open hood BMW 128I 2009 E81 Owner's Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Contents
The fastest way to find information on a partic-
ular topic or item is by using the index beginning
on page152.
Using this Owner's Manual
4Notes
6Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Cockpit
Controls
18Opening and closing
35Adjustments
44Transporting children safely
47Driving
56Everything under control
64Technology for driving comfort and
safety
74Lamps
79Climate
85Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
96Things to remember when driving
Mobility
104Refueling
106Wheels and tires
114Under the hood
118Maintenance
120Care
124Replacing components
130Giving and receiving assistance
134Indicator and warning lamps
Reference
146Technical data
152Everything from A to Z

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
11
7
Fog lamps*77
8
Turn signals51
High beams, headlamp flasher76
Roadside parking lamps
*76
Computer57
Settings and information about the
vehicle59
Settings and information about the
vehicle59
Instrument lighting77
9Instrument cluster12
10
Windshield wipers52
Rain sensor
*53
11Switching the ignition on/off and
starting/stopping the engine47
12Ignition lock47
13Buttons on the steering wheel
Telephone
*:
>Press: accepting and ending a
call; starting dialing
* of
selected phone number; redi-
aling if no phone number is
selected.
Volume
Voice commands for telephone
*
Changing radio station
Selecting music track
Scrolling through phone book and
lists with stored phone numbers
Next entertainment source
Recirculated-air mode80
14
Steering wheel heating
*
15Horn: the entire surface
16Adjusting the steering wheel43
17
Cruise control
*54
18Releasing the hood114
19Opening the luggage compartment lid23

Opening and closing
24 gage compartment lid opens slightly and can be
swung upward.
In the event of a malfunction, please con-
tact your BMW center or a workshop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.<
Locking or unlocking separately
The switch is located in the glove compartment.
1Locking the luggage compartment lid
2Unlocking the luggage compartment lid
Locking separately
Push the switch in the direction of arrow 1.
The luggage compartment lid is locked and
cannot be unlocked using the central locking
system.
If you give the remote control without the inte-
grated key to someone else while the glove
compartment is locked, the luggage compart-
ment lid cannot be opened. This is an advan-
tage when using valet parking, for example.
Locking the glove compartment, refer to
page88.
Unlocking separately
Push the switch in the direction of arrow 2.
Emergency release
Pull the lever in the cargo bay. The luggage
compartment lid is unlocked.
Closing
The handle recesses on the interior trim of the
luggage compartment lid make it easier to pull
down.
Make sure that the closing path of the
luggage compartment lid is clear, other-
wise injuries may result.<
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the luggage com-
partment lid is opened
>To movements inside the vehicle: interior
motion sensor, refer to page25
>When the car's inclination changes, for
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to
towing away: tilt alarm sensor, refer to
page25

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
25
>When there is an interruption in the power
supply from the battery.
Depending on the national-market version, the
alarm system briefly signals unauthorized entry
attempts by:
>An acoustic alarm
>Switching on
* the hazard warning flashers
Arming and disarming
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
You can open the luggage compartment lid
using the button of the remote control even
if the alarm system is armed, refer to page20.
The lid is locked and monitored again as soon
as it is closed.
Panic mode
You can trigger the alarm system if you find
yourself in a dangerous situation.
Press the button for at least three seconds.
To switch off the alarm: press any button.
Switching off an alarm
>Unlock the car with the remote control, refer
to page19, or
>insert the remote control all the way into the
ignition lock.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp under the inside rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after locking:
doors, hood or luggage compartment lid are not properly closed. Even if you do not
close the alerted area, the system begins to
monitor the remaining areas, and the indi-
cator lamp flashes continuously after
approx. 10 seconds. The interior motion
sensor and the tilt alarm sensor are not acti-
vated.
>The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
your vehicle has not been disturbed while
you were away.
>If the indicator lamp flashes after unlocking
until the remote control is inserted in the
ignition, but for no longer than approx.
5 minutes: your vehicle has been disturbed
while you were away.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm
system reacts, e.g. to attempts to steal a wheel
or tow the vehicle.
Interior motion sensor
Coupe
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and glass roof must
be completely closed
*.
Convertible
The interior of the car is monitored up to the
height of the seat cushions. Thus the alarm sys-
tem is activated together with the interior
motion sensor even if the convertible top is
open. The alarm can be triggered unintention-
ally by falling objects such as leaves, refer to
Avoiding unintentional alarms.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following
situations:
>In duplex garages
>During transport on car-carrying trains,
boats/ships or on a trailer
>When animals are to remain in the vehicle

