
45
Opening and closing1To close
2To open
To avoid placing unnecessary 
loads on the battery, you should 
avoid operating the top when the 
engine is switched off.
Before closing the top, always ensure 
that the windshield frame is clear of any 
obstructions that could prevent the top 
from closing correctly.<
With the ignition key in position 1 or 
higher, and with the vehicle stationary
1. Read and comply with the preceding 
safety precautions
2. Ensure that the convertible top com-
partment panel in the luggage com-
partment is folded down, refer to 
page 35; otherwise, it will not be 
possible to open the convertible top
3. Ensure that the luggage compart-
ment lid is closed
4. Maintain pressure on the corre-
sponding button for the convertible 
top operation.
It can take a few seconds until the 
opening or closing procedure starts.
The luggage compartment lid can-
not be opened while the convert-
ible top is in motion.<
While the convertible top is in 
motion, the rear window will move 
toward the passenger compartment. To 
avoid possible pinching, the area 
around the closing convertible top 
should be clear.<
After having been stored for an 
extended period of time in the 
convertible top compartment, e.g. dur-
ing the winter months because the 
hardtop was being used, you may have 
to support the convertible top by hand 
when closing it for the first time.
If the convertible top should halt just 
before the closing phase is completed, 
press against the front section of the 
convertible top frame from the outside 
to help the closing process along. Con-
tinue pressing the switch while doing 
so until the top starts up again on its 
own.<
Indicator lamps>The red indicator lamp is lit whenever 
the convertible top mechanism is in 
motion. It goes out as soon as the 
opening or closing operation has 
been completed
>If the red indicator lamp flashes after 
the control button is released, the 
convertible top has not yet been 
opened or closed completely. You 
can resume operation in the desired 
direction by pressing the button 
again.
>If the yellow indicator lamp lights up 
continuously with the button pressed, 
the convertible top compartment 
Fully-automatic convertible top*
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68
Vehicle Memory, Key MemoryHow the system functionsNo doubt you have reflected at one 
time or another on how great it would 
be if you could permanently configure 
your vehicle's various features and 
adjustments to mirror your own individ-
ual preferences. In engineering your 
vehicle, BMW has provided for a num-
ber of options for personal adjustment 
that can be programmed into your vehi-
cle at your BMW center.
The available configuration data fall into 
two categories, according to whether 
their primary orientation is the vehicle – 
Vehicle Memory – or the individual – 
Key Memory. Provided that each per-
son has a separate remote-control key, 
you can have your BMW center enter 
basic adjustment data for up to four 
individuals in the system.
The system then relies on a bilateral 
data exchange to identify the individual 
user and executes the selected settings 
whenever the remote control unit is 
used to disengage the door locks.
Distinguishing between keysColor-coded decals have been pro-
vided to help you distinguish individual 
keys with different settings.What the system can doYour BMW center can provide you with 
details on the capabilities of the Vehicle 
Memory and Key Memory systems.
You will see this symbol through-
out the Owner's Manual. It is to 
remind you at appropriate places of the 
settings that are available to you.<
Examples for Vehicle Memory:
>Various signals as acknowledgment 
when locking or unlocking your vehi-
cle, refer to pages 29, 31
>Activates/deactivates the 'Follow me 
home' function, refer to page 95
>Activates/deactivates daytime driv-
ing lamps, refer to page 95
>Sets the units of measure for display-
ing time, outside temperature, dis-
tance traveled and fuel consumption 
in the instrument cluster
>When you shift into Reverse, an 
acoustic signal indicates that PDC 
has been activated, refer to page 90
>Switches on rear window defroster 
automatically, refer to 
pages 102, 107
>Activates/deactivates various alarm 
system functions, refer to page 37
>After giving an ice warning, the 
onboard computer display returns to 
the previous setting, refer to page 88.
Examples for Key Memory:
>Unlocks driver's door first, then the 
vehicle's remaining locks, refer to 
page 31
>Locks the vehicle automatically after 
you start off, refer to page 32
>Automatically adjusts the driver's 
seat to the personal programmed 
settings when the vehicle is 
unlocked, refer to page 55
>Automatic tilting of the passenger-
side mirror, refer to Automatic curb 
monitor, page 56. 

69 Driving
Ignition lockIgnition key positions0Steering locked
1Steering unlocked
2Ignition on
3Start engineSteering lockedThe key can only be inserted and 
removed in this position.
After removing the key, turn the steer-
ing wheel slightly to the left or right until 
you hear the lock engage.
If the key is not removed, an acoustic 
signal sounds when the driver door is 
opened.
Vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion:
Do not move the selector lever from 
position P until the engine is running, 
ignition key position 2.
Your vehicle is equipped with an inter-
lock. Therefore, the ignition key cannot 
be turned to position 0 or removed until 
the selector lever is in position P.<
Vehicles with manual transmis-
sion:
Step on the clutch when starting the 
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine 
from starting if the clutch is not 
depressed.<
Steering unlockedYou will find that it is often easier to turn 
the ignition key from position 0 to posi-
tion 1 when you move the steering 
wheel slightly to help disengage the 
lock.
Individual electrical accessories are 
ready for operation.
Starting the engine
Do not allow the engine to warm 
up by leaving it running while the 
vehicle remains stationary. Instead, 
drive off immediately at a moderate 
engine speed.<
Do not allow the engine to run in 
enclosed spaces. Otherwise, 
breathing the exhaust fumes can lead 
to unconsciousness and death. The 
exhaust gases contain carbon monox-
ide, an odorless and colorless, but 
highly toxic gas. Do not leave the vehi-
cle unattended with the engine running. 
An unattended vehicle with a running 
engine represents a safety hazard. 
When driving, standing at idle or park-
ing the vehicle, take care to avoid con-
tact between the hot exhaust system 
and flammable materials – grass, hay, 
leaves, etc. Such contact could lead to 
a fire, resulting in serious personal 
injury and property damage.<
Start the engine. Do not press the 
accelerator pedal.
Do not actuate the starter for too 
short a time, but do not actuate it 
for more than approx. 20 seconds. 
Release the ignition key immediately 
when the engine starts.<
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70
If the engine does not start on the first 
attempt – if it is very hot or cold, for 
instance:
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at extremely low tempera-
tures below approx. +57/–156 and at 
altitudes over 3,300 ft/1,000 m:
>On the first start attempt, it may be 
necessary to engage the starter for a 
longer period – but no longer than 
20 seconds
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter.
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent 
or long periods with the starter 
engaged can damage the catalytic con-
verter.<
Engine idle speed is controlled by the 
engine computer system. Increased 
speeds at start-up are normal and 
should decrease as the engine warms 
up. If engine speed does not decrease, 
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharg-
ing, always deactivate electrical 
devices that are not in use. Switch the 
ignition off when the vehicle is not 
being driven.Manual transmission1. 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 transmission1. Depress footbrake
2. Place the selector lever in position P 
or N
3. Start the engine.
To prevent the vehicle from start-
ing off on its own, always move 
the selector lever to position P and 
engage the parking brake before leav-
ing your vehicle with the engine run-
ning.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended 
with the engine running. An unattended 
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a safety hazard.<
Sequential manual gearbox SMG1. Depress footbrake
2. Move selector lever into position N
3. Start the engine.
If the engine does not start, reen-
gage the gear last selected, refer 
to the gear indicator in the display, and 
move the selector lever into neutral 
position N again.
The gearbox is automatically taken out 
of gear if the driver's door is opened 
while the engine is running and the 
driver does not actuate the pedals, the 
shift paddles or the selector lever. This 
is accompanied by a warning tone and 
the flashing gear indicator. The gear 
display N appears in the instrument 
cluster.<
Before exiting the vehicle with the 
engine running, move the selector 
lever into position N and apply the park-
ing brake.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended 
with the engine running. An unattended 
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a safety hazard.<
Starting the engine 

71
Switching off the engine
You should never remove the igni-
tion key when the vehicle is in 
motion, as the steering lock could 
engage.
When you leave the vehicle, always 
remove the ignition key and engage the 
steering lock.
Always engage the parking brake when 
parking on slopes and inclined sur-
faces. Engaging a gear may not provide 
adequate resistance to rolling.<
Vehicles with manual 
transmissionTurn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.Automatic transmissionMove the selector lever into position P, 
and turn the ignition key to position 1 or 
0.SMG gearboxIf you turn the ignition key to position 1 
or 0 with the selector lever in position 
R, or in sequential mode, a gear auto-
matically remains engaged.
If you turn the ignition key to position 1 
or 0 with the selector lever in neutral 
position N, a warning tone and the 
flashing gear indicator in the display 
remind you that no gear is engaged to 
secure the vehicle against rolling.
The warning stops after approx. 
9 seconds.
Parking brakeThe parking brake is primarily designed 
to prevent the vehicle from rolling while 
parked. It operates on the rear wheels.To engageThe detent engages automatically and 
the indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster comes on when the ignition key 
is in position 2, refer to page 18.To releasePull up slightly on the lever, press the 
button and lower the lever.
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73
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 76.
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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74
RReverseSelect only when the vehicle is station-
ary.NNeutralAlways engage before starting the 
engine, refer to Starting the engine on 
page 70.Sequential modeEach time the engine is started, the 
sequential mode is activated as soon as 
you move the selector lever into the for-
ward driving position while the brake is 
depressed.
The gears are shifted via the shift pad-
dles or the selector lever.
It is also possible to drive off in second 
gear, e.g. on snow-covered roads.DDrive modeIn 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.
For rapid acceleration, e.g. during 
passing, depress the accelerator pedal 
completely: kickdown.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.
KickdownYou can achieve maximum acceleration 
using kickdown.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the 
increased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
Shifting gearsWith the selector lever:
>To upshift, tap the selector lever 
toward +
>To downshift, tap the lever toward —.
With the shift paddles on the steering 
wheel:
>To upshift, pull one of the shift pad-
dles
>To downshift, push the paddle.
You accelerate from higher gears, e.g. 
during passing, by manually downshift-
ing.
In the following situations, the SMG in 
the sequential mode assists you:
>Upshifts and downshifts are only exe-
cuted at appopriate combinations of 
engine rpm and vehicle speed. For 
Sequential manual gearbox SMG* 

75
instance, downshifts that would 
result in excessive engine speed can-
not be executed
>When you brake the car to a stop, the 
transmission automatically shifts 
down to first gear
>As speed diminishes the transmission 
will shift down automatically, without 
any action on your part, just before 
the vehicle slows to below each 
gear's minimum speed.
Available displaysR N 1 2 3 4 5 6
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
The currently engaged gear, the 
selected mode, and any malfunctions 
are displayed in the instrument cluster.Indicator lamp
If the indicator lamp comes on, 
there is a malfunction in the 
transmission system.
All selector lever positions can still be 
engaged, but in the forward driving 
positions only certain gears are actually 
available when the vehicle is driven.
Avoid extreme loads and proceed to 
the nearest BMW center.
For information on jump-starting and 
towing the vehicle, refer to page 163.Warning toneAn acoustic signal sounds if the SMG 
gearbox overheats; if possible you 
should either stop or increase your pull-
away speed so that the system can 
cool down.
Sequential manual gearbox SMG*
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex