Driving
40 direction, the transmission shifts up. When
the lever is tapped in the – direction, the
transmission shifts down. M1 to M 5 appear
in the gear indicator.
The Adaptive Transmission Control ATC
executes upshifts or downshifts only when
the new gear will provide a suitable combi-
nation of engine and road speed, e.g. ATC
will not execute downshifts if the engine
speed is too high. The desired gear will
appear briefly in the instrument cluster, fol-
lowed by the actual gear.
If you are driving in the manual mode
and wish to accelerate rapidly, e.g. to
pass another vehicle, shift down manually
or with the kickdown function.<
Shifting from M/S to selector lever posi-
tions P, R and N is possible only by going
through position D.
Available indicators
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
Malfunction
If the indicator lamp comes on,
there is a malfunction in the trans-
mission system.
All of the selector lever positions can con-
tinue to be engaged; in the forward drive
positions, however, the vehicle will be
operating in the fourth gear only.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads
and consult the nearest BMW center.
Never work in the engine compart-
ment when a drive gear – forward or
reverse – is engaged. If you do so, the vehi-
cle could move.
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG*
The concept
The sequential manual gearbox SMG is an
automated manual gearbox with which
clutching and shifting is assumed by an
electro-hydraulic system.
The SMG is operated via two shift paddles
on the steering wheel and the selector lever
in the center console.
It offers the following functions:
>Sequential mode: manual mode
>Drive mode: automated mode
>Ability to choose between two different
driving programs: Standard, Sport,
refer to Dynamic Driving Control
>Operating safety through protection
against misshifting
>Automatic upshifts and downshifts in
the drive mode
>Automatic downshifts at minimum
engine rpm
>Kickdown function in the drive mode
>Acceleration assistant.
Selector lever positions
The current selector lever position is shown
by a light-emitting diode on the center con-
sole.
R: Reverse
N: Neutral
Driving
42 You accelerate from higher gears, e.g. dur-
ing passing, by downshifting manually.
In the following situations, the SMG in the
sequential mode assists you:
>The transmission will only execute
upshifts and downshifts that will result
in an appropriate combination of vehi-
cle speed and engine rpm. For
instance, downshifts that would result
in excessive engine speed cannot be
executed
>During a stop the gearbox is automati-
cally downshifted into first gear
>Shortly before a gear-dependent mini-
mum speed is reached, the gearbox
shifts down automatically without you
taking any action.
Display in the instrument cluster
Gear indicator
R N 1 2 3 4 5 6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
The currently engaged gear, the selected
mode, and any possible malfunctions are
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Malfunctions
Indicator lamp
If the indicator lamp comes on,
there is a malfunction in the trans-
mission system.
All of the selector lever positions can con-
tinue to be engaged; however, in the for-
ward drive positions the range of available
gears is restricted.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads
and consult the nearest BMW center.
Warning tone
An acoustic signal sounds if the SMG gear-
box overheats; if possible you should either
stop or increase your pullaway speed so
that the system can cool down.
For jump-starting and towing, refer to the
information on page 94.
Driving Dynamic Control
The Driving Dynamic Control feature lets
you select between a standard and a sport
program.
Sport program
>The engine responds more spontane-
ously to any motion of the accelerator
pedal
>The vehicle is steered more directly and
traction is enhanced
Additionally with SMG and automatic
transmission:
>The shifting times are reduced
>The engine speed range is optimally uti-
lized 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 automatic transmission:
The sport program of the automatic
transmission is enabled by activating the
Driving Dynamic Control system. Thus, the
selector lever does not have to be shifted
from D to M/S; refer also to page 39.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
71
behind the seats may prevent the backrest
from engaging properly. Ensure that the
backrest is securely locked by moving the
seat forward if necessary. Refer to
page 28.<
Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can endan-
ger the passengers during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight or the specified maximum axle
loads. Refer to page 101. Otherwise the
vehicle's operating safety is no longer
assured and you are in violation of the law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment without first
securing them. Otherwise they would be
thrown around during braking and evasive
maneuvers and would endanger the occu-
pants.<
Convertible top compartment
With the convertible top closed, you
can enlarge the luggage compart-
ment, refer to page 20.
It is recommended that you always fold the
convertible top compartment panel down
as soon as you have removed cargo from
the luggage compartment. This way, you
can be sure that you can always operate
the convertible top at any time.
Conversely, when the convertible top is
closed, raise the convertible top compart-
ment panel before stowing your cargo in
the luggage compartment to avoid any
damage to the convertible top compart-
ment or your load.<
If you stow cargo behind the seats of your
BMW:
>Only stow light objects such as cloth-
ing, etc.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top
edge of the backrests.
Hardtop preparation*
Pull covers off, see arrow 1.
The brackets for attaching the hardtop
are located underneath the covers; see
arrow 2.
For instructions on how to install the
hardtop, please read the accompany-
ing assembly information.<
The hardtop is available from your
BMW center as a special option.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
81
In the engine compartment
Hood
To release the hood
Pull the lever located under the left-hand
side of the instrument panel.
Do not work on your vehicle without
the appropriate skills to do so. Failure
to work in an informed, professional man-
ner when servicing components and mate-
rials constitutes a safety hazard for vehicle
occupants and other road users. If you are
not familiar with the guidelines, BMW rec-
ommends that you have the operations
performed by your BMW center.<
To open
1.Reach under the engine hood
2.Push the release handle up
3.Open the hood.
To close
Allow the hood to fall from a low height and
push on both sides so that it audibly
engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear when it
is closed, as with all closing procedures.
If you notice while driving that the hood is
not completely closed, stop immediately
and close it securely.<
Replacement procedures
92
Charging the battery
Charge the battery in the vehicle only when
the engine is not running. For information
on connections, refer to Jump-starting on
page 94.
Battery disposal
Return used batteries to a recycling
point or to your BMW center. Maintain
the battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Secure the battery
against tilting when transporting.<
Fuses
You will find the fuses and information on
their respective allocation behind the glove
compartment.
1.Open the glove compartment
2.Press the lock on the left; see arrow 1
3.Press the lock on the right; see arrow 2
4.Swing the glove compartment down.
Spare fuses and plastic tweezers for grasp-
ing the fuses are found in the onboard tool
kit; refer to page 88.
Do not attempt to repair a burned fuse
or replace it with a fuse having a dif-
ferent color or amperage rating. To do this
could cause a fire in the vehicle as a result
of circuit overload.<
Everything from A to Z
108 Hazard warning flashers 10
Headlamp cover, care,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Headlamp flasher 43
– indicator lamp 13
Headlamps
– bulb replacement 88
– care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– cleaning 44
Headlamps, automatic
control 46
Headlamp washer
reservoir 83
– content, refer to
Capacities 103
Headlamp washer
system
– cleaning the
headlamps 44
– washing fluids 83
Head restraints 28
Heated mirrors 31
Heated seats 30
Heating 58
– exterior mirrors 31
– rear window 59, 63
– seats 30
Heavy loads, refer to
Stowing cargo 70
Height, refer to
Dimensions 102
Height adjustment
– seats 28
– steering wheel 30
High beams 47
– bulb replacement 89
– headlamp flasher 43
– indicator lamp 13
High Performance
Synthetic Oil 84
– alternative oils 84
– approved oils 84
High temperatures 69
Holders for beverages 65
Hood 81
Horn 10
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to Dynamic Brake
Control DBC 52Hydraulics
– brakes 85
Hydroplaning 69
I
Ice warning 50
Identification mark
– Run Flat tires 80
Ignition 36
Ignition key 16
Ignition lock 36
Inclines 69
Index 104
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags 57
– alarm system 26
– brakes 13
– coolant temperature 49
– DSC 52
– engine temperature 48
– Flat Tire Monitor 55
– fog lamps 47
– passenger airbags 34
– please fasten safety
belts 30
– reserve 48
Indicator and warning
lamps, overview 12
Individual air
distribution 59, 62
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 31
Inflation pressure, tires 75
Inflation pressure
monitoring, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor 54
INSPECTION 49
Instrument cluster 12
Instrument lighting 47
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 10
Interior lamps 47
– remote control 17
Interior motion sensor 26
Interior rearview mirror 31
– automatic dimming
feature 31
Interior temperature
– adjusting 59, 62Interlock, refer to
Steering lock 36
Intermittent
– operation, wipers 44
Interval
– display, service 49
J
Jack 91
Jacking points 91
Jets, refer to
Ventilation 59, 63
Jump-starting 94
K
Key Memory 31
Keys 16
Key switch for passenger
airbags 33
Kickdown 39
Knock control 74
L
Lamps 46
Lamps and bulbs 88
LATCH, child-restraint
mounting system 35
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Length, refer to
Dimensions 102
License plate lamps
– bulb replacement 91
Light-alloy wheels, care,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Lighter 65
Lighting
– of the instruments 47
Lighting of the instruments,
refer to Instrument
lighting 47
LIGHTS ON warning 46
Light switch 46
Loads, refer to Cargo
loading 70
Loads, securing 70
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
111
Securing, locking the
vehicle
– from inside 19
– from outside 17
Securing loads,
refer to Cargo loading 70
Selector lever
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
Selector lever lock, refer to
Shiftlock 39
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
Service, see Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for
Canadian models 86
Service and warranty 6
Service interval
display 49, 86
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
– manual transmission 38
Shiftlock 39
Side airbags 56
Side turn signal indicators
– bulb replacement 90
Signal horn, refer to
Horn 10
Slipstream deflector, refer
to Wind deflector 24
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 65
Snow chains 80
Socket, refer to Cigarette
lighter 65
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics 87
SOS, refer to Emergency
call 93
Spare fuses 92
Spare key 16
Special oils, refer to
Specified engine oils 84
Special wash program,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochureSpecified engine oils 84
Speed
– winter tires 79
Speedometer 12
Sport program
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
– Driving Dynamic
Control 42
Sports seat 29
Stability control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
Standing lamps 47
Starting 36
– engine 36
Starting assistance
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
Starting difficulties
– jump-starting 94
– temperature 37
Status of the Owner's
Manual 5
Steering lock 36
Steering wheel 10
– adjusting 30
Steptronic, refer to Manual
mode 39
Storage, tires 79
Storage compartments 64
– electrical fault 64
– opening manually 64
Storage nets 64
Storage space, refer to
Luggage compartment 20
Storage space, refer to
Storage
compartments 64
Storing seat position, refer
to Seat memory 29
Stroke, refer to Engine
data 100
Summer tires, refer to
Wheels and tires 75
Surface ice, refer to Ice
warning 50
Switches, refer to
Cockpit 10
Switch for passenger
airbags 33Switching gears, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
Switching off
– engine 37
– vehicle 38
Symbols 4
T
Tachometer 48
Tail lamps
– bulb replacement 90
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp 13
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps 90
– bulb replacement 90
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity 103
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel
gauge 48
Technical data 100
Technical modifications,
refer to For your own
safety 5
Telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Telephone preparation 65
Temperature
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 62
– engine 48
Temperature display
– ice warning 50
– outside
temperature 49, 50
– setting units of
measure 50
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 45
The BMW Maintenance
System 86
Third brake lamp
– bulb replacement 90
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center high-mount brake
lamp 90
Three-point seat belt, refer
to Safety belts 30