
At a glance
 11Reference
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7Buttons on the steering wheel
Portable phone:
>Press briefly:
Accept call or terminate call
as well as dial if an entry has been 
selected from "A - Z", "Top  8", "Redial", 
"Received calls" or "Missed calls"
>Press longer: redial
Volume 
Voice command system
Fast forward/reverse
>Radio 
Press briefly: change radio station 
Press longer: manual tuning or auto-
matic station-search function scan
>CD 
Press briefly: select track
Press longer: fast forward/reverse
>Portable phone
Press briefly: select entry in "A - Z", 
"Top 8", "Redial", "Received calls" or 
"Missed calls"
Individually programmable49
Individually programmable498Instrument cluster12
10Ignition lock54
11Horn: the entire surface
14Releasing the engine hood170
15Opening the luggage compartment 
lid30
16Head-Up Display83 
9
Windshield wipers61
Rain sensor61
12
Steering wheel heater49
Steering wheel adjustment48
13
Cruise control63
17
Parking lamps85
Low beams85
Automatic headlamp 
control85
Adaptive Head Light86
18
Instrument lighting87
Front fog lamps86 

Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster 
1Indicator lamps for turn signals13
2Speedometer with display of speed for 
cruise control63
3Fixed indicator and warning lamps13
4Tachometer64
 and engine oil thermometer65
5Display for
>Variable indicator and warning 
lamps66
>Speed for cruise control63
>Time/date64
>Outside temperature646Display for
>Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
>SMG Sequential manual 
transmission57
>Dynamic Driving Control59
>Computer69
>Date and remaining distance for 
service requirement65
>Odometer and trip odometer64
>Check Control message present66
7Fuel gauge65
8Resetting the trip odometer to zero64 

At a glance
 13Reference
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Mobility
Indicator and warning 
lamps 
Technology that monitors itself 
The indicator and warning lamps identified 
by the 
+ symbol are subjected to an oper-
ation check each time you switch on the 
ignition or start the engine. They each light 
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored 
system, the corresponding lamp will either 
fail to go out when the engine is started, or 
it will come on again during normal driving, 
usually accompanied by a Check Control 
message. You will find more details on the 
specified pages.
Fixed indicator and warning lampsColors The indicator and warning lamps can light 
up in different colors and combinations.
>Red:
Stop immediately 
or 
important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue to drive; drive cautiously
>Yellow:
Have the system checked at the earliest 
opportunity
or
for your information
>Green or blue:
For your information.
Variable indicator and warning lamps 
On the display 5 of the instrument cluster, 
other indicator and warning lamps appear 
as necessary. Pay attention to the instruc-
tions of the accompanying Check Control 
messages, also refer to page 66. Turn signals60
Active steering 
+80
Brake system 
+
With handbrake engaged55
With handbrake released78, 173
With other warning lamps78
Brake system for Canadian models
Airbags 
+81
Service Engine Soon 
+176
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a malfunction 
the emissions-related electronic 
systems.
Although the vehicle remains oper-
ational, you should have the sys-
tems checked by your BMW center 
at the earliest possible opportunity
Service Engine Soon indicator 
lamp for Canadian models
Front fog lamps86
ABS Antilock Brake System +78
DTC Dynamic Traction Control78
High beams/headlamp flasher86
Please fasten safety belt 
+47
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 
+78
Check Gas Cap162
Lamp for US models 

