Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
77
You can intervene at any time and switch the
high beams on and off as usual.
Activating the system
1.Turn the light switch to position3, refer to
page74.
2.With the low beams switched on, briefly
push the turn indicator lever in the direction
of the high beam.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high beams
are activated. The system automati-
cally switches from high beams to low beams
and vice versa in response to oncoming traffic,
traffic ahead of you, and adequate ambient
lighting, e.g. on city streets.
Switching the high beams on and off
manually
Whenever you wish, or when the situation
requires, you can intervene:
>If the high-beam assistant switches on the
high beams, but you would like to drive with
the low beams, simply switch off the high
beams using the turn indicator lever. This
deactivates the high-beam assistant.
To reactivate the system, briefly push the
turn indicator lever toward the high beams
again.
>If the high-beam assistant switches on the
low beams, but you would like to drive with
the high beams, switch on the high beams
as usual. This deactivates the system and
the high beams need to be switched off
manually, if necessary.
To reactivate the system, briefly push the
turn indicator lever toward the high beams
again.
>Use the headlamp flasher as usual with the
low beams switched on.
System limitations
The high-beam assistant cannot serve as
a substitute for the driver's personal judg-
ment of when to use the high beams. Therefore,
manually switch off the high beams in situations
where this is required to avoid a safety risk.
may be necessary:
>In very unfavorable weather conditions,
such as fog or heavy precipitation
>In detecting poorly-lit road users, such as
pedestrians, cyclists, horseback riders and
wagons; when driving close to train or ship
traffic; and at animal crossings
>In tight curves, on hilltops or in depressions,
in cross traffic or half-obscured oncoming
traffic on highways
>In poorly lit towns and cities and in the pres-
ence of highly reflective signs
>At low speeds
>When the windshield in front of the interior
rearview mirror is fogged over, dirty or cov-
ered with stickers, etc.
>If the sensor is dirty. Clean the sensor on
the front of the interior rearview mirror using
a cloth moistened with a small amount of
glass cleaner.
Fog lamps*
To switch on/off, press the button.
The parking lamps or low beams must
be switched on for the fog lamps to
operate. The green indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up whenever the
fog lamps are on.
The fog lamps are switched off while you acti-
vate the headlamp flasher or switch on the high
beams.
Things to remember when driving
98
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. Otherwise, greater
clutch wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page66.
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 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 brake 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 page50.
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, pedal function could be
impaired.<
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 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.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. This can ultimately
result in a sudden blowout.<
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or
leak from their containers in the cargo
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
131
check the expiration dates of the contents reg-
ularly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand
side of the cargo area in a storage area.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in a holder in the
trunk lid. Press the tabs to take it out.
Jump-starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your BMW's
engine can be started by connecting two
jumper cables to another vehicle's battery. You
can also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with
fully-insulated clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or
both vehicles, and to guard against possible
personal injuries.<
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles; otherwise,
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order to prevent sparking at the battery,
which could cause injury.<
Your BMW has a jump-starting connection in
the engine compartment which acts as the bat-
tery's positive terminal, refer also to the Engine
compartment overview on page115. The cap is
marked with +.
1.Pull the cap of the BMW jump-starting con-
nection up to remove.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehi-
cle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle.
Indicator and warning lamps
138Indication in US models:
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models:
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Reduced braking effect, stop the car
carefully. Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Reduced braking effect, stop the car
carefully. Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models:
Brake pads wornHave the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models:
Brake pads wornHave the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Lights up in red: Have the system in question checked
without delay.
>Starter failed or The engine cannot be restarted.
>Ignition malfunctioning. Engine
restart only possible when brake is
depressed or
>lighting system failed. Low beams/
tail lamps and brake lamps still
operational. All other lamps failedDepress the brake to restart the engine.
Lights up in yellow:
>Control of the brake lamps failed or
>fuel supply malfunctioning, or
>electrical system of trailer hitch
*
failedYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system in question
checked without delay.
12Cause Special actions to be taken
Indicator and warning lamps
142Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate your
speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition, refer
to page47.
Pinch protection system of the power
windows malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Pinch protection system of the electric
glass roof malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Cruise control system failed You can continue your journey. Have
the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
>High-beam assistant inactive Clean the sensor field on the front of
the interior rearview mirror, refer to
page77.
>High-beam assistant malfunction-
ingHave the system checked by your near-
est BMW center.
