Adjustments
40
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital con-
tribution to relaxed, fatigue-free driving. In con-
junction with the safety belts, the head
restraints and the airbags, the seated position
has a major influence on your safety in the event
of an accident. To ensure that the safety sys-
tems operate with optimal efficiency, we
strongly urge you to observe the instructions
contained in the following section.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page50.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your
hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions,
to minimize the risk of injury to the hands or
arms in the event of the airbag being triggered
off.
No one and nothing is to come between the air-
bags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the
front passenger side as a storage area. Make
sure that the front passenger is sitting correctly,
i.e. not resting feet or legs on the dashboard.
Otherwise leg injury could result should the
front airbag deploy.
Make sure that passengers do not lean their
heads against the side or head airbags, other-
wise serious injuries could result if the side air-
bags suddenly deployed.<
Even if you follow all the instructions, injuries
resulting from contact with airbags cannot be
fully excluded, depending on the circum-
stances. The ignition and inflation noise may
provoke a mild hearing loss in extremely sensi-
tive individuals. This effect is usually only tem-
porary.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page87.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident.<
Head restraints, refer to page42.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additional safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passenger's
lap. Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits
low across the hips and does not press against
the abdomen.
The safety belt must not rest against the throat,
run across sharp edges, pass over hard or frag-
ile objects or be pinched. Fasten the safety belt
so that it sits as snugly as possible against the
lap and shoulder without being twisted. Other-
wise the belt could slide over your hips and
injure your abdomen in the event of a frontal
collision.
Avoid wearing bulky clothing and regularly pull
the belt in the upper-body area taut, otherwise
its restraining effect could be impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page45.
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while
the vehicle is moving. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement, and the
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
On the front passenger seat as well, do not
ba8_E9293_US.book Seite 40 Freitag, 5. Mai 2006 1:02 13
Adjustments
46 Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additional safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Closing
Make sure you hear the latch plate engage in
the belt buckle.
The upper belt anchor is suitable for adults of
any stature as long as the seat is adjusted prop-
erly, refer to page40.
Opening
1.Grasp the belt firmly.
2.Press the red button in the buckle.
3.Guide the belt into its reel.
'Fasten safety belts' reminder for front
seats
The indicator lamp comes on and an
acoustic signal sounds. In addition, a
message will appear on the Control
Display. Check whether the safety
belt has been fastened correctly.
The 'Fasten safety belts' reminder is issued as
long as the driver's safety belt has not been fas-
tened. The 'Fasten safety belts' reminder is also
activated at road speeds above approx. 5 mph
or 8 km/h if the front passenger's safety belt is
not fastened, if heavy objects are placed on the
front passenger seat, or if driver or front pas-
senger unfasten their safety belts.
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or
stressed in an accident: have the belt sys-
tem, including any belt tensioners or child-restraint systems, replaced and the belt
anchors checked. Have this work done only by
your BMW center or at a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. Otherwise, it is
not guaranteed that the safety devices will func-
tion properly.<
Belt hand-over
The concept
The belt hand-over makes it easier for you to
fasten your safety belt. When you close the
door and switch on the ignition or turn the igni-
tion key to the radio-ready position, the belt
hand-over extends automatically and presents
the belt in a position that is convenient for fas-
tening it around you. After you have fastened
your safety belt, the belt hand-over retracts to
its original position.
Even if you have not yet fastened your safety
belt, the belt hand-over will retract if you:
>wait for more than approx. one minute
>open the corresponding door
>start to drive.
Closing the respective door reactivates the belt
hand-over if the ignition or radio-readiness are
on.
Front passenger's seat
The belt hand-over will extend only if the seat is
occupied and after the front passenger's door is
closed.
ba8_E9293_US.book Seite 46 Freitag, 5. Mai 2006 1:02 13
Transporting children safely
50
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, otherwise they could endanger
themselves and/or other persons by opening
the doors, for example.<
Children always in the rear
Accident research has shown that the safest
place for children is on the rear seats.
Children under the age of 13 or smaller
than 5 ft/150 cm may be transported only
in the rear in suitable child-restraint systems
appropriate for their age, weight and size. Oth-
erwise there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must be buck-
led in with a safety belt as soon as there no
longer is any child-restraint system that is
appropriate for their age, size and weight.
Both rear seats in your vehicle meet the recom-
mendations of the SAE J1819 standard for
safely mounting child-restraint systems in
motor vehicles.
Exception for front passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child-
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front-passenger airbags must be
deactivated. Otherwise, a child traveling on that
seat will be at a significant risk of injury if the air-
bags are triggered off, even with a child-
restraint system. Your BMW center will be glad
to advise you.<
For more information on automatic deactivation
of the front passenger airbags refer to page88.
Installing child-restraint
systems
Observe the child-restraint system man-
ufacturer's instructions when selecting,
installing and using child-restraint systems. Otherwise the protective effect may be dimin-
ished.<
On the front passenger's seat
Before installing a child-restraint system
on the front passenger's seat, make sure
that the front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are deactivated, otherwise there is an
increased risk of injury if the airbags deploy.<
Backrest width*
The backrest width of the front passenger
seat must be adjusted to its widest set-
ting. Otherwise the child seat cannot rest com-
pletely against the backrest. After installing the
child seat, do not call up any seat memory posi-
tions. Otherwise there is a risk of injury.<
1.Adjust the backrest width to its widest set-
ting, refer to page42.
2.Install the child seat.
Child seat security
The rear safety belts and the front passenger's
safety belt can be prevented from being pulled
out in order to fasten child-restraint systems.
To lock the safety belt
1.Secure the child-restraint system with the
belt.
2.Pull the belt strap all the way out.
3.Allow the belt strap to retract and pull it taut
against the child-restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
ba8_E9293_US.book Seite 50 Freitag, 5. Mai 2006 1:02 13
Controls
51Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
To unlock the safety belt
1.Open the belt buckle
2.Remove the child-restraint system.
3.Allow the safety belt strap to retract all the
way.
Child-restraint system with tether
strap
There are two additional anchors for child-
restraint systems with tether straps, see
arrows.
Placement of the tether strap
1Forward driving direction
2Head restraint
3Attaching clip
4Child restraint anchor fitting
5Rear window shelf
6Seat back
7Tether strap
Fold the anchors upward before using them.
1.Push the head restraint upward.
2.Guide the tether strap between the head
restraint holders.3.Use the hook to clip the tether strap to the
anchor.
4.Push the head restraint into its lowermost
position.
5.Pull the tether strap taut.
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system
LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHil-
dren.
When installing and using LATCH child-
restraint systems, comply with the sys-
tem manufacturer's operating and safety
instructions.<
Before installing the child seat, pull the belt out
of the area for the child-restraint fixing system.
Rear seats
The anchor points for the lower LATCH
anchors are located behind the labeled protec-
tive caps.
Make sure that the two lower LATCH
anchors are properly engaged and that
the child-restraint system rests firmly against
the seat backrest.<
ba8_E9293_US.book Seite 51 Freitag, 5. Mai 2006 1:02 13
Technology for driving comfort and safety
88
Protective action
Observe the adjustment instructions on
page40 to ensure the best possible per-
sonal protection.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags will purposely not be activated by
every collision, e.g. not by more minor acci-
dents, certain roll-over situations and rear-end
collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way. Do not attach
seat covers, cushions or other objects not spe-
cifically approved for seats with integral side air-
bags to the front seats. Do not hang items of
clothing such as coats or jackets over the back-
rests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag
retention system from the vehicle. Do not mod-
ify the individual components of the system or
its wiring in any way. This includes the uphol-
stered covers on the steering wheel, instrument
panel, seats and roof posts, as well as the sides
of the roof lining. Do not attempt to remove or
dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center
or a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel and has the required explosives
licenses. Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation, either of
which could result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior
rearview mirror shows the current status
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below.
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page50.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbags comes on. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the front passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat unless
they are specifically recommended by BMW.
Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not
ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger's front and side airbags in accor-
ba8_E9293_US.book Seite 88 Freitag, 5. Mai 2006 1:02 13
Controls
89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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.<
ba8_E9293_US.book Seite 89 Freitag, 5. Mai 2006 1:02 13
Reference 221
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs198
Changing the language on the
Control Display78
Changing the measurement
units on the Control
Display70
Changing wheels201
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment192
Check Control75
"Check Control
messages"77
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH51
Child-restraint systems50
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely50
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter106
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cleaning headlamps58
– washer fluid58
"Climate"96
Clock66
– 12h/24h mode74
– setting time73
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside29
Clothes hooks105
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine53
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort Access, refer to
Convenient access35
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14"Communication"166
"Communication
settings"176
Compact disc, refer to
– CD changer152
– CD player152
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock52
Compass102
Computer67
– displays on Control
Display68
– hour signal74
Computer, refer to iDrive16
"Concert hall" for Tone
control142
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked
114
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile28
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle30
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances107
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption68
Consumption display
– average consumption68
"Continue guidance to
destination?"133
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Control Display
– brightness79
– changing the language78
– switching on/off21
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls and displays10
Control unit, refer to iDrive16
Convenience operation
– windows30Convenient access35
– replacing the battery36
– what to observe before
entering a car wash36
Convenient operation
– glass sunroof30
– glass sunroof with
convenient access36
– windows with convenient
access36
Coolant194
– checking level194
Coolant temperature67
Cooling, maximum97
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant194
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant194
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive Head
Light92
Correct tires189
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps93
Cross-hairs in navigation125
Cruise control58
– active60
– malfunction60
Cruising range67
Cup holders105
Curb weight, refer to
Weights212
"Current position"136
Current position
– displaying136
– entering128
– storing
128
"Customer
Relations"170,177
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting93
ba8_E9293_US.book Seite 221 Freitag, 5. Mai 2006 1:02 13
Everything from A - Z
226
J
Jacking points201
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting204
Jump starting204
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control28
Keyless go, refer to
Convenient access35
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access35
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile28
"Keypad"170
Kick-down55
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
Knock control182
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams90
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs198
"Languages" in
navigation135
"Languages"on the control
display78
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer
to Safety belts45
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo115
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list127
"Last seat pos."45
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system51
LEDs light-emitting
diodes198
Length, refer to
Dimensions211License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs200
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs198
Lighter106
– connecting electrical
appliances107
"Lighting"91
Lighting
– instruments93
– lamps and bulbs198
– vehicle, refer to Lamps90
Light-metal alloy wheels, care,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Light switch90
"Limit"78
Limit, refer to Speed limit77
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo115
Location
– drive for navigation DVD and
audio CD120
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking32
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal30
– from inside32
– from outside30
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access35
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals30
– from inside32
– from outside29
Low-beam headlamps90
– automatic90
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support42Luggage compartment lid32
– convenient access36
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually33
– emergency release33
– locking or unlocking
separately33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening manually33
– remote control30
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack115
Lumbar support42
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires190
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system196
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
– luggage compartment lid33
– tires83
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control75
Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic55
"Manual" on the radio145
Manual operation
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door182
– glass sunroof38
– luggage compartment lid33
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission56
Manual transmission54
Map
– changing scale134
– destination entry125
"Map direction of travel"134
"Map facing north"134
ba8_E9293_US.book Seite 226 Freitag, 5. Mai 2006 1:02 13