Driving tips
115Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance to the forward vehicle. A defensive and
smooth driving style keeps fuel consumption
down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second
and higher gears, accele rate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelerating, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable ge ar and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red lig ht, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
On a downhill slope, take your foot off the accel-
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engi ne during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings
or in traffic congestions. You achieve fuel sav-
ings even if standing time is as short as approx.
4 seconds.
Switch off functions you do not need at
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner and the
seat or rear window heating draw large amounts
of power and consume a dditional fuel. Espe-
cially in city traffic and in stop and go driving
they have a considerable impact. Therefore,
switch these functions off when they are not
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW
recommends having the vehicle serviced at a
BMW center. Also note the BMW service sys-
tem, refer to page 216.
General driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid/tailgate and rear
window are closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes
could enter the interior of the vehicle. <
If the vehicle must be driven with the luggage
compartment lid/tailgate open:
1. Close all windows and the glass roof.
2. Greatly increase the ai r volume of the auto-
matic climate control system, refer to
page 95.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sect ions of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply un dercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage. Do not touch ho t exhaust tail pipes.
Otherwise there is a risk of burns. <
Diesel particulate filter*
The diesel particulate filter collects soot parti-
cles and burns them periodically at high tem-
peratures. This cleaning process takes several
minutes. During cleaning, you may notice that
the engine temporarily runs less smoothly and
that a somewhat higher engine speed is neces-
sary to achieve the accustomed performance.
Also, noises may be heard and a slight amount
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Things to remember when driving
116
of smoke may emerge from the exhaust, even
for a short period after
the engine is switched
off.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brak e be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tire s, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page 208.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. <
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Ot herwise greater clutch
wear will result. <
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page 83.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pre ssure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors. Full
braking efficiency will th
en be available when
you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least br aking is required. Even
light but consistent brak e pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page 56.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking action will not be present or there will be
no power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise peda l function could be
impaired. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driv en only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in op erating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to re spond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
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Driving tips
117Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
General information on caring for your BMW
can be found on page218.
Sports Wagon: re ar window wiper
Driving through an automatic car wash can
result in damage to the rear window wiper. If
necessary, ask the operator of the car wash
about protective measures you should take.
With convenient access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition
switch.
The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page 218.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overlo ading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. This can ultimately
result in a sudden blow-out. <
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or
leak from their containers in the cargo
bay, as this could result in damage to the vehi-
cle. <
Determining loading limit
1. Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your tra iler will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the availa ble cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
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Refueling
192
If you refueled with the wrong fuel, contact your
BMW center.
The filler neck is desi gned for refueling at
diesel fuel pumps.
If the filler nozzle cannot be inserted into your
BMW's filler pipe, please ensure that you are re-
fueling at a diesel fuel pump and that it is
equipped with a diesel filler nozzle. <
Winter diesel
To ensure that the diesel engine remains oper-
ational in the winter, please use winter diesel,
which is available at gas stations during winter
months. The fuel filter heating system, included
as a standard feature, prevents disruption of the
fuel supply while driving.
Do not add additives, including gasoline;
otherwise, engine damage may occur. <
BMW Advanced Diesel
The concept
BMW Advanced Diesel reduces nitrogen oxide
in the diesel emissions of your vehicle by means
of a mechanism that injects diesel exhaust fluid,
a reduction agent, into the exhaust tract. A
chemical reaction occurs in the catalytic con-
verter that minimizes the nitrogen oxide con-
tent.
To be able to start the engine as usual, a suffi-
cient amount of diesel exhaust fluid must be
present in a separate reservoir.
Warming the system
To warm the system to its operating tempera-
ture after starting with a cold engine, the auto-
matic transmission delays shifting to the next
higher gear, if necessary.
Reserve display
A display in the instrument cluster informs you
about the remaining distance you can drive with
the fluid remaining in the reservoir.
-
The reserve display appears beginning at ap-
prox. 1,000 miles/1,600 km before the supply is
used up.
When this reserve display appears in the
instrument cluster, have diesel exhaust
fluid refilled to avoid not being able to start the
engine. <
Diesel exhaust fluid at the minimum
level
Even if the display indicates -- mls, the engine
continues running if it is not switched off and if
all other requirements cont inue to be met, e.g. a
sufficient supply of fuel.
Do not drive to the end of the indicated
distance. Otherwise, it will not be possible
to start the engine again after switching it off. <
Wrong fluid
A warning lamp lights up:
The wrong fluid was filled into the res-
ervoir.
Please contact your BMW center.
