
63
Sequential manual gearbox SMG*The conceptThe sequential manual gearbox SMG is 
an automated manual gearbox with 
which clutching and shifting is assumed 
by an electro-hydraulic system.
The SMG is operated via the selector 
lever in the center console and two shift 
paddles on the steering wheel.
It offers the following functions:
>Sequential mode: manual mode
>Drive mode: automatic operation 
>Ability to choose between two differ-
ent driving programs: Standard, 
Sport
>Operating safety through protection 
against misshifting
>Automatic upshifts and downshifts in 
the drive mode
>Automatic downshifts at minimum 
engine rpm
>Kickdown function in the drive mode.
>Acceleration assistant, refer to 
page 66
Selector lever positionsThe current selector lever position is 
indicated by a light-emitting diode in 
the center console.
R: Reverse
N: Neutral
Position for forward driving with one-
touch functions:
Sequential mode
+: manual upshifts
—: manual downshifts
D: drive mode.
The SMG is ready for operation in igni-
tion key position 2.
The gearbox is automatically 
placed in neutral gear if the 
driver's door is opened while the engine 
is running and the driver does not actu-
ate the pedals, the shift paddles or the 
selector lever.
This is accompanied by an acoustic 
signal and the flashing gear indicator. 
The gear display N appears in the 
instrument cluster.
A driving position can only be engaged 
when the driver's door is closed.
When the vehicle is unlocked, a buzzer 
in the area of the transmission indicates 
that the system is ready for operation.<
ShiftlockWhen the car is at a standstill, a safety 
function requires you to depress the 
brake pedal if you want to move the 
selector lever from the neutral 
position N to a driving position.Driving precautions
Use enough acceleration to pull 
away speedily when moving off on 
an uphill gradient. Never try to prevent 
the car from rolling back on an uphill 
gradient by depressing the accelerator 
pedal; always apply the handbrake. 
Otherwise you could overheat the SMG 
gearbox.<
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66
Sport programYou can choose between two driving 
programs: smoothly dynamic or Sport. 
With the Sport program, gearshifts are 
faster in sequential mode and the shift 
points are adapted in drive mode.
To activate the Sport program: press 
the SPORT button. The LED in the but-
ton lights up.Acceleration assistantThe acceleration assistant permits opti-
mum racing-style acceleration when 
you are driving off on roads with good 
grip.
Do not use the acceleration assis-
tant too frequently as this could 
cause premature wear of the compo-
nents.<
1. Activate the Sport program
2. Press and hold the DSC button, refer 
to page 81, for more than three sec-
onds
3. Quickly press the accelerator pedal 
down fully: kickdown. The optimum 
rpm for driving off will be adjusted.
To maintain vehicle stability, 
always drive with the DSC acti-
vated whenever possible.<
Sequential manual gearbox SMG* 

68
KickdownYou can achieve maximum road perfor-
mance using kickdown.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the 
increased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
M/S manual operation and Sport 
programWhen you move the selector lever from 
the D position to the left into the M/S 
range, the sport program is activated, 
indicated by the letters SD in the instru-
ment cluster. The M/S mode is recom-
mended for performance-oriented driv-
ing. Steptronic enters the manual 
selection mode and executes the 
desired shift whenever you tap the 
selector lever in the direction indicated 
by + or –.
This mode allows you to execute 
upshifts manually by tapping the lever 
toward +, while downshifts are selected 
by tapping in the – direction. The dis-
plays M1 through M5 appear in the 
instrument cluster.
The transmission will only execute 
upshifts and downshifts that will result 
in an appropriate combination of vehi-
cle speed and engine rpm. For 
instance, downshifts that would result 
in excessive engine speed are not exe-
cuted. The desired, then the actual 
gear, briefly appear in the instrument 
cluster.
Whenever you want to use the auto-
matic mode again, just shift the selector 
lever toward the right to position D.
Shifting from M/S to the selector lever 
positions P, R and N is possible only by 
going through D.
To accelerate quickly in the man-
ual mode for maneuvers such as 
passing another vehicle, shift down 
manually or employ the kickdown 
mode.<
Shifting from M/S to the selector lever 
positions P, R and N is possible only by 
going through D.
Automatic transmission with Steptronic* 

