Controls
95Reference
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The current setting for air distribution is dis-
played on the Control Display.
A congenial climate
For almost all conditions, the AUTO program
offers the optimal air distribution and air vol-
ume. Select an interior temperature you find
pleasant.
The following section contains more detailed
information on the available setting options.
AUTO program
The AUTO program handles the
adjustment of air distribution to the
windshield and side windows, in
the direction of the upper body, and in the foot-
well, as well as the adjustment of the air volume.
It also adapts your instructions for the tempera-
ture to outside influences throughout the year.
The cooling is switched on automatically with
the AUTO program. At the same time, a con-
densation sensor controls the program in such
a way that window condensation is prevented
as much as possible.
Temperature adjustment
By rotating, you can set a desired
temperature for the driver's side
and the passenger side.
After you start to drive, this system
ensures that the selected temperature is
achieved as quickly as possible. It then main-
tains this temperature, regardless of the sea-
son.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly removes ice
and condensation from the wind-
shield and front side windows.
Air volume, manual
You can adjust the air volume by
turning. You can reactivate the
automatic mode for the air volume
with the AUTO button.
Switching cooling function on and off
manually
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before reheating it as needed
according to the temperature setting. Depend-
ing on the weather, the windshield may fog over
briefly when the engine is started.
The air conditioner can operate only when the
engine is running. The AUTO program auto-
matically switches on the air conditioner.
Maximum cooling
This program quickly provides
maximum cooling.
The system switches to the recir-
culated-air mode and the air flows
at maximum air volume only from the vent out-
lets for the upper body area. For this reason you
should ensure that these vent outlets are open
before selecting this program.
AUC automatic recirculated-air
control/recirculated air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the immedi-
ate environment by temporarily
suspending the supply of outside air. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently within the
vehicle. In AUC mode, a sensor detects pollut-
ants in the outside air and controls the shut-off
automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run through the
following control sequence:
>LED off: outside air flows into the vehicle
continuously.
>Right LED on, AUC mode: the system
detects pollutants in the outside air and
responds by blocking the supply of outside
air when required.
>Left LED on, recirculated-air mode: the
supply of outside air into the vehicle is shut
off continuously.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
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
Controls
97Reference
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Driving tips
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Mobility
To select the front passenger area:
Move the controller to the right.
Pressing the AUTO button raises and
lowers the air distribution settings on the
Control Display.<
Adapting temperature in upper body
region
1.Select "Vent settings" and press the con-
troller.
2.Select the field by moving the controller and
adjust the air distribution by turning the
controller.
Setting intensity of AUTO program
To meet your individual needs, you can weaken
or strengthen the intensity of the automatic cli-
mate control.
1.Select "Automatic programs" and press the
controller.
2.Select the desired intensity and press the
controller.
Convertible program
When the convertible top is opened, the con-
vertible program can also be selected. In the
convertible program, the automatic climate control is optimized for driving with the convert-
ible top open. In addition, the air supply is
increased as the speed increases.
If the convertible program has been selected, it
is automatically active every time the top is
opened.
The effect of the convertible program can
be greatly enhanced if the wind deflector
is installed.<
Ventilation
1Serrated dial for smoothly opening and
closing air vents
2Lever for changing the airflow direction
Do not drop any foreign bodies into the
vent outlets, as otherwise these could be
catapulted outwards and lead to injuries.<
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vent outlets to direct the flow of cool
air in your direction, for instance, if the interior
has become too warm, etc.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
The microfilter removes dust and pollen from
the incoming air. The activated-charcoal filter
provides additional protection by filtering gas-
eous pollutants from the outside air. Your BMW
center replaces this combined filter as a stan-
dard part of your scheduled maintenance.
You can have more detailed information shown
on the Control Display, refer to page70.
A congenial climate
98
Independent ventilation
The independent ventilation blows air into the
passenger compartment to lower interior tem-
peratures.