Opening and closing
38 Partial vacuums that occur at higher 
speeds in the passenger compart-
ment can make the convertible top flap. 
Use the ventilation controls to increase the 
air supply so that no partial vacuum occurs 
in the vehicle.<
To close the electrically activated side 
windows while the vehicle is being 
driven, always close the rear windows or 
all four windows simultaneously first, as 
otherwise the windows cannot close tightly 
at higher speeds.<
Prior to opening and closing
>Read carefully and comply with the 
safety precautions that appear above
>Ensure that the convertible top com-
partment floor in the luggage compart-
ment is folded down, refer to page 32, 
as otherwise the convertible top cannot 
be opened
>Ensure that the luggage compartment 
lid is closed.
Opening and closing 
As of ignition key position 1, with the vehi-
cle stationary:
So as not to place an excessive load 
on the battery, only operate the con-
vertible top with the engine running, if pos-
sible.
Before closing the convertible top, remove 
foreign bodies from the windshield frame, 
as these might inhibit closing of the con-
vertible top.<
1Closing
2Indicator lamp
3OpeningIf the opening or closing action is not 
completed, the luggage compartment 
lid cannot be opened.
When the button for top operation is 
pressed, the side windows move down-
wards slightly; the rear window is lowered 
completely.
If you hold the button pressed for longer 
than 2 seconds after completion of the 
opening or closing action and the LED has 
gone out, the side windows and rear win-
dow move once again.<
Indicator lamp
In the following situations, a message is 
displayed on the Control Display and an 
acoustic signal sounds in addition to the 
indicator lamp:
>During convertible top operation, the 
LED lights up green. It goes out as soon 
as the opening or closing action is com-
pleted
>If the indicator lamp flashes red when 
you release the button, the opening or 
closing action is not completed
>If the indicator lamp lights up red with 
the button pressed, the convertible top 
compartment floor is folded up or a fault 
has occurred. The convertible top can-
not be moved.
Interruption
The automatic sequence of movements is 
interrupted immediately if the button for top 
operation is released. The sequence can 
be continued in the desired direction using 
the button.
If the opening or closing action is 
interrupted for a longer period by 
releasing the button, the convertible top 
remains in that position for approx. 15 min-
utes before it slowly moves to a stable 
position. The sequence can be continued 
using the buttons.
Do not interrupt and continue the closing 
action several times in succession, as oth-
erwise the fully automatic top mechanism 
can be damaged. 

Driving
54
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.
Interlock on 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 select the selector lever 
position P.
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 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 running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always 
select idle position or position  N and apply 
the handbrake before leaving the vehicle 
with the engine running.<
When starting the engine, do not press the 
accelerator pedal.
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.
Special starting conditions
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, below approx. + 57/–156, 
at high altitudes, over 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.<
Manual transmission 
1.Apply the handbrake
2.Gearshift lever in idle position
3.Press the clutch pedal 
If the clutch pedal is not 
depressed, the engine will not 
start.<
4.Start the engine.
Do not terminate the starting operation 
too early, but after approx. 20 seconds 
at the latest. When the engine starts, let 
go of the ignition key immediately. 

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SMG Sequential manual 
transmission and automatic 
transmission 
Your BMW is equipped with the conve-
nience starting feature. Here, it is sufficient 
to turn the ignition key only briefly to posi-
tion 3 'Start engine' and to let go of it right 
away. The system responds by automati-
cally engaging the starter for a certain 
period and allowing it to run until the engine 
starts, after which it then disengages auto-
matically.
SMG Sequential manual 
transmission
1.Press the brake pedal
2.Engage selector-lever position N
3.Start the engine.
If the engine does not start, engage 
the last gear selected again, refer to 
instrument cluster display, and then 
engage selector-lever position N.<
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic 
1.Press the brake pedal
2.Engage selector-lever position P or N
3.Start the engine.
Switching off engine 
Do not remove the ignition key while 
the vehicle is rolling, as otherwise the 
steering wheel lock would engage while 
steering.
When leaving the vehicle, remove the igni-
tion key and lock the steering.
When parking on a downhill incline, apply 
the handbrake, as otherwise the vehicle 
could roll away.<
Manual transmission 
1.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0
2.Engage first or reverse gear.
SMG Sequential manual 
transmission
1.Engage a drive position
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
A signal sounds if the idle position N is 
engaged on stopping the engine.
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic 
1.Engage selector-lever position P
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake 
The handbrake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; 
it brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and an 
acoustic signal also sounds when 
starting off. The handbrake is 
engaged.
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
Engaging 
The lever locks into place automatically; 
the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster 
lights up as of ignition key position 1.
Releasing 
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and 
lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should 
make it necessary to engage the 
handbrake while the vehicle is in motion,  

