
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 75
cannot be ruled out that vehicle electronics and 
the mobile communications device interfere 
with one another. In addition, it is not ensured 
that the radio waves emitted during transmis-
sion are directed outside of the vehicle inte-
rior.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a 
wedge of water may form between the tires and 
the road surface. This situation, known as 
hydroplaning, means that the tire can com-
pletely lose contact with the road surface, so 
that neither the car can be steered nor the brake 
be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page87.
Driving through water 
Drive through water on the road only if it is 
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only 
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the 
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged.<
Moisture inside the vehicle
Make sure that the passenger compart-
ment does not become wet and that liq-
uids are transported in closed containers. 
Otherwise, moisture could penetrate and dam-
age electronic components inside the vehicle.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, keep the vehicle from rolling 
by using the parking brake rather than by 
slipping the clutch, which would lead to a high 
degree of clutch wear.<
Braking safely 
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard 
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most 
effective way of braking in situations in which 
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains 
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid possible obstacles with a minimum of steering 
effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to 
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Wet roads
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, 
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal 
every few miles. Watch traffic conditions to 
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger 
other road users. The resulting heat dries the 
brake rotors and brake pads. Immediate braking 
force is then available if necessary.
Inclines
To prevent overheating and, as a result, 
diminished braking effectiveness, drive 
down long or steep downhill grades in the gear 
that requires the least braking. Otherwise, even 
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to 
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by 
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing 
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page43.
Never drive with the clutch held down, 
with the transmission in idle or with the 
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking 
action will not be present or there will be no 
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area around the 
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be 
impaired.<
Corrosion on the brake rotors
Limited vehicle use, extended periods with the 
vehicle parked or in storage, and operating con-
ditions in which braking is restricted to gentle, 
low-pressure applications will all increase the 
tendency for corrosion to form on the rotors and 
contamination to accumulate on the brake 
pads. This occurs because the minimal pres- 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 89
Correct wheels and tires
BMW recommends using only wheels 
and tires that have been approved by 
BMW for your particular vehicle model, other-
wise body contact and serious accidents can 
result despite the use of the same nominal size, 
e.g. due to manufacturing tolerances. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used, BMW can-
not evaluate their suitability, and therefore can-
not be held liable for driving safety.<
You can inquire about the correct wheel/tire 
combination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is 
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of 
various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, only use tires of a single brand and 
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, for instance, mount the original wheel and 
tire combination again as soon as possible.
Wheels with electronics for the Tire 
Pressure Monitor TPM
When mounting new tires or changing from 
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use 
wheels with TPMS electronics; otherwise the 
Tire Pressure Monitor would not be able to 
detect a flat tire, refer to page54. Your BMW 
center will be glad to provide you with more 
information.
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by 
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a 
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall 
of the tire.When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling 
characteristics.
Run-Flat Tires
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the 
event of a flat, moreover, no spare wheel is 
available. Your BMW BMW center will be glad to 
provide you with more information.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends 
that damaged Run-Flat Tires be replaced 
rather than repaired.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends the use of winter tires for 
operation under winter road conditions. While 
all-season tires with M+S designation provide 
better winter traction than summer tires, they 
generally do not achieve the full performance of 
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the 
winter tires mounted on your car; failure 
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that 
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the 
maximum permitted speed for the mounted 
tires must be displayed in your field of view. 
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center 
can supply these labels.
Storage
Store tires in a cool, dry place, protecting them 
against light whenever possible. Protect the 
tires from contact with oil, grease and fuel. Do 
not exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure 
indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels between the axles
BMW advises against moving the front wheels 
to the rear wheel positions and vice versa, as 
this may impair vehicle handling characteristics. 

Maintenance
96
Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System helps maintain 
the road safety and operating reliability of your 
BMW.
Regular maintenance is not only necessary for 
the safety of your vehicle, but also plays a sig-
nificant role in maintaining the resale value of 
your vehicle.
Service interval display
The BMW Maintenance System takes the vehi-
cle's operating conditions into account for the 
service intervals:
From a maintenance point of view, 
62,100 miles/100,000 km accumulated in 
short-distance urban driving are not the same 
as 62,100 miles/100,000 km accumulated at 
moderate cruising speeds in long-distance 
highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System includes the 
Engine Oil Service and Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals based 
on the actual loads on the vehicle covers every 
kind of operating situation. Minimal use drivers, 
who drive fewer than about 6,210 miles/
10,000 km per year, should nevertheless have 
the oil changed at least every 2 years since 
engine oil deteriorates over time, regardless of 
use.
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.<
Socket for On-Board 
Diagnosis OBD
Vehicle components that are relevant to the 
composition of exhaust emissions can be 
checked with 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. 