145
BatteryMaintenanceThe battery is completely maintenance-
free. This means that the original bat-
tery acid will normally last for the ser-
vice life of the battery under moderate 
climate conditions. Your BMW center 
will be glad to advise you if you have 
any questions concerning the battery.Charging the batteryWhen charging the battery in the vehi-
cle, leave the engine off at all times. 
Connect the charge cables to the termi-
nals in the engine compartment. For 
terminal locations, refer to Jump-start-
ing on page 147.Disposal
After changing the battery, have 
the old battery disposed of by 
your BMW center or bring it to a recy-
cling point. Maintain the battery in an 
upright position for transport and stor-
age. Secure the battery against falling 
over in transit.<
Power lossAfter a temporary power loss, e.g. due 
to a discharged battery, some equip-
ment will be limited in its use and will 
have to be reinitialized. Individual set-
tings are also lost and must be reset:
>Seat and mirror memory 
The position settings must be stored 
again, refer to page 47
>Clock 
must be reset, refer to page 77
>Radio
Stations must be reset, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
>Navigation system
The system will not be operable 
immediately, refer to the Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard Com-
puter.
FusesYou will find the fuses and information 
on their respective allocation in the 
glove compartment behind a panel with 
two snap clips.
Do not attempt to repair a blown 
fuse or replace it with a fuse 
having a different color or amperage 
rating. To do this could cause a fire in 
the vehicle resulting from a circuit over-
load.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

150
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be 
lighter than the vehicle being 
towed; otherwise, vehicle handling can 
no longer be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles 
should be on the same side.
If the tow bar can only be used in a 
diagonal position, please note the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance is restricted while you are 
driving around corners
>The inclination of the tow bar pro-
duces lateral force.
Only attach the tow bar to the 
towing eyelets. Other parts of the 
vehicles could otherwise be dam-
aged.<
With a tow ropeWhen the towing vehicle is driving off, 
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for tow-
ing because they prevent sudden 
jerking movements. Attach the tow rope 
only to the towing eyelets. Other parts 
of the vehicles could otherwise be 
damaged.<
With a tow truckHave the BMW transported by a tow 
truck with a lift sling, or on a flatbed.
Never allow passengers to ride in 
a towed vehicle for any reason.<
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow-
ing eyelet, nor by parts of the 
body or chassis. Otherwise damage 
could result.
automatic transmissions. Jump-
starting, refer to page 147.<
Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic 
converters if the engine is cold. It is 
better to have the engine jump-started, 
refer to page 147.
1. Turn on hazard warning flashers; 
comply with national regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Have the vehicle towed with the 
clutch pedal completely depressed 
and then slowly release the clutch 
pedal. After the engine has started, 
immediately depress the clutch pedal 
again completely
5. Pull over at a suitable location, 
remove the tow bar or tow rope, and 
turn on the hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with sequential manual gear-
box SMG:
>Have the vehicle towed with the 
selector lever in position N
>Select sequential mode. The correct 
gear will automatically be selected 
and engaged.
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle 

Everything from A to Z
169
Tail lamps
bulb replacement 139
Tail lamps, refer to Rear 
lamps 139
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel 
tank capacity 157
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel 
gauge 75
Technical data 154
Technical modifications 5
Technical modifications, 
refer to For your own 
safety 5
Telephone hookup 101
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Television, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
Temperature
air conditioning 92
automatic climate 
control 96
Temperature adjustment
92, 96
Temperature display
engine coolant 75
ice warning 78
outside temperature 78
setting units 78
Temperature layering 93, 97Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control 72
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 43
Third brake lamp, refer to 
Center high-mount brake 
lamp 140
Threaded socket for towing 
eyelet 149
Three-point safety belt 46
Through-loading system 104
Tilt alarm
deactivate 37
Tilt alarm sensor 37
Tilting passenger-side exte-
rior mirror 48
Time 77
Tire change 141
Tire inflation pressure 116
Tire pressure monitoring, 
refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor 82
Tire replacement 141Tires
age 118
breaking in 112
changing 141
condition 119
damage 119
flat 141
inflation pressure 116
storing 122
tread 119, 120
tread wear indicators, 
refer to Tire tread 120
winter tires 121, 122
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit 136
Torque
engine 154
lug bolts 142
Tow bar 149
Tow rope 149
Towing 149
Towing eyelet 149
Towing the vehicle 149
Tow-starting 149
Track width, refer to Dimen-
sions 155
Transmission
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 67
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 63Transmission lock, refer to P 
Park 67
Transmission malfunction
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 69
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 65
Transport securing devices, 
refer to Securing 
cargo 108
Transporting children 
safely 54
Trap protection
electric power windows 38
glass sunroof 40
Tread depth, refer to Tire 
tread 120
Tread wear indicators in 
the tires, refer to Tire 
tread 120
Tread wear, tires 120
Trigger alarm – Panic 
mode 30
Trip distance recorder, refer 
to Trip odometer 74
Trip meter, refer to Trip 
odometer 74
Trip odometer 74
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage 
compartment lid 33
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex