General Information
All washer nozzles are supplied from one reservoir. Use a mixture of tap water and windshield washer concentrate. If desired, use a concentrate containing antifreeze. Recommended minimum fill quantity: 0.2 US gal / 1 liter.
WARNING: Some antifreeze agents can contain harmful substances and are flammable. Follow container instructions, keep away from ignition sources, do not refill into different bottles, and keep out of reach of children. In the U.S., follow EPA and state regulations for washer fluid mixture ratios. Use BMW’s Windshield Washer Concentrate or equivalent.
WARNING: Washer fluid can ignite on contact with hot engine parts. Only add washer fluid when engine is cooled. Fully close the reservoir lid afterward.
NOTE: Silicon-containing additives can damage the washer system. Do not add such additives.
NOTE: Mixing different washer concentrates or antifreeze can damage the system. Follow container information and ratios.
Overview
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
Malfunction
Using undiluted washer concentrate or alcohol-based antifreeze can cause incorrect readings at temperatures below +5 ℉ / -15 ℃.
Manual Transmission
WARNING: An unsecured vehicle can roll away. Set parking brake, turn wheels toward curb on slopes, and use a wheel chock if necessary.
NOTE: Shifting to lower gears at excessive speeds can damage the engine. When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press the gearshift lever to the right.
Schematic Diagram
- 1–6: Forward gears
- R: Reverse
Shifting
Depending on engine installation, engine speed during shifting is automatically adjusted for smooth operation.
Reverse Gear
Select only when vehicle is stationary. Push lever dynamically to left and engage reverse with a forward motion.
Rolling or Pushing the Vehicle
- Switch on the ignition.
- Press the clutch pedal and shift out of forward gear or reverse.
- Release the parking brake.
Steptronic Transmission
The Steptronic transmission combines automatic transmission functions with optional manual shifting.
WARNING: An unsecured vehicle can roll away. Set parking brake, turn wheels toward curb on slopes, and use a wheel chock if necessary.
Selector Lever Version
Depending on equipment, the transmission has either a latching selector lever or a tap-operated selector lever.
Transmission with Latching Selector Lever
Positions P, R, N, D are selected by moving the lever into the respective position. The lever engages in each position.
Transmission with Tap-Operated Selector Lever
Positions P, R, N, D are selected by tapping lever forward or back. Lever returns to center when released. Position P engages automatically in certain situations.
Selector Lever Positions
- Drive D: Normal vehicle operation, all forward gears automatic.
- Reverse R: Engage only when stationary.
- Neutral N: Vehicle may roll without engine power, e.g., in vehicle washes.
- Parking P: Blocks drive wheels. Engage only when stationary. Ensure position P is set before exiting.
Automatic Parking Position for Tap-Operated Lever
Position P engages automatically:
- After engine is switched off in radio-ready state or ignition off while R, D, or M/S engaged.
- If driver’s seatbelt is unbuckled, door opened, brake not pressed while D, M/S, or R engaged.
- After ignition off with N engaged.
Engaging Selector Lever Positions: Latching Lever
Keep brake pressed to prevent creeping. Lever can only be removed from P if ignition is on or engine running.
To engage D, N, R, P: depress brake before shifting from P or N. Shift block prevents:
- Unintentional shift into P or R
- Unintentional shift from P to another position
- Depress brake, press button on lever front.
- Move lever into desired position.
Engaging Selector Lever Positions: Tap-Operated Lever
Brake pedal must be depressed to shift from P. Depending on transmission, engine may need to be running.
