
At a glance
 13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps 
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps and their combina-
tions appear in the indicator area1 and in the 
display2. For better differentiation of malfunc-
tions, different symbols can appear in the dis-
play 2.
Some lamps in the indicator area1 are checked 
for proper operation when the engine is started 
or the ignition is switched on and light up briefly 
in the process.
Confirmation of active functions 
The following indicator lamps in the indicator 
area1 indicate that certain functions are active:
Required action in case of a 
malfunction
All warning lamps and indicator lamps not pre-
viously listed are also accompanied by text 
messages at the bottom of the Control Display. 
These may contain detailed information on the 
cause of a malfunction and the corresponding 
action required.
Sometimes warning lamps are also accompa-
nied by additional text messages on the Control 
Display which are displayed immediately. Text 
messages which do not appear immediately are 
stored and can be displayed at a later time. For 
details on displaying these messages later, 
refer to Check Control on page71. Turn signals60
Handbrake set55
Handbrake for Canadian models
Front fog lamps92
DTC Dynamic Traction Control83
High beams/headlamp flasher92
DSC Dynamic Stability Control83 

At a glance
 15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Coupe: glass sunroof, electric with raise 
function
*37
2Microphone for portable phone
*151
Convertible: microphone on steering 
column
3Reading lamps93
4Interior lamps93
5Microphone for voice command 
system
*22
Convertible: microphone on steering 
column
6Coupe: initiating emergency call
*185
7Convertible: initiating emergency 
call
*185
8Control Display16
9Hazard warning flashers
10Central locking system31 
11Automatic climate control9412Starting search function
>for radio station137
>for track144
13Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*114
>audio CD132
14Drive for navigation DVDs
*114
15Drive for audio CDs132
16Switching audio sources on/off and 
adjusting volume132
18Bracket for cup holder103
19Controller16
20Activating voice command system
*22
21Opening start menu on Control Display17
22Dynamic Driving Control59 Temperature setting, left/right95
Automatic air distribution and 
volume95
Cooling function95
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control95
Maximum cooling95
Residual heat mode96
Switching off automatic climate 
control96
Air volume95
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation95
Rear window defroster94
17
Heated seats49
PDC Park Distance Control
*80
DTC Dynamic Traction Control82
Convertible: opening the convert-
ible top40
Convertible: closing the convertible 
top40 

Controls
 53Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Information regarding this is located near the 
buckle latch of each safety belt.
To lock safety belt
Pull the entire length of the belt from the belt 
retractor. Allow the reel to retract the belt 
somewhat and engage the buckle, then tighten 
the belt against the child-restraint system. The 
retraction mechanism is now locked.
To unlock safety belt
Release the buckle, remove the child-restraint 
system and allow the belt retractor to reel the 
belt completely in.
Coupe: child-restraint system with 
tether strap
If you use a child-restraint system with a tether 
strap, two additional tether anchorage points 
have been provided – refer to the arrows in the 
illustration. Depending on the location selected 
for sitting in the rear passenger area, attach the 
tether strap to the corresponding anchorage 
point to secure the child-restraint system, as 
shown in the illustration below.
Each sitting position is fitted with a head 
restraint. 
The head restraint must be adjusted into the lowest possible position. Pass the tether strap 
over the head restraint.
Adjust the tether strap according to the 
child-restraint manufacturer's instruc-
tions.<
LATCH child-restraint fixing system
LATCH: Lower Anchor and Tethers for CHil-
dren.
The rear outer sitting positions are provided 
with anchors for a LATCH child-restraint fixing 
system.
To fit the LATCH child-restraint fixing 
system, follow the operating and safety 
instructions of the system manufacturer.<
Access to anchorage points
The illustrations show the right rear seat as an 
example. The outer anchorage points for the 
LATCH child-restraint fixing system are identi-
fied by flags
*.
The anchorage points for the LATCH child-
restraint fixing system are identified by but-
tons
*. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
82 Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal 
for the duration of the brake application. When 
the brake pedal is released, DBC is deactivated.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
The system prevents slip at the drive wheels 
when driving off and accelerating. DSC also 
detects unstable driving conditions such as 
fishtailing or sliding of the front wheels. In these 
cases DSC helps the vehicle safely stay on 
course within the physical limits by reducing the 
engine output and through braking actions in 
the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start the 
engine.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, 
even with DSC. An appropriate driving 
style always remains the responsibility of the 
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional 
safety margin again by taking risks.<
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a variant of DSC for special road condi-
tions, e.g. uncleared snow-covered roads, that 
is optimized for forward momentum. The sys-
tem ensures maximum forward momentum, but 
with limited driving stability. Therefore, drive 
with the corresponding caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC 
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving on snow-covered uphill 
grades, in slushy snow or on uncleared, 
snow-covered roads
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or when 
starting off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button; the DTC indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster lights up.
Deactivating DTC again
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp 
in the instrument cluster goes out.
Deactivating DTC and DSC together
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster lights up, however not 
longer than approx. 10 seconds. Interventions 
promoting stability and forward momentum will 
no longer be carried out. In addition, the stability 
promoting intervention of the active steering
* 
is deactivated, refer to page85.
A message appears on the Control Display. 
Please note any supplementary information 
that appears there.
To support enhanced operating stability, reacti-
vate DSC again as soon as possible.
Reactivating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster goes out. 

