
Driving
54
Driving
Ignition lock
0 Steering locked
The key can only be inserted or removed in this 
position.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel 
slightly until it locks.
Interlock on automatic transmission*
>Only move the selector lever from 
position P with the engine running.
>To turn the key back to position 0 or to 
remove it, first select the selector lever 
position P.
1 Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often makes 
it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Some vehicle systems are ready for operation.
2 Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Start engine
Starting engine
Do not run the engine in closed rooms, as 
otherwise the inhaling of toxic exhaust 
gases can cause unconsciousness and death. 
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, 
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the engine running, as such a vehicle represents a 
potential safety hazard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always 
select neutral position or position N and apply 
the handbrake before leaving the vehicle with 
the engine running.<
When starting the engine, do not press the 
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it 
running while the vehicle remains stationary. 
Instead, begin to drive immediately at a moder-
ate engine speed.
Special starting conditions
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down when 
starting if
>the engine fails to start on the first attempt, 
for instance, if it is very hot or cold
>the engine is started at very low tempera-
tures, below approx. + 57/– 156, at high 
altitudes, above 3,300 ft/1,000 m
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which 
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is 
not burned or inadequately burned and there is 
a danger of overheating and damaging the cat-
alytic converter.<
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Gearshift lever in neutral position.
3.Press the clutch pedal.
If the clutch pedal is not depressed, 
the engine will not start.<
4.Start the engine.
Do not terminate the starting operation too 
early, but after approx. 20 seconds at the 
latest. When the engine starts, release the 
ignition key immediately. 

Controls
 57Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Gear display
R N 1 to 6
The currently engaged gear is displayed pre-
ceded by a D in Drive mode. 
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting out of N; 
the shift command will not be executed unless 
the brake is applied.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Sequential mode
After every engine start, as soon as the selector 
lever is pushed to the right and the brake pedal 
is pressed, the Sequential mode is activated.
You can shift up and down using the shifting 
paddles or the selector lever. You do not need 
to remove your foot from the accelerator to do 
so.
It is also possible to start off in second gear, e.g. 
in slippery conditions.
D Drive mode
In the Drive mode, all forward gears are shifted 
automatically.
To switch from Sequential to Drive mode: 
Briefly press the selector lever to the right 
toward D.
Kick-down:
For rapid acceleration, e.g. passing, press the 
accelerator pedal as far down as it will go: you 
achieve maximum acceleration.To switch back to the Sequential mode: press 
selector lever to the right again toward D or shift 
using the shifting paddles or the selector lever.
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.<
Gear changes
Using selector lever
>To upshift, pull the selector lever back.
>To downshift, push the selector lever for-
ward.
Using shift paddles on steering wheel
>To shift up, pull one of the shift paddles.
>To shift down, press.
In the following situations, the SMG in the 
Sequential mode assists you:
>Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will res ult in a  plausible combina-
tion of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for 
example, a downshift that would cause the 
engine to overrev will not be executed by 
the system.
>When the vehicle is stationary, the trans-
mission automatically downshifts into first 
gear.
>Shortly before dropping below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the transmis-
sion downshifts automatically even without 
your intervention. 

Controls
 95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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  

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. 

Things to remember when driving
110 Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area around the 
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct their 
movement.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are less frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the 
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum 
pressure which must be exerted by the pads 
during brake applications to clean the rotors is 
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the 
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating 
effect that even extended application will fail to 
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic air condi-
tioner system during operation, and then exits 
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water 
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
To prevent the exterior mirrors from being 
damaged due to the width of the vehicle, 
always fold them in by hand before entering an 
automatic car wash.<
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their 
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage 
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result 
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
XXX lbs. or YYY kg, as otherwise the vehicle 
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver 
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals 
800 lbs. and there will be four 150-lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 
200 lbs.:
800 lbs. minus 600 lbs. = 200 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage 
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That 
weight may not safely exceed the available 
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated 
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of 
the load from your trailer will be transferred 
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for 
transporting a trailer to determine how this 
may reduce the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle. 

Everything from A to Z
204 Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– convertible top41
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door166
– glass sunroof38
– luggage compartment 
lid32,33
Emergency release33
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance186
"Emission inspect."71
"Enable services"160
"End call"153
Engine
– breaking-in108
– data192
– speed192
– starting54
– starting difficulties54
– switching off55
Engine compartment175
Engine coolant176
Engine oil
– checking the oil level175
– dipstick175
– specified engine oils176
– temperature70
– temperature gage70
– topping off176
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data192
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
specifications192
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine54
"Enter address" for 
navigation116
Entering destination116
Entering the address115
Entering the intersection117
Entering the town/city for 
navigation116
Entering zip code for 
navigation116
"Entertainment"133"Entertainment settings"133
Entry map for destination117
Entry to the rear48
"Equalizer", refer to Tone 
control135
"ESN"140
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control82
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system108
Exterior mirrors49
– automatic dimming 
feature50
– automatic heating50
Eye for towing, refer to Tow 
fitting188
Eyes for lashing, refer to 
Securing load111
F
Fader, refer to Tone 
control134
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control71
False alarms, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts48
Fastest route for 
navigation122
Fast forward
– CD changer145
– CD player145
"Fast route" for 
navigation122
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit186
First-aid kit186
First-aid pouch, refer to First-
aid kit186
Flashing when locking and 
unlocking, refer to Setting 
acknowledgement 
signals30Flashlight, refer to 
Rechargeable flashlight101
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor84
– run-flat tires85,172
Flat Tire Monitor84
– false alarms84
– initializing system84
– malfunction85
– snow chains173
– system limits84
– warning lamp85
"FM", reception 
range133,136
FM, waveband136
Fog lamps92
– indicator lamp13,92
Folding up convertible top 
compartment floor, 
Convertible34
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely109
Footwell lamps93
For your own safety6
Front airbags86
Front head restraints47
"FTM"84
Fuel
– average consumption74
– display70
– fuel specifications167
– high-quality brands167
– quality167
– tank capacity166
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gage70
Fuel filler door166
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction166
Fuel gage70
Fuel specifications167
Fuses184 

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 

Reference 207
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires172
Maintenance, refer to the 
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US 
models or to the Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet 
for Canadian models178
Maintenance system178
Malfunction
– convertible top41
– door lock31
– fuel filler door166
– glass sunroof38
– luggage compartment 
lid32,33
Malfunction warnings, refer to 
Check Control71
Manual air distribution96
Manual mode with automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic58
"Manual" on the radio137
Manual operation
– convertible top41
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door166
– glass sunroof38
– luggage compartment 
lid32,33
Manual transmission56
Map
– changing scale127
– destination entry117
"Map, direction of travel"127
"Map, facing north"127
Map facing north127
Master key with remote 
control28
Maximum cooling95
Maximum speed with winter 
tires173Memory
– refer to Key Memory28
– refer to Seat, mirror and 
steering wheel memory46
Menus, refer to Control 
Center16
Microfilter97
Microphone
– for hands-free system151
– for portable phone14
– for voice command 
system14
Mirror dimming feature50
Mirrors49
– automatic curb monitor47
– heating50
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory46
"Missed calls"154
Missed calls153
Mobile communication 
devices in vehicle109
Mobile Service, refer to 
Roadside Assistance186
Monitor, refer to Control 
Center16
"Monitor display on"81
"Monitor on / off"51
Most recent portable phone 
numbers153
Multi-function steering wheel, 
refer to Buttons on the 
steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher60
– refer to Wiper/washer 
system60
Music track, finding145
"Mute on / off"51
MW, waveband136
N
"Navigation"115
Navigation destination
– manual entry115
– selecting via map117
Navigation drive, installation 
location114
Navigation DVD114
Navigation system114
– address book120
– bypassing route 
sections128
– destination entry115
– destination guidance in 
assistance window114
– destination list119
– displaying current 
position125
– entering a destination 
manually115
– looking for interesting 
destination118
– navigation DVD114
– route display127
– route list127
– selecting destination using 
information118
– selecting destination via 
map117
– selecting route criteria122
– starting115
– starting destination 
guidance124
– switching off, refer to Termi-
nating/continuing desti-
nation guidance125
– terminating/continuing 
destination guidance125
– voice instructions126
– volume adjustment126
"Navigation voice instructions 
on"126
Neck support, refer to Front 
head restraints47
"New address" for 
navigation120
"New destination"115,117