
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 87
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an optional 
accessory for your BMW. Please familiarize 
yourself with the information contained in the 
installation instructions.
Loading luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on 
its handling and steering response. You should 
therefore always remember not to exceed the 
approved roof load capacity, the approved 
gross vehicle weight, or the axle weights when 
loading the rack.
These specifications can be found under 
Weights on page128.
The roof load must be evenly distributed and 
must not extend outward beyond the limits of 
the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest 
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate 
clearance is maintained for raising the glass 
sunroof and that objects do not project into the 
opening path of the liftgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off 
while you drive.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Driving on poor roads
Y our B MW  is a t home  on all pa ve d a nd unpa ved 
roads. It combines all-wheel drive with the 
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Do not drive off-road, as otherwise the 
vehicle may be damaged.<
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a 
few points which you should strictly observe – 
for your own safety and that of your passengers, 
as well as to protect the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before 
you begin driving. Do not take risks with the 
vehicle under any circumstances.>Always adapt your driving speed to the road 
conditions. The more steep and uneven the 
roadway is, the lower the speed should be.
>You can operate your vehicle on uphill and 
downhill gradients with a maximum slope 
of 50 %. If you wish to drive on uphill and 
downhill grades of this nature, make sure 
beforehand that the engine oil and coolant 
levels are near the MAX mark, refer to 
pages103 and105.
>When descending very steep hills, use 
HDC Hill Descent Control, refer to page52. 
It is possible to start off on inclines of up 
to 32 %. 
The permitted side tilt is 32 %.
>While driving, watch carefully for obstacles 
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these 
obstacles whenever possible.
>Avoid having the body make contact with 
the ground, e.g. on the crests of hills and 
bumpy roads. The ground clearance of the 
vehicle is a maximum of approx. 8.0 in/
20 cm. Please be aware that the ground 
clearance can vary depending on the load 
and operating conditions of the vehicle.
>Do not drive in water that is deeper than 
20 in/50 cm. If you must drive through water 
up to that depth, drive at a walking speed 
and do not stop. 
After leaving the water, press on the foot-
brake gently several times while driving at a 
low speed. The brake applications will help 
to dry the brakes, thus preventing a reduc-
tion in braking performance caused by the 
moisture. 
To clean the handbrake, apply the lever 
slightly at approx. 25 mph/40 km/h and con-
tinue to drive for approx. 200 yards/
200 meters, provided that traffic conditions 
allow you to do so.
>Depending on the road condition, it can be 
useful to temporarily activate DTC, refer to 
DTC Dynamic Traction Control on page52.
>If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress 
the accelerator pedal far enough to permit 
the driving stability control systems to dis- 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 133
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
instructions84
Drying air, refer to Switching 
cooling function on/
off64,67
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control51
– indicator lamp52
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control52
– indicator lamps52
DVD changer, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC51
– indicator lamp52
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC52
– indicator lamps52
E
Electrical malfunctions
– automatic transmission 
malfunction41
– door lock21
– driver's door21
– fuel filler door92
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Electronic brake-force 
distribution51
Electronic Stability Program, 
refer to DSC Dynamic 
Stability Control51
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– doors21
– driver's door21
– fuel filler door92
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Emergency request120
Emergency Service, refer to 
Receiving assistance120Engine
– breaking-in82
– data126
– indicator lamps38
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
thermometer47
– speed46
– starting38
– switching off39
Engine compartment102
Engine coolant105
Engine coolant 
temperature47
Engine oil103
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils104
– approved engine oils104
– electronic oil level 
control103
– indicator/warning lamp103
– possible displays103
– required oil grades104
– specifications, also refer to 
Approved engine oils104
Engine oil grades104
Engine oil level, indicator/
warning lamp103
Engine oil pressure103
– indicator/warning lamp103
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data126
Equipment package, refer to 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control51
Exhaust system
84
Exterior mirrors33
– automatically dimming34
External audio device74
Eye, tow starting and 
towing122
F
Failure of electrical 
accessories119
False alarms, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms26
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts32
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter65
– Microfilter/activated 
charcoal filter68
First-aid kit121
Flat tire115
– compact wheel116
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– refer to Tire inflation 
pressure94
– refer to Wheel changes115
– Tire Pressure Monitor55
Flat Tire Monitor54
– indicator lamp54
– initializing system54
– snow chains100
– system limits54
– warning errors54
Flooding, refer to Driving 
through water84
Floor cover78
Fog lamps, indicator lamp61
Folding rear seat back76
Footwell lamps61
Four wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive52
Front airbags57
Front fog lamps61
– replacing bulbs114
Front passenger airbags
– automatic deactivation57
– status58
Fuel93
– average consumption49
– capacity129
– gauge46
– quality93
– refer to Average fuel 
