
Mobility
 213Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
The oil level must not be above the upper 
marking of the dipstick. Too much oil will 
harm the engine. <
Gasoline engine: checking engine oil 
level
Your car is equipped with  an electronic oil-level 
monitor.
For a precise measurement and display of the 
oil level, it is necessary that the engine be at op-
erating temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted 
driving for at least appr ox. 6.5 miles/10 km. You 
can have the oil level  displayed while you are 
driving, or while the vehicle is at a standstill on a 
level surface and the engine is running.
Display in the instrument cluster
1. Push button  1 in the turn indicator lever up 
or down repeatedly until the appropriate 
symbol is shown in the display, accompa-
nied by the word "OIL".
2. Press button  2 in the turn in dicator lever. 
The oil level is checke d and the reading dis-
played.
Possible displays
1 Oil level OK
2 Oil level is being checked.
This can take about 3 minutes if the car is at 
a standstill on a level surface, or about 
5 minutes while the ca r is on the move.
3 Oil level down to minimum:
Add engine oil as soon as possible, but no 
more than 1 US quart/1 liter, refer also to 
Adding engine oil on page 214.
4 Oil level is too high.
Too much oil will harm the engine. 
Have the vehicle checked without de-
lay. <
5 The oil level sensor is defective.
Do not add engine oil. You can continue 
your journey. Note the newly calculated dis-
tance remaining to the next oil service, refer 
to page 71. Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
Display via iDrive
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
ba8_E9091_cic.book  Seite 213  Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008  2:59 14 

Under the hood
214
1.
"Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Engine oil level"
Possible messages
>"Engine oil level OK."
> "Measurement not possible at this time."
> "Measuring engine oil level...":
This can take about 3 min utes if the car is at 
a standstill on a level surface and the engine 
is running, and about 5 minutes while the 
car is moving.
If engine oil was added,  it may take up to 
30 minutes to obtain  an oil level reading.
> "Engine oil level below minimum. Add 1 
quart!"
Add engine oil as soon  as possible, but no 
more than 1 US quart/1 liter, refer also to 
Adding engine oil below.
If the oil level is below the minimum value, 
add engine oil immediately to avoid engine 
damage.
> "Engine oil level too high! Have this 
checked."
Too much oil will  harm the engine. 
Have the vehicle checked without de-
lay. < >
"Measurement inactive. Have this 
checked."
Do not add engine oil. You can continue 
your journey. Note the newly calculated dis-
tance remaining to the ne xt oil service, refer 
to page 71. Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Add a maximum of 1 US quart/1 liter of engine 
oil no earlier than wh en a corresponding mes-
sage appears on the Control Display or, if the 
car has a diesel engine, when the oil level has 
dropped to just above the lower marking on the 
dipstick, refer to page 212.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km, 
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of 
children and comply with the relevant 
warnings on the containers. Otherwise, health 
hazards may result. <
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or at 
a workshop that works according to BMW re-
pair procedures with  correspondingly trained 
personnel.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine  oil selected has critical 
significance for the oper ation and service life of 
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after testing them extensively.
Your BMW center will be glad to answer 
any questions regarding the approved 
oils. <
ba8_E9091_cic.book  Seite 214  Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008  2:59 14 

Mobility
 215Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
You can also call BMW of North America at 
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website 
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.Do not use oil additives, as these may 
cause engine damage. <
Alternative oil types
If exceptionally none of the approved oils hap-
pens to be available, sm all quantities of other 
oils may be used when adding oil between oil 
changes. However, the corresponding con-
tainer must be labeled with one of the following 
oil specifications:
Gasoline engines
> Preferred: BMW Longlife-01, 
BMW Longlife-01 FE or BMW Longlife-04
> Alternatively: BMW Longlife-98, API SM or 
higher
Diesel engines
BMW Longlife-04
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and 
is categorized in SAE classes.
Selecting the appropriate SAE class depends 
on the regional climatic conditions in which you 
normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the 0W-40, 
0W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30 SAE 
classes. <
These oils can be used fo r driving at all outside 
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system 
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant 
can cause burns. <
Coolant consists of half  water and half additive. 
Not all commercially availa ble additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center for 
suitable additives. Only use suitable additives, otherwise en-
gine damage may re
sult. Because addi-
tives are harmful to your health, it is important to 
follow the instructions on the containers. <
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives. <
Checking coolant level
1.Do not open the engine hood before the en-
gine has cooled down.
2. Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little 
counterclockwise to  allow any accumulated 
pressure to escape, then continue turning 
to open.
3. The coolant level is corr ect if it is between 
the maximum and minimum marks in the 
filler neck, refer also to  the diagram next to 
the filler neck.
4. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to 
the specified level; do not overfill.
5. Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6. Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
ba8_E9091_cic.book  Seite 215  Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008  2:59 14 

Maintenance
216
Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your BMW. The objective is to optimize 
efforts with respect to  minimal vehicle mainte-
nance costs.
If and when you come to sell your BMW, a com-
prehensive record of servicing will prove a sig-
nificant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algo rithms 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 requirem ents, the system builds 
the basis for trouble-free driving.
On the Control Displa y, you can have the 
remaining times or distan ces for selected main-
tenance tasks and any le gally prescribed dates 
displayed, refer to page 71:
> Engine oil
> Brake pads: separately  for front and rear
> Brake fluid
> Vehicle check
> Legally mandated in spections depending 
on local regulations
> Diesel particulate filter
*
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuo usly stores service-
requirement information in the remote control 
while you are driving. Your BMW Service Advi-
sor can read out this da ta from the remote con-
trol unit, and propose an optimized mainte-
nance approach. Whenever you take your car in 
for servicing you should therefore hand your 
BMW Service Advisor the remote control unit 
that you last used.
Make sure that the date is always set cor-
rectly, refer to page 74; otherwise the 
effectiveness of Condit ion Based Service CBS 
is not assured. <
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. <
ba8_E9091_cic.book  Seite 216  Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008  2:59 14 

Mobility
 217Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Socket for On-Board 
Diagnosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust 
emissions can be checked by a device via the 
OBD socket.
This socket is located on the driver's side to the 
left, on the bottom of the instrument panel 
underneath a cover.
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp lights up:
The exhaust emission values have 
worsened. Have the car checked as 
soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning 
lamp.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This 
indicates excessive misfir ing in the engine. If 
this happens, you should reduce your speed 
and visit your nearest BMW center as soon as 
possible. Severe engine misfiring can quickly 
lead to serious damage  of emissions-related 
components, especially  the catalytic converter.
The warning lamp comes on if the gas 
cap is not properly tightened and the 
OBD system assumes that fuel vapor 
is escaping. If the gas ca p is then tightened, the 
warning lamp should go  out within a few days.
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a 
device for recording or sending certain vehicle 
data or information. In addition, if you have 
signed a service contract for BMW Assist, cer- tain vehicle data ma
y be transmitted or 
recorded in order to fa cilitate the corresponding 
services.
ba8_E9091_cic.book  Seite 217  Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008  2:59 14 

Care
218
Care
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value retention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your 
vehicle with products that are approved by 
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be  happy to advise you on 
the products and services available for cleaning 
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW CareProducts have been 
material tested, labo ratory checked and 
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and 
protection for your vehicle. <
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol 
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances 
that are dangerous or hazardous to your 
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety 
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning 
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or 
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products 
designed for cleaning vehicles. <
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months, 
ensure that the vehicle is washed more 
frequently. Heavy soiling and road salt can lead 
to vehicle damage. <
After washing the vehicle, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them, otherwise 
water can reduce braking efficiency over the 
short term and the brake discs can corrode. <
Automatic car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is 
suitable for your BMW. Check the following: >
Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to 
page 239
> If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors, 
refer to page 47
> Maximum permissible tire width
Preparations before driv ing into an automatic 
car wash:
> Unscrew the rod antenna
*.
> Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
> Sports Wagon: deactivate the rear window 
wiper and protect it against damage. If nec-
essary, ask the operator of the car wash 
about protective measures you should take.
> Remove additional attachments, e.g. 
spoiler or telephone an tennas, if there is a 
possibility that they could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into an  automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to  ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1. Insert the remote cont rol, even with conve-
nient access, into the ignition lock.
2. Move the selector lever to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Leave the remote control  in the ignition lock 
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets / high -pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure 
washers, ensure that you maintain suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed 
a temperature of 140 7/60 6. 
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or 
temperature can lead to  component damage or 
water penetration. Follow the operating instruc-
tions of the high-pressure washer. <
When using high-pressure washers, do 
not spray against the sensors and cam-
ba8_E9091_cic.book  Seite 218  Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008  2:59 14 

Replacing components
222
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
Sedan
The onboard tool kit is stored in a compartment 
on the right-hand side of the cargo bay. 
Remove the cover.
Sports Wagon
The onboard tool kit is stored in a compartment 
on the left-hand side underneath the cargo bay 
floor panel.
Wiper blades
1. Fold up the wiper arm.
2. Remove the cover. To do so, press the hook 
on the bottom, see arrow.
3. Fold the wiper blade upwards.
4. Remove the wiper blade in the direction of 
the windshield, see arrow.
To avoid damage, make sure that the 
wiper arms are against the windshield 
before you open the engine compartment.<
ba8_E9091_cic.book  Seite 222  Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008  2:59 14 

Mobility
 225Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Access to the bulbs
The high-beam bulb can be accessed from the 
engine compartment, whereas the low-beam 
bulb can be accessed through a flap in the wheel 
well.
1Cover for high-beam headlamp
2 Cover for low-beam headlamp
3 Turn signal bulb socket
To remove the covers:
1. Fold the respective wire  bracket to the side, 
see arrows.
2. Flip open the cover and take it out of the 
guide.
Follow the same steps in reverse order to reat-
tach the covers.
Access through the wheel well
Only for low-beam head lamps and turn signals:
1. Turn the wheel inwards.
2. Open the flap in the wheel well. To do so, 
turn the fastener counterclockwise using a 
coin, for example.
Changing low-beam and high-beam 
bulbs
1.Remove the relevant  cover for the head-
lamp.
2. Disconnect the plug from the bulb.
3. Push the wire bracket to the side out of the 
mounting, arrow 1, and fold it down, arrow 2.
4. Remove the bulb.
5. Insert new bulb as show n in the detail of the 
illustration above.
6. Fold up the wire bracket and engage it.
7. Connect the plug.
8. Reattach the cover.
Parking lamps, roadside parking lamps
5-watt bulb, W5W
1.Remove the cover for the high-beam head-
lamp.
2. Pull out the bulb socket, see arrow.
3. Remove and replace the bulb.
4. Insert bulb socket.
5. Reattach the cover.
ba8_E9091_cic.book  Seite 225  Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008  2:59 14