Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
59
Automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for the driver's judg-
ment in determining when the vehicle lamps
should be switched on. For example, the sys-
tem cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To
avoid safety risks, you should always switch on
the low beams manually under these condi-
tions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the head-
lamp control adjusted.<
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves, e.g. serpentines, or when mak-
ing turns, up to a speed of approx. 43 mph/
70 km/h, a turning lamp is switched on and illu-
minates the inside of the curve.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
With the ignition on, turn the light switch to the
Control automatic driving lamp position, refer to
page58.
The turning lamp is switched on automatically
depending on the steering angle or the turn sig-
nal position.
In order not to blind oncoming traffic, the Adap-
tive Head Light points toward the passenger
side when the vehicle is stopped. When driving
in reverse, only the turning lamp is active and
lights up the region on the outside of the curve.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also have the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking. When doing
so, be sure to comply with national regulations.
After switching off the engine, press the lever
up or down past the resistance point, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. For this reason, avoid using them for
extended periods; otherwise, it may no longer
be possible to start the engine.<
Front fog lamps*
Briefly press the button to switch on/off.
The parking lamps or low beams must
be switched on for the fog lamps to
operate. The green indicator lamp lights
up when the fog lamps are on.
Practical interior accessories
68 The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
You can use the system when the engine is run-
ning or when the ignition is switched on.
If the system cannot be operated after
repeated programming, check whether
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the
instructions of the original hand-held transmit-
ter or press and hold down the programmed
memory button1 of the integrated universal
remote control. If the LED2 on the integrated
universal remote control flashes rapidly for a
short time then lights up for approx. 2 seconds,
this indicates that the original hand-held trans-
mitter uses an alternating-code system. In the
case of an alternating-code system, program
the memory buttons1 as described in the sec-
tion below on alternating-code hand-held
transmitters.<
Alternating-code hand-held
transmitters
Consult the operating instructions of the unit
you wish to set when programming the univer-
sal remote control. You will find information
there on the possibilities for synchronization.
When programming hand-held transmitters
that employ an alternating code, please follow
these additional instructions:
Programming will be easier with the aid of
a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the
remote-controlled equipment.
2.Program the integrated universal remote
control as described above in the section on
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3.Locate the button on the receiver of the
equipment to be set, e.g. on its drive unit.
4.Press the button on the receiver of the
device you want to set up. After step 4, you
have approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5.Press the programmed memory button1
of the integrated universal remote control
three times.The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
If you have questions, please contact your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.<
Deleting stored programs
Press the left and right memory button1 for
approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 flashes rap-
idly.
All stored programs are deleted.
It is not possible to delete individual programs.
Digital compass*
1Adjusting button
2Display
The display indicates the cardinal or intercardi-
nal direction in which you are currently driving.
Basic operation
You can call up a number of functions by press-
ing the adjusting button with a sharp object
such as a ball-point pen or the like. The follow-
ing possible adjustments are displayed one
after another, depending on how long you press
and hold the adjusting button:
>Press briefly: switches display on/off
>3 to 6 seconds: set compass zone
>6 to 9 seconds: calibrate compass
>9 to 12 seconds: set for left-hand/right-
hand drive
>12 to 15 seconds: set language
Refueling
88
Refueling
Fuel cap
Opening
Always switch off the engine before
refueling. Otherwise, no fuel can be dis-
pensed into the tank and the Service Engine
Soon lamp lights up.<
1.Open fuel filler door. To do so, briefly press
it at the rear edge.
2.Turn fuel filler cap counterclockwise.
3.Place the fuel filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
Closing
Replace the cap and turn it clockwise until you
hear a clearly audible click.
Be careful not to crush the cap leash between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
The warning lamp
* lights up.
The fuel cap is not properly closed or is
missing. Check whether the fuel cap is
properly closed.
Manually releasing fuel filler door
When a malfunction is occurring, you can
unlock the fuel-filler flap manually:
1.Open the cover flap on the right-hand side
panel of the cargo area, refer to page76.
2.Pull the green button. The fuel filler flap is
released.
Always take all applicable precautions
and comply with all regulations when han-
dling fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these con-
tainers can leak, cause an explosion, and lead to
fire in the event of a collision.<
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, comply with all
applicable safety precautions posted at
the service station.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler
nozzle while filling the tank; otherwise, this can
result in:
>Premature pump shutoff
>Reduced efficiency in the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
99
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving
style and operating conditions.
Warning lamp
Engine oil pressure
The warning lamp lights up red:
The engine oil pressure is too low.
Stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level
and top off as needed. If the oil level is correct:
Have the system checked immediately.
Do not continue driving. The engine could
be damaged because of inadequate lubri-
cation.<
Engine oil level
The warning lamp lights up yellow dur-
ing driving. An acoustic signal also
sounds and "+1.0 " is displayed in the
instrument cluster, refer to page99.
