
Controls
 83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.< 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
86
Initializing system
1.Start the engine.
2.With the vehicle stationary, turn the steer-
ing wheel from the straight-ahead position 
to the left as far as it will go and then back to 
the straight-ahead position.
3.Switch off the engine.
When you start the engine again, all the func-
tions of the active steering will be available once 
again.
Brake Force Display
The Brake Force Display lights up in two stages 
depending on how strongly you brake.
>Normal braking:
The brake lamps and the third brake lamp 
go on.
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
In addition, the illuminated area of the rear 
brake lamps is enlarged, refer to illustration.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the 
marked covers:
1Front airbags for driver and front passenger
2Coupe: Head airbags
3Front side airbags
4Knee airbag for front passenger
5Knee airbag for driver
Protective action
 To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, 
please observe the adjustment instructions on 
page44.
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the 
head and side airbags help provide protection in 
the event of a side impact. The side airbag sup-
ports the side upper body area. The head air 
bag supports the head.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered in 
every impact situation, e.g. less severe acci-
dents, certain rollover conditions, or rear-end 
collisions.
For information on the correct sitting position, 
refer to page44. 

Driving tips
 109Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Mobile communication devices in 
vehicle
BMW advises against using mobile com-
munication devices, e.g. portable phones, 
inside the vehicle without a direct connection to 
an external antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle 
electronics and mobile communication device 
can influence one another. In addition, there is 
no assurance that the radiation emitted during 
transmission will be conveyed out of the vehicle 
interior.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge 
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or 
complete loss of contact between the tires and 
the road surface, ultimately undermining your 
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread 
depth of the tires decreases, also refer to Mini-
mum tire tread on page171.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it 
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at 
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines.
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with 
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise 
greater clutch wear will result.<
SMG Sequential manual transmission
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold 
the vehicle on a hill by applying the throt-
tle, but engage the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission 
region.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard. In 
situations that require it, it is best to brake with 
full force. Since the vehicle maintains steering 
responsiveness, you can still avoid possible 
obstacles with a minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to 
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the 
brake pedal. Even light but consistent 
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures, 
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When driving on wet roads or in heavy rain, 
briefly brake with light pedal pressure at inter-
vals of a few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to 
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger 
other road users. The heat generated in this 
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure 
that full braking efficiency will then be available 
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and thus reduced 
efficiency of the brake system, downshift 
to a gear in which only minimal brake applica-
tions are needed when descending long or 
steep downhill stretches. Even light but consis-
tent pedal pressure can lead to high tempera-
tures, brake wear and possibly even brake fail-
ure.<
You can further enhance the engine's braking 
effect by selecting a lower gear in the automatic 
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as 
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches, 
refer to page58. This strategy helps you avoid 
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
Never drive with the clutch pressed 
or allow the vehicle to coast with the 
transmission in Neutral – or with the engine 
switched off – there is no engine braking when 
the transmission is in Neutral, and no power 
assist for brakes and steering when the engine 
is not running. 

Mobility
 177Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Navigation
Entertainment
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to 
open.
3.The coolant level is correct when it lies 
between the Min and Max mark, also refer to 
the drawing next the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to 
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until it clicks.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up in red 
in spite of the handbrake being 
released; a message appears on the 
Control Display.
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to 
below the minimum level. At the same time, a 
significantly longer brake pedal path may be 
noticeable. Have the system checked immedi-
ately by a BMW center.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
When you continue driving, an increased 
brake pedal path can be necessary, and 
significantly longer braking distances might be 
required. Please adapt your driving style 
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up in red 
in spite of the handbrake being 
released; a message appears on the 
Control Display. The brake pads have reached 
their minimum pad thickness. Have the brake 
pads replaced as soon as possible.Warning lamp for Canadian models.
For your own safety: use only brake pads 
that BMW has approved for your particu-
lar vehicle model. As BMW cannot assess the 
suitability of other brake pads for use on your 
vehicle, BMW is unable to assume continued 
responsibility for the vehicle's operating safety 
if non-approved pads are installed.< 

