Wheels and tires
204
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, B, and C, A
being highest, and represent the tire's resis-
tance 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
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page205.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Indicates specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread depth,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not fall below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm.
At tread depths below 0.12 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.
Winter tires display a noticeable loss in their
ability to cope with cold-weather driving condi-
tions once the tread wears to below 0.16 in/
4 mm. To ensure continued safety, you should
always have such tires replaced.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread
has been driven down to the wear indicators, a
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been
reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low profile tires make wheels,
tires, and suspension parts more susceptible to
road hazards and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These
kinds of problems may also be signaled by other
changes in vehicle response, such as a strong
tendency to pull to the left or right.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. Drive carefully to the nearest
BMW center or tire shop that works according
to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
Under the hood
208
Engine compartment
1Wiper fluid filler neck66
2Engine oil filler neck, refer to Adding engine
oil3Body ground, negative terminal220
4Coolant expansion tank210
5Jump starting terminal220
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption depends on driving
style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil
level control.
To obtain the most accurate possible oil level
reading, the measurement should be taken
when the engine is at operating temperature,
i.e. following an uninterrupted drive of at least
6 miles/10 km. You can display the oil level
while driving or when stopped on a level surface
with the engine running.
The current oil level can be viewed on the Con-
trol Display.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Car Data".
3.Select and press the controller.
The oil level is displayed.
Turn the controller to exit the list.
Mobility
209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
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Entertainment
Possible displays
>"Update of engine oil level in process".
>"Engine oil level O.K.".
>"Oil level at minimum! Add 1 quart engine
oil": add a maximum of 1 quart/1 liter of
engine oil at the earliest opportunity, refer
to Adding engine oil.
>"Oil level under min.! Add 1 quart engine
oil": add a maximum of 1 quart/1 liter of
engine oil at the earliest opportunity, refer
to Adding engine oil.
>"Engine oil level too high".
Have vehicle checked immediately;
otherwise, overfilled oil can lead to
engine damage.<
>"No measurement possible at this time".
Adding engine oil
Do not add oil until a Check Control message
appears.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km;
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach of chil-
dren and heed warnings on the contain-
ers to avoid health risks.<
Oil changing
Only have an oil change carried out by a BMW
center or a repair shop that works in accordance
with BMW guidelines and uses appropriately
trained personnel.
Approved 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 engine oils after confirming their suitability
for use in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Use only approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is
unavailable, you can add small quantities of
other synthetic oils between oil changes. Use
only oils of the specification API SH or higher.
Your BMW center will be happy to answer
detailed questions on BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website at
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Never use oil additives as they can dam-
age your engine under some circum-
stances.<
Viscosity grades
The viscosity is a measure of the thickness of
the oil and is specified in SAE grades.
The choice of the right SAE grade is based on
the climatic conditions in the region in which
you normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the SAE grades
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Under the hood
210
Coolant
Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause
burns.<
Coolant consists of water and supplemental
antifreeze and anticorrosion agents. Not all
commercially available additives are suitable for
your BMW. Ask your BMW center for suitable
additives.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard; follow the instructions
on the containers.<
Always follow all applicable environmen-
tal laws and regulations when disposing
of used coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Allow engine to cool.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
3.The coolant level is correct when the cool-
ant extends to between the MIN and MAX
marks on the filler neck, refer to the diagram
adjacent to the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Twist closed the cap and tighten firmly.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Mobility
211Reference
At a glance
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Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System serves to
retain the operating and road safety of your
BMW. The service schedule also includes oper-
ations related to the vehicle's comfort and con-
venience features, such as replacement of the
filters for the inside air. The aim is to optimize
maintenance procedures with a view to reduc-
ing the cost of running the vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell
your BMW, you will find that a complete dealer
service history is an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. As a result, Condition Based Service
determines the current and future maintenance
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirements, the system forms
the basis for trouble-free driving.
