
Things to remember when driving
128
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 page92.
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.
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 page59.
Sports automatic transmission with dou-
ble clutch: never drive with the transmis-
sion in neutral or with the engine switched off; 
otherwise, there will be no engine braking 
action and no power assistance to the brakes 
and steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the 
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral 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.
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. 

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Activating/deactivating the 
Bluetooth link
The use of Bluetooth technology is not 
permitted in all countries. Observe all 
applicable local regulations. Temporarily deac-
tivate the Bluetooth link between the vehicle 
and the mobile phone, if necessary.
If the Bluetooth link is deactivated, you can no 
longer operate the mobile phone via the vehicle, 
and other devices with a Bluetooth interface 
can be used in combination with the mobile 
phone, e.g. a laptop.<
To temporarily deactivate the Bluetooth link 
between the vehicle and your mobile phone:
1."Telephone"
2.Open "Options".
3."Bluetooth"
Adapting volumes
Turn the knob until the desired volume is set.
Adjusting the volume for:
>Ring volume
>Call volume
These volumes are maintained for the hands-
free system, even if you set the other audio 
sources to minimum volume.The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Operation via iDrive
You can operate the following functions using 
iDrive:
>Accepting/rejecting calls
>dialing phone numbers
>Selecting phone numbers from the phone 
book
>Selecting stored phone numbers, e.g. from 
the list of received calls
>Ending a call
When the ignition is switched off or in radio 
readiness, e.g. after taking the remote control 
out of the ignition lock, you can continue an 
ongoing call via the hands-free system for sev-
eral minutes.
Voice quality
If the person you are talking to is having difficul-
ties understanding you, this may be due to 
excessive background noise. The full prepara-
tion package mobile phone can compensate for 
these noises to a certain extent. To optimize 
voice quality during a call, we recommend that 
you:
>Reduce background noise, e.g. by closing 
the windows, reducing air flow from the 
automatic climate control or pointing the 
open front air vents downward.
>Reduce the volume of the hands-free sys-
tem.
Requirements
>The mobile phone's pairing data are 
stored by the vehicle and the mobile phone 
is operational.
>The engine is running or the ignition is 
switched on.
>The mobile phone is recognized by the 
vehicle. 

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TeleService*
TeleService supports communication with your 
BMW center.
>Data on the vehicle's service requirements 
can be sent directly to the BMW center. In 
this way, the BMW center can plan its work 
in advance. This shortens the duration of 
the service appointment.
>In the event of a breakdown, data on the 
vehicle's condition can be sent directly to 
Roadside Assistance
*. 
>The service varies by country.
>Connection may incur charges.
>Services may be restricted abroad.
Requirements
>BMW Assist is activated.
>Wireless reception is available.
>The engine is running.
Concierge service*
When you call the BMW Assist Concierge ser-
vice, you can obtain information about, for 
example, restaurants, emergency pharmacy 
services, gas stations or hotels, as well as 
receive the corresponding telephone numbers 
and addresses.
You can then dial a phone number directly or 
use an address for destination guidance
*.
Starting the concierge service
1."BMW Assist"
2."Concierge"3."Start service"
A voice connection is established to the BMW 
Concierge service.
You are connected to an employee of the BMW 
Concierge service to obtain the required infor-
mation. You can then have the phone number 
and address sent to you and, for example, use it 
for destination guidance in the navigation sys-
tem. Many hotels can be booked directly 
through the BMW Assist Concierge service. 
When an information message is received, a list 
of the received messages is displayed automat-
ically. Open the message via the message list, 
refer to page191.
Roadside Assistance
You can call BMW Roadside Assistance* 
should you require help in the event of a break-
down.
Starting Roadside Assistance
Vehicle not equipped with BMW Assist 
or BMW TeleService
1."BMW Assist"
2."Roadside Assistance"
The BMW Roadside Assistance number is 
displayed. If a mobile phone
* is paired, a 
connection is established to BMW Road-
side Assistance. 

BMW Assist
200
Vehicle equipped with BMW Assist or 
BMW TeleService
1."BMW Assist"
2."Roadside Assistance"
3."Start service"
TeleService Diagnosis*
TeleService Diagnosis enables the wireless 
transmission of detailed vehicle data that are 
important for vehicle diagnosis. TeleService 
Diagnosis can be started after a prompt by 
Roadside Assistance and termination of the 
voice connection.
TeleService Help*
TeleService Help enables an in-depth diagno-
sis of the vehicle by Roadside Assistance via 
wireless transmission. TeleService Help can be 
started after a prompt by Roadside Assistance 
and termination of the voice connection.
Starting TeleService Help
1.Park the vehicle in a safe place.
2.Set the parking brake.
3.The engine is running.
4."TeleService Help"
After completion of TeleService Help, a voice 
connection is established to Roadside Assis-
tance.
Activating BMW Assist*
If the services included in a valid BMW Assist 
subscription are not displayed, they may need 
to be activated.
1.Make sure that the vehicle can determine its 
current position. Reception is usually best 
when you have an unobstructed view to the 
sky.
2.Switch on the ignition.
3."Activate BMW Assist"
Activation may take several minutes. If another 
menu is opened, activation continues running in 
the background.
BMW Search*
BMW Search is an online portal that makes cer-
tain services available for use in your vehicle, 
e.g. information on restaurants along your 
route.
License conditions:
This product contains NetFront Browser soft-
ware of ACCESS Co., Ltd. Copyright © 2007 
ACCESS Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. NetFront 
is a trademark or registered trademark of 
ACCESS Co., Ltd., in Japan and other coun-
tries.
T h i s  s o f t w a r e  i s  b a s e d  i n  p a r t  o n  t h e  w o r k  o f  t h e  
Independent JPEG Group.
Requirements
>Subscription to the optional 
Convenience Plan.
>The vehicle is located within wireless 
network coverage.
>The date setting on the Control Display 
is current. 

