Driving
40
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG*
The concept
The sequential manual gearbox SMG is an
automated manual gearbox with which clutch-
ing and shifting is assumed by an electro-
hydraulic system.
The SMG is operated via two shift paddles on
the steering wheel and the selector lever in the
center console.
It offers the following functions:
>Optionally manual or automatic operation:
sequential mode or drive mode
>Ability to choose between two different
driving programs: standard or Sport, refer to
page41
>Protection against misshifting, and auto-
matic downshifting at minimum engine rpm
even in sequential mode
>Kickdown function in the drive mode
>Acceleration assistant, refer to page42.
The SMG is ready for operation when the igni-
tion key is in position 2.
Selector lever positions
You can see the current selector lever position
in the center console.
>R: Reverse
>N: Neutral
>One-touch functions for the sequential
mode
+: manual upshifting
–: manual downshifting>D: Drive mode.
N is automatically selected if the driver's
door is opened while the engine is run-
ning and the driver does not actuate the pedals,
the shift paddles or the selector lever.
This is accompanied by an acoustic signal and a
flashing N in the instrument cluster.<
Gear indicator
R N 1 to 6
The gear currently engaged is displayed; in the
Drive mode, a D appears in front of the gear
Shiftlock
While the vehicle is stationary and before shift-
ing out of N, depress the footbrake, as other-
wise the desired gear shift is not executed.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Sequential mode
Each time the engine is started, the sequential
mode is activated as soon as you move the
selector lever towards the right while depress-
ing the brake pedal.
The gear is changed via the shift paddles or the
selector lever.
It is also possible to drive off in second gear, e.g.
on slippery roads.
D Drive mode
In the drive mode all forward gears are shifted
automatically.
To switch from sequential to drive mode: tap
the selector lever to the right toward D.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
41
Kickdown:
For rapid acceleration, e.g. during passing,
depress the accelerator pedal completely. You
achieve maximum acceleration.
To switch back to sequential mode: tap the
selector lever again to the right toward D, or
change the current gear via the shift paddles or
the selector lever.
When driving off on inclines, drive
smoothly without pausing. Do not keep
the vehicle in place by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal; instead, apply the parking brake. Oth-
erwise, the gearbox could overheat.<
Shifting gears
With selector lever
>To upshift, tap the selector lever toward +
>To downshift, tap the lever toward –.
With shift paddles on steering wheel
>To upshift, pull one of the shift paddles
>To downshift, push the paddle.
In the following situations, the SMG in the
sequential mode assists you:
>The transmission will only execute upshifts
and downshifts that will result in an appro-
priate combination of vehicle speed and
engine rpm. For instance, downshifts that
would result in excessive engine speed
cannot be executed
>During a stop the gearbox is automatically
downshifted into first gear
>Shortly before a gear-dependent minimum
speed is reached, the gearbox automatically
shifts down without you taking any action.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The trans-
mission system is malfunctioning.
Avoid heavy loads.
All of the selector lever positions can continue
to be engaged; in the forward drive positions,
however, the vehicle will be operating in a
restricted gear range only. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Towing and tow-starting, refer to page98;
Jump starting, refer to page97.
Overheating
An acoustic warning signal sounds. The gear-
box is overheating. If possible, stop the vehicle
or drive off swiftly so that the system can cool
off again.
Driving Dynamic Control
Driving Dynamic Control allows your BMW to
react in a sportier driving style at the touch of a
button:
>The engine responds more spontaneously
to any motion of the accelerator pedal
>The vehicle is steered more directly and
traction is enhanced
>Cruise control:
When the speed last stored is called up, this
speed is attained more quickly.
Additional features with SMG:
>Gears are shifted more quickly
>The engine speed range is optimally utilized
in the drive mode.
With automatic transmission:
>The Sport program is activated.
Technology for safety and driving convenience
52
Brake force display
The Brake force display lights up in two stages
depending on how strongly you are braking.
>Normal braking:
The brake lamps and the center brake lamp
light up
>Hard braking or braking with ABS:
In addition, the illuminated surface of the
brake lamps is extended, refer to the pic-
ture.
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
As you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor keeps track
of pressure levels in all four tires. The system
alerts you whenever the inflation pressure of a
tire falls significantly below the pressure of
another tire.
In the event of tire pressure loss, the rolling
radius of the tire changes, thereby affecting the
rotational speed of the wheels. This change is
detected, and a flat tire warning is issued to the
driver.
System requirements
To ensure a reliable flat tire warning, the system
must be initialized with the correct tire inflation
pressures.
Each time you correct the pressure in a
tire, or change a wheel or tire, the system
must be re-initialized.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot provide you
with advance warning of sudden and
severe tire damage caused by external factors
and does not detect the balanced and very
gradual pressure loss that takes place in all four
tires over an extended period of time.<
The system could issue a false warning or func-
tion in a delayed manner in the following situa-
tions:
>System was not initialized
>You are driving on a snow-covered or slip-
pery road surface
>Performance-oriented driving: slip at the
drive wheels, high levels of lateral accelera-
tion
>You are driving with snow chains.
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed while you
are driving, and can be interrupted at any
time. Initialization is automatically continued
when you continue driving.
When driving with snow chains, do not initialize
the system.<
1.Start the engine, but do not drive off
2.Press the button as long as you need to until
the yellow indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up for a few seconds
3.Drive off.
Initialization is completed during the drive,
without any feedback issued.
Replacement procedures
94 Please contact a BMW center in case of a mal-
function.
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb
1.Push out the lamp with a suitable object and
remove it
2.Replace the bulb.
Snap the lamp back into place.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Control elements, display units and other inte-
rior equipment in your vehicle use a light-emit-
ting diode behind a cover as a light source.
These light-emitting diodes are similar to con-
ventional lasers.
Do not remove the covers, and do not
look directly at the unfiltered light for sev-
eral hours. Otherwise, it can lead to retinal irrita-
tion of the eye.<
Changing a wheel
Run Flat tires
Your BMW is equipped with Run Flat tires.
Therefore, the wheel no longer has to be
changed immediately in the event of a loss in
inflation pressure.
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall with a
circular symbol containing the letters RSC.
Refer to page82.
BMW recommends that you consult your BMW
center if you wish to replace the tires of your
B MW , o r change from summe r to winter tire s o r
vice versa.
Your BMW center knows how to work with Run Flat tires and is equipped with the necessary
special tools.
When mounting or replacing summer
tires with winter tires, or vice versa, use
only Run Flat tires since no spare wheel is avail-
able in the event of a flat.<
Jacking points
The jacking points are located at the positions
indicated in the illustration.
Your BMW center can provide you with a
suitable jack as an accessory.<
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is completely maintenance-free.
This means that the original electrolyte will nor-
mally last for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions. Your BMW cen-
ter will be happy to advise you if you have any
questions concerning the battery.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up:
The battery is no longer being charged.
The alternator drive belt is defective or
there is a malfunction in the charging circuit of
the alternator. Please contact the nearest BMW
center.
If the drive belt is defective, pull over and
switch off the engine immediately to pre-
vent overheating and serious engine damage.
If the onboard supply voltage drops to a very
low level, increased steering effort may also be
necessary.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
107
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit97
Bar, towing99
Battery94
– charging95
– disposal95
– indicator lamp12,94
– jump-starting97
– power supply interruption95
– remote control16
Belts, refer to Safety belts30
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts30
Beverage holders64
Blower
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Blower, refer to Air
supply59,62
BMW5
BMW Maintenance
System89
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders64
Brake fluid88
– filling88
– indicator/warning
lamp13,88
– level88
Brake force display52
Brake hydraulic system88
– indicator/warning
lamp13,88
Brake lamps
– brake force display52
– bulb replacement93
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp13
Brake pads88
– break-in procedures68
– warning lamp88
Brake pad wear indicator
– brake pads88
– warning lamp13
Brake rotors
– brake system69
– break-in procedures68Brakes
– ABS50
– brake fluid88
– brake pads88
– break-in procedures68
– indicator/warning
lamps13,51
– parking brake37
Brake system
– brake fluid88
– brake pads88
– break-in procedures68
– disc brakes69
– indicator lamp13
Breakdown
– Flat Tire Monitor52
Breakdown service, refer to
Mobile Service96
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential68
Break-in procedures68
Bridging, refer to Jump-
starting97
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs91
Buttons in the multifunction
steering wheel10
C
California laws
– Event Data Recorders90
– Proposition 65 warning6
Can holders, refer to Beverage
holders64
Capacities105
Capacity
– luggage compartment, refer
to Weights103
Car battery94
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys16Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Car radio, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system69
CD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
CD operation, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Center high-mount brake
lamp, bulb replacement93
Central locking system16
– interior18
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel94
– Run Flat tires94
Charge indicator lamp12,94
Check gas cap, indicator
lamp13
Child-restraint mounting
system, LATCH35
Child-restraint systems33
Child seat, refer to
Installing child-restraint
systems34
Chrome parts, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter65
Cigarette lighter socket65
Cleaning the rear window,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Everything from A to Z
112 Manual mode, refer to
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
Manual operation
– automatic transmission
interlock38
– door lock18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door76
– luggage compartment lid18
– power convertible top23
– storage compartments64
Manual transmission38
Manufacturer5
Master key16
– with remote control16
Maximum cooling62
Maximum speed, winter
tires82
MD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions104
Mechanical seat28
Memory, refer to
– Seat Memory29
– Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory31
Microfilter
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control63
Microphone, refer to
Preparations for the cellular
phone65
Minidisc operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Mirrors31
– heated31
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual5
Mobile Service96
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety6
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to
– Tire inflation pressure78
M Sports seat29Multifunction steering wheel,
refer to Buttons in the
steering wheel10
Multifunction switch
– turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher42
– washer/wiper system43
N
Neck supports, refer to Head
restraints28
Nets64
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
and tow-starting99
O
OBD interface socket90
Octane numbers, refer to Fuel
specifications76
Odometer46
Oil, refer to Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved
oils87
– alternative oils87
– approved oils87
– capacity105
– dipstick86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Oil change intervals,
refer to the Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models
Oil consumption86
Oil filter change105
Oil level86
– checking86
– indicator lamp13
Oil pressure86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Oil sensor86
– indicator lamp13
Oil service47
Oil types87Onboard computer
– button BC48
Onboard computer, refer to
Computer or to the Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Onboard monitor, refer to
Computer or to the Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Onboard tool kit91
Opening and closing the
vehicle
– at the door lock17
– from inside18
– from outside16,17
– with the remote
control16,17
Operating elements10
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation59,63
Outside air mode59
– air conditioning59
Outside air mode, automatic
climate control62
Outside temperature
display47
– changing units of
measure48
– in the onboard computer48
P
Paintwork, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Parking brake37
– indicator lamp13
Parking lamps/Low beams56
Parking lock, refer to
Parking39
Parts and accessories,
refer to Your individual
vehicle5
Passenger airbags
– deactivation33
– reactivation33
Placing the vehicle in storage,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure