Practical interior accessories
118
Cigarette lighter, rear
Refer to Cigarette lighter, front.
Rear center armrest
Before folding down the armrest,
adjust the head restraint to its lowest
position, refer to page 50.<
To open the storage compartment:
Press the button in the handle recess and
fold up the cover.
Comfort seat in rear
Before folding down the armrest,
adjust the head restraint to its lowest
position, refer to page 50.<
To open the storage compartment:
Press the button and fold up the cover.
Ski bag*
Designed for safe, convenient transport
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to
2snowboards.
The ski bag itself plus the additional capac-
ity provided by the luggage compartment
make it possible to transport skis with a
length of up to 6.9 ft/2.10 m. When skis of
6.9 ft/2.10 m in length are loaded the ski
bag will tend to contract, reducing its over-
all capacity.
Loading
1.Lower the center armrest, open the
cover and place it on the armrest
2.Remove the cover panel
* and place it
on the controller in the rear
3.To open the hatch in the luggage com-
partment:
Press the handle and slide it to the right
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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 surface. This phenomenon is referred
to as hydroplaning, and is characterized by
a partial or complete loss of contact
between tires and road surface, ultimately
undermining your ability to steer and brake
the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Only drive through water with a maxi-
mum depth of 1 ft/30 cm, and then
only at walking speed at the most. Other-
wise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical
systems and the transmission may be dam-
aged.<
Safe braking
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as stan-
dard equipment. The best way to brake is
to apply maximum pressure to the brake
pedal during emergency: full brake applica-
tion. Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless
avoid possible obstacles with a minimum
of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-
cate to the driver that ABS is in its active
mode.
Driving in wet conditions
While driving in wet conditions and in heavy
rain, it is a good idea to apply light pressure
to the brake pedal every few miles. Monitor
traffic conditions to ensure that this maneu-
ver 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 reduced
efficiency of the brake system, drive
long or steep downhill gradients in the gear
in which the least braking is required. Otherwise, even light but consistent pedal
pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake fail-
ure.<
You can further enhance the engine's brak-
ing 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
page70. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake sys-
tem.
Never allow the vehicle to coast with
the transmission in Neutral – or with
the engine switched off – as there is no
engine braking when the transmission is in
Neutral, and no power-assist for brakes
and steering when the engine is not run-
ning.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasion-
ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased ten-
dency for corrosion to form on rotors, while
contaminants accumulate on the brake
pads. This occurs because the minimal
pressure which must be exerted by the
pads during brake applications to clean the
rotors is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors,
the brakes will tend to respond with a pul-
sating effect that even extended applica-
tion will fail to cure.
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW does not recommend using
mobile communications devices, e.g.
portable phones, in the interior of the vehi-
cle without a direct connection to an out-
side antenna. Otherwise the vehicle elec-
tronics and mobile communications device
can affect each other. In addition, it is not
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Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net* or securing straps
to hold down small and lightweight lug-
gage and cargo, refer to page42
>Heavy-duty straps
* for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. Anchorages for
attaching these heavy-duty straps have
been provided in your vehicle's luggage
compartment, refer to the illustration
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the anchorage fittings.
Always position and secure the load
beforehand as described above. If
you do not, it can even endanger the pas-
sengers during braking or evasive maneu-
vers.
Never exceed either the approved gross
vehicle weight or either of the approved
axle loads, refer to page216, as excessive
loads can pose a safety hazard, and may
also place you in violation of freeway safety
laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger com-
partment, as they could fly around and
pose a safety hazard to the vehicle's occu-
pants during abrupt braking or evasive
maneuvers .<
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*
Anchorage points
The anchorage points are located within
the door openings.
A special rack system is available as an
option for your BMW. Please comply with
the precautions included with the installa-
tion instructions.
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's cen-
ter of gravity when loaded, they have a
major effect on its handling and steering
response.
You should therefore always remember not
to exceed the approved roof weight, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle
loads when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights in the
Technical data section on page216.
Make sure that the load is distributed
evenly, and that it does not extend outward
to beyond the limits of the loading surface.
Always load the heaviest pieces first – on
the bottom. Be sure that adequate clear-
ance is maintained for raising the glass
roof, and that objects do not project into
the opening path of the luggage compart-
ment lid.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or being
lost during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration
and braking maneuvers. Take corners gen-
tly.
175
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influencing the cardiac pacemaker.
With the slightest sign of a cardiac pace-
maker malfunction, switch the BMW porta-
ble phone off immediately.<
Batteries
To avoid possible short circuits, after
removing a battery you should never
allow it to come into contact with metallic
surfaces of any kind. This is why you should
handle charged batteries with care, in par-
ticular if you place batteries, e.g. in jacket
or shirt pockets that contain metal objects.
If you are in an environment where there is
a risk of explosion, do not remove the bat-
tery from the device, as otherwise sparks
from your battery could cause explosions
or fire.<
Disposing of used batteries
Return used batteries to a recycling
collection point or to your BMW cen-
ter.<
Care instructions
You can find useful information on caring
for your portable phone in the Caring for
your vehicle brochure and in the separate
portable phone Owner's Manual.
