
Adjustments
48
Adjusting tilt angle
Swivel the head restraints.
Entry to the rear
Before starting to drive, fold backrests 
back, otherwise there is the danger of 
accident due to an unexpected movement of 
the seat.<
Coupe: releasing backrest
Pull the lever upward and fold the backrest for-
ward.
The lever is designed in such a way that the 
safety belt can be stored there. This enables 
you to fasten the safety belt more conveniently.
Convertible: releasing backrest
The belt system integrated into the seat 
ensures easier entry into the rear.
1.Pull the lever 1 upward and fold the back-
rest forward.
2.Press and hold button 2 until the seat has 
moved to the desired position.
3.After entry to the rear, fold back the back-
rest and lock it in place.
4.Press and hold button 3. The seat moves 
back to its previous position. If you release 
button 3 before this, the seat stops in its 
current position.
You can lock the backrest in place when it 
is folded forward. This is useful, for exam-
ple, when you get into the vehicle when it is 
parked on a hill. Press the backrest until it audi-
bly locks into place. To fold it back, you do not 
have to use lever 1 to release it.<
Lock backrest warning lamp:
Lights up when the backrest is not 
locked. At the same time, an additional 
message appears on the Control Display.
Safety belts
 To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, 
please observe the adjustment instructions on 
page44.<
Before every drive, make sure that safety belts 
are being worn at all of the occupied seats. Air-
bags complement the safety belt as an addi-
tional safety device, but they do not represent a 
substitute. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
80
Technology for comfort, convenience and 
safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you are parking. 
Audible signals and an optical display
* indicate 
that you are approaching an object in front of or 
behind your vehicle. To measure the distance, 
there are four ultrasonic sensors in each 
bumper. The sensors at the front and at the two 
rear corners have a range of approx. 24 in/
60 cm; the rear middle sensors have approx. 
5ft/1.50m.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate 
objects when they are approached 
slowly, as is usually the case when parking. 
Avoid approaching an object at high speed, as 
otherwise the physical circumstances would 
mean that the system warning was too late.<
Automatic mode
In ignition key position 2, the system automati-
cally assumes operational status after approx. 
1 second each time you shift into reverse or 
move the selector-lever to position R.
Wait this short period before driving. The sys-
tem switches off when you disengage the 
reverse gear.
Manual mode
Press the button; the LED lights up.
Deactivating manual mode
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
The system is automatically deactivated once 
the vehicle travels approx. 165 ft/50 m or 
exceeds a speed of roughly 20 mph/30 km/h; 
the LED goes out. You can reactivate the sys-
tem manually as needed.
Signal tones
An intermittent signal indicates the distance of 
the vehicle from an object being approached. 
Thus, an object detected to the left rear of the 
vehicle will be indicated by a signal tone from 
the left rear speaker, etc.  As the distance 
between vehicle and object decreases, the 
intervals between the tones become shorter. 
The signal tone becomes continuous once the 
distance to the nearest object falls to below 
roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
The warning signal is canceled after approx. 
3 seconds if you are moving parallel to a wall.
Malfunction
The LED in the button flashes and a message 
appears on the Control Display. PDC is mal-
functioning. Have the system checked.
As a preventive measure, keep the sensors 
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they will continue to operate effectively.
PDC with visual warning*
You also enjoy the option of having the system 
show the approach to an object on the Control 
Display. The Control Display also indicates the 
presence of objects before they are close 
enough to trigger a signal tone.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16. 

Controls
 83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
To control
The indicator lamp flashes: 
DSC or DTC controls the drive forces 
and brake forces. 
The indicator lamp comes on: 
DSC and DTC are deactivated together via the 
button DTC.
The indicator lamp comes on: DTC is 
activated via the DTC button.
Malfunction in the driving-stability 
control systems
The brake system warning lamp lights 
up in red, appearing together with the 
indicator lamps for ABS and DSC. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. The driving-stability control sys-
tems have failed. Conventional braking 
efficiency remains available without 
limitations. 
While you may continue, you should remember 
to proceed cautiously and drive defensively 
while avoiding full brake applications. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
The DSC indicator lamp lights up. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. A malfunction has occurred in 
DSC and DTC. 
The stability maintenance functions are no 
longer available. The vehicle remains opera-
tional. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
The warning lamp for the brake system 
lights up in yellow. A message appears 
on the Control Display. DBC has failed. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
Active roll stabilization*
The concept
Active roll stabilization minimizes body roll and 
optimizes vehicle stability during cornering and 
evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear axles 
form the basis for active roll stabilization. Sus-
pension compliance adapts to suit driving con-
ditions, varying from performance-oriented 
during cornering to smooth and comfort-ori-
ented when the vehicle is proceeding in a 
straight line. During vehicle operation, the sys-
tem continuously runs through closed-loop 
control cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status each 
time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up and a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display. 
There is a malfunction in the system. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
If there is a malfunction in the system, 
please remember to adapt your speed 
accordingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer and 
the vehicle will display a greater tendency to tilt 
during cornering and in crosswinds.
If a message stating that you should stop 
appears on the Control Display, stop and switch 
off the engine as soon as possible. In this case 
the oil level in the reservoir may have dropped 
below the minimum, possibly owing to a leak in 
the hydraulic system. Do not continue driving. 
Contact your BMW center.< 

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. 

Controls
 87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Do not apply adhesive materials to the 
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or 
modify them in any other way.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag retention 
system from the vehicle. Never modify or 
tamper with either the wiring or the individual 
components in the airbag system. This cate-
gory includes the upholstery in the center of the 
steering wheel, on the instrument panel, the 
side trim panels on the doors and on the Coupe, 
the roof pillars along with the sides of the head-
liner. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the 
steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components 
directly after the system has been triggered, 
because there is a danger of burns.
If you note any indication of system malfunc-
tion, if you wish to have an airbag deactivated, 
or if the airbag retention system is triggered in 
response to an accident, you should always 
entrust all inspection, repair and dismantling 
operations to your BMW center. Unprofessional 
attempts to service the system could lead to 
failure in an emergency or undesired airbag 
activation, either of which could result in per-
sonal injury.<
Airbag warning information is also provided on 
the sun visors.
Operational readiness of airbag system
From ignition key position 1 the warning lamp 
lights up briefly, indicating the operational 
readiness of the entire airbag system and the 
belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
>The warning lamp does not light up as of 
ignition key position 1.>The warning lamp lights up continuously.
Have the airbag system checked immedi-
ately if a malfunction occurs, as otherwise 
there is a danger of the system not responding 
in the expected manner to an impact occurring 
within its normal response range.<
Convertible: 
Rollover protection system
The rollover protection system is automatically 
activated in the event of an accident or a critical 
driving situation, extreme inclination on the lon-
gitudinal or transverse axis, or loss of ground 
contact. The rollover bars located behind the 
rear head restraints are deployed within frac-
tions of a second.
As a supplement to the rollover bar integrated 
into the windshield frame, the rollover protec-
tion system ensures that all vehicle occupants 
have the necessary headroom.
Always keep the path of movement of the 
rollover protection system clear.
In less severe accidents, you are protected by 
the fastened safety belt and, depending on the 
severity of the accident, the belt tensioner and 
the multistage airbag restraint system.<
Lowering
If the protection function was not required after 
automatic activation, the rollover protection 
system can be lowered again. No tools are nec-
essary for this purpose.
1.Press the release backward and hold in that 
position. 

Controls
 91Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lights off
1Parking lamps
2Low beams/daytime driving lamps
*
3Automatic headlamp control/
Adaptive Head Light
*
Parking lamps
In the switch position1, the front, rear and side 
vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the 
parking lamps for parking. For lighting on one 
side for parking as an additional feature, refer to 
page92.
Low beams
The low beams light up in switch position2 only 
with the engine running. Otherwise the parking 
lamps are lit.
Pathway lighting
After parking the vehicle and switching off the 
headlamps, operating the headlamp flasher 
activates the low beams. You can set the dura-
tion on the Control Display or deactivate the 
function.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open the   menu.
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.3.Select "Light" and press the controller.
4.Select "Pathway lighting" and press the 
controller.
5.Turn the controller to select the corre-
sponding duration.
6.Press the controller to apply the setting.
Lights on warning
If you turn the ignition key to position 0, an 
acoustic signal sounds when you open the 
driver's door for a few seconds to remind you 
that the lamps have not yet been switched off. 
At the same time a message appears on the 
Control Display.
Daytime driving lamps*
If you wish, you can leave the light switch in 
position2.
Always observe all applicable laws governing 
the use of daytime driving lamps.
You can switch on the parking lamps when 
needed using the standard procedure 
described under Parking lamps.
Automatic headlamp control
In switch position3 the low beams are automat-
ically switched on or off depending on the ambi-
ent light, e.g. in a tunnel, at dawn/dusk in the 
rain or snow, and the Adaptive Head Light
* is 
active. The LED next to the symbol is illumi-
nated when the low beams are on. 

Mobility
 177Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to 
open.
3.The coolant level is correct when it lies 
between the Min and Max mark, also refer to 
the drawing next the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to 
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until it clicks.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up in red 
in spite of the handbrake being 
released; a message appears on the 
Control Display.
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to 
below the minimum level. At the same time, a 
significantly longer brake pedal path may be 
noticeable. Have the system checked immedi-
ately by a BMW center.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
When you continue driving, an increased 
brake pedal path can be necessary, and 
significantly longer braking distances might be 
required. Please adapt your driving style 
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up in red 
in spite of the handbrake being 
released; a message appears on the 
Control Display. The brake pads have reached 
their minimum pad thickness. Have the brake 
pads replaced as soon as possible.Warning lamp for Canadian models.
For your own safety: use only brake pads 
that BMW has approved for your particu-
lar vehicle model. As BMW cannot assess the 
suitability of other brake pads for use on your 
vehicle, BMW is unable to assume continued 
responsibility for the vehicle's operating safety 
if non-approved pads are installed.< 

Everything from A to Z
206 Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure168
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to Flat Tire Monitor84
Information
– on another location118
– on current position118
– on destination location118
"Information" for 
navigation118
"Information on 
destination"119
Initializing, refer to Power 
failure184
"Input map"118
Inside rearview mirror, 
automatically dimming, refer 
to Automatic functions50
Installation location
– CD changer145
– navigation drive114
Instructions for navigation 
system, refer to Voice 
instructions126
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer 
to Instrument lighting93
Instrument lighting93
Instrument panel, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Integrated universal remote 
control100
Interesting destination118
"Interim time"77
Interior lamps93
– remote control30
Interlock, refer to Steering 
locked54
Interlock on automatic 
transmission54
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers60
J
Jacking points183
Joystick, refer to Control 
Center16
Jumpering, refer to Jump 
starting186
Jumping, refer to Jump 
starting186
Jump starting186
K
Key Memory28
"Keypad"155
Keys28
Kick-down
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission57
Knock control167
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams91
Lamps and bulbs180
"Languages"78
"Languages" for 
navigation126
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing load111
Last destinations, refer to 
Destination list119
"Last seat pos."46
LATCH child-restraint fixing 
system53
LEDs Light-emitting 
diodes183
Length, refer to 
Dimensions193
Letter symbol with portable 
phone155
License plate lamps, replacing 
bulbs182
"Light"60,91
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs183Lighter103
Lighter socket103
Lighting
– instruments93
– of the vehicle, refer to 
Lamps91
Lights on warning91
Light switch91
"Limit"76
"Lock after driving"32
Lock buttons in the doors, 
refer to Locking32
Locking
– from inside32
– from outside30
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside31
– from outside29
"LOGIC7", refer to Tone 
control134
Low beams91
– automatic91
– replacing bulbs180
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support45
Luggage compartment
– capacity192
– emergency release33
– hotel function32
– increasing capacity, 
Convertible34
– opening/closing, refer to 
Luggage compartment 
lid33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening with remote 
control30
Luggage compartment lid32
– emergency operation33
– emergency release33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening with remote 
control30
– unlocking manually33
Lumbar support45
LW, waveband136