
Controls
 31Reference
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Mobility
this remote control during an extended drive; 
this will recharge the battery, refer to page28.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with 
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communication 
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
LX8766S
LX8766E
LX8CAS
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and
>this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could void the 
user's authority to operate this equipment.<
Using 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 luggage compartment lid 
and the fuel filler door.
Convenience operation
You can also use the door lock to operate the 
windows and the glass sunroof
* in the Coupe 
or to operate the windows and the top in the 
convertible.>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.
Keep a close eye on the closing process 
and also on the opening process of the 
convertible top to be sure that no one is injured. 
Releasing the key stops the operation.<
Manual operation
In the event of an electrical malfunction, 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: from 
inside
This button serves to unlock or lock doors and 
the luggage compartment lid, but does not acti-
vate the anti-theft system. The fuel filler door 
remains unlocked.
You can also make the following settings:
>The central locking system automatically 
locks the vehicle after a short time when no 
door has been opened.
>The central locking system automatically 
locks the vehicle as soon as you start to 
drive.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open the   menu.
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller. 

Opening and closing
40 dren away from the travel path of the convert-
ible top.
For safety reasons, only operate the convertible 
top when the vehicle is at a standstill.<
If you have initiated top operation with the 
vehicle at a stop and then start to drive, 
e.g. at a traffic light, you can continue the ini-
tiated operation up to a speed of 20 mph/
30 km/h:
To do so, press and hold the corresponding 
button.<
Partial vacuums that occur at higher 
speeds in the passenger compartment 
can make the convertible top flap. Use the auto-
matic climate control to increase the air supply 
so that a partial vacuum in the vehicle does not 
occur.<
Prior to opening and closing
>Read carefully and comply with the safety 
precautions that appear above.
>Ensure that the convertible top compart-
ment floor in the luggage compartment is 
folded down, refer to page34, as otherwise 
the convertible top cannot be opened.
>Ensure that the luggage compartment lid is 
closed.
Opening and closing
With the ignition key in position 1 or greater, 
refer to page54, and the vehicle stationary:
So as not to place an excessive load on 
the battery, only operate the convertible 
top with the engine running, if possible.
Before closing the convertible top, remove for-
eign bodies from the windshield frame, as these 
might inhibit closing of the convertible top.<1Closing
2LED
3Opening
When the button for top operation is 
pressed, the side windows move down-
ward slightly; the rear window is lowered com-
pletely.
If you hold down the button after the LED2 
goes out, the windows are raised again.
If the opening or closing action is not com-
pleted, the luggage compartment lid cannot be 
opened.<
LED
In the following situations, in addition to the 
LED, a message is displayed on the Control 
Display and an acoustic signal may sound:
>During convertible top operation, the LED 
lights up green. It goes out as soon as the 
opening or closing action is ended.
> If the LED flashes red when you release the 
button, the opening or closing action has 
not yet finished.
>If the LED lights up red when the button is 
pressed, either the floor of the convertible 
top storage compartment in the luggage 
compartment is in the raised position or a 
malfunction has occurred. The convertible 
top cannot be moved.
Interruption
The automatic sequence of movements is 
interrupted immediately if the button for top 
operation is released. The sequence can be 
continued in the desired direction using the 
button. 
If the opening or closing action is interrupted for 
a longer period, the convertible top remains in 
that position for approx. 15 minutes before it 
slowly moves to a stable position.
A convertible top which is not completely 
opened or closed presents a danger. 
Do not interrupt and continue the closing action 
several times in succession, as otherwise the 
top mechanism can be damaged.< 

