
 
Cockpit
 
10
 
Cockpit 
Controls
 
1
 
Parking lamps/low beams57
 
2
 
>
 
Turn signal indicators41
 
>
 
Standing lamps58
 
>
 
High beams58
 
>
 
Headlamp flasher41
 
>
 
Computer47
 
3
 
Fog lamps58
 
4
 
Horn
 
5
 
Washer/Wiper system/Rain sensor41
 
6
 
Hazard warning flashers
 
7
 
Central locking system18
 
8
 
Unlocking the engine hood92 

Cockpit
12
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 
engine. They each light up once for differ-
ent 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. 
Detailed information is provided on the 
specified pages.
Please fasten safety belt 
+ 30
Airbags 
+ 54
Brake system 
+ 
With handbrake released 52/ 96
With handbrake set 38
With other warning lamps 52
Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models
Driving stability control systems/
Antilock Brake System 
+ 53
Antilock Brake System ABS/
Chassis control system for Cana-
dian models
Brake pads
 + 96
Dynamic Stability Control DSC/
xDrive
 +  50/ 52
Flat Tire Monitor 
+ 53
Automatic transmission 
+ 39
Engine oil + 94
Service Engine Soon
 + 98
Service Engine Soon 
+ 37
warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Check Gas Cap 
+ 
Engine electronics + 37
Battery charge current 
+ 105
Topping up coolant 95
Topping up washer fluid 94
Lamp defective 57
Turn signal indicators 41
Fog lamps 58
Headlamp flasher 41
High beams 58
Cruise control 43 

Opening and closing
20
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply 
with part 15 of the FCC Ð Federal Commu-
nications Commission Ð regulations. Oper-
ation is governed by the following:
FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement: 
This device complies with part 15 of the 
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful 
interference, and
>this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference 
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could void 
the user's authority to operate the equip-
ment.<
Using the door lock
One turn of the key in the driver's door lock 
unlocks the driver's door only.
Turning the key a second time unlocks all of 
the remaining doors, the tailgate and the 
fuel filler door.
You can have a signal set to confirm 
that the vehicle's locks have engaged 
securely.< 
Convenience operation 
You also have the option of operating the 
windows and the panorama glass roof from 
the driver's door lock.>To open: 
With the door closed, turn the key to the 
Unlock position and hold it there. 
>To close: 
With the door closed, turn the key to the 
Lock position and hold it there. 
Watch during the closing process to 
be sure that no one is injured. Releas-
ing the key stops the operation.< 
Manual operation 
In the event of an electrical defect:
You can turn the key all the way to the 
right or left in the door lock to lock or 
unlock the driver's door.
Opening and closing Ð from 
inside
You can use this button to operate the cen-
tral locking system when the front doors 
are closed. With this button, only the doors 
and the tailgate are unlocked or locked. 
The anti-theft system is not activated.
If only the driver's door was unlocked 
from the outside and you press the 
button, then, with the driver's door still 
open, the passenger-side door, the tailgate 
and the fuel filler door will also unlock.
If the driver's door is closed, it will be 
locked.<
The central locking system locks 
automatically after driving off. This 
can be adjusted to be vehicle-specific or 
key-specific.<  

