
Control Center
16
Control Center 
The Control Center groups the functions of a 
large number of switches. This allows these 
functions to be operated from a central position. 
The following section provides an introduction to basic menu navigation. The control of indi-
vidual functions is described in connection with 
the relevant equipment.
Controls 
1Controller
2 button: open the start menu from 
any menu
3Control Display
By moving the controller1 horizontally in four 
directions4, turning5 and pressing 6, you can navigate through the menus of the Control Cen-
ter and change settings.
To avoid posing an unnecessary hazard 
due to inattention, both to your own vehi-
cle's occupants and to other road users: never 
attempt to use the controls or make entries 
unless traffic and road conditions allow.<
Menu overview 
You can call up all the functions in the Control 
Center using five menu items.
Communication
>Portable phone*
>BMW Assist* or TeleService*
Navigation or onboard information
>Navigation system*
>Onboard information, e.g. for display of the 
average fuel consumption 

Everything under control
74
Computer
Requesting information
As of ignition key position 1, you can use the BC 
button in the turn signal lever to call up com-
puter information in the instrument cluster.
A new function appears each time you press the 
BC button.
In instrument cluster
The display sequence:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available 
with the remaining fuel. It is projected by taking 
into account the driving style over the last 
20 miles/30 km.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, as otherwise engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur.<
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine 
off are not included in the calculations of aver-
age speed.
To reset the average speed: press the BC but-
ton in the turn signal lever for approx. 2 sec-
onds.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated for 
the time during which the engine is running.
You can use the Control Display to view your 
fuel consumption rate over two different dis-
tances, refer to page75.
To reset the average fuel consumption: press 
the BC button in the turn signal lever for approx. 
2seconds.
On Control Display
You can also call up the computer via the Con-
trol Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the right to open 
"Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation system: 
Open "Car Data".
3.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
You can now choose between:
>Computer
>Trip computer,
suitable e.g. for a vacation trip 

Controls
 75Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Computer
Select "Onboard info" and press the controller.
>Estimated time of arrival at destination:
>Entering a distance manually in the com-
puter, see below.
>Entering a destination in the navigation 
system
*, refer to page115.
>Cruising range
>Distance to destination:
>Entering a distance manually in the com-
puter, see below.
>Entering a destination in the navigation 
system
*, refer to page115.
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Trip computer
Select "Trip computer" and press the control-
ler.
>Departure time
>Driving time
>Distance traveled
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumptionStart or stop trip computer, or reset all values:
1.Select "Set" and press the controller.
2.Select the desired menu item.
3.Press the controller.
Entering a distance manually
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open "Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation system: 
Open "Car Data".
2.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
3.Select "Onboard info" and press the con-
troller.
4.Select "Distance to dest." and press the 
controller.
5.Turn the controller to select the distance 
to your destination. If necessary, hold it 
against a slight resistance to enter a greater 
difference.
6.Press the controller to apply the setting.
The distance is automatically predetermined 
during the destination guidance of the naviga-
tion system
*.
Display options
You can display the computer or the trip com-
puter in the assistance window.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16. 

Everything from A to Z
200 Audio132
– controls132
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
Automatic
– air distribution95
– air volume95
– cruise control61,62
– headlamp control91
– service notification160
– steering wheel adjustment, 
refer to Easy entry/exit50
– storing stations138
Automatic car washes110
– also refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control94
– automatic air distribution95
– convertible program97
– settings using Control 
Center96
– switching off96
Automatic curb monitor47
"Automatic programs"97
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC95
Automatic station search137
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– convenience start55
– Dynamic Driving Control59
– interlock54
– kick-down58
– selector lever interlock58
– shiftlock58
– starting engine55
– towing188
– tow-starting189
"Automatic ventilation"98
AUTO program with 
automatic climate control95
"Autostore" on the 
radio136,138
Average fuel consumption74
– setting units77
Average speed74"Avoid ferries" for 
navigation123
Avoid freeways for 
navigation122
"Avoid highways" for 
navigation122
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" for 
navigation123
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights192
"A - Z"153
B
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backup lamps, refer to 
Reverse gear56
Balance, refer to Tone 
control134
Balance adjustment in audio 
mode, right/left134
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit186
"Bass", refer to Tone 
control134
Bass, refer to Tone 
control133
Battery
– jump starting186
– refer to Vehicle battery183
Being towed188
Belts, refer to Safety belts48
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders103
Black ice, refer to Ice 
warning69
Blower, refer to Air volume95
BMW Assist159
– enabling159
– services offered160
BMW maintenance 
system178
"BMW Service"161
"BMW Service settings"159
Bottle holder, refer to Cup 
holders103Brake Assistant, refer to DBC 
Dynamic Brake Control81
Brake fluid177
– warning lamp177
Brake Force Display86
Brake hydraulic system177
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display86
– replacing bulbs182
Brake pads177
– breaking-in108
Brake rotors110
Brakes109
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System81
– brake fluid177
– Brake Force Display86
– brake pads108,177
– breaking-in108
– CBC Cornering Brake 
Control81
– handbrake55
Brake system108
– brake fluid level177
– brake pads108,177
– brake rotors110
– breaking-in108
– warning lamp13,83,177
Brake wear warning
– brake pads177
Braking
– electronic brake-force 
distribution81
– refer to Braking safely109
Breakdown assistance161
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance186
Breaking-in108
– clutch108
– differential108
Break wear warning
– warning lamp177
"Brightness"77
Buttons on steering wheel11
Bypassing route sections128 

Everything from A to Z
202 Cold start, refer to Starting 
engine54
"Communication"152
"Communication 
settings"159
Compact disc
– refer to CD changer143
– refer to CD player143
Computer74
– clock, 12h/24h clock 
mode78
– displays on Control 
Display74
– hour signal78
"Concert hall"135
Condition Based Service 
CBS178
"Confirmation"30
Confirmation signals for 
locking and unlocking30
Connecting a vacuum cleaner, 
refer to Socket103
Consumption display, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption74
"Continue guidance to 
destination?"125
Control Center16
– adjusting brightness77
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control96
– changing settings19,77
– changing the menu page19
– changing time and date78
– confirming selection or 
entry19
– controller16
– display, menus16
– language selection78
– menu item selection19
– menu navigation17
– operating elements16
– selecting units of 
measurement and display 
format77
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols17
Control Display16Controller, refer to Control 
Center16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– convertible top30,31
– glass sunroof30,31
– windows30,31
Convenience start, refer to 
Starting engine54,55
Convertible
– convertible program for 
automatic climate control97
– opening and closing 
windows36
– rollover protection 
system87
– top39
– wind deflector42
Convertible top
– care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
– convenience operation31
– emergency closing41
– manual closing in the event 
of an electrical 
malfunction41
– opening and closing40
Coolant176
– level176
Cooling, maximum95
Cornering Brake Control 
CBC81
Country of destination for 
navigation116
Courtesy lighting93
Cruise control61
– active cruise control62
Cruising range74
Cup holders103
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights192
"Current position"125
Current position
– displaying125
– entering120
– storing120
"Customer Relations"162
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data192
D
Dashboard, refer to 
Cockpit10
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting93
Data192
– capacities195
– dimensions193
– engine192
– weights192
"Date"79
Date69
– setting78
"Date format"79
Daytime driving lamps91
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control81
– malfunction83
– warning lamp83
"Deactivated"47
Deactivating front passenger 
airbag, Coupe52
Decommissioning the vehicle, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Deep water, refer to Driving 
through water109
Defrosting windows95
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation95
Defrosting windshield, refer to 
Defrosting windows95
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows95
"Delete address book" for 
navigation121
"Delete all numbers" on the 
portable phone155
"Delete data" for 
navigation121
"Delete" for portable 
phone154
Destination address
– deleting121
– entering115 

Everything from A to Z
204 Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– convertible top41
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door166
– glass sunroof38
– luggage compartment 
lid32,33
Emergency release33
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance186
"Emission inspect."71
"Enable services"160
"End call"153
Engine
– breaking-in108
– data192
– speed192
– starting54
– starting difficulties54
– switching off55
Engine compartment175
Engine coolant176
Engine oil
– checking the oil level175
– dipstick175
– specified engine oils176
– temperature70
– temperature gage70
– topping off176
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data192
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
specifications192
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine54
"Enter address" for 
navigation116
Entering destination116
Entering the address115
Entering the intersection117
Entering the town/city for 
navigation116
Entering zip code for 
navigation116
"Entertainment"133"Entertainment settings"133
Entry map for destination117
Entry to the rear48
"Equalizer", refer to Tone 
control135
"ESN"140
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control82
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system108
Exterior mirrors49
– automatic dimming 
feature50
– automatic heating50
Eye for towing, refer to Tow 
fitting188
Eyes for lashing, refer to 
Securing load111
F
Fader, refer to Tone 
control134
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control71
False alarms, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts48
Fastest route for 
navigation122
Fast forward
– CD changer145
– CD player145
"Fast route" for 
navigation122
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit186
First-aid kit186
First-aid pouch, refer to First-
aid kit186
Flashing when locking and 
unlocking, refer to Setting 
acknowledgement 
signals30Flashlight, refer to 
Rechargeable flashlight101
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor84
– run-flat tires85,172
Flat Tire Monitor84
– false alarms84
– initializing system84
– malfunction85
– snow chains173
– system limits84
– warning lamp85
"FM", reception 
range133,136
FM, waveband136
Fog lamps92
– indicator lamp13,92
Folding up convertible top 
compartment floor, 
Convertible34
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely109
Footwell lamps93
For your own safety6
Front airbags86
Front head restraints47
"FTM"84
Fuel
– average consumption74
– display70
– fuel specifications167
– high-quality brands167
– quality167
– tank capacity166
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gage70
Fuel filler door166
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction166
Fuel gage70
Fuel specifications167
Fuses184 