Adjustments
48
Adjusting tilt angle
Swivel the head restraints.
Entry to the rear
Before starting to drive, fold backrests 
back, otherwise there is the danger of 
accident due to an unexpected movement of 
the seat.<
Coupe: releasing backrest
Pull the lever upward and fold the backrest for-
ward.
The lever is designed in such a way that the 
safety belt can be stored there. This enables 
you to fasten the safety belt more conveniently.
Convertible: releasing backrest
The belt system integrated into the seat 
ensures easier entry into the rear.
1.Pull the lever 1 upward and fold the back-
rest forward.
2.Press and hold button 2 until the seat has 
moved to the desired position.
3.After entry to the rear, fold back the back-
rest and lock it in place.
4.Press and hold button 3. The seat moves 
back to its previous position. If you release 
button 3 before this, the seat stops in its 
current position.
You can lock the backrest in place when it 
is folded forward. This is useful, for exam-
ple, when you get into the vehicle when it is 
parked on a hill. Press the backrest until it audi-
bly locks into place. To fold it back, you do not 
have to use lever 1 to release it.<
Lock backrest warning lamp:
Lights up when the backrest is not 
locked. At the same time, an additional 
message appears on the Control Display.
Safety belts
 To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, 
please observe the adjustment instructions on 
page44.<
Before every drive, make sure that safety belts 
are being worn at all of the occupied seats. Air-
bags complement the safety belt as an addi-
tional safety device, but they do not represent a 
substitute. 

Controls
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SMG Sequential manual transmission* 
and automatic transmission*
Your BMW is equipped with the convenience 
starting feature. It is sufficient to turn the igni-
tion key only briefly to position 3 and then 
release it right away. The system responds by 
automatically engaging the starter for a certain 
period and allowing it to run until the engine 
starts, after which it then disengages automati-
cally.
SMG Sequential manual transmission*
1.Press the brake pedal.
2.Engage selector-lever position N.
3.Start the engine.
If the engine does not start, engage the 
last gear selected again, refer to instru-
ment cluster display, and then shift into posi-
tion N.<
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic*
1.Press the brake pedal.
2.Engage selector-lever position P or N.
3.Start the engine.
Switching off engine
Do not remove the ignition key while the 
vehicle is rolling, as otherwise the steer-
ing wheel lock will immobilize the steering.
When leaving the vehicle, remove the ignition 
key and lock the steering.
When parking on a downhill incline, apply the 
handbrake, as otherwise the vehicle could roll 
away.<
Manual transmission
1.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
2.Shift into first gear or reverse.
SMG Sequential manual transmission*
1.Engage a drive position.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
A signal sounds on stopping the engine.
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic*
1.Engage selector-lever position P.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent 
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes 
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and an 
acoustic signal also sounds when start-
ing off. The handbrake is engaged.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upward, press the button and lower 
the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should 
make it necessary to engage the hand-
brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it 
too strongly. In doing so, continuously press the 
button of the handbrake lever.
Strong application of the handbrake can lead to 
overbraking of the rear axle and associated 
'fishtailing' of the vehicle rear end.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is engaged. 

Controls
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Stopwatch
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 "Stopwatch" and press the control-
ler.
Starting and stopping
>Select "Start" and press the controller. 
The stopwatch starts at the displayed time.
>Select "Reset" and press the controller. 
The stopwatch is reset and it restarts if it 
was running beforehand.
>Select "Stop" and press the controller. 
This stops the timer.
Taking an intermediate time reading
Select "Interim time" and press the controller. 
The interim time appears below the ongoing 
primary stopwatch count.
All of the remaining functions remain 
available at all times while the stopwatch 
is running. The stopwatch continues operation 
in the background.<
Settings on Control Display
Brightness of Control Display
The brightness is automatically adapted to the 
ambient lighting conditions. However, you can 
change the base setting.Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Display settings" and press the 
controller.
4.Select "Brightness" and press the control-
ler.
5.If necessary, move the controller to the right 
to select "Display Offset".
6.Turn the controller until the desired setting 
is selected.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Measurement units
You can change the measurement units for 
consumption, distances, temperature and 
pressure.
1.Open the   menu.
2.Select "Display settings" and press the 
controller. 

