Adjustments
30
Safety function
1.Close the driver's door and turn the ignition
key to position 0 or 2
2.Press and hold the desired memory button
1, 2 or 3 until the adjustment process is
completed.
If you press the M
EMORY button accidentally:
Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes
out.
Before activating the programmed
adjustment feature, ensure that the space
behind the driver's seat is empty and unob-
structed. If you fail to do so, objects behind the
seat could be damaged, should the seat move
backward.<
Seat heating*
The seat cushion and backrest can be heated
with the ignition key in position 2.
You can call up different heating modes by
repeatedly pressing the buttons.
The seat heating can also be switched off from
the higher heating modes:
Press the button and hold it slightly longer.
Safety belts
Comply with the instructions on page27,
or the occupants' personal safety will be
diminished.<
Make sure every occupant fastens his or her
safety belt. As supplemental restraint devices,
the airbags are designed to enhance the effec-
tiveness of the safety belts, and not to replace
them.
To fasten
Make sure you hear the lock engage in the belt
buckle.
To unlock
1.Press the red button in the belt buckle
2.Hold the belt
3.Guide the belt back into its reel.
The upper belt attachment point is suitable for
all body sizes, provided that the person is sitting
correctly, refer to page28.
Safety belt reminder
The indicator lamp flashes or lights up.
A signal also sounds. Check if the
safety belts have been properly fas-
tened.
The safety belt reminder is operational above a
speed of approx. 5 mph / 8 km/h. The reminder
can also occur if objects are on the passenger
seat.
Damaged safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or
stretched in an accident: have the entire
belt system, including the tensioning mecha-
nisms, replaced at your BMW center. Have the
belt anchorage points inspected for damage at
the same time. Failure to observe this precau-
tion may prevent the safety belts from effec-
tively providing optimal protection when
needed.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
31
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Never attempt to adjust the steering
wheel while driving the vehicle. It could
respond with unexpected movement, posing a
potential accident hazard.<
1.Swing the lever downward
2.Adjust the steering column's reach and
height to suit your seating position
3.Swing the lever back up.
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
1Adjustments
2To switch from one mirror to the other
3To fold the mirrors in or out
*
To adjust manually
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually, if
necessary: press on the edges of the lens.
To fold the mirrors in and out
The mirrors can be folded in or out up to a road
speed of approx. 6 mph / 10 km/h by pressing
button3. This can be useful on narrow roads,
for example, or to reset the mirrors to their cor-
rect positions after they have been folded in.
Automatic heating*
Both exterior mirrors are automatically heated
when the engine is running or the ignition is
switched on.
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce the glare from vehicles behind you
when driving at night, turn the rotary knob.
For vehicles without an alarm system:
Tilt the small lever forward.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory
How the system functions
You have probably frequently wished that you
could configure individual functions of your
vehicle to reflect your own personal require-
ments. In engineering your vehicle, BMW has
incorporated a number of options for personal
adjustment that can be programmed into your
vehicle at your BMW center.
Vehicle Memory refers to vehicle-oriented set-
tings and Key Memory refers to person-ori-
ented settings. You can have up to four different
basic settings adjusted for four different per-
sons. The only requirement is that each person
uses his or her own remote control key.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the remote
control, the vehicle recognizes the individual
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
37
>On the first attempt, engage the starter for
approx. 10 seconds
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway down.
Avoid frequent starting attempts in short
succession or repeated starting attempts
during which the engine does not start. Other-
wise, uncombusted or incompletely combusted
fuel will pose a risk of the catalytic converter
overheating and being damaged.<
Manual transmission
1.Engage the parking brake
2.Gearshift lever in idling position
3.Depress the clutch pedal.
If the clutch pedal is not depressed, the
engine cannot be started
4.Start the engine.
Automatic transmission
1.Depress footbrake
2.Place selector lever in position P or N
3.Start the engine.
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
1.Depress footbrake
2.Move selector lever to neutral position N
3.Start the engine.
If the engine does not start, re-engage the
position last selected, refer to the display
in the instrument cluster, and then engage posi-
tion N again.<
Switching off the engine
Do not remove the ignition key while the
vehicle is still moving. If you did so, the
steering lock would engage when the steering
wheel is turned.
When you leave the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key and engage the steering lock.
