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dance with whether and how the front passen-
ger seat is occupied. The indicator lamp shows 
whether the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp comes on as intended 
when a child in a specially designated child-
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
>The indicator lamp does not come on as 
long as a person of sufficient size and in a 
correct sitting position is detected on the 
seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not come on if the 
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
After the remote control is inserted in the igni-
tion lock, or turned to radio-ready position, refer 
to page52, the warning lamp lights up for a brief 
time, indicating the operational readiness of the 
entire airbag system and safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not come on after the 
remote control is inserted in the ignition 
lock or, in cars with convenient access
*, 
after radio-readiness is switched on
>Warning lamp remains permanently on
In the event of a fault in the airbag system, 
have it checked without delay, otherwise 
there is the risk that the system will not function as intended even if a sufficiently severe acci-
dent occurs.<
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Maximum cooling
At outside temperatures above 
327/06 and when the engine is 
running, you obtain a maximum 
cooling effect as soon as possible.
The automatic climate control switches to the 
lowest temperature and operates in recircu-
lated-air mode. Air flows at maximum rate only 
from the vents for the upper body area. You 
should therefore open them for maximum cool-
ing.
AUTO program
The AUTO program adjusts the air 
distribution to the windshield and 
side windows, towards the upper 
body area and into the footwell for you. The air 
flow rate and your temperature specifications 
will be adapted to outside influences as a result 
of seasonal changes, e.g. sunlight or window 
condensation.
The cooling is switched on automatically with 
the AUTO program.
Intensity of the AUTO program
You can set the intensity of the air supply in the 
AUTO program. This changes the duration of 
time during which the vehicle interior is heated 
or cooled.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Call up "Climate".
3.Select "Automatic programs" and press the 
controller.
4.Select the desired field.
5.Press the controller to set the desired inten-
sity. The selected intensity level of the auto-
matic program is switched on.
Adjusting air flow rate manually
Press the left side of the button to 
reduce airflow. Press the right side 
of the button to increase it.
You can reactivate the automatic mode for the 
air flow rate with the AUTO button.
Switching the system on/off
With the blower at its lowest setting, press the 
left side of the button to switch off the auto-
matic climate control. All indicators go out.
Press any button except REST to reactivate the 
automatic climate control.
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control/Recirculated-air mode
Switch on the desired operating 
mode by pressing this button 
repeatedly:
>LEDs off: outside air flows in continuously.
>Left-hand LED on, AUC mode: a sensor 
detects pollutants in the outside air. If nec-
essary, the system blocks the supply of out-
side air and recirculates the inside air. As 
soon as the concentration of pollutants in 
the outside air has decreased sufficiently, 
the system automatically switches back to 
outside air supply.
>Right-hand LED on, recirculated-air mode: 
the supply of outside air is permanently 
shut off. The system then recirculates the 
air currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the 
inside window surfaces during operation 
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch 
it off while also increasing the air flow rate as 
required. 
The recirculated-air mode should not be used 
over an extended period of time, otherwise the 
air quality inside the car will deteriorate contin-
uously.<
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2Use the knurled wheel to smoothly open 
and close the air vents
3Use the lever to change the direction of the 
airflow
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
The microfilter traps dust and pollen in the 
incoming air. The activated-charcoal filter pro-
vides additional protection by filtering gaseous 
pollutants from the outside air. Your BMW cen-
ter replaces this combined filter during routine 
maintenance. 
You can call up further information in the service 
requirements display, refer to page71.
Parked car ventilation
The concept
The parked car ventilation/heating provides 
ventilation to the passenger compartment and 
lowers its temperature, if necessary. It is ready 
for use at any outside temperature, as of radio 
readiness.
The parked car ventilation/heating remains 
switched on for 30 minutes. Two different 
switch-on times can be preselected. The sys-
tem can also be switched on and off directly. 
Due to its high power consumption, it should 
not be switched on twice in a row without driv-
ing in between to allow the battery to recharge.
The air emerges from the air vents for the upper 
body area in the instrument panel. The air vents 
must therefore be open.
The parked car ventilation system is operated 
via iDrive.
Switching on/off directly
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the left to call up "Cli-
mate".
3.Select "Parked car operation" and press the 
controller.
4.Select "Automatic ventilation" and press 
the controller.5.Select "Parked car ventilation" and press 
the controller.
 The parked car ventilation/heating is 
switched on.
 The symbol on the automatic climate control 
display flashes.
Preselecting switch-on times
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the left to call up "Cli-
mate".
3.Select "Parked car operation" and press the 
controller.
4.Select "Activation time" and press the con-
troller.
5.Move the controller to the left or right to 
select "Timer 1" or "Timer 2".
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Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote 
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can 
replace as many as three hand-held transmit-
ters for various remote-controlled devices, 
such as door openers and house alarm sys-
tems. The integrated universal remote control 
registers and stores signals from the original 
hand-held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter 
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons1. After this, the programmed 
memory button1 will operate the system in 
question. The LED2 flashes to confirm trans-
mission of the signal.
Should you sell your vehicle one day, be sure to 
delete the stored programs beforehand for your 
safety, refer to page102.
To prevent possible damage or injury, 
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect 
the immediate area to make certain that no peo-
ple, animals or objects are within the pivoting or 
travel range of the device being operated. Com-
ply also with the safety instructions supplied 
with the original hand-held transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If this symbol appears on the package 
or in the instructions supplied with the 
original hand-held transmitter, you can 
assume that the radio remote control device will 
be compatible with the integrated universal 
remote control.
