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detected in the period since the system 
was armed 
>If the indicator lamp flashes after you 
unlock the vehicle before the remote 
control is inserted in the ignition lock, 
but for no more than roughly 5 minutes: 
an attempted entry has been detected 
in the period since the system was 
armed. 
F o l l o w i n g  t r i g g e r i n g  o f  a n  a l a r m ,  t h e  i n d i c a -
tor lamp will flash continuously. 
Tilt alarm sensor and interior motion 
sensor 
Tilt alarm sensor 
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The 
alarm system reacts, e.g. in case of an 
attempted wheel theft or towing.
Interior motion sensor 
In order for the interior motion sensor to 
function properly, the windows and glass 
roof must be completely closed. 
Avoiding unintentional alarms 
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion 
sensor may be switched off at the same 
time. This prevents unintentional alarms, 
e.g. in the following situations:
>In duplex garages 
>When transporting on car-carrying 
trains 
>When animals are to remain in the 
vehicle.
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and 
interior motion sensor 
Press button 2on the remote 
control twice consecutively. 
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and then 
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor 
and the interior motion sensor are switched 
off up to the next unlocking and locking 
actions. If you wish, the tilt alarm sensor and 
interior motion sensor will be perma-
nently deactivated. Please contact your 
BMW center for assistance.< 
Windows 
Opening and closing windows 
From radio mode on: 
>Press the switch up to the resistance 
point:
The window continues to move down-
ward as long as you continue to hold 
the switch 
>Briefly press the switch beyond the 
resistance point: 
The window moves downward auto-
matically. Briefly press the switch again 
to stop the opening movement. 
You can close the windows in the same 
manner by pulling the switch.
After switching off ignition
You can still operate the power windows:
>For approx. 15 minutes with the remote 
control in the radio mode 
>For approx. 1 minute in position 0 or 
with the remote control disengaged.
To open, press the switch beyond the 
resistance point. 
When leaving the vehicle parked, 
remove the remote control from the 
ignition lock and close the doors; this pre-
caution prevents children from operating 
the power windows and injuring them-
selves etc.<  

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
70
Sport program and manual operation 
Press the S/M/D button on the steering 
wheel:
The sport program is activated, and S 
appears in the program indicator of the Info 
Display. This program is recommended for 
a performance-oriented driving style. 
Pressing the S/M/D button again switches 
into the manual mode.
When the buttons on the back of the steer-
ing wheel are touched, the transmission 
upshifts. When the buttons on the front of 
the steering wheel are touched, the trans-
mission downshifts. The Info Display shows 
the manual ranges M1 through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation of engine and vehicle speed; thus, 
for example, a downshift that would cause 
the engine to overrev will not be executed 
by the system.  The selected gear appears 
briefly in the Info Display, followed by the 
current gear.
Pressing the S/M/D button again switches 
into the Automatic program again, and D 
appears in the program indicator of the Info 
Display.
Malfunction 
A message appears in the Check Control 
and in the Control Display. The directional 
arrows also start to flash in the Info Display. 
A malfunction has occurred in the transmis-
sion system. Avoid heavy loads. 
While it will remain still possible to move 
the selector lever to any desired position, 
the transmission will revert to operation in 
its default mode with only a limited number 
of forward gears. 
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to 
pages209 and210. 
Manual release of transmission 
lockout 
You can respond to any interruptions in the 
supply of electrical power, for instance, if 
the battery is discharged or disconnected, 
by releasing the transmission lockout man-
ually. 
To prevent the drive wheels from 
locking up and sliding, the transmis-
sion lockout must always be released man-
ually before the vehicle is towed.< 
Press the brake pedal before releas-
ing the transmission lockout manu-
ally. If the brakes are not applied, the vehi-
cle could start to roll if parked on a steep 
slope. 
The transmission lockout should only be 
released for towing. Remember to engage 
the transmission lockout when you repark 
the vehicle after moving it. 
Should it also be necessary to release the 
parking brake manually, owing to a dis-
charged battery, etc., always adhere to the 
following sequence: 
1.Start by manually releasing the parking 
brake, refer to page66 
2.Then proceed to manually release the 
transmission lockout.< 
Jump-starting and towing, refer to 
pages209 and210.  

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Releasing 
1.Use the vehicle key to release the cover 
panel beneath the instrument panel by 
turning the lock counterclockwise, then 
fold down the cover
2.Pull out the release lever with the loop1 
until it locks into place: the transmission 
lockout is unlocked.
Re-engage the transmission lockout 
after parking the vehicle at its destina-
tion. Otherwise there is a danger that the 
vehicle could start to roll if parked on a 
steep slope.< 
Locking again 
1.Disengage the release lever by pressing 
it together with the red detent lever, 
arrow 2.Guide the release lever all the way back 
into its original position – the transmis-
sion lockout is again engaged 
3.Fold up and lock the cover panel again. 
Now – and not before – the key may be 
removed.
Once the transmission lockout has 
been re-engaged, the warning in the 
Check Control should disappear, and the 
symbol in the Info Display should change 
from N to P. Should this fail to happen, 
there is a danger that the vehicle could start 
to roll.< 
Information on jump-starting and towing 
begins on page209. 
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher 
1High beams 
2Headlamp flasher 
3Turn signals 
Using turn signals
Move the lever beyond the resistance 
point. It then returns to the center position 
when released. Press the lever up to the 
resistance point to switch off the turn sig-
nals. 
Signaling briefly
Press the lever up to but not beyond the 
resistance point. It then returns to the cen-
ter position when released. 
If the flashing of the indicator lamp and the 
ticking from the relay are both faster than 
usual, this indicates that one of the bulbs is  

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4.Extend the ski bag between the front 
seats. The zipper allows more conve-
nient access to stored objects and can 
also be left open to allow the ski bag to 
dry.
Please ensure that the skis are clean before 
loading them into the bag. Take care to 
avoid damage from sharp edges. 
Securing load 
After loading, secure the ski bag and its 
contents. Tension the retaining strap on the 
tensioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If you 
fail to do so, it could endanger occu-
pants during braking or evasive maneu-
vers.<
Stowing ski bag 
1.To close the hatch in the luggage com-
partment: 
Press the handle and slide to the left 
2.Fold up the ski bag and place it in the 
compartment 3.Engage the cover as shown 
4.Close the cover.  

Things to remember when driving
124 ensured that the radiation which results 
during transmission will be discharged 
from the vehicle interior.<
Cargo loading 
To avoid loading the tires beyond 
their approved carrying capacity, 
never overload the vehicle. Overloading 
can lead to overheating and increases the 
rate at which damage develops inside the 
tires. The ultimate result can assume the 
form of a sudden air loss.< 
Determine loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's door pillar
*:
The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never 
exceed XXX lbs. or YYY kg, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged and 
unstable driving conditions may 
result.< 
2.Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passenger that will be riding 
in your vehicle
3.Subtract the combined weight of the 
driver and passenger from XXX lbs. or 
YYY kg
4.The resulting figure equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load 
capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals 
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lbs. 
passengers in your vehicle, the amount 
of available cargo and luggage load 
capacity is 650 lbs.:
1,400 Ibs. minus 750 Ibs. = 650 Ibs.5.Determine the combined weight of lug-
gage and cargo being loaded on the 
vehicle. That weight should not exceed 
the available cargo and luggage load 
capacity calculated in step 4
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, 
part of the load from your trailer will be 
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the 
manual for transporting a trailer to 
determine how this may reduce the 
available cargo and luggage load 
capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permitted load is the total of the weight 
of occupants and cargo/luggage. The 
greater the weight of occupants, the less 
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo 
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as 
low as possible, placing it directly 
behind the bulkhead behind the rear 
seats 
>Cover sharp edges and corners 
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat 
is not occupied, secure each safety belt 
in the opposite buckle.  

Giving and receiving assistance
210 nal for jump-starting of the vehicle 
providing starting assistance
3.Connect the second terminal clamp of 
the positive/+ jumper cable to the posi-
tive terminal of the battery or to an aux-
iliary terminal for jump-starting of the 
vehicle to be started
On your BMW, there is a special nut as 
body ground on the suspension strut 
dome, refer to arrow2 in the illustration.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable 
minus/– to the negative terminal of the 
battery or to an engine or body ground 
of the vehicle providing assistance
5.Connect the second terminal clamp of 
the negative/– jumper cable to the neg-
ative terminal of the battery or to the 
engine or body ground of the vehicle to 
be started.
Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the support vehicle 
and allow it to run for several minutes at 
a fast idle 
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in 
the usual way. 
If the first start attempt is not success-
ful, wait a few minutes before another 
attempt in order to allow the discharged 
battery to recharge 
3.Allow the engines to run for several 
minutes 
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by 
reversing the connection sequence.
If required, have the battery inspected and 
recharged at your BMW center.
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine.< 
Towing 
Using tow fitting 
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the 
onboard tool kit and must always remain in 
the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front 
or rear of the BMW. 
To avoid damage to the tow fitting 
and the vehicle, observe the follow-
ing: only use the tow fitting that comes with 
the vehicle and screw it in as far as it will 
go. Only use the tow fitting to tow on roads. 
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. 
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.< 
Access to screw thread 
Press the arrow symbol to push out the 
cover. 
Being towed
Do not tow the vehicle by the rear 
axle; because the steering detent is 
not operational, the wheels could turn to an 
extreme angle during towing. There is no 
power assist with the engine stopped. This 
then requires increased effort for braking 
and steering.< 
Switch on the hazard warning flashers 
depending on the local regulations. If the 
electrical system fails, mark the vehicle to 
be towed, e.g. with a sign or warning trian-
gle in the rear window.  

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Selector lever in position N. Manual 
release of the transmission lockout, 
refer to page70. Do not exceed a towing 
speed of 45 mph/70 km/h and a towing dis-
tance of 90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the 
automatic transmission may be dam-
aged.<
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or 
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. 
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on 
towing in the respective country.
With tow bar 
The towing vehicle may not be lighter 
than the vehicle to be towed, other-
wise it mill not be possible to control vehi-
cle response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the 
same side on both vehicles. Should it prove 
impossible to avoid mounting the tow bar 
at an offset angle, please observe the fol-
lowing: 
>Clearance and maneuvering capability 
will be strictly limited in corners 
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar 
will exert lateral forces, tending to push 
the vehicle sideways. 
Secure the tow bar on the tow fitting 
only. Otherwise damage could result 
on other vehicle parts.<
With tow-rope 
When starting off in the towing vehicle, 
make sure that the tow-rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated 
stresses on vehicle components 
when towing, always use nylon ropes or 
nylon straps. Secure the tow rope on the 
tow fitting only. Otherwise damage could 
result on other vehicle parts.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck 
with a so-called lift bar or on a load bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or 
body and chassis parts, as otherwise 
damage may result.<