
Under the hood
232
Under the hood
Never attempt to perform any service or 
repair operations on your vehicle without 
the required professional technical training. 
If you do not know what repair procedures to 
follow, have work on your vehicle done only by 
your BMW center or a workshop that works 
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If this work is 
not carried out properly, there is a danger of 
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards.<
Hood
Releasing
Pull lever.
Opening
Press the release handle and open the hood. Do 
not open the hood until the engine has cooled 
down.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard 
to engage.
Make sure that the closing path of the 
hood is clear, otherwise injuries may 
result. 
If you see any signs that the hood is not com-
pletely closed while driving your vehicle, you 
should stop at once and close it securely.< 

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Adding engine oil
Do not add 1 US quart/liter of oil until a corre-
sponding message is shown on the Control Dis-
play.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km, 
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Continuous exposure to used oil has 
caused cancer in laboratory testing. 
For this reason, any skin areas that come into 
contact with oil should be thoroughly washed 
with soap and water.
Keep oil, grease etc. out of reach of children and 
observe the warnings on the containers to pre-
vent health risks.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or 
at 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.
Do not use oil additives, as these may 
result in engine damage.<
Only use 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. Only 
use oils of the specification API SM 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.
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating 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.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system 
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant 
can cause burns.<
Coolant is composed of equal parts water and a 
coolant additive. 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; observe the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Do not open the hood until the engine has 
cooled down.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to 
open. 

Maintenance
238
Socket for OBD Onboard 
Diagnostics interface
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.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The 
exhaust-gas values worsen. Have the 
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. 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. 
Heavy engine misfiring causes serious damage 
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system will assume that 
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display lights up. If 
the cap is then tightened, the display will 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 sub-
scribed to BMW Assist, certain vehicle data can 
be transmitted or recorded to enable corre-
sponding services. 

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Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care make a significant 
contribution to retaining your BMW's value.
For the cleaning and care of your vehicle, BMW 
recommends using only products that BMW 
has approved for this purpose.
Your BMW Service will be glad to advise you 
about products and services for the cleaning 
and care of your BMW.
Original BMW Care Products are materi-
als tested, laboratory tested, and tested in 
actual use. They offer optimum care and pro-
tection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol 
or solvents; they can damage your vehi-
cle.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances 
that are dangerous or pose health risks. 
You should therefore heed the warnings and 
hazard indications on the packaging. Open the 
doors or windows on your vehicle whenever 
cleaning the interior. Make sure there is suffi-
cient ventilation in enclosed spaces. Use only 
products that are formulated for vehicle clean-
ing.<
Care exterior
Washing your vehicle
In the winter months, it is especially 
important to ensure that the vehicle is 
washed on a regular basis. Otherwise, signifi-
cant soiling and road salt can cause damage to 
the vehicle.<
Failure to do so may lead to a reduction in 
braking efficiency and also to corrosion of 
the brake rotors.<
Car washes
Give preference to cloth car washes.
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that 
it is suitable for your BMW. Pay attention to the 
following points:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to 
page261.
>If necessary, fold in the outside rearview 
mirrors, refer to page53.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Deactivate rain sensor to prevent unwanted 
wiper activation.
>Deactivate rear window wiper
* and protect 
it from damage. Take appropriate protec-
tive measures; inquiring with the car wash 
operator as needed.
>Remove additional add-on parts, e.g. spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be 
damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure the 
vehicle is able to roll by making sure to:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock, even with comfort access.
2.Shift into transmission position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock 
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam cleaners/high-pressure 
cleaning jets
When using steam cleaners or high-pres-
sure cleaning jets, make sure to maintain 
a sufficient distance and stay below a maximum 
temperature of 1407/60°C. 
Insufficient distance or excessive pressure or 
temperature can damage parts of the vehicle or 
can result in water penetration. Follow the oper- 

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Low beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Remove and replace the bulb.
High beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Remove and replace the bulb.
Parking and roadside parking lamps
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your 
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Xenon lamps*
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. If one of these bulbs should 
nevertheless fail, it is possible to continue driv-
ing with great caution using the fog lamps, pro-
vided traffic laws in your area do not prohibit 
this.
Have work on the xenon lighting system 
performed only by your BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair 
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Due to the high voltage present in the 
system, there is a danger of fatal injuries when 
work is carried out improperly.<
Access to lamps
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the 
engine compartment.
1Cover cap for parking and roadside parking 
lamps, daytime running lamps
2Sealing cap for turning lamps
*
To remove the covers:
>Parking lamps and roadside parking lamps, 
daytime running lamps: turn the cover cap 
to the left and remove.
>Turning lamps: turn the sealing cap to the 
left and remove.
Parking lamps and roadside parking 
lamps, daytime running lamps
H8 bulb, 35 watts
1.Turn the bulb in the direction of the arrow, in 
the opposite direction on the other side, 
and remove.
2.Remove the connector and replace the 
bulb. 

