
Notes
4
Notes
Using this Owner's Manual
We have made every effort to ensure that you 
are able to find what you need in this Owner's 
Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way 
to find certain topics is by using the detailed 
index at the end. For a brief initial overview, 
please refer to the first chapter.
Should you sell your BMW some day, please 
remember to hand over the Owner's Manual as 
well; it is an important component of your vehi-
cle.
Additional sources of information
If you have additional questions, your BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center is always happy 
to advise you.
You can find information on BMW, e.g. technol-
ogy, on the Internet at www.bmwusa.com.
Symbols used 
Indicates precautions that must be fol-
lowed precisely in order to avoid the pos-
sibility of personal injury and serious damage to 
the vehicle.
Indicates information that will assist you 
in gaining the optimum benefit from your 
vehicle and enable you to care more effectively 
for your vehicle. 
Refers to measures that can be taken to 
help protect the environment. 
< Marks the end of a specific item of informa-
tion.
* Indicates special equipment, country-specific 
equipment and optional extras, as well as 
equipment and functions not yet available at the 
time of printing.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory, refer to 
page30. Identifies functions that can be 
specifically adapted for a particular key or vehi-
cle. These adjustments can be performed by 
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center. 
Symbols on vehicle components
Indicates that you should consult the rel-
evant section of this Owner's Manual for 
information on a particular part or assembly. 

Cockpit
12
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in 
different colors and combinations.
The following section explains the significance 
of the individual colors as well as how you 
should respond when they appear.
>red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>yellow:
Have the system inspected as soon as 
possible
or
For your information
>green:
For your information
>blue:
For your information
Buttons on steering wheel* 
The buttons integrated into the steering wheel 
are provided so that you can operate a number 
of accessories quickly and without being dis-
tracted from traffic conditions. You may oper-
ate: 
>Selected audio source functions
>Recirculated-air mode/steering wheel 
heater Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System 
+49
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis 
control system for Canadian models
Brake pads
 +92
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 47, 49
Flat Tire Monitor 
+49
Automatic transmission 
+36
Engine oil 
+90
Service Engine Soon 
+94
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for 
Canadian models
Check Gas Cap
* +80
Engine electronics 
+34
Battery charge current 
+101
Topping off coolant91
Topping off washer fluid90
Lamp defective53
Turn signals38
Front fog lamps54
Headlamp flasher38
High beams54
Cruise control40
Indicates from ignition key in posi-
tion 2 when a door or the tailgate is 
opened. 

Opening and closing
16
Opening and closing
Key set 
1Master keys with remote control
Every master key with remote control con-
tains an extended-life battery as a power 
supply, which is charged automatically in 
the ignition lock as you drive. You should 
use each master key at least twice a year in 
order to maintain the charge condition. 
Depending on which master key is detected 
by the vehicle during unlocking, different 
settings in the vehicle are requested and 
executed, refer to Vehicle and Key Memory 
on page30.
2Spare key 
For storage in a safe place, such as in your 
wallet. 
This key does not fit in the lock of the glove 
compartment. This is an advantage, e.g. 
when valet parking at a hotel. The key is not 
intended for constant use. 
Replacement keys 
Replacement and additional keys are available 
from your BMW Sport Activity Vehicle Center.
Central locking system
The concept 
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed. The 
system engages or releases the locks on the 
>doors 
>tailgate 
>fuel filler door 
The central locking system can be operated 
from the outside
>via the remote control
>via the driver's door lock
and from inside via the button for the central 
locking system.
When the system is locked from inside, the fuel 
filler door remains unlocked, refer to page18.
The anti-theft system is automatically activated 
whenever you activate the central locking sys-
tem from outside the vehicle. This prevents the 
doors from being unlocked via the lock buttons 
or door handles. The alarm system is also 
armed or disarmed.
In the event of a serious accident, the central 
locking system unlocks automatically. In addi-
tion, the hazard warning flashers and interior 
lamps switch on.
Opening and closing: from 
outside
Using the remote control 
When you engage/release the vehicle locks, 
you also activate/deactivate the anti-theft sys-
tem, arm/disarm
 the alarm system, and switch 
the interior lamps on/off. 
You can set an acoustic signal to remind 
you if the ignition key is still in the ignition 
lock after you open the driver's door.< 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 17
Protect the remote control against unau-
thorized use by handing over only the 
spare key, for example when using hotel valet 
parking.<
For additional details on the alarm system, refer 
to page22.
Because any persons or animals left unat-
tended in a parked vehicle could lock the 
doors from the inside, you should always keep 
the remote control with you; this precaution 
ensures that you will remain able to unlock the 
vehicle from the outside at all times.<
Unlocking
Press the   button. 
Press the button once to unlock the driver's 
door only; press a second time to unlock all 
remaining doors as well as the tailgate and the 
fuel filler door.
Convenience opening mode 
Press and hold the   button. The windows and 
the panorama glass sunroof open. 
If you desire, you can have this special 
feature activated/deactivated on a vehi-
cle-specific basis.< 
Locking and securing
Press the   button.
If you desire, the vehicle locks automati-
cally if no door or lid is opened after 
unlocking. You may have this function set on a 
vehicle-specific basis if you wish.<
As confirmation for the fact that the vehicle is 
properly locked, the hazard warning flashers 
light up.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture deactivated on vehicles without an 
alarm system.<
Switching off tilt alarm sensor* and 
interior motion sensor
* 
Press the   button again directly after 
locking. 
For details, refer to page23. 
Switching on interior lamps 
Press the   button if the vehicle is locked.
You can also use this function to locate your 
vehicle in parking garages etc.
Panic mode*
By pressing and holding the   button for more 
than approx. two seconds, you can trigger the 
alarm system
* in response to any impending 
danger.
To switch off the alarm: press any of the but-
tons.
Unlocking tailgate
Press the   button. 
The tailgate will open slightly, regardless of 
whether it was previously locked or unlocked. 
Before and after a trip, ensure that the 
tailgate has not been opened uninten-
tionally.
A previously locked tailgate is also locked again 
after closing.<
If you desire, the tailgate can only be 
opened using the remote control if the 
vehicle is unlocked. This can be adjusted.< 
Malfunctions
The remote control may malfunction due to 
local radio waves. 
Should the remote control fail to operate owing 
to interference of this kind, unlock and lock the 
vehicle via the door lock using the master key. 
If it is no longer possible to lock the vehicle via 
the remote control, the battery is discharged. 
Use this remote control during an extended 
drive; this will recharge the battery, refer to 
page16.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with 
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications 
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS 

