
Wheels and tires
204
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, B, and C, A 
being highest, and represent the tire's resis-
tance 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
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side 
of the tire, refer to page205.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Indicates specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread depth, 
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged 
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not fall below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of 
0.063 in/1.6 mm. 
At tread depths below 0.12 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.
Winter tires display a noticeable loss in their 
ability to cope with cold-weather driving condi-
tions once the tread wears to below 0.16 in/
4 mm. To ensure continued safety, you should 
always have such tires replaced.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer 
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire 
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread 
has been driven down to the wear indicators, a 
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been 
reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low profile tires make wheels, 
tires, and suspension parts more susceptible to 
road hazards and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal 
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or 
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These 
kinds of problems may also be signaled by other 
changes in vehicle response, such as a strong 
tendency to pull to the left or right.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. Drive carefully to the nearest 
BMW center or tire shop that works according 
to BMW repair procedures with correspond- 

Mobility
 205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
ingly trained personnel. If necessary, have the 
vehicle towed there. 
Tire damage can be extremely dangerous for 
vehicle occupants and other road users.<
Run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side 
of the tire. 
The run-flat tires consist of special rims and 
tires that are self-supporting to a limited 
degree. The tire reinforcement ensures that the 
tire retains some residual safety in the event of 
pressure drop and driving remains possible to a 
restricted degree.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>When equipped with Flat Tire Monitor, refer 
to Indication of a flat tire on page91.
>When equipped with Tire Pressure Monitor, 
refer to Low tire pressure message on 
page93.
New wheels and tires
Only have new wheels and tires mounted 
by a BMW center or a tire specialist that 
works in accordance with BMW guidelines and 
uses appropriately trained personnel. If this 
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety 
hazards.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of 
retreaded tires; otherwise, driving safety 
may be reduced. Possible variations in the 
design and the age – which could be substantial 
– of the tire casing structures can lead to unusu-
ally rapid wear.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only 
wheel and tire combinations that BMW 
has tested and approved for your particular 
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and 
tires with identical official size ratings could 
actually have different dimensions than the 
approved units – these differences could lead to 
body contact, and with it, the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are 
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, 
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving 
safety.<
You can ask your BMW center for the right 
wheel and tire combination.
The correct wheel and tire combination affects 
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, such as ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. After a flat 
tire, always remember to have the original 
wheel and tire combination remounted on the 
vehicle as soon as possible.
Wheels with electronics for 
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor*
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only 
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the 
Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect 
a flat tire, refer to page91. Your BMW center 
will be glad to advise you. 

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.<  

Everything from A to Z
232
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
"ABC...", navigation131
ABS Antilock Brake 
System87
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control69
"ACCEPT", 
navigation140,148
Accessories, refer to Your 
individual vehicle5
Accident, refer to
– Initiating an emergency 
call219
– Roadside 
Assistance190,219
Activated-charcoal filter107
Activating
– BMW Assist193
– High Definition Radio162
Active cruise control69
– indicator lamp71
– malfunction72
– radar sensor72
– sensor, refer to 
Malfunction72
Active head restraints, 
front47
Active seat50
Active seat ventilation50
Adapter for spare key31
Adaptive brake lamp, refer to 
Brake force display94
Adaptive Drive
– refer to Dynamic Drive89
– refer to EDC Electronic 
Damper Control89
Adaptive Head Light100
Address
– deleting140
– displaying141
– storing139
– storing current position147"Address book", 
navigation139
Adjusting cooling action of 
rear climate control108
Adjusting interior 
temperature105
Adjusting tone in audio mode, 
refer to Tone control153
Adjusting volume153
– ring tone of telephone179
– voice command system25
– voice instructions146
Airbags95
– safe sitting position43
Air conditioning103
– in rear108
– in the rear108
– while parked109
Air distribution
– automatic104
– manual106
Airing, refer to Ventilation107
Air jets, refer to 
Ventilation107
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure200
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode105
Air vents, refer to 
Ventilation107
Air volume
– automatic climate 
control106
– rear climate control108
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications199
Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms38
All around the steering 
wheel10
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires206Altering route, refer to 
Changing route146
Alternate route, refer to 
Changing route146
"AM", radio156
AM, refer to Radio156
"ANGLE", DVD changer173
Antifreeze
– coolant210
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System 
ABS87
Anti-theft system
– refer to Alarm system37
– refer to Central locking 
system32
Approved engine oils209
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest
– front113
– rear114
"Arrow display", 
navigation145
"AS ADDRESS", 
navigation139,147
Ashtray
– front115
– rear116
Assist, refer to 
BMW Assist189
Assistance getting in and 
out52
– backrest width44
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems87
Assistance window20
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control
105 

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Lug bolts
– refer to Preparing for a wheel 
change216
– tightening torque, refer to 
After mounting217
– wrench, refer to What you 
will need215
Luggage compartment119
– capacity228
– convenient access39
– locking separately35
– net119
– opening/closing, refer to 
Luggage compartment 
lid35
– opening from inside36
– opening from outside35
– opening with remote 
control33
– refer to Luggage 
compartment lid35
Luggage compartment lid
– automatic operation33,36
– Comfort Access39
– emergency actuation, refer 
to Manual operation36
– emergency release37
– locking separately35
– opening from inside36
– opening from outside35
– opening separately35
– opening with remote 
control33
– remote control33
– unlocking manually, refer to 
Opening separately35
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack125
Lumbar support 
adjustment44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires206
Maintenance211
– refer to Service required78
Maintenance System211Make-up mirror, refer to 
Illuminated vanity mirror51
Malfunction
– door lock34
– fuel filler door198
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid37
Malfunction displays, refer to 
Check Control80
"MANUAL", 
radio157,159,162
Manually unlocking and 
locking the transmission 
lock64
Manual operation
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door198
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid36
– parking brake60
– transmission lock for 
automatic transmission with 
Steptronic64
Manual station scan157
Map CD, refer to Navigation 
CD/DVD130
"Map dir. travel", 
navigation145
"Map facing N.", 
navigation145
Map for navigation
– changing scale24,145
– destination entry135
Map view facing north145
Master key, refer to Remote 
control/key30
Maximum cooling106,108
"medium", automatic climate 
control105
"Memo", hour signal85
Memory, refer to
– Key Memory31
– Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory46
"MENU", DVD changer174
"menu", rear screen22
"Menu name"19
Menus, Control Display17Microfilter, automatic climate 
control107
Microphone for voice 
command
179
Mirror dimming feature51
Mirrors50
– automatic curb monitor51
– folding in and out51
– heating51
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory46
"Missed", phone186
Missed calls, refer to Dialing 
numbers stored in a list186
Mobile phone
– changing from hands-free 
system to mobile phone187
– changing from mobile phone 
to hands-free system187
– dialing a number from Top 8 
list186
– hands-free system179
– initiating an emergency 
call219
– inserting181
– inserting phone cradle181
– missed calls186
– operating181
– operating via retracting 
telephone keypad179
– operating with buttons on 
steering wheel11
– overview178
– pairing with vehicle182
– phone book185
– redialing185
– refer to Telephone 
overview178
– removing182
– removing phone cradle181
– snap-in adapter178
– unpairing from vehicle183
– volume adjustment179
Modifications, technical, refer 
to For your own safety5
Monitor, refer to
– iDrive16
– rear seat screen21 

Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Route guidance144
– by voice instructions146
– changing route 
specifications141
– continuing144
– displaying driving route130
– distance and arrival77
– selecting new route146
– starting144
– terminating144
– volume of voice 
instructions146
"ROUTE GUIDE", 
navigation134,140
Route instructions, refer to 
Route guidance by voice 
instructions146
"Route preference", 
navigation142
RSC Run-flat System 
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires205
Run-flat tires205
– flat tire91,93
– tire inflation pressure200
– tire replacement205,206
– winter tires206
S
Sack for skis, refer to Ski 
bag117
Safe braking123
Safety5
Safety belts48
– care, refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp48
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags95
– refer to Safety belts48
Safety systems, refer to
– Airbags95
– Driving stability control 
systems87
– Safety belts48
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat 
tires205Sampling, Scan
– CD changer167
– CD player163
– radio157
Sampling a music track, Scan
– CD changer167
– CD player163
"SAT", radio160
SAT, waveband160
"SCAN"
– CD changer167
– CD player163
– radio157
Scan, sampling
– CD changer167
– CD player163
– radio157
"Screen", adjusting 
brightness85
Screw thread for tow 
fitting221
Seats43
– adjusting44
– automatic backrest width 
adjustment44
– comfort seat44
– heating49
– in rear45
– lumbar support44
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory46
– shoulder support45
– storing adjustments46
– thigh support44
– ventilation, refer to Active 
seat ventilation50
"Seat temp.", seat heating49
Seat ventilation, refer to 
Active seat ventilation50
Securing cargo125
Selecting
– menu items with iDrive19
– route for navigation141
Selecting audio source152
Selecting country132
Selecting functions, refer to 
iDrive16
Selecting map view145Selecting menu17
Selecting transmission 
range62
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic62
Selector lever interlock, refer 
to Selecting transmission 
range62
Service, refer to Roadside 
Assistance190,219
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for 
US models211
Service car, refer to Roadside 
Assistance190,219
Service required78
"Services", BMW Assist192
"Service Status", BMW 
Assist191
"SET", setting speed limit82
"Set time 1", parked car 
ventilation109
"Set time 2", parked car 
ventilation109
Setting button, refer to 
iDrive16
Setting language on Control 
Display84
"Settings"
– activating/deactivating 
Bluetooth link183
– pairing mobile phone with 
vehicle182
Settings
– assistance window20
– BMW Night Vision98
– data and time84
– entertainment152
– Key Memory31
– language84
– units of measure84
Setting time, refer to 
Preselecting activation 
time109
Setting volume, speed-
dependent154 