Replacing components
246
Turning lamps*
H3 bulb, 55 watts
1.Remove the sealing cap, refer to Access to 
lamps.
2.Push the locking bar to the side out of the 
anchor and fold upward.
3.Remove the connector and take out the 
bulb.
4.Replace the bulb and reinstall.
5.Fold down the locking bar and engage it.
6.Reconnect the connector.
7.Mount the sealing cap. Watch the markings 
on the bulb when doing so.
Turn signals, front
21-watt bulb, PY21W
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while 
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Side-mounted turn signals
5-watt bulb, W5W
1.Press back against the front edge of the 
lamp with the tip of your finger, then pivot it 
out.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
3.Remove the bulb for replacement.
Side marker lamps, front and rear
To replace, please go to your BMW center or a 
workshop that works according to BMW repair 
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel.
Tail lamps
Sedan
>Turn signals1, tail lamps6 and side marker 
lamps7 are designed using LED technol-
ogy. In the event of a malfunction, please go 
to your BMW center or a workshop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel.
>Backup lamps: 16-watt bulb, W16W
>Other lamps: 21-watt bulb, P21W 

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1Turn signal
2Tail lamp and brake lamp
3Backup lamp
4Brake lamp
5Reflector
6Tail lamp
7Side marker lamp
Sports Wagon
>Turn signals1, tail lamps3 and side marker 
lamps7 are designed using LED technol-
ogy. In the event of a malfunction, please go 
to your BMW center or a workshop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel.
>Backup lamps: 16-watt bulb, W16W
>Brake lamps: 21-watt bulb, P21W
1Turn signal
2Brake lamp
3Tail lamp
4Backup lamp
5Brake lamp
6Reflector
7Side marker lamp
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. 
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your 
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Fender-mounted lamps
Sedan
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the 
cargo bay.
All the bulbs are integrated into a central bulb 
fitting.
1.Lift up floor mat.
2.Undo the quick-release fasteners of the 
side panel and pull out the panel.
3.Turn the lock to the left and remove the bulb 
holder.
4.Backup lamps: 
Remove and replace the bulb. 
Other lamps: 
Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while 
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Sports Wagon
1.Right side: unhook the retaining strap*, 
refer to page129.
2.Open the side panel.
3.Turn the bulb socket to the left and remove.
4.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while 
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment. 

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Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency request
Conditions for an emergency request:
>Full preparation package mobile phone. 
With this equipment, an emergency request 
is still possible when no mobile phone is 
paired with the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated. 
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page215.
>Radio readiness is activated.
>The BMW Assist system is logged on to a 
mobile phone network.
>The emergency request system is opera-
ble.
Once your BMW Assist subscription expires, 
the BMW Assist system can be deactivated by 
a BMW center without you having to visit a 
workshop. Once the BMW Assist system has 
been deactivated, emergency requests are not 
possible. The BMW Assist system can be reac-
tivated by a BMW center after signing a new 
contract.
Initiating an emergency request
1.Briefly press protective cover to open. 
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the 
arrangement of the switches and indicator 
lamps may differ somewhat.
2.Press the SOS button for at least 2 sec-
onds.The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the 
voice connection to the BMW Assist Response 
Center has been established, the LED flashes.
Even if you are unable to answer, the BMW 
Assist Response Center can take further steps 
to help you under certain conditions.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until 
the connection has been established. You will 
then be able to provide a detailed description of 
the situation.
If the current position of your vehicle can be 
determined, it will be transmitted to the BMW 
Assist Response Center.
If the LED is flashing but the BMW Assist 
Response Center cannot be heard over the 
hands-free system, it is possible that the 
hands-free system is malfunctioning. The BMW 
Assist Response Center may still be able to 
hear you, though.
Under certain conditions, an emergency 
request is automatically initiated immediately 
after a severe accident. Pressing the button 
does not interfere with this.
For technical reasons, the emergency request 
cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable condi-
tions.
You can also use other services of 
BMW Assist with this button, refer to 
page209.<
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate.