
Controls
 115Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Expanding the cargo bay
The rear seat backrest is divided. You can fold 
down either division in order to expand the 
cargo bay.
Reach into the recess and pull forwards.
When folding the backrest back up, make 
sure that the catch engages properly. If 
you cannot see a red warning area in the recess, 
the catch is properly engaged. Otherwise, 
cargo can be thrown around inside the passen-
ger compartment and endanger the car's occu-
pants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden 
swerving.<
Observe the instructions concerning the 
safety belt on page44 to ensure the best 
possible personal protection.<
Partition net
Do not let the partition net retract, other-
wise there is a risk of danger and the par-
tition net could be damaged.<
Use the loop strap to pull the partition net out of 
the casing. Grip the bar on both ends and insert 
it into the retaining fixtures, arrow 1. This can 
best be done from the rear seat.
When you no longer require the partition net, 
grip both ends of the bar and take it out of the retaining fixtures, arrow 2. Let the partition net 
slide into the casing slowly.
With cargo bay expanded
1.Fold down both rear seat backrests, refer to 
Expanding the cargo bay.
2.Use the buttons to unlatch the casing on 
both sides, arrow 1.
3.Pull the casing out backwards, arrow 2, 
without tilting it.
4.Slide the casing into the guides on the 
backs of the seat backrests.
5.Carefully pull out the partition net and insert 
it into the front retaining fixtures, refer to 
Partition net above. This can best be done 
from the front seat.
Follow the same steps in reverse order to return 
the partition net and seats to their original posi-
tions. Finally, slide the casing into both retaining 
fixtures on the sides until it engages. Tug on the 
casing to check if it is properly locked in place.
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Mobility
 217Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
>"Engine oil level too high"
Too much oil will harm the engine. 
Have the vehicle checked without 
delay.<
>"Please observe recalculated service inter-
val for engine oil"
Do not add engine oil. You can continue 
your journey. Note the newly calculated dis-
tance remaining to the next oil service, refer 
to page77. Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum amount of 1 US quart/
1 liter of engine oil until a corresponding mes-
sage is shown on the Control Display.
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 relevant 
warnings on the containers. Otherwise, health 
hazards may result.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or at 
a workshop that works according to BMW 
repair procedures with correspondingly trained 
personnel.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical 
significance for the operation and service life of 
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming 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 approved synthetic 
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at 
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website 
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity ratings
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
Do not add coolant to the cooling system 
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant 
can cause burns.<
Coolant is a mixture of water and an additive. 
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center for 
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise 
engine damage may result. The additives 
are hazardous to your health.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
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Maintenance
220
Socket for On-Board 
Diagnosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust 
emissions can be checked by a device via the 
OBD socket.
This socket is located on the driver's side to the 
left, on the bottom of the instrument panel 
underneath a cover.
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamps come on. The 
exhaust emission values have wors-
ened. Have the car checked as soon 
as possible.
Canadian models display these warn-
ing lamps.
The lamps flash under certain condi-
tions. This indicates excessive misfiring in the 
engine. If this happens, you should reduce your 
speed and visit your nearest BMW center as 
soon as possible. Severe engine misfiring can 
quickly lead to serious damage of emissions-
related components, especially the catalytic 
converter.
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a 
device for recording or sending certain vehicle 
data or information. In addition, if you have 
signed a subscription contract for BMW Assist, 
certain vehicle data may be transmitted or 
recorded in order to facilitate the corresponding 
services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure.
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Giving and receiving assistance
230 ularly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
Sedan
The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand 
side of the cargo bay in a storage area.
Sports Wagon
The first aid pouch is located in the cargo bay 
behind the left-hand trim panel.
Warning triangle*
Sedan
The warning triangle is located on the left-hand 
side of the cargo bay. Press the tab to take it 
out.
Sports Wagon
The warning triangle is located behind the left-
hand trim panel in the cargo bay. Press the tab 
to take it out.
Jump starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your BMW's 
engine can be started by connecting two 
jumper cables to another vehicle's battery. You 
can also use the same method to help start 
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with 
fully-insulated clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts 
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or 
both vehicles, and to guard against possible 
personal injuries.<
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other 
vehicle has a voltage of 12 volts and 
approximately the same capacitance in Ah. 
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between 
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise 
there is a danger of shorting.<
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Giving and receiving assistance
232 the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow 
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press on the upper edges of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page57, otherwise the low-beam 
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and 
windshield wipers may be unavailable. If the 
electrical system fails, do not attempt to tow-
start or tow away the car. The electric steering 
wheel lock cannot be disengaged and the car is 
not steerable. Jump starting, refer to page230. 