 199Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display 
texts used to select 
individual functions, 
pointing out where these are 
located.
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System81
– indicator lamp83
– malfunction83
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control62
Acceleration assistant with 
SMG59
Accessories, refer to Your 
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter97
"Activation time" for 
independent ventilation98
Active cruise control62
– indicator lamps64
– malfunction68
– selecting distance65
Active roll stabilization83
Active steering85
– initializing system86
– warning lamp85
Adapting temperature in 
upper body region97
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to 
Brake Force Display86
Adaptive Head Light92
"Add digits" for portable 
phone153
"Address book" for 
navigation120
Address for navigation
– deleting121
– entering115
– selecting120
– storing current position120"Add to destination list"117
Adhesive bandages, refer to 
First-aid kit186
Adjusting the temperature 
with automatic climate 
control95
Adjusting the thigh support45
Adjusting tone during audio 
operation, refer to Tone 
control133
"After opening door"46
"After unlocking"46
Airbags86
– deactivating, Coupe52
– sitting safely44
– warning lamp87
Air distribution
– automatic95
– manual96
Airing, refer to Ventilation97
Air recirculation, refer to AUC 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control95
"Air recirculation on / off"51
Air vents, refer to 
Ventilation94
Air volume95
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications167
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off alarm34
– switching off tilt alarm 
sensor and interior motion 
sensor35
– tilt alarm sensor35
All around the center 
console14
All around the steering 
wheel10
"All channels"141"All doors"29
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires172
"AM", reception 
range133,136
Antenna for portable 
phone150
Antifreeze
– coolant176
– washer fluid61
Antilock Brake System 
ABS81
– indicator lamp83
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system34
Anti-theft system29
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof38
– power windows37
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights192
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights192
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest102
Arrival time
– refer to Computer75
– refer to Starting destination 
guidance124
"Arrow display" during 
Navigation127
Ashtray103
Assist, refer to BMW 
Assist159
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems81
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control95
"Audio"133 

Reference 201
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
C
California law
– Event Data Recorders179
California Proposition 65 
Warning6
"Call"153
Call
– accepting152
– display accepted153
– ending152
– in absence153
– starting152
Calling
– from phone book153
– from the Top 8 list153
– redialing153
"Call sender"156
Can holder, refer to Cup 
holders103
Capacities195
Capacity of the luggage 
compartment192
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery183
Car care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
"Car data"74
Care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Cargo loading
– securing cargo111
– stowing cargo111
– vehicle110
Caring for artificial leather, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochureCaring for the carpet, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Key set28
Car phone151
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest102
– refer to Portable phone150
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio136
Car wash110
– also refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
– refer to Before driving into a 
car wash110
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system108
"Categories"141
CBC Cornering Brake 
Control81
CBS Condition Based 
Service178
"CD"133,143
CD changer143
– controls132
– fast forward/reverse145
– installation location145
– playing a track145
– random play sequence145
– repeating a track144
– selecting a CD144
– selecting a track144
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
CD player143
– controls132
– fast forward/reverse145
– playing a track145
– random play sequence145
– repeating a track144
– selecting a track144
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133Center armrest
– adjusting the height102
– front102
Center console14
"Central locking"29
Central locking system29
– from inside vehicle31
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel183
Changing gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
Changing language on 
Control Display78
Changing measurement units 
on Control Display77
Changing wheels183
CHECK button73
Check Control71
"Check Control 
messages"73
Check Gas Cap166
Checking the air pressure, 
refer to Tire inflation 
pressure168
Child's seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems52
Child-restraint fixing system 
LATCH53
Child restraints52
Child-restraint systems52
Chrome parts, care, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cigarette lighter103
Cleaning, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Cleaning the windshield, refer 
to Wiper system61
"Climate"96
Clock69
– 12h/24h mode78
– setting time and date78
Closing
– from inside31
– from outside29
Clothes hooks, Coupe102
Cockpit10 

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 

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