
Driving
58 speed; thus, for example, a downshift 
that would cause the engine to overrev 
will not be executed by the system
>When the vehicle is stationary, the 
transmission automatically downshifts 
into first gear
>Shortly before dropping below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the trans-
mission downshifts automatically even 
without your intervention.
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up and a 
message appears on the Control 
Display. There is a malfunction in 
the transmission system. Avoid high loads.
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.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Information on jump-starting and towing 
begins on page 185.
Overheating 
The warning lamp lights up and a 
message appears on the Control 
Display. In addition, an acoustic 
signal sounds. Overheating in the area of 
the transmission. If possible, stop or drive 
off quickly so that the system can cool 
down.
Automatic transmission 
with Steptronic* 
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you 
can also shift manually with Steptronic, 
refer to page 59.
Selector-lever positions 
P R N D M/S + –
Possible displays 
P R N D DS M1 to M6 
The selector lever position is indicated, and 
in the manual mode the gear currently 
engaged.
Changing selector-lever positions 
An interlock prevents inadvertent gear-
shifts into selector-lever positions R and P. 
To cancel the interlock, press the button on 
the front of the selector lever knob, refer to 
arrow.
Shiftlock 
Press the brake pedal before shifting out 
of P or N; the shift command will not be 
executed unless the brake is applied.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after 
you select a driving position, maintain pres-
sure on the brake pedal until you are ready 
to start.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, 
always select selector-lever posi-
tion P and engage the handbrake before 
leaving the vehicle with the engine running.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the 
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.< 

Controls
 59Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
P Parking 
Select only when the vehicle is completely 
stationary. The rear wheels are blocked.
R Reverse 
Select only when the vehicle is completely 
stationary.
N Neutral 
E.g. engage in car washes. The vehicle can 
roll.
D Drive, automatic position 
Position for normal vehicle operation. 
All forward gears are available.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel 
consumption is lowest when driving in 
position D.
Kickdown 
The kickdown mode provides maximum 
acceleration:
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the 
full-throttle resistance point.
M/S manual operation and 
Sport program 
Move the selector lever from position D to 
the left into gearshift gate M/S:
The sport program is activated and DS 
appears in the instrument cluster.
This position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style. It is engaged 
automatically when the Dynamic Driving 
Control is activated, see below.
When the selector lever is moved slightly 
towards + or –, the Steptronic shifts gear 
and manual operation is activated. The 
instrument cluster shows M1 through M6.Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation of engine and vehicle speed; thus, 
for example, a downshift that would cause 
the engine to overrev will not be executed 
by the system. The selected gear appears 
briefly in the instrument cluster, followed by 
the current gear.
To use the automatic function again, move 
the selector lever to the right into posi-
tion D.
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up and a 
message appears on the Control 
Display. There is a malfunction in 
the transmission system. Avoid heavy 
loads.
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.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Towing, refer to page, 185, jump-starting, 
refer to page 185.
Dynamic Driving Control 
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it pos-
sible for your BMW to react in an even more 
sports-oriented manner at the push of a 
button:
>The engine responds more spontane-
ously to accelerator pedal movements
>The steering conveys a feeling of even 
better contact with the road surface
>Cruise control:
The stored speed you call up is reached 
more quickly.
Additionally with SMG:
>Gearshifts are faster
>The engine speed range is used opti-
mally in the Drive mode.
With automatic transmission: 
>The Sport program is activated. 

Mobility
 181Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
1.Push a screwdriver from the left under 
the lamp and lever up the lamp to the 
right
2.Turn the bulb holder 905 to the left and 
remove
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs 
Light-emitting diodes installed behind 
translucent lenses serve as the light source 
for many of the controls and displays in 
your vehicle. These light-emitting diodes, 
which operate using a concept similar to 
that applied in conventional lasers, are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emitting 
diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never 
stare into the unfiltered light several 
hours, as irritation of the retina could 
result.<
Changing a wheel 
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as 
standard. An immediate wheel change in 
the event of a flat tire is therefore no longer 
required.
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on the 
side of the tire, refer to Run-flat tires on 
page 167.
If you switch from summer to winter tires, 
or vice versa, use only run-flat tires, as in 
the event of a flat there is no spare tire 
available. Your BMW center will be glad to 
advise you.
Also refer to New wheels and tires, 
page 168.
Car jacking points 
The jacking points for the car jack are 
located in the positions shown.
You can obtain a suitable car jack as 
an accessory at your BMW center.<
Battery 
Battery care 
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., 
the electrolyte will last for the life of the bat-
tery when the vehicle is operated in a tem-
perate climate.
Your BMW center will be glad to advise in 
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery 
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via 
the terminals in the engine compartment 
with the engine switched off. For the con-
nections, refer to Jump-starting on 
page 184.
Disposal 
Have old batteries disposed of by 
your BMW center or hand them in to a 
recycling center. Maintain the battery in an 
upright position for transport and storage. 
Always restrain the battery to prevent it 
from tipping over during transport.<
Power cut 
After a temporary power cut, e.g. with a 
discharged battery, the features of some 
equipment are limited and it has to be rein-
itialized. Individual settings are also lost 
and have to be updated: 