Power steering assistance is not available when 
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and 
steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to 
page60.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph 
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
In come countries, it is illegal to tow your vehicle 
with a tow bar or tow rope on public highways.
Please familiarize yourself with the relevant 
towing regulations for the country in which you 
are driving.
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter 
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may 
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same 
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, 
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is 
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only, 
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle 
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make 
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated 
stresses on vehicle components when 
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps. 
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as 
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could 
result in damage.<
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Mobility
 233Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
With a tow truck
Without xDrive
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck 
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or 
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
With xDrive
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just 
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the 
wheels could lock up and the transfer case 
could be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported on a flatbed surface 
only.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to 
page230. Vehicles with a catalytic converter 
should only be tow-started when the engine is 
cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission 
cannot be tow-started at all.
If the electrical system fails, do not tow or 
tow-start the vehicle, as it would be 
impossible to release the electric steering-wheel lock and the vehicle could not be 
steered.<
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply 
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page57.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch 
depressed and slowly release the clutch. 
After the engine starts, immediately 
depress the clutch completely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
With xDrive: do not activate Hill Descent 
Control HDC when the vehicle is being 
tow-started, page88.<
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Everything from A - Z
246
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display 
texts used to select 
individual functions and 
refers you to the page where 
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System87
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control66
Accident, refer to Initiating an 
Emergency Request 
call229
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate 
control105
"Activation time"105
Active cruise control66
– indicator lamps68
– malfunction69
– selecting distance67
– sensor69
Active steering94
– warning lamp94
Adaptive Head Light99
"Add digits" on the mobile 
phone183
Additives
– coolant217
"Address book" in 
navigation139
Address for navigation
– deleting140
– entering131,134,139
– selecting139
– storing139
– storing current position139
"Add to destination 
list"134,136Adjusting temperature inside 
the car, refer to Automatic 
climate control102
Adjusting the thigh support45
Adjusting the tone during 
audio operation, refer to 
Tone control157
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear157
– right/left balance157
Airbags95
– indicator/warning lamp96
– sitting safely44
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate 
control102
– ventilation104
Air distribution
– automatic103
– individual102
Air flow rate103
Airing, refer to Ventilation104
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure202
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode
103
"Air recirculation on / off"52
Air supply
– automatic climate 
control102
– ventilation104
Air vents101
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications201
Alarm system35
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms36
– interior motion sensor36
– switching off an alarm36
– tilt alarm sensor36
"All channels" for satellite 
radio164All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires213
"All stations", displaying with 
the radio160
All-wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive88
"AM", waveband156,160
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode103
Antenna for mobile phone176
Antifreeze
– coolant217
– washer fluid63
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system35
Anti-theft system29
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights239
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights239
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest110
Arrival time, refer to 
Computer74
Arrival time, refer to Starting 
destination guidance143
"Arrow display" in 
navigation144
Arrow view for navigation144
Ashtray
– front112
– rear112
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems87
Assistance window20
– refer to iDrive20
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control103
"Audio"159
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Everything from A - Z
248 Brakes
– ABS87
– BMW Maintenance 
System219
– breaking in122
– parking brake59
– service requirements77
Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely123
Brake system122
– BMW Maintenance 
System219
– breaking in122
– disc brakes123
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance229
Breaking in the clutch122
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential122
Break-in period122
Brightness of the Control 
Display85
"Brightness"on the control 
display85
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs222
Burned fuel
– refer to Average 
consumption74
Button for starting the engine, 
refer to Start/stop button57
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning6
"Call"183,194
Call
– accepting181
– displaying accepted183
– ending182
– in absence183
– starting181Calling
– from phone book182
– from Top 8 list183
– redialing183
Can holders, refer to Cup 
holders111
Capacities241
Capacity of the cargo bay239
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery227
Car care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
"Car Data"74
Care, refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing125
Cargo bay114
– capacity239
– convenient access37
– folding up the floor 
panel117
– lamp, refer to Interior 
lamps100
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– partition net115
– roll-up cover114
Cargo bay lid, refer to 
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate32
Cargo bay net, refer to 
Partition net115
Cargo loading
– securing cargo125
– stowing cargo125
– vehicle124
Caring for artificial leather, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochureCaring for the carpet, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Car jack
– jacking points227
Car key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control28
Car phone176
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest110
– refer to Mobile phone176
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio160
Car wash124
– also refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
– with convenient access38
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system122
"Categories" for satellite 
radio164
CBS Condition Based 
Service219
"CD"156,166
CD changer166
– compressed audio files166
– controls156
– fast forward/reverse170
– installation location170
– playing a track168
– random order169
– repeating a track169
– selecting a CD166
– selecting a track167
– switching on/off156
– tone control157
– volume157
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