
Mobility
 255Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B, 
and C, representing the tire's resistance 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 page256.
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 freq uently for tread wear, 
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged 
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop 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.
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth 
of 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less 
suitable for winter conditions. For the sake of 
safety, new tires should be installed.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base are 
distributed over the ti
re's circumference and 
are marked on the side of the tire with TWI – 
Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread has been 
driven down to the we ar indicators, a tread 
depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-pr ofile tires cause wheels, 
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazards  and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal 
vehicle operation can indi cate 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. To do so , drive carefully to the 
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or 
tire shop that works ac cording to BMW repair 
procedures with corres pondingly trained per-
sonnel. If necessary, have the vehicle towed 
there. Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely 
dangerous to vehicle occupants and other road 
users. < 

Wheels and tires
256
Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by the circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side 
of the tire. 
Run-flat tires consist of partially self-contained 
tires and special rims.  The sidewall reinforce-
ment ensures that the tire retains some residual 
safety in the event of pr essure drop and driving 
remains possible to a restricted degree.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
> With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of 
a flat tire page 101
> With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire  inflation pressure 
page 103
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and  tires installed only 
by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center or a tire shop that works according to 
BMW repair procedures  with correspondingly 
trained personnel. If this  work is not carried out 
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety ha zards. Make sure that 
the new wheels are balanced. <
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend that you use 
retreaded tires, as driving safety may be 
impaired. The causes for  this include the possi-
bly different tire casing  structures and the often 
wide variations in their age, which can result in a 
limited service life. <
The right wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. Your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be 
happy to advise you.
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 offi cial 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. <
When changing to larger wheels and tires, 
it may be necessary to make changes to 
the wheel-well trim piec e, as otherwise road 
users could be endangered or the vehicle could 
be damaged. Only have th is work carried out by 
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a 
workshop that works in accordance with BMW 
guidelines and uses appropriately trained per-
sonnel. <
You can ask your BMW Sp orts Activity Vehicle 
Center for the correct wheel/tire combination.
The correct wheel/tire combination also affects 
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g.  ABS, DSC, xDrive, 
Dynamic Performance Control in the BMW X6, 
or Flat Tire Monitor.
To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, use only tires of  a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. Following 
tire damage, have the or iginal 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 from 
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use 
wheels with TPM electronics, otherwise the  

Mobility
 257Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Tire Pressure Monitor cannot detect a flat tire, 
refer to page101. Your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center will be happy to advise you on 
this subject.
Recommended tire brands
Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW 
depending on the tire size. You can recognize 
these from the clearly visible BMW marking on 
the tire sidewall.
When used properly, these tires comply with 
the most demanding standards for safety and 
vehicle response.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends using winter tires for opera-
tion on winter road or at temperatures below 
+45 7/+7 6. Although all-season M+S tires 
provide better winter traction than summer 
tires, they generally fail  to provide the same lev-
els of cold-weather performance as winter tires.
Paying attention to speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise 
tire damage may occur, wh ich can result in acci-
dents. <
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with 
as little exposure to lig ht as possible. Always 
protect tires against all co ntact with oil, grease 
and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum tire 
inflation pressure indica ted on the side wall of 
the tire.
Rotating wheels between axles
Even with tires of the same size, BMW 
recommends that you not rotate the front 
tires to the rear or vice  versa as this can nega-
tively affect hand ling characteristics.
When the vehicle is equipped with different 
tires sizes
*, rotating tires from one axle to the 
other is not permitted. <
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains, 
classifies them as road-safe and recommends 
them. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center 
can provide you with this information.
BMW X5: use is only permitted in pairs on the 
rear wheels with tires of the size:
> 255/55 R 18
> 255/50 R 19
BMW X6: it is only permissible to use snow 
chains in pairs, on the 255/50 R 19 rear wheels.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when 
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed 
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted. After mounting snow chains, do not ini-
tialize the Flat Tire Monitor
*, as otherwise 
incorrect displays can occur.
When you are driving with snow chains, it can 
be beneficial to activate  DTC briefly, refer to 
page 97.< 