The independent ventilation is controlled using
the Control Center. You can set two different
times for the system to start.
The independent ventilation remains on for
30 minutes. It can also be switched on and off
directly. Since the system uses a substantial
amount of electrical current, you should refrain
from activating it twice in succession without
allowing the battery to be recharged in normal
operation between use.
The independent ventilation is ready for use at
any outside temperature up to ignition key
position 1.
The air emerges through the upper body region
vent outlets in the instrument panel. These vent
outlets must be open for the system to operate.
Switching on and off directly
Ignition key in position 2:
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page16.
1.Open "Climate".
2.Select "Parked car operation" and press the
controller.
3.Select "Automatic ventilation" and press
the controller.
4.Select "Parked car ventilation" and press
the controller.
The independent ventilation is switched on and
the LED flashes.
Preselecting activation times
Ignition key in position 2:
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page16.
1.Open "Climate".
2.Select "Parked car operation" and press the
controller.
3.Select "Activation time" and press the con-
troller.
If you select two activation times that are
in sequence, they must differ by at least
31 minutes.<
4.Move the controller to the left or right to
select "Time 1" or "Time 2".
5.Select the time and press the controller.
The first time setting is highlighted.
6.Turn the controller to make the adjustment.
7.Press the controller to apply the setting.
The next adjustment is highlighted.
8.Make the remaining adjustments. After the
last adjustment, the time is stored.
Activating an activation time
Move the controller to the left or right to select
"Time 1" or "Time 2" and press the controller.
Things to remember when driving
108
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts need time to adjust to one
another. To ensure that your vehicle continues
to provide optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
You should attempt to vary both vehicle and
engine speeds. Until the break-in period has
been completed, you should also refrain from
exceeding an engine speed of 4,500 rpm or a
driving speed of 100 mph/160 km/h.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode during these
initial miles.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/2,000 km,
the engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
SMG Sequential manual transmission
Do not use the acceleration assistant during the
break-in period, refer to page59.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
After component replacement
You should also comply with these break-in
procedures should the components mentioned
above need to be replaced at a later point.
General driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could pene-
trate to the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
luggage compartment lid open:
1.Coupe: close both windows and the glass
sunroof.
Convertible: with closed top, close all win-
dows.
2.Adjust the automatic climate control to sup-
ply a high air volume, refer to page95.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles equipped with a catalytic
converter, extremely high temperatures
are generated in this vehicle. Do not remove the
heat shields installed adjacent to various sec-
tions of the exhaust system, and never apply
undercoating to them. When driving, standing
at idle and while parking, take care to avoid pos-
sible contact between the hot exhaust system
and any highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to a
fire, and with it the risk of serious property dam-
age as well as personal injury.<
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 197
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Onboard information
Entertainment
Climate
Changing scale127{Scale ... kilometers} or
{Scale ... meters}
Displaying streets and towns/cities of the
route127{Route list}
FunctionCommand
FunctionCommand
Displaying the computer75{Onboard info}
Displaying the trip computer75{Trip computer}
Setting speed limit76{Limit}
Starting the stopwatch77{Stopwatch}
FunctionCommand
Switching on radio136{Radio on}
Opening "FM"136{FM menu}
Opening "AM"136{AM menu}
Selecting the radio station136{Station} name
Opening "Presets"136{FM presets} or
{AM presets}
Selecting stored stations136{Station ...}
Opening "Manual"137{FM manual} or
{AM manual}
Opening the radio station with the best
reception138{AM Autostore}
Opening "CD"143{CD menu}
Selecting a CD143{CD 1...6}
Selecting a track144{Track ...}
FunctionCommand
Opening "Vent settings"96{Vent settings}
Opening "Automatic programs"97{Automatic programs}
Opening "Parked car operation"98{Parked car operation}
Opening "Automatic ventilation"98{Automatic ventilation}
Displaying the activation times98{Activation time}
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