
Things to remember when driving
134
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to 
each other. To ensure that your vehicle contin-
ues to provide optimized economy of operation 
throughout an extended service life, we request 
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and driving speeds, 
however do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/
160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode during these 
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be 
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive in a reserved manner during 
this break-in period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced 
after subsequent driving operation.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends 
on various factors. Through a few simple steps, 
your driving style, and regular maintenance, you 
can have a positive influence on your fuel con-
sumption and environmental impact.
Removing unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Removing add-on parts after use
Remove unneeded auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear 
luggage racks after use. Add-on parts attached 
to the vehicle impede the aerodynamics and 
increase the fuel consumption.
Closing windows and glass sunroof
An open glass sunroof or open windows like-
wise increase the drag coefficient and therefore 
the fuel consumption.
Checking tire inflation pressures 
regularly
Check and correct the tire inflation pressure as 
needed at least twice a month and before long 
trips.
An insufficient tire inflation pressure increases 
the rolling resistance and thus increases the 
fuel consumption and tire wear.
Driving off immediately
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it 
running while the vehicle remains stationary. 
Instead, begin to drive at a moderate engine 
speed. This is the fastest way for the cold 
engine to reach its operating temperature. 

Things to remember when driving
136 the road surface, ultimately undermining your 
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread 
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page229.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it 
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at 
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle in 
place for a long time by riding the clutch; 
use the handbrake. Otherwise greater clutch 
wear will result.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard 
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to 
brake with full force. 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.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the 
brake pedal. Even light but consistent 
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures, 
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, 
briefly exert gentle pressure 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 to ensure 
that full braking efficiency will then 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 braking is required. Even 
light but consistent pressure on the brake can 
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos-
sibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further 
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the 
way down into first gear. This strategy helps 
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake 
system. For information on downshifting in the 
manual mode of the automatic transmission, 
refer to page65.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in 
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise there will be no engine braking action or 
support of the braking force and steering. 
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area of movement 
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are less frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminants 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 respond with a pulsating 
effect that even extended application will fail to 
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the 
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the 
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page55, 
otherwise they could be damaged due to the 
width of the vehicle. 

Mobility
 239Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care make a significant 
contribution to retaining your BMW's value.
For the cleaning and care of your vehicle, BMW 
recommends using only products that BMW 
has approved for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be glad to advise you 
about products and services for the cleaning 
and care of your BMW.
Genuine BMW Care Products are materi-
als tested, laboratory tested, and tested in 
actual use. They offer optimum care and pro-
tection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol 
or solvents; they can damage your vehi-
cle.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances 
that are dangerous or pose health risks. 
You should therefore heed the warnings and 
hazard indications on the packaging. Open the 
doors or windows on your vehicle whenever 
cleaning the interior. Make sure there is suffi-
cient ventilation in enclosed spaces. Use only 
products that are formulated for vehicle clean-
ing.<
Exterior care
Washing your vehicle
In the winter months, it is especially 
important to ensure that the vehicle is 
washed on a regular basis. Otherwise, signifi-
cant soiling and road salt can cause damage to 
the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them. Failure to do so 
may lead to a reduction in braking efficiency and 
also to corrosion of the brake rotors.<
Car washes
Give preference to cloth car washes.Before driving into the car wash, make sure that 
it is suitable for your BMW. Pay attention to the 
following points:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to 
page261.
>If necessary, fold in the outside rearview 
mirrors, refer to page55.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Deactivate rain sensor to prevent unwanted 
wiper activation.
>Deactivate rear window wiper
* and protect 
it from damage. Take appropriate protec-
tive measures; inquiring with the car wash 
operator as needed.
>Remove additional add-on parts, e.g. spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be 
damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure the 
vehicle is able to roll by making sure to:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock, even with comfort access.
2.Shift into transmission 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 cleaners/high-pressure 
cleaning jets
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 1407/606. 
Insufficient distance or excessive pressure or 
temperature can damage parts of the vehicle or 
can result in water penetration. Follow the oper-
ating instructions for the high-pressure clean-
ing jets.< 

Care
240 When using high-pressure cleaning jets, 
do not remain in one place for a long time 
and be sure to maintain a distance of at least 
12 in/30 cm from sensors, e.g. Park Distance 
Control sensors or radar sensors.<
Hand washing
When washing the vehicle by hand, use plenty 
of water and car washing shampoo. Clean the 
vehicle with gentle pressure using a sponge or a 
washing brush.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unwanted wiper operation.<
Follow local guidelines for washing vehi-
cles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not rub dry and never use abrasives or 
strong solvents to clean the covers.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or 
insect remover and wash away with plenty of 
water.
Use a window de-icer to remove accumulated 
ice and snow, not a scraper.
Windows
Use a glass cleaner to clean the inside and out-
side surfaces of the windows and the glass sur-
faces of the mirrors.
Do not use quartz-containing cleansers 
to clean glass surfaces of the mirrors.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to 
prevent streaking.
The presence of wax and sealant residues 
and dirt on the windows leads to streaking 
during wiper operation and results in premature 
wear on wiper blades as well as interference 
with the rain sensor.<
Caring for the vehicle finish
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value 
and protects the paint from the long-term 
effects of aggressive substances.Regionally occurring environmental factors can 
affect and damage vehicle finish. It is therefore 
important to tailor the frequency and extent of 
your car care accordingly.
Immediately remove particularly aggressive 
substances such as spilled fuel, oil, grease, 
brake fluid, tree resin, or bird droppings; other-
wise, they may damage your paint.
Repairing paint damage
Repair stone damage or scratches imme-
diately, depending on the severity of the 
damage, to prevent the formation of rust.<
BMW recommends having paint damage pro-
fessionally repaired using Genuine BMW finish 
materials in accordance with factory guidelines.
Waxing
Sealant is required when w a t e r  n o  l o ng e r  b e a ds  
on the clean surface of the paint. Use only prod-
ucts that contain carnauba wax or synthetic wax 
to seal your finish.
Rubber gaskets
Treat only with water or a rubber care product.
To avoid noise or damage, do not use 
products that contain silicone to care for 
rubber gaskets.<
Chrome components
Particularly after exposure to road salt, thor-
oughly cleanse parts like the radiator grille, door 
handles, or window frames with plenty of water 
with shampoo added to it. For additional treat-
ment, use chrome polish.
Alloy wheels
Depending on your system, braking can gener-
ate dust, which settles on the light-alloy wheels. 
Remove this dust regularly with acid-free wheel 
cleaner.
Do not use aggressive, acid-containing, 
strongly alkaline, or coarse cleansers and 
do not use steam cleaners at temperatures 
greater than 1407/606; otherwise you may 
damage your vehicle.< 

Mobility
 251Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure 
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems with valve stem 
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source 
of gradual air loss.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to 
page95, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, 
refer to page97.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h.
The driving characteristics change, for example 
reduced track stability on braking, extended 
braking distance, and altered self-steering 
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction 
with winter tires, these characteristics are more 
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be 
mounted. Restore the wheels and tires to 
their original size as quickly as possible. Failure 
to do so is a safety risk.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the 
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery 
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in 
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the 
terminals in the engine compartment with the 
engine switched off. Connections, refer to 
Jump starting on page254.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your 
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright position for transport and storage. Always 
restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping 
over during transport.<
Power failure
Following a temporary power failure, e.g. due to 
a discharged battery, the use of some equip-
ment will be restricted, requiring its reinitializa-
tion. In the same way, individual settings are lost 
and must be updated again:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory 
The positions must be stored again, refer to 
page50.
>Time and date
Must be updated again, refer to page87.
>Radio 
Radio stations must be stored again, refer 
to page174.
>Navigation system 
You must wait until the system becomes 
functional again, refer to page142.
>Glass roof, electric
It may only be possible to raise the glass 
roof. The system must be initialized, refer to 
page44.
>Panorama glass roof
It may only be possible to raise the glass 
roof. The system must be reinitialized, refer 
to page46.
>Active steering
The system is deactivated and must be 
reinitialized, refer to page99. Until then, 
larger steering wheel movements are 
required.
>Power windows 
The pinch prevention system for the power 
windows must be reinitialized, refer to 
page42.
Talk to your BMW center before placing 
the stored vehicle back in service.<
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and 
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub- 

Everything from A to Z
276 Electronic brake-force 
distribution91
Electronic oil level check234
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door220
– luggage compartment lid36
– tailgate38
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission66
Emergency operation, refer to 
Moving manually
– glass sunroof44
– panorama glass sunroof46
Emergency release for 
luggage compartment lid in 
cargo bay37
Emergency request253
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance254
"Enabled services"215
"Enabled TeleServices"212
"Enable services"215
"End call"202
Energy-conscious driving, 
refer to Energy Control80
Energy Control80
Engine
– breaking-in134
– data260
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature79
– speed260
– starting63
– starting, with comfort 
access40
– switching off63
Engine compartment233
Engine coolant235Engine oil
– adding235
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils235
– approved engine oil235
– checking oil level234
– electronic oil level check234
– interval between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements82
– oil change235
– oil grades, refer to Approved 
engine oils235
"Engine oil level"234
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data260
Engine overheating, refer to 
Coolant temperature79
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
data260
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine63
"Enter address"144,152
Entering destination via town/
city name145
Entering intersection, 
navigation146
Entering the 
address144,147
Entering town/city for 
navigation145
Entering zip code for 
navigation146
"Entertainment"168
Entertainment sound output 
on/off169
Entry map for destination149
Environmentally friendly 
driving
– refer to Energy control80
Equalizer, refer to Tone 
control171
"Equalizer", tone control171
"ESN"179
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control92
Event Data Recorders238Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system135
Exterior mirrors54
– adjusting54
– automatic dimming 
feature56
– automatic heating55
– folding in and out55
– tilting down passenger-side 
exterior mirror55
External audio device124
Eye for tow-starting and 
towing, refer to Tow 
fitting255
F
Fader, refer to Tone 
control170
"Fader", tone control170
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control84
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms40
– refer to Switching off 
alarm40
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts52
– warning lamp52
Fastest route for 
navigation154
"Fast route" in navigation155
Filler neck for washer fluid70
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter118
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit254
First-aid kit254
Flashing
– during locking/unlocking, 
refer to Setting confirmation 
signals33
– triple turn signal 
activation68 

