
At a glance
 11Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Roller sun blind for rear window*113
2Rear window safety switch44 
3Power windows43
4Exterior mirrors53
5Parking brake64
6Parking lamps and low beams100
9Steering wheel16
10Info Display12
11Automatic transmission lever6812Ignition lock62
16Horn: the entire surface
20Fog lamps101
21Unlocking the engine hood194 7Instrument lighting101
8Turn signals71
High-beams, 
headlamp flasher101
Computer85
Check Control83
Computer85
Standing lamps101
13Switching ignition on/off62 
and starting engine63
14Windshield wipers72
Rain sensor72
15PDC Park Distance 
Control
*91
17Steering wheel heater
*54
Steering wheel adjustment54
18Unlocking luggage 
compartment40
19Programmable cruise 
control73
Active cruise control
*75
Front fog lamps 

Cockpit
12
Info Display 
1To view odometer display and reset trip 
odometer to zero81
2Speedometer with display for 
>Programmable cruise control73 
or
>Active cruise control
*75
>Speed limit87 
3Fixed indicator and warning lamps13
4Tachometer81 
Destination guidance of navigation 
system
*139
5Display for 
>Computer85 
or
>Text message of the Check 
Control83
or
>Voice command system
*266Transmission range selection68
7Automatic transmission program 
display68 
8Display for 
>Clock90
>Outside temperature81
or
>Variable indicator and warning 
lamps83
9Computer with fuel gauge85 
10Fog lamps101 

Adjustments
54 The mirrors automatically revert to their 
clear, undimmed mode whenever you 
engage transmission position R. 
Illuminated vanity mirror in rear 
1.Press button1. The vanity mirror folds 
down 
2.Pull the mirror slightly downwards 
before you swivel it
3.Press the vanity mirror back up before 
folding it back in. 
Steering wheel adjustment 
The steering wheel can be adjusted in any 
of four directions by pressing the appropri-
ate end of the button. 
Do not adjust the steering wheel while 
the vehicle is moving. There is a risk 
of accident from unexpected movement.< 
Storing steering wheel positions, refer to 
Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory on 
page55. 
Automatic steering wheel 
adjustment 
The steering wheel automatically moves as 
high up and far forward as possible to ease driver entry and exit before then returning 
to the standard position or stored memory 
setting. 
This automatic feature is governed by the 
driver's door and the ignition switch. 
Steering wheel heater* 
The steering wheel heater operates when 
the ignition is on. 
Press the button to activate or deactivate 
this system. 
The indicator lamp within the button lights 
up when the steering wheel heater is in 
operation.
Programming button function 
You can assign specific individual 
functions to the programmable but-
ton. This feature then provides you 
with quick access to this function, allowing 
you to control it without undue distraction 
from road and traffic conditions. 
1.Select "Settings" 
2.Confirm  
3.Select "  button". Continue to press 
the controller until the desired function 
appears: 
>"Recirc. air" 
In this mode the supply of outside air 
remains blocked, refer to AUC Auto-
matic recirculated-air control on 
page105 
>"Navi info." 
To repeat the most recent message 
from the navigation system, refer to 
page141 
>"AUTO P" 
To activate/deactivate Automatic  

Adjustments
56
Tilt function, passenger-side mirror 
Automatic curb monitor 
Activating
1.Select the driver's mirror with the mirror 
selector switch 
2.When you select the transmission 
position R, the exterior mirror glass on 
the front passenger side tilts downward 
slightly. This allows the driver to see the 
area immediately adjacent to the vehi-
cle – such as a curb – when parking, etc. 
Deactivating
Slide the mirror selection switch to the pas-
senger's side position. 
Vehicle Memory, 
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. 
In developing your vehicle, BMW has incor-
porated a number of options for personal 
adjustment which you can set with the 
Control Center or you can have these pro-
grammed at your BMW center. 
There are vehicle-related and person-
related adjustments: Vehicle Memory and 
Key Memory. You can have up to four dif-
ferent basic settings adjusted for four dif-
ferent persons. The only requirement is that 
each person uses his or her own remote 
control. When your vehicle is unlocked with the 
remote control, the vehicle recognizes the 
individual user by means of a data 
exchange with the key, and makes adjust-
ments accordingly. 
To differentiate
Color-coded decals are provided to help 
you distinguish the individual remote con-
trols with their different settings. 
What the system can do 
Please contact your BMW center for more 
information on the range of options avail-
able with Vehicle Memory and Key Mem-
ory.
You will see this symbol throughout 
the Owner's Manual. It is to remind 
you at appropriate places of the settings 
that are available to you. These positions 
can be looked up in the index under the 
respective keyword.<
Following configuration of the mem-
ory functions, vehicle operation may 
differ from the description in the Owner's 
Manual. Should you want to sell your BMW 
some day, please remember to have the 
memory functions reset to the default 
state.<
Examples of Vehicle Memory 
functions
>Central locking system: set different 
signals as an acknowledgment
>Pathway lighting: deactivate/activate 
function and set times
>Daytime driving lamps: activate/deacti-
vate function 

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
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.  

Driving
68 >Engaging: the system registers the new 
status and the brake setting is initial-
ized. The indicator lamp in the 
Info Display lights up red. 
>Releasing: the parking brake is ready 
for operation. The indicator lamp  
in the Info Display goes out. 
Automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 
In addition to fully automatic operation, you 
can also manually shift with the button on 
the steering wheel, refer to page70. 
Transmission range selection 
P R N D 
The selector lever position is indicated, and 
in the manual mode the gear currently 
engaged. 
Program display
S or M1 – M6
Buttons on steering wheel 
Press briefly to proceed through a selection 
sequence consisting of the automatic pro-
gram, the Sport program, and the manual 
mode.Steptronic: 
Upshifting and downshifting, refer to Sport 
program and manual operation.
Selecting transmission range 
The selector lever is at the center 
position. To select transmission 
ranges D, R or N, always start by pulling 
toward the steering wheel, arrow1, then 
press up or down. Note the range indicated 
in the Info Display.< 
>Range D or R: 
Press the selector lever up or down, 
continuing to apply pressure to move it 
beyond the resistance point 
>Neutral N: 
Press the selector lever up to the resis-
tance point