>Sensitivity of the high-beam assis-
tant has been changedThere is a risk that oncoming traffic
may be blinded. Have the system
checked by your nearest BMW center.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp failed Have the low beams checked as soon
as possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
12Cause Special actions to be taken
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
153
Blower, refer to Air
volume80,83
BMW
– car shampoo123
BMW Maintenance
System118
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders89
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control65
Brake fluid
– service requirements61
Brake Force Display70
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display70
– replacing bulb127
Brake pads, breaking in96
Brake rotors98
– brakes96
– breaking in96
Brakes
– ABS65
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– braking safely98
– breaking in96
– parking brake49
– service requirements61
Brake system96
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– breaking in96
– disc brakes98
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance130
Breaking in the clutch96
Break-in period96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs124
Bulbs, changing124
Button for starting the
engine47
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5Can holders, refer to
Cupholders89
Capacities150
Capacity of the cargo area149
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery128
Car care, refer to Care120
Care120
– automatic car washes120
– care products120
– carpets122
– CD/DVD drives123
– chrome parts122
– convertible top121
– displays123
– exterior120
– fine wood parts123
– headlamps121
– high-pressure washer121
– interior122
– leather122
– light-alloy wheels122
– paintwork121
– plastic parts123
– rubber seals122
– safety belts123
– sensors and cameras123
– upholstery and cloth
trim122
– washing the car
manually121
– windows121
Cargo, securing100
Cargo area
– capacity149
– Comfort Access26
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system91
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps78
– lid, refer to Trunk lid23
– opening from outside23
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk
lid23
Cargo area net, refer to
Securing cargo100Cargo loading99
– securing cargo100
– stowing cargo99
– vehicle98
Car jack
– jacking points128
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo123
Car wash120
– with Comfort Access48
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system97
Center armrest88
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulb127
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Central locking
– from inside22
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– Comfort Access26
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing wheels127
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment115
Check Control62
Checking oil level115
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH45
Child restraint systems44
Child seats44
Chrome parts123
Chrome polish123
Cigarette lighter90
Cleaning headlamps53
– washer fluid53
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care120
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
155
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades110
Draft-free ventilation81,84
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders89
Drive-off assistance, refer to
DSC65
Drive-off assistant66
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams74
Driving notes96
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant66
Driving stability control
systems64
Driving through water98
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes96
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function84
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control65
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control65
– indicator lamps65
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC65
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps66
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution65
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap104
– glass roof30
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV65
Electronic oil level check115Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC65
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap104
– glass roof30
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission51
Emergency release, trunk
lid24
Emergency Request130
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance130
Energy, saving
– saving fuel96
Engine
– breaking in96
– data146
– speed146
– starting48
– starting, Comfort Access26
– switching off48
Engine compartment115
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant117
Engine oil
– adding116
– additives116
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– checking level115
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements61
– specified engine oils116
Engine output, refer to Engine
data146
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data146
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine48
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC65
Event data recorders119
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system97Exterior mirrors41
– adjusting41
– automatic dimming
feature43
– automatic heating42
– folding in and out42
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away132
– for tying down loads100
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control62
Failure of an electrical
consumer128
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts41
Filter of automatic climate
control, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter84
Filter of heating or air
conditioner, refer to
Microfilter81
First aid pouch130
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock47
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– run-flat tires112
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM67
Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– indicating a flat tire67
– initializing the system66
– system limits66
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition111
Fog lamps77
– indicator lamp77,134
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely98
Footwell lamps78
For your own safety5
Front airbags71
Everything from A to Z
156 Front seat setting35
Frost, removing from
windows, refer to Defrosting
windows81,84
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Fuel104
– gauge57
– high-quality brands104
– quality104
– specifications104
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities150
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Fuel consumption display,
refer to Average fuel
consumption58
Fuel consumption statistics,
refer to Average fuel
consumption58
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Fuel filler flap104
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction104
Fuses128
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control85
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel104
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Gear change
– with automatic
transmission50
– with manual transmission49
Gear display, with automatic
transmission49
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic50
– manual transmission49
General driving notes97Glass roof, electric29
– closing after electrical
malfunction30
– Convenient operation22
– opening, closing29
– operation with Comfort
Access26
– pinch protection system29
– raising29
– remote control20
Glove compartment88
Grills, refer to Air vents79
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights149
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs125
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake49
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags71
Headlamp control,
automatic74
Headlamp cover125
Headlamp flasher51
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs125
Head restraints37
Heated
– seats39
– steering wheel43
Heated mirrors42
Heating79
– mirrors42
– seats39
– steering wheel43
Heating, rear window81,84
Heating and ventilation79
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo99
Height, refer to
Dimensions147
Height adjustment
– steering wheel43
High-beam assistant76High beams76
– indicator lamp134
– replacing bulbs125
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant76
High-pressure
washer120,121
High water, refer to Driving
through water98
Hills98
Holders for cups89
Hood114
Hot exhaust system97
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control65
Hydroplaning97
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning56
Identification marks
– tire coding110
Ignition47
– switched off47
– switched on47
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness47
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on47
Ignition lock47
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,134
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Individual air distribution80
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure, tires106