
Opening and closing
34 The handle recesses on the interior trim of the 
tailgate make it easier to pull down.
To close the tailgate, merely press it down gen-
tly. The closing process will then be carried out 
automatically.
Sports Wagon: automatic tailgate 
operation*
Adjusting opening height
You can adjust how far the tailgate is to open.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Settings"
2."Door locks"
3."Tailgate"
4.Turn the controller until the desired open-
ing height is selected.
Opening tailgate
The tailgate opens automatically when you:
>Press the button on the outside of the tail-
gate when the vehicle is unlocked.
>Press button1 or button2
*.
>Press the   button on the remote control 
for approx. 1 second.
In some country-specific versions, the 
tailgate can only be opened using the 
remote control if the vehicle was unlocked first.
During opening, the tailgate pivots back and up. 
Make sure that adequate clearance is available 
before opening.<
Automatic luggage compartment roller 
cover
When the tailgate or rear window are opened, 
the luggage compartment roller cover is raised, 
and when the tailgate and rear window are 
closed, it is lowered.
Make sure that the closing area of the lug-
gage compartment roller cover is clear of 
obstructions, otherwise the payload or the lug-
gage compartment roller cover may be dam-
aged.<
Details on the luggage compartment roller 
cover are provided on page117. 

Adjusting
44
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while 
the vehicle is moving. The seat could 
respond with unexpected movement, and the 
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an 
accident. 
Also on the passenger side, do not incline the 
backrest too far to the rear while the vehicle is 
being driven, otherwise there is a danger in the 
event of an accident of sliding under the safety 
belt, eliminating the protection normally pro-
vided by the belt.<
Please follow the instructions on damage to 
safety belts provided on page48 and the infor-
mation on the active front head restraints
 on 
page47.
Adjusting seat
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, 
please observe the adjustment instructions on 
page43.<
1Longitudinal direction
2Height
3Angle4Backrest
Adjusting comfort seat*
In this seat, you can also adjust:
1Backrest width
2Shoulder support
3Thigh support
4Lumbar support
*
Shoulder support
the adjustable upper backrest also supports the 
back in the shoulder region. This provides a 
relaxed driving position and helps relieve stress 
on the shoulder muscles. 

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Active front head restraints
In the event of a rear-end collision of sufficient 
severity, the active head restraint reduces the 
distance to the head.
Do not use seat covers or head restraint 
covers that could impede the proper 
functioning of the active head restraint. Other-
wise, there is no assurance that the active head 
restraint will perform its protective function and 
it is not possible to take advantage of its injury-
reducing potential in the event of a rear-end 
collision.
Have the active head restraints reset after they 
are triggered in a rear-end collision. Only have 
this work carried out by a BMW center or a 
workshop that works according to BMW repair 
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Otherwise, this safety equipment will 
not function properly.<
Please contact a BMW center if you wish 
to have the front head restraints removed 
and installed.<
Front seats: height adjustment
Front seats: adjusting distance to the 
back of the head
>Forward: pull up.>Back: push the button and slide the head-
rest cushion toward the rear.
Do not place any objects behind the 
headrest cushion. Otherwise, you can 
impair the proper function of the head 
restraint.<
Comfort seat*
You can adjust the distance to the back of the 
head with the shoulder support, refer to 
page44.
Adjusting side extensions
You can fold the side extensions on the head 
restraint forward for increased lateral support in 
the resting position.
Rear seats: height adjustment
>To raise: pull up.
>To lower: press the button, arrow1, and 
push the head restraint downward.
Removing
1.Pull the head restraint upward to the stop.
2.Press the button, arrow1, and pull the head 
restraint all the way out. 