Mobility
 275Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
3.Apply gentle pressure  to the bulb while 
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
4. Insert the bulb socket in the liftgate and 
engage it.
5. Replace the cover.
License plate lamp
5-Watt bulb, C5W
1.Slide the lamp to the right with a screw-
driver, refer to arrow 1.
2. Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3. Replace the bulb.
4. Reinstall the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. 
In case of a defect, please go to a BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center  or a workshop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel.
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as 
standard. As a result, it  is not necessary to 
change the wheel immediately in the case of air 
loss in the event of a breakdown.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
> With Flat Tire Monitor,  refer to Indication of 
a flat tire page 101
> With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure 
page 103
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side 
of the tire, refer to Run-flat tires, page 256.
When mounting new tires, or changing from 
summer to winter tires or  vice versa, use run-flat 
tires for your own safety.  No spare tire is avail-
able in case of a flat tire. Your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center  will be happy to advise 
you. Also refer to New wheels and tires, 
page 256.
BMW X6: do not rotate the front wheels to 
the rear or vice versa, as otherwise the 
handling characteristic s will be negatively 
affected. <
Suitable tools for changing tires are avail-
able as accessories at your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center. <
Jacking points for vehicle jack
The jacking points for the vehicle jack are 
located in the positions shown.
Compact wheel*
Safety precautions in the event of a flat 
tire or wheel change: park the vehicle as  

Everything from A to Z
296
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display texts used to select 
individual functions, and 
indicates where to find them 
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake System 96
Accessories 6
Access to 3rd row seats 54
Acoustic signal, refer to Check  Control 85
Activated-charcoal filter 119
"Activation time" for parked- car ventilation 122
Active seat 57
Active seat ventilation 56
Active steering 104
– malfunction 104
– warning lamp 104
Adaptive brake lamp, brake  force display 105
Adaptive Drive 99
Adaptive fixing system 133
Adaptive Head Light 112
"Add digits" for mobile  phone 228
Address for navigation
– deleting 159
– entering 151,158
– selecting 159
– storing 158
– storing current position 158
"Add to destination list" 153
Adjusting confirmation signals  for locking and unlocking 31
Adjusting opening 
height 34,36, 37 Adjusting temperature with 
expanded-scope automatic 
climate control 116
Adjusting the tone during  audio operation, refer to 
Tone control 175
Adjusting thigh  support 49,50
"After door opened" 51
"After unlocking" 51
Airbags 105
– sitting safely 48
– warning lamp 107
Air distribution
– automatic 115,120
– manual 116
Airing, refer to Ventilation 118
Air recirculation 117
– AUC Automatic  recirculated-air control 117
– recirculated-air mode 117
"Air recirculation on / off" 59
Air vents 11
 4
– refer to Ventilation 118
Air vents of automatic climate  control 114
Air volume 116,120
AKI, refer to Fuel  specifications 245
Alarm system 38
– avoiding unintentional  alarms 39
– interior motion sensor 39
– switching off alarm 38
– switching off tilt alarm  sensor and interior motion 
sensor 39
– tilt alarm sensor 39
"All channels" in Satellite 
radio 185
"All doors" 30
Alloy wheels 267 All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires 257
"All stations" displaying in 
radio mode, 178
All-wheel drive, refer to  xDrive 97
Alterations, tech nical, refer to 
For your own safety 5
"AM", reception 
range 175,178
"Angle of view"
– DVD changer 197
– DVD system in rear 209
Antenna for mobile phone 220
Antifreeze
– coolant 262
– washer fluid 75
Antilock Brake System 
ABS 96
Anti-theft system
– refer to Alarm system 38
– refer to Central locking  system 29
Approved axle weights, refer 
to Weights 289
Approved engine oils 262
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights 289
Armrest, refer to Center  armrest, front 127
Around the center console 14
Around the steering wheel 10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer 80
– refer to Starting destination  guidance 162
"Arrow display" in  navigation 163
"Arrow display pop-up 
instructions" 149
Arrow view for navigation  system 163 