Driving
56 do not pull it too strongly. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the handbrake 
lever.
Strong application of the handbrake can 
lead to overbraking of the rear axle and 
associated 'fishtailing' of the vehicle rear 
end.
The brake lamps do not light up when the 
handbrake is engaged.
Vehicles with manual or SMG transmission: 
When parking on inclines, engage the 
handbrake, as even engaging the first or 
reverse gear might not under certain cir-
cumstances secure the vehicle against 
moving.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Engage selector-lever position P.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided 
braking action, occasionally engage 
the handbrake lightly when the vehicle is 
slowly coming to a standstill if the traffic 
conditions are suitable.<
Manual transmission 
While shifting gear in the 5th/6th  gear 
level, press the gearshift lever to the 
right, as otherwise engine damage could 
occur from inadvertently engaging a gear in 
the 3rd/4th gear level.
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with the 
clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise there 
is high clutch wear.<
Reverse gear 
Select only when the vehicle is completely 
stationary. When pressing the gearshift 
lever to the left, overcome some resis-
tance.The backup lamps automatically switch on 
in ignition key position 2.
SMG Sequential manual 
transmission* 
The concept
The SMG Sequential manual transmission 
is an automated manual transmission in 
which an electro-hydraulic system handles 
the clutching and gear changes.
You operate the SMG using the selector 
lever in the center console and two shift 
paddles on the steering wheel.
It offers the following functions:
>Choice of manual or automatic mode: 
Sequential mode or Drive mode
>Options of two drive programs: 
Normal or Sport, refer to page 59
>Protection against incorrect gearshifts 
and automatic shift down at minimum 
engine speed, also in the Sequential 
mode
>Kickdown function in the Drive mode
>Acceleration assistant, refer to 
page 60.
The SMG is operational in ignition key posi-
tion 2.
Selector-lever positions 
The current selector-lever position is dis-
played on the center console.
>R: Reverse gear
>N: Neutral, idle 

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Mobility
>One-touch function for Sequential 
mode
+: manual upshifts
—: manual downshifts
>D: Drive mode.
N is automatically engaged if the 
driver's door is opened with the 
engine running and neither pedals, shift 
paddles nor the selector lever are oper-
ated.
This is indicated by an acoustic signal and 
the flashing display N in the instrument 
cluster.<
Gear display
R N 1 to 6
The currently engaged gear is displayed, in 
the Drive mode preceded by a D.
Shiftlock 
Press the brake pedal before shifting out 
of N; the shift command will not be exe-
cuted unless the brake is applied.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is completely 
stationary.
Sequential mode
After every engine start, as soon as the 
selector lever is pushed to the right and the 
brake pedal is pressed, the Sequential 
mode is activated.
The gear is changed using the shift paddles 
or selector lever.
Driving off is also possible in second gear, 
e.g. when the roadway is icy.
D Drive mode 
In the Drive mode, all forward gears are 
shifted automatically.
To switch from Sequential to Drive mode: 
Briefly press the selector lever to the right 
towards D.
Kickdown:
For rapid acceleration, e.g. overtaking, 
press the accelerator pedal as far down as 
it will go: you achieve maximum accelera-
tion.
To switch back to the Sequential mode: 
briefly press the selector lever back to the 
right towards D or change the current gear 
using the shift paddles or selector lever.
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not 
hold the vehicle on a hill by applying 
the throttle, but engage the handbrake 
instead. Otherwise overheating can occur 
in the area of the transmission.<
Gear changes
Using selector lever 
>To shift up, briefly press the selector 
lever towards +
>To shift down, briefly press towards —.
Using shift paddles on steering 
wheel 
>To shift up, pull one of the shift paddles
>To shift down, press.
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