Transporting children safely
52
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, otherwise they could endanger
themselves and other persons, e.g. by opening
the doors.<
Children always in the rear
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children is on the rear seat.
Children younger than 13 years of age or
with a height under 5 ft/150 cm may only
be transported in the rear in child restraint sys-
tems which correspond to the age, weight and
height of the child. Otherwise there is an
increased danger of injury in an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must wear a
safety belt as soon as a suitable child restraint
system can no longer be used due to their age,
size and weight.
With the exception of the driver's seat, all seats
in your BMW comply with the recommenda-
tions of the standard SAE J1819 for the safe
securing of child restraint systems in motor
vehicles.
Exception for front passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front and side airbags on the passen-
ger side must be deactivated. Otherwise, there
is an increased risk of injury for the child if the
airbags are triggered, even with a child restraint
s ystem. Your BMW center will be glad to advis e
you.<
For more information on automatic deactivation
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page87.
Installing child restraint
systems
Observe the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions for selection,
installation and use of the child restraint sys-
tems. Otherwise the degree of protection may
be reduced.<
Backrest width on front passenger seat
Before mounting a child restraint system
on the front passenger seat, the backrest
width adjustment must be open completely.
After mounting the child's seat, no memory
position may be called up and the active back-
rest width adjustment must be deactivated,
otherwise the stability of the child's seat on the
front passenger seat is limited.<
1.After unlocking the vehicle, sit on the front
passenger seat and close the door to call up
the memory position.
2.Completely open the backrest width adjust-
ment, refer to page42.
3.Deactivate active backrest width adjust-
ment, refer to page43.
4.Install child's seat.
Child seat security
All rear safety belts and the safety belt for the
front passenger can be locked against pulling
out to secure child restraint systems.
Driving tips
115Reference
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Mobility
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
YYY lbs. or XXX kg, as otherwise the vehicle
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from YYY lbs. or XXX kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage
can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
rear backrest.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrest.
Things to remember when driving
116
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net*, luggage straps, or
securing straps to hold down small and
lightweight luggage and cargo.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes
mounted in the cargo bay are used to
secure these heavy-duty cargo straps, refer
to illustration.
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or evasive maneuvers are necessary.
Use only the lashing eyes to secure heavy-duty
cargo straps, refer to illustration, otherwise the
cargo straps could become detached or the
vehicle could be damaged.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page224, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
You should never transport unsecured heavy or
hard objects in the passenger compartment, as
they could fly around and pose a safety hazard
to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the door
openings.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under
Weights on page224.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed
and must not extend outward beyond the limits
of the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the glass
sunroof, and that objects do not project into the
opening path of the luggage compartment lid.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Mobility
193Reference
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Fuel specifications
Do not use leaded gasoline, otherwise
permanent damage to the catalytic con-
verter will result.
Do not use E85, i.e. fuel that consists of 85%
ethanol, or Flex Fuel. Otherwise permanent
damage to the engine and the fuel supply sys-
tem will result.<
Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 93
Always use this premium grade fuel to obtain
maximum fuel economy and performance.
The minimum approved fuel grade is AKI 91.
Do not use gasoline below the specified
minimum quality, otherwise engine dam-
age can result.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 % ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight,
that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<
Mobility
195Reference
At a glance
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Observe all national and local maximum speed
limits, otherwise violations of the law could
occur.
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire sizeSpeed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Z = over 150 mph/240 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT... 3406 indicates that the
tire was manufactured in week 34 of 2006.
Tire sizePressure specifications in psi/kPa
Traveling speeds
up to max. of
100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds
including those exceeding
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
245/45 R 18 100 V XL M+S 35/240 38/260 35/240 38/260 41/280 46/320
255/40 ZR 19 36/250 - 36/250 - 41/280 -
285/35 ZR 19 - 36/250 - 36/250 - 46/320
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page224.
