
Controls
 69Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Computer 
Mode selection
As of ignition key position 1, you can use 
the BC button in the turn signal lever to call 
up computer information in the instrument 
cluster.
A new function appears each time you 
briefly press the BC button. 
Displays in instrument cluster 
The display sequence:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption.
Cruising range 
Displays the estimated cruising range 
available with the remaining fuel. The sys-
tem calculates the cruising range based on 
operating conditions over the last 20 miles/
30 km and the amount of fuel remaining in 
the tank.
Always refuel as soon as possible 
once your cruising range falls to 
below 30  miles/50  km, as otherwise engine 
functions are not ensured and damage can 
occur.<
Average fuel consumption 
The average fuel consumption is calculated 
for the time during which the engine is run-
ning.
You can use the Control Display to view 
your fuel consumption rate over two differ-
ent distances, refer to Computer or Trip 
computer.
To reset the average fuel consumption: 
press the BC  button in the turn signal lever 
for approx. 2 seconds.
Average speed 
Periods with the vehicle parked and the 
engine off are not included in the calcula-
tions of average speed.
To reset the average speed: press the 
BC button in the turn signal lever for 
approx. 2 seconds.
Displays on Control Display 
You can also call up the computer via the 
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page 16:
1.Press button.
The start menu is opened
2.Move the controller to the right to open 
"Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation system: 
open "Car Data"
3.Select "Car Data" and press the con-
troller.
You can choose between two display 
options:
>Computer 

Controls
 75Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Technology for comfort, convenience 
and safety 
PDC Park Distance Control* 
The concept 
The PDC assists you when you are parking. 
Signal tones and a visual display
* indicate 
the current distance to an object behind or 
in front of your vehicle. To measure the dis-
tance, there are four ultrasonic sensors in 
each bumper. The sensors at the front and 
at the two rear corners have a range of 
approx. 20 in/50 cm; the rear middle sen-
sors have approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate 
objects when they are approached 
slowly, as is usually the case when parking. 
Avoid approaching an object at high speed, 
as otherwise the physical circumstances 
would mean that the system warning was 
too late.<
Automatic mode 
In ignition key position 2, the system auto-
matically assumes operational status after 
a few seconds each time you engage 
reverse gear or selector-lever position R.
Wait this short period before driving.<
The system is automatically deacti-
vated once the vehicle travels approx. 
165 ft/50 m or exceeds a speed of roughly 
20 mph/30 km/h; the indicator lamp goes 
out. You can reactivate the system manu-
ally as needed.
Manual mode 
With the ignition key in position  2, press the 
button; the indicator lamp lights up.
Deactivating manual mode 
Press the button again; the indicator lamp 
goes out.
Signal tones 
The signal indicating the distance to the 
nearest obstacle is directional. Thus, an 
object detected to the left rear of the vehi-
cle will be indicated by a signal tone from 
the left rear speaker, etc.  As the distance 
between vehicle and object decreases, the 
intervals between the tones become 
shorter. The signal tone becomes continu-
ous once the distance to the nearest object 
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
The warning signal is canceled after 
approx. 3 seconds if you are moving paral-
lel to a wall.
Malfunctions 
The indicator lamp within the button 
flashes and a message appears on the 
Control Display. PDC has failed. Switch off 
PDC. Have the system checked.
As a preventive measure, keep the sensors 
clean and free of ice or snow in order to 
ensure that they will continue to operate 
effectively.
PDC with visual warning*
You also enjoy the option of having the sys-
tem show distances to objects on the Con-
trol Display. The Control Display will also  