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Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the 
vehicle, otherwise they could endanger 
themselves and other persons, e.g., by opening 
the doors.<
Children always in the rear
Accident research shows that the safest place 
for children is on the rear seat.
Children younger than 13 years of age or 
with a height under 5 ft/150 cm may only 
be transported in the rear in child restraint sys-
tems which correspond to the age, weight and 
height of the child. Otherwise there is an 
increased danger of injury in an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must wear a 
safety belt as soon as a suitable child restraint 
system can no longer be used due to their age, 
size and weight.
Exception for front passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child 
restraint system on the front passenger 
seat, the front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger must be deactivated. Otherwise, a child 
traveling on that seat will face a significant risk 
of injury if the airbags are deployed, even with a 
child restraint system.
Before installing a child restraint system, move 
the front passenger seat as far back and up as 
possible to obtain the best possible position for 
the belt. Do not change the seat position after 
this.<
For more information on automatic deactivation 
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page94.
Installing child restraint 
systems
Observe the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions for selection, 
installation and use of the child restraint sys-tems. Otherwise the degree of protection may 
be reduced.<
On front passenger seat
After mounting a child restraint system on 
the front passenger seat, make sure that 
the front and side airbags on the front passen-
ger side are deactivated, as otherwise there is 
an increased risk of injury if the airbags are trig-
gered.<
Seat position
Before installing a child restraint system, move 
the front passenger seat as far back and up as 
possible to obtain the best possible position for 
the belt. Do not change the seat position after 
this.
Backrest width* on front passenger 
seat
Open the backrest width setting of the 
front passenger seat all the way. After 
mounting the child seat, deactivate the active 
backrest width adjustment and do not call up 
any memory position. Otherwise this limits the 
stability of the child seat on the front passenger 
seat.<
1.After unlocking the vehicle, sit on the front 
passenger seat and close the door to call up 
the memory position.
2.Completely open the backrest width adjust-
ment, refer to page44.
3.Deactivate active backrest width adjust-
ment, refer to page45.
4.Install child seat. 

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Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions:
>This device must not cause harmful inter-
ference, and>this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could void the 
user’s authority to operate this equipment.<
System limitations
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way 
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own 
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise 
controlling the vehicle. The driver should 
decide when to use the system on the basis of 
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions. 
Active cruise control is intended for use on 
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving 
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in 
city driving; in complex driving situations; on 
curvy, winding roads, slippery roads or roads 
with sharp curves such as highway off-ramps; 
during inclement weather such as snow, strong 
rain or fog; or when entering interchanges, ser-
vice/parking areas or toll booths. It is also 
important to regulate your vehicle's speed and 
distance setting within applicable legal limits. 
Always be ready to take action or apply the 
brakes if necessary, especially when the sys-
tem is actively following a vehicle in front of 
you.<
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system do have physical limita-
tions. For example, the system may not detect 
vehicles driving ahead if they suddenly brake 
heavily in stop-and-go traffic during accelera-
tion. The system will not apply the brakes or 
slow your vehicle when a very slow-moving vehicle, stopped vehicle or stationary object is 
in the lane ahead of you, for example when 
approaching a traffic light or parked vehicle or 
when a vehicle is stalled in your lane. Also, the 
system does not react to oncoming traffic, 
pedestrians or other types of potential traffic 
such as a rider on horseback. It is also possible 
that the system may not detect smaller moving 
objects such as motorcycles or bicycles. Be 
especially alert when encountering any of these 
situations as the system will neither automati-
cally brake, nor provide a warning to you. Also, 
be aware that every decrease in the distance 
setting allows your vehicle to come closer to a 
vehicle in front of you and requires a heightened 
amount of alertness.<
The system cannot allow the vehicle to drive off 
automatically in situations that make driving off 
considerably more difficult, e.g., on steep uphill 
grades, with a heavy trailer or before raised 
areas in the road.
Near radio astronomy stations, the system 
radar is deactivated at speeds under 20 mph/
30 km/h due to legal regulations.
Be certain to interrupt the system when 
you pull into an exit lane for a highway 
offramp.<
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner 
on a highway may cause a delay in the system's  

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Under the hood
Never attempt to perform any service or 
repair operations on your vehicle without 
the required professional technical training. 
If you do not know what repair procedures to 
follow, have work on your vehicle done only by 
your BMW center or a workshop that works 
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If this work is 
not carried out properly, there is a danger of 
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards.<
Hood
Releasing
Pull lever.
Opening
Press the release handle and open the hood. Do 
not open the hood until the engine has cooled 
down.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx. 
16 in/40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly 
heard to engage.
Make sure that the closing path of the 
hood is clear, otherwise injuries may 
result. 
If you see any signs that the hood is not com-
pletely closed while driving your vehicle, you 
should stop at once and close it securely.< 

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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 
page239.
>If necessary, fold in the outside rearview 
mirrors, refer to page51.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with rail heights over 
4in/10cm, otherwise there is danger of 
damaging chassis parts.<
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 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 1407/606. 
Insufficient distance or excessive pressure or 
temperature can damage parts of the vehicle or 
can result in water penetration. Follow the oper- 

Replacing components
226 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  r e q u ir e d,  s et  i t  up  o n  t h e  ro a d s i d e a t  a n  
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.<