
Mobility
 215Reference
At a glance
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Recommended tire brands
BMW recommends particular tire brands for 
each tire size. You can recognize these from the 
clearly visible BMW marking on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest 
standards for safety and handling characteris-
tics.
Run-flat tires
When installing new tires or when changing 
from summer tires to winter tires, for your own 
safety, use run-flat tires. No spare wheel is pro-
vided in the event of a flat. Your BMW center will 
be glad to advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends 
that you do not have damaged run-flat 
tires repaired; they should be replaced. Other-
wise it is not possible to rule out occurrences of 
consequential damage.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold 
winter driving conditions. Although all-season 
M+S tires provide better winter traction than 
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the 
same levels of cold-weather performance as 
winter tires.
Watch speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise 
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with 
as little exposure to light as possible. Always 
protect tires against all contact with oil, grease 
and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum tire 
inflation pressure indicated on the side wall of 
the tire.
Rotating wheels between axles
BMW does not recommend moving the front 
wheels to the rear or vice versa, as otherwise 
the handling characteristics may be impaired.
With tires of different makes and types
* such a 
change is not permissible.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains, 
classifies them as road-safe and recommends 
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
These snow chains are approved exclusively for 
use in pairs on the rear wheels with the tire size:
>245/50 R 17 Y
>245/45 R 18 Y
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when 
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed 
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after 
installing snow chains as this could cause 
the Flat Tire Monitor to malfunction.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page88.< 

Under the hood
218
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving 
style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil 
level check.
The condition for the most accurate indication 
of the oil level possible is measurement with the 
engine at operating temperature, i.e. following 
an uninterrupted drive of at least 6 miles/10 km. 
You can display the oil level on the Control Dis-
play while driving or when stopped on a level 
surface with the engine running.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Turn the controller until "Info sources" is 
selected and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller until "Service" is 
selected and press the controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "Service requirements" is 
selected and press the controller.6.Change to the second field from the top if 
necessary. Turn the controller until "Engine 
oil level" is selected and press the control-
ler. The oil level is displayed.
Possible messages
>"Engine oil level O.K."
>"No measurement available: Updating 
engine oil level measurement...": 
Engine oil level is being measured. This 
process can take approx. 1 minute when 
stopped on a level surface with the engine 
running and approx. 5 minutes while driv-
ing.
If the engine oil has been topped off, the 
measurement of the oil level can take up to 
30 minutes.
>"Oil level at the minimum! Refill with 1 quart 
of engine oil.": 
Add a maximum of 1 US quart/1 liter of 
engine oil at the next opportunity, refer to 
Adding engine oil below. Add at least 
0.5 US quart/0.5 liter. Otherwise the oil 
level control may not display the new value 
correctly.
If the oil level displayed is below minimum, 
add engine oil immediately. Failure to do so 
may lead to engine damage.
>"Engine oil level too high":
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately; otherwise, engine damage may 
result if too much oil has been added.<
>"Please observe recalculated service inter-
val for engine oil": 
Do not add engine oil. Before continuing to 
drive, note the recalculated remaining mile-
age until the next oil change service, refer to 
Service requirements on page77. Have the 
system checked as soon as possible. 

Mobility
 219Reference
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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, thoroughly wash exposed areas 
of skin with soap and water after such work.
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach of children 
and observe warnings on containers. Failure to 
do so could pose health risks.<
Oil change
Have oil changes carried out only by a BMW 
center or a repair shop that works in accordance 
with BMW guidelines and uses appropriately 
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 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.
Do not use oil additives; under some cir-
cumstances, they can damage your 
engine.<
Viscosity grades
The viscosity is a measure of the thickness of 
the oil 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 at all temperatures.
Coolant
Do not open 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.<
Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-
posing of used coolant additives.< 

Everything from A to Z
248 Engine oil
– adding219
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils219
– approved oils219
– electronic oil level check218
– interval between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements77
– oil change219
– oil grades, refer to Approved 
engine oils219
– recommended oils219
– temperature75
– temperature gauge75
"Engine oil level"218
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data234
Engine overheating, refer to 
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
data234
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine59
"Enter address"134,142
Entering address134,137
Entering intersection, 
navigation136
Entering rear51
Entering town/city for 
navigation135
Entering town/city of 
destination name135
Entering zip code for 
navigation135
"Entertainment"158
Entertainment sound output 
on/off159
Entry map for destination139
Equalizer, refer to Tone 
control161
"Equalizer", tone control161
"ESN"169
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control87
Event data recorders222Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system125
Exterior mirrors53
– adjusting53
– automatic dimming 
feature54
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out53
– tilting down passenger-side 
mirror54
External audio device117
Eye for tow-starting and 
towing, refer to Tow 
fitting229
Eyes for lashing, refer to 
Securing cargo128
F
"Fader", refer to Tone 
control160
Fader, refer to Tone 
control160
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control79
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms36
– refer to Switching off 
alarm35
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts52
Fastest route for 
navigation144
Fast forward
– CD changer176
– CD player176
"Fast route" for 
navigation144
"Favorites", calling up with 
radio166
Filler neck for washer fluid65
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter112
Fine wood, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit228First-aid kit228
Flashing when locking and 
unlocking, refer to Setting 
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to 
Rechargeable flashlight117
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– run-flat tires90,92,214
– Tire Pressure Monitor90
– warning lamp90,92
Flat Tire Monitor89
– false alarms89
– initializing system89
– limits of system89
– snow chains215
– warning lamp90
Floor mats, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Floor mats/carpets, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler 
neck for washer fluid65
"FM", reception 
range158,162
FM, waveband162
Fog lamps106
– indicator lamp13,106
Folding into raised position 
convertible top 
compartment floor, 
Convertible35
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely126
Footwell lighting, refer to 
Interior lamps106
For specified oil grades, refer 
to Approved engine oils219
For your own safety6
Freeway, refer to Route 
criteria144
Front airbags94
Front passenger airbags, 
deactivating94
"FTM"89
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor89 

