
At a glance
 15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Coupe: glass sunroof, electric with raise 
function
*37
2Microphone for portable phone
*151
Convertible: microphone on steering 
column
3Reading lamps93
4Interior lamps93
5Microphone for voice command 
system
*22
Convertible: microphone on steering 
column
6Coupe: initiating emergency call
*185
7Convertible: initiating emergency 
call
*185
8Control Display16
9Hazard warning flashers
10Central locking system31 
11Automatic climate control9412Starting search function
>for radio station137
>for track144
13Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*114
>audio CD132
14Drive for navigation DVDs
*114
15Drive for audio CDs132
16Switching audio sources on/off and 
adjusting volume132
18Bracket for cup holder103
19Controller16
20Activating voice command system
*22
21Opening start menu on Control Display17
22Dynamic Driving Control59 Temperature setting, left/right95
Automatic air distribution and 
volume95
Cooling function95
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control95
Maximum cooling95
Residual heat mode96
Switching off automatic climate 
control96
Air volume95
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation95
Rear window defroster94
17
Heated seats49
PDC Park Distance Control
*80
DTC Dynamic Traction Control82
Convertible: opening the convert-
ible top40
Convertible: closing the convertible 
top40 

Controls
 63Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
cially on longer trips, the system can reduce 
fatigue and tension, while increasing your 
enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely and 
responsibly.
In addition to holding a steady cruising speed, if 
you encounter slower vehicles ahead, active 
cruise control will, within the scope of given 
possibilities, adjust your vehicle's speed auto-
matically so that one can flow with the traffic 
without having to make constant adjustments. 
If, for example, while cruising at the selected 
speed, you begin to approach a slower vehicle 
ahead of you in the same lane, the system will 
reduce your vehicle's speed to the same as that 
of the vehicle ahead to maintain your selected 
distance setting between your vehicle and the 
vehicle ahead. There are four settings for dis-
tance, which are additionally speed-dependent. 
Based on your selected distance setting, the 
system automatically decreases the throttle 
setting and lightly applies the brakes if neces-
sary. The vehicle brake lamps will automatically 
illuminate to signal a following driver to take 
action. In addition, it may be necessary for the 
vehicle or the driver to downshift, depending on 
the kind of transmission your vehicle is 
equipped with, to maintain the distance setting 
selected. If the vehicle ahead speeds up or 
when the lane ahead becomes clear, your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have 
selected by increasing the throttle setting and 
shifting gears automatically or by the driver as 
needed.
Active cruise control is not and must not 
be used as a collision avoidance/warning 
system.<
Since this active cruise control system is 
a new technology and operates differ-
ently from conventional cruise control systems 
which you may be accustomed to, you are 
strongly urged to read all of the pages relating 
to this system before use. Pay special attention 
to the information contained in the Things to 
know about active cruise control section in this 
manual beginning on page66.
within a normal engine speed range and also 
change gears. Continuous operation at very 
high or very low engine speeds is not possible. 
In this case the driver is asked to shift or the 
system deactivates itself.
Vehicles with SMG
Continuous operation at very high engine 
speeds is not possible in the Sequential mode. 
In this case the driver is asked to shift or the 
system deactivates itself. 
In the Drive mode the SMG acts similarly to the 
automatic transmission in the D position.
Operating active cruise control
1Activate system, store and increase desired 
speed
2Activate system, store and decrease 
desired speed
3Deactivate system
4Recall the stored speed and distance or 
increase desired speed by 1 mph/1 km/h 
with each press of the button
5Select distance to vehicle driving ahead. 
You can choose from four available distance 
settings. You will find more detailed infor-
mation on page65.
Adjust your desired speed to the traffic 
conditions and remain ready to brake at 
all times. Great differences in speed to the vehi-
cles driving ahead, e. g. when quickly approach-
ing a truck or when another vehicle swerves into 
your lane, cannot be compensated for by the 
system.< 

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. 

Starting navigation system
114
Starting navigation system
Your navigation system can use satellites to 
ascertain the precise position of your vehicle 
and guide you reliably to any destination you 
enter.
Navigation DVD
Special navigation DVDs are required for each 
navigation system. You can obtain the latest 
version at your BMW center.
Inserting navigation DVD
1.Insert the navigation DVD with the labeled 
side up.
2.Allow approx. 8 seconds for the system to 
scan the data from the DVD.
Removing navigation DVD
1.Press button 1.
The DVD emerges slightly from the drive.
2.Remove the DVD.
Display in assistance window
You can display the route or the current position 
in the assistance window. This display remains 
visible even if you switch to another application.
1.Move the controller to the right to enter the 
assistance window.
2.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3.Select the desired view of the route or "Cur-
rent position".
4.Press the controller.
The contents of the assistance window are con-
tinually updated as you drive.
* 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 133Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
2.Move the controller backward to open 
"Entertainment".
You have the following choices:
>"FM" or "AM": select radio reception.
>"WB": call up Weather Band station.
>"SAT": select satellite radio.
>"CD": select CD player or CD changer.
>"Set": depending on each audio source, 
other settings can be made, e.g. on the 
radio: updating stations with best reception, 
storing stations, tone control, playing sta-
tions.
Switching on/off
To switch the sound output for entertainment 
on/off:
Press button1 next to the CD player.
 This symbol on the Control Display indi-
cates that sound output is switched off.
Adjusting volume
Turn button1 next to the CD player until the 
desired volume is set.
The volume can also be set on the steering 
wheel.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Tone control
You can alter various tone settings, e.g. treble 
and bass, or the speed-dependent volume 
increase.
The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Changing tone settings
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Press  button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Entertainment settings" and press 
the controller.
4.Select "Audio" and press the controller. 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 141Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Selecting and storing channel
1.Select "SAT" and press the controller.
Channels are shown on the Control Display 
sorted on the basis of selection criteria
2.Select a menu item:
>"Presets":
Up to twelve channels you have stored.
>"All channels":
All channels are displayed.
>"Categories": 
All channels sorted by category, e.g. 
news, jazz.
3.Press the controller.
4.If "Categories" has been selected:
Select the desired category and press the 
controller.
The channels of this category are displayed.5. Select a channel marked with this sym-
bol.
6.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
7.Select "Play" and press the controller.
Additional information
The name of the channel and additional infor-
mation on the current track are displayed, e.g. 
the name of the artist.
1Artist
2Track 

Radio
142
Storing channel
1.Select desired channel.
2.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3.Select "Store" and press the controller.
"Presets" is displayed.
4.Turn the controller to select a memory loca-
tion and press the controller.
The channel is stored. The stations of the last 
selection criterion are displayed again after a 
short time.
Changing channel with buttons next to 
CD player
 Press the button for the corresponding 
direction.
The system switches to the next enabled chan-
nel.
Notes
When there is a signal blockage or the transmis-
sion is suspended momentarily for more than 
4 seconds, a message appears on the Control 
Display.
Service may be interrupted or unavailable 
for specific reasons such as environmen-
tal or topographic conditions and others that 
Satellite Radio cannot directly control.
Signal may not be available under tunnels, in 
parking garages, next to tall buildings, nearby 
trees with dense foliage, nearby mountains or 
other possible strong sources of radio interfer-
ence.
Service should resume normally after the 
source of signal unavailability has been 
cleared.<