Opening and closing
18 LX8FZVE
Compliance statement: 
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence.
and
>This device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could void the 
user's authority to operate the equipment.<
Using door lock 
One turn of the key in the driver's door lock 
unlocks the driver's door only.
Turning the key a second time unlocks all of the 
remaining doors, the tailgate and the fuel filler 
door.
As confirmation for the fact that the vehicle is 
properly locked, the hazard warning flashers 
light up.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture deactivated on vehicles without an 
alarm system.< 
Convenience operation 
You also have the option of operating the win-
dows and the panorama glass sunroof from the 
driver's door lock.
>To open: 
With the door closed, turn the key to the 
Unlock position and hold it there. >To close: 
With the door closed, turn the key to the 
Lock position and hold it. 
Watch during the closing process to be 
sure that no one is injured. Releasing the 
key stops the operation.< 
Manual operation 
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you can 
unlock or lock the driver's door with the key in 
the end positions of the door lock.
Opening and closing: from 
inside 
You can use this button to operate the central 
locking system when the front doors are closed. 
With this button, only the doors and the tailgate 
are unlocked or locked. The anti-theft system is 
not activated.
If only the driver's door was unlocked 
from the outside and you press the but-
ton, then, with the driver's door still open, the 
passenger-side door, the tailgate and the fuel 
filler door will also unlock.
If the driver's door is closed, it will be locked.<
The central locking system locks auto-
matically after driving off. This can be 
adjusted to be vehicle-specific or key-spe-
cific.<  

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 19
Unlocking and opening doors
1.Press button for central locking system.
2.Pull the respective door handle above the 
armrest.
or
individually pull on the door handle of each door 
twice to unlock and open.
Engaging locks 
>Press button for central locking system.
or
>Press down the lock buttons of the doors. 
To prevent you from being locked out, the 
opened driver's door cannot be locked 
using the lock button.
Because any persons or animals left unat-
tended in a parked vehicle could lock the 
doors from the inside, you should always keep 
the key with you; this precaution ensures that 
you will remain able to unlock the vehicle from 
the outside at all times.<
Tailgate 
Opening from outside 
Press the button in the handle strip. The tailgate 
is unlocked and opens somewhat.
During opening, the tailgate pivots back 
and up. Ensure that adequate clearance is 
available before opening.<
When the tailgate is open, the cargo area and 
interior are lit up.
Manual unlocking 
In the event of an electrical malfunction:
1.Fold up the floor cover in the cargo area.
2.Release the jack from the bracket.
3.Press the lever behind the cover to the side, 
refer to arrow.
The tailgate is locked again as soon as you 
close it.
Closing 
The handle recesses on the interior trim of the 
tailgate make it easier to pull down.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the travel 
path of the tailgate is clear when it is 
closed, as with all closing procedures.<  

