
At a glance
 17Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Menus on Control Display
You can select from an extended range of func-
tions and setting options:
1BMW Assist
*189
2Communication
*
>Using the phone184
3Car Data
>Computer76
>Trip computer78
>Speed limit82
>Stopwatch83
>Assistance window
 for onboard data83
>Engine oil level208
>Service required78
>Check Control messages804Navigation
*130
>Destination input131
>Route guidance144
5Help
>Brief help text displays21
>Menu name for menu change19
6Entertainment
>Radio156
>CD player
*163
>CD changer
*165
>External audio device169
>DVD changer
*170 

Controls
 89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Deactivating DTC
Select "DTC" and press the controller. 
The LED on the Control Display and the DTC 
indicator lamp on the Info Display go out.
Dynamic Drive
The concept
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and opti-
mizes vehicle stability during cornering and 
evasive maneuvers.
Active stabilizers at the front and rear axles form 
the basis for Dynamic Drive. Suspension com-
pliance adapts to suit driving conditions, vary-
ing from performance-oriented during corner-
ing to smooth and comfort-oriented when the 
vehicle is traveling in a straight line. During vehi-
cle operation, the system continuously runs 
through closed-loop control cycles lasting only 
fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status each 
time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow and 
a message appears on the Info Display. 
A malfunction has occurred in the 
Dynamic Drive system. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
If a malfunction occurs, please remember 
to adapt your speed accordingly, espe-
cially in curves. 
The suspension will be noticeably softer and 
the vehicle will display a greater tendency to tilt 
during cornering and in crosswinds.<
If a Check Control message indicates an oil loss, 
stop as soon as possible at a suitable location 
and switch off the engine. Do not continue driv-
ing, contact your BMW center.
Self-leveling suspension*
Malfunction
The warning lamp for self-leveling sus-
pension lights up yellow and a message 
appears on the Info Display. 
A malfunction has occurred in the level control 
system. 
Stop driving and check the vehicle:
>The vehicle is considerably lower at the rear 
than at the front, possibly also on one side, 
at the rear left compared to the rear right.
>The ground clearance is reduced or the 
driving comfort is noticeably reduced.
>The position of the vehicle is normal, but a 
malfunction is indicated.
Drive to the nearest BMW center or a workshop 
that works in accordance with BMW guidelines 
and uses appropriately trained personnel. Drive 
with appropriate caution in the meantime.
EDC Electronic Damping 
Control*
If the influencing variables such as road surface 
quality or operating conditions such as steer-
ing, braking etc. change, the damping automat-
ically adjusts to the new conditions.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button to open the start 
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "Vehicle" and press the controller.
4.Select "EDC" and press the controller. 

Wheels and tires
206
Recommended tire sizes and brands
BMW recommends particular tire brands for 
each tire size. You will recognize them by the 
clearly visible BMW identification 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 or vice versa, 
for your own safety, use run-flat tires. No spare 
wheel is provided in the event of a flat. Your 
BMW center will be glad to advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends 
that you not have damaged run-flat tires 
repaired; they should be replaced.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold 
winter driving conditions. Although so-called 
all-season M+S tires provide better winter trac-
tion than summer tires, they generally fail to 
provide the same levels of cold-weather perfor-
mance as winter tires.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for 
which the winter tires are rated.<
Storage
Always store wheels or 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 pres-
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Wheel changing between axles
BMW does not recommend changing the front 
wheels to the rear or vice versa as this can dam-
age handling characteristics.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains are tested, 
classified as road-safe, and recommended by 
BMW. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation. Use on winter tires is only permissible in 
pairs on the rear wheels. Follow the manufac-
turer's instructions when installing snow 
chains. Do not exceed 30 mph/50 km/h with the 
chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after 
mounting snow chains. When you are 
driving with snow chains, it can be beneficial to 
activate DTC briefly, refer to page88.<  

Under the hood
208
Engine compartment
1Wiper fluid filler neck66
2Engine oil filler neck, refer to Adding engine 
oil3Body ground, negative terminal220
4Coolant expansion tank210
5Jump starting terminal220
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption depends on driving 
style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil 
level control.
To obtain the most accurate possible oil level 
reading, the measurement should be taken 
when the engine is at operating temperature, 
i.e. following an uninterrupted drive of at least 
6 miles/10 km. You can display the oil level 
while driving or when stopped on a level surface 
with the engine running.
The current oil level can be viewed on the Con-
trol Display.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.1.Press the   button to open the start 
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Car Data".
3.Select   and press the controller.
The oil level is displayed.
Turn the controller to exit the list. 