Giving and receiving assistance
184
Warning triangle* 
The warning triangle can be found in the 
luggage compartment on the left side.
Comply with legal requirements 
requiring you to carry a hazard warn-
ing triangle in the vehicle.<
First-aid kit* 
The first-aid kit is located in the filler ele-
ment of the rear seat backrest.
1.Press the button downwards
2.Remove the filler element in a forward 
direction
3.Remove the first-aid kit.To refit the filler element, insert the 
two steps in the strip and press back 
the filler element. Make sure that you do 
not damage the rear seat upholstery.<
Some of the articles contained in the 
first-aid kit have a limited service life. 
For this reason, check the expiration dates 
of each of the items regularly and replace 
any whose expiration dates have passed. 
You can find replacements in any phar-
macy.
Comply with legal requirements requiring 
you to carry a first-aid kit in the vehicle.<
Roadside Assistance* 
The Roadside Assistance of the BMW 
Group offers you breakdown assistance 
around the clock, including on weekends 
and public holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance in your home country can be found in 
the BMW Dealer Directory.
In the case of vehicles with BMW Assist or 
TeleService, you can call the Roadside 
Assistance of the BMW Group directly for 
breakdown assistance via the Control Cen-
ter, refer to page 156.
Jump-starting 
When your battery is discharged, you can 
use two jumper cables to start your BMW 
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.< 

Mobility
 185Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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 vehicle pro-
viding assistance
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 
shorting.<
Connecting 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, also refer 
to engine compartment essentials on 
page 171. The symbol + is embossed on 
the cover.
1.Fold open the cover of the BMW start-
ing-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 startedYour BMW has a special nut as body 
ground or negative pole.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable 
minus/– to the negative terminal of the 
battery or to an engine or body ground 
of the vehicle providing assistance
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 engine 
1.Start the engine on the support vehicle 
and allow it to run for several minutes at 
increased speed
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 and tow-starting 
Always observe all applicable towing 
laws and regulations.<
Never allow passengers to ride in a 
towed vehicle for any reason.< 

Mobility
 187Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar 
will exert lateral forces, tending to push 
the vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar on the tow fitting 
only. Otherwise damage could result 
on other vehicle parts.<
With tow-rope 
When starting off in the towing vehicle, 
make sure that the tow-rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated 
stresses on vehicle components 
when towing, always use nylon ropes or 
nylon straps. Secure the tow rope on the 
tow fitting only. Otherwise damage could 
result on other vehicle parts.<
With tow truck 
Have the BMW transported with a tow 
truck with a so-called lift bar or on a load 
bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or 
body and chassis parts, as otherwise 
damage may result.<
Tow-starting 
Do not tow-start vehicles with an 
automatic transmission.
Jump-starting, refer to page 184.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic 
converter with the engine cold. It is better 
to jump-start the engine, refer to page 184.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers, 
comply with country-specific regula-
tions
2.Turn the ignition key to position 23.Engage the 3rd gear, vehicles with 
SMG, see below
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the 
clutch pedal completely depressed and 
slowly release the clutch. After the 
engine starts, depress the clutch pedal 
completely again
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the 
tow bar or rope and switch off the haz-
ard warning flashers
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual 
transmission:
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N
2.Select sequential mode. The correct 
gear will be selected and engaged 
automatically. 

Everything from A to Z
198 Automatic
– air distribution 89
– air volume 89
– cruise control 62
– curb monitor 45
– headlamp control 85
– service notification 156
– station search 131
– steering wheel 
adjustment 49
– storing stations 132
Automatic car wash 102
– also refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Automatic climate 
control 88
– automatic air 
distribution 89
– convertible program 91
– settings using Control 
Center 90
– switching off 90
"Automatic programs" 91
Automatic recirculated-air 
control, AUC 89
Automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 58
– convenience start 55
– Dynamic Driving 
Control 59
– interlock 54
– kickdown 59
– selector lever interlock 58
– shiftlock 58
– starting engine 55
– towing 186
– tow-starting 187
– warning lamp 59
"Automatic ventilation" 92
AUTO program with 
automatic climate 
control 89
"Autostore" on the 
radio 130, 132
"AUTO" with automatic 
climate control 91
Average fuel 
consumption 69
– setting units 72
Average speed 69"Avoid ferries" for 
navigation 116
Avoid freeways for 
navigation 116
"Avoid highways" for 
navigation 116
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms 33
"Avoid tollroads" for 
navigation 116
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights 190
"A - Z" 148
B
Backrests, refer to 
Seats 43
Backup lamps, refer to 
Reverse gear 56
– replacing the bulbs 180
Balance, refer to 
Adjusting the tone 128
Balance adjustment in 
audio mode
– right/left 128
Bass, refer to 
Adjusting the tone 127
"Bass", refer to 
Adjusting the tone 128
Battery 181
– in the remote control 26
– jump-starting 184
Being towed 186
Belts, refer to 
Safety belts 47
Beverage holder, refer to 
Cup holders 97
Black ice, refer to 
Ice warning 64
Blower, refer to 
Air volume 89
BMW Assist 155
– enabling 155
– services offered 156
BMW maintenance 
system 174
"BMW Service" 157
"BMW Service 
settings" 155Bore, refer to 
Engine data 190
Bottle holder, refer to 
Cup holders 97
Brake Assistant, refer to 
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control 78
Brake fluid 173
– warning lamp 173
Brake Force Display 80
Brake hydraulic 
system 173
Brake lamps
– replacing the bulbs 180
– two-stage brake lamps 80
Brake pads 173
– break-in procedure 102
Brake pedal, refer to 
Brakes 103
Brake rotors 103
Brakes 103
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System 76
– brake fluid 173
– Brake Force Display 80
– brake pads 102, 173
– break-in procedure 102
– handbrake 55
Brake system 102
– brake fluid level 173
– brake pads 173
– brake rotors 103
– break-in procedure 102
– warning lamp 13, 78, 173
Brake wear warning
– brake pads 173
– warning lamp 173
Breakdown assistance 156
Breakdown services, refer 
to Roadside 
Assistance 184
Breaking-in the clutch 102
Breaking-in the 
differential 102
Break-in procedures 102
"Brightness" 72
Buttons on the steering 
wheel 11 

Everything from A to Z
204 Instructions for navigation 
system, refer to 
Voice instructions 119
Instrument cluster 12
Instrument illumination, 
refer to Instrument 
lighting 87
Instrument lighting 87
Instrument panel, refer to 
Instrument cluster 12
Instrument panel lighting, 
refer to Instrument 
lighting 87
Integrated universal remote 
control 94
Interesting destination 113
"Interim time" 72
Interior lamps 87
– remote control 28
Interior mirror, automatic 
dimming feature 48
Interior rearview mirror 48
Interlock, refer to 
Steering locked 54
Interlock on automatic 
transmission 54
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers 61
J
Jacking points 181
Joystick, refer to 
Control Center 16
Jump-starting 184
K
Key Memory 26
"Keypad" 150
Keys 26
Kickdown
– automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 59
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission 57
Knock control 163
L
Lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams 85
Lamps and bulbs 178
"Languages" 73
– for navigation 119
Lashing down loads, refer 
to Securing the load 105
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing the load 105
Last destinations, refer to 
Destination list 113
"Last seat pos." 44
LATCH child-restraint 
fixing 52
LEDs light-emitting 
diodes 181
Length, refer to 
Dimensions 191
Letter symbol with portable 
phone 150
License plate lamps, 
replacing bulbs 180
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs 181
Lighter 97
Lighter socket 97
"Lighting" 60, 85
Lighting
– instruments 87
– vehicle, refer to Lamps 85
Lights on warning 85
Light switch 85
"Limit" 71
Loading
– securing the load 105
– stowing cargo 105
– vehicle 104
Location, navigation 
drive 108
"Lock after driving" 29
Lock buttons in the doors, 
refer to Locking 30
Locking
– from inside 30
– from outside 28
Locking and unlocking 
doors
– from inside 29
– from outside 27"LOGIC7", refer to 
Adjusting the tone 128
Low beams 85
– automatic 85
– replacing the bulbs 178
Lower back support, refer 
to Lumbar support 43
Luggage compartment
– capacity 190
– emergency release 31
– hotel function 30
– increasing the capacity, 
Convertible 32
– opening/closing, refer to 
Luggage compartment 
lid 31
– opening from inside 31
– opening from outside 31
– opening with remote 
control 28
Luggage compartment 
lid 30
– emergency operation 31
– emergency release 31
– opening from inside 31
– opening from outside 31
– opening with remote 
control 28
– unlocking manually 31
Lumbar support 43
LW, waveband 130
M
M+S tires, refer to 
Winter tires 169
Maintenance, refer to the 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for 
US models or to the 
Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models 174
Maintenance system 174
Malfunction warnings, refer 
to Check Control 66
Manual air distribution 90
Manual mode with 
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 59
"Manual" on the radio 131