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
78 The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the 
responsibility of the driver. Therefore, do 
not reduce the additional safety margin 
again by taking risks.<
DBC Dynamic Brake Control 
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this 
system automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus helps to 
achieve the shortest braking distance dur-
ing panic stops. This system exploits all of 
the benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake 
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. When the brake pedal is released, 
DBC is deactivated.
Malfunctions of driving stability 
control systems 
The brake system warning lamp 
lights up in red, appearing together 
with the indicator lamps for ABS 
and DSC. A message appears on 
the Control Display. Driving stability 
control and ABS have failed. Con-
ventional braking efficiency remains 
available without limitations.
While you may continue, you should 
remember to proceed cautiously and drive 
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
The DSC warning lamp lights up. 
DSC and DTC have failed. 
The stability maintenance functions 
are no longer available. The vehicle will 
remain completely operational, however, 
without DSC.Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
The warning lamp for the brake sys-
tem lights up yellow and a message 
appears on the Control Display. 
DBC has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
Active roll stabilization* 
The concept 
Active roll stabilization minimizes body roll 
and optimizes vehicle stability during cor-
nering and evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear 
axles form the basis for active roll stabiliza-
tion. Suspension compliance adapts to suit 
driving conditions, varying from perfor-
mance-oriented during cornering to 
smooth and comfort-oriented when the 
vehicle is proceeding in a straight line. Dur-
ing vehicle operation, the system continu-
ously runs through closed-loop control 
cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status 
each time you start the engine.
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up and a 
message appears on the Control 
Display. There is a malfunction in 
the system. Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
If there is a malfunction in the system, 
please remember to adapt your 
speed accordingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer 
and the vehicle will display a greater ten-
dency to tilt during cornering and in cross-
winds.
If a message stating that you should stop 
appears on the Control Display, stop and 
switch off the engine as soon as possible. 
In this case the oil level in the reservoir may  

Things to remember when driving
102
Things to remember when driving 
Break-in procedures 
To ensure that your vehicle continues to 
provide optimized economy of operation 
throughout an extended service life, we 
request that you devote careful attention to 
the following section.
Engine and differential 
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
You should attempt to vary both vehicle 
and engine speeds. Until the break-in 
period has been completed, you should 
also refrain from exceeding an engine 
speed of 4500 rpm or a driving speed of 
100 mph/160 km/h.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kickdown mode during 
these initial miles.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/
2,000 km, the engine and vehicle speeds 
can be gradually increased.
SMG Sequential manual 
transmission
Do not use the acceleration assistant dur-
ing the break-in period, refer to page 60.
Tires 
Due to technical factors associated with 
their manufacture, tires do not achieve their 
full traction potential until after an initial 
break-in period. Therefore, drive reservedly 
during the first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system 
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve opti-
mized contact and wear patterns between 
brake pads and rotors.
Clutch 
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this 
break-in period, engage the clutch gently.
After component replacement 
You should also comply with these break-in 
procedures should the components men-
tioned above need to be replaced at a later 
point.
General driving notes 
Hot exhaust system 
Extreme temperatures occur at the 
catalytic converter on this and every 
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not remove 
the heat shields installed adjacent to vari-
ous sections of the exhaust system, and 
never apply undercoating to them. When 
driving, standing at idle and while parking, 
take care to avoid possible contact 
between the hot exhaust system and any 
highly flammable materials such as hay, 
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead 
to a fire, and with it the risk of serious prop-
erty damage as well as personal injury.<
Parking vehicle 
Condensation forms in the air conditioner 
system during operation, and then exits 
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed 
water under the vehicle are thus normal.
Before driving into a car wash 
Fold in the exterior mirrors manually, as 
otherwise they could be damaged due to 
the width of the vehicle.
Hydroplaning 
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce road speed. If you do not, a 
wedge of water can form between tires and  