Reference 305
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Interior rearview mirror58
– automatic dimming 
feature 58
– compass 124
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers 74
J
Jacking points 276
Joystick
– refer to iDrive 16
– refer to Selector lever, 
selecting transmission 
positions 70
Jump starting 280
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort 
access 39
Keyless opening and closing, 
refer to Comfort access 39
Key Memory, refer to Personal  Profile 28
"Keypad" 230
Keys 28
– key-related settings, refer to 
Personal Profile 28
Kick-down, automatic  transmission with 
Steptronic 71
Knock control 245
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams 110
Lamps and bulbs 269
"Language / Units" 89,90
– for navigation 149
"Language" for DVD system  in rear 208,209
"Languages" 90
– for navigation 149,165
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo 143
Last destinations, refer to  Destination list 157 "Last seat pos."
51
LATCH child restraint fixing 
system 62
Leather care 267
LEDs light-emitting 
diodes 270
Length, refer to  Dimensions 287
License plate lamp, replacing  bulbs 272,275
Liftgate 33,35
– adjusting opening  height 34,36, 37
– automatic operation 34,37
– closing 34,37
– locking and unlocking from 
inside 32
– opening from inside 33,36
– opening from outside 33,36
– opening manually 33,36
Light-emitting diodes  LEDs 270
Lighter 129
Lighter socket 129
"Lighting" 73,111
Lighting
– instruments 113
– lamps and bulbs 269
– of the vehicle, refer to  Lamps 110
Light switch 110
"Limit" 87
Load 141
Loadin
g141
– securing cargo 143
– stowing cargo 142
– vehicle 141
Load securing equipment,  refer to Securing cargo 143
"Lock after driving" 33
Lock buttons in the doors,  refer to Locking 33
Locking
– from inside 32
– setting confirmation  signals 31
– using remote control 29
– without key, refer to Comfort  access 39 Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside
32
– setting confirmation  signals 31
Locking without key, refer to 
Comfort access 39
Low beams 110
– automatic 110
Lower back support, refer to  Lumbar support 50
Lows, refer to Treble and 
bass 175
Lug bolts 276
– tightening torque, refer to  After mounting 277
– wrench 276
Luggage compartment  capacity, refer to Cargo bay 
capacity 289
Luggage rack, refer to Roof- mounted luggage rack 143
Lumbar support 50
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires 257
"Main menu" for DVD system 
in rear 209
Maintenance
– refer to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models 263
– refer to Service 
requirements 82
– refer to Warranty and  Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models 263
Maintenance system 263
Malfunction
– door lock 32
– driver's door 32
– fuel filler door 244
– glass sunroof, electric 46
– liftgate 33
– panorama glass sunroof 44
– parking brake 69 

Everything from A to Z
306
Malfunction warnings, refer to 
Check Control 85
Manual air distribution 116
Manual BMW Teleservice  call 237
"Manual" in radio mode 179
Manually releasing  transmission lock 72
Manual mode, automatic  transmission with 
Steptronic 71
Manual operation
– door lock 32
– driver's door 32
– fuel filler door 244
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission 72
Map
– changing scale 164
– destination entry 155
"Map direction of travel" 164
"Map facing north" 164
Map facing north 164
Master key, refer to Keys/ remote control 28
Maximum cooling 117
Maximum speed
– for winter tires 257
– with compact wheel 277
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror  and steering wheel 
memory 50
"Menu"
– for DVD system in 
rear 207,209
– in DVD changer 195,197
Menus, refer to iDrive 16
Message list for traffic  information 167
Microfilter 119
Microphone
– for mobile phone 14
– for telephone 14
– for voice activation  system 14
Mirror dimming feature 58Mirrors
57
– automatic curb monitor 58
– exterior mirrors 57
– folding in and out 57
– heating 58
– interior rearview mirror 58
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror  and steering wheel 
memory 50
"Missed calls" 228
Missed calls 229
Mobile phone
– accepted calls 229
– adjusting volume 226
– calling 227
– e
 nding call 227
– installation location, refer to  Center armrest, front 127
– missed calls 229
– operation via iDrive 226
– redialing 229
– refer to separate operating 
instructions
– Top 8 229
– touch tone dialing 230
Monitor, refer to iDrive 16
Monitoring tire pressure, refer  to FTM Flat Tire 
Monitor 100
"Monitor on / off" 59
MP3, refer to Compressed 
audio files 187
Multifunction steering wheel,  refer to Buttons on steering 
wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher/high 
beams 73
– refer to Washer/wiper 
system 74
Music track, refer to  Tracks 188
"Mute on / off" 59
N
"Navigation"80,156
Navigation destination
– entering manually 151,153
– home address 160
– selecting via map 155
Navigation drive, installation 
location 148
Navigation DVD 148
– player 174
Navigation instructions, refer  to Switching voice 
instructions on/off 165
Navigation system 148
– address book 158
– changing route 166
– destination entry 150
– destination guidance in 
assistance window 148
– destination list 157
– displaying current 
position 169
– displaying route 163
– ending/continuing 
destination guidance 162
– entering a destination  manually 151,153
– last destinations 157
– navigation DVD 148
– opening 150
– route list 164
– searching for a special  destination 156
– selecting destination using  information 156
– selecting destination via 
map 155
– selecting route criteria 160
– starting destination 
guidance 162
– switching off, refer to  Ending/continuing 
destination guidance 162
– voice instructions 165
– volume adjustment 166
"Navigation voice  instructions" 59 