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 25
>The high beams, which flash on and off 
in the same rhythm.
Arming and disarming the alarm 
system
When the vehicle is locked or unlocked 
with the key or the remote control, the 
alarm system is also simultaneously armed 
or disarmed.
If the alarm system has been properly 
armed, the hazard warning flashers light up 
once.
You can have different acknowledg-
ment signals set to confirm arming 
and disarming.<
You can also open the tailgate with the sys-
tem armed using the   button on the 
remote control, refer to page 19. When you 
close the tailgate, the system is rearmed.< 
Switching off the alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote 
control, refer to page 19
>Turn the ignition key to position 1.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp below the interior 
rearview mirror flashes continuously: 
the system is armed 
>The indicator lamp flashes during arm-
ing: door(s), the hood or tailgate are not 
completely closed. Even if you do not 
close the alerted area, the system 
begins to monitor the remaining areas, 
and the indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously after 10 seconds. However, the 
interior motion sensor is not activated >If the indicator lamp goes out when the 
system is disarmed: no manipulation or 
attempted intrusions have been 
detected in the period since the system 
was armed 
>If the indicator lamp flashes for 10 sec-
onds after the system is disarmed: an 
attempted entry has been detected in 
the period since the system was armed. 
Following triggering of an alarm, the indica-
tor lamp will flash continuously.
Avoiding unintentional alarms 
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion 
sensor may be switched off at the same 
time. You can do this to prevent a false 
alarm from being triggered in garages with 
elevator ramps, for instance, or when the 
vehicle is transported by trailer or train:
Lock twice:
>Press the   button on the remote 
control twice consecutively
>Lock using the door lock twice.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and 
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm 
sensor and the interior motion sensor are 
deactivated as long as the system is 
armed. 
If you wish, the tilt alarm sensor and 
interior motion sensor are perma-
nently switched off. You can have this set 
at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Cen-
ter.<
Interior motion sensor 
In order for the interior motion sensor to 
function properly, the windows and pan-
orama glass roof must be completely 
closed. 
However, be sure to switch off the interior 
motion sensor Ð refer to Avoiding uninten-
tional alarms Ð when you 
>leave children or animals in the vehicle 
>the windows or panorama glass roof 
are to remain open. 
The tilt alarm sensor and interior 
motion sensor are switched off inad- 

Adjustments
30 3.Press MEMORY button: 
The indicator lamp in the button lights 
up
4.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 
or 3: 
The indicator lamp goes out. 
Selecting a stored setting
Do not call up a position from the 
memory while the vehicle is moving, 
as otherwise there is a risk of accident from 
unexpected seat movement.<
Convenience mode
1.Open the driver's door after unlocking 
or turn the ignition key to position 1
2.Briefly press the desired memory but-
ton 1, 2 or 3.
The system immediately cancels the 
adjustment procedure when you press 
one of the seat adjustment buttons or 
use one of the memory buttons.
Safety feature
1.Close the driver's door and turn the 
ignition key to position 0 or 2
2.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 
or 3 and maintain pressure until the 
adjustment process has been com-
pleted.
If you press the 
MEMORY button 
accidentally:
Press the button a second time Ñ the indi-
cator lamp goes out.< 
You can have your vehicle pro-
grammed to automatically dial in your 
own individual adjustment settings for the 
seat and exterior mirror position whenever 
you use your personal remote control to 
unlock the vehicle.< 
If you make use of this adjustment, be 
sure that the footwell behind the 
driver's seat is unobstructed before 
unlocking the vehicle. If you fail to do so, 
any persons, animals or objects behind the 
seat could be injured or damaged by a 
rearward movement of the seat.< 
Heated seats*
The seat cushion and backrest can be 
heated when the ignition key is in 
position 2. 
To call up different temperature levels: 
Press the button repeatedly.
To switch off from a higher heat setting: 
Press the button and hold it slightly longer.
Safety belts
Even though there is an airbag, wear a 
safety belt every time you get in the vehi-
cle. Although airbags enhance safety by 
providing added protection, they are not a 
substitute for safety belts. 
Fastening
Make sure you hear the latch plate engage 
in the belt buckle. 
Please fasten safety belt warning 
lamp:
Lights up for a few seconds or until 
safety belts are fastened. Depending on 
you vehicle version, a signal
* sounds 
simultaneously. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 33
Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory
How the system functions 
You have probably frequently wished that 
you could configure individual functions of 
your vehicle to reflect your own personal 
requirements. In developing your vehicle, 
BMW has incorporated a number of 
options for personal adjustment. You can 
have these programmed at your BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. 
There are vehicle-related and person-
related adjustments: Vehicle Memory and 
Key Memory. You can configure up to four 
different basic adjustments for four differ-
ent persons. The only requirement is that 
each person uses his or her own master 
key with remote control. 
When your vehicle is unlocked with the 
remote control, the vehicle recognizes the 
individual user by means of a data 
exchange with the key, and makes adjust-
ments accordingly. 
In order for you to distinguish between the 
remote control master keys, colored decals 
are supplied together with the keys. 
What the system can do 
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center 
can provide you with details on the capabil-
ities of the Vehicle Memory and Key Mem-
ory systems.
You will see this symbol throughout 
the Owner's Manual. It is to remind 
you at appropriate places of the settings 
that are available to you.< 
Examples of Vehicle Memory 
functions
>Different acknowledgment signals to 
confirm locking/unlocking of the vehi-
cle, refer to page 18
>Activate/deactivate function for path-
way lighting, refer to page 57
>Activate/deactivate daytime driving 
lamps, refer to page 57
>Setting measurement units for displays 
in the instrument cluster of the time, 
outside temperature, distance driven 
and fuel consumption, refer to page 47
>Active PDC is indicated by an acoustic 
sound signal when reverse gear or 
selector-lever position R is engaged, 
refer to page 49
>The rear window defroster switches on 
automatically, refer to page 61
>Different acknowledgment signals to 
confirm arming/disarming the alarm 
system, refer to page 25
>After an ice warning has been issued, 
the display of the computer returns to 
the previous adjustment, refer to 
page 47
>Acoustic warning if the ignition key 
remains in the ignition lock after the 
driver's door has been opened, refer to 
page 21.
Examples of Key Memory functions
>On unlocking, first unlock the driver's 
door, then the entire vehicle, refer to 
page 19
>Locking the vehicle after moving off, 
refer to page 20
>Automatic adjustment of the driver's 
seat and exterior mirror position for 
each person when unlocking the vehi-
cle, refer to page 30
>Angle of downward tilt of mirror on pas-
senger side, refer to page 32. 

