
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 33
Transporting children safely 
Children on the passenger's 
seat 
Deactivating/reactivating passenger 
airbags
The passenger airbags must be deac-
tivated before using a rear-facing 
child-restraint system on the passenger 
seat, refer also to page 34 for explanation.
BMW also recommends that the passenger 
airbags be deactivated if a child is trans-
ported in a front-facing child-restraint sys-
tem, regardless of the age of the child. If 
you transport a child in the passenger seat, 
not an infant in a rear-facing seat, who is 
properly seated and seat-belted at all 
times, the potential benefits of airbags 
deploying in an accident generally out-
weigh the risks of the child being injured by 
the force of a deploying airbag. 
Therefore, you should deactivate the pas-
senger airbags only if you find it difficult to 
ensure that the child will remain properly 
seated and seat-belted at all times.
Always position the passenger seat as far 
back as possible and at the lowest level.
The above warning and recommendations 
are compatible with regulations estab-
lished by the National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration, NHTSA, permitting 
the deactivation of passenger airbags by 
means of an on-off switch for members of 
certain at-risk groups.
Specifically, the at-risk groups are:
>Infants in rear-facing infant seats
>Persons with certain medical conditions
>Children aged 12 and under in the pas-
senger seat.
NHTSA provides this information via their 
website, www.nhtsa.dot.gov, or via their 
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 
1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123 
in Washington, D.C. area.<
The concept
Passenger airbags can be deactivated/
reactivated with the vehicle ignition key. 
The key switch is located on the outer pas-
senger's side of the instrument panel. 
The passenger airbags can only be deacti-
vated or reactivated with the vehicle stand-
ing still, ignition off and the passenger door 
open.
Deactivation 
Deactivation of the passenger airbags sys-
tem deactivates the passenger front, knee 
and side airbag. The airbags on the driver 
side remain active.
Using the vehicle ignition key, turn the key 
switch to the OFF position. Note, the pas-
senger airbags will remain deactivated with 
the switch in this position.
As soon as the reason for the deacti-
vation of the passenger airbags no 
longer exists, you must reactivate these air-
bags so that they can deploy in an accident 
within their normal deployment range.<
Reactivating
Using the vehicle ignition key, turn the key 
switch to the AUTO position.
All airbags in the vehicle are activated and 
will be triggered under appropriate condi-
tions. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 57
them to be deactivated, the airbags have to 
be deactivated with the vehicle ignition key 
and the key switch on the outer passen-
ger's side of the instrument panel. Apart 
from passengers, do not place any addi-
tional objects on the passenger seat. Do 
not fit seat covers, seat cushion padding, 
ball mats or other items to the passenger 
seat unless they are specifically recom-
mended by BMW. Do not place any items 
under the seat. Otherwise, the function of 
the seat occupation detection could be 
impaired.<
Indicator lamps 
Airbag system operational
The airbag indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster indicates the operational readiness 
of the entire airbag system and the safety 
belt tensioners as of ignition key position 1.
The indicator lamp goes out after a few 
seconds.
The indicator lamp in the central console 
signals whether or not the passenger air-
bag system is activated or deactivated as 
of ignition key position 1.
This lamp pertains only to the passen-
ger airbag system.<>The indicator lamp goes out after a few 
seconds:
The passenger airbags are active, e. g. 
when an adult is traveling in the vehicle 
or the seat is unoccupied
>The indicator lamp lights up continu-
ously: 
The passenger airbags are deactivated, 
e. g. when a child is traveling in the vehi-
cle in the child-restraint system.
For more information on the operating prin-
ciple of the passenger airbag system and 
seat occupation detection, refer to Auto-
matic deactivation of the passenger air-
bags.
Airbag system malfunction
A system malfunction could prevent 
the system from responding in the 
expected manner to an impact occurring 
within its normal response range.
Please have the airbag system inspected 
immediately at a BMW center.<
There is a fault in the airbag system 
if the airbag indicator lamp behaves 
as follows:
>The indicator lamp does not light up as 
of ignition key position 1
>The indicator lamp remains on continu-
ously
>The indicator lamp lights up while the 
vehicle is being driven. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 81
In the engine compartment
Hood 
To release the hood 
Pull the lever located under the left-hand 
side of the instrument panel.
Do not work on your vehicle without 
the appropriate skills to do so. Failure 
to work in an informed, professional man-
ner when servicing components and mate-
rials constitutes a safety hazard for vehicle 
occupants and other road users. If you are 
not familiar with the guidelines, BMW rec-
ommends that you have the operations 
performed by your BMW center.<
To open
1.Reach under the engine hood
2.Push the release handle up
3.Open the hood.
To close
Allow the hood to fall from a low height and 
push on both sides so that it audibly 
engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the 
travel path of the hood is clear when it 
is closed, as with all closing procedures.
If you notice while driving that the hood is 
not completely closed, stop immediately 
and close it securely.< 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 87
Laws and regulations
California Proposition 65 
warning
California laws require us to state the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of 
automobile components and parts, 
including components found in the interior 
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit 
chemicals known to the State of California 
to cause cancer and birth defects and 
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit 
chemicals known to the State of CA to 
cause cancer and birth defects or other 
reproductive harm. Battery posts, terminals 
and related accessories contain lead and 
lead compounds. Wash your hands after 
handling. Used engine oil contains chemi-
cals that have caused cancer in laboratory 
animals. Always protect your skin by wash-
ing thoroughly with soap and water.<
OBD interface socket 
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface 
socket is located on the left of the driver's 
side under the instrument panel and under 
a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to 
ensure proper operation of the emission 
control system for the vehicle's lifetime. The system monitors emission-related 
components and system for deterioration 
and malfunction.
If the Service Engine Soon indicator 
lamp comes on either continuously 
or intermittently, this indicates a 
fault in the emissions-related electronic 
systems. Although the vehicle remains 
operational, you should have the systems 
checked by your BMW center at the earli-
est possible opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the 
need for service, not that you need to stop 
the vehicle. However, the systems should 
be checked by your BMW center at the 
next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indi-
cates a high level of engine misfire. Reduce 
speed and contact the nearest BMW center 
immediately. Severe engine misfiring over 
even a short period of time can seriously 
damage emission control system compo-
nents, especially the catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon warning lamp 
for Canadian models.
If the gas cap is not on tight enough, 
the OBD system can detect leaking 
vapor and the indicator will light up. If the 
gas cap is then tightened, the indicator will 
usually go out after a short period of time.< 

Everything from A to Z
106 Condensation, removing 
from windows
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate 
control 62
Configuring settings, refer 
to Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory 31
Connecting a vacuum 
cleaner, refer to Cigarette 
lighter 65
Consumption, refer to 
Average consumption 51
Consumption display, refer 
to Fuel gauge 48
Control elements, refer to 
Cockpit 10
Convenience operation
– convertible top 18
– from outside 18
– windows 18
Convertible top 21, 22
– care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
– convenience operation 18
– electrical fault 23
– emergency closing 23
– fully automatic 22
– malfunction 23
– manual 21
Convertible top 
compartment panel 20
Coolant 84
– indicator lamp 13
– level 84
– temperature 48
Coolant water, refer to 
Coolant 84
Cooling, maximum 62
Cooling, refer to Air 
conditioning mode 59, 62
Cooling system, refer to 
Capacities 103
Cruise control 45