Controls
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1.Press  button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.
4.Select "PDC" and press the controller.
5.Select "Monitor display on" and press the 
controller.
 The PDC screen is activated.
The display appears on the Control Display as 
soon as PDC is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for 
estimating the distance between the 
vehicle and any obstructions always remains 
with the driver. Even when sensors are involved, 
there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be 
detected. The system is also subject to the 
physical limits that apply to all forms of ultra-
sonic measurement, such as those encoun-
tered with thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc.  
Low objects already displayed, e.g. a curb, can 
also disappear from the detection area of the sensors again before a continuous tone 
sounds.
Loud noises from outside and inside your vehi-
cle may prevent you from hearing the PDC sig-
nal tone.<
Do not apply high pressure spray to the 
sensors for a prolonged period of time. 
Keep the spray at least 4 in/10 cm away from 
the sensors.<
Driving stability control 
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array 
of systems designed to enhance and maintain 
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during 
braking. Safe steering response is maintained 
even during hard braking. This increases active 
driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the 
engine. For information on safe braking, refer to 
page109.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
This system provides further enhancements to 
vehicle stability and steering response when 
braking while cornering or when braking during 
a lane change. 
Electronic brake-force distribution
This system controls the brake system's appli-
cation pressure at the rear wheels to ensure 
stable deceleration.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system 
automatically produces the maximum braking 
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during panic 
stops. This system exploits all of the benefits 
provided by ABS. 

Controls
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Mobility
To control
The indicator lamp flashes: 
DSC or DTC controls the drive forces 
and brake forces. 
The indicator lamp comes on: 
DSC and DTC are deactivated together via the 
button DTC.
The indicator lamp comes on: DTC is 
activated via the DTC button.
Malfunction in the driving-stability 
control systems
The brake system warning lamp lights 
up in red, appearing together with the 
indicator lamps for ABS and DSC. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. The driving-stability control sys-
tems have failed. Conventional braking 
efficiency remains available without 
limitations. 
While you may continue, you should remember 
to proceed cautiously and drive defensively 
while avoiding full brake applications. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
The DSC indicator lamp lights up. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. A malfunction has occurred in 
DSC and DTC. 
The stability maintenance functions are no 
longer available. The vehicle remains opera-
tional. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
The warning lamp for the brake system 
lights up in yellow. A message appears 
on the Control Display. DBC has failed. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
Active roll stabilization*
The concept
Active roll stabilization minimizes body roll and 
optimizes vehicle stability during cornering and 
evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear axles 
form the basis for active roll stabilization. Sus-
pension compliance adapts to suit driving con-
ditions, varying from performance-oriented 
during cornering to smooth and comfort-ori-
ented when the vehicle is proceeding in a 
straight line. During vehicle operation, the sys-
tem continuously runs through closed-loop 
control cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status each 
time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up and a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display. 
There is a malfunction in the system. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
If there is a malfunction in the system, 
please remember to adapt your speed 
accordingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer and 
the vehicle will display a greater tendency to tilt 
during cornering and in crosswinds.
If a message stating that you should stop 
appears on the Control Display, stop and switch 
off the engine as soon as possible. In this case 
the oil level in the reservoir may have dropped 
below the minimum, possibly owing to a leak in 
the hydraulic system. Do not continue driving. 
Contact your BMW center.< 

A congenial climate
96 it off while also increasing the air volume as 
required.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used 
over a longer period of time, as the air quality 
inside the vehicle deteriorates continuously.<
Residual heat mode
Press the button when the motor is 
switched off and warm.
The heat stored in the engine is 
used to heat the passenger com-
partment, e.g. when stopped at a school to pick 
up a child.
You can adjust the automatic climate control 
settings as of ignition key position 1.
Provided that the engine has warmed to its nor-
mal operating temperature and the battery is 
charged, you can use this function for up to 
15 minutes after switching off the ignition. The 
LED in the button lights up to confirm compli-
ance with both of these conditions.
Switching off automatic climate control
The air volume, the heater and the 
cooling function are all switched 
off.
You can restart the automatic cli-
mate control by pressing any of its buttons 
except the REST button.
Settings using Control Center
Ignition key:
>In vehicles with separate drives for audio 
CDs and navigation DVDs, ignition key in 
position 2.
>In vehicles with one drive for audio CDs, 
ignition key in position 1.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the left to open "Cli-
mate".
You can set the following:
>Manual air distribution, separate for driver's 
side and passenger side
>Adapting temperature in upper body region
>Intensity of the AUTO program
The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Manual air distribution
You can preset the air distribution yourself and 
also adjust the air temperature in the upper 
body area.
1.Select "Vent settings" and press the con-
troller.
2.Select the desired field by moving the con-
troller and turn the controller to adjust the 
air distribution.
1Airflow directed toward the windshield and 
side windows, driver's side only
2Airflow for the upper body
3Air to footwell