Designed for safe, clean transport of up to
4 pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length
of up to 6 ft 10 in/2.10 m. When skis of 6 ft 10 in/
2.10 m length are loaded, the overall capacity of
the ski bag is reduced due to its tapered design.

Loading

Fold down the center armrest.

Press the button, reach into the recess and
fold down the cover.

Open the Velcro fastener, spread the ski
bag between the front seats and insert the
skis or snowboards.
The zip fastener makes objects in the ski
bag easier to reach.

Insert the latch plate of the ski bag's retain-
ing strap in the center belt buckle.

Make sure to load only clean skis into the ski
bag. Wrap sharp edges to prevent damage.

Securing cargo

After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.

Secure the ski bag in the manner
described, otherwise it could endanger

the car's occupants, e.g. in case of heavy brak-
ing or sudden swerving.

To store the ski bag, perform the steps
described for loading in reverse order.

Removing the ski bag

The ski bag can be completely removed, e.g. for
faster drying or to allow you to use other inserts.

Practical interior accessories

112

Fold down the center panel in the rear seat
backrest.

Pull the handle, arrow

Pull out the insert, arrow

For more information on the various
inserts available, contact your BMW Cen-

ter.

113

Driving tips

This section provides you with information

useful in dealing with specific driving and

operating conditions.

Driving tips

Things to remember when driving

116

Things to remember when driving

Break-in period

Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.

Engine and differential

Always obey all official speed limits.

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Attempt to vary both engine and vehicle
speeds, but refrain from exceeding an engine
speed of 4,500 rpm or a driving speed of
100 mph or 160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode.

After 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.

Sequential manual gearbox SMG

Do not use the acceleration assistant during the
break-in period, page

Tires

Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.

Brake system

Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.

Clutch

The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.

300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.

Following part replacement

The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.

General driving notes

Close the luggage compartment lid

Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is closed. Other-

wise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of
the vehicle.

If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the luggage compartment
lid open:

Close all windows and the glass sunroof.

Increase the air flow rate of the automatic
climate control considerably, refer to
page

Hot exhaust system

In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-

tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage.

Mobile phone in the vehicle

BMW discourages the use of mobile
communications devices, e.g. mobile

phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-

117

nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
device can influence one another. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation which
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.

Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic

dimming feature*

The automatic dimming feature of the interior
and exterior mirrors

is controlled by two photo

cells in the interior rearview mirror. One photo
cell is in the mirror frame, see arrow; the other is
on the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions
correctly, keep the photo cells clean, do not
cover the area between the interior rearview
mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive
labels or stickers of any kind to the windshield
directly in front of the mirror.

Hydroplaning

When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge

of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.

The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page

195

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 handbrake on inclines

On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise

greater clutch wear will result.

Sequential manual gearbox SMG

On uphill slopes, drive off without delay.
Do not hold the vehicle in place by

depressing the accelerator pedal; apply the
handbrake instead. Otherwise, the transmis-
sion could overheat.

Also use the drive-off assistant, refer to
page

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.

Things to remember when driving

118

You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
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 page

Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in idle 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.

Before driving into a car wash

For general information about taking care of
your BMW, refer to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure.

With convenient access and automatic

transmission

Insert the remote control into the ignition
switch.

The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page

Cargo loading

To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-

load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.

Determining loading limit

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, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.

Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.

Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.

The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.

Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available

119

cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.

If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.

Load

The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of the occupants, the less cargo/lug-
gage can be transported.

Stowing cargo

Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
respective seat backs.

Cover sharp edges and corners.

For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.

Securing cargo

Smaller and relatively light items can be
retained with tensioning straps or draw
straps

Heavy-duty cargo straps

for securing

larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW Center. Four lashing eyes are
provided for attaching the cargo straps.
Two are located

on the inside rear wall of

the luggage compartment

1, and two others

are on the side walls of the luggage com-
partment

Comply with the information provided with
the cargo straps.

Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-

ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page

220

, as excessive loads can pose a

safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.

Roof-mounted luggage rack*

A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Comply with the precautions
included with the installation instructions.

Things to remember when driving

120

Mounting points

Open the covers.

Loading roof-mounted luggage rack

Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
vehicle 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 loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights on page

220

The roof load must be uniformly distributed and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom. Be sure
that adequate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the glass sunroof, and that objects do not
project into the opening path of the luggage
compartment lid.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

121

Navigation

This chapter describes how you can

enter destinations and specify your route

so that your navigation system guides you

reliably to your destination.

Navigation

Starting the navigation system

124

Starting the navigation system

Your navigation system can use satellites to
ascertain the precise position of your vehicle
and guide you reliably to any destination you
enter.

Navigation DVD

The navigation system requires a special navi-
gation DVD. You can obtain the latest version at
your BMW Center.

Inserting navigation DVD

Insert the navigation DVD with the labeled
side up.

Wait for several seconds to allow the con-
tents of the DVD to be read in.

Removing navigation DVD

Press button

The DVD emerges slightly from the drive.

Remove the DVD.

If the DVD is not ejected from the drive, it is pos-
sible that it is blocked. A message appears on
the Control Display.

Display in the assistance

window

You can display the route or the current position
in the assistance window. This display remains
visible even if you change to another applica-
tion.

Move the controller to the right to enter the
assistance window.

Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.

Select the desired route view or "Current
position".

Press the controller.

The contents of the assistance window are con-
tinually updated as you drive.

125

Destination entry

In entering your destination you can select from
the following options:

Entering a destination manually, see below

Entering a destination by voice com-
mands*, refer to page

128

Selecting destination using information,
refer to page

130

Selecting destination from a list, refer to
Destination list, page

131

Selecting destination from address book,
refer to page

132

Selecting home address, refer to page

134

After selecting your destination you can pro-
ceed to start the destination guidance, refer to
page

136

Operating navigation system

Enter data only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary, and always give priority to the

applicable traffic regulations in the event of any
contradiction between traffic and road condi-
tions and the instructions issued by the naviga-
tion system. If you do not observe this precau-
tion, you may be in violation of the law, and can
endanger vehicle occupants and other road
users.

iDrive concept, refer to page

Press the

button.

This opens the start menu.

Move the controller to the right to call up
"Navigation".

Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.

Entering a destination

manually

The system's word-matching principle makes it
easier for you to enter the names of streets or
towns, refer to page

135

. This allows you to

enter different spellings and completes your
entry automatically so that stored names can be
called up quickly.

If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the uppermost field. Turn the controller
until "Navigation" is selected and press the
controller.
"New destination" is selected.

Press the controller.

Destination entry

126

Select "Enter address" and press the con-
troller.

The system also supports you with the follow-
ing features:

If you do not enter a street, the system will
guide you to the downtown area of a town or
city.

You can skip the entry of country and local-
ity if the current entries should be retained
for your new destination.

Selecting country

Select "State / Province" or the country dis-
played and press the controller.
The list of available countries appears on
the display.

Select the country of destination and press
the controller.

At least the town/city of the destination or its zip
code must be entered in order to start the des-
tination guidance.

Entering destination by town/city name

Select "Town / City" or the town/city dis-
played and press the controller.

Select the starting letter and press the con-
troller.

A list of all towns/cities starting with this let-
ter appears on the Control Display.

To delete letters, if necessary:

To delete individual numbers or letters:
Move the controller toward the right to
select

, and press the controller.

To delete all numbers or letters:
Move the controller toward the right to
select

, and hold the controller

down.

If necessary, enter more letters.
The list gradually grows smaller each time
you enter a new letter.

To enter spaces, if necessary:
Select the symbol and press the con-
troller.

If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the third field from the top. Turn the control-

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