
Opening and closing
36
Unlocking
Grasp the handle on the driver's or front pas-
senger's door completely, arrow 1. This corre-
sponds to pressing the  button.
If a remote control is detected inside the car 
after the vehicle is unlocked, the electric steer-
ing wheel lock is released, refer to page52.
Locking
Touch the surface, arrow 2, with your finger for 
approx. 1 second. This corresponds to pressing 
the button.
For convenient closure, keep your finger on the 
surface, arrow 2.
If the vehicle detects that a remote con-
trol has been accidentally left inside the 
locked vehicle's luggage compartment after the 
luggage compartment lid is closed, the luggage 
compartment lid will reopen slightly. The hazard 
warning flashers flash and an acoustic signal
* 
sounds.<
Unlocking just the luggage 
compartment lid
Press the button on the outside of the luggage 
compartment lid. This corresponds to pressing 
the button.
Switching on radio readiness
Radio readiness is switched on by pressing the 
start/stop button, refer to page52.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch, 
otherwise the engine will start immedi-
ately.<
Starting the engine
You can start the engine or switch on the igni-
tion when a remote control is inside the vehicle. 
It is not necessary to insert a remote control into 
the ignition switch, refer to page52.
Switching off the engine in vehicles 
with automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the 
selector lever is in position P, refer to page54.
To switch the engine off when the selector lever 
is in position N, the remote control must be in 
the ignition switch.
Before driving a vehicle with automatic 
transmission into a car wash
1.Insert remote control into ignition switch.
2.Depress the brake.
3.Move the selector lever to position N.
4.Switch off the engine.
The vehicle can roll.
Malfunction
Convenient access may malfunction due to 
local radio waves. If this happens, open or close 
the vehicle via the buttons on the remote con-
trol or using the integrated key. To start the 
engine afterward, insert the remote control into 
the ignition switch.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when you attempt to 
start the engine: the engine cannot 
be started. The remote control is not inside the 
vehicle or is malfunctioning. Take the remote 
control with you inside the vehicle or have it 
checked. If necessary, insert another remote 
control into the ignition switch.
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up while the engine is 
running: the remote control is no 
longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is 
switched off, the engine can only be restarted 
within approx. 10 seconds. 

Driving
52
Driving
Ignition lock
Insert the remote control all the way into the 
ignition lock.
>Radio readiness switches on.
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
>The electric steering wheel lock disen-
gages audibly.
Insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock before you move the vehicle, other-
wise the electric steering wheel lock will not dis-
engage and you will not be able to steer the 
car.<
Removing the remote control from the 
ignition lock
Press the remote control in briefly; it is ejected 
part of the way.
At the same time:
>The ignition switches off if it was on before-
hand.
>The electric steering wheel lock engages 
audibly.
Automatic transmission
You cannot take out the remote control unless 
the selector lever is in the P position: interlock.
Start/stop button
Each time the start/stop button is pressed, 
radio readiness or the ignition is switched on or 
off.
Briefly pressing the start/stop button 
while the brake or clutch is depressed 
starts the engine.<
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate. 
The time and the outside temperature are dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
Radio readiness is switched off automatically:
>Immediately when the remote control is 
removed from the ignition lock
>In cars with convenient access
*, by touch-
ing the surface above the door lock, refer to 
Locking on page36
Ignition on
Most of the indicator and warning lamps in the 
indicator area1 of the instrument cluster, refer 
to page13, light up and remain on for different 
lengths of time.
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps in the instru-
ment cluster go out. 

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Starting the engine
Do not run the engine in closed rooms, 
otherwise the inhaling of toxic exhaust 
gases can cause unconsciousness and death. 
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, 
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas. 
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the 
engine running, otherwise such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard. 
Before leaving the car with the engine running, 
place the transmission in idle or move the 
selector lever to position P and apply the hand-
brake to prevent the car from moving.<
When starting the engine, do not press the 
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it 
running while the vehicle remains stationary. 
Instead, begin to drive immediately at a moder-
ate engine speed.
Do not depress either the brake or the 
clutch until you are ready to start the 
engine. The engine is started immediately 
when you briefly touch the start/stop button 
and depress the brake if the car has automatic 
transmission, or the clutch if the car has manual 
transmission.<
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Depress the clutch and shift to idle position.
3.Briefly press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain 
time, and stops automatically as soon as the 
engine has started.
Automatic transmission
1.Depress the brake.
2.Move the selector lever to position P.
3.Briefly press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain 
time, and stops automatically as soon as the 
engine has started.
Sequential manual gearbox SMG*
1.Depress the brake.
2.Engage selector lever position N and make 
sure that this position is displayed in the 
instrument cluster.
3.Start the engine.
The starter operates automatically for a certain 
time, and stops automatically as soon as the 
engine has started.
If the engine does not start, depress the 
brake and push the selector lever to the 
right, then engage position N. Observe the dis-
play in the instrument cluster while doing so.<
Special starting conditions
In the following situations, press the accelerator 
pedal halfway down when starting the engine:
>If the engine does not start on the first 
attempt, for instance when it is extremely 
hot or cold.
>If the engine is started at very low tempera-
tures, below approx. + 57/–156, at high 
altitudes above approx. 3,300 ft/1,000 m.
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which 
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is 
not burned or inadequately burned and there is 
a danger of overheating and damaging the cat-
alytic converter.<
Switching off the engine
Always take the remote control with you 
when you leave the vehicle. 
When parking on a downhill incline, apply the  

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Mobility
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. 
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a 
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Sequential manual gearbox 
SMG*
The concept
The sequential manual gearbox SMG is an 
automated transmission in which operation of 
the clutch and gearshifts are performed by an 
electro-hydraulic system.
SMG is operated via the selector lever in the 
center console and two shift paddles on the 
steering wheel.
It offers you the following functions:
>Choice of manual or automatic operation: 
sequential mode or Drive mode
>Choice of two driving programs: Normal or 
Sport, refer to Dynamic Driving Control, 
page56
>Automatic downshifting and prevention of 
misshifting in sequential mode as well
>Acceleration assistant, refer to page57
Selector lever positions
The current selector lever position can be seen 
on the center console.
>R: Reverse gear
>N: Neutral, idle
>One-touch functions for sequential mode: 
+: manual upshifting 
–: manual downshifting>D: Drive mode or sequential mode
N is automatically selected when the 
driver's door is opened while the engine is 
running, as long as the pedals, shift paddles and 
selector lever are not operated. 
This is indicated by an acoustic signal and a 
flashing N in the instrument cluster.<
Gear indicator
R N 1 to 6
The gear currently engaged is displayed, pre-
ceded by a D in Drive mode.
This indicator is the only way you can 
confirm whether or not the desired selec-
tor lever position is engaged.<
Shiftlock
Before moving the lever away from N with the 
vehicle stationary, first depress the brake; oth-
erwise the desired gearshift will not be carried 
out.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Gear-change mode
The gears can be changed in two different 
ways.
>Sequential mode
Gears are shifted by means of the shift pad-
dles or the selector lever.
>D Drive mode
All forward gears are shifted automatically.
You can switch from one mode to the other by 
pressing the selector lever towards the right in 
the direction of D. 

Things to remember when driving
116
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to 
each other. Please follow the instructions below 
in order to achieve the optimal service life and 
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Attempt to vary both engine and vehicle 
speeds, but refrain from exceeding an engine 
speed of 4,500 rpm or a driving speed of 
100mphor 160km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode.
After 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually 
increased.
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
Do not use the acceleration assistant during the 
break-in period, page57.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in 
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal 
level only after a distance driven of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be 
observed if any of the components mentioned 
above have to be renewed in the course of the 
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is closed. Other-
wise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of 
the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the luggage compartment 
lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air flow rate of the automatic 
climate control considerably, refer to 
page99.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed 
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them. 
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact 
between the hot exhaust system and any highly 
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass, 
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the 
risk of serious personal injuries and property 
damage.<
Mobile phone in the vehicle
BMW discourages the use of mobile 
communications devices, e.g. mobile 
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con- 

Driving tips
 117Reference
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Mobility
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the 
vehicle electronics and mobile communication 
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 page195.
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.<
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
On uphill slopes, drive off without delay. 
Do not hold the vehicle in place by 
depressing the accelerator pedal; apply the 
handbrake instead. Otherwise, the transmis-
sion could overheat.<
Also use the drive-off assistant, refer to 
page87.
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.< 

Things to remember when driving
118 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 page58.
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 
power assistance to the brakes or steering. 
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area around the 
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be 
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are less frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the 
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum 
pressure which must be exerted by the pads 
during brake applications to clean the rotors is 
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the 
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating 
effect that even extended application will fail to 
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits 
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water 
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
For general information about taking care of 
your BMW, refer to the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure.
With convenient access and automatic 
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition 
switch.The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page36.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their 
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage 
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result 
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
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, overloading 
can result in damage to the vehicle and 
unstable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver 
and passengers 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 
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs. 
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of 
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 
650 lbs.: 
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage 
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That 
weight may not safely exceed the available  

 167
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Making calls with the car phone*: 
BMW Assist calls
You can use the car phone via the hands-free 
system for BMW Assist calls.
When the status information "BMW Assist" or 
"BMW Service" is displayed in "Communica-
tion", only BMW Assist calls are possible.
It may not be possible to establish a telephone 
connection using the mobile phone while a con-
nection is being established to BMW Assist or 
while a call to BMW Assist is already in 
progress. If this happens, you must unpair the 
mobile phone and the vehicle if you wish to 
place a call with the mobile phone.
Start-up
Pairing the mobile phone with the 
vehicle
The following prerequisites must be met:
>The mobile phone is ready to operate
>The Bluetooth link in the vehicle, refer to 
page169, and in the mobile phone are acti-
vated
>Depending on the mobile phone, some 
default settings may be necessary for the 
mobile phone: e.g. via the menu item Blue-
tooth switched on or the menu item Con-
nection without confirmation.
>For pairing purposes, define any number as 
the Bluetooth passkey, e.g. 1. This Blue-
tooth passkey is no longer required after 
pairing has been successful.
>The ignition is switched on.
 Pair the mobile phone with the vehicle 
only when the car is stationary, to avoid 
endangering the car's occupants and other 
road users by being distracted.<
Switch on ignition
1.Insert remote control all the way into the 
ignition lock.
2.Switch on ignition without operating the 
brake or clutch or pressing the start/stop 
button.
Preparation via iDrive
iDrive concept, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button to call up the start 
menu.
2.Call up the   menu by pressing the control-
ler.
3.Select "Communication settings" and 
press the controller.
4.Select "Bluetooth" and press the controller.
5.Select "Phone" and press the controller.