
Under the hood
216
Under the hood
Never attempt to perform any service or 
repair operations on your vehicle without 
the required professional technical training. If 
you are unfamiliar with the specifications to be 
observed, only have work carried out on your 
vehicle by a BMW center or a repair shop that 
works in accordance with BMW guidelines and 
uses appropriately trained personnel. Other-
wise, there is a danger of damage and associ-
ated safety risks if this work is performed 
improperly.<
Hood
Releasing
Pull lever.
Opening
Press the release handle and open the hood.
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 you are driving your vehicle, 
you should stop at once and close it securely.< 

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. 

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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.< 

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Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your BMW. The service schedule also 
includes operations related to the vehicle's 
comfort and convenience features, such as 
replacement of the filters for the inside air. 
The ultimate objective is to ensure economical 
maintenance by providing the ideal service for 
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell 
your BMW, you will find that a complete dealer 
service history is an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into 
account. Condition Based Service uses this to 
determine the current and future service 
requirements. By letting you define a service 
and maintenance regimen that reflects your 
own individual requirements, the system builds 
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Control Display to show 
remaining distances and times of selected 
maintenance intervals and legally mandated 
deadlines, refer to page77:
>Engine oil
>Brake pads, front and rear separately
>Brake fluid>Vehicle check
>Legally required tests depending on local 
regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores the information required for 
maintenance continuously in the remote con-
trol during driving. After accessing the data 
stored in the remote control, your BMW Service 
Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of 
service procedures for your own individual vehi-
cle. For this reason, when you take your vehicle 
in for service, you should give the BMW Service 
Advisor the remote control last used to drive it.
Make sure the date is set correctly, refer 
to page83, otherwise the effectiveness 
of CBS Condition Based Service is not 
ensured.<
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.< 

Maintenance
222
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 under a cover on the left 
side of the driver's footwell, directly under the 
instrument panel.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The 
exhaust-gas values are deteriorating. 
Have the vehicle checked as soon as 
possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on 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 can detect the 
escape of fuel vapor. This causes a display to 
light up. If the cap is then tightened, the display 
should 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, then certain vehicle 
data can be transmitted or recorded to enable 
corresponding services.
Care
Important information on care and maintenance 
of your BMW is contained in the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure. 

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 223Reference
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Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in the luggage 
compartment under the floor mat.
Replacing wiper blades
1.Fold the wiper arm out and grasp it firmly.
2.Press the locking tabs together while slid-
ing the wiper blade toward the front to dis-
engage it.
3.Insert the new wiper blade and slide it in 
until it audibly clicks into place.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to driving safety. You must be duly diligent 
in replacing them. If you are not familiar with the 
specified procedures, have the corresponding 
work carried out at your BMW center.
Never touch the glass on new bulbs with 
your bare fingers, as even minute 
amounts of contamination will burn into the 
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a 
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its 
metal socket.<
A selection of replacement bulbs is available at 
your BMW center.
Whenever you perform any work on the 
electrical system, turn off the electrical 
devices involved to prevent short circuits from 
occurring. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, follow any 
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
When performing maintenance on the head-
lamps, follow the instructions in the separate 
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
For bulbs for which changing is not 
described, and for checking and adjusting 
headlamp aim, please contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of 
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These 
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a 
concept similar to that applied in conventional 
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never 
stare into the unfiltered light for several 
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.< 

Replacing components
224
Xenon lamps
The service life of these lamps 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 involved, there 
is a danger to life and limb when work is carried 
out improperly.<
Parking lamps, roadside parking 
lamps, daytime running lamps
The illustration shows the front left side of the 
engine compartment.
35-watt bulb, H 8
1.Remove the cover cap1 by pressing the tab 
and removing the cover cap upward.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Always wear gloves and eye protection – 
the atmosphere inside the H8 bulb is 
pressurized. Otherwise, there is a danger of 
injuries if the bulb is accidentally damaged dur-
ing replacement.<
Side-mounted turn signals
5-watt bulb, WY5W
1.Press against the front edge of the lamp 
with the tip of your finger, then push it to the 
rear, release the snap connection at the 
front and take it off the trim strip.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left by 905 and 
remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Tail lamps
The parking lamps, tail lamps, brake 
lamps, and turn signals use LED technol-
ogy. The backup lamps are equipped with long-
life bulbs. Please contact a BMW center in case 
of a malfunction.<
1Turn signals
2Roadside parking, tail and brake lamp
3Reflector
4Backup lamp 

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 227Reference
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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 in the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated. 
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page204.
>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 service contract for BMW Assist 
expires, the BMW Assist system can be deacti-
vated by a BMW center without you having to 
visit a workshop. Following deactivation of the 
BMW Assist system, no emergency requests 
can be made. The BMW Assist system can be 
reactivated after concluding a new agreement 
at a BMW center.
Initiating an emergency request
1.Briefly press protective cover to open.
With some vehicle equipment packages or 
in the Convertible, the arrangement of the 
switches and indicator lamps may differ 
somewhat.
2.Press the SOS button for at least 
2seconds.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.
When the emergency request is received at the 
BMW Assist Response Center, the BMW Assist 
Response Center contacts you and arranges 
for additional steps to help you.
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. You may 
still be heard by the BMW Assist Response 
Center, however.
Under certain conditions, an emergency 
request is automatically initiated immediately 
after a severe accident. The automatic collision 
notification is not affected by the button being 
pressed.
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 
page199.<