Contents
9
Passenger safety systems:
Airbags59
Transporting children safely62
Rollover protection system66
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory68
Driving:
Ignition lock69
Starting the engine69
Switching off the engine71
Parking brake71
Manual transmission72
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG*73
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*77
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher80
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*81
Cruise control*82
Everything under control:
Odometer84
Tachometer84
Energy control84
Fuel gauge85
Engine coolant temperature
gauge85
Service interval display86
Check Control86
Clock87
Computer88
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)*90
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)91
Flat Tire Monitor*92
Brake force display94
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams95
Adaptive headlights*96
Instrument lighting96
High beams/Standing lamps97
Front fog lamps97
Interior lamps98
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Air conditioning100
Automatic climate control*104
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment109
Integrated universal remote
control*110
Storage compartments112
Microphone*113
Ashtray, front*113
Ashtray, rear*114
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag*115
Cargo loading117
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop*120
Controls and features
18
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by
●
are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react in the follow-
ing section.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
●
The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.
<
Engine oil pressure
●
The engine oil pressure is too
low. Stop the vehicle immedi-
ately and switch off the engine. It is not
possible to continue driving. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.
<
Flat Tire Monitor
●
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: there is a flat tire.
Reduce speed and carefully come to a
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 93.
Brake warning lamp
●
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. It is very
important that you follow the instruc-
tions on page 145 before driving on.
Have the system checked immediately.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
The brake warning lamp comes
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS
●
and DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Con-
tinue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake
applications. Please have the
system checked by your BMW center
as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on
page 91.
CBC, ABS and DSC and DBC
indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
Red: an important reminder
Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when you start
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 71.
20
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
●
Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 127.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low,
top it up at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information, refer to
page 142.
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
●
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 148.
Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
●
There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information, refer to
page 144.
CHECK GAS CAP*
●
This indicator lamp comes on
when the gas cap is loose or
missing.
Close the gas cap tightly: refer to
page 24.
Rollover protection system
●
The rollover protection system
has been deactivated due to a
malfunction. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center at the
earliest opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 66.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is
operated.
Rapid flashing indicates a system mal-
function.
For additional information, refer to
page 80.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated: ready for oper-
ation via the buttons in the steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 82.
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to
page 97.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 80, 97.
Indicator and warning lamps
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.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
72
If exceptional circumstances
make it necessary to engage the
parking brake while the vehicle is in
motion, do not pull it with excessive
pressure. Keep your thumb pressed
against the release button while care-
fully pulling the lever up.
Excessive pressure can lead to over-
braking and loss of traction – fishtailing
– at the rear axle.
The brake lamps do not come on when
the parking brake is engaged.
Vehicles with manual or SMG gearbox:
Engage the parking brake when parking
on downhill roads, since engaging a
gear may not provide adequate resis-
tance to rolling, not even in first or
reverse gear.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
place the selector lever in P.<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided
braking, apply the parking brake
from time to time when coasting to a
standstill – at a traffic signal, for exam-
ple – provided that it is safe to do so.<
Manual transmission
Do not hold the vehicle in place on
slopes by slipping or 'riding' the
clutch. Use the parking brake instead.
Riding the clutch leads to severe and
premature clutch wear.<
6-speed transmission*When changing gear in the 5th/6th gear
plane, be sure to press the gearshift
lever to the right to prevent inadvert-
ently shifting to a gear of the 3rd/4th
gear plane.ReverseSelect only when the vehicle is station-
ary. Press the gearshift lever to the left
to overcome the slight resistance.
When you select reverse the backup
lamps will light up automatically when
the ignition key is in position 2.
Parking brake
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.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
91
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)The conceptDSC supports vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
DSC is operational every time you start
the engine.
DSC contains the Dynamic Traction
Control (DTC) and Cornering Brake
Control (CBC) functions.Indicator lamps
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition,
refer to page 19.
>The indicator lamp flashes: DSC is
actively controlling drive torque and
braking intervention
>The indicator lamp stays lit: DSC has
been switched off with the button;
DTC and DBC are operational. DTC
control intervention is not indicated.
The indicator lamp and the
brake warning lamp continu-
ously light up in yellow:
The DSC, DTC and DBC have
been switched off manually or
there is a system malfunction.
The vehicle will remain completely
operational, however, without DSC. In
the event of a fault, please consult your
BMW center.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
Deactivating the DSC/activating
the DTCTap the DSC button; the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.
DSC is deactivated; DTC is operational.
In the following rare situations, it may
prove useful to activate the DTC for a
brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains
>When driving on snow-covered
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been
packed down from being driven on.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
92
Under these special circumstances
traction is increased by deactivating the
control systems that enhance traction
under normal conditions.Deactivating the DSC and the
DTCPress the DSC button as long as you
need to until the indicator lamp and the
yellow brake warning lamp light up, but
no more than 10 seconds.
The systems for enhancing stability and
traction are deactivated, and there is no
active braking intervention or torque
control.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC acti-
vated whenever possible.
is deactivated.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed even with DSC. An
appropriate driving style always
remains the responsibility of the driver.
We therefore urge you to avoid using
the additional safety margin of the sys-
tem as an excuse for taking risks.
Whenever the DTC is activated, the
DSC is switched off and performs minor
stabilizing intervention.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Allow only authorized
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
Flat Tire Monitor*The conceptAs 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 sig-
nificantly below the pressure of another
tire.
The system actually detects pressure
loss by monitoring differences in the
relative speeds of the four wheels. It
interprets variations outside specified
limits as severe pressure loss, and then
responds by generating a warning.Functional requirementsIn order for the Flat Tire Monitor to learn
the correct tire inflation pressure,
please do the following:
1. Check the tire inflation pressures in
all tires
2. Compare them with the tire inflation
pressure table, refer to page 130,
and correct them if necessary
3. Initialize the system.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)