Mobility
 209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Possible displays
>"Update of engine oil level in process".
>"Engine oil level O.K.".
>"Oil level at minimum!  Add 1 quart engine 
oil": add a maximum of 1 quart/1 liter of 
engine oil at the earliest opportunity, refer 
to Adding engine oil.
>"Oil level under min.!  Add 1 quart engine 
oil": add a maximum of 1 quart/1 liter of 
engine oil at the earliest opportunity, refer 
to Adding engine oil.
>"Engine oil level too high".
Have vehicle checked immediately; 
otherwise, overfilled oil can lead to 
engine damage.<
>"No measurement possible at this time".
Adding engine oil
Do not add oil until a Check Control message 
appears.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km; 
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach of chil-
dren and heed warnings on the contain-
ers to avoid health risks.<
Oil changing
Only have an oil change carried out 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 engine oils after confirming their suitability 
for use in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Use only 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. Use 
only oils of the specification API SH 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.
Never use oil additives as they can dam-
age your engine under some circum-
stances.<
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 for driving at all outside 
temperatures. 

Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
DVD changer170
– adjusting picture172
– adjusting volume153
– controls152
– country codes171
– DVD controller171
– fast forward172
– freeze frame173
– opening specific menu174
– playing DVD171
– reverse172
– searching for chapter172
– selecting language173
– selecting picture format173
– selecting subtitles173
– starting171
– tone control153
DVD multimedia changer, 
refer to DVD changer170
Dynamic Drive89
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC87
– indicator lamp13
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC88
– indicator lamp13
E
"EDC"89
EDC Electronic Damping 
Control89
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on CD player152
Electrical malfunction
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door198
– glass sunroof, electric42
– luggage compartment lid36
– parking brake60
Electric steering wheel 
adjustment51
Electronic brake-force 
distribution87
Electronic Damping Control 
EDC89Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic 
Stability Control87
Electronic toll collection 
device, refer to Entry/pass 
tags126
Emergency actuation, refer to 
Manual operation
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door198
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid36
– parking brake60
– transmission lock for 
automatic transmission with 
Steptronic64
Emergency call219
Emergency release of luggage 
compartment lid from inside 
the luggage 
compartment37
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside 
Assistance190,219
Energy-conscious driving, 
refer to Energy Control/
current fuel consumption77
Energy Control77
Engine
– breaking-in122
– data226
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature76
– speed75,226
– starting57
– switching off58
Engine compartment208
Engine coolant210
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils209
– approved oils209
– checking oil level208
– electronic oil level check208
– oil types, also refer to 
Approved engine oils209
– possible displays of oil level 
check209"Engine oil level O.K."209
"Engine oil level too high"209
Engine output, refer to Engine 
specifications226
Engine overheating, refer to 
Coolant temperature76
Engine speed226
"Enter", navigation134
Entering activation time of 
parked car ventilation109
– "Time 1"110
– "Time 2"110
Entering destination 
address133
Entering house number or 
intersection, navigation133
Entering intersection, 
navigation133
Entering name, destination in 
navigation132
Entering street, 
navigation133
"Entertainment", tone 
control153
Entertainment sound output 
on/off153
Entry/pass tags126
Entry for current position and 
destination, refer to Entering 
destination manually131
Environmentally friendly 
driving, refer to Energy 
Control77
Erasing entire list, refer to 
Deleting entries in lists186
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control87
Event Data Recorders212
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system122 

