
Wheels and tires
224
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by 
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a 
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall 
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling 
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for driving on 
winter roads or at temperatures below +45 7/
+7 6. Although all-season M+S tires provide 
better winter traction than summer tires, they 
generally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the 
winter tires mounted on your car; failure 
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that 
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the 
maximum permitted speed for the mounted 
tires must be displayed in your field of view. 
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center 
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry 
place with as little exposure to light as possible. 
Always protect tires against all contact with oil, 
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum 
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall 
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels 
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires 
have the same size, as this could impair driving 
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes, 
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been 
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and 
recommended. Consult your BMW center for 
more information. 
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on 
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow 
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or 
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if 
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the 
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it 
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to 
page86.< 

Mobility
 249Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried 
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or 
rear of the BMW.
Sedan: it is stored in the onboard vehicle tool kit 
underneath the cover on the right-hand side of 
the cargo area, refer to page237.
Sports Wagon: it is stored in the onboard vehi-
cle tool kit underneath the cover on the left-
hand side of the cargo area, refer to page237.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the 
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the 
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid 
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift 
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the 
tow fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Release the cover panel in the bumper:
Press on the upper part of the cover panel.
Front
RearBeing towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page55; otherwise, the low-beam 
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and 
windshield wipers may be unavailable.
Power steering assistance is not available when 
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and 
steering will require increased effort. Active 
steering is not active and it will be necessary to 
turn the steering wheel further.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to 
page58.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph 
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or 
body and chassis parts; otherwise, dam-
age may result.<
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter 
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may 
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same 
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, 
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is 
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only, 
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle 
could result in damage.< 

Reference 267
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Available services199
Average fuel consumption73
– setting the units76
Average speed73
Avoid highways in 
navigation140
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms34
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights257
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment43
Backrest width adjustment44
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats45
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb242,243
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
pouch247
Bar, refer to Towing 
methods249
Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter192
– refer to Snap-in adapter in 
the center armrest storage 
compartment111
Bass, tone setting150
Battery244
– charging244
– disposal36,244
– jump-starting247
– remote control26
– replacing244
– temporary power failure245
Battery for mobile phone192
Battery renewal
– remote control36
– remote control for vehicle36
Being towed249Belts, refer to Safety belts47
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts47
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders112
Black ice, refer to Outside 
temperature warning71
Blower, refer to Air 
volume104
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating183
BMW
– car shampoo235
BMW Advanced Diesel204
BMW Assist195
BMW Assist, 
activating197,199
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System231
BMW Search197
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders112
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control DBC85
Brake fluid, refer to Service 
requirements76
Brake Force Display93
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display93
– replacing bulb242,243
Brake pads122
– breaking in122
Brake rotors125
– brakes122
– breaking in122
Brakes
– ABS85
– BMW Maintenance 
System231
– Brake Force Display93
– breaking in122
– parking brake57
– service requirements76Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely124
Brake system122
– BMW Maintenance 
System231
– breaking in122
– disc brakes125
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance246
Breaking in the clutch122
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential122
Break-in period122
Brightness of the Control 
Display83
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs238
Button for starting the engine, 
refer to Start/stop button55
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning6
Call
– accepting184
– ending184
– rejecting184
Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing185
Calling, refer to Telephone 
owner's manual
Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders112
Capacities258
Capacity of the cargo area257
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery244
Car care, refer to Care233 

Everything from A to Z
268 Care233
– automatic car washes233
– care products233
– carpets235
– CD/DVD drives236
– chrome parts234
– displays236
– exterior233
– fine wood parts235
– headlamps234
– high-pressure washer234
– interior235
– leather235
– light-alloy wheels235
– paintwork234
– plastic parts235
– rubber seals234
– safety belts235
– sensors and cameras235
– upholstery and cloth 
trim235
– washing the car 
manually234
– windows234
Cargo, securing126
Cargo area115
– capacity257
– Comfort Access35
– folding up the floor 
panel117
– lamp, refer to Interior 
lamps101
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– partition net116
– roller cover115
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk 
lid/tailgate31
Cargo area net, refer to 
Partition net116
Cargo loading125
– securing cargo126
– stowing cargo126
– vehicle125
Car jack
– jacking points244
Car key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control26Car phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest111
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Car phone, refer to 
Telephone180
Car radio, refer to Radio153
Car shampoo235
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system123
CD, audio playback162
CD changer161,166
– controls150
– fast forward/reverse163
– filling or emptying the 
magazine166
– random play sequence162
– selecting a track162
– switching on/off150
– tone control150
– volume150
CD player161
– controls150
– fast forward/reverse163
– random play sequence162
– selecting a track162
– switching on/off150
– tone control150
– volume150
Center armrest111
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb243
Center console, refer to 
Around the center 
console14
Central locking
– from inside30
– from outside27
Central locking system27
– Comfort Access34
– hotel function32
– setting unlocking 
characteristics28
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs238Changing the language on the 
Control Display83
Changing the measurement 
units on the Control 
Display76
Changing wheels244
Chassis number, refer to 
Engine compartment226
Check Control80
Check Gas Cap202
Child restraint fixing system 
LATCH52
Child restraint systems51
Child safety locks54
Child seats, refer to 
Transporting children 
safely51
Chrome parts235
Chrome polish235
Cigarette lighter, refer to 
Lighter113
Cleaning headlamps61
– washer fluid62
Cleaning your BMW, refer to 
Care233
Climate control
– automatic air 
distribution103
Clock71
– 12h/24h mode79
– setting the time and date79
– setting time79
Closing
– from inside30
– from outside27
Clothes hooks112
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the 
engine56
Comfort Access34
– replacing the battery36
Comfort access, refer to 
Comfort Access34
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock55
Compass109 