Everything from A to Z
208 New keys28
"New route"128
New wheels and tires172
"Next entertainment 
source"51
Nozzles
– refer to Ventilation94
– refer to Windshield washer 
nozzles61
Nylon rope, refer to Towing 
and tow-starting188
O
OBD Socket179
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel 
specifications167
Odometer69
Oil
– additives176
– capacity195
– dipstick175
– specified engine oils176
Oil change intervals
– refer to Service 
requirements70
– refer to the Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models or to 
the Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet for Canadian 
models178
Oil consumption175
Oil level175
Old batteries, refer to 
Disposal183
"On a new destination" for 
navigation119
Onboard computer, refer to 
Control Center16
"Onboard information"75
Onboard tool kit180
"On destination"119
"On location"119
Opening and closing
– from inside31
– from outside29
– using door lock31
– using the remote control29Opening and closing rear 
window37
Operation by voice 
commands for portable 
phone156
– adjusting volume157
– canceling156
– correcting phone 
number157
– dialing a phone number157
– making a call157
– redialing158
– voice commands156
– voice phone book157
"Options"162
"Options" for portable 
phone156
Orientation menu, refer to 
Start menu17
Output, refer to Engine 
data192
Outside air, refer to AUC 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control95
Outside mirror
– tilting the passenger-side 
mirror47
Outside temperature 
display69
– changing unit of 
measurement77
P
Panic mode30
Park Distance Control PDC80
"Parked car operation"98
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park 
Distance Control80
Parking brake, refer to 
Handbrake55
Parking lamps/low beams91
– replacing bulbs180
Parking vehicle55
Parts and accessories, refer to 
Your individual vehicle5
Passenger-side mirror tilt 
function47"Pathway lighting"91
Pathway lighting91
"PDC"81
PDC Park Distance Control80
Phone book151
Phone numbers
– deleting in the phone 
book154
– dialing152
– most recent numbers153
– selecting in the phone 
book153
– Top 8153
"Play" on the radio141
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter97
Portable phone
– accepted calls153
– adjusting volume151
– calling152
– call termination152
– hands-free system151,157
– missed calls153
– operation using Control 
Center151
– phone book153
– redialing153
– refer also to separate 
Owner's Manual
– SMS155
– Top 8153
– touch tone dialing155
Portable phone battery150
Portable phones, use in 
vehicle, refer to Mobile 
communication devices in 
vehicle109
Position
– displaying125
– storing120
Power failure184
Power windows, refer to 
Windows36
"Presets" on the 
radio136,141
Presetting independent venti-
lation activation times98
Pressure, tires168 

Everything from A to Z
212 TeleService159
– enabling159
– services offered160
Temperature display
– ice warning69
– outside temperature69
– setting measurement 
units69
Temperature gage
– engine oil70
Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control61
"Terminate services"162
"Text language"78
"Theater"135
The individual vehicle5
Tilt function, passenger-side 
mirror47
"Time"78
"Time 1" for independent 
ventilation98
"Time 2" for independent 
ventilation98
"Time format"78
Timer, refer to Preselecting 
activation time98
Tire pressure monitoring, 
refer to Flat Tire Monitor84
Tire Quality Grading170
Tires
– age170
– air loss85
– breaking-in108
– changing172
– condition171
– damage171
– flat tire85
– inflation pressure168
– new wheels and tires172
– pressure monitoring, refer to 
Flat Tire Monitor84
– replacing172
– retreaded tires172
– run-flat tires172
– size169
– tread171
– wear indicators171
– wheel/tire combination172
– winter tires172"Tone"134
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting133
– middle setting135
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit180
"Top 8" for portable 
phone154
Torque, refer to Engine 
specifications192
Touch tone dialing155
Tow fitting188
Towing188
– tow fitting188
"Town / City" for destination 
entry116
Tow-starting189
Tracks
– random play sequence145
– sample, Scan145
Track width, refer to 
Dimensions193
Traction control, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control82
Traffic congestion, refer to 
Bypassing route 
sections128
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– manual transmission56
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission56
Transporting children 
safely52
Transport securing device, 
refer to Securing load111
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tread depth171
"Treble", refer to Tone 
control134
"Trip computer"75
Trip computer75
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer69
"Triple turn signal 
activation"60Trip odometer69
Trunk, refer to Luggage 
compartment34
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage 
compartment lid32
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions193
Turn signals60
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs181
U
Undercarriage protection, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR170
"Units"78
Units
– average fuel 
consumption77
– temperature77
Universal garage-door 
opener, refer to Integrated 
universal remote 
control100
Universal remote control, refer 
to Integrated universal 
remote control100
"Unlock button"29
Unlocking
– from inside32
– from outside29
Unlocking and locking doors, 
setting confirmation 
signals30
"Update services"162
"Use current location as 
address"122