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Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, follow the safety 
instructions provided at filling stations; 
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or 
property damage.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler 
nozzle while filling the tank, as that would lead 
to
>Premature pump shutoff
>Reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks 
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 16.1 US gallons/61 liters, including the 
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gallons/8 liters.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km; otherwise, engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur.<
Fuel specifications
Gasoline engine: required fuel
Do not refuel with leaded fuel; otherwise, 
the catalytic converter will be damaged.
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing 
85Ξ ethanol, nor with FlexFuel. Otherwise, the 
engine and fuel supply system will be dam-
aged.<
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less 
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is:
>328i/xDrive: 87
>335i, 335i/xDrive: 89.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds 
when starting at high outside temperatures. 
This has no effect on the engine life.Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise, the 
engine could be damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition, 
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale 
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10Ξ ethanol or other 
oxygenates with up to 2.8Ξ oxygen by weight, 
that is, 15Ξ MTBE or 3Ξ methanol plus an 
equivalent amount of cosolvent, will not void the 
applicable warranties with respect to defects in 
materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in 
drivability, starting and stalling problems 
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and 
high altitude. 
Should you encounter drivability problems 
which you suspect could be related to the fuel 
y o u  a r e  u s i n g ,  w e  r e c o m m e n d  t h a t  y o u  r e s p o n d  
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand 
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier 
Detergent Gasoline. 
Failure to comply with these recommendations 
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.< 

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Important parts of the engine compartment
1Expansion tank for coolant, refer to 
page226
2Washer fluid filler neck for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system, 
refer to page663Jump-starting connection, refer to 
page239
4Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding 
engine oil
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on 
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
Your car is equipped with an electronic oil-level 
monitor.
For a precise measurement and display of the 
oil level, it is necessary that the engine be at 
operating temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted 
driving for at least approx. 6.2 miles/10 km. You 
can have the oil level displayed while you are 
driving, or while the vehicle is at a standstill on a 
level surface and the engine is running.
Display in the instrument cluster
1.Push button 1 in the turn indicator lever up 
or down repeatedly until the appropriate 
symbol is shown in the display, accompa-
nied by the word "OIL".
2.Press button 2 in the turn indicator lever. 
The oil level is checked and the reading 
displayed. 

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Too much oil will harm the engine. 
Have the vehicle checked without 
delay.<
>"Measurement inactive. Have this 
checked."
Do not add engine oil. You can continue 
your journey. Note the newly calculated dis-
tance remaining to the next oil service, refer 
to page80. Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Add up to 1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil only 
after a corresponding message is shown on the 
Control Display.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km; 
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of 
children and comply with the relevant 
warnings on the containers. Otherwise, health 
hazards may result.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at y our B MW  c ente r o r a t 
a workshop that works according to BMW 
repair procedures with correspondingly trained 
personnel.
Oil types
Do not use oil additives as this could 
result in engine damage.<
Specified engine oils
Your service center can advise you on which 
engine oils have been approved by the manu-
facturer of your vehicle.
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the 
engine.
Approved oils can be identified by the following 
specification:
Approved oils belong to the following viscosity 
classes: SAE0W-40, SAE0W-30, SAE5W-40 
and SAE 5W-30.
Alternative oil types
If approved oils are not available, you can use 
quantities of up to 1 US quart/1 liter of another 
oil with the following specifications:
API SM or higher
Gasoline engine
Preferred: BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Alternatively: BMW Longlife-98 

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Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your BMW. The objective is to optimize 
efforts with respect to minimal vehicle mainte-
nance costs.
If and when you come to sell your BMW, a com-
prehensive record of servicing will prove a sig-
nificant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into 
account. Condition Based Service uses this to 
determine the current and future service 
requirements. By letting you define a service 
and maintenance regimen that reflects your 
own individual requirements, the system builds 
the basis for trouble-free driving.
On the Control Display, you can have the 
remaining times or distances for selected main-
tenance tasks and any legally prescribed dates 
displayed, refer to page80:
>Engine oil
>Brake pads: separately for front and rear
>Brake fluid
>Vehicle check
>Legally mandated inspections depending 
on local regulations
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control 
while you are driving. Your BMW Service Advi-
sor can read out this data from the remote con-
trol unit, and propose an optimized mainte-
nance approach. Whenever you take your car in 
for servicing you should therefore hand your 
BMW Service Advisor the remote control unit 
that you last used.
Make sure that the date is always set cor-
rectly, refer to page84; otherwise, the 
effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS 
is not assured.<
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 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.<