The oil level is at its absolute minimum; top off
engine oil as soon as possible. Until then, do not
drive more than approx. 125 miles/200 km.
The warning lamp lights up yellow after
the engine is switched off. In addition, a
signal sounds.
Top off engine oil at the earliest opportunity,
e.g. with your next refueling.
The warning lamp lights up yellow
within 30 seconds after starting the
engine:
The oil level sensor has failed. It is not possible
to take a current or meaningful measurement.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Checking oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil
level control.
For the most precise possible display of the oil
level, the engine must be at operating tempera-
ture, i.e. after at least 6.5 miles/10 km of unin-
terrupted driving. You can have the oil level dis-
played while you drive or while the vehicle is standing on a flat surface with the engine run-
ning.
You can have the current oil level displayed in
the instrument cluster.
Press button1. The oil level is checked and dis-
played for approx. 15 seconds.
In order to cancel the display early, press but-
ton 1 again.
Possible displays
1Oil level OK
2Oil level is being detected
This process can last approx. 3 minutes
while standing on a flat surface and approx.
5 minutes while driving.
Under the hood
100 3Oil level at minimum
A t yo ur e a r li es t o p p ortunity, add 1 US quart/
1 liter engine oil, also refer to Adding engine
oil.
4Oil level too high
Have vehicle checked immediately;
otherwise, overfilled oil can lead to
engine damage.<
5Oil level sensor has failed
It is not possible to take a current or mean-
ingful measurement.
Do not add engine oil. It is possible to con-
tinue driving. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Add the maximum quantity of 1 US quart/1 liter
of oil only after the warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up, refer to page99, or when
the oil level measurement "+1.0 " appears on
the display.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km;
otherwise, engine damage could result.<
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach of chil-
dren and heed warnings on the contain-
ers. Otherwise, you could endanger your
health.<
Oil change
Have the oil changed only by your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly 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 oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil in between oil
changes. Only use oils with the API SH specifi-
cation or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for more details concerning BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil or other
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.
BMW engines are designed to operate
without additives, and their use could
even lead to damage in some cases.<
Viscosity classes
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class depends
on the climate conditions in the area where you
typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving in all ambient
temperatures.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
101
Coolant
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up: coolant
level is too low; top off at the next
opportunity.
Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause
burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. The additives
are harmful to your health, so follow the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-
posing 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 it is
between the MIN and MAX marks, also refer
to illustration next to filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Screw on the cap and tighten snugly.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss cor-
rected as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up red despite
the handbrake being released.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has
fallen to below the minimum level. At the same
time, a considerably longer brake pedal travel
may be noticeable. Have the system checked
immediately.
During continued driving, increased brake
pedal travel may be necessary, and con-
siderably longer braking distances may result.
Please adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
Maintenance
102
Maintenance
BMW maintenance system
The BMW maintenance system supports the
preservation of the road and operating safety of
your BMW.
Regular maintenance is not only required for
the safety of the vehicle, it also improves the
resale value.
Service Interval Display
The BMW maintenance system takes the driv-
ing conditions of the vehicle into account when
determining service intervals:
From the maintenance standpoint,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in
short-distance urban driving are not the equiva-
lent of the same distance covered at moderate
speeds in long-distance highway travel.
The BMW maintenance system is divided into
engine oil service and Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals accord-
ing to the actual loads on the vehicle covers
practically every kind of operating situation.
However, even those who drive only short dis-
tances, significantly less than 6,200 miles/
10,000 km annually, should have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over the
course of time. To ensure that the brake system
continues to provide safe and reliable perfor-
mance, remember to have the brake fluid
changed at least every two years by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center, also refer
to the Service and Warranty Information Book-
let for US models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.<
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 Sports Activity Vehicle 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.<
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics
The chief components that make up the emis-
sions content can be checked by a device that
uses the OBD socket.
This socket is located under a cover on the left
side of the driver's footwell, just under the dash-
board.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
103
Emissions values
The warning lamp lights up. Exhaust
values are deteriorating. Have the vehi-
cle checked as soon as possible.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will flash.
This indicates a serious rate of engine misfire.
When this occurs, you should reduce speed
and consult the nearest BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center as soon as possible. Severe
engine misfire even for only a short period of
time can seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic converter.
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can detect
the vapor leak and the indicator lamp will light
up. If the filler cap is subsequently tightened,
the indicator lamp should go out within a few
days.<
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or more
sensing and diagnostic modules or a recording
device capable of recording or transmitting cer-
tain vehicle data or information. In addition, if
you have a Subscription Service Agreement for
the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle infor-
mation may be transmitted or recorded in order
to provide such services.
Care
You can find useful information on caring for
your BMW in the Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.