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Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Environmentally friendly driving, refer to Energy
Control 68
Equalizer, tone setting 143
Error messages, refer to
Check Control 75
Event data recorders 217
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 115
Expanding the cargo bay 107
Exterior mirrors 47
– adjusting 47
– automatic dimming
feature 48
– automatic heating 47
– folding in and out 47
External audio device 103
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 233
– for tying down loads 118
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 75
Failure of an electrical consumer 229
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional alarm 34
– switching off an alarm 33
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 46
Fastest route for navigation 133
Fast forward
– CD changer 152
– CD player 152
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 97
First aid pouch 231
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 53
Flash when locking/ unlocking 28 Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires
209
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 84
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 83
– indicating a flat tire 84
– indicator/warning lamp 84
– initializing the system 83
– malfunction 84
– snow chains 83,210
– system limits 83
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 208
Fluid reservoir, refer to Washer fluid reservoir 59
FM, waveband 145
Fog lamps 92
– indicator lamp 13,92
Folding rear seat backrest 107
Folding up the floor panel 109
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 116
Footwell lamps, refer to Interior lamps 93
For your own safety 5
Four-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 82
Free memory capacity, music
collection 159
Front airbags 88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 83
Fuel 191
– additives 192
– average consumption 69
– gauge 68
– high-qu
ality brands 191
– quality 191
– specifications 191
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities 242
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 68
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 68
Fuel-efficient driving, refer to
Energy Control 68 Fuel filler door
190
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction 190
Fuses 229
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 99
Gasoline
– refer to Average consumption 69
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel 191
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge 68
Gear indicator, automatic transmission with
Steptronic 55
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 56
– manual transmission 55
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 56
– manual transmission 55
General driving notes 115
Glass roof, electric 37
– closing after electrical
malfunction 37
– convenient operation 28,29
– initializing 37
– opening, closing 37
– pinch protection system 37
– power failure 37
– raising 37
– remote control 28
Glove compartment 102
GPS navigation, refer to Navigation system 122
Grills 94
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 241
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Everything from A - Z
256
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs224
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 54
Hands-free system 14
Hazard warning flashers 14
HDC Hill Descent Control 82
HD radio, refer to High Definition Radio 146
Head airbags 88
Headlamp control,
automatic 90
Headlamp cover 224
Headlamp flasher 57
– indicator lamp 11,13
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs 224
Head restraints 43
– rear, removing 44
– sitting safely 41
Heated
– mirrors 47
– rear window 97
– seats 45
Heating
– mirrors 47
– rear window 97
– residual heat 96
– seats 45
– steering wheel 48
Heating and ventilation, refer to Climate 94
Heating while at a standstill, refer to Using residual
heat 96
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 118
Height, refer to
Dimensions 239
Height adjustment
– seats 42
– steering wheel 48
High beams 92
– headlamp flasher 92
– indicator lamp 13
– replacing bulbs 224
High Definition Radio 146High-pressure
washer 218,219
High water, refer to Driving through water 116
Highways, refer to Route
criteria 133
Hill Descent Control HDC 82
Hills 116
Holders for cups 104
Homepage BMW 4
Hood 211
Hooks for shopping bags 108
Ho
rn 10, 11
Hotel function, refer to Locking or unlocking
separately 32
Hot exhaust system 115
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to Dynamic Brake Control
DBC 81
Hydroplaning 116
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio 146
Ice warning, refer to Outside temperature
warning 67
ID3 tag, refer to Information about the track 151
Identification marks
– Run-Flat Tires 209
– tire coding 207
iDrive 16
– adjusting brightness 78
– changing language 78
– changing settings 78
– changing units of measure and display format 71
– controls 16
– menu guidance 17
– operating principle 16
– overview 16
– setting the date and time 74
– start menu 17
– status information 19
iDrive operating principle 16Ignition
53
– switched off 53
– switched on 53
Ignition key, refer to Remote control with integrated
key 26
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 53
Ignition key position 2, refer to Ignition on 53
Ignition lock 53
Imprint 2
Indicator and warning
lamps 13
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 86
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire inflation pressure 195
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM 84
Initializing
– after power failure 229
– compass, refer to Calibrating 101
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 83
– glass roof 37
– panorama glass roof 39
– radio, refer to Station, storing 145
– refer to Setting the time and
date 74
Installation location
– CD changer 154
– navigation DVD drive 122
– telephone 103
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instr
uctions 134
Instrument cluster 12
Instrument lighting 92
Instrument panel, refer to Cockpit 10