Reference 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Storing vehicle, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Straps, refer to Loading124
"Street", navigation133
"SUBTITLE", DVD 
changer173
Summer tires, refer to Wheels 
and tires200
Sun blinds112
Sunglasses compartment115
"SVS active", voice command 
system23
Switches
– all around the steering 
wheel10
– in the comfort area14
Switch for battery218
Switching cooling function on 
and off manually107
Switching ignition on and 
off57
Switching off engine58
Switching off tilt alarm 
sensor38
Switching on
– audio153
– CD changer165
– CD player163
– DVD changer171
– radio156
Symbols4
– indicator and warning 
lamps13
T
Tachometer75
Tail lamps214
– replacing bulbs215
Tank capacity198
– also refer to Capacities229
Technical changes, refer to 
For your own safety5
Technical data226
Telematics, refer to 
BMW Assist189Telephone
– accepting calls184
– refer to Telephone 
overview178
Telephoning, 
requirements184
Temperature
– adjusting with automatic 
climate control105
– changing units of 
measure84
– outside temperature 
warning75
– refer to Hot exhaust 
system122
Temperature display
– interior temperature105
– outside temperature75
– setting units84
Temperature distribution, 
seat heating49
Temperature of coolant, refer 
to Coolant temperature76
Thawing windows, refer to 
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation106
The right tires205
Thigh support adjustment, 
refer to Seat adjustment44
Third brake lamp, refer to Tail 
and brake lamps214
Three-point belt48
Through loading system117
Tightening torque for lug 
bolts, refer to After 
mounting217
Tilting down passenger-side 
exterior mirror51
"Time", setting84
Time of arrival77
Timer, refer to Preselecting 
switch-on times109
Tire inflation pressure200
– loss, refer to Indication of a 
flat tire91
– loss, refer to Low tire 
pressure message93Tire Pressure Monitor91
– resetting system92
– system limits92
– warning light93
Tire Quality Grading203
Tires
– age203
– breaking-in122
– changing215
– condition204
– damage204
– flat tire215
– inflation pressure200
– pressure monitoring, refer to 
Flat Tire Monitor90
– pressure monitoring, refer to 
TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor91
– replacing205
– run-flat tires205
– size203
– size, refer to New wheels and 
tires205
– storage206
– tread204
– winter tires206
"Tires: FTM", Flat Tire 
Monitor90
"Tires: TPM", Tire Pressure 
Monitor92
"TITLE", DVD changer173
Tone153
– adjusting153
– resetting settings155
"Tone", tone control153
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit213
"TOP", DVD changer174
"TOP 8", telephone186
Top 8 on phone186
– deleting entire list186
– dialing phone number186
Torque
– engine226
– lug bolts, refer to After 
mounting217
Touch tone dialing180
Tow fitting221 

Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
W
Warning and indicator 
lamps13
Warnings, refer to Check 
Control80
Warning triangle220
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian 
models211
Washer fluid66
Washer jets, refer to 
Windshield washer 
nozzles66
Washing systems, refer to 
Wiper fluid filler neck66
Washing the vehicle, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Waste receptacle, refer to
– Ashtray, front115
– Center armrest, front114
Water on roads, refer to 
Driving through water123
Waveband156
– High Definition Radio162
"WB", radio160
WB, weather reports159
Wear indicators in tires, refer 
to Minimum tread depth204
Weather reports159
Weights228
Wheel/tire combination, refer 
to New wheels and tires205
Wheelbase, refer to 
Dimensions227
Wheel change, spare 
wheel216
Wheel changing between 
axles206
Wheel chock, refer to What 
you will need216
Wheel replacement205
Wheels and tires200
Width, refer to 
Dimensions227Windshield
– cleaning, refer to Windshield 
cleaning66
– defrosting, refer to 
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation106
Windshield washer system
– refer to Wiper system65
– washer fluid66
– windshield washer 
nozzles66
Windshield wipers, refer to 
Wiper system65
– care, refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
– changing wiper blades213
Winter tires206
– changing215
– condition204
– run-flat tires206
– speed limit selection82
– storage
206
Wiper blade replacement213
Wiper fluid, filler neck66
Wiper system65
"With highway", 
navigation142
"With map", navigation135
Without freeway, refer to 
Changing route criteria142
Wood decoration, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Wordmatch principle for 
navigation142
Wrenches/screwdrivers, refer 
to Onboard toolkit213
X
Xenon lamp, replacing 
bulbs213
Y
"YES", navigation
– deleting address book140
– deleting destination list138
– deleting individual 
destinations from address 
book140
"YES", Tire Pressure 
Monitor92
Your individual vehicle5
Z
"Zoom", BMW Night Vision98