Apply the parking brake when parking on steep
gradients, as the vehicle could otherwise start
to roll.<
You can have an acoustic signal set as a
reminder that the ignition key is still in the ignition switch after the driver's door has been
opened.<
Manual transmission
1.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0
2.Engage first gear or reverse gear.
Automatic transmission
1.Place the selector lever in position P
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
1.Engage a drive position
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0. An
acoustic signal sounds if the engine is
switched off while position N is engaged.
Parking brake
The parking brake is designed primarily to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling when parked. It
operates against the rear wheels.
The indicator lamp lights up. As the
vehicle drives off, an acoustic signal
also sounds. The parking brake has
been applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
To engage
The detent engages automatically and the indi-
cator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on
when the ignition key is in position 2.
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.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
59
Air distribution
You can direct airflow onto the win-
dows , toward the upper body
and into the footwell . All interme-
diate settings are possible.
Air supply/blower
Turn the rotary control to adjust the
air supply. Both heating and ventila-
tion become more effective as the air
supply rate is increased.
Turn the rotary control toward zero:
The blower and the heating are turned off, and
the air supply is stopped.
Temperature
In order to increase the temperature
of the passenger compartment, turn
to the right toward the red zone.
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidified
and, depending on the temperature
setting, rewarmed.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the engine is
started.
Condensation forms during operation of
the air conditioning system, which then
exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water on the ground underneath the vehicle are
thus normal.<
Outside air/recirculated air mode
If there are unpleasant odors in the
outside air, you can temporarily block
the supply of incoming air. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently
within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the recirculated
air mode, switch this mode off and
increase the air supply as required. Do not use
the recirculated-air mode continuously over a
long period of time as this would otherwise
reduce the air quality in the interior of the vehi-
cle.<
Rear window defroster
The indicator lamp lights up when
the rear window defroster is active.
The rear window defroster switches
off automatically.
Ventilation
You can adjust the blower controls for the upper
body area to obtain the optimum airflow rates
and directions for your personal requirements:
1Rotary dials for opening and closing the
vents at any setting desired
2Slide for adjusting airflow direction
Microfilter
The built-in microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air and in the recirculated air
mode. Your BMW center will replace this filter
during the regularly scheduled maintenance. A
substantial reduction in airflow indicates that
the filter needs to be replaced earlier.
Controlling the climate for pleasant driving
62
Tips for pleasant driving
Use the automatic system – switch on with
AUTO button 6. Select the desired interior tem-
perature.
Detailed setting options are described for you
below.
Automatic air distribution and supply
The AUTO program assumes the
adjustment of the air distribution and
air supply for you and in addition
adapts the temperature to external
influences, summer or winter, to meet prefer-
ences you can specify.
In the AUTO program, the air conditioning
mode is also turned on at the same time.
The AUTO program functions only to a
limited extent when the convertible top is
open.<
Individual air distribution
You yourself can direct airflow onto
the windows , toward the upper
body and into the footwell . The
arrow lights up. The automatic air
supply remains unchanged. All intermediate
settings are possible. By pressing the AUTO
button, you can reactivate the air distribution.
Temperature
The interior temperature that
appears on the display panel is a gen-
eral figure intended for reference
purposes. When you start the vehi-
cle, the system ensures that the selected tem-
perature is reached as quickly as possible,
regardless of the season. It then maintains this
temperature.
Air supply/blower
Turn the rotary control to adjust the
air supply. This shuts off the auto-
matic air supply. The arrow lights up.
The automatic air distribution
remains unchanged. You can reactivate the
automatic air supply by pressing the AUTO but-
ton.When you turn the rotary control toward zero:
the blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off, and the air supply is stopped. You
can reactivate the system by turning the control
toward the right again.
To defrost windows and remove
condensation
This program quickly removes ice
and condensation from the wind-
shield and the side windows.
Maximum cooling
Above an outside temperature of
327/06 and with the engine run-
ning, you achieve a maximum cooling
effect as quickly as possible. At the
same time, the air conditioning is turned on.
The temperature is set to the lowest possible
value. The system switches to the recirculated
air mode, and air flows at maximum blower
speed from the ventilation grills in the upper
body area only. Therefore, the air outlets must
always be open when you select this program.
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidified
and, depending on the temperature
setting, rewarmed.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the engine is
started.
The air conditioning system is automatically
switched on when you use the AUTO program.
Condensation forms during operation of
the air conditioning system, which then
exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water on the ground underneath the vehicle are
thus normal.<
Outside air/Automatic recirculated air
control AUC/recirculated air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
external odors or pollutants by tem-
porarily stopping the flow of outside
air. The system then recirculates the
air currently within the vehicle.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
69
1.Close all windows
2.Increase the air supply from the air condi-
tioner or automatic climate control to a high
level. Refer to page58 or61.
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures occur with every vehi-
cle equipped with a catalytic converter.
Heat shields are installed adjacent to some sec-
tions of the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply undercoating to
their surfaces. When driving, standing at idle
and parking the vehicle, take care to avoid con-
tact between the hot exhaust system and flam-
mable materials, e.g. hay, leaves, grass, etc.
Such contact could lead to a fire, resulting in
serious personal injury and property damage.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the tires and
the road surface. This phenomenon can lead to
partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle con-
trol and braking effectiveness.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine,
the electrical systems and the transmission
may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, keep the vehicle from rolling
by using the parking brake rather than by
slipping the clutch, which would lead to a high
degree of clutch wear.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. If you are in a situation which requires
full braking, it is best to brake using maximum
brake pressure: panic stop. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you can still
avoid possible obstacles with a minimum of
steering effort.Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Wet roads
If the roads are wet or if there is heavy rain, it is
advisable to gently press the brakes for a brief
moment every few miles/kilometers. Watch
traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver
does not endanger other road users. The
resulting heat dries the brake rotors and brake
pads. Immediate braking force is then available
if necessary.
Inclines
To prevent overheating and, as a result,
diminished braking effectiveness, drive
down long or steep downhill grades in a gear
which requires the least braking. Otherwise,
even light but consistent pedal pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos-
sibly even brake failure.<
The braking power of the engine can be further
enhanced by downshifting the automatic trans-
mission in manual mode, if necessary, into first
gear; refer to pages39 and41. This prevents an
excessive load on the brakes.
Do not coast with the clutch depressed or
with the transmission or selector lever in
Neutral. Do not coast with the engine switched
off. Otherwise, the engine provides no braking
effect while the transmission is in idling posi-
tion, and there is no power-assist for braking or
steering when the engine is off.
Floor mats, floor carpets or other objects must
not be in the area near the brake or accelerator
pedal, as this could impair the movement of the
pedals.<
Corrosion on the brake rotors
Limited vehicle use, extended periods with the
vehicle parked or in storage, and operating con-
ditions in which braking is restricted to gentle,
low-pressure applications will all increase the
tendency for corrosion to form on the rotors and
contamination to accumulate on the brake
pads. This occurs because the minimal pres-
Special operating instructions
70 sure which must be exerted by the pads to
clean the rotors by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they will tend to
respond to braking with a pulsating effect which
even extended application will fail to cure.
Interior and exterior mirrors with
automatic dimming feature*
Two photocells in the interior rearview mirror
serve to control the interior and exterior mirrors
with automatic dimming feature. One photocell
is positioned in the mirror's lens, see arrow,
while the other is on the opposite side of the
mirror.
To ensure perfect functioning, keep the photo-
cells clean and the area between the interior
rearview mirror and the windshield free of any
obstruction like stickers, etc.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation formed in the air conditioning
system during operation exits under the vehi-
cle. Traces of condensed water on the ground
underneath the vehicle are thus normal.
Mobile equipment in the vehicle
BMW advises against using mobile
equipment, e.g. cellular phones, inside
the vehicle without connecting them directly to
an outside antenna. Otherwise, it cannot be
ruled out that vehicle electronics and the mobile
equipment interfere with one another. In addi-
tion, it is not ensured that the radio waves emit-
ted during transmission are directed outside of
the vehicle interior.<
Cargo loading
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the
permissible carrying capacity of the tires
is not exceeded. Otherwise, overheating and
inner damage to the tires may result. The ulti-
mate result can assume the form of a sudden air
loss.<
Determining the maximum load
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs; otherwise damage to the
vehicle and unstable driving conditions
could 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 kilograms or YYY
pounds
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
551 lbs. and there will be two 150 lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
251 lbs.
551 lbs. minus 300 lbs. = 251 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.