Opening and closing
20
Windows 
Opening and closing windows 
As of ignition key position 1: 
>Press the switch up to the resistance point:
The window continues to move as long as 
you continue to press the switch. 
>Briefly press the switch beyond the resis-
tance point:
The window moves downward automati-
cally. Briefly press the switch again to stop 
the opening motion. 
You can close the windows in the same manner 
by pulling the switch.
After switching off ignition
You can operate the power windows for up to 
15 minutes as long as neither of the front doors 
has been opened.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove 
the key and close the doors, as otherwise 
children could operate the windows and injure 
themselves.<
For convenience operation using the door lock, 
refer to page18. 
Anti-trapping mechanism 
If the closing force rises beyond a predefined 
threshold during closing, the system will imme-
diately stop moving the window prior to lower-
ing it slightly.
Despite the anti-trapping mechanism you 
should always inspect the window's travel 
path prior to closing it, as the safety system 
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-
tions, such as very thin objects, and the window would continue closing.
You can disable the anti-trapping mechanism 
by pressing the switch beyond the resistance 
point and holding it.< 
Following interruptions in electrical 
power supply 
After disconnecting the battery, the anti-trap-
ping mechanism must be reinitialized. To do 
this, open and close the windows once and con-
tinue pull the switch for longer than 2 seconds 
after closing.
Safety switch 
With the safety switch, you can prevent the rear 
windows from being opened or closed via the 
switches in the rear passenger area, by chil-
dren, for example. The indicator lamp lights up 
when this safety feature is activated.
Always press the safety switch when chil-
dren ride in the rear, as otherwise 
unchecked closing of the windows could lead to 
injuries.<
You can deactivate the function again as 
of ignition key position 1.<
Accessories in window area
After installing any accessory – such as a 
clamp-on antenna for a portable phone – within 
the window's travel range, you will need to have 
the system reinitialized for use under the new 
conditions. Please contact your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 21
Panorama glass sunroof* 
When leaving the vehicle, always remove 
the key and close the doors, as otherwise 
children could operate the sunroof and injure 
themselves.< 
The panorama glass sunroof is operational from 
ignition key position 1.
After the ignition has been switched off:
You can operate the panorama glass sunroof for 
up to 1 minute as long as neither of the doors 
has been opened.
Raising, opening, closing
Press the switch or slide it in the desired direc-
tion up to the resistance point.
Release the switch to stop the motion.
The sliding visor is opened slightly when the 
panorama glass sunroof is raised.
The panorama glass sunroof can be opened or 
closed independently with the sliding visor 
open.
Ventilation setting
The panorama glass sunroof is raised and the 
sliding visor is opened slightly: Briefly press the 
switch twice consecutively.
Automatic opening and closing 
Briefly press the switch past the resistance 
point and then release it. 
Briefly pressing the switch again stops the 
motion.
Opening and closing panorama glass 
sunroof and sliding visor together
Briefly press the switch beyond the resistance 
point twice consecutively.
Briefly pressing the switch again stops the 
motion.
Comfort position 
Each time the panorama glass sunroof is com-
pletely opened or closed, it stops in the comfort 
position. If desired, continue the motion follow-
ing this with the switch.
In the comfort position the wind noise in the 
interior is reduced.
Anti-trapping mechanism 
If the panorama glass sunroof or sliding visor 
encounter resistance when closing from 
roughly one third of the sunroof opening or 
when closing from the raised position, the clos-
ing action is interrupted and the panorama 
glass sunroof and sliding visor reopen a little.
Despite the anti-trapping mechanism 
inspect the sunroof's travel path prior to 
closing it, as the safety system might fail to 
detect certain kinds of obstructions, such as 
very thin objects, and the sunroof would con-
tinue closing.
The anti-trapping mechanism for closing the 
panorama glass sunroof is deactivated if the 
switch is pressed beyond the resistance point 
and held there. The closing action is interrupted 
when you release the switch.< 
Following interruptions in electrical 
power supply 
Following interruptions in electrical power, for 
instance, when the battery is disconnected, it is 
possible that the panorama glass sunroof will 
extend to its tilt-up position, but fail to respond 
to other commands. The system must be initial-
ized. BMW recommends having this work car-
ried out by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center.