Wheels and tires
170
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire 
makes it easier to identify and choose the right 
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of 
the U.S. Department of Transport.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on 
the sidewall:
DOT ... 3604 indicates that a tire was manufac-
tured in week 36 of the year 2004.
BMW recommends replacing all tires at least 
every 6 years, even if some tires may last for 
10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable 
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and 
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear 
Traction AA A B C 
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to 
Federal Safety Requirements in addition 
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating 
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested 
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one 
and one-half, 1γ, times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative 
performance of tires depends upon the actual 
conditions of their use, however, and may 
depart significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are 
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop 
on wet pavement as measured under controlled 
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C 
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is 
based on straight-ahead braking traction 
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B, 
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the 
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate  e.g.
Nominal width 
in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial type
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
not on ZR tires
Speed rating
before R on ZR tires
205/60 R 15 91 W
e.g.
Manufacturer code 
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3604 

Reference 203
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Destination for navigation
– destination list119
– entry115
– home address122
– selecting from address 
book120
– selecting using 
information118
– storing120
Destination guidance124
– bypassing route 
sections128
– canceling voice 
instructions51
– changing specified 
route122
– displaying route127
– distance and arrival124
– interrupting125
– starting124
– terminating/continuing125
– voice instructions126
– volume of voice 
instructions126
Destination list119
Destinations recently driven 
to119
"Dial" for portable phone152
"Dial number"152
"Diamond button"51
Digital clock69
Dimensions
– Convertible194
– Coupe193
Dipstick for engine oil175
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals60
Direction announcements, 
refer to Voice 
instructions126
Direction instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions126
Directory, refer to Phone 
book153
Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book120
Disc brakes109Displacement, refer to Engine 
data192
Display, refer to Control 
Center16
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
"Display settings"77
Displays on the windshield, 
refer to Head-Up Display88
Disposal, vehicle battery183
Distance, refer to 
Computer75
Distance control, refer to 
Active cruise control62
"Distance to dest."75
Distance to destination, refer 
to Computer75
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control80
Door entry lighting93
Door keys28
Door lock31
"Door locks"29
Doors
– manual operation31
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades170
Draft-free ventilation97
"Driver's door only"29
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams91
Driving notes108
Driving route, refer to 
Displaying the route127
Driving stability control 
systems82
Driving through water109
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes108
Drying the air, refer to Cooling 
function95
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control82
– indicator lamp13,83
– malfunction83DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control82
– activating82
– indicator lamp13,82
DVD for navigation114
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC81
Dynamic Driving Control59
"Dynamic route" for 
navigation122
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC82
– indicator lamp13,83
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC82
– indicator lamp13
E
Easy entry, refer to Entry to 
the rear48
Easy entry/exit50
EBV, refer to Electronic brake-
force distribution81
"Edit address" for 
navigation121
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on CD player132
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top41
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door166
– glass sunroof38
– luggage compartment lid33
– storage compartment, hotel 
function32
Electric steering wheel 
adjustment50
Electronic brake-force 
distribution81
Emergency Assistance, refer 
to Roadside Assistance186
Emergency call185 

Reference 205
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
G
Garage-door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control100
Gasoline
– refer to Fuel 
specifications167
– refer to Required fuel167
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gage70
Gear changes
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission57
Gear display
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission57
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– manual transmission56
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission56
General driving notes108
Glass sunroof, electric with 
raise function37
– convenience operation31
– moving manually38
– remote control30
Glove compartment101
– rechargeable flashlight101
GPS navigation, refer to 
Navigation system114
Grills, refer to Ventilation94
Gross vehicle weight, refer to 
Weights192
H
Handbrake55
– indicator lamp13,55
Hands-free system14,151
Hazard warning flashers15
Head airbags86
Headlamp control, 
automatic91Headlamp flasher60
Headlamps
– care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper 
system61
– replacing bulbs180
Head Light, refer to Adaptive 
Head Light92
Head-Up Display88
Heated mirrors50
Heated rear window94
Heated seats49
Heated steering wheel51
Heater95
Heating
– exterior mirrors50
– interior94
– rear window94
– residual heat mode96
– seats49
– steering wheel51
Heating with engine switched 
off, refer to Residual heat 
mode96
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing 
load111
Height, refer to 
Dimensions193
Height adjustment
– seats45
– steering wheel50
High beams92
– headlamp flasher92
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs180
Hills109
Holder for cups103
"Home address"122
Hood174
Horn10
Hotel function32
Hot exhaust system108
"Hour memo"78
"House number" for desti-
nation entry117Hydraulic Brake Assistant, 
refer to DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control81
Hydroplaning109
– also refer to Minimum tread 
depth171
I
Ice warning69
iDrive, refer to Control 
Center16
Ignition key28
Ignition key positions, refer to 
Ignition lock54
Ignition lock54
Increasing luggage 
compartment capacity, 
Convertible34
Independent ventilation
– activating an activation 
time98
– setting activation time98
– switching on and off 
directly98
Indicator/warning lamps
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System83
– active steering85
– airbags87
– brake system13,83
– DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control13,83
– DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control13,82
– fastening safety belts49
– Flat Tire Monitor85
– fog lamps13,92
– handbrake55
Indicator and warning lamps, 
overview13
Individually assignable 
buttons on steering wheel, 
refer to Programmable 
buttons on steering 
wheel51
Individual settings, refer to 
Key Memory28 

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