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Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not measure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pressure loss in a tire by 
comparing the rotational 
speeds of the individ-
ual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and 
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change. This is detected and 
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have be en initialized while the 
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise, 
reliable signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been 
corrected or a wheel or tire has been changed, 
reinitialize the system.
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by 
external influences ca nnot be indicated in 
advance.<
The system will not detect a natural, uniform 
pressure loss in all four  tires. Therefore, check 
the tire inflation pressure regularly.
In the following situations, the system could be 
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
> Performance-oriented style of driving: slip 
in the drive wheels, hi gh lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can 
be displayed on the Control Display, e.g. 
whether or not the FTM is active.
1."Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status" 3.
"Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
Initialization
The initialization process adopts the set infla-
tion tire pressures as  reference values for the 
detection of a flat tire. Initialization is started by 
confirming the inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the system when driving with 
snow chains.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine – do not drive away.
5. Start the initialization  by selecting "Reset".
6. Start driving.
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time. 
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. <
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ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps come on in yellow 
and red. A message appears on the 
Control Display. In addition, a signal 
sounds. There is a flat tire or a major 
loss in tire pressure.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with 
caution. Avoid sudden braking and steering 
maneuvers.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat 
tires, do not continue driving; continuing 
to drive can result  in serious accidents. <
When a flat tire is reported, the Dynamic Stabil-
ity Control DSC is activated.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Run-flat tires
With a damaged tire, is  possible to continue 
driving at speeds of up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
When driving with a damaged tire:
1. Avoid sudden braking and steering 
maneuvers.
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3. At the next opportunity, check the inflation 
pressure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure in all four tires is cor-
rect, the Flat Tire Monitor might not have 
been initialized. The sy stem must then be 
initialized.
Possible driving distance  with complete loss of 
tire pressure:
The distance it is possible to drive with a flat tire 
depends on the load and the stress on the 
vehicle while driving.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive 
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damaged tires, the handling 
characteristics ch ange, e.g. the vehicle will skid 
sooner when braking, braking distances will be 
longer, or self-steerin g response will change.  Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid 
turning abruptly and driving over obstacles 
such as curbs, potholes, etc.
Since the possible driving distance depends to 
a considerable degree on
 the strain exerted on 
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or, 
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer, 
depending on the speed, road condition, out-
side temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously an d do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
When there is a tire pressure loss, the handling 
characteristics change , e.g. there will be 
reduced directional stability during braking, 
braking distances will be longer, and self-
steering response will change. <
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can 
indicate final failure  of the tire. Reduce 
your speed and bring the vehicle to a stop; oth-
erwise, tire components may become 
detached, which could result in an accident. Do 
not continue driving; instead, contact your 
BMW center. <
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
The concept
Check the inflation pressure  in the four installed 
tires. The system notifies you if there is a signif-
icant loss of pressure in one or more tires.
Functional requirement
The system must have been reset while the 
inflation pressure was correct; otherwise, reli-
able signaling of a flat tire is not ensured. 
Always use wheels with TPM electronics to 
ensure that the system will operate properly. 
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been 
corrected or a wheel or tire has been changed, 
reset the system.
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Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by 
external influences ca
nnot be indicated in 
advance.<
The system does not function correctly if it has 
not been reset. For example, a flat tire may be 
indicated even though the tire inflation pres-
sures are correct.
The system is inactive and cannot indicate a flat 
tire:
> When a wheel without TPM electronics is 
installed.
> Interference with TPM  by other systems or 
devices with the same transmission 
frequency.
Status display
The current status of the Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM can be displayed on the Control Display, 
e.g., whether or not the TPM is active.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Tire Pressure Monitor - TPM"
The status is displayed.
Status indicator on the Control Display
The color of the tires represents the status of 
the tires and the system.
A change in the tire in flation pressure during 
driving is taken into account.
A correction is only re quired when this is 
indicated by the TPM.
Green wheels
The inflation pressure corresponds to the 
desired state.
"TPM active" appears in  the Control Display.
One wheel yellow
There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire pres-
sure in the indicated tire.
All wheels yellow
> There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire 
pressure in several tires.
> The system was not reset after a wheel 
change and thus issues a warning based on 
the inflation pressure s initialized last.
Gray wheels
The system cannot detect a puncture.
Reasons for this may be:
>TPM is being reset.
> Interference from systems or devices that 
use the same radio frequency.
