
Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 139Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communication
Mobility
To change between these different selection 
criteria of stations:
1.Move the controller forward to change the 
field.
2.Select a selection criterion.
3.Press the controller.
You can also change the station on the steering 
wheel.
Buttons next to CD player:
 Press the button for the corresponding 
direction.
The system switches to the next displayed sta-
tion.
Sampling stations, scan 
The system automatically plays a brief sample 
from each of the stations on the current wave-
band.
In "Manual", you can set stations that are 
received in addition to those displayed.
Buttons next to CD player:
 To start scan, hold down the correspond-
ing direction button.
To stop scanning, press button.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Select "FM" or "AM".
2.Press the controller.
3.Press the controller again.
Other menu items are displayed.4.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
Scan starts.
To stop the scan:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
This cancels the scan search, and the radio 
remains on the current station.
Selecting frequency manually 
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Select "FM" or "AM".
2.Press the controller.
3.Move the controller forward to change the 
field.
4.Select "Manual" and press the controller.
5.Turn the controller to set a certain fre-
quency.
Updating stations with best reception 
If you are on a longer journey and leave the 
transmission range of the stations originally set, 
you can update the list of stations with the best 
reception. 

Mobility
 191Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
an engine or body ground of the assisting 
vehicle.
5.Attach the second end of the cable to the 
negative terminal of the battery or to the 
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be 
started.
Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the assisting 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 
successful, wait a few minutes before 
another attempt in order to allow the dis-
charged battery to recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing 
the connection sequence.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
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.<
Using tow fitting 
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the 
onboard tool kit and must always remain in the 
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear 
of the BMW.In order to avoid damaging the tow fitting 
and the vehicle, please follow these 
instructions: use only the tow fitting provided 
with the vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use 
the tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid 
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift 
the vehicle by the tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread 
Rectangular cover panel in bumper: press on 
the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed 
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering lock will 
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine 
stopped. This then requires increased effort for 
braking and steering. Active steering is deacti-
vated and larger steering wheel movements are 
required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with 
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window. 

Giving and receiving assistance
192
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.<
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual 
transmission 
With the ignition switched on, engage the 
selector lever position N, then switch off the 
ignition again.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or 
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the 
respective country.
With tow bar 
The towing vehicle may not be lighter 
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise 
it will not be possible to control vehicle 
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same 
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset 
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will 
exert lateral forces, tending to push the 
vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only. 
Otherwise damage to other vehicle parts 
could result.<
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 to the tow fitting only. 
Otherwise damage to other vehicle parts could 
result.<
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 auto-
matic transmission.
Jump starting, refer to page190.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic con-
verter with the engine cold. It is better to jump 
start the engine, refer to page190.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers, 
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3.Shift into 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, 
immediately depress the clutch pedal com-
pletely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked. 

Reference 213
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communica-
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Reset" stopwatch73
Residual heat mode92
Restraint system for 
children47
Restraint systems, refer to 
Safety belts42
Retreaded tires174
Reverse, fast
– CD changer147
– CD player147
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic56
– manual transmission53
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission54
Road map126
"Roadside Assistance"163
Roadside Assistance190
Roadside parking lamps88
– replacing bulbs183
Roller sun blind, refer to Sun 
blinds97
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack110
Rope, refer to Towing and 
tow-starting191
Rotary pushbutton, refer to 
Control Center16
Route122
– bypassing sections127
– changing122
– displaying126
– displaying arrow view126
– displaying map126
– displaying town127
– list127
– selecting122
– selecting criteria122
"Route list" for navigation127
Route map126
"Route preference"122
Route selection122
RSC, refer to Run-flat 
tires174
Run-flat System Components 
RSC, refer to Run-flat 
tires174Run-flat tires174
– continuing driving with a 
damaged tire80
– flat tire80
– new wheels and tires174
– tire inflation 
pressure80,170
– tire replacement174,175
S
Safety6
Safety belts42
– damage43
– sitting safely38
– warning lamp43
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags83
– refer to Safety belts42
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System77
– airbags83
– DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control78
– safety belts42
Satellite radio141
– enabling142
– selecting channel142
– storing channel142
"SAT" for radio133,142
"Save current 
destination"122
Scan
– CD changer147
– CD player147
– radio139
"Scan", playing stations139
"Scan", playing tracks147
Screen, refer to Control 
Center16
Screw thread for tow 
fitting191
"Seat heater distribution"44Seats38
– active backrest width 
adjustment40
– adjusting the seats38
– comfort seat39
– easy entry/exit40
– heating43
– lumbar support39
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory40
– sitting safely38
– Sports seat39
– storing the setting40
– thigh support39
– ventilation, refer to Active 
seat ventilation44
"Select as destination"119
"Select current speed"72
Selecting audio sources, refer 
to Operation using Control 
Center133
Selecting distance for active 
cruise control62
Selecting new scale for 
navigation127
Selecting route122
Selecting the frequency 
manually139
Selection options with 
navigation system122
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic55
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission53
Selector lever interlock, refer 
to Shiftlock
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic55
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission54
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic55
– manual transmission53
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission53 

Everything from A to Z
214 Sequential manual trans-
mission SMG53
"Service"66,162
Service, refer to Roadside 
Assistance190
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US 
models and Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models180
Service car, refer to Roadside 
Assistance190
Service interval indicator, refer 
to Service requirements66
"Service notification"163
"Service Request"164
"Service 
requirements"66,162
Service requirements66
– also refer to CBS Condition 
Based Service180
"Service Status"162
"Set date"74
"Set" in audio mode133
"Set service date"67
"Set time"74
Settings, configuring, refer to 
Key Memory28
Setting speed limit72
Setting the time, refer to 
Preselecting switch-on 
times94
"Set tire pressure"80
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic56
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission54
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic55
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission54
Shift paddles54
Short commands of voice 
command system199Shortest route for 
navigation122
"Short route" for 
navigation122
Shoulder support39
"Show current position"118
"Show destination 
position"118
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer147
– CD player147
Side airbags83
Side marker lamps, replacing 
bulbs184
Side turn signals, replacing 
bulbs184
Side window blind, refer to 
Sun blinds97
Sitting safely38
– with airbags38
– with safety belts38
Ski bag101
Ski sack, refer to Ski bag101
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to 
Glass sunroof, electric35
SMG Sequential manual 
transmission53
– acceleration assistant55
– breaking-in106
– convenience start52
– Dynamic Driving Control54
– gear display53
– kick-down54
– shiftlock54
– towing192
– tow-starting192
"SMS"157
Snow chains175
Socket for Onboard 
Diagnostics interface181
Socket outlet
– cigarette lighter socket100
Sockets100
SOS, refer to Initiating an 
emergency call189
Sound output for Enter-
tainment on/off133
Spare fuses187Spare key28
Spare wheel
– refer to Changing 
wheels185
– refer to Compact wheel186
Special oils, refer to Specified 
engine oils178
Specified engine oils178
Speed
– with compact wheel187
– with winter tires175
Speed-dependent 
volume134
Speed limit warning, refer to 
Speed limit72
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to 
Tone control134
"Sport", active backrest width 
adjustment40
Sport program, refer to 
Dynamic Driving Control54
Sports seat39
Stability control, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems77
"Star button"46
Star button46
"Start destination 
guidance"118
"Start" for stopwatch73
"Start guid-
ance"117,119,121,124
Starting, refer to Starting 
engine51
Starting assistance, refer to 
Jump-starting190
Starting difficulties
– jump starting190
– refer to Special starting 
conditions51
Start menu in Control 
Display17
"Start service"163
"State / Province" for desti-
nation entry116
"State inspection"67
Station, refer to Radio138