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Belted construction – radial
Rim diameter in inches
Carrying capacity ID-code
(not in ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in ZR tires before the R)
245/45 R18100 V
285/35 ZR19
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3406
Technical data
224
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
M5
Curb weight lbs./kg 4,012/1,820
Approved gross vehicle weight lbs./kg 5,071/2,300
Load lbs./kg 1,058/480
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,403/1,090
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,800/1,270
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 17.7/500
Notes
Fuel tank gal/liters approx. 18.5/70 Fuel grade: page193
of that reserve gal/liters approx. 4/15
Window and headlamp
washer system US quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5 For more details: page62
Everything from A to Z
230
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions, and
indicates where to find them
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System79
– indicator/warning lamp81
Accepted calls174
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
call214
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control71
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control100
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation100
Active head restraints,
front45
"Active seat back"50
Active seat ventilation47
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display86
Adaptive Head Light93
"Add digits" for mobile
phone175
Additives
– coolant202
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils202
"Address book" for
navigation128Address for navigation
– deleting130
– entering121,124
– selecting129
– storing129
– storing current position129
"Add to address book"128
"Add to destination
list"124,126
Adjusting active backrest
width43
Adjusting interior
temperature97
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control147
Adjusting thigh support42
Adjustment in audio mode
– front/rear balance148
– right/left balance148
"After door opened"44
"After unlocking"44
Airbags87
– indicator/warning lamp88
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags88
– sitting safely41
Air distribution
– automatic97
– manual98
Airing, refer to Ventilation99
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control99
– recirculated-air mode99
"Air recirculation on / off"49
Air supply, automatic climate
control96
Air volume98
AKI, refer to Fuel quality193Alarm system35
– avoiding unintentional
alarms36
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off alarm35
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor36
– tilt alarm sensor35
"All channels"156
"All doors"31
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires198
"All stations" calling up with
radio150,153
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road137
Alternate route, refer to
Bypassing traffic
congestion140
"AM", reception
range147,150
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antenna for mobile phone168
Antifreeze
– coolant202
– washer fluid63
Antilock Brake System
ABS79
– indicator/warning lamp81
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system35
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system30
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights224
Approved engine oils202
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights224
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear107
Reference 231
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer68
– refer to Starting destination
guidance133
"Arrow display" for
navigation134
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
– front106
– rear106
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist182
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems79
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control99
"Audio"147,149,154
Audio146
– controls146
– switching on/off146
– tone control147
– volume147
Audio device, external105
Automatic
– air distribution97
– air volume97
– headlamp control92
– service notification184
– steering wheel
adjustment43
– storing stations151
Automatic car washes114
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control96
– automatic air distribution97
– parked car ventilation100
– switching on and off99
– ventilation in rear100
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33Automatic curb monitor48
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control92
– refer to Daytime running
lamps93
– refer to Interior lamps94
– refer to Pathway lighting92
"Automatic programs"97
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic station search151
"Automatic ventilation"100
AUTO program for automatic
climate control97
"Autostore" on the
radio150,152
"AUX"147
AUX-In
– connection105
– refer to External audio
device165
"AUX" with external audio
device165
Average fuel consumption68
– setting units76
Average speed, refer to
Computer67
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation132
"Avoid highways" for
navigation131
Avoiding freeways for
navigation131
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation132
Axle loads, refer to
Weights224
"A - Z"174,175
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support42
Backrests, refer to Seats42
Backrest width42
Back seats, refer to Rear seatsBackup lamps, replacing
bulbs207
"Balance", refer to Tone
control148
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit215
"Bass", refer to Tone
control148
Bass, refer to Tone
control147
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery213
– jump starting215
Battery replacement
– remote control for comfort
access37
BC button, refer to
Computer67
Being towed216
Belts, refer to Safety belts45
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders105
Blind, refer to Sun blinds103
Blower, refer to Air volume98
"Bluetooth"169
"BMW Assist"183
BMW Assist182
– activating187
– breakdown assistance183
– contacting BMW
Hotline185
– displaying vehicle data188
– information service185
– services offered182
– TeleService184
– updating186
"BMW Contact"176
"BMW Contact
Numbers"176
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system204
"BMW Services"186
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders105
Bracket for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter180