
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
 13
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in 
various colors and combinations.
>Red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue driving cautiously
>Yellow:
Have the system checked soon
or
for your information
>Green or blue:
For your information Antilock Brake System ABS/Driving 
stability control systems for Canadian 
models
Brake system 
+ 
Parking brake released95
Parking brake applied41
With other warning lamps52
Brake warning lamp for Canadian mod-
els
Brake pads 
+76
Fog lamps60
Electric Power Steering 
+56
Flat Tire Monitor
* +53
Tire Pressure Monitor
* +54
Airbags 
+56
'Fasten safety belts' reminder33
Defective bulb59
Doors or luggage compartment lid/tail-
gate open
Automatic transmission 
+43
Engine electronics 
+ 
Malfunction in the engine electronics. 
You can continue to drive with reduced 
engine output. Please have the system 
inspected by your BMW center.
Service engine soon 
+97
Service engine soon indicator lamp for 
Canadian models
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC
 +51
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC 
+51
Add coolant94
Add washer fluid46
Check gas cap 
+82 

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
 15
1Reading lamps*61
2Interior lamps61
3Air conditioning62 
or automatic climate control
*65
5Indicator/warning lamp
passenger airbags37
6Central locking system21
7Hazard warning flashers
8Dynamic Driving Control44 Air distribution for air 
conditioning63
Air distribution for automatic cli-
mate control
*66
Automatic air distribution and flow 
rate
*66
Cooling function
*63,66
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control
*67
Recirculated-air mode63,67
Maximum cooling
*66
Air flow rate63,66
Defrosting windows
*66
Rear window defroster63,67 
4
Seat heating
*33
Roadster: opening the convertible 
top
*27
Roadster: closing the convertible 
top
*27
Dynamic Traction Control DTC51
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
*53
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
*54 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 51
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Driving stability control 
systems 
Your BMW is equipped with a s eries  of systems  
that help maintain driving stability even in 
adverse driving situations.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS keeps the wheels from locking during 
braking. Steering stability is maintained even 
during full brake applications. In this way, active 
safety is enhanced.
ABS is operational each time the engine is 
started. Braking safely, refer to page75.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls brake-force application at 
the rear wheels in order to obtain increased sta-
bility in the vehicle's braking response.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system 
automatically produces the maximum braking 
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. At the same time, the benefits of the ABS 
are also exploited.
As long as you want full braking to continue, do 
not reduce pressure on the brake.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 
DSC prevents slip at the drive wheels while 
starting off and accelerating the vehicle. DSC 
also recognizes unstable vehicle conditions, 
such as fishtailing or nose-diving. In these 
cases, and subject to physical limits, DSC helps 
to keep the vehicle on a steady course by 
reducing engine speed and by applying brakes 
at individual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed 
even with DSC. It will always be the 
driver's responsibility to drive in a manner that 
matches road conditions. Therefore, do not limit the additional safety margin by practicing 
risky driving.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamp for DSC lights up in the instrument 
cluster. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and 
DSC have been deactivated simultaneously. No 
more interventions to increase stability and for-
ward momentum are carried out.
To enhance vehicle stability, reactivate DSC as 
soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes 
out in the instrument cluster.
Checking 
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive forces and 
brake forces.
The indicator lamp is lit:
DSC has been deactivated completely.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a variant of the DSC in which forward 
momentum is optimized for special road condi-
tions, e.g. snow-covered roads that have not 
yet been cleared. The system ensures maxi-
mum forward momentum, but driving stability is 
limited. Therefore, drive carefully in accordance 
with conditions. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 87
All passenger car tires must conform to 
Federal Safety Requirements in addition 
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating 
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested 
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. 
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one 
and one-half, 1 γ, times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative 
performance of tires depends upon the actual 
conditions of their use, however, and may 
depart significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are 
AA, A, B and C. 
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop 
on wet pavement as measured under controlled 
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C 
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is 
based on straight-ahead braking traction 
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B 
and C, representing the tire’s resistance 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 
Run-Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall with a 
circular symbol containing the letters RSC. 
Refer to page88.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance proper-
ties than summer tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear, 
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged 
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of 
1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 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.
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth 
of 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less 
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of 
safety, new tires should be installed.
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove 
are distributed around the tire's circumference;  

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. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 119
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control66
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows63,66
Dehumidifying air, refer to 
Switching cooling function 
on/off63,66
Digital clock49
Dimensions111,112
Dimming mirrors34
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signal indicators44
Disc brakes75
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data110
Display elements, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting60
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant94
– vehicle battery102
Distance remaining, refer to 
Cruising range50
Door keys, refer to The key 
set18
Door lock20
Doors, unlocking and locking
– acknowledgment 
signals19,20
– from inside21
– from outside19
DOT quality grades86
Draft-free ventilation63,67
Drive-off assistance, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC51
Drive-off assistant52
Driving light, refer to Parking 
lamps/Low beams59
Driving notes74
Driving off on uphill gradients, 
refer to Drive-off 
assistant52Driving stability control 
systems51
Driving through water75
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes74
Dry air, refer to Switching 
cooling function on/
off63,66
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control51
– indicator/warning lamp51
– indicator lamp13
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control51
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,52
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC51
– indicator/warning lamp13
Dynamic Driving Control44
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC51
– indicator/warning lamp51
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC51
– indicator/warning lamp52
E
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution51
Electric
– seat adjustment31
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic43
– convertible top28
– door lock20
– fuel filler door82
– luggage compartment lid22
– tailgate22
Electric Power Steering 
EPS56
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,56
Electric power windows24
Electronic
– brake-force distribution51
– oil level check93Emergency call103
– button103
Emergency operation, refer to 
Opening manually
– tailgate22
Emergency release23
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance103
Engine40
– break-in period74
– electronics13
– indicator lamp13
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
thermometer49
– speed48
– starting40
– switching off41
– temperature49
Engine compartment92
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant94
Engine oil92
– adding94
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils94
– approved engine oils94
– BMW Maintenance 
System96
– change intervals, refer to 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
– change intervals, refer to 
Service interval display49
– checking level93
– indicator/warning lamp12
– oil grades, refer also to 
Approved engine oils94
– oil level92
– pressure92
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data110
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine40
EPS Electric Power 
Steering56 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 125
Status of this Owner's Manual 
at time of printing5
Steering wheel10
– adjusting35
– buttons on steering 
wheel11
– lock40
Steptronic, refer to Sport 
program and Manual 
operation43
Storage compartments68
– eyeglasses compartment69
– glove compartment68
Storage nets69
Storage space
– refer to Cargo bay23
– refer to
Storage compartments68
Storing seat position, refer to 
Seat memory32
Stowage, refer to Storage 
compartments68
Summer tires, refer to Wheels 
and tires84
Supply reservoir, refer to 
Washer fluid reservoir46
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switch for passenger 
airbags36
Switching cooling function on/
off manually63,66
Symbols4
T
Table of contents3
Tachometer48
Tailgate21
– emergency operation22
– indicator lamp13
– opening from inside the 
vehicle21
– opening from the outside21
– opening manually22
– remote control19
– roller-blind cover70
Tail lamps, refer to Rear 
lamps101Tail lights, refer to Rear 
lamps101
Tank contents
– refer to Capacities114
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel 
gauge48
Technical data110
Technical modifications, refer 
to For your own safety5
Telephone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Telephone preparation 
package71
Temperature
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control66
– coolant, refer to Coolant 
thermometer49
– engine49
Temperature display
– outside temperature48
– outside temperature 
warning48
– setting unit of measure50
Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control46
Third brake lamp, refer to 
Center high-mount brake 
lamp101
Three-point safety belt, refer 
to Safety belts33
Tilt alarm sensor24
Tilt function, passenger-side 
mirror34
Tire, flat53,55
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– indicator/warning lamp13
– Run-Flat Tires88
– Tire Pressure Monitor54
Tire inflation pressure84
– checking84
– loss53,54
– restoring84
Tire pressure monitoring, 
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– Tire Pressure Monitor
54Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM54
– indicator/warning lamp55
– resetting the system54
– system limits54
Tire Quality Grading86
Tire renewal88
Tires
– age86,88
– break-in procedures74
– changing88
– coding86
– condition87
– damage88
– DOT quality grades86
– flat53,55
– inflation pressure84
– pressure monitoring, refer to 
Flat Tire Monitor53
– replacement88
– size84
– storage89
– temperature87
– traction87
– tread87
– tread wear87
– Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading86
– wear indicators, refer to 
Minimum tread depth87
– wheel and tire 
replacement88
– winter tires89
– with emergency features, 
refer to Run-Flat Tires88
Tire storage89
Tool kit, refer to Onboard tool 
kit98
Torque, refer to Engine 
data110
Tow bar106
Tow fitting
– screw thread106
Towing eyelet105
Towing the vehicle105
– methods106
– with automatic 
transmission106
Tow rope106 

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