
Opening and closing
28
Opening and closing
The key set
1Every master key with remote control con-
tains an extended-life battery as a power 
supply, which is charged automatically in 
the ignition lock as you drive. You should 
use each master key at least twice a year in 
order to maintain the charge condition. 
Depending on which master key is detected 
by the vehicle during unlocking, different 
settings in the vehicle are requested and 
executed, refer to Key Memory below. 
2Spare key for storage in a safe place, such 
as in your wallet. 
This key does not fit in the locks of the lug-
gage compartment lid and the hotel func-
tion, refer to page32. This is an advantage 
when valet parking at a hotel, for example. 
The key is not intended for constant use.
New keys
New, additional or replacement keys are avail-
able at your BMW center.
Key Memory
How the system functions
Doubtless you have often reflected on how 
great it would be if you could configure your 
vehicle's various adjustment settings to meet 
your own personal requirements. BMW has 
designed several freely selectable options into 
the vehicle during its development. You can set 
these as desired via the Control Center.You can have up to four different basic settings 
adjusted for four different persons for the spe-
cific keys. The only requirement is that each 
person uses his or her own master key with 
remote control.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the remote 
control, the vehicle recognizes the individual 
key by means of a data exchange and makes 
adjustments accordingly.
Scope of Key Memory
>When unlocking with the remote control, 
either unlock only the driver's door or the 
entire vehicle, refer to page29.
>Locking the vehicle after a short time or 
after starting to drive, refer to page31
>Assigning the programmable function but-
tons on the steering wheel, refer to page51.
>Settings for the display on the Control Dis-
play:
>Brightness of the Control Display, refer 
to page77
>Units of measure for consumption, 
route/distances, temperature and pres-
sure, refer to page77
>Language on the Control Display, refer 
to page78
>12h/24h clock mode, refer to page78
>Date format, refer to page79.
>Displaying optical warning for the PDC Park 
Distance Control
*, refer to page80.
>Selection and brightness of the display for 
the Head-Up Display
*, refer to page89.
>Air distribution, temperature and intensity 
for the automatic climate control, refer to 
page96.
>Setting the language information for the 
destination guidance of the navigation sys-
tem
*, refer to page126. 

Opening and closing
30 Press the button twice to unlock the 
entire vehicle.
7.Press the controller.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Convenience opening mode
Hold the   button down:
>Coupe: the windows are opened, the glass 
sunroof
* is raised, and the sliding panel 
moves back approx. 2 in/5 cm.
>Convertible: the windows and the convert-
ible top are opened.
Watch the convertible top during the 
opening process to be sure that no 
one is injured. Releasing the button stops 
the operation.<
Locking the doors
Press the   button.
Switching on the interior lamps
Press the   button if the vehicle is locked.
You can also use this function to locate your 
vehicle in parking garages etc.
Panic mode*
By pressing and holding the   button for more 
than approx. 2 seconds, you can trigger the 
alarm system in response to any impending 
danger.
To switch off the alarm: press any of the but-
tons.
Opening luggage compartment lid
Press the   button.
The luggage compartment lid opens, regard-
less of whether it was previously locked or 
unlocked.
A previously locked luggage compart-
ment lid is also locked after closing.
Coupe: the luggage compartment lid swings to 
the rear and upward when opened. Make sure 
there is sufficient free space.<
Setting confirmation signals
You can set confirmation signals to acknowl-
edge the locking and unlocking of the vehicle.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open the   menu.
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.
3.Select "Door locks" and press the control-
ler.
4.Select "Confirmation" and press the con-
troller.
5.Select the desired signal.
6.Press the controller.
 The signals are switched on.
Malfunctions
Local radio waves can disrupt the function of 
the remote control.
Should the remote control fail to operate owing 
to interference of this kind, you can respond by 
using the master key to unlock your vehicle at 
one of the doors.
If it is  no longer poss ible to lock the vehicle with 
a remote control, its battery is discharged. Use  

Controls
 31Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
this remote control during an extended drive; 
this will recharge the battery, refer to page28.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with 
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communication 
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
LX8766S
LX8766E
LX8CAS
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and
>this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could void the 
user's authority to operate this equipment.<
Using door lock
One turn of the key in the driver's door lock 
unlocks the driver's door only.
Turning the key a second time unlocks all of the 
remaining doors, the luggage compartment lid 
and the fuel filler door.
Convenience operation
You can also use the door lock to operate the 
windows and the glass sunroof
* in the Coupe 
or to operate the windows and the top in the 
convertible.>To open:
With the door closed, turn the key to the 
Unlock position and hold it there.
>To close:
With the door closed, turn the key to the 
Lock position and hold it there.
Keep a close eye on the closing process 
and also on the opening process of the 
convertible top to be sure that no one is injured. 
Releasing the key stops the operation.<
Manual operation
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can 
turn the key all the way to the right or left in the 
door lock to lock or unlock the driver's door.
Opening and closing: from 
inside
This button serves to unlock or lock doors and 
the luggage compartment lid, but does not acti-
vate the anti-theft system. The fuel filler door 
remains unlocked.
You can also make the following settings:
>The central locking system automatically 
locks the vehicle after a short time when no 
door has been opened.
>The central locking system automatically 
locks the vehicle as soon as you start to 
drive.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open the   menu.
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller. 

Opening and closing
34 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.Increase the air volume of the automatic 
climate control to a high level, refer to 
page95.
Luggage compartment
There are four lashing eyes on the inner corners 
of the luggage compartment for securing lug-
gage nets
* or securing straps to fix luggage in 
position.
Also refer to Securing cargo, page111.
Convertible: increasing luggage 
compartment capacity
With the convertible top closed, you can 
enlarge the luggage compartment capacity:
To do so, unfold the handle and press it down-
ward in the direction of travel, refer to arrow. 
This folds the convertible top compartment 
floor upward.
Before opening the convertible top, execute 
this procedure in reverse order.
The convertible top cannot be opened if 
the convertible top compartment floor is 
folded up.<
Alarm system
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>To the opening of doors, the hood, or the 
luggage compartment lid
>To movements in the vehicle interior: inte-
rior motion sensor, see below
>To changes in the vehicle's tilt if someone 
attempts to steal the wheels or tow the 
vehicle
>To interruptions in battery voltage
The system responds to unauthorized vehicle 
entry and attempted theft by simultaneously 
activating:
>An acoustic alarm, which lasts for a period 
of approx. 30 seconds
>The hazard warning flashers for approx. 
5minutes
>The high beams, which flash on and off in 
the same rhythm
Arming and disarming alarm system
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with 
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm 
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
The system indicates that it has been correctly 
armed by switching on the hazard warning 
flashers for a single cycle and by emitting an 
acoustic signal.
You can also open the luggage compartment lid 
with the system armed using the   button on 
the remote control, refer to page30. When the 
luggage compartment lid is closed, it is locked 
again and monitored.
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote control, 
refer to page29,
>or turn the ignition key to position 1, refer to 
page54. 

Opening and closing
40 dren away from the travel path of the convert-
ible top.
For safety reasons, only operate the convertible 
top when the vehicle is at a standstill.<
If you have initiated top operation with the 
vehicle at a stop and then start to drive, 
e.g. at a traffic light, you can continue the ini-
tiated operation up to a speed of 20 mph/
30 km/h:
To do so, press and hold the corresponding 
button.<
Partial vacuums that occur at higher 
speeds in the passenger compartment 
can make the convertible top flap. Use the auto-
matic climate control to increase the air supply 
so that a partial vacuum in the vehicle does not 
occur.<
Prior to opening and closing
>Read carefully and comply with the safety 
precautions that appear above.
>Ensure that the convertible top compart-
ment floor in the luggage compartment is 
folded down, refer to page34, as otherwise 
the convertible top cannot be opened.
>Ensure that the luggage compartment lid is 
closed.
Opening and closing
With the ignition key in position 1 or greater, 
refer to page54, and the vehicle stationary:
So as not to place an excessive load on 
the battery, only operate the convertible 
top with the engine running, if possible.
Before closing the convertible top, remove for-
eign bodies from the windshield frame, as these 
might inhibit closing of the convertible top.<1Closing
2LED
3Opening
When the button for top operation is 
pressed, the side windows move down-
ward slightly; the rear window is lowered com-
pletely.
If you hold down the button after the LED2 
goes out, the windows are raised again.
If the opening or closing action is not com-
pleted, the luggage compartment lid cannot be 
opened.<
LED
In the following situations, in addition to the 
LED, a message is displayed on the Control 
Display and an acoustic signal may sound:
>During convertible top operation, the LED 
lights up green. It goes out as soon as the 
opening or closing action is ended.
> If the LED flashes red when you release the 
button, the opening or closing action has 
not yet finished.
>If the LED lights up red when the button is 
pressed, either the floor of the convertible 
top storage compartment in the luggage 
compartment is in the raised position or a 
malfunction has occurred. The convertible 
top cannot be moved.
Interruption
The automatic sequence of movements is 
interrupted immediately if the button for top 
operation is released. The sequence can be 
continued in the desired direction using the 
button. 
If the opening or closing action is interrupted for 
a longer period, the convertible top remains in 
that position for approx. 15 minutes before it 
slowly moves to a stable position.
A convertible top which is not completely 
opened or closed presents a danger. 
Do not interrupt and continue the closing action 
several times in succession, as otherwise the 
top mechanism can be damaged.< 

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 

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. 

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