Reference 311
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 262
Specified oil grades, refer to  Approved engine oils 262
Speed
– with compact wheel 277
– with winter tires 257
Speed-dependent 
volume 176
Speed limit warning, refer to  Speed limit 87
Speedometer 12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone 
control 176
Sport program, automatic  transmission with 
Steptronic 71
Stability control, refer to  Driving stability control 
systems 96
"Standard" for DVD system in  rear 209,216
"Star button" 59
Star button 59
Start/Stop button 65
"Start" for stopwatch 87
Starting, refer to Starting  engine 66
Starting assistance, refer to  Jump starting 280
Starting assistant 99
Starting difficulties, jump  starting 280
Starting off on slopes, refer to 
Starting assistant 99
Start menu, iDrive 17
"Start service" 236
– with BMW Assist 239
"State / Province" for  destination entry 151
"State inspection" 84
Station, refer to Radio 178
Status of this Owner's Manual 
at time of printing 5
Steam cleaners 266 Steering wheel
– adjusting
58
– automatic adjustment, refer  to Steering wheel 
memory 50
– buttons on steering  wheel 11
– easy entry/exit 58
– heating 59
– memory 50
– programmable buttons 59
Steering with variable ratio,  refer to Active steering 104
Steptronic, refer to Sport  program and manual mode 
M/S 71
"Stop" the stopwatch 87
"Stopwatch" 87
Stopwatch 87
Stor
age compartments 127
"Store"
– in Satellite radio 186
– with the radio 180
"Store in address book" for  navigation 158
Storing current position 158
Storing radio stations 180
Storing sitting position, refer 
to Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory 50
Storing tires 257
Storing vehicle 268
Storing your vehicle 268
"Street" for destination 
entry 152
"Subtitles" in DVD system in  rear 209
Summer tires, refer to Wheels  and tires 249
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching cooling function on  and off 117
Switching off engine 66
Switching on
– audio 174
– CD changer 174
– CD player 174
– radio 174
Switching on hour signal 88Swiveling headla
mps, refer to 
Adaptive Head Light 112
Symbols 4
– indicator/warning lamps 13
– navigation system 168
– traffic information with  navigation system 166
T
Tachometer79
"Tailgate" 34,37
Tailgate 35
Tail lamps 270,273
– replacing bulbs 270,273
Tank contents, refer to 
Capacities 290
Target cursor for  navigation 155
Technical alterations, refer to  For your own safety 5
Technical data 286
Telematics, refer to  BMW TeleServices, 
BMW Assist 235
Telephone
– refer to Mobile phone 220
– refer to separate operating 
instructions
"Telephone list" 59
Temperature
– adjusting in upper body  region 116
– adjusting with automatic 
climate control 116,120
– changing units of  measure 89
– refer to Coolant  temperature 79
Temperature display
– outside temperature 78
– setting units 89
– temperature warning 78
Temperature warning 78
Tempomat, refer to Cruise  control 75
The individual vehicle 5
Third brake lamp, refer to  Center brake lamp 272,275