Controls
To be able to use the BMW portable phone
via the vehicle equipment, it must be
located in the cradle, refer to page178.
For information on operating your
portable phone, please consult the
separate Owner's Manual.<
The BMW portable phone can be operated
by means of:
>The steering wheel, refer to page16
>The Control Center.
>The folding telephone keypad
>The voice command system, except for
incoming calls.
Control Center
You can use the following functions in the
Control Center:
>The phone book
>The TOP 8 list
>The redial list.
After selecting the desired entry, a connec-
tion can be set up via:
>The button on the steering wheel
>The folding telephone keypad
>The Control Center.
Here, the dialed number appears in the
upper status line, refer to page23.
Missed calls are also shown in a list if this
service is supported by your wireless ser-
vice provider.
Select and and confirm your
selection to switch between the two pages
of the "Communication" menu.
177
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Hands-free system
The hands-free microphone is located on
the left-hand side on the headliner.
The hands-free system is activated when-
ever you establish or receive a call using
the following:
>Buttons on the steering wheel, page16
>Voice command system, page26,
except for incoming calls
>Control Center, page175
>Telephone keypad, folding, page176.
Volume adjustment
You can adjust the volume for the hands-
free unit:
Turn this button during a call to select the
desired volume.
The hands-free unit will remain at this vol-
ume level, even if the other audio sources
are set to minimum volume.
The system automatically selects your
individual volume setting each time
you unlock the vehicle using your personal
remote control.<
Starting an emergency call
1.To open the protective cover:
Briefly press the protective cover
2.Press the emergency call button for at
least 2 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the button lights
up. As soon as the voice connection to
the BMW Assist response center has
been established, the indicator lamp
flashes.
Conditions for an emergency call:
>Ignition key from radio position
>The wireless communications network
is available
>The emergency call system is operable.
If the current position of your vehicle can be
determined with vehicles with an activated
BMW Assist, it will be transmitted to the
BMW Assist response center.
A navigation CD/DVD must be
inserted, as otherwise the current
vehicle position cannot be determined.
If the navigation system is inoperative, the
current position of the vehicle is not trans-
mitted.<
Following transmission of the data a confir-
mation report will appear on the Control
Display. The response center can initiate
immediate action for emergency assis-
tance.
If it is repeatedly not possible to transfer
the data, a voice connection to the BMW
Assist response center will be established.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehi-
cle until the connection has been
established. You will then be able to pro-
Using the phone in your vehicle
178 vide a detailed description of the situa-
tion.<
For technical reasons, the emergency
call cannot be guaranteed under
unfavorable conditions.<
Under certain conditions, an emergency
call is started automatically immediately
after a severe accident. The automatic
emergency call is not affected by the emer-
gency call button being pressed.
Commissioning
BMW portable phone
1.Pull back the cradle slightly
2.Insert the portable phone.
For portable phones with SIM
card: First switch on portable
phone and enter PIN, then insert.<
Before driving, place the BMW porta-
ble phone in the cradle. You can then
control the portable phone with the button
in the steering wheel, the Control Center,
the telephone keypad or the voice com-
mand system.<
Switching your BMW portable phone
on and off
You can switch your BMW portable
phone on and off by maintaining
extended pressure on the telephone key-
pad.
Entering lock code
If, after switching on the BMW portable
phone, you are requested by a message on
the Control Display to enter the lock code:
1.Enter the lock code, e.g. 1234
2.Press the button
Getting started
Making a call
1.Enter the desired phone number
2.Press the button
The phone number appears in the Control
Display's status line.
Always remember to enter the com-
plete telephone number, i.e. the area
code, even if you are currently in the same
area as the number that you wish to con-
tact.<
Ending a call
Press the button
1.{Dial number}
2.Enter the phone number
>Listen to the entered numerical
sequence:
{Read out}
>Delete the entire number:
{Delete}
3.{Dial}.
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4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
up to the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Twist closed the cap and tighten firmly
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss
eliminated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up and a
message appears in the Check
Control: stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time,
a considerably longer brake pedal travel
may be noticeable. Have the system
checked immediately.
Warning lamp on Canadian models.
During continued driving increased
brake pedal travel may be necessary,
and considerably longer braking distances
may result. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
For messages and indicator lamps in the
Info Display, refer to page83.
For your own safety: use only brake
pads that BMW has released for your
particular vehicle model. As BMW cannot
assess the suitability of other brake pads
for use on your vehicle, we are unable to assume continued responsibility for the
vehicle's operating safety if non-approved
pads are installed.<
Rules and regulations
200
Rules and regulations
California laws
Proposition 65 Warning
California laws require us to issue the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or
more sensing and diagnostic modules or a
recording device capable of recording or
transmitting certain vehicle data or infor-
mation. In addition, if you have a Subscrip-
tion Service Agreement for the BMW Assist
system, certain vehicle information may be
transmitted or recorded in order to provide
such services.
OBD socket
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related
components and systems for deterioration
and malfunction.
The warning lamp lights up.
Worsening of the exhaust emission
values. Have the vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
lamp will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator lamp
should go out within a few days.<