On the Control Display, you can have the
remaining times and distances for selected
maintenance procedures and any legally man-
dated deadlines displayed, refer to page78:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, separate for front and rear
>Microfilter
>Brake fluid
>Spark plugs>Vehicle check
>Legally prescribed inspections depending
on national regulations
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control
while you are driving. After accessing the data
stored in the vehicle key, your BMW Service
Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of
service procedures for your own individual vehi-
cle. This is why it is important when you take
your vehicle in for service to give the BMW Ser-
vice Advisor the last remote control you used
for driving.
Storage periods with the battery discon-
nected are not taken into account by the
CBS maintenance system. If this occurs, have a
BMW center update the time-dependent main-
tenance procedures, such as checking brake
fluid and if necessary engine oil and the micro/
activated charcoal filter.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<
Maintenance
212
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics
Components which are decisive for the
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to the left on the driver's
side, on the underside of the instrument panel
under a cover.
Emissions values
The warning lamp lights up. The emis-
sions values are deteriorating. Have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
Under certain circumstances, the warning lamp
will flash. This is a sign of excessive misfiring of
the engine. In this case you should reduce
speed and drive to the nearest BMW center as
soon as possible. Serious engine misfiring,
even for only a short period of time, can seri-
ously damage emission control components,
especially the catalytic converter.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can detect the
vapor leak and the indicator lamp will light up. If
the cap is then tightened, the display should go
out within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with a
device for recording or transmitting certain
vehicle data or information. If you have also
signed a contract of participation for BMW
Assist, certain vehicle data can be transmitted
or recorded to enable corresponding services.
Care
You can find useful information on caring for
your BMW in the Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.
Mobility
213Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard toolkit is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
The adapter for the spare key can be stored
beneath the open-ended wrenches.
Windshield wiper blades
To replace the blades, start by folding the wip-
ers out and away from the windshield, refer to
page66.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and lights contribute significantly to
road safety. Therefore, comply fully with the fol-
lowing instructions during bulb replacement.
BMW recommends that you entrust corre-
sponding procedures to your BMW center if
you are unfamiliar with them or they are not
described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute traces
of contamination will burn into the bulb's sur-
face and reduce its service life. Use a clean
cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its metal
socket.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your BMW center.When working on the lighting system, you
should always switch off the lights
affected to prevent short circuits.
To avoid possible injury or equipment damage
when replacing bulbs, follow any instructions
provided by the bulb manufacturer.<
When maintaining the headlamps, please follow
the instructions in the separate Caring for your
vehicle brochure.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Xenon lamp*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. In the unlikely event that one
of these lamps should fail, you can respond by
switching on your fog lamps and proceeding
carefully, where allowed by law.
Only have work on the xenon lighting sys-
tem including bulb changes carried out by
a BMW center or a repair shop that works in
accordance with BMW guidelines and uses
appropriately trained personnel. Due to the high
voltage involved, there is a danger to life and
limb when work is carried out improperly.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW center.<
Mobility
217Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
2.Guide the jack head into the rectangular
recess of the jacking point when cranking
up the jack, refer to section of illustration.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised from the ground.
Mounting a wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3.Position the new wheel or spare tire on the
hub and screw in at least two bolts diago-
nally.
When you mount wheels other than Genu-
ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
bolts may also be required.
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
5.Lower the vehicle and remove the jack from
beneath the vehicle.
After mounting
1.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
To ensure safety, always have the
lug bolts checked with a calibrated
torque wrench as soon as possible to
ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
fied torque. The tightening torque is
100lbft/140Nm.<
2.Reverse the removal sequence when stor-
ing the wheel and tools in the vehicle.3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
Use valve stem seal caps to protect
valve stems from dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
4.Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page90, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page92.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with spare tire
On certain wheel-tire combinations, the
size of the spare tire differs from that of
the rest of the tires. The spare tire is fully capa-
ble of running in all load and speed ranges.
However, to recreate the original conditions,
the tire should be replaced as soon as possi-
ble.<
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be happy to advise
you on all questions concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Charge the battery in the vehicle only via the
terminals in the engine compartment and with
the engine off. Connections, refer to Jump
starting on page220.