
Controls
 49Reference
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Mobility
Driving 
Ignition lock 
0 Steering locked 
The key can only be inserted or removed in 
this position. 
After removing the key, turn the steering 
wheel slightly until it locks. 
Vehicles with automatic transmission: 
only move the selector lever from 
position P with the engine running. To turn 
the key back to position 0 or to remove it, 
first place the selector lever in position P: 
Interlock.<
1 Steering unlocked 
A slight steering wheel movement often 
makes it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1. 
Individual current consumers are ready for 
operation. 
2 Ignition switched on 
All vehicle systems are ready for operation. 
3 Start engine
Starting the engine 
Do not run the engine in closed 
rooms, as otherwise the inhaling of 
toxic exhaust gases can cause uncon-
sciousness and death. The exhaust gases 
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and 
colorless, but highly toxic gas. Never leave 
an unattended vehicle with the engine run-ning, as such a vehicle represents a poten-
tial safety hazard.<
Do not allow the engine to warm up by 
leaving it running while the vehicle remains 
stationary. Instead, begin to drive immedi-
ately at a moderate engine speed. 
When starting the engine, do not press the 
accelerator pedal. 
Your BMW is equipped with the con-
venience starting feature. Here, it is 
sufficient to turn the ignition key only briefly 
to position 3 'Start engine' and to let go of it 
right away. The system responds by auto-
matically engaging the starter for a certain 
period and allowing it to run until the engine 
starts, after which it then disengages auto-
matically. The automatic starting mode will 
not operate or will be canceled if the bat-
tery voltage is low. The engine can be 
started by jump-starting, refer to 
page 192.<
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down 
when starting if
>the engine fails to start on the first 
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or 
cold 
>the engine is started at very low tem-
peratures, as of approx. +5 7/Ð156, 
at high altitudes over approx. 3,300 ft/
1,000 m. 
Avoid frequent starting in quick suc-
cession or repeated start attempts in 
which the engine does not start. Otherwise, 
the fuel is not burned or inadequately 
burned and there is a danger of overheat-
ing and damaging the catalytic converter.
2.Gearshift lever in idle position 
3.Press the clutch pedal 
4.Start the engine. 
Before leaving the vehicle with the 
engine running, place the gearshift  

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.  

Driving
54
Dynamic Driving Control 
With Dynamic Driving Control, you can 
choose between a standard and a sport 
program.
Sport program
>The engine responds more spontane-
ously to accelerator pedal movements
>The steering becomes more direct and 
provides even better road contact.
In addition, with SMG and an automatic 
transmission:
>The shifting times are shorter
>The engine speed range is used opti-
mally in the Drive mode.
Activating the Sport program
In ignition key position 2.
Press the SPORT button. 
The LED in the button lights up. 
With an automatic transmission:
Activating the Dynamic Driving Con-
trol activates the Sport program of the 
automatic transmission. This makes mov-
ing the selector lever form D to M/S unnec-
essary.<
Deactivating the Sport program
Press the SPORT button again.
The LED in the button goes out.
Acceleration assistant with SMG 
The acceleration assistant enables opti-
mized vehicle acceleration at racing car 
level on road surfaces with good adhesion.Do not use the acceleration assistant 
too often, as otherwise components 
will wear prematurely.<
1.Activate the Sport program
2.Press the DSC button, refer to page 79, 
for longer than three seconds
3.Press the accelerator pedal down fully Ð 
kickdown. The ideal starting-off engine 
speed is set.
To maintain driving stability, drive 
with the DSC on whenever possible.<
Information on jump-starting and towing 
begins on page 192. 
Automatic transmission 
with Steptronic*
While you can drive as with any conven-
tional automatic transmission, you also 
enjoy the option of shifting manually, refer 
to page 55. 
If you move the selector lever from posi-
tion D to the left into gearshift gate M/S, 
this activates the sports-style shift pro-
grams of the automatic transmission. As 
soon as you move the selector lever slightly 
towards + or Ð, the Steptronic shifts gear 
and manual operation is activated. If you 
wish to use the automatic function again, 
move the selector lever to the right into 
position D. 
Selector-lever positions 
P R N D M/S + Ð 
Possible displays 
P R N D DS M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6  