Everything from A to Z
270 Displacement, refer to Engine 
data254
Display, refer to iDrive 
controls16
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting101
Displays
– on the Control Display16
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant230
– remote control battery36
– vehicle battery244
Distance remaining to service, 
refer to Service 
requirements76
Distance warning, refer to 
Park Distance Control 
PDC84
Door key, refer to Remote 
control with integrated 
key26
Door lock29
Doors, emergency 
operation30
DOT Quality Grades221
Draft-free ventilation105
Drinks holders, refer to 
Cupholders112
Drive-off assistance, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC85
Drive-off assistant87
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams97
Driving notes122
Driving off on hills, refer to 
Drive-off assistant87
Driving stability control 
systems85
Driving through water124
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes122
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function104
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control85DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control86
– indicator/warning lamp86
DVD
– country codes163
– settings164
– video playback163
DVD menu164
DVD player, refer to CD 
player161
DVD video163
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC85
Dynamic destination 
guidance141
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC85
– indicator/warning lamp86
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp86
E
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution85
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on the CD/DVD player150
Electrical malfunction
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler flap202
– glass roof38
– panorama glass roof40
– trunk lid32
Electric seat adjustment43
Electric steering wheel lock
– with Comfort Access35
Electronic brake-force 
distribution EBV85
Electronic oil level check227
Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC85
Emergency actuation, 
automatic transmission, 
refer to Overriding selector 
lever lock60Emergency operation
– fuel filler flap, manual 
release202
Emergency operation, refer to 
Closing manually
– glass roof38
– panorama glass roof40
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– door lock30
Emergency release
– trunk lid from inside32
Emergency Request246
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance246
Energy, saving
– saving fuel122
Energy-conscious driving, 
refer to Energy Control72
Energy Control72
Engine
– breaking in122
– data254
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature72
– speed254
– starting56
– starting, Comfort Access34
– switching off56
Engine compartment226
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant230
Engine oil
– adding229
– alternative oil types229
– BMW Maintenance 
System231
– capacity258
– checking level227
– dipstick
227
– intervals between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements76
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data254
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
data254
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine56 

Reference 271
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Entering special destinations 
by name136
Entering the postal code for 
navigation132
Entry lamps, refer to Interior 
lamps101
Entry map for destination136
Environmentally friendly 
driving, refer to Energy 
Control72
Equalizer, tone setting151
Error messages, refer to 
Check Control80
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC85
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system123
Expanding the cargo area115
Extended connectivity of the 
music player in the mobile 
phone174
Exterior mirrors48
– adjusting48
– automatic dimming 
feature49
– automatic heating48
– folding in and out48
External audio device111
External devices
– random sequence176
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing 
away249
– for tying down loads126
F
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control80
Failure of an electrical 
consumer245
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional 
alarm34
– switching off an alarm34
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts47Fastest route for 
navigation140
Fast forward
– CD changer163
– CD player163
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic 
climate control105
First aid pouch247
Fixture for remote control, 
refer to Ignition lock55
Flash when locking/
unlocking28
Flat tire
– run-flat tires223
– Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM89
Flat Tire Monitor FTM88
– indicating a flat tire89
– indicator/warning lamp89
– initializing the system88
– snow chains88,224
– system limits88
Flat tires, refer to Tire 
condition222
Fluid reservoir, refer to 
Washer fluid reservoir62
FM, waveband153
Fog lamps100
– indicator lamp13,100
Folding rear seat backrest115
Folding up the floor panel117
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely124
Footwell lamps, refer to 
Interior lamps101
For your own safety5
Four-wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive86
Free memory capacity, music 
collection171
Front airbags94
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor88Fuel203
– additives204
– average consumption73
– gauge72
– high-quality brands
203
– quality203
– specifications203
– tank contents, refer to 
Capacities258
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge72
Fuel consumption indicator
– average fuel 
consumption73
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge72
Fuel-efficient driving, refer to 
Energy Control72
Fuel filler flap202
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction202
Fuses245
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control107
Gasoline
– refer to Average 
consumption73
Gasoline, refer to Required 
fuel203
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge72
Gas station 
recommendations142
Gear indicator, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic58
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
General driving notes123 

Everything from A to Z
276 Radio position, refer to Radio 
readiness55
Radio readiness55
– switched off56
– switched on55
Radio-remote key, refer to 
Remote control with 
integrated key26
Rain sensor61
Random sequence
– external devices176
– music collection171
Rapeseed-oil methyl ester 
RME204
Reading lamps101
Rear lamps, refer to Tail 
lamps241
Rear seat backrest, 
folding115
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints45
– folding115
– folding down 
backrests114,115
– folding head restraint down 
and up45
Rear ventilation105
Rearview mirror, refer to 
Mirrors48
Rear window
– cleaning62
– opening33
Rear window blind, refer to 
Roller sun blinds110
Rear window defroster104
Rear window safety switch37
Rear window wiper62
– changing rear wiper 
blade237
Receiving level of mobile 
phone, refer to Status 
information19
Reception
– quality154
– radio station154
Recirculated-air mode104
Recirculation of air, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode104Reclining seat, refer to 
Backrest43
Refueling202
Releasing
– hood225
Remaining distance, refer to 
Cruising range73
Remote control26
– battery renewal36
– Comfort Access34
– garage door opener107
– malfunction29,36
– removing from the ignition 
lock55
– service data231
– tailgate28
– trunk lid28
Replacement fuses, refer to 
Fuses245
Replacement remote 
control26
Replacing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs238
Replacing tires223
Replacing tires, refer to New 
wheels and tires223
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel 
gauge72
Reset, refer to Resetting tone 
settings152
Restraint systems
– for children51
– refer to Safety belts47
Reverse
– CD changer163
– CD player163
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
RME, refer to Rapeseed-oil 
methyl ester204
Road map142
Roadside 
Assistance196,246
Roadside parking lamps99
– replacing bulbs238,240Roadworthiness test, refer to 
Service requirements76
Roller blind
– sun blinds110
Roof load capacity257
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack127
Rope, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away250
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to 
iDrive16
Route140,141
– bypassing sections141
– changing140,141
– changing criteria140
– displaying streets or towns/
cities141
– map view142
– selecting140
Route instructions, refer to 
Destination guidance 
through voice 
instructions142
Route map, refer to Map 
view142
Route section, changing141
Route selection140
RSC Runflat System 
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires223
Runflat System Component 
RSC, refer to Run-flat 
tires223
Run-flat tires223
– continuing driving with a 
damaged tire89
– flat tire89
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– Inflation pressure208
– new tires223
– tire replacement223
– winter tires224
Runflat tyres, refer to Run-flat 
tires223 

Everything from A to Z
278 Soot particulate filter, refer to 
Diesel particulate filter124
SOS, refer to Sending an 
Emergency Request246
Sound, adjusting during audio 
playback, refer to Tone 
control150
Sound output for 
entertainment on/off150
Spare fuses245
Special destinations135
Special destinations, 
displaying136
Speed
– Run-flat tires89
– with winter tires224
Speed limit82
Speed limit warning, refer to 
Speed limit82
Speedometer12
Speed reading, refer to 
Speedometer12
Speed Volume152
Split rear seat backrest, refer 
to Expanding the cargo 
area115
Split screen, refer to Control 
Display, switching on/off19
Split screen content, refer to 
Display for split screen 
content, selecting20
Spray nozzles, refer to 
Cleaning windshield and 
headlamps61
Stability control, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems85
Start/stop button55
– starting the engine56
– switching off the engine56
Starting, refer to Starting the 
engine56
Starting assistance, refer to 
Jump-starting247
Starting difficulties
– jump-starting247
Starting the engine
– start/stop button55Start menu17
State/province, for 
navigation131
Station, selecting
– radio153
Status of this Owner's Manual 
at time of printing5
Steam jet233,234
Steering wheel50
– adjustment50
– buttons on steering 
wheel11
– heating50
– lock55
– locking with Comfort 
Access35
Steering with variable ratio, 
refer to Active steering
92
Steptronic, refer to Automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic57
Storage236
Storage compartments112
Storage nets116
Stored trip, calling up139
Storing a destination in the 
address book133
Storing music168
Storing seat positions, refer to 
Seat and mirror memory46
Storing tires224
Stowage, refer to Storage 
compartments112
Street, entering, 
navigation132
Summer tires, refer to Wheels 
and tires208
Sun blinds110
Surround151
SVCD163
SW, waveband153
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine56
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button55Switching on
– audio150
– CD changer150
– CD player150
– radio150
Switching the cooling function 
on and off104
Switch-on times of parked car 
ventilation, preselecting106
Symbols4
– status information19
T
Tachometer71
Tailgate31
– Comfort Access35
– emergency operation, refer 
to Opening manually32
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– opening manually32
– remote control28
Tailgate, refer to Trunk lid/
tailgate31
Tail lamp
– replacing bulb243
Tail lamp, refer to Tail 
lamps241
Tail lamps241
– replacing bulb242,243
Tank contents, refer to 
Capacities258
Technical data254
– dimensions255
Technical modifications, refer 
to For your own safety5
Telephone180
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest111
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
– voice commands189
TeleService196
TeleService Diagnosis197
TeleService Help197