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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.< 

Replacing components
248
Lamps in luggage compartment lid
License plate lamp
5-watt bulb, C5W
1.Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to 
the right, refer to arrows. This releases the 
lamp.
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
Sports Wagon: 
Brake lamp and backup lamp
1.Turn the locks to the left and fold down the 
trim.
2.Fold down the foam insulation.3.Pull out the bulb holder for the backup 
lamp1 or brake lamp2 downward.
4.Backup lamp: remove the bulb for replace-
ment.
Brake lamp: apply gentle pressure to the 
bulb while turning it to the left for removal 
and replacement.
Changing wheels
Safety precautions in the event of a flat 
tire or wheel change: Park the vehicle as 
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid 
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle 
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
diate area in a safe place, such as behind a 
guardrail. 
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard warning 
lamp
* is required, set it up on the roadside at an 
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations. 
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface 
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack 
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the 
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as 
snow, ice, tiles, etc. 
Position the jack on a firm support surface. 
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a 
support base for the jack, as this would prevent 
it from extending to its full support height and 
reduce its load-carrying capacity. 
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under 
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is 
supported by the jack.< 

Mobility
 253Reference
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Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency request
Conditions for an emergency request:
>Full preparation package mobile phone. 
With this equipment, an emergency request 
is still possible when no mobile phone is 
paired with the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated. 
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page215.
>Radio readiness is activated.
>The BMW Assist system is logged on to a 
mobile phone network.
>The emergency request system is opera-
ble.
Once your BMW Assist subscription expires, 
the BMW Assist system can be deactivated by 
a BMW center without you having to visit a 
workshop. Once the BMW Assist system has 
been deactivated, emergency requests are not 
possible. The BMW Assist system can be reac-
tivated by a BMW center after signing a new 
contract.
Initiating an emergency request
1.Briefly press protective cover to open. 
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the 
arrangement of the switches and indicator 
lamps may differ somewhat.
2.Press the SOS button for at least 
2seconds.
The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the 
voice connection to the BMW Assist Response 
Center has been established, the LED flashes.Even if you are unable to answer, the BMW 
Assist Response Center can take further steps 
to help you under certain conditions.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until 
the connection has been established. You will 
then be able to provide a detailed description of 
the situation.
If the current position of your vehicle can be 
determined, it will be transmitted to the BMW 
Assist Response Center.
If the LED is flashing but the BMW Assist 
Response Center cannot be heard over the 
hands-free system, it is possible that the 
hands-free system is malfunctioning. The BMW 
Assist Response Center may still be able to 
hear you, though.
Under certain conditions, an emergency 
request is automatically initiated immediately 
after a severe accident. Pressing the button 
does not interfere with this.
For technical reasons, the emergency request 
cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable condi-
tions.
You can also use other services of 
BMW Assist with this button, refer to 
page209.<
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate. 

Giving and receiving assistance
256 Sedan: 
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page243.
Sports Wagon: 
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side 
panel in the cargo bay, refer to page243.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the 
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the 
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral 
loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the 
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Press the arrow symbol on the cover in the 
bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page62, otherwise the low 
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield 
wipers would not be available. Do not tow the 
vehicle with the rear axle raised, as otherwise 
the steering can turn to the left or right. When 
the engine is stopped, there is no power assist. This then requires increased effort for braking 
and steering. Active steering is deactivated and 
larger steering wheel movements are 
required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with 
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic and sport automatic 
transmission
Before towing, manually release the 
transmission lock, even if there is no mal-
function in the transmission. Otherwise there is 
a risk that the transmission lock will engage dur-
ing towing.<
Manually unlocking and locking transmission 
lock, refer to page66.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km; otherwise the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body 
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may 
result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or 
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the 
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter 
than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it 
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle 
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same 
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset 
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering. 

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>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will 
exert lateral forces, tending to push the 
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings, 
as attachment to other vehicle parts can 
lead to damage.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make 
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated 
stresses on vehicle components when 
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps. 
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as 
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to 
damage.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck 
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With a tow truck: xDrive
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just 
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the 
wheels could lock up and the transfer case 
could be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported only on a flatbed 
surface.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but 
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page254. With a catalytic con-
verter, tow-starting should only be carried out 
with the engine cold, and with automatic trans-
missions, the engine cannot be started by tow-
starting.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers, 
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page62.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely 
depressed and slowly release the clutch. 
After the engine starts, immediately 
depress the clutch again completely.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked. 

Everything from A to Z
270
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display 
texts used to select 
individual functions and 
refers you to the page where 
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System91
– indicator lamp94
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control71
Accepted calls202
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency 
request253
Acoustic signal, refer to Check 
Control84
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate 
control118
"Activation time" for parked 
car ventilation119
Active cruise control71
– indicator lamp75
– radar sensors75
– selecting distance73
– warning lamps75
Active front head restraints51
Active seat54
Active seat ventilation54
Active steering99
– warning lamp100
Adapter for spare key30
Adaptive brake assistant92
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to 
Brake force display100
Adaptive Head Light110
"Add digits" in mobile phone 
mode202Additives
– coolant235
– engine oil, refer to Approved 
engine oils235
"Address book" in 
navigation152
Address for navigation
– deleting153
– entering144,147
– selecting153
– storing152
– storing current position152
"Add to address book"152
"Add to destination 
list"147,149
Adjusting active backrest 
width49
Adjusting interior 
temperature115
Adjusting the tone during 
audio operation, refer to 
Tone control169
Adjusting thigh support48
"After door opened"50
"After unlocking"
50
Airbags100
– indicator/warning lamp102
– indicator lamp for front 
passenger airbags101
– sitting safely47
Air distribution
– automatic115
– manual116
Airing, refer to Ventilation118
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic 
recirculated-air control117
– recirculated-air mode117
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode117
"Air recirculation on / off"57Air supply, automatic climate 
control114
Air volume116
AKI, refer to Fuel quality221
Alarm system39
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms40
– interior motion sensor40
– switching off alarm40
– switching off tilt alarm 
sensor and interior motion 
sensor40
– tilt alarm sensor40
"All channels"180
"All doors"33
Alloy wheels240
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires230
"All stations", requesting in 
radio mode172
All-wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive93
Alterations, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road160
"AM", reception 
range168,172
Antenna for mobile phone194
Antifreeze
– coolant235
– washer fluid70
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system39
Anti-theft system, refer to 
Central locking system32
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights263
Approved engine oils235
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights263
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest, rear127 