Cruising range 51
Cup holders, refer to 
Beverage holders 65
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights 101
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data 100
D
Data, technical 100
– capacities 103
– dimensions 102
– engine data 100
– weights 101
Daytime driving lamps 46
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Defective bulb 46
Defrosting rear window
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate 
control 63
Defrosting windows 60, 62
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate 
control 62
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate 
control 62
Defrosting windshield, refer 
to Defrosting 
windows 60, 62
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting 
windows 60, 62
Differential
– break-in procedures 68
Digital clock 49
Dimensions 102
Dimming mirror 31
Dipstick, engine oil 83
Directional indicators, refer 
to Turn signal 
indicators 43
Disc brakes 69
Displacement, refer to 
Engine data 100
Display elements 12
Display lighting, 
refer to Instrument 
lighting 47
Displays, refer to 
Instrument cluster 12Disposal
– oil 84
– vehicle battery 92
Distance remaining, refer to 
Range 51
Door key 16
Door lock 18
Doors, unlocking and 
locking
– from inside 18
– from outside 17, 18
DOT quality grades 77
Draft-free ventilation 59, 63
Driving Dynamic Control 42
Driving light, refer to 
Parking lamps/Low 
beams 46
Driving notes 69
– break-in procedures 68
– driving tips 69
Driving stability control 52
Dry air, refer to Air 
conditioning mode 59, 62
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 52
– indicator lamp 13, 52
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC 52
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
E
Electrical fault
– automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 40
– convertible top 23
– door lock 18
– driver's door 18
– fuel filler door 74
– luggage compartment 
lid 19
– storage compartments 64 

Everything from A to Z
108 Hazard warning flashers 10
Headlamp cover, care, 
refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Headlamp flasher 43
– indicator lamp 13
Headlamps
– bulb replacement 88
– care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
– cleaning 44
Headlamps, automatic 
control 46
Headlamp washer 
reservoir 83
– content, refer to 
Capacities 103
Headlamp washer
system
– cleaning the 
headlamps 44
– washing fluids 83
Head restraints 28
Heated mirrors 31
Heated seats 30
Heating 58
– exterior mirrors 31
– rear window 59, 63
– seats 30
Heavy loads, refer to 
Stowing cargo 70
Height, refer to 
Dimensions 102
Height adjustment
– seats 28
– steering wheel 30
High beams 47
– bulb replacement 89
– headlamp flasher 43
– indicator lamp 13
High Performance
Synthetic Oil 84
– alternative oils 84
– approved oils 84
High temperatures 69
Holders for beverages 65
Hood 81
Horn 10
Hydraulic Brake Assistant, 
refer to Dynamic Brake 
Control DBC 52Hydraulics
– brakes 85
Hydroplaning 69
I
Ice warning 50
Identification mark
– Run Flat tires 80
Ignition 36
Ignition key 16
Ignition lock 36
Inclines 69
Index 104
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags 57
– alarm system 26
– brakes 13
– coolant temperature 49
– DSC 52
– engine temperature 48
– Flat Tire Monitor 55
– fog lamps 47
– passenger airbags 34
– please fasten safety 
belts 30
– reserve 48
Indicator and warning 
lamps, overview 12
Individual air 
distribution 59, 62
Individual settings, refer to 
Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory 31
Inflation pressure, tires 75
Inflation pressure 
monitoring, refer to Flat 
Tire Monitor 54
INSPECTION 49
Instrument cluster 12
Instrument lighting 47
Instrument panel, refer to 
Cockpit 10
Interior lamps 47
– remote control 17
Interior motion sensor 26
Interior rearview mirror 31
– automatic dimming 
feature 31
Interior temperature
– adjusting 59, 62Interlock, refer to 
Steering lock 36
Intermittent
– operation, wipers 44
Interval
– display, service 49
J
Jack 91
Jacking points 91
Jets, refer to 
Ventilation 59, 63
Jump-starting 94
K
Key Memory 31
Keys 16
Key switch for passenger 
airbags 33
Kickdown 39
Knock control 74
L
Lamps 46
Lamps and bulbs 88
LATCH, child-restraint 
mounting system 35
Leather care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Length, refer to 
Dimensions 102
License plate lamps
– bulb replacement 91
Light-alloy wheels, care, 
refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Lighter 65
Lighting
– of the instruments 47
Lighting of the instruments, 
refer to Instrument 
lighting 47
LIGHTS ON warning 46
Light switch 46
Loads, refer to Cargo 
loading 70
Loads, securing 70