For additional information, please contact your 
BMW center or call: 1-800-355-3515.
You can also obtain information on the Internet 
at: 
www.bmwusa.com or 
www.homelink.com. HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson 
Controls, Inc.<
Programming
1Memory buttons
2LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page52.
2.When starting operation for the first time: 
Press both outer memory buttons1 for 
approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 flashes. 
The three memory buttons are cleared.
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a 
distance of approx. 2to 8in/5to 20cm from 
the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons1 depends on the system of the 
respective original hand-held transmitter 
used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit key on 
the original hand-held transmitter and the 
desired memory button 1 on the integrated 
universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes 
slowly at first. As soon as the LED2 flashes 
rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED2 
does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 sec-
onds, alter the distance.
5.To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
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Ventilated storage compartment
The storage compartment in the center armrest 
can be ventilated: slide the switch backwards.
The temperature is controlled via the knurled 
wheel for adjusting the temperature of air venti-
lating the rear of the passenger compartment, 
refer to page98.
Connection for external audio device
You can connect an external audio device such 
as a CD or MP3 player and play audio tracks 
over the car's loudspeaker system, refer to 
page158.
Storage compartments inside 
the vehicle
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you 
will find compartments beside the steering col-
umn
*, in the front doors and in the center con-
sole
*. 
There are nets
 on the front-seat backrests.
Storage compartments in the rear 
console
Depending on your vehicle's equipment ver-
sion, the following storage compartments can 
be found in the rear console:>Storage tray
>Storage compartment with cover
Clothes hooks
Press the upper edge to flip open.
Items of clothing hung from the hooks 
must not obstruct the driver's view. Do 
not hang heavy objects from the hooks, other-
wise they could endanger the car's occupants, 
e.g. in case of heavy braking or sudden swerv-
ing.<
Cup holders
Do not place glassware in a cup holder; 
otherwise there is an increased risk of 
injury in the event of an accident. Do not force 
containers that are too large into the cup hold-
ers, otherwise damage could result.<
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Ashtray, rear
Opening
Push the ridge on the cover.
Emptying
Lift out the insert.
Connecting electrical 
appliances
In your BMW, you can use electrical devices 
such as a flashlight, car vacuum cleaner, etc., up 
to approx. 200 watts at 12 volts, as long as one 
of the following sockets is available. Avoid dam-
aging the sockets by attempting to insert plugs 
of unsuitable shape or size.
Cigarette lighter socket*
Pull the cigarette lighter out of the socket, refer 
to page106.
Socket in the center armrest
External audio device, refer to page105.
Socket in the cargo bay*
Open the cap.
Through-loading system
Opening
1.To release the rear seat back, pull the corre-
sponding lever in the cargo bay.
2.The unlocked rear seat back moves forward 
slightly. Fold the seat back forward by the 
head restraint.
Closing
Return the rear seat back to its upright position 
and engage it.
When returning the backrest into its seat-
ing position, make sure that the seat's 
locking mechanism engages properly. Other-
wise, cargo could be thrown around in the event 
of sharp braking or swerving and endanger the 
occupants.<
The lashing eyes in the cargo bay provide you 
with a way to attach cargo-bay nets
* or draw 
straps for securing suitcases and luggage, refer 
to page115.
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device can influence one another. In addition, 
there is no assurance that the radiation which 
results from transmission will be dissipated 
from the vehicle interior.<
Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic 
dimming feature*
The automatic dimming feature of the interior 
and exterior mirrors
* is controlled by two photo 
cells in the interior rearview mirror. One photo 
cell is in the mirror frame, see arrow; the other is 
on the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions 
correctly, keep the photo cells clean, do not 
cover the area between the interior rearview 
mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive 
labels or stickers of any kind to the windshield 
directly in front of the mirror.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge 
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, 
means that the tire can completely lose contact 
with the road surface, so that neither the car can 
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page188.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is 
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only 
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the 
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with 
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise 
greater clutch wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page82.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard 
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most 
effective way of braking in situations in which 
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains 
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid 
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering 
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that 
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, 
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal 
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to 
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger 
other road users. The heat generated in this 
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure 
that full braking efficiency will then be available 
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting 
reduced efficiency of the brake system, 
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the 
gear in which the least braking is required. Even 
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to 
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by 
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing 
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page55.
Never drive with the clutch held down, 
with the transmission in idle or with the 
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking 
action will not be present or there will be no 
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Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of 
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the 
weight of the occupants, the less cargo/lug-
gage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the 
respective seat backs.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is 
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the 
opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using 
retaining straps, a cargo-bay net
* or draw 
straps
*.>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing 
larger and heavier objects are available at 
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes are 
provided for attaching the cargo straps. 
Two are located on the rear cargo-bay 
panel2, two more on the cargo-bay 
sidewalls1.
Please comply with the information sup-
plied with the cargo straps.
Always position and secure the cargo as 
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden 
braking or swerves are necessary. 
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle 
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer 
to page212, as excessive loads can pose a 
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws. 
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried 
unsecured inside the car, since they could be 
thrown around, for example as a result of heavy 
braking, sudden swerves, etc., and endanger 
the occupants.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option 
for your BMW. Comply with the precautions 
included with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the roof or 
along the roof rails
*.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on 
vehicle handling and steering response. 
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