Under the hood
114
Under the hood
Do not work on the car unless you pos-
sess the necessary technical knowledge.
If you are unfamiliar with the statutory guide-
lines, have any work on the vehicle performed
only by a BMW center or by a workshop that
work according to BMW repair procedures with
correspondingly trained personnel. If this work
is not carried out properly, there is a danger of
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards.<
Hood
Releasing
Pull the lever.
Opening
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the engine compartment. Do
not open the engine hood before the engine has
cooled down, otherwise injuries may result.<
Press the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/
4 0 c m w i t h m o m e n t um . I t m u st b e c l e a r l y h e a r d
to engage.
Make sure that the closing path of the
hood is clear, otherwise injuries may
result.
If you see any signs while driving your vehicle
that the hood is not completely closed, stop at
once and close it securely.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
117
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is not
available, you can add small quantities of other
synthetic oils in between oil changes. Only use
oils with the API SM specification or higher.
Your BMW center will be glad to answer
any questions regarding BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
Selecting the appropriate SAE class depends
on the regional climatic conditions in which you
normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the 0W-40,
0W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30 SAE
classes.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center for
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. Because
additives are harmful to your health, it is impor-
tant to follow the instructions on the contain-
ers.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Do not open the engine hood before the
engine has cooled down.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.
3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the maximum and minimum marks in the
filler neck, refer also to the diagram next to
the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
137
Indication in Canadian models:
Warning lamp flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in damage
to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the vehicle checked
without delay.
Warning lamp comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse effect
on exhaust emissionsHave the car checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop, switch
off the engine and allow it to cool down.
Do not open the hood, otherwise there
would be a risk of injury by scalding.
Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the vehicle's power
supply system checked immediately.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your jour-
ney. Contact your BMW center.
Engine oil level too low Add engine oil immediately; refer to
page115 for more information.
Indication in US models:
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models:
Parking brake applied
12Cause Special actions to be taken

Everything from A to Z
156 Front airbags71
Front seat setting35
Frost, removing from
windows, refer to Defrosting
windows81,84
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Fuel104
– gauge57
– high-quality brands104
– quality104
– specifications104
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities150
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Fuel consumption display,
refer to Average fuel
consumption58
Fuel consumption statistics,
refer to Average fuel
consumption58
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Fuel filler door104
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction104
Fuses128
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control85
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel104
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Gear change
– with automatic
transmission50
– with manual transmission49
Gear display, with automatic
transmission49
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic50
– manual transmission49
General driving notes97Glass roof, electric29
– closing after electrical
malfunction30
– convenient operation22
– opening, closing29
– operation with convenient
access26
– pinch protection system29
– raising29
– remote control20
Glove compartment88
Grills, refer to Air vents79
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights149
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs125
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake49
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags71
Headlamp control,
automatic74
Headlamp cover125
Headlamp flasher51
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs125
Head restraints37
Heated
– seats39
Heated mirrors42
Heating79
– mirrors42
– seats39
– steering wheel43
Heating, rear window81,84
Heating and ventilation79
Heating during a stop83
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo99
Height, refer to
Dimensions147
Height adjustment
– steering wheel43High beams76
– indicator lamp134
– replacing bulbs125
High-pressure
washer120,121
High water, refer to Driving
through water98
Hills98
Holders for cups89
Hood114
Hot exhaust system97
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control65
Hydroplaning97
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning56
Identification marks
– tire coding110
Ignition47
– switched off47
– switched on47
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness47
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on47
Ignition lock47
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,134
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM69
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Individual air distribution80
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure, tires106
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM68

Everything from A to Z
158 Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher51
– refer to Wiper system52
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints37
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments89
New tires112
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data146
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for On-Board Diagnosis119
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications104
Odometer56
Oil, refer to Engine oil115
Oil consumption115
Oil level115
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal128
Onboard tool kit124
Opening and closing
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control19
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation81,84
Output, refer to Engine
data146Outside temperature
display56
– changing unit of measure60
– on computer60
Outside temperature
warning56
Overriding selector lever
lock51
P
Paintwork care121
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control64
Park Distance Control PDC64
Parking
– vehicle48
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC64
Parking brake49
– indicator lamp49
– manual activation49
Parking lamps/low beams74
– replacing bulbs125
Parts and accessories, refer to
The individual vehicle5
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function42
Pathway lighting74
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric29
– windows28
Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Polish123
Pollen, refer to Microfilter81
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter84
Power windows27
Power windows, refer to
Windows27
Pressure, tires106
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor66
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM68Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric29
– windows28
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First add pouch130
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor66R
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness47
Radio readiness47
– switched off47
– switched on47
Rain sensor53
Reading lamps78
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps126
Rear-mounted luggage
rack101
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints38
– folding down backrests91
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors41
Rear window defroster81,84
Recirculated-air mode80,83
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,83
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps126
Refueling104
Releasing
– hood114
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range58