Reference
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Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 97
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp lights up: the 
exhaust emission values have wors-
ened. Have the car checked as soon as 
possible.
The lamps flash under certain conditions. This 
indicates excessive misfiring of 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.
Canadian models display this warning 
lamp.
The warning lamp lights up if the gas 
cap is not properly tightened and the 
OBD system can assume that fuel 
vapor is escaping. If the gas cap is then tight-
ened, the warning lamp should go out within a 
few days.
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. 

Everything from A to Z
120 Equipment scope, refer to the 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control51
Event Data Recorders97
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system74
Exterior mirrors34
– adjusting34
– automatic dimming 
feature34
– automatic heating34
– folding in and out34
External audio device68
Eyeglasses compartment69
Eyes, tow-starting and towing 
away105
F
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms24
– refer to Switching off an 
alarm24
Fasten safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts33
Filter
– refer to Microfilter64
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter67
Fine wood, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit104
First-aid kit104
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– refer to Changing a 
wheel101
– refer to Tire condition87
– Run-Flat Tires88
– Tire Pressure Monitor54Flat Tire Monitor FTM53
– flat tire warning53
– indicator/warning lamp53
– initializing the system53
– snow chains90
– system limits53
Floods, refer to Driving 
through water75
Floor covers, carpets, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Floor mats, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Fog lamps60
– indicator lamp13
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely75
For your own safety5
Front airbags56
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor53
Fuel
– average consumption50
– capacity, refer to 
Capacities114
– display48
– quality83
– refer to Average fuel 
consumption50
– refer to Fuel 
specifications83
– tank capacity83
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge48
Fuel filler door, refer to Gas 
cap82
Fuel level
– refer to Fuel tank capacity83
Fuel tank capacity, refer to 
Capacities114
Fully automatic convertible 
top
27
Fuses102
G
Gas cap82
Gasoline, refer to Fuel 
specifications83Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel 
gauge48
Gear indicator, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic42
Gear lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic42
– manual transmission42
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic42
– manual transmission42
Glove compartment68
Gross weight, refer to 
Weights113
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs99
Handbrake, refer to Parking 
brake41
Hands-free microphone71
Hardtop, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Hardtop preparation77
Hazard warning flashers14
Headlamp control, 
automatic59
Headlamp flasher44
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps
– bulb replacement99
– care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
– cleaning45
– cleaning system, washer 
fluid46
– cover99
– glass, care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
– washer reservoir, refer to 
Washer fluid reservoir46
– washer reservoir volume, 
refer to Capacities114 

Everything from A to Z
126 Tow-starting106
Tow truck106
TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor54
Track width, refer to 
Dimensions111,112
Traction control, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC51
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic42
– manual transmission42
Transmission detent, refer to 
Range selection42
Transmission malfunction, 
refer to Malfunction43
Transporting children 
safely36
Transport securing device, 
refer to Cargo loading77
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tread depth87
Trip distance recorder, refer to 
Trip odometer48
Triple turn signal44
Trip meter, refer to Trip 
odometer48
Trip odometer48
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions111,112
Turn signal indicators44
– bulb replacement100
– indicator lamp12,13
Turn signals
– triple turn signal44
TV function, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer
Tying down loads, refer to 
Cargo loading77
U
Undercoating, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR86Units
– average consumption50
– average speed50
– temperature50
– time50
Units of measure
– outside temperature 
display50
– time format50
Unlatching, refer to 
Unlocking19
Unlocking
– from inside21
– from outside19
– luggage compartment 
lid19,22
– tailgate19,21
Used batteries, refer to 
Battery disposal102
V
Vehicle
– battery102
– break-in period74
– care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
– cargo loading76
– car wash, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
– dimensions, refer to 
Dimensions111,112
– engine41
– leaving the vehicle41
– parked76
– placing in storage, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
– weight113
Vehicle Memory18
Ventilation63,67
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control67
– draft-free63,67
Vents, refer to 
Ventilation63,67
Viscosity94Volume
– fuel tank, refer to 
Capacities114
W
Warning and indicator 
lamps12
Warning triangle104
Warranty, refer to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models, 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian 
models96
Warranty and service6
Washer/wiper system45
Washer fluid reservoir46
Washer fluids46
Washer reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir46
Washing systems46
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray69
Water on roads, refer to 
Driving through water75
Wear indicator in tires, refer to 
Minimum tread depth87
Weights113
Wheel/tire combination, refer 
to Correct wheels and 
tires89
Wheelbase, refer to 
Dimensions111,112
Wheels and tires84
Width, refer to 
Dimensions111,112
Wind deflector70
Window defrosting, refer to 
Defrosting windows
– automatic climate control66
– heating and ventilation63
Windows24
– convenience operation20
– opening/closing25
– pinch protection system25
– power supply interruption25