
Controls
 55Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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. 

Driving
56 Vehicles with manual or SMG transmission: 
When parking on inclines, engage the hand-
brake, as even engaging the first or reverse gear 
might not under certain circumstances secure 
the vehicle against moving.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
*:
Engage selector-lever position P.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally engage the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming 
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th/6th gear, press the
selector lever toward the right, otherwise
an inadvertent shift into 3rd or 4th gear could
damage the engine.<
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. 
When pressing the gearshift lever to the left, 
overcome some resistance.
The backup lamps automatically switch on in 
ignition key position 2.
SMG Sequential manual 
transmission*
The concept
The SMG Sequential manual transmission is an 
automated manual transmission in which an 
electrohydraulic system handles the clutching 
and gear changes.You operate the SMG using the selector lever in 
the center console and two shift paddles on the 
steering wheel.
It offers the following functions:
>Choice of manual or automatic mode: 
Sequential mode or Drive mode
>Options of two drive programs: Normal or 
Sport, refer to Dynamic Driving Control 
page59
>Automatic downshifting and protection 
against incorrect shifting even in sequential 
operation
>Kick-down function in the Drive mode
>Acceleration assistant, refer to page59.
The SMG is operational in ignition key 
position 2.
Selector-lever positions
The current selector-lever position is displayed 
on the center console.
>R: Reverse gear
>N: Neutral, idle
>One-touch functions for Sequential mode:
+: manual upshifting
–: manual downshifting
>D: Drive mode
The transmission automatically shifts into 
N if the driver's door is opened with the 
engine running and neither the pedals, the shift 
paddles nor the selector lever are operated.
This is indicated by an acoustic signal and the 
flashing display N in the instrument cluster.< 

Driving
64
Displays in instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed display
2Detected vehicle display. 
Lights up when vehicle driving ahead is 
detected
3Selected distance to vehicle driving ahead
4Digital speed display. 
Appears briefly when you select your 
desired speed
The system is activated. 
The display3 appears as soon as 
you activate the system and no 
vehicle is detected driving ahead.
Vehicle detected. 
The display2 lights up yellow 
when a vehicle is detected driving 
ahead.
The system requests that you 
intervene by braking or with an 
evasive maneuver. 
The display2 flashes red and a sig-
nal sounds. The active cruise con-
trol cannot automatically restore the distance to 
the vehicle driving ahead. You will find more 
detailed information on page67.
Automatic intervention by ABS or 
DSC, or you actuate the parking 
brake while driving. 
The display2 flashes yellow. The 
active cruise control now only 
intervenes by braking.
Desired speed store and increase
Press the lever forward1 at a driving speed of 
more than approx. 20 mph/30 km/h: 
The system adopts and stores your current 
speed as a desired speed. This speed is indi-
cated on the speedometer and displayed briefly 
in the instrument cluster. 
Subsequently pressing forward increases the 
desired speed to the next multiple of 5 mph/
10 km/h. 
Each time the lever is pressed forward again, 
the desired speed is increased by another 
5 mph/10 km/h until a maximum of 110 mph/
180 km/h is reached. The speed then displayed 
is stored and achieved, provided that the road is 
clear.
If the display ACC --- mph/km/h briefly 
appears in the instrument cluster, it might 
be that conditions necessary for operation are 
not currently being met. 
To call up Check Control messages, refer to 
page71.<
Desired speed store and decrease
Pull back the lever2: 
The current driving speed is rounded off to the 
next multiple of 5 mph/10 km/h, displayed and 
stored. 
Each time the lever is pulled back again, the 
desired speed is decreased by another 5 mph/
10 km/h until the minimum speed of 20 mph/
30 km/h is reached. The speed then displayed 
is stored and achieved, provided that the road is 
clear. 

Controls
 65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Deactivate system
Press the lever up or down while the system is 
active3. The displays in the instrument cluster 
disappear. You can use the system again as 
required.
In addition, the system is deactivated automati-
cally:
>When you apply pressure to the brake pedal
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's/SMG neutral position N
>When the manual transmission is in neutral
>When you deactivate the DSC Dynamic 
Stability Control
>When you actuate the parking brake during 
driving
>When the system reduces the speed to 
below 20 mph/30 km/h due to a traffic situ-
ation
The system deactivates automatically 
when the speed is set to below 20 mph/
30 km/h. An acoustic signal sounds and a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display. The active 
intervention of the driver is required.<
When you switch off the ignition, the stored 
desired speed is deleted.
Resume to stored desired speed and 
distance setting
Press button4 when the system is deactivated.
The displays appear in the instrument cluster. 
The system is reactivated and uses the last 
stored desired speed and distance setting.
Fine adjustment of desired speed
In the activated state, the desired speed 
increases by 1 mph/1 km/h each time button4 
is pressed briefly.
Select distance
You can choose from four distance steps.
>Rotary switch downward: 
Increase distance.
>Rotary switch upward: 
Decrease distance.
The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3 
This distance is always set when 
the system is used for the first time 
after starting the engine.
Distance 4
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance.< 

Driving
66
Things to know about active cruise control
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way 
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own 
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise 
controlling the vehicle. The driver should 
decide when to use the system on the basis of 
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions. 
Active cruise control is intended for use on 
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving 
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in 
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush 
hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery roads or 
roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow, 
strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parking areas or toll booths. 
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's 
speed and distance setting within applicable 
legal limits. Always be ready to take action or 
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when 
the system is actively following a vehicle in front 
of you.<
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system does have physical limi-
tations. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate 
your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead 
of you, as for example, at a traffic light or when 
approaching a parked vehicle. Also, the system 
does not react to oncoming traffic, pedestrians 
or other types of potential traffic such as a rider 
on horseback. It is also possible that the system 
may not detect smaller moving objects such as 
motorcycles or bicycles. Be especially alert 
when encountering any of these situations as 
the system will neither automatically brake, nor 
provide a warning to you. Also, be aware that every decrease in the distance setting allows 
your vehicle to come closer to a vehicle in front 
of you and requires a heightened amount of 
alertness.<
If your vehicle is actively following a vehicle in 
front of you and the vehicle ahead speeds up or 
the lane ahead becomes clear, then your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have 
selected. Be aware that changing to a clear, 
unobstructed lane will also result in your vehicle 
accelerating.
Be certain to deactivate the system when 
you pull into an exit lane for a highway off-
ramp.<
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner 
on a highway may cause a delay in the system's 
reaction to a vehicle in front of you or may cause 
the system to react to a vehicle actually in the 
lane next to you. Always be ready to take action 
or apply the brakes if necessary.
Active cruise control can only decelerate the 
vehicle to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. If the sys-
tem reduces vehicle speed below 20 mph/
30 km/h or if DSC/ABS is engaged while driving, 
the system will automatically deactivate.
Remember, the system cannot stop your 
vehicle. In addition, the system is deacti-
vated whenever the driver applies the vehicle 
brakes, shifts the transmission to neutral/N, or 
deactivates DSC. After any deactivation, the 
system will no longer automatically activate the 
vehicle brakes, which means the driver must 
intervene and resume manual braking. You 
should then reactivate the system only when 
you are fully aware of the prior speed and dis-
tance settings.< 

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.< 

Replacing components
182
Sidemarker
Bulb 5 watts, WY5W ST
The bulb can be replaced via a cover at the front 
of the wheel well, refer to the description for 
turn signal lamp 2.
1.The bulb holder of the sidemarker lamp is 
located toward the outside of the vehicle 
next to the bulb holder of turn signal lamp 2.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Side turn signals
Bulb 5 watts, WY 5 W
1.Press against the front edge of the lamp 
with the tip of your finger, then push it to the 
rear, release the snap connection at the 
front and take it off the trim strip.
2.Turn the bulb holder 905 to the left and 
remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Tail lamps
The roadside parking, rear and brake 
lamps are LEDs. The backup lamps are 
fitted with longlife bulbs. Please contact a BMW 
center in case of a malfunction.<1Turn signals
2Roadside parking, rear and brake lamp
3Backup lamp
4Reflector
Rear turn signals
Bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
The illustration shows the recess on the left 
side of the luggage compartment.
1.Remove the cover.
2.Unclip the bulb holder and remove.
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while 
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
License plate lamps
Bulb 5 watts, WY 5 W 

Reference 203
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Destination for navigation
– destination list119
– entry115
– home address122
– selecting from address 
book120
– selecting using 
information118
– storing120
Destination guidance124
– bypassing route 
sections128
– canceling voice 
instructions51
– changing specified 
route122
– displaying route127
– distance and arrival124
– interrupting125
– starting124
– terminating/continuing125
– voice instructions126
– volume of voice 
instructions126
Destination list119
Destinations recently driven 
to119
"Dial" for portable phone152
"Dial number"152
"Diamond button"51
Digital clock69
Dimensions
– Convertible194
– Coupe193
Dipstick for engine oil175
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals60
Direction announcements, 
refer to Voice 
instructions126
Direction instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions126
Directory, refer to Phone 
book153
Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book120
Disc brakes109Displacement, refer to Engine 
data192
Display, refer to Control 
Center16
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
"Display settings"77
Displays on the windshield, 
refer to Head-Up Display88
Disposal, vehicle battery183
Distance, refer to 
Computer75
Distance control, refer to 
Active cruise control62
"Distance to dest."75
Distance to destination, refer 
to Computer75
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control80
Door entry lighting93
Door keys28
Door lock31
"Door locks"29
Doors
– manual operation31
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades170
Draft-free ventilation97
"Driver's door only"29
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams91
Driving notes108
Driving route, refer to 
Displaying the route127
Driving stability control 
systems82
Driving through water109
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes108
Drying the air, refer to Cooling 
function95
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control82
– indicator lamp13,83
– malfunction83DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control82
– activating82
– indicator lamp13,82
DVD for navigation114
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC81
Dynamic Driving Control59
"Dynamic route" for 
navigation122
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC82
– indicator lamp13,83
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC82
– indicator lamp13
E
Easy entry, refer to Entry to 
the rear48
Easy entry/exit50
EBV, refer to Electronic brake-
force distribution81
"Edit address" for 
navigation121
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on CD player132
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top41
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door166
– glass sunroof38
– luggage compartment lid33
– storage compartment, hotel 
function32
Electric steering wheel 
adjustment50
Electronic brake-force 
distribution81
Emergency Assistance, refer 
to Roadside Assistance186
Emergency call185