– weight109
Vehicle Memory18
Ventilation59,63
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control63
Vents, refer to
Ventilation59,63
Volume
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities110
W
Warning and indicator
lamps12
Warning triangle99
Warranty, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models, Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models91
Warranty and service6
Washer/wiper system43
Washer fluid reservoir44
Washer fluids44
Washer reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir44
Washing systems44
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray65
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water71
Wear indicator in tires, refer to
Minimum tread depth83
Weights109
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires84
Wheel/tire combinations84
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions107,108
Wheels and tires80
Width, refer to
Dimensions107,108
Wind deflector66
Window defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows
– automatic climate control62
– heating and ventilation59
Windows25
– convenience operation20
– opening/closing25
– pinch protection system25
Windshield
– cleaning43
– defrosting and removing
condensation59,62
Windshield wipers
– blades, care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
– changing blades93
– refer to Washer/wiper
system43