Reference 253
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Night Vision off"100
"Night Vision on / off"55
Nozzles
– refer to Ventilation112
– refer to Windshield washer 
nozzles65
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing229
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket 
for OBD Onboard 
Diagnostics interface222
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel 
specifications209
Odometer74
Oil, refer to Engine oil218
Oil change interval
– refer to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models or 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian 
models
– refer to Service 
requirements77
"On a new destination" for 
navigation system140
"Onboard info"76
Onboard monitor, refer to 
iDrive16
Onboard tool kit223
"On destination"140
"On location"140
Opening and closing
– comfort access36
– from inside32
– from outside30
– using door lock32
– using the remote control30
Operating principle, iDrive17Operation by voice for mobile 
phone195
– adjusting volume196
– canceling195
– commands195
– correcting phone 
number196
– dialing phone number196
– placing a call196
– redialing197
– voice phone book196
"Options"203
Orientation menu, refer to 
Start menu17
Output, refer to Engine 
data234
Outside air, refer to AUC 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control111
Outside temperature 
display74
– changing unit of measure84
Overview
– operating principle17
– radio control158
– screen display20
P
Panic mode31
Park Distance Control PDC85
"Parked car operation"113
"Parked car ventilation"113
Parked car ventilation
– activating activation 
times114
– LED108
– setting activation time113
– switching on and off 
directly113
Parking, vehicle59
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park 
Distance Control85
Parking assistant, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control85
Parking brake, refer to 
Handbrake60Parking lamps102
– replacing bulbs224
Parts and accessories6
Passenger-side exterior 
mirror, tilting down54
"Pathway lighting"103
Pathway lighting103
"PDC"86
"PDC display on"86
PDC Park Distance Control85
Personal Profile29
"Perspective"148
"Phone"186,188,191
Phone book190
– changing entry192
– creating and editing voice 
phone book196
– deleting all entries193
– deleting entry193
– dialing phone number192
Phone numbers
– deleting from phone 
book193
– dialing191
– most recent numbers193
– selecting in phone book193
– Top 8193
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof41
– power windows40
Plasters, refer to First-aid 
kit228
"Play" on the radio170
Plugging unit for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock58
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter112
Position
– refer to Displaying current 
position153
– refer to Storing current 
position142
Power failure226
Power windows, refer to 
Windows38
"Presets" on the 
radio162,170 

Reference 257
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Stop" for stopwatch82
"Stopwatch"82
Stopwatch82
Storage compartments117
"Store in address book" for 
navigation system142
"Store" on the radio164,171
Storing current position142
Storing sitting position, refer 
to Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory49
Storing tires215
"Street" for destination 
entry136
Summer tires, refer to Wheels 
and tires210
"Surround Settings", refer to 
Tone control160
SW, waveband162
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching automatically 
between high beams and 
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant104
Switching on
– audio158
– CD changer158
– CD player158
– radio158
Swiveling headlamps, refer to 
Adaptive Head Light104
Symbols4
– indicator and warning 
lamps13
– navigation system152
– status information20
– traffic information with 
navigation system150
T
Tachometer74
Tail lamps224
– replacing bulbs224
Tank capacity
– also refer to Capacities237
– fuel tank capacity208
Target cursor for 
navigation139Technical alterations, refer to 
For your own safety6
Technical data234
Telematics, refer to 
BMW Assist199
Telephone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest117
– refer to Mobile phone184
– refer to separate operating 
instructions
"Telephone list"55
TeleService201
Temperature
– adjusting in upper body 
region110
– adjusting with automatic 
climate control109
– changing units of 
measure84
– refer to Coolant 
temperature74
Temperature display
– changing units of 
measure84
– outside temperature74
– outside temperature 
warning74
Temperature gauge, engine 
oil75
Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control65
"Terminate services"204
"Text language"84
"Theater", refer to Tone 
control161
The individual vehicle5
Tie-down points, refer to 
Securing cargo128
Tilt alarm sensor36
– switching off36
Tilting down passenger-side 
exterior mirror54
"Time"83
"Time / Date"82
"Time format"83
Timer, refer to Preselecting 
activation time113"Timer 1" for parked-car 
ventilation113
"Timer 2" for parked-car 
ventilation113
Tire inflation pressure210
Tire pressure loss90,91
Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM90
Tire Quality Grading212
Tire replacement, new wheels 
and tires214
Tires
– age212
– air loss90,92
– breaking-in124
– condition213
– damage213
– inflation pressure210
– minimum tread depth213
– monitoring inflation 
pressure, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor89
– new wheels and tires214
– pressure monitoring, refer to 
Tire Pressure Monitor90
– replacing214
– retreaded tires214
– run-flat tires214
– size211
– size, refer to The right 
wheels and tires214
– wear indicators213
– wheel/tire combination214
– winter tires215
– with run-flat properties, refer 
to Run-flat tires214
TMC station, refer to Traffic 
information150
"Tone"159
Tone dialing method194
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting159
– middle setting161
Tone on locking/unlocking31
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit223
Top42
"Top 8" for mobile phone192