consumption49
– saving83 

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 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 137
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant105
Radio, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Radio-control key, refer to 
Master key with remote 
control18
Radio navigation, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Rain sensor42
Range, setting units48
Reading lamps
– front61
– rear62
Rear armrest, refer to Armrest, 
rear73
Rear backrests, folding76
Rear lamps
– refer to Tail lamps114
– replacing bulbs114
Rear lamps and reflector, refer 
to Tail lamps114
Rear seat back, folding76
Rearview mirrors, exterior33
Rear window defroster
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control68
Rear window safety switch23
Rear window wiper43
– wiper blade 
replacement111
Recirculated-air mode
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control68
Refueling92
Remaining distance, refer to 
Cruising range49
Remaining distance until 
service47
Remote control19
– garage-door opener69
– liftgate20
– malfunction20
Removing condensation, 
windows
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67Replacement fuses119
Replacing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs111
Replacing tires
– new wheels and tires98
– wheel changes115
Replacing windshield 
wipers111
Reporting an accident, refer to 
Initiating an emergency 
request120
Reporting safety defects7
Required oil grades, refer to 
Approved engine oils104
Reserve indicator lamp, refer 
to Fuel gauge46
Restraint systems
– for children35
– refer to Safety belts32
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic41
– manual transmission40
Roadside Assistance, refer to 
Receiving assistance120
Roadside parking lamps60
Roller cover for cargo area, 
refer to Cargo area cover77
Roll-up cover, refer to Cargo 
area cover77
Roof load capacity, refer to 
Weights128
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack87
Rope, refer to Tow starting 
and towing122
Rotating coin holder, refer to 
Storage compartments73
Run-flat indicator, refer to Flat 
Tire Monitor54
S
Safety belts32
– safe sitting position27
– warning lamp32
Safety belt tensioners, refer to 
Safety belts32
Safety defects7Safety feature, window23
Safety systems, refer to
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System51
– Airbags57
– DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control51
– xDrive52
Screw thread for tow 
fitting122
Seat heating31
Seat memory, refer to Seat 
and mirror memory31
Seats
– adjusting electrically28
– adjusting sports seat29
– heating31
– memory, refer to Seat and 
mirror memory31
– sitting safely27
– storing the setting31
Securing, vehicle, with the 
remote control19
Securing cargo, refer to Cargo 
loading85
Selector lever
– automatic transmission40
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic40
Selector lever interlock, refer 
to Shiftlock40
Selector-lever positions, 
automatic transmission40
Service, refer to Receiving 
assistance120
Service and warranty6
Service Engine Soon38,107
Service Interval 
Display47,106
Setting interior 
temperature64,67
Shifting gears in automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic41
Shiftlock40
Side airbags57
Side tilt, permissible87
Side turn signals, bulb 
replacement114 

Everything from A to Z
138 Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely27
– with airbags27
– with head restraint27
– with safety belt27
Ski bag75
Smokers' package, refer to 
Ashtray74
Snow chains100
SOS, refer to Initiating an 
emergency request120
Spare fuses119
Spare key18
Spare wheel, refer to Compact 
wheel116
Speed
– with compact wheel118
– with winter tires99
Speedometer, refer to 
Instrument cluster11
Split rear backrest, refer to 
Enlarging cargo area76
Sport program, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic41
Sports seat29
Stability control, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems51
Starting, refer to Starting 
engine38
Starting difficulties
– at very low temperatures39
– jump starting121
Starting engine38
Starting off uphill, refer to 
Acceleration assistant53
Status of passenger 
airbags58
Status of this Owner's Manual 
at time of printing5
Steam cleaners108
Steering lock38
Steering wheel10,13
– adjustment34
– buttons on steering 
wheel13
– heater34
– lock38Steptronic40
Storage compartments73
Storage package73
Storage package nets73
Storage space, refer to Cargo 
area76
Storing desired speed, refer to 
Cruise control44
Storing seat position, refer to 
Seat and mirror memory31
Storing tires99
Storing your vehicle110
Straps, refer to Cargo 
loading85
Sunroof, refer to Panorama 
glass sunroof23
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching cooling function on/
off64,67
Switching off engine39
Symbols4
T
Tachometer46
Tail lamps114
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb59
– replacing bulbs114
Tank, washing systems, refer 
to Washer fluid43
Tank capacity129
Technical data126
Technical modifications5
Telephone, refer to separate 
operating instructions
Temperature
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
– tires98
Temperature display
– outside temperature48
– outside temperature 
warning48
– setting units48
Temperature gauge47
Temperature of coolant, refer 
to Coolant thermometer47
Temperature warning48Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control44
Thigh support adjustment29
Three point safety belts32
Tightening torque of lug bolts, 
refer to After mounting117
Tilt alarm sensor
– remote control20
– switching off20,26
Tilt function, passenger-side 
mirror33
Tire inflation pressures94
– monitoring, refer to Tire 
Pressure Monitor55
– restoring94
Tire Pressure Monitor55
– malfunction warnings55
– resetting system55
– system limitations55
– warning lamp55
Tire replacement98
Tires
– age97
– breaking-in82
– changing98
– changing, also refer to Wheel 
changes115
– coding97
– condition98
– damage98
– DOT Quality Grades97
– flat115
– inflation pressure94
– inflation pressure table96
– size, refer to Correct wheels 
and tires99
– storage99
– temperature98
– traction97
– tread98
– tread wear97
– Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading97
– wear indicators, refer to 
Minimum tread depth98
– winter tires99
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit111