
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 47
Coolant temperature gauge
Blue
The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate 
engine and vehicle speeds.
Between blue and red fields
Normal operating range. It is permissible for the 
dial to drift up to the red field.
Red
Comes on while driving: 
The engine is overheated. Switch off the engine 
immediately and allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to page105.
When you switch on the ignition, the warning 
lamp1 comes on briefly to confirm that the sys-
tem is operational.
Service Interval Display
Remaining distance until next service 
due
The displays shown in the illustration appear for 
a few seconds once the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1 or after starting the engine.Together with the message OIL SERVICE or 
INSPECTION, the next scheduled service and 
remaining distance to this service are dis-
played.
The remaining distance is determined on the 
basis of the past driving style.
A flashing display and a – sign before the 
numerical value mean that the service interval 
has been passed by the displayed number of 
miles/kilometers. Please make an appointment 
with your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Clock
If you wish to have a continuous clock display, 
you can also set the car radio display to show 
the time, refer to Owner's Manual for Radio.
You can set the clock or the time that appears in 
the car radio display as follows.
Setting time
With the ignition key in position 1 or higher:
Hours
1.Hold button2 pressed for a few seconds 
until the hours are displayed and the colon 
flashes.
2.Press button1 repeatedly until the desired 
hour is set.
Minutes
3.Press button2 to change to the minutes 
display.
4.Press button1 repeatedly until the desired 
minutes are set.
5.Press button2 to confirm the time. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 57
Airbags
The following airbags are located beneath the 
marked covers:
1Front airbags
2Head airbags
3Side airbags in front and rear
*
Protective action
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimum protection, 
please follow the instructions on page27.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and 
front passenger by responding to frontal 
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the 
head and side airbags help provide protection in 
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag cushions the side upper body area. The 
respective head airbag cushions the head.
The airbags are intentionally not triggered in 
every collision situation, e.g. they are not trig-
gered not in less serious accidents, or rear-end 
collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the 
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or 
modify them in any other way.
Keep the instrument cluster and the windshield 
in the region of the passenger free of foreign 
objects, i.e. do not cover them with adhesive foil 
or coatings, and do not use these areas to 
mount brackets, e.g. for a navigation device or 
mobile phone.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag retention 
system from the vehicle. Do not modify the indi-
vidual components of the system or its wiring in 
any way. This includes the padded covers in the center of the steering wheel, on the instrument 
cluster, the doors, and the roof pillars as well as 
the sides of the headliner. Do not attempt to 
remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components 
directly after the system has been triggered, 
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or 
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have 
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel and 
that has the required explosives licenses. Oth-
erwise, unprofessional attempts to service the 
system could lead to failure in an emergency or 
undesired airbag activation, either of which 
could result in personal injury.<
Airbag warnings and information are also pro-
vided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front 
passenger airbags
By evaluating the pressure on the seat cushion 
of the front passenger seat, the system detects 
whether or not the seat is occupied. Depending 
on the detection result, the system correspond-
ingly activates or deactivates the front and side 
airbags for the passenger.
The indicator lamp located above the 
inside rearview mirror indicates whether 
the front passenger airbag system is currently 
deactivated or activated, refer to Status of pas-
senger airbags in the section below.<
Before transporting a child in the front 
passenger seat, read the safety notices 
and follow the safety instructions under Trans-
porting children safely on page35.
When teenagers or adults assume certain sit-
ting positions, the front and side airbags on the 
passenger side can deactivate; this causes the 
indicator lamp for the front passenger airbag to 
light up. If this happens, have them change their 
sitting position so that the passenger airbag is 
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the 
desired status cannot be achieved by changing 
their sitting position, then have the person ride  

Under the hood
104 3Oil level at minimum
At your earliest opportunity, add 1 US quart/
1 liter engine oil, also refer to Adding engine 
oil.
4Oil level too high
Have vehicle checked immediately; 
otherwise, overfilled oil can lead to 
engine damage.<
5Oil level sensor has failed
It is not possible to take a current or mean-
ingful measurement.
Do not add engine oil. It is possible to con-
tinue driving. Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Add the maximum quantity of 1 US quart/1 liter 
of oil only after the warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up, refer to page103, or 
when the oil level measurement "+1.0 " appears 
on the display.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km; 
otherwise, engine damage could result.<
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach of chil-
dren and heed warnings on the contain-
ers. Otherwise, you could endanger your 
health.<
Oil change
Have the oil changed only by your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical 
significance for the operation and service life of 
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use 
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Only use approved BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small 
amounts of another synthetic oil in between oil 
changes. Only use oils with the API SH specifi-
cation or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center for more details concerning 
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil or other 
approved synthetic oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at 
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website 
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
BMW engines are designed to operate 
without additives, and their use could 
even lead to damage in some cases.<
Viscosity classes
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in 
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class depends 
on the climate conditions in the area where you 
typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the SAE classes 
0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40, and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving in all ambient 
temperatures. 

Maintenance
106
Maintenance
BMW maintenance system
The BMW maintenance system supports the 
preservation of the road and operating safety of 
your BMW.
Regular maintenance is not only required for 
the safety of the vehicle, it also improves the 
resale value.
Service Interval Display
The BMW maintenance system takes the driv-
ing conditions of the vehicle into account when 
determining service intervals:
From the maintenance standpoint, 
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in 
short-distance urban driving are not the equiva-
lent of the same distance covered at moderate 
speeds in long-distance highway travel.
The BMW maintenance system is divided into 
engine oil service and inspection.
Determining the maintenance intervals accord-
ing to the actual loads on the vehicle covers 
practically every kind of operating situation. 
However, even those who drive only short dis-
tances, significantly less than 6,200 miles/
10,000 km annually, should have the engine oil 
changed at least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs 
moisture from the atmosphere over the 
course of time. To ensure that the brake system 
continues to provide safe and reliable perfor-
mance, remember to have the brake fluid 
changed at least every two years by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center, also refer to the 
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for 
US models or the Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models.<
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models 
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service 
and repair operations performed at your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries 
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.< 

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
136 Maximum speed, with winter 
tires99
Mechanical seats28
Memory, refer to
– Seat and mirror memory31
– Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory18
Microfilter
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control68
Microphone, refer to Car 
phone preparation75
Microphone for telephone75
Mirrors33
– automatic curb monitor33
– mirror heating33
– mirror memory, refer to Seat 
and mirror memory31
Mobile phone, refer to 
separate operating 
instructions
Monitoring tire pressure
– refer to Flat Tire Monitor54
– refer to Tire Pressure 
Monitor55
Multi-function steering wheel, 
refer to Buttons on steering 
wheel13
Multifunction switch
– turn signals/headlamp 
flasher41
– washer/wiper system42
N
Navigation system, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Neck support, refer to Head 
restraints29
Nets73
New keys18
Nonsmoker's equipment 
package74
Nozzles, refer to 
Ventilation65,68
Nylon rope, refer to Tow 
starting and towing122
O
OBD socket107
Octane rating, refer to Fuel 
quality93
Odometer46
Oil
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils104
– approved engine oils104
– level103
– refilling, refer to Adding 
engine oil104
Oil change interval, refer to 
Service Interval Display47
Oil grades104
Oil level103
– warning lamp103
Oil pressure103
– warning lamp103
OIL SERVICE47
Old batteries, refer to 
Disposal118
Onboard computer, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Onboard Diagnostics OBD 
interface socket107
Onboard tool kit111
Opening and closing
– from inside21
– using the door lock21
– with the remote control19
Output, refer to Engine 
data126
Outside air
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control68
Outside temperature display
– changing unit of measure48
– on computer48
Overheating of engine, refer to 
Coolant thermometer47
P
Package tray, refer to Cargo 
area cover77
Panic mode20Panorama glass sunroof23
– closing after electrical 
malfunction25
– convenience operation21
– initializing24
– power failure24
– remote control19
Park Distance Control PDC50
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park 
Distance Control50
Parking assistant, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control50
Parking brake, refer to 
Handbrake39
Parking lamps59
Parking lamps/low beams59
Partition net78
Parts and accessories, refer to 
For your own safety5
Passenger-side mirror tilt 
function33
Pathway lighting59
PDC Park Distance Control50
Pinch protection system23
– power windows23
Pollen, refer to
– Microfilter65
– Microfilter/activated 
charcoal filter68
Power failure
– battery118
– panorama glass sunroof24
– windows23
Power seat adjustment28
Power socket
– in cargo area74
– refer to Cigarette lighter 
socket74
Power windows22
– initializing23
– safety switch23
Pressure, tires94
Pressure monitoring, 
tires54,55
Programming settings, refer 
to Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory18
Puncture, Flat Tire Monitor54 

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