Driving
56 Shifting from M/S to the selector-lever 
positions P, R and N is only possible by 
going through D. 
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. 
Information on jump-starting and towing 
begins on page 192. 
Turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher 
1High beams: blue indicator lamp 
2Headlamp flasher: blue indicator lamp 
3Turn signal indicators: the green indica-
tor lamp flashes, accompanied by a 
periodic clicking from the turn signal 
indicator relay
Using turn signal indicators 
Move the lever beyond the resistance 
point. It then returns to the center position 
when released. Press the lever as far as the 
resistance point to switch off the turn signal 
indicators. If the flashing indicator lamp and the 
clicking from the relay are both faster 
than normal, this indicates that one of the 
turn signal indicator bulbs is defective.<
Signaling briefly 
Press the lever up to but not beyond the 
resistance point. It then returns to the cen-
ter position when released. 
Triple turn signal activation 
Press the lever as far as the resistance 
point; the turn signal indicators flash three 
times. You can activate or deactivate this 
function. 
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page 16: 
1.Open the   menu   
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller 
3.Select "Lighting" and press the control-
ler 
4.Select "Triple turn signal activation" and 
press the controller. 
 is displayed when triple turn signal 
is activated.  

Mobility
 189Reference
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Charging the battery 
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via 
the terminals in the engine compartment 
with the engine off. Connections, refer to 
Jump-starting on page 192. 
Disposal 
Return used batteries to a recycling 
point or your BMW center. Maintain 
the battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Always restrain the bat-
tery to prevent it from tipping over during 
transport.<
Fuses 
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse, 
and do not replace a defective fuse 
with a substitute of another color or amper-
age rating, as this could lead to a circuit 
overload, ultimately resulting in a fire in the 
vehicle.<
Spare fuses, plastic tweezers and details of 
the fuse assignment are located in the 
compartment for the onboard tool kit, refer 
to page 184. 
In the glove compartment 
Turn the two snap fasteners outwards. Fold 
the cover forwards or remove. 
In the luggage compartment 
Raise the floor mat and the cover beneath 
it. Undo the screw connection of the right 
side panel and pull out the panel.  

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  

Mobility
 193Reference
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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.  

Reference 203
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 54
Ð indicator lamp 56
Ð interlock 49
Ð selector lever interlock 55
Ð shiftlock 55
Ð sport program 55
Ð starting the engine 50
Ð towing 193
AUTO program, refer to 
Automatic air distribution 
and volume 91
"Autostore" on the 
radio 136
"AUTO" with automatic 
climate control 93
Average fuel 
consumption 70
Ð setting the units 74
Average speed 70
"Avoid ferries" for 
navigation 121
"Avoid freeways / tolls" for 
navigation 121
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms 33
"Avoid tollroads" for 
navigation 121
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights 200
"A - Z" 154
B
Backrests, refer to 
Seats 36
Backrest width 
adjustment 37
Backup lamps, refer to 
Reverse gear 51
Ð replacing the bulbs 186
"Balance", audio 
system 132
Balance, refer to Tone 
control 131
"Bass", audio system 132
Bass, refer to Tone 
control 131
Battery 188
Ð in the remote control 26
Ð jump-starting 192Belts, refer to Safety 
belts 36, 40
Beverage holders 99
Black ice, refer to Ice 
warning 65
Blocking sections of a route 
for navigation 125
Blower, refer to Air 
volume 91
BMW Assist 161
Ð enabling 161
Ð services offered 162
"BMW Info" 163
BMW Maintenance 
System 181
"BMW Service 
settings" 161
Bore, refer to Engine 
data 198
Bottle holder, refer to 
Beverage holders 99
Brake Assistant, refer to 
DBC Dynamic Braking 
Control 79
Brake fluid 180
Ð indicator lamp 180
Ð level 180
Ð replacing 180
Brake force display 82
Brake hydraulic 
systems 180
Brake lamps, replacing the 
bulbs 186
Brake pads 107
Ð breaking-in 
procedure 106
Brake pedal, refer to 
Brakes 107
Brake rotors 107
Brakes 107
Ð ABS 77
Ð brake fluid 180
Ð breaking-in 
procedure 106
Ð handbrake 50Brake system 106
Ð brake-fluid level 180
Ð brake pads 107
Ð breaking-in 
procedure 106
Ð disc brakes 107
Ð indicator lamp 13, 107
Breakdown services, refer 
to Roadside 
Assistance 191
Break-in procedures 106
Ð brakes 106
Ð clutch 106
Ð differential 106
Ð engine 106
Brightness on the Control 
Display 73
Bulbs and lamps
Ð replacing the bulbs 184
Buttons on steering 
wheel 11
C
California Proposition 
65 Warning 183
"Call" 154
Call
Ð accepting 153
Ð display accepted 154
Ð ending 154
Ð in absence 154
Ð starting 153
Calling
Ð from phone book 154
Ð from the Top 8 list 154
Ð redialing 154
Calling up traffic 
information 126
"Call sender" 156
"Call Sirius" 138
Can holder, refer to 
Beverage holders 99
Capacities 201
Car battery, refer to 
Battery 188
Car care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure