
Air conditioner
66
Automatic climate control*
1Airflow directed toward windshield and 
side windows
2Airflow toward upper body68
3Airflow to footwell68
4Manually varying air distribution67
5Adjusting temperature67
6Temperature display67,
Air volume67
7Manually varying air volume678Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation67
9Rear window defroster68
10Switching cooling function on/off67
11Outside air/AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control/recirculated-air mode68
12AUTO program67 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 67
A congenial climate
For almost all conditions, the AUTO pro-
gram12 offers the optimum air distribution and 
air volume, refer to AUTO program below. You 
need only select an interior temperature 5 that 
you find pleasant.
The following sections contain more detailed 
information on the available setting options.
Your vehicle has been designed to auto-
matically select your personal climate-
control settings whenever you unlock the doors 
using your individually programmed remote 
control.<
AUTO program
The AUTO program handles the 
adjustment of air distribution to the 
windshield and side windows, in 
the direction of the upper body, and in the foot-
well. It also adapts your instructions for the air 
volume and temperature to outside influences 
throughout the year, e.g. solar radiation or win-
dow condensation.
The cooling function is switched on automati-
cally along with the AUTO program.
Manually switching air distribution 
on/off
You can direct air to flow onto the 
windows  , toward the upper 
body   and into the footwell  .
You can reactivate the automatic 
air distribution mode by selecting 
the AUTO button.
Temperature
Set the desired temperature.
The automatic climate control 
assures that this temperature is 
reached as quickly as possible any 
time of year, using maximum cool-
ing or heating capacity as needed, and then 
keeps this temperature constant.The highest setting produces the maximum 
heat output regardless of the outside tempera-
ture. The lowest setting activates maximum air 
conditioning.
When you change between different tem-
perature settings in rapid succession, the 
system does not have enough time to achieve 
the desired temperature.<
Manually adjusting air volume
By pressing the lower button, you 
can reduce the air volume. You can 
increase it by pressing the upper 
button.
You can reactivate the automatic 
air volume mode by pressing the AUTO button.
Switching system on/off
At the lowest fan speed, press the lower button 
to turn off the automatic climate control com-
pletely. All displays disappear.
Press any button to turn the automatic climate 
control back on again.
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation
Quickly removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and 
front door windows.
Also switch on the cooling function.
Switching cooling function on/off
When the cooling function is on, 
the air is cooled, dehumidified, and 
then reheated depending on the 
temperature setting. This function is only avail-
able with the engine running.
The cooling function helps to prevent conden-
sation from forming on the windows or to 
remove it quickly.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may 
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
The cooling function is automatically switched 
on along with the AUTO program. 

Air conditioner
68
AUC Automatic Recirculated-air 
Control/recirculated air mode
You can set the desired operating 
mode by pressing the button 
repeatedly:
>LEDs off: outside air continuously flows into 
the vehicle.
>Left LED on, AUC mode: a sensor detects 
pollutants in the outside air. The system 
suspends the supply of outside air as 
needed and recirculates the air currently 
within the vehicle. As soon as the concen-
tration of pollutants in the outside air has 
decreased sufficiently, the system switches 
automatically back to supplying outside air.
>Right LED on, recirculated-air mode: the 
outside air supply into the vehicle is shut off 
continuously. The system then recirculates 
the air currently within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in recirculated-air 
mode, then press the AUTO button or 
switch off the recirculated air mode and 
increase the air volume as needed. 
The recirculated-air mode should not be used 
over a sustained period of time; otherwise, the 
air quality inside the vehicle will steadily deteri-
orate.<
Rear window defroster
The rear window heating switches 
off automatically after a certain 
amount of time. Depending on 
your equipment package, the upper wires are 
used as an antenna and are not part of the rear 
window defroster.
Ventilation
1Serrated dials for opening and closing the 
air vents through an infinitely variable range
2Levers for changing airflow direction
3Serrated dial for more or less cool air from 
the air vents for the upper body region, 
independent of the temperature selected 
on the automatic climate control
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vents to direct the flow of cool air in 
your direction, for instance, if the interior has 
become too warm.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past 
you and is not directed straight at you.
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter*
The microfilter removes dust and pollen from 
the incoming outside air. The activated-char-
coal filter provides additional protection by fil-
tering gaseous pollutants from the outside air. 
This combined filter is replaced when mainte-
nance is performed by your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle Center. A substantial reduction in 
air supply indicates that the filter should be 
replaced before normal maintenance. 

Things to remember when driving
84
General driving notes
Closing liftgate
Operate the vehicle only when the liftgate 
is completely closed; otherwise, exhaust 
fumes could enter the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the 
liftgate open:
1.Close all windows and the panorama glass 
sunroof.
2.Greatly increase the air supply of the air 
conditioning system or automatic climate 
control, refer to page64 or67.
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures occur in the exhaust 
system of every vehicle. Do not remove 
the heat shields installed adjacent to various 
sections of the exhaust system, and never apply 
undercoating to them. When driving, standing 
at idle, and parking, 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, resulting in serious personal injury and 
property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust 
pipe, it can cause burns.<
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner/auto-
matic climate control system during operation, 
and then exits under the vehicle. Traces of con-
densed water under the vehicle are therefore 
normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page33; 
otherwise, they could be damaged due to the 
width of the vehicle. 
Deactivate the rain sensor; otherwise, damage 
could result from undesired wiper activation, 
refer to page42.
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 phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or 
complete loss of contact between tires and 
road surface, ultimately undermining your abil-
ity to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The danger of hydroplaning increases as tire 
tread depth decreases, also refer to Minimum 
tread depth on page98.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it 
is deeper than 20 in/50 cm, and then only 
at walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle´s 
engine, the electrical systems and the trans-
mission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes 
by slipping or riding the clutch, use the 
handbrake instead. Otherwise, greater clutch 
wear will result.<
Safe braking
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard 
equipment. In situations in which it is required, it 
is best to apply the brakes fully. Since the vehi-
cle maintains steering responsiveness, you can 
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles with a 
minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates to 
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Wet roads
On wet roads or in heavy rain, briefly apply light 
pressure to the brake pedal every few miles. 
Watch traffic conditions to ensure that this 
maneuver does not endanger other road users. 
The heat that is generated by the brake applica-
tions helps to dry the brake rotors and pads. 
The full braking force will then be available 
when you need it. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 97
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire 
makes it easier to identify and choose the right 
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q  = up to 105 mph/160 km/h
T  = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H  = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V  = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W  = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y  = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of 
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on 
the sidewall:
DOT ... 3008 indicates that a tire was manufac-
tured in week 30 of the year 2008.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires 
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last 
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable 
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and 
maximum section width. 
For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA 
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear 
Traction AA A B C 
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to 
Federal Safety Requirements in addition 
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating 
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested 
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. 
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one 
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative 
performance of tires depends upon the actual 
conditions of their use, however, and may 
depart significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, 
are AA, A, B, and C. 
These grades represent the tire's ability to stop 
on wet pavement, as measured under con-
trolled conditions on specified government test 
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked 
C may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is 
based on straight-ahead braking traction 
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
e.g. 235/50 R 18 97 V
Nominal width in mm
Cross-sectional 
relationship in Ξ
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating, not for ZR tires
Speed rating, before R on ZR tires
e.g. DOT xxxx xxx 3005
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire age 

Everything from A to Z
130
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System51
– indicator lamp12
Acceleration assistance
– refer to Acceleration 
assistant53
– refer to DSC51
Acceleration assistant53
Accessories, refer to For your 
own safety5
Accident, refer to Receiving 
assistance120
Activated-charcoal filter68
Adaptive Head Light60
Adding engine oil104
Adjusting seats28
– electrically28
– mechanically28
– mechanically, Sports seat29
Airbags57
– deactivating front passenger 
side35,57
– indicator lamp for front 
passenger airbags58
– sitting safely27
– warning lamp58
Air circulation, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode64,68
Air conditioner63
Air distribution
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
Airing, refer to 
Ventilation65,68
Air outlets, refer to 
Ventilation65,68
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure94
Air vents, refer to 
Ventilation65,68Air volume64
– adjusting manually67
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications93
Alarm system25
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms26
All-season tires, refer to 
Special characteristics of 
winter tires99
All wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive52
Anchorage points78
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid43
Antilock Brake System 
ABS51
– indicator lamp12
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system25
Approved axle load, refer to 
Weights128
Approved engine oils104
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights128
Armrest
– front73
– rear73
Ashtray74
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control68
Audio device, external74
Automatic
– air distribution67
– air volume67
– recirculated-air control 
AUC68
Automatic climate control66
Automatic cruise control44
Automatic curb monitor33
Automatic deactivation of 
front passenger airbags57Automatic headlamp 
control60
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic40
– indicator lamp41
– interlock38
– selector lever interlock40
– shiftlock40
– towing122
– tow starting123
AUTO program67
Average fuel consumption49
– setting units48
Average speed49
– setting units48
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms26
Axle weights, refer to 
Weights128
B
Backrest, refer to Seats28
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support29
Backup lamps, bulb 
replacement114
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit121
Bar, towing123
Battery118
– charging118
– disposal118
– indicator lamp12
– jump starting121
– power failure118
– remote control18
– warning lamp118
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders72 

Everything from A to Z
132 Child's seat, refer to Child 
restraint devices35
Child restraint devices35
– installing35
– with tether strap36
Child-restraint system 
LATCH36
Child-safety locks37
Child seat security35
Cigarette lighter74
Circulation of air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode64,68
Cleaning rear window43
Cleaning your BMW, refer to 
Care and maintenance108
Clock47,48
– 12 or 24 hour mode48
– setting, also refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
– setting time47
Closing
– from inside21
– with the remote control19
Clothes hooks74
Clutch82
– breaking-in82
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting 
engine38
Combination of wheel/tire99
Compact wheel, wheel 
changes116
Compartments, refer to 
Storage compartments73
Compartments in cargo area, 
refer to Behind side trim 
panel78
Compass, digital70
Computer48
– also refer to Owner's Manual 
for Onboard Computer
– functions48
Condensation, refer to When 
the vehicle is parked84
Confirmation signal for 
locking/unlocking 
vehicle19,21Connecting car vacuum 
cleaner, refer to Connecting 
electrical devices74
Connecting electrical 
devices74
Consumption, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption49
Consumption indicator, refer 
to Fuel gauge46
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– from outside21
– panorama glass sunroof21
– windows21
Coolant105
– level105
– temperature gauge47
– warning lamp105
Cooling, refer to 
Temperature64,67
Copyright2
Correct wheels and tires99
Courtesy lamps61
Cruise control44
– buttons on steering 
wheel13
– indicator lamp44
Cruising range49
Cup holders72
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights128
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data126
D
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting61
Dashboard system, refer to 
Cockpit10
Data, technical126
– dimensions127
– engine126
– filling capacities129
– weights128
Daytime driving lamps59
Deactivating front passenger 
airbags35,57Defective lamp59
Defects7
Defrosting windows64,67
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows64,67
Digital clock47
Digital compass70
Dimensions127
Dimming mirror34
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals41
Disk brakes85
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data126
Display illumination, refer to 
Instrument lighting61
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting61
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster11
Disposal, vehicle battery118
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control50
Door exit lighting61
Door handle lighting59
Door keys18
Door lock21
Doors
– locking and unlocking from 
inside21
– manual operation21
– unlocking and locking, 
confirmation signals19,21
DOT Quality Grades97
Draft-free ventilation65,
68
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams59
Driving notes84
Driving on poor roads87
Driving stability control 
systems51
Driving through water87 

Everything from A to Z
134 Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge46
Fuel filler cap92
Fuel filler door92
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction92
Fuel gauge46
Fuel tank contents, refer to 
Filling capacities129
Full preparation package 
mobile phone, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Fuses119
G
Garage-door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control69
Gasoline
– refer to Fuel quality93
– refer to Fuel 
specifications93
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge46
Gear indicator in automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic40
Gearshift lever, manual 
transmission40
General driving notes84
Glove compartment72
Grills, refer to 
Ventilation65,68
Gross vehicle weight, refer to 
Weights128
Ground clearance87
H
Halogen lamps112
Handbrake39
– indicator lamp39
Hands-free microphone, refer 
to Car phone preparation75
Hand washes108
Hazard warning flashers10
HDC Hill Descent Control52
Head airbags57Headlamp control, 
automatic60
Headlamp flasher41
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps112
– replacing bulbs111
Headlamp washer reservoir
– capacity, refer to Filling 
capacities129
– refer to Washer fluid43
Headlamp washer system
– headlamp washing43
– washer fluid43
Head Light, refer to Adaptive 
Head Light60
Head restraints29
– sitting safely27
Heated mirrors33
Heated rear window
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control68
Heated seats31
Heated steering wheel34
Heater
– rear window64,68
– windshield washer jets43
Heating
– exterior mirror33
– seats31
– steering wheel34
Heating and ventilation63,66
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo 
loading85
Height, refer to 
Dimensions127
Height adjustment
– seats28
– steering wheel34
High beams60
– headlamp flasher60
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs113
High Performance Synthetic 
Oil104
High pressure cleaning 
jets108
Hill-climbing ability, refer to 
Driving on poor roads87Hill Descent Control HDC52
Hills85
Holder for beverages72
Hood101
Horn10
Hotel function18
Hot exhaust system84
Hydraulic brake assistant, 
refer to Brake assistant51
Hydroplaning84
I
Icy conditions, refer to 
Outside temperature 
warning48
Ignition38
Ignition key18
Ignition key positions, refer to 
Ignition lock38
Ignition lock38
Imprint2
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags58
– alarm system25
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic41
– brakes105
– coolant temperature47
– DSC52
– engine temperature47
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– fog lamps61
– front passenger airbags58
– reserve46
– safety belt warning32
– Tire Pressure Monitor55
Indicator and warning lamps, 
overview12
Individual settings, refer to 
Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory18
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure94
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– Tire Pressure Monitor55