
Controls
85Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Report of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up in red. A
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation
pressure loss.
1.Cautiously reduce the vehicle speed to
below 50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid sudden brak-
ing and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed
a vehicle speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
If the vehicle is not, as provided at the
factory, equipped with run-flat tires,
refer to page172, stop driving. Continued
driving after a flat tire can result in serious
accidents.<
2.Check the air pressure in all four tires at the
next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor
may not have been initialized. The system
must then be initialized.<
3.In case of a complete loss of the tire inflation
pressure or obvious tire damage, you can
estimate the possible driving distance for
continued driving base on the following ref-
erence values:
>With low load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km.
>With medium load:
2 persons, luggage compartment full, or
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 94 miles/150 km.
>With full load:
4 persons, luggage compartment full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km.
Drive reservedly and do not exceed
a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the
event of pressure loss, vehicle handling
changes. This includes reduced tracking
stability in braking, extended braking dis-
tance and altered natural steering charac-
teristics.
If unusual vibrations occur while the vehicle
is being driven, this can indicate final failure
of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and stop as soon as possible. Do not continue
driving. Contact your BMW center.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up in yellow. A
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. The Flat Tire Monitor has a mal-
function or has failed. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering is a system that actively var-
ies the steering angle of the front wheels in rela-
tion to the steering wheel movements.
A t l o w s p e e d , e . g . i n a t o w n o r w h e n p a r k i n g , t h e
steering angle of the wheels is reinforced, i.e.
the steering becomes very direct.
In the higher speed range, on the other hand,
the steering angle is reduced more and more.
This improves the handling capability of your
BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
before the driver intervenes. This stability-pro-
moting intervention is deactivated when DSC is
switched off, refer to page82.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The active
steering is no longer operational. At low
speed, larger steering wheel move-
ments are required, while the vehicle reacts
more sensitively to steering wheel movements
in the higher road-speed range. Have the sys-
tem checked.
If the warning lamp lights up during the first
engine starting following a power supply inter-
ruption, the system must be activated by being
initialized.

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

Navigation
Driving tips
129Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
What to do if …
What to do if …
>a navigation DVD is inserted, but the
request to insert the DVD is displayed on
the Control Display?
The navigation DVD may not be the right
DVD for the navigation system. The DVD is
labeled accordingly.
>you request the current position of your
vehicle, but do not receive a precise dis-
play?
The system is unable to receive enough
GPS signals at your current position owing
to obstructions, your current position is not
yet available on your navigation DVD, or the
system is in the process of calculating your
current position. As a rule, reception is
guaranteed under a clear sky.
>the destination guidance does not accept a
destination?
The data of the destination is not stored on
the navigation DVD that is loaded. Select a
destination that is as close as possible to
the original.
>the destination guidance does not accept
an address without the street name?
On the navigation DVD, no downtown area
can be determined for the city or town
entered. Enter any street, or a destination
such as the railway station etc., then start
the destination guidance.>you want to enter a destination for the des-
tination guidance, but it is not possible to
select the letters for your desired entry?
The data of the destination is not stored on
the navigation DVD that is loaded. In this
case, the system will not offer you any let-
ters to choose from. Select a destination
that is as close as possible to the original.
>the system stops furnishing directions on
which way to turn as you approach intersec-
tions?
You are driving in an area that has not yet
been completely recorded on the naviga-
tion DVD. Instead of an arrow indicating a
turn, you will see an arrow which indicates
the general direction of your planned route.
Or you have left the recommended route
and the system requires a few seconds to
calculate a new recommended route.
>the navigation system does not react to
entries?
If the battery was disconnected, it then
takes up to 10 minutes before the system is
once again operational.

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
137Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
To change between these different selection
criteria of stations:
1.Move the controller forward to change
fields.
2.Select a selection criterion.
3.Press the controller.
The stations can also be changed on the steer-
ing wheel.
Buttons next to CD player:
Press the button for the corresponding
direction.
The system switches to the next displayed sta-
tion.
Playing stations, scan
The system automatically plays a brief sample
from each of the stations on the current wave-
band.
In "Manual", you can set stations that are
received in addition to those displayed.
Buttons next to CD player:
To start scan, press and hold the button
for the desired direction.
To stop scan, press the button.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page16.
1.Select "FM" or "AM".
2.Press the controller.
3.Press the controller again.
Other menu items are displayed.4.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
Scan starts.
To stop the scan:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
This cancels the scan search, and the radio
remains on the current station.
Selecting frequency manually
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page16.
1.Select "FM" or "AM".
2.Press the controller.
3.Move the controller forward to change
fields.
4.Select "Manual" and press the controller.
5.Turn the controller to set a certain fre-
quency.

Giving and receiving assistance
188
Towing and tow-starting
Always observe all applicable towing laws
and regulations.<
Never allow passengers to ride in a towed
vehicle for any reason.<
Use tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool kit
mounted on the inside of the luggage compart-
ment under the floor mat, refer to page180, and
should always remain in the vehicle. It can be
screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle, observe the following: only use
the tow fitting that comes with the vehicle and
screw it in as far as possible. Use the tow fitting
for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral strains on
the tow fitting, e.g. do not the lift vehicle by the
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover in bumper:
Press the arrow symbol of the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering wheel
could lock and it would be impossible to steer
the vehicle. There is no power assist with the
engine stopped. This then requires increased
effort for braking and steering. Active steering is
deactivated and larger steering wheel move-
ments are required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual
transmission
With the ignition switched on, engage selector-
lever position N, then switch off the ignition.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise
it will not be possible to control vehicle
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be strictly limited during cornering.

Mobility
189Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only.
Otherwise to other vehicle parts could
result.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Secure the tow rope to the tow fitting only. Oth-
erwise damage to other vehicle parts could
result.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a load bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, as otherwise damage
may result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission.
Jump starting, refer to page186.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic con-
verter with the engine cold. It is better to jump
start the engine, refer to page186.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3.Shift into 3rd gear, vehicles with SMG, see
below.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
pedal completely depressed and slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch pedal com-
pletely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual trans-
mission:
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select sequential mode. The correct gear
will be selected and engaged automatically.

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}

Reference 209
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor84
Programmable buttons on
steering wheel51
Protective function, refer to
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof38
– windows37
R
Radio
– Autostore138
– controls132
– playing stations137
– satellite radio140
– selecting frequency
manually137
– selecting
waveband132,136
– station search137
– station selection136
– station with best
reception138
– storing stations138
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
– Weather Band139
Radio-control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control28
Rain sensor of the windshield
washer system61
"Random", random play
sequence145
Random play sequence
– CD changer145
– CD player145
Reading lamps93
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps182
Rearview mirror49
Rear window defroster94
"Received calls"154
Receiving level of portable
phone, refer to Status
information20Reception
– quality139
– radio stations139
– regional station138
Rechargeable flashlight101
Recirculated-air mode, refer
to AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control95
Recirculation of air, refer to
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control95
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest45
Recording times, refer to
Stopwatch77
"Redial" for portable
phone154
Redialing with portable
phone153
Refueling166
Releasing hood174
"Relock door if not
opened"32
Remaining distance
– refer to Computer75
– refer to Cruising range74
Remote control28
– garage-door opener100
– luggage compartment lid30
– malfunction30
Removing condensation from
windows95
"Repeat" in audio mode145
Replacement fuses184
Replacement key, refer to
New keys28
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs180
Replacing tires
– changing a wheel183
– new wheels and tires172
Reporting an accident, refer to
Initiating emergency
call185
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gage70
"Reset" for stopwatch77
"Reset" in audio mode135Residual heat mode96
Restraint systems
– for children52
– refer to Safety belts48
Retreaded tires172
Reverse, fast
– CD changer145
– CD player145
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission56
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission57
Road map127
"Roadside Assistance"161
Roadside Assistance186
Roadside parking lamps92
– replacing bulbs182
Rollover protection system on
convertible87
– lowering87
Rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting188
Rotary pushbutton, refer to
Control Center16
Route122
– bypassing sections128
– changing122,128
– display127
– displaying arrow view127
– displaying map127
– displaying towns/cities and
streets127
– list127
– selecting122
– selecting criteria122
"Route list" for navigation127
Route map127
"Route preference",
changing122
Route selection122
Run-flat tires172
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire85
– flat tire85
– tire inflation pressure168
– tire replacement172
– winter tires173