
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
107
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance between you and the vehicle in front of
you. A defensive and smooth driving style
keeps fuel consumption down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second
and higher gears, accelerate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelerating, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
O n a d o w n h il l s lo p e , t a k e y o u r f o o t o f f t h e a c c el -
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings
or in traffic congestions. You achieve fuel sav-
ings even if standing time is as short as approx.
4 seconds.
Switch off functions you do not need at
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner, seat
heating or rear window defroster draw large
amounts of power and consume additional fuel.
Especially in city traffic and in stop and go driv-
ing they have a considerable impact. Therefore,
switch these functions off when they are not
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW
recommends having the vehicle serviced at a
BMW center. Also note the BMW service sys-
tem, refer to page141.
General driving notes
Close the trunk lid/tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the trunk
lid/tailgate and rear window are closed.
Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter the inte-
rior of the vehicle.<
If the vehicle must be driven with the trunk lid/
tailgate open:
1.Close all windows and the glass roof.
2.Greatly increase the air volume of the air
conditioner or automatic climate control
system, refer to page85 or88.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes.
Otherwise, there is a risk of burns.<
Diesel particulate filter*
The diesel particulate filter collects soot parti-
cles and burns them periodically at high tem-
peratures. This cleaning process takes several
minutes. During cleaning, you may notice that
the engine temporarily runs less smoothly and
that a somewhat higher engine speed is neces-
sary to achieve the accustomed performance.
Also, noises may be heard and a slight amount
of smoke may emerge from the exhaust, even

Things to remember when driving
108 for a short period after the engine is switched
off.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page133.
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 page72.
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 page49.
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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
109
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
area, as this could result in damage to the vehi-
cle.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of the occupants, the less cargo/lug-
gage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
respective seat backrests.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.

Refueling
116 If you have refueled with the wrong fuel, contact
your BMW center.
The filler neck is designed for refueling at
diesel fuel pumps.
If the filler nozzle cannot be inserted into your
BMW's filler pipe, please ensure that you are
refueling at a diesel fuel pump and that it is
equipped with a diesel filler nozzle.<
In the event the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel
fuel cannot be fully inserted into the fuel
filler neck, please contact BMW Roadside
Assistance for instructions on how to add fuel.
For more information on BMW Roadside Assis-
tance, refer to page155.<
Winter diesel
To ensure that the diesel engine remains oper-
ational in the winter, please use winter diesel,
which is available at gas stations during winter
months. The fuel filter heating system, included
a s a s t a n d a r d f e a t u r e , p r e v e n t s d i s r u p t i o n o f t h e
fuel supply while driving.
Do not add additives, including gasoline;
otherwise, engine damage may occur.<
BMW Advanced Diesel
The concept
BMW Advanced Diesel reduces nitrogen oxide
in the diesel emissions of your vehicle by means
of a mechanism that injects diesel exhaust fluid,
a reduction agent, into the exhaust tract. A
chemical reaction occurs in the catalytic con-
verter that minimizes the nitrogen oxide con-
tent.
To be able to start the engine as usual, a suffi-
cient amount of diesel exhaust fluid must be
present in a separate reservoir.
Warming the system
To warm the system to its operating tempera-
ture after starting with a cold engine, the auto-
matic transmission delays shifting to the next
higher gear, if necessary.
Reserve display
A display in the instrument cluster informs you
about the remaining distance you can drive with
the fluid remaining in the reservoir.
-
The reserve display appears beginning at
approx. 1,000 miles/1,600 km before the sup-
ply is used up.
When this reserve display appears in the
instrument cluster, have diesel exhaust
fluid refilled to avoid not being able to start the
engine.<
Diesel exhaust fluid at the minimum
level
Even if the display indicates -- mls, the engine
continues running if it is not switched off and if
all other requirements continue to be met, e.g. a
sufficient supply of fuel.
Do not drive to the end of the indicated
distance. Otherwise, it will not be possible
to start the engine again after switching it off.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
163
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop, switch
off the engine and allow it to cool down.
Do not open the hood; otherwise, there
is a risk of injury from scalding. Contact
your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the power supply
system checked without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication 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.
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lamps
168Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and engage 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
situation 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.
P is not engaged. Vehicle not pre-
vented 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 page46.
Pinch protection system of the power
windows malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Pinch protection system of the electric
glass roof/panorama glass roof mal-
functioningHave the system checked.
Cruise control deactivated:
>Driving stability control systems are
active or
>parking brake is applied or
>the vehicle has not achieved a
speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h or
>engaged gear not suitable for the
speed being driven
Cruise control system failed You can continue your journey. Have
the system checked.
Active cruise control deactivated:
>Driving stability control systems are
active or
>parking brake is applied or
>the vehicle has not achieved a
speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h or
>engaged gear not suitable for the
speed being driven orKeep a safe distance.
12Cause What to do