> Malfunction.
Resetting the system
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed, 
reset the system.
1."Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine – do not drive away.
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ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
5.Reset the inflation pr essure by selecting 
"Reset".
6. Start driving.
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting 
TPM..." is displayed.
After driving a few minutes, the set inflation 
pressures in the tires are accepted as the target 
values to be monitored.  The resetting process 
is completed automatically as you drive. On the 
Control Display, the wheels are shown in green 
and "Status: TPM active" is displayed.
The trip can be interrupted at any time. When 
driving resumes, resetting continues automati-
cally.
If a flat tire is detect ed while the system is 
resetting, all tires on the Control Display 
are displayed in yello w. The message "Low 
tire!" is displayed.<
Message for low tire  inflation pressure
The warning lamps light up in yellow 
and red. A message appears on the 
Control Display. In addition, a signal 
sounds.
> There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire 
pressure in the  indicated wheel.
> The system was not reset after a wheel 
change and thus issues a warning based on 
the inflation pressure s initialized last.
Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with 
caution. Avoid sudden braking and steering 
maneuvers. If the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat 
tires, do not continue driving; continuing 
to drive can result  in serious accidents. <
When a low tire pressure is reported, the 
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is activated.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Run-flat tires
You can continue driving with a damaged tire at 
speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
When driving with a damaged tire: 1.
Avoid sudden braking and steering 
maneuvers.
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3. At the next opportunity, check the inflation 
pressure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure  is correct in all four 
tires, then the Tire Pressure Monitor may 
not have been reset. The system must then 
be reset.
Possible driving distance  with complete loss of 
tire pressure:
The distance it is possible to drive with a flat tire 
depends on the load and the stress on the vehi-
cle while driving.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive 
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damaged tires, the handling 
characteristics ch ange, e.g. the vehicle will skid 
sooner when braking, braking distances will be 
longer, or self-steerin g response will change. 
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid 
turning abruptly and driving over obstacles 
such as curbs, potholes, etc.
Since the possible driving distance depends to 
a considerable degree on  the strain exerted on 
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or, 
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer, 
depending on the speed, road condition, out-
side temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously an d do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
When there is a tire pressure loss, the handling 
characteristics change , e.g. there will be 
reduced directional stability during braking, 
braking distances will be longer, and self-steer-
ing response will change. <
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can 
indicate complete fa ilure of the tire. 
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a 
stop; otherwise, tire components may become 
detached, which could result in an accident. Do 
not continue driving; instead, contact your 
BMW center. <
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95
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
Message for unsuc
cessful system 
reset
Yellow warning lamp lights up. A 
message appears on the Control 
Display.
The system has detected a wheel change, but 
was not reset. A reliable warning is not possible 
at the current inflation pressures.
Check the tire inflation  pressure and reset the 
system, refer to page 93.
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in 
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp lights 
up in yellow. The tires appear in gray 
in the Control Display.  No punctures can be 
detected.
Display in the following situations:
> A wheel without TPM electronics has been 
installed:
Have it checked by your BMW center.
> Malfunction
Have the system checked
> Tire Pressure Monitor was unable to 
complete the resetting process. Reset the 
system again.
The small warning lamp flashes in 
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp lights 
up in yellow. The tires appear in gray 
in the Control Display.
Display in the following situations:
Interference from systems or devices that use 
the same radio frequency. The system auto-
matically becomes active again when the vehi-
cle moves out of the interference zone.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold 
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the  vehicle placard or tire infl
ation pressure label. If 
your vehicle has tires of  a different size than the 
size indicated on the vehi cle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, you should determine the 
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As 
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been 
equipped with a tire pr essure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminate s a low tire pressure 
t e l l t a l e  w h e n  o n e  o r  m o r e  o f  y o u r  t i r e s  a r e  s i g n i f -
icantly underinflated.  Accordingly, when the 
low tire pressure telltal e illuminates, you should 
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, 
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving 
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the 
tire to overheat and ca n lead to tire failure. 
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and 
tire tread life and may a ffect the vehicle's han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the 
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver's responsibility to 
maintain correct tire pr essure, even if underin-
flation has not reached th e level to trigger illumi-
nation of the TPMS low  tire pressure indicator.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined 
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash 
for approximately one minute and then remain 
continuously lit. This sequence will continue 
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as 
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction 
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be 
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as 
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a 
variety of reasons, includ ing the installation of 
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the 
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning 
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction 
telltale after replacing one or more tires or 
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the 
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow 
the TPMS to continue  to function properly.
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125
Things to remember when driving
Driving tips
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check the tire inflation pr
essure at least twice a 
month and before embarking on a long journey, 
and correct it if necessary.
Low tire inflation pressure causes higher rolling 
resistance and thus increases fuel consumption 
and tire wear.
Set off immediately
Do not let the engine wa rm up while the car is 
still standing, but set off immediately at moder-
ate engine speed. This is the fastest way for the 
cold engine to reach its operating temperature.
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking 
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance between you and th e vehicle in front of 
you. A defensive and smooth driving style 
keeps fuel consumption down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for dr iving off. In second and 
higher gears, accelerate  without hesitation or 
pauses. When accelerati ng, shift up before 
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desi red speed, shift into 
the highest applicable ge ar and drive with the 
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers 
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red lig ht, take your foot off 
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
On a downhill slope, take your foot off the accel-
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy 
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy 
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings 
or in traffic congestions.
Switch off functions you do not need at 
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner, seat 
heating or rear window defroster draw large 
amounts of power and consume additional fuel. 
Especially in city traffic and in stop-and-go driv-
ing they have a considerable impact. Therefore, 
switch these functions  off when they are not 
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve 
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW 
recommends having the vehicle serviced at 
your BMW center. Also note the BMW Mainte-
nance System, refer to page 237.
General driving notes
Close the trunk lid
Only drive with the trunk closed. Failure to 
do so may endanger passengers or other 
road users or may damage the vehicle in the 
event of an accident or a braking and evasive 
maneuver. In addition, exhaust gas may flow 
into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstance s make it absolutely 
necessary to drive wi th the trunk open:
1. Close all windows and the glass roof.
2. Greatly increase the air volume of the 
automatic climate cont rol system, refer to 
page 108.
3. Drive cautiously.
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127
Things to remember when driving
Driving tips
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 br aking is required. Even 
light but consistent brak e pressure can lead to 
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect 
by shifting down, all the way to first gear if nec-
essary. This strategy  helps you avoid placing 
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mo de of the automatic 
transmission, refer to page 65.
Sport automatic transm ission with double 
clutch: never drive with the transmission 
in neutral or with the en gine switched off; other-
wise, there will be no en gine 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, 
there will be no engine braking action and no 
power assistance to the brakes and 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 driv en only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are le ss frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminan ts 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 
climate control is in operation, and then exits 
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water 
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their 
approved carrying ca pacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overlo ading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage 
develops inside the tires. In some situations, 
this can result in sudden loss of tire pressure. <
Avoid fluid spills in the trunk as they could 
damage the vehicle. <
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's placard:
The combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise damage to 
the vehicle may occur and unstable driving 
conditions may result.<
2. Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver 
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY 
pounds.
4. The resulting figure  equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. 
For example, if the YYY amount equals 
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223
Wheels and tires
Mobility
Wheels and tires
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and 
optional equipment that is offered in the model 
range is described. For this reason, descrip-
tions will be given of some equipment that may 
not be available in a vehi
cle, for example due to 
the special options or  national-market version 
selected. This also app lies to safety related 
functions and systems.
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tire s' service life, but also 
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving 
safety that depend on th e condition of the tires 
and the maintenance of th e specified tire pres-
sure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly 
and correct it, if nece ssary: at least twice a 
month and before starting long trips. If you fail 
to observe this  precaution you may be driving 
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condi-
tion that can not only  compromise your vehi-
cle's driving stability, but also lead to tire dam-
age and the risk of an accident. Do not drive 
with deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using 
run-flat tires. A flat tire  will seriously impair your 
vehicle's handling and braking response. 
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of 
control over the vehicle. <
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the 
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of 
1.25 miles/2 km driving or  when the vehicle has 
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are 
warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, 
reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to 
page 93, or reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, 
refer to page 91.<
Inflation pressure specifications
The tables below provide  all the correct inflation 
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient 
temperature.
The inflation pressure s apply to the tire 
sizes approved and tire brands recom-
mended by BMW; a list of these is available 
from your BMW center. <
For correct identificati on of the right tire 
inflation pressures, observe the following:
> Tire sizes for your vehicle
> Maximum allowable driving speed
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