Everything from A to Z
272 BMW Assist209
– activating215
– BMW TeleServices211
– concierge service212
– contacting BMW Customer 
Relations212
– displaying vehicle data216
– offered services209
– roadside assistance210
– updating214
BMW Assist My Info213
"BMW Contact"204
"BMW Contact 
Numbers"204
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance 
system237
BMW Night Vision104
– activating105
– cleaning camera106
– cleaning camera, refer to 
Wiper system69
– deactivating105
– making settings105
"BMW Service settings"214
BMW TeleServices211
BMW TeleServices services
– displaying212
– updating212
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup 
holders125
Bracket for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter207
Brake assistant91
– adaptive92
Brake force display100
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs246
– two-stage100
Brake rotors
– breaking-in134
– refer to Braking safely136Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System91
– brake assistant91
– brake force display100
– breaking-in134
– CBC Cornering Brake 
Control91
– electronic brake-force 
distribution91
– handbrake64
– refer to Braking safely136
– warning lamps13
Brake system134
– brake pads
134
– breaking-in134
– disk brakes136
– warning lamp94
Braking safely136
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance254
Breaking-in brake pads134
Breaking-in the clutch134
Breaking-in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential134
Break-in period134
"Brightness"89,103
Brightness of Control 
Display88
"Brightness" with BMW Night 
Vision106
Button for starting engine, 
refer to Start/Stop button62
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
Warning6
"Call"202,213
Call
– accepting200
– displaying accepted203
– ending201
– in absence203
– rejecting201
– starting201Calling
– by entering phone 
number201
– from phone book202
– from Top 8 list203
– redialing203
– refer to telephone operating 
instructions
Can holder, refer to Cup 
holders125
Capacities264
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery251
"Car Data"81
Care239
– car-care products239
– carpets241
– car washes239
– CD/DVD-player242
– chrome components240
– displays241
– exterior239
– fine wooden 
components241
– hand washing240
– headlamps240
– high-pressure cleaning 
jets239
– interior241
– leather241
– light-alloy wheels240
– paint240
– plastic components241
– rubber gaskets240
– safety belts241
– sensors and cameras241
– upholstery and cloth-
covered paneling241
– windows240
– wiper blades240
Cargo
– refer to Cargo loading137
– securing138
– securing with ski bag131 

Reference 275
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Destination guidance156
– bypassing route 
sections160
– canceling voice 
instructions57
– changing specified 
route154
– displaying route157
– distance and arrival156
– interrupting156
– starting156
– terminating/continuing156
– voice instructions159
– volume of voice 
instructions160
Destination list for 
navigation151
Destinations recently driven 
to151
"Details" in audio 
mode184,190
"Details" in radio mode180
"Detour" in navigation163
"Dial" in mobile phone 
mode201
"Dial number"201
"Diamond button"57
Diamond button56
Digital clock79
Digital radio, refer to High 
Definition Radio176
Dimensions261
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals68
Direction announcements, 
refer to Voice 
instructions159
Direction instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions159
Directory, refer to Phone 
book202
Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book152
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data260
"Display"89
Display, refer to iDrive 
controls16Display elements, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Displaying vehicle data216
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting112
"Display off"22
Displays
– on Control Display, refer to 
iDrive16
– refer to Instrument 
cluster12
"Display settings"88,103
Displays on the windshield, 
refer to Head-Up 
Display102
Disposal
– battery of remote control 
with comfort access42
– coolant235
– vehicle battery251
Distance, refer to 
Computer81
Distance control, refer to 
Active cruise control71
"Distance to dest."81
Distance to destination, refer 
to Computer81
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control90
Divided rear backrest, refer to 
Through-loading 
system127
Door entry lighting112
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control30
Door lock34
Door locking, confirmation 
signals33
"Door locks"32
Doors
– manual operation34
– remote control32
DOT Quality Grades228
Draft-free ventilation118
Drinks holder, refer to Cup 
holders125
"Driver's door only"33Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams108
Driving route, refer to 
Displaying route157
Driving stability control 
systems91
Driving through water136
Driving tips, refer to General 
driving notes134
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function117
Drying the air, refer to Cooling 
function117
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control92
– indicator lamp13,92
– malfunction94
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control92
– activating92
– indicator lamp13,92
DVD for navigation142
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
– warning lamp94
Dynamic Drive94
Dynamic Driving Control
67
"Dynamic route" in 
navigation155
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC92
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC92
E
Easy entry/exit56
– backrest width49
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
in area of CD player168
Electrical malfunction
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door220
– glass sunroof, electric44
– luggage compartment lid36
– panorama glass sunroof46
– tailgate38
Electric steering wheel 
adjustment56