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Controls
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Mobility
towards D or change the current gear using 
the shift paddles or selector lever. 
Gear changes 
Using selector lever
>To shift up, briefly press the selector 
lever towards + 
>To shift down, briefly press towards Ñ. 
Using shift paddles on steering 
wheel 
>To shift up, pull one of the shift paddles 
>To shift down, press. 
You accelerate from higher gears, e.g. 
when overtaking, by shifting down manu-
ally. 
In the following situations, the SMG in the 
sequential mode assists you: 
>Upshifts and downshifts are executed 
only when they will result in a plausible 
combination of engine and vehicle 
speed; thus, for example, a downshift 
that would cause the engine to overrev 
will not be executed by the system 
>When the vehicle is stopped, the trans-
mission automatically downshifts into 
first gear 
>Shortly before dropping below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the trans-
mission downshifts automatically even 
without your intervention. 
Display in the instrument cluster
Gear display
R N 1 2 3 4 5 6
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
The gear currently selected, the selected 
shifting mode and, if applicable, malfunc-
tions are displayed in the instrument clus-
ter. 
Malfunctions
Indicator lamp
If the indicator lamp lights up, a 
malfunction has occurred in the 
transmission system. 
While it will remain still possible to move 
the selector lever to any desired position, 
the transmission will revert to operation in 
its default mode with only a limited number 
of forward gears.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads 
and consult the nearest BMW center. 
Warning tone
In case of overheating in the area of the 
transmission, an acoustic signal indicates 
that you should stop or start off quickly if 
possible so that the system can cool down 
again.
Information on jump-starting and towing 
begins on page 192.  
     
        
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Giving and receiving assistance
192
Jump-starting 
When your battery is discharged you can 
use two jumper cables to start your vehicle 
with power from the battery in a second 
vehicle. You can also use the same method 
to help start another vehicle.Use only 
jumper cables with fully-insulated clamp 
handles. 
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal 
injury, always avoid all contact with 
electrical components while the engine is 
running. Carefully adhere to the following 
sequence, both to prevent damage to one 
or both vehicles, and to guard against pos-
sible personal injuries.<
Preparing 
1.Check whether the battery of the other 
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and 
approximately the same capacitance in 
Ah. This information can be found on 
the battery 
2.Switch off the engine of the support 
vehicle 
3.Switch off any consumer units in both 
vehicles. 
There must not be any contact 
between the bodies of the two vehi-
cles, as otherwise there is a danger of short 
circuits.<
Connecting the jumper cables 
To avoid personal injury from sparks, 
always observe this sequence when 
connecting jumper cables.<
On your BMW, the so-called starting-aid 
terminal in the engine compartment serves 
as the battery positive terminal, refer also 
to Engine compartment overview on 
page 178. The symbol + is embossed on 
the cover. 
1.Open the cover of the BMW starting-aid 
terminal. To do so, pull the tab 
2.Attach one end of the jumper cable 
plus/+ to the positive terminal of the 
battery or a starting-aid terminal of the 
vehicle providing assistance
3.Attach the second end of the cable to 
the positive terminal of the battery or to 
a starting-aid terminal of the vehicle to 
be started 
Your BMW has a special nut as body 
ground or negative pole. 
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable 
minus/Ð to the negative terminal of the 
battery or to an engine or body ground 
of the vehicle providing assistance  
     
        
        Page 195 of 220

Mobility
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At a glance
Controls
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5.Attach the second end of the cable to 
the negative terminal of the battery or to 
the engine or body ground of the vehi-
cle to be started. 
Starting the engine 
1.Start the engine on the support vehicle 
and allow it to run for several minutes at 
a fast idle 
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in 
the usual way. 
If the first start attempt is not success-
ful, wait a few minutes before another 
attempt in order to allow the discharged 
battery to recharge 
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes 
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by 
reversing the connection sequence. 
If required, have the battery inspected and 
recharged at your BMW center. 
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine.<
Towing
Always observe all applicable towing 
laws and regulations.< 
Towing with a commercial tow truck 
>Use a wheel lift or flatbed carrier 
>Do not tow with sling-type equipment. 
Never allow passengers to ride on a 
towed vehicle for any reason.< 
Towing with raised front axle 
Vehicles with automatic 
transmission: 
1.Towing speed: 
Maximum 45 mph/70 km/h 
2.Towing distance: 
Maximum of 90 miles/150 km. 
Vehicles with Sequential manual 
transmission SMG 
With the ignition switched on, engage the 
selector lever position N, then switch off 
the ignition again. 
Tow fitting 
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool 
kit mounted on the inside of the luggage 
compartment lid, refer to page 184, and 
should always remain in the vehicle. It can 
be screwed to the front or rear of the vehi-
cle.