Driving
38 sion control system components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon indicator lamp 
for Canadian models.
Malfunction in the engine electron-
ics. 
You can continue to drive with 
reduced engine output or engine speed. 
Please have it checked by your BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Starting the engine
When starting the engine, do not press the 
accelerator pedal. 
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the 
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine from 
starting if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not actuate the starter for too 
short a time. Do not turn it for more 
than approx. 20 seconds. Release the igni-
tion key immediately as soon as the engine 
starts.<
If the engine fails to start on the first 
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or cold:
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter. 
During a cold start at very low tempera-
tures, as of approx. +57/Ð156, at high 
altitudes over 3,300 ft/1,000 m:
>For the first attempt, run the start for 
longer, approx. 10 seconds 
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter.
Avoid frequent starting is 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.Engage the handbrake
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 
lever in idle position and apply the hand-
brake.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the 
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Automatic transmission
1.Press the brake pedal
2.Place the selector lever in position P 
or N
3.Start the engine.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, 
always select position 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.<
Switching off the engine
Do not remove the ignition key when 
the vehicle is moving, as otherwise 
the steering could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove 
the ignition key and lock the steering.
When parking on downward inclines, apply 
the handbrake.<
Manual transmission
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Automatic transmission
Engage selector-lever position P, turn igni-
tion 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 from 
ignition switch position 2 with the 
handbrake set Ð an acoustic signal 
also sounds when starting off. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 41
appear briefly in the instrument cluster fol-
lowed by the current gear.
To obtain maximum acceleration, for 
passing maneuvers, etc., during 
operation in the manual mode, use the 
kickdown or downshift manually.< 
Shifting from M/S to the selector-lever 
positions P, R and N is only possible by 
going through D. 
Possible displays
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
Malfunctions
If the indicator lamp lights up, there 
is a function fault in the transmis-
sion 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. 
Avoid high loads and drive to the nearest 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Never work in the engine compart-
ment with any of the forward or 
reverse gears engaged, as the vehicle 
could start to move.< 
Information on jump-starting and towing 
starts on page 108. 
Turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher
1High beams Ð blue indicator lamp
2Headlamp flasher Ð blue indicator lamp 
3Turn signal indicators Ð green indicator 
accompanied by periodic clicking 
sound from the relay
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. 
Washer/wiper system/Rain 
sensor*
0Wipers retracted 
1Intermittent or rain sensor operation
2Normal wipe
3Fast wipe
4Brief wipe