Integrated key 26
Integrated universal remote control 99
Interior lamps 93
– remote control 28
Interior motion sensor 33
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Everything from A - Z
258
Master key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key 26
Maximum cooling 95
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 210
Measurements, refer to Dimensions 239
Memory, refer to Seat and mirror memory 45
MENU button 16
Menus, refer to iDrive 16
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance System 216
– for automatic climate
control 97
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
– BMW Maintenance System 216
Microphone
– telephone 14
– voice commands 14
Mirror dimming feature 48
Mirrors 47
– automatic curb monitor 47
– exterior mirrors 47
– heating 47
– interior rearview mirror 48
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 45
Mirrors, folding in before entering a car wash 47
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 171
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing 168
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 103
– operation via iDrive 171
– pairing 168
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation location, refer to Center
armrest 103
Mobile phone, refer to Telephone 168 Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 5
Monitor, refer to iDrive
controls 16
Monitoring system for tire pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 83
MP3 player, connecting, refer to AUX-IN port 161
MP3 player, connecting, refer to USB-audio interface 162
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 57
– refe
r to Wiper system 58
Multimedia screen, refer to iDrive 16
Music, managing 159
Music, playing 158
Music, storing 157
Music collection 157
– backup 160
– importing 160
Music player, connecting, refer to AUX-IN port 161
Music player, connecting,
refer to USB-audio
interface 162
Music search 158
N
Navigation announcements,
refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off 134
Navigation data 122
Navigation drive, location 122
Navigation DVD 122 Navigation system
122
– address book 125
– bypassing a route section 134
– continuing destination
guidance 133
– destination entry 123
– displaying current
position 139
– entering a destination by voice 129
– entering a destination manually 123
– route list 134
– selecting destination via map 128
– selecting route criteria 133
– special destinations 126
– starting destination
guidance 133
– terminating destination guidance 133
– voice instructions 134
– volume adjustment 135
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 43
Nets, refer to Storage compartments 103
New tires 209
North-facing map 135
Nozzles 94
Number of cylinders, refer to Engine data 238
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope 233O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for On-Board Diagnosis 217
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 191
Odometer 67
Oil, refer to Engine oil 212
Oil consumption 212
Oil level 212
Old batteries, refer to Disposal 229
Onboard tool kit 222
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Reference 259
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Opening and closing
– convenient access34
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
– using the door lock 29
– via the remote control 27
Options, selecting for navigation 133
Orientation menu, refer to Start menu 17
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 97
Output, refer to Engine
data 238
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 96
Outside-temperature display 67
– changing units of
measure 71
– in computer 71
Outside temperature
warning 67
Overheated engine, refer to Coolant temperature 68
Overriding selector lever lock 57
Overview
– radio control 142
P
Paintwork care 219
Panorama glass roof 38
– closing after electrical malfunction 39
– comfort position 39
– convenient operation 28
– initializing 39
– opening, closing 38
– pinch protection system 39
– power failure 39
– raising 38
– remote control 28
Park assistant, refer to Park Distance Control 80
Park Distance Control PDC 80Parked car ventilation
97
– preselecting switch-on
times 98
– switching on and off directly 98
Parking
– vehicle 54
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 80
Parking brake 54
– indicator lamp 54
Parking lamps 90
– replacing bulbs 223,225
Parking lamps/low beams 90
Particulate filter, refer to Diesel particulate filter 115
Partition net 107
Passenger-side mirror tilt function 47
Pathway lighting 91
Personal Profile 26
Phone book 171
Phone numbers
– dialing 172
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric 37
– panorama glass roof 39
– windows 36
Placing a call, refer to telephone owner's manual
Polish 220
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 97
Position, refer to Current position, displaying 139
Postal code, entering for navigation 124
Power failure 229
Power windows 36
– safety switch 36
Power windows, refer to
Windows 36
Preheating, refer to Vehicles
with diesel engine 54
Pressure, tires 195
Pressure monitoring, tires 83
– Flat Tire Monitor 83Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM 84
Programmable buttons on the steering wheel 11
Protection function, refer to Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric 37
– panorama glass roof 39
– windows 36
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First add pouch 231
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor 83
R
Radio
– controls142
– High Definition Radio 146
– satellite radio 148
– selecting a waveband 145
– storing stations 145
– switching on/off 142
– tone control 142
– volume 142
– Weather Band, refer to Weather information 148
Radio position, refer to Radio readiness 53
Radio readiness 53
– switched off 53
– switched on 53
Radio-remote key, refer to
Remote control with
integrated key 26
Rain sensor 58
Rapeseed-oil methyl ester RME 191
Reading lamps 93
Rear lamps, refer to Tail lamps 226
Rear seat backrest,
folding 107
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