
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
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. 

Opening and closing
22
Manual operation 
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can 
operate the panorama glass sunroof manually.
1.Pull off the cover firmly downward.
2.Insert the Allen wrench from the compart-
ment beneath the cargo area floor, refer to 
page99, into the proper opening and turn 
the panorama glass sunroof in the desired 
direction. Direction of rotation for closing, 
refer to arrow. 
Alarm system* 
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood, or the tailgate is 
opened. 
>To movements inside the vehicle: interior 
motion sensor, refer to Tilt alarm sensor 
and interior motion sensor.
>To changes in the vehicle tilt angle such as 
occur during attempts to steal the wheels or 
tow the vehicle. 
>To interruptions in battery voltage.The system responds to unauthorized vehicle 
entry and attempted theft by simultaneously 
activating:
>The acoustic alarm for approx. 30 seconds. 
>The hazard warning flashers for approx. 
5minutes.
>The high beams, which flash on and off in 
the same rhythm.
Arming and disarming alarm system
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with 
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm 
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
If the alarm system has been properly armed, 
the hazard warning flashers light up once.
You can have different acknowledgment 
signals set to confirm arming and disarm-
ing.<
You can also open the tailgate with the system 
armed using the   button on the remote con-
trol, refer to page17. When you close the tail-
gate, the system is rearmed. 
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote control, 
refer to page17.
or
>Turn the ignition key to position 1.
Indicator lamp displays 
>The indicator lamp below the interior rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.  

Driving
34
Driving
Ignition lock 
0 Steering locked 
T h e  k e y  c a n  b e  in s e r t e d  o r r e m o v e d  in  t h i s  p o s i-
tion only.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel 
slightly to the left or right until you hear the lock 
engage.
Interlock 
Vehicles with automatic transmission: 
To turn the key back to position 0 or to remove 
it, first place the selector lever in position P.
1 Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often makes 
it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Some power accessories are ready for opera-
tion.
2 Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Starting engine
Engine 
Do not allow the engine to warm up while idling. 
Begin driving immediately at moderate engine 
speed.
The engine idle speed is controlled by the 
engine computer system. Increased idle 
speeds at startup are normal and should decrease as the engine warms up. If engine 
speed does not decrease, service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharging, always 
switch off electrical devices which are not in use 
and the ignition when the vehicle is not being 
driven.
Do not run the engine in closed rooms, as 
otherwise inhaling toxic exhaust gases 
can cause unconsciousness and death. The 
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an 
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas. 
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the 
engine running, since an unattended vehicle 
with a running engine represents a safety haz-
ard. 
When driving, standing at idle and while parking 
take care to avoid possible contact between a 
hot exhaust system and any highly flammable 
materials such as hay, leaves, grass etc. Such 
contact could lead to a fire, resulting in serious 
personal injury and property damage.<
Indicator lamps 
If the Service Engine Soon indicator 
lamp comes on either continuously or 
intermittently, this indicates a malfunc-
tion in the emissions-related electronic sys-
tems. Although the vehicle remains operational, 
you should have the systems checked by your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center at the ear-
liest possible opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the 
need for service, not that you need to stop the 
vehicle. However, the systems should be 
checked by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center at the next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates 
a high level of engine misfire. Reduce speed 
and contact the nearest BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center immediately. Severe engine 
misfiring over even a short period of time can 
seriously damage emission control system 
components, especially the catalytic converter. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 95
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit 
The onboard tool kit is located in a compart-
ment on the left in the cargo area. 
Replacing wiper blades 
Front
1.Move the wiper into the fold-out position, 
refer to page38.
2.Lift the wiper arm and press the securing 
spring, refer to arrow. 
3.Pull the wiper blade off toward the wiper 
arm. 
4.Insert the new blade and snap it into place.
Fold the wipers back down onto the wind-
shield before you turn the ignition key to 
p o s i t i o n  1  o r  2  a g a i n .  I f  y o u  d o  n o t ,  t h e y  c o u l d  b e  
damaged.< 
Rear 
1.Lift the wiper arm. 
2.Pull off the wiper blade, refer to arrow. 
3.Insert a new wiper blade.
Lamps and bulbs 
The lamps and bulbs make essential contribu-
tions to the safety of your vehicle. Therefore, 
comply fully with the following instructions dur-
ing bulb replacement. If you are not familiar with 
the specified procedures, BMW recommends 
having the replacements carried out at your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center. 
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with 
your bare fingers, as even minute 
amounts of contamination will burn into the 
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. To 
install, use a clean cloth, napkin etc. or hold the 
bulb by its metal socket.<
A replacement bulb set is available from your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
To prevent short circuits, before working 
on any electrical system, equipment or 
accessory you should always switch it off and 
disconnect the cable from the battery's nega-
tive terminal before starting.
To avoid possible injury or equipment damage 
when replacing bulbs, observe any instructions 
provided by the bulb manufacturer.< 
When maintaining the headlamps, please 
comply with the instructions in the sepa-
rate Caring for your vehicle brochure.<