Maintenance
174
Maintenance 
The BMW maintenance 
system 
The BMW maintenance system supports 
the preservation of the traffic and operating 
safety of your BMW. The service schedule 
also includes operations related to the 
vehicle's comfort and convenience fea-
tures, such as replacement of the filters for 
the inside air. The ultimate objective is to 
ensure economical maintenance by provid-
ing the ideal service for your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to 
sell your BMW, you will find that a complete 
dealer service history is an asset of inesti-
mable value.
CBS Condition Based Service 
Sensors and special algorithms take the 
different driving conditions of your BMW 
into account. Condition Based Service 
uses this to determine the current and 
future maintenance requirement. By letting 
you define a service and maintenance reg-
imen that reflects your own individual 
requirements, the system builds the basis 
for trouble-free driving.
The service requirement display, refer to 
page 65, individually displays the time or 
distance remaining for selected mainte-
nance work and any legally required inter-
vals:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, front and rear separately
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter>Brake fluid
>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Legally required tests depending on 
local regulations.
Your vehicle stores this information contin-
uously in the master key while the vehicle is 
being driven. After accessing the data 
stored in the master key, your BMW Ser-
vice Advisor can suggest precisely the right 
array of service procedures for your own 
individual vehicle. You should therefore 
hand over to the BMW Service Advisor the 
key you last used to drive when you take 
your vehicle for service.
Make sure the date in the Control 
Center is always set correctly, refer to 
page 74, as otherwise the effectiveness of 
CBS Condition Based Service is not 
ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models 
Please consult your Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US models and 
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models for additional information 
on service requirements.
Have service and repair operations 
performed at your BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service 
procedures are confirmed by entries in 
your vehicle's Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and War-
ranty and Service Guide Booklet for Cana-
dian models. These entries verify that your 
vehicle has received the specified regular 
maintenance, and may also be required 
when submitting warranty claims.< 

Rules and regulations
176
Rules and regulations
California laws
Proposition 65 Warning 
California laws require us to issue 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 California 
to cause cancer and birth defects or other 
reproductive harm. 
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds. 
Wash your hands after handling. 
Used engine oil contains chemicals that 
have caused cancer in laboratory animals. 
Always protect your skin by washing thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
Event Data Recorders 
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or 
more sensing and diagnostic modules or a 
recording device capable of recording or 
transmitting certain vehicle data or infor-
mation. In addition, if you have a Subscrip-
tion Service Agreement for the BMW Assist 
system, certain vehicle information may be 
transmitted or recorded in order to provide 
such services.
OBD connector 
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 systems for deterioration 
and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator lamp 
informs you of the need for service, 
not of the need to stop the vehicle. 
However, the systems should be checked 
by your BMW center at the earliest possible 
opportunity.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
Under certain conditions, the indicator 
lamp will blink or flash. This indicates a 
rather severe level of engine misfire. When 
this occurs, you should reduce speed and 
consult the nearest BMW center as soon as 
possible. Severe engine misfire over only a 
short period of time can seriously damage 
emissions control components, especially 
the catalytic converter. 

Reference 199
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
C
California laws
– Event Data 
Recorders 176
– Proposition 65 
Warning 176
"Call" 148
Call
– accepting 147
– display accepted 149
– ending 148
– in absence 149
– starting 147
Calling
– from phone book 148
– from the Top 8 list 149
– redialing 149
– refer to telephone 
Owner's Manual 96
"Call sender" 151
Can holder, refer to 
Cup holders 97
Capacities 193
Car battery, refer to 
Battery 181
Car care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to 
the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
"Car data" 69
Care 175
Cargo, securing 105
Caring for artificial leather, 
refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to 
the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Caring for light-alloy 
wheels, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure'
Caring for plastic, refer to 
the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer 
to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochureCaring for the vehicle finish, 
refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure'
Car jacking points 181
Car keys, refer to 
Key set 26
Car phone 145
– location, refer to 
Center armrest 96
– refer to 
Portable phone 144
– refer to separate 
Owner's Manual
Car radio, refer to 
Radio 130
Car wash 102
– also refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Exhaust system 102
"Categories" 135
CBC Cornering Brake 
Control 76
CBS Condition Based 
Service 174
"CD" 127, 137
CD changer 137
– adjusting the tone 127
– controls 126
– fast forward/reverse 140
– installation location 140
– playing a track 139
– random play 
sequence 140
– repeating a track 139
– selecting a CD 137
– selecting a track 138
– switching on/off 126
– volume 127
CD player 137
– adjusting the tone 127
– controls 126
– fast forward/reverse 140
– playing a track 139
– random play 
sequence 140
– repeating a track 139
– selecting a track 138
– switching on/off 126
– volume 127Center armrest
– adjusting the height 96
– front 96
Center console 14
"Central locking" 27
Central locking system 26
– from inside vehicle 29
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety 6
Changing a wheel 181
Changing the language on 
Control Display 73
Changing the 
measurement units on the 
Control Display 72
Changing wheels 181
CHECK button 68
Check Control 66
"Check Control 
messages" 68
Check Gas Cap 162
Checking the air pressure, 
refer to Tire inflation 
pressure 164
Child's seats, refer to 
Child-restraint 
systems 52
Child-restraint system 51
Chrome parts, care, refer 
to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Cigarette lighter 97
Cleaning, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cleaning windshield, refer 
to Wiper system 61
"Climate" 90
"Climate control" 91
Clock 64
– 12/24 hour mode 73
– setting time and date 73
Closing
– from inside 29
– from outside 27
Clothes hooks, Coupe 96
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to 
Starting the engine 54
"Communication" 146 

Everything from A to Z
200 "Communication 
interface" 155
Compact disc
– refer to CD changer 137
– refer to CD player 137
Computer 69
– clock, 12/24 hour 
mode 73
– displays on Control 
Display 69
– hour signal 73
"Concert hall" 128
Condition Based Service, 
CBS 174
"Confirmation" 28
Confirmation signals for 
locking and unlocking 28
"Confirm unlock code" 147
Connecting a vacuum 
cleaner
– refer to Lighter socket 97
– refer to Power socket 97
Consumption display, refer 
to Average fuel 
consumption 69
"Continue guidance to 
dest.?" 119
Control Center 16
– adjusting the 
brightness 72
– assistance window 19
– automatic climate 
control 90
– changing settings 18, 72
– changing the menu 
page 18
– confirming selection or 
entry 18
– controller 16
– display, menus 16
– language selection 73
– menu guidance 17
– menu item selection 18
– operating elements 16
– selecting units of 
measurement and display 
format 72
– setting time and date 73
– start menu 17
– status information 19
– symbols 17Control Display 16
Controller, refer to 
Control Center 16
Controls, refer to 
Cockpit 10
Convenience operation
– convertible top 27, 29
– glass roof 27, 29
– windows 27, 29
Convenience start, refer to 
Starting engine 54, 55
Convertible program for 
automatic climate 
control 91
Convertible top 37
– care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
– convenience operation 29
– emergency closing 39
– manual closing in the 
event of an electrical 
malfunction 39
– opening and closing 38
Coolant 172
– level 172
Cooling, maximum 89
Cornering Brake Control, 
CBC 76
Country of destination for 
navigation 110
Courtesy lamps 87
Cruise control 62
Cruising range 69
Cup holders 97
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights 190
"Current position" 109
Current position
– displaying 109
– entering 114
– storing 114
"Customer Relations" 157
Cylinders, refer to 
Engine data 190
D
Dashboard, refer to 
Cockpit 10
Data 190
– capacities 193
– dimensions 191
– engine 190
– weights 190
"Date" 74
Date 64
– setting 74
"Date format" 74
Daytime driving lamps 85
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control 78
Deactivating front 
passenger airbag, 
Coupe 51
Decommissioning the 
vehicle, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Defect
– convertible top 39
– door lock 29
– fuel filler door 162
– glass roof 36
– luggage compartment 
lid 30, 31
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission 58
Defrosting windows 89
Defrosting windows and 
removing 
condensation 89
Defrosting windshield, refer 
to Defrosting windows 89
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows 89
"Delete address book" for 
navigation 116
"Delete address" for 
navigation 115
"Delete all numbers" for 
portable phone 150
"Delete data" for 
navigation 116
"Delete" for portable 
phone 149