Everything from A to Z
278 Head restraints51
– active front head 
restraints51
– removing52
– sitting safely47
Head-Up Display102,103
Heated
– mirrors55
– rear window116
– seats53
– steering wheel56
Heating114
– exterior mirrors55
– interior114
– rear window116
– residual heat117
– seats53
– steering wheel56
Heating with engine switched 
off, refer to Residual 
heat117
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing 
cargo138
Height, refer to 
Dimensions261
Height adjustment
– seats48
– steering wheel56
High-beam 
assistant110,112
High beams110
– headlamp flasher110
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs245
High Definition Radio176
High-pressure cleaning 
jets239,240
High water, refer to Driving 
through water136
Hill Descent Control HDC93
Hills136
Holder for cups125
"Home address" in 
navigation154
Homepage of BMW4
Hood232
Hooks for shopping bags, 
Sports Wagon130Horn10
Hotel function, refer to 
Locking separately36
Hot exhaust system135
"Hour memo"88
"House number" in 
destination entry
147
Hydraulic brake assistant, 
refer to Brake assistant91
Hydroplaning135
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition 
Radio176
Ice, refer to Outside 
temperature warning79
ID3 tag, refer to Information on 
track184
Identification mark
– recommended tire 
brands230
– run-flat tires229
– tire coding227
iDrive16
– assistance window21
– automatic climate control 
with expanded scope115
– changing date and time87
– changing language89
– changing menu page20
– changing settings87
– changing units of measure 
and display type89
– confirming selection or 
entry20
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus18
– operating principle18
– selecting menu item20
– setting brightness88
– start menu18
– status information21
– symbols19
Ignition62
– switched off63
– switched on62Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control30
Ignition key position 1, refer to 
Radio readiness62
Ignition key position 2, refer to 
Ignition on62
Ignition lock62
– starting engine with comfort 
access42
i menu18
Imprint2
Indicator/warning lamps
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System94
– active steering100
– airbags102
– brake system94
– DSC13,92
– DTC13,92
– Flat Tire Monitor96
– fog lamps
13
– safety belt warning52
– TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor98
Indicator and warning 
lamps13
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure222
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to Flat Tire Monitor95
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor97
Info menu18
Information
– on another location150
– on current position150
– on destination location150
"Information" in 
navigation150
Information menu, refer to 
imenu18
"Information on 
destination"152
"Info sources"82 

Reference 279
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor95
– radio, refer to Storing 
stations174
– refer to Power failure251
– refer to Setting time and 
date87
– seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory49
"Input map"149
Installation location
– CD changer186
– drive for navigation DVD142
– mobile phone123
Instructions for navigation 
system, refer to Voice 
instructions159
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer 
to Instrument lighting112
Instrument lighting112
Instrument panel, refer to 
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Integrated key30
Integrated universal remote 
control121
Interesting destination for 
navigation150
"Interim time"87
Interior lamps112
– switching on with remote 
control33
Interior motion sensor40
– switching off40
Interior rearview mirror55
– automatic dimming 
feature56
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers69
J
Jacking points250
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump 
starting254
Jump starting254
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort 
access40
Keyless opening and closing, 
refer to Comfort access40
Key Memory, refer to Personal 
Profile31
"Keypad"204
Keys30
– key-related settings, refer to 
Personal Profile31
– spare key30
Kick-down, Automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic65
Knock control221
L
Lamps
– refer to High-beam 
assistant110
– refer to Parking lamps/low 
beams108
Lamps and bulbs243
Lane limit lines, refer to 
Leaving lane warning106
"Language / Units"89
"Language / Units" in 
navigation143,159
"Languages"89
"Languages" in 
navigation143,159
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo138
Last destinations, refer to 
Destination list151
"Last seat pos."50
LATCH child restraint fixing 
system59
Leather care241
Leaving lane warning106
LEDs light-emitting 
diodes244
Length, refer to 
Dimensions261
License plate lamp, replacing 
bulbs248Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs244
Lighter125
"Lighting"68
Lighting
– instruments112
– lamps and bulbs243
– of the vehicle, refer to 
Lamps108
Light switch108
"Limit"86
Loading
– securing cargo138
– stowing cargo138
– vehicle137
Load securing equipment, 
refer to Securing cargo138
"Lock after driving"35
Lock buttons in the doors, 
refer to Lokking35
Locking33
– confirmation signals33
– from inside35
– from outside33
– without key, refer to Comfort 
access40
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals33
– from inside35
– from outside32
Low beams108
– automatic108
– replacing bulbs245
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support49
Lug bolts250
– tightening torque, refer to 
After mounting250
– wrench249
Luggage compartment, refer 
to Cargo bay