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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. 

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The system reverts to operation at normal 
speed whenever the vehicle is stationary.
Rain sensor
Wiper operation is controlled automatically as a 
function of the rain intensity. The rain sensor is 
located on the windshield, directly in front of the 
interior rearview mirror.
Activating rain sensor
Press button. The LED in the button lights up.
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Turn the serrated dial 5.
Deactivating rain sensor
Press the button again. The LED goes out.
Deactivate the rain sensor when passing 
through an automatic car wash. Failure to 
do so could result in damage caused by undes-
ired wiper activation.<
Cleaning windshield and headlamps
The system sprays washer fluid against the 
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief 
period.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched 
on, the headlamps are also cleaned at regular 
and appropriate intervals.
Do not use the washers if there is any 
danger that the fluid will freeze on the 
windshield. If you do so, your vision could be 
obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid 
antifreeze, refer to Washer fluid.
Do not use washers when the washer fluid res-
ervoir is empty, as otherwise the washer pump 
will be damaged.<
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are automati-
cally heated in ignition key position 2.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable. 
Always keep it well away from sparks and 
open flames, and store it in tightly closed con-
tainers well out of the reach of children. Always 
observe the instructions for use provided on the 
containers.<
Washer fluid reservoir
Capacity approx. 5.3 US quarts/5 liters
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer 
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
In order maintain the mixture ratio, mix 
the washer fluid before filling.<
Cruise control
The concept
The cruise control is available for use at speeds 
of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and higher. The 
vehicle maintains and stores the speed that you 
set using the lever mounted on the steering col-
umn.
Do not use the cruise control under driv-
ing conditions that do not permit a con-
stant speed, e.g.when driving on winding roads, 
in heavy traffic or in poor road conditions such 
as snow, rain, ice, and loose road surface.< 

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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. 

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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.< 

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Do not apply adhesive materials to the 
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or 
modify them in any other way.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag retention 
system from the vehicle. Never modify or 
tamper with either the wiring or the individual 
components in the airbag system. This cate-
gory includes the upholstery in the center of the 
steering wheel, on the instrument panel, the 
side trim panels on the doors and on the Coupe, 
the roof pillars along with the sides of the head-
liner. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the 
steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components 
directly after the system has been triggered, 
because there is a danger of burns.
If you note any indication of system malfunc-
tion, if you wish to have an airbag deactivated, 
or if the airbag retention system is triggered in 
response to an accident, you should always 
entrust all inspection, repair and dismantling 
operations to your BMW center. Unprofessional 
attempts to service the system could lead to 
failure in an emergency or undesired airbag 
activation, either of which could result in per-
sonal injury.<
Airbag warning information is also provided on 
the sun visors.
Operational readiness of airbag system
From ignition key position 1 the warning lamp 
lights up briefly, indicating the operational 
readiness of the entire airbag system and the 
belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
>The warning lamp does not light up as of 
ignition key position 1.>The warning lamp lights up continuously.
Have the airbag system checked immedi-
ately if a malfunction occurs, as otherwise 
there is a danger of the system not responding 
in the expected manner to an impact occurring 
within its normal response range.<
Convertible: 
Rollover protection system
The rollover protection system is automatically 
activated in the event of an accident or a critical 
driving situation, extreme inclination on the lon-
gitudinal or transverse axis, or loss of ground 
contact. The rollover bars located behind the 
rear head restraints are deployed within frac-
tions of a second.
As a supplement to the rollover bar integrated 
into the windshield frame, the rollover protec-
tion system ensures that all vehicle occupants 
have the necessary headroom.
Always keep the path of movement of the 
rollover protection system clear.
In less severe accidents, you are protected by 
the fastened safety belt and, depending on the 
severity of the accident, the belt tensioner and 
the multistage airbag restraint system.<
Lowering
If the protection function was not required after 
automatic activation, the rollover protection 
system can be lowered again. No tools are nec-
essary for this purpose.
1.Press the release backward and hold in that 
position. 

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Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lights off
1Parking lamps
2Low beams/daytime driving lamps
*
3Automatic headlamp control/
Adaptive Head Light
*
Parking lamps
In the switch position1, the front, rear and side 
vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the 
parking lamps for parking. For lighting on one 
side for parking as an additional feature, refer to 
page92.
Low beams
The low beams light up in switch position2 only 
with the engine running. Otherwise the parking 
lamps are lit.
Pathway lighting
After parking the vehicle and switching off the 
headlamps, operating the headlamp flasher 
activates the low beams. You can set the dura-
tion on the Control Display or deactivate the 
function.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open the   menu.
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.3.Select "Light" and press the controller.
4.Select "Pathway lighting" and press the 
controller.
5.Turn the controller to select the corre-
sponding duration.
6.Press the controller to apply the setting.
Lights on warning
If you turn the ignition key to position 0, an 
acoustic signal sounds when you open the 
driver's door for a few seconds to remind you 
that the lamps have not yet been switched off. 
At the same time a message appears on the 
Control Display.
Daytime driving lamps*
If you wish, you can leave the light switch in 
position2.
Always observe all applicable laws governing 
the use of daytime driving lamps.
You can switch on the parking lamps when 
needed using the standard procedure 
described under Parking lamps.
Automatic headlamp control
In switch position3 the low beams are automat-
ically switched on or off depending on the ambi-
ent light, e.g. in a tunnel, at dawn/dusk in the 
rain or snow, and the Adaptive Head Light
* is 
active. The LED next to the symbol is illumi-
nated when the low beams are on. 

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Cup holders
The compartment of the rear center console 
contains a built-in and removable cup holder.
The removable cup holder can be inserted into 
the side of the center console.
Do not place glass containers in the cup 
holders. This would lead to an increased 
risk of injury in the event of an accident.<
Ashtray
Opening
Press the trim strip of the cover.
Emptying
Press the opened cover beyond the resistance 
point, refer to arrow:
The ashtray lifts up for removal.
Cigarette lighter
In ignition key position 2, press in the cigarette 
lighter.
The lighter can be removed as soon as it pops 
back out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by 
the knob only. Holding or touching it in 
other areas could result in burns. 
Always remove the ignition key when you leave 
the vehicle so that, for example, children are 
unable to use the cigarette lighter and burn 
themselves.<
Socket
When the ignition key is in position 2, the lighter 
socket can be used to plug in hand flashlights, 
car vacuum cleaners, etc., with power ratings of 
up to approx. 200 W at 12 V. Avoid damaging 
the socket due to inserting plugs of different 
shapes or sizes. 

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Load
The permitted load is the total of the weight of 
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the 
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage 
can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low 
as possible, placing it directly behind the 
bulkhead behind the rear seats.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net* or securing straps to 
hold down small and lightweight luggage 
and cargo.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing 
larger and heavier objects are available at 
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes 
mounted in the luggage compartment are 
used to secure these heavy-duty cargo 
straps, refer to arrows.
>Please observe the special instructions 
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load as 
described above, otherwise it may 
present a danger to passengers during braking 
or evasive maneuvers. 
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle 
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer 
to page192, as excessive loads can pose a 
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of freeway safety laws. 
You should never transport heavy or hard 
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could fly around and pose a safety 
hazard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt 
braking or evasive maneuver.<
Pad on bottom of luggage 
compartment
If required, you can use the pad e.g. to transport 
dirty or soiled objects. The rubberized side is 
washable and has an anti-slip effect.