Everything from A to Z
184 Engine oil
– adding139
– alternative oil types139
– BMW Maintenance
System141
– capacity178
– checking level137
– dipstick137
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements65
Engine output, refer to Engine
data174
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data174
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine47
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps83
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control62
Error messages, refer to
Check Control67
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC70
Event data recorders142
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system107
Expanding the cargo area99
Exterior mirrors39
– adjusting39
– automatic dimming
feature40
– automatic heating40
– folding in and out39
External audio device95
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away157
– for tying down loads110
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control67
Failure of an electrical
consumer154False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm26
– switching off an alarm26
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts38
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control90
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner86
First aid pouch155
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock46
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– run-flat tires134
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM73
Flat Tire Monitor FTM72
– indicating a flat tire73
– indicator/warning lamp73
– initializing the system72
– snow chains72,135
– system limits72
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition133
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir53
Fog lamps82
– indicator lamp82,160
Folding rear seat backrest99
Folding up the floor panel101
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely108
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps83
For your own safety5
Four-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive71
Front airbags77
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor72Fuel115
– additives116
– average consumption63
– gauge62
– high-quality brands115
– quality115
– specifications115
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities178
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge62
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge62
Fuel-efficient driving, refer to
Energy Control62
Fuel filler flap114
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction114
Fuses154
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control91
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption63
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel115
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge62
Gear indicator, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic48
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
General driving notes107

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
185
Glass roof, electric29
– closing after electrical
malfunction30
– Convenient operation20,22
– initializing30
– opening, closing29
– pinch protection system30
– power failure30
– raising29
– remote control20
Glove compartment94
Grills, refer to Air vents84
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights177
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs149
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake48
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HDC Hill Descent Control71
Head airbags77
Headlamp control,
automatic79
Headlamp cover149
Headlamp flasher50
– indicator lamp11,14,160
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs149
Head restraints35
– rear, removing36
– sitting safely33
Heated
– mirrors40
– rear window86,89
– seats37
– steering wheel41
Heating84
– mirrors40
– rear window86,89
– seats37
– steering wheel41
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate84
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo109Height, refer to
Dimensions175
Height adjustment
– seats34
– steering wheel40
High-beam assistant81
High beams81
– headlamp flasher81
– indicator lamp160
– replacing bulbs149
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant81
High-pressure
washer143,144
High water, refer to Driving
through water108
Hill Descent Control HDC71
Hills108
Holders for cups95
Homepage BMW4
Hood136
Hooks for shopping bags100
Horn10,11
Hotel function, refer to
Locking or unlocking
separately24
Hot exhaust system107
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC70
Hydroplaning108
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning61
Identification marks
– run-flat tires134
– tire coding132
Ignition46
– switched off47
– switched on46
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key18
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness46Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on46
Ignition lock46
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM74
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview160
Individual air distribution85
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure119
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM73
Initializing
– after power failure153
– compass, refer to
Calibrating93
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM72
– glass roof30
– panorama glass roof32
Installation location
– telephone95
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting82
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remote
control91
Interior lamps83
– remote control20
Interior motion sensor26
Interior rearview mirror40
– automatic dimming
feature40
– compass93
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control48
Intermittent mode of the
wipers51
J
Jacking points153
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting156