
Driving
62
Driving
Ignition lock 
Insert the remote control all the way into 
the ignition lock. This also activates the 
radio mode. 
When the remote control is in the igni-
tion lock you can start the engine 
without first switching on the ignition.<
Comfort Access* 
Carry the remote control on your person 
if you want to use the Comfort Access.
With Comfort Access, you do not need to 
insert the remote control in the ignition 
lock. You can switch the ignition on and off, 
see below, or start the engine, page 63, 
when a remote control is detected in the 
vehicle interior.
When you switch off the engine, the 
transmission moves automatically to 
position P: interlock.<
Switching ignition on and off 
Continue to briefly press the start/stop but-
ton to switch the radio mode on and off or 
switch the ignition on and off. Do not press the brake pedal until you 
are ready to start the engine. If you 
briefly press the start/stop button while the 
brake pedal is pressed the engine will start 
immediately.<
Radio mode 
Several systems, such as the Control Cen-
ter, independent ventilation, etc., are avail-
able for use. The time and outside temper-
ature appear in the Info Display. 
The radio mode is automatically 
deactivated: 
>After approx. 16 minutes, when a door 
is closed and the system does not reg-
ister the presence of any individuals in 
the vehicle 
>Immediately if the remote control is 
removed from the ignition lock
>With Comfort Access, by pressing the 
door handle.<
Ignition switched on 
All vehicle systems are ready for operation. 
Ignition off 
The indicator lamps in the Info Display go 
out. Only the automatic transmission's 
range display remains visible for a brief 
period. 
Removing remote control from 
ignition lock 
Press the remote control in briefly; it is 
ejected and now protrudes slightly from the 
lock. This procedure will also switch off the 
ignition if it is on. 
Switch off the engine before removing 
the remote control from the ignition 
lock. 
The transmission automatically shifts to 
position P: interlock.<
If the remote control is still in the ignition 
lock when the driver's door is opened, a  

Controls
 63Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
gong will sound and a message will appear 
in the Info Display.
Starting engine 
Do not run the engine in closed 
rooms, as otherwise the inhaling of 
toxic exhaust gases can cause uncon-
sciousness 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 repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always 
select position P on the selector lever and 
engage the parking brake 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 immedi-
ately at a moderate engine speed. 
Your BMW is equipped with the conve-
nience starting feature. After pressing the 
brake pedal, all you need to do is briefly 
press the start/stop button. The system 
responds by automatically engaging the 
starter and allowing it to run until the engine 
starts, after which it then disengages auto-
matically. 
If the engine fails to start on the first 
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or cold:
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down 
while engaging the starter.During a cold start at very low tempera-
tures, below + 57/– 156, at high altitudes 
over 3,281 ft/1,000 m:
>Engage the starter for approx. 
10 seconds the first time
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter.
Refrain from starting the vehicle 
repeatedly at brief intervals, and avoid 
an excessive number of starting attempts if 
the vehicle fails to start; repeated activation 
of the starter over an extended period 
would allow unburned or only partially 
combusted fuel to enter the catalytic con-
verter, where it can cause overheating and 
damage to the unit.<
If you have accidentally switched off 
the engine while driving, it can be 
restarted from a speed of approx. 3 mph/
5 km/h by pressing the button. It is not nec-
essary to press the brake pedal.< 
Switching off engine 
With the vehicle stationary, briefly press the 
start/stop button. This also activates the 
radio mode. 
The transmission automatically shifts to 
position P: interlock.
Transmission position N remains 
engaged if you keep to the following 
order:
1.With Comfort Access: insert the remote 
control into the ignition lock
2.With the engine running, engage trans-
mission position N
3.Switch off the engine
4.Leave the remote control in the ignition 
lock.
This function is useful in automatic car 
washes, etc.
Position P is engaged automatically after 
approx. 30 minutes or when you remove 
the remote control from the ignition lock. 
Remember to observe the Check Control 
for status messages.<  

Driving
64 Should exceptional circumstances 
render it necessary for you to switch 
off the engine while the vehicle is moving, 
press the start/stop button for approxi-
mately 1 second. 
If you maintain pressure on the start/stop 
button for longer than two seconds while 
switching off the ignition, the remote con-
trol will be ejected.< 
Before leaving the vehicle, remove 
the remote control from the ignition 
lock; with Comfort Access, always take the 
remote control with you.< 
Parking brake 
The concept 
Your BMW is equipped with an electrome-
chanical parking brake. 
The parking brake is primarily intended to 
prevent the vehicle from rolling while 
parked. 
You can operate or use the parking brake in 
two different ways: 
>Manually, by briefly pressing the button
>Automatically, through activation of the 
Automatic Hold mode, refer to page65. 
An electrohydraulic mechanism then 
engages the parking brake to prevent the 
rear wheels from turning whenever you 
switch off the engine. 
When the engine is running, parking brake 
engagement is controlled by the brake sys-
tem's hydraulic circuits, which act on the 
disc brakes at the front and rear wheels. 
Brake pedal feel 
Because this function is activated using 
the brake system's hydraulic circuits, the 
response of the brake pedal may change 
slightly. Engagement may also be accom-
panied by activation noise – this is normal. 
Manual engagement 
Briefly press the button, the 
word PARK appears briefly in 
the Info Display. With the park-
ing brake engaged, the indica-
tor lamp lights up red in 
the Info Display, refer to page12. 
With the ignition off, the indicator 
lamp goes out after a brief 
period.< 
Manual release 
With the ignition on, briefly 
press the button: the indicator 
lamp in the Info Display goes 
out.
Provided that the remote control is 
inserted in the ignition lock, you can 
also release the parking brake after the 
engine has been switched off. This function 
is intended for use in automatic car 
washes, etc.< 
When leaving the vehicle, always 
release the remote control from the 
detent in the ignition lock; this precaution 
prevents children from disengaging the 
parking brake, etc. 
The parking brake can still be engaged at 
any time when the remote control is 
released from the detent. It is only possible 
to disengage the parking brake with the 
ignition on.<
If exceptional circumstances should 
make it necessary to engage the 
parking brake while the vehicle is in motion, 
maintain pressure on the button. 
The indicator lamp appears in red in the 
Info Display. A gong sounds at the same  

Controls
 65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
time. 
The brake lamps come on. 
The vehicle continues to brake automati-
cally for as long as you maintain pressure 
on the button.< 
When you brake the vehicle to a vir-
tual stop, i.e., down to a speed of 
approximately 2 mph/3 km/h or below, the 
parking brake remains engaged. 
The indicator lamp in the Info Display 
lights up red. Briefly press the button to 
disengage the parking brake manually.< 
Automatic Hold 
You can activate this feature after starting 
the engine; it then remains operational until 
the next time the engine is switched off. 
This feature provides supplementary sup-
port during vehicle operation by automati-
cally engaging and releasing the parking 
brake during stops at traffic lights, in stop-
and-go traffic, etc. As the vehicle then no 
longer tends to creep when the transmis-
sion is engaged, it is no longer necessary to 
hold the vehicle by pressing the brake 
pedal. 
It prevents the vehicle from rolling back-
ward during uphill starts. 
The parking brake engages automatically 
when you stop the vehicle and switch off 
the engine. 
You can activate or cancel the Automatic 
Hold feature by selecting the "Settings" 
menu in the Control Center. A description 
of the Control Center is provided on 
page17. 
Automatic Hold activation/
deactivation 
1.Select "Settings" 
2.Select and confirm 
3.Select "AUTO P". Press the controller 
to activate/deactivate the desired func-
tion 
>Automatic Hold is activated. 
The green AUTO P status message in 
the Info Display shows you that the sys-
tem is ready for operation >Automatic Hold is deactivated. 
The green AUTO P status message dis-
appears from the Info Display. 
You can assign the Automatic Hold 
function to the programmable button 
on the steering wheel, refer to page54. 
This feature then provides you with quick 
access to the Automatic Hold function, 
allowing you to control it without undue dis-
traction from road and traffic conditions.< 
You can also deactivate Auto-
matic Hold by pressing the but-
ton while the vehicle is station-
ary. The vehicle remains 
stationary, the indicator lamp 
changes from green to red. Press the but-
ton again to release the parking brake. 
Driving with Automatic Hold 
The parking brake engages automatically 
when the vehicle comes to a stop. The indi-
cator lamp in the Info Display lights 
up green. 
To start off again, simply press the acceler-
ator pedal. The parking brake is released 
automatically; the indicator lamp  
goes out. 
Do not drive through an automatic car 
wash with the Automatic Hold on and 
the engine running. The system would 
engage the parking brake while the vehicle 
is stationary.<
Parking with Automatic Hold 
The parking brake engages automatically 
when you stop the vehicle and switch off 
the engine. The indicator lamp  
changes from green to red.  

Driving
66 Provided that the remote control is 
inserted in the ignition lock, you can 
also release the parking brake manually 
after the engine has been switched off, 
refer to page64. This function is useful in 
automatic car washes, etc. 
Automatic Hold is deactivated.< 
When leaving the vehicle, always 
release the remote control from the 
detent in the ignition lock; this precaution 
prevents children from disengaging the 
parking brake, etc.<
For your safety 
Automatic Hold is automatically deacti-
vated when 
>the engine is switched off 
>the system detects that the driver's seat 
is not occupied while the engine is run-
ning 
>the hood is opened while the engine is 
running 
>the luggage compartment is opened 
with the transmission in position R while 
the engine is running, and 
>when the parking brake is used to bring 
the vehicle to a stop. 
The indicator lamp changes from 
green to red, and the AUTO P letters in the 
Info Display disappear. 
Before starting off again, briefly press the 
button to disengage the parking brake 
manually, refer to page64, or reactivate 
Automatic Hold, refer to page65. 
Before leaving the vehicle with the 
engine running, always move the 
automatic transmission's selector lever to 
position P and ensure that the parking 
brake is engaged. The vehicle could start to 
roll if you fail to observe these precautions. 
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the 
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.< 
Automatic Hold is automatically deac-
tivated whenever the system detects 
any tendency for the wheels to spin in 
response to slippery road surfaces. Note the status reports in the Check Control. 
You can find additional information on the 
Check Control on page83.< 
Malfunction 
If a malfunction occurs, the indicator 
lamp lights up yellow in the Info Dis-
play and a status report will appear in the 
Check Control. Please note any supple-
mentary information that appears on the 
Control Display. 
Releasing parking brake manually 
You can respond to any interruptions in the 
supply of electrical power, for instance, if 
the battery is discharged or disconnected, 
by releasing the parking brake manually. 
Before proceeding to release the 
parking brake manually, and each 
time you park the vehicle without engaging 
the parking brake, always ensure that the 
automatic transmission's selector lever is in 
position P, refer to page68. Note the range 
indicated in the Info Display. 
If the wheel must be changed on a surface 
with a more severe slope, take additional 
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing e.g. with a chock, refer to page204 
Otherwise there is a danger that the vehicle 
could start to roll if parked on a steep 
slope.< 
Should it also be necessary to release the 
automatic transmission's lockout manually, 
for instance, if the battery is discharged, 
always adhere to the following sequence: 
1.If necessary, start by manually releasing 
the parking brake 
2.Then release the automatic transmis-
sion's lockout manually, refer to 
page70. 
Jump-starting and towing, refer to 
pages209 and210.  

Controls
 105Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Temperature adjustment 
You can turn to select the 
desired temperatures for the 
driver's and passenger sides. 
Your settings appear on the 
Control Display's status line. 
The figures in the display provide a general 
indication of interior temperature. When 
you start the vehicle, this system ensures 
that the selected temperature is achieved 
as quickly as possible. It then maintains this 
temperature, regardless of the season. 
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation 
This program quickly removes 
ice and condensation from the 
windshield and door windows. 
Adjusting air supply manually 
You can adjust the air supply by 
turning. The automatic air sup-
ply control is operational when-
ever you see your selection rep-
resented by a bar on the 
Control Display's status line. The automatic 
air distribution remains in operation as 
before. You can reactivate the automatic air 
supply mode with the AUTO button. 
Switching air conditioner mode on 
and off manually
The air conditioner cools and 
dehumidifies the incoming air 
before also reheating it as 
required, according to temperature setting. 
Depending on the weather, the windshield 
may fog over briefly when the engine is 
started. 
The air conditioner comes on automatically 
when you select the AUTO program. 
Maximum cooling 
This program quickly provides 
maximum cooling. 
The temperature display reverts 
to 607/166 while the system 
switches to the recirculated-air mode and 
starts to provide maximum air supply through the vent outlets only. For this rea-
son you should ensure that these outlets 
are open before selecting this program.
Outside air/AUC Automatic 
recirculated-air control/recirculated 
air 
You can respond to unpleasant 
odors or pollutants in the imme-
diate environment by tempo-
rarily suspending the supply of outside air. 
The system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. AUC executes this 
function automatically. 
Press the button repeatedly to run through 
the following control sequence: 
>Indicator lamps off: outside air flows 
into the vehicle 
>Left indicator lamp on, AUC mode: the 
system detects pollutants in the outside 
air and responds by blocking the supply 
of outside air when required. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently 
within the vehicle. 
Depending upon air quality, in the auto-
matic mode the system may start to 
alternate between its outside-air and 
recirculated-air modes 
>Right indicator lamp on, recirculated-air 
mode: the supply of outside air into the 
vehicle is permanently blocked. The 
system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. 
If condensation starts to form on the 
inside window surfaces during opera-
tion in the recirculated-air mode, you 
should switch it off while also increasing air 
supply as required.< 
Residual heat mode 
The system uses the warmth 
stored in the engine to heat the 
interior when the ignition is off, 
for instance, while the vehicle 
is stopped at a school to pick 
up a child.
You can adjust the automatic climate con-
trol's settings when the ignition lock is in 
the radio mode. The system blows heated  

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 153Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
2.Select "MANUAL" and confirm your 
selection.
Manual search 
1.Select the frequency display and con-
firm your selection
2.Turn the controller to set the frequency 
manually
3.Press the controller to confirm your 
entry.
Next station
Select the desired direction and con-
firm your selection.
The scan mode begins with the currently 
selected frequency.
The scan mode is stopped as soon as a 
station is found.
The frequency is shown on the Control Dis-
play.
The system switches to the next station.
Listening to sample and selecting, 
Scan 
The automatic scan search feature auto-
matically plays a brief sample from each 
station in the selected waveband.
1.Select "SCAN" and confirm your selec-
tion.
Station search starts
2.To select a station, confirm "SCAN" a 
second time.
This cancels the scan function, and the 
radio remains on the current station.
Buttons in center console
Scanning 
Extended pressure.
The scan mode begins with the currently 
selected frequency.
The scan mode is stopped as soon as a 
station is found.
The frequency of the station appears in the 
bottom status line, refer to page23.
Next station
Press to select the desired direction.
The system switches to the next station.
Storing and retrieving 
a station 
Memory locations
Your radio can store 36 stations:
>You can store as many as 18 stations in 
the FM waveband 
>You can store up to 18 stations in the 
AM waveband.
Each time you confirm "AM..." the 
system alternately switches between 
the AM waveband and the "Autostore" 
mode.
Each time you confirm "FM...", the system 
alternately switches between "Memorized 
Stations" and the "Autostore" mode.< 1.{Radio}
2.{Next station} or {Station back}.
1.{Radio}
2.{Next station} or {Station back}. 

DVD changer
168
Searching for chapter 
You can change to the next or previ-
ous chapter during playback.<
1.Display DVD controller, refer to 
page166
2.Select the direction
and confirm repeatedly, continuing until 
you reach the desired chapter
or with buttons
select the direction.
Press repeatedly, continuing until you 
reach the desired chapter on the current 
DVD.
Playback begins at the chapter selected.
Adjusting picture 
1.During playback, press controller
2.Select and confirm your selection
3.Adjusting the picture, refer to page164.
Freezing frame 
1.Display DVD controller, refer to 
page166
2.At the desired point:
Select and confirm your selec-
tion.
The film is stopped
3.To restart the DVD:
Select or and confirm your 
selection.
DVD playback is continued at the point 
at which it was interrupted.
Selecting picture format 
You can adjust the DVD format to your 
screen.
The picture format is a DVD-specific func-
tion and is not offered by all DVDs.
1.Display DVD controller, refer to 
page166
2.Select and confirm your selection
3.Select and confirm your selection
4.Select "Picture" and confirm your selec-
tion
5.Select "Pict. format" and confirm your 
selection
6.Select the desired picture format and 
confirm your selection.
Selecting language, 
subtitles and viewing angle 
Many DVDs offer dialogs and subtitles in 
various languages or scene descriptions 
for the hearing impaired. In addition, with 
some DVDs the film can be viewed from dif-
ferent camera angles. These functions are 
stored on the DVD.
To select functions:
1.Display DVD controller, refer to 
page166
2.Select "FULL MENU" and confirm your 
selection.