Everything from A to Z
238 Exterior mirrors50
– adjusting50
– automatic dimming 
feature51
– automatic heating51
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side 
mirror51
External audio 
device114,169
"Extra"
– rear air conditioner108
– rear refrigerator117
Eyes for lashing, refer to 
Securing cargo125
F
"Fader", balance and 
fader154
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control80
Failure of an electrical device, 
refer to Fuses218
False alarm, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms38
Fastening safety belts48
"Fastest route", 
navigation142
Fast forward
– CD changer167
– CD player164
– DVD changer172
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter107
First-aid kit220
Fittings for towing and tow 
starting221
Flashlight, refer to 
Rechargeable flashlight113
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor90
– refer to Changing 
wheels215
– refer to Tire condition204
– run-flat tires91,93,205
– spare tire216
– Tire Pressure Monitor91Flat Tire Monitor90
– initializing system90
– show chains206
– system limits90
– warning lamp91
Flooding, refer to Driving 
through water123
Floor coverings, carpet, refer 
to Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Floor mat, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Fluid reservoir for washing 
systems, refer to Wiper fluid 
filler neck66
"FM", radio156
FM, refer to Radio156
Fog lamps, refer to Front fog 
lamps101
Following distance cruise 
control, refer to Active cruise 
control69
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely123
Footwell lamps, refer to 
Interior lamps101
For specified oil grades, refer 
to Approved engine oils209
Fresh air vents, refer to 
Ventilation107
Front airbags95
Front fog lamps, indicator 
lamp11
,13
Fuel199
– average fuel 
consumption77
– gauge76
– quality199
– refer to Average fuel 
consumption77
– reserve, refer to Fuel 
gauge76
– tank capacity229Fuel consumption display, 
refer to
– Average fuel 
consumption77
– Displays on Info Display76
– Energy control/current 
consumption77
Fuel filler door198
– manually unlocking198
Fuel level, refer to Fuel 
gauge76
Fuel-saving driving, refer to 
Energy Control77
"Full", rear screen22
"FULL MENU", DVD 
changer173
"Full screen", BMW Night 
Vision98
Fuses218
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control111
Gas
– display, refer to Fuel 
gauge76
– fuel quality199
Gear changes, refer to 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic62
Gear display, refer to Displays 
on Info Display62
"General destination", 
navigation136
General driving notes122
Glasses compartment115
Glass sunroof, electric41
– convenience operation32
– moving manually42
Glove compartment113
Grilles, refer to Ventilation107
Gross weight, refer to 
Weights228 

Everything from A to Z
240 Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure200
Inflation pressure monitoring
– refer to Flat Tire Monitor90
– refer to Tire Pressure 
Monitor91
Info Display12
"Information", navigation136
Information, navigation
– "On country"135
– "On dest."135
– "On location"135
– "On town/city"135
Info service192
Infrared windshield, refer to 
Entry/pass tags126
"INITIALIZE", BMW 
Assist194
Inserting navigation CD/
DVD130
Installation location
– CD changer165
– DVD changer170
– mobile phone, refer to 
Inserting mobile phone181
– navigation drive130
Instructions, navigation 
system, refer to Route 
guidance by voice 
instructions146
Instrument cluster, refer to 
Info Display12
Instrument lighting101
Instrument panel, refer to 
Cockpit
– all around the steering 
wheel10
– comfort features14
Integrated universal remote 
control111
Interior lamps101
– switching on with remote 
control32
Interior motion sensor38
– switching off38
Interior rearview mirror, 
automatic dimming 
feature51Interlock, refer to Switching 
off engine58
"INTERM. TIME", 
stopwatch83
Interval Display, refer to 
Service requirements78
J
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jump starting220
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort 
Access38
Keyless opening and closing, 
refer to Comfort Access38
Key Memory31
Keys30
– adapter for spare key30
– key-related settings, refer to 
Key Memory31
Kick-down63
Knock control199
L
Lamps and bulbs213
"Language", settings84
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo125
"Last", phone186
"Last dest.", navigation137
Last destination driven to, 
refer to Destination list138
Last numbers on mobile 
phone, refer to Dialing 
numbers stored in a list186
LATCH child restraint fixing 
system55
Leather care, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
LEDs light-emitting 
diodes213
"Left", seat heating49
Length, refer to 
Dimensions227Level control system89
Light, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams100
Light alloy wheels, care and 
maintenance, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs213
Lighter116
Lighter socket, refer to Power 
socket116
Lighting
– of instruments101
– of vehicle100
Light switch100
"Limit"82
Limit, refer to Speed limit82
"Limited", rear screen22
Load, refer to Loading124
Loading
– securing cargo125
– vehicle124
"LOC.", navigation140
"Location", 
navigation139,147,148
Lock buttons in the doors, 
refer to Locking34
Locking
– from inside34
– from outside32
Locking without key, refer to 
Comfort Access38
Locking without remote 
control, refer to Comfort 
Access38
"LOGIC7", tone control154
Longlife oils, approved 
oils209
"low", automatic climate 
control105
Low beams100
– automatic100
– replacing bulbs, refer to 
Xenon light213
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support 
adjustment44