
Opening and closing
28
Opening and closing
Keys/remote control
1Remote control with integrated key
2Spare key
3Adapter for spare key, in glove compart-
ment
Remote control with integrated key
Each remote control contains a battery which is 
automatically charged in the ignition lock while 
driving. You should use the remote control at 
least twice a year in order to maintain the 
charge condition. For equipment with comfort 
access
*, the remote control contains a replace-
able battery, refer to page39.
Depending on which remote control is detected 
by the vehicle during unlocking, different set-
tings are called up and carried out in the vehicle, 
refer to Personal Profile, page29.
Information on the required maintenance is also 
stored in the remote control, refer to Service 
data in remote control, page201.
Integrated key
Press the button1 to unlock the key.
The integrated key fits the following locks:
>Glove compartment, refer to page105
>Sports Wagon: floor panel flap in cargo area, 
refer to page112
>Driver's door, refer to page32
>Luggage compartment lid, refer to page33.
New remote controls
To obtain additional or replace lost keys, new 
remote controls with an integrated key are 
available at your BMW center.
Spare key
Store the spare key in a safe place such as your 
wallet. This key is not intended for regular use.
The spare key and integrated key of the remote 
control fit the same locks.
Adapter for spare key
The adapter is required so that the vehicle can 
be started with the spare key or radio readiness 
can be switched on. 

Controls
 29Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Remove the adapter from the holder in the 
glove compartment and slide the spare key into 
the adapter.
Personal Profile
The concept
You can set a number of functions of your BMW 
individually according to your preferences. 
Personal Profile ensures that most of these set-
tings are stored for the remote control currently 
in use without you having to do anything. When 
the vehicle is unlocked, the corresponding 
remote control is detected and the settings 
stored for it are called up and carried out.
This means you will also find your personal set-
tings when your BMW has meanwhile been 
drive by another person with his/her own 
remote control and settings. The individual set-
tings are stored for a maximum of four remote 
controls.
Personal Profile settings
>When unlocking with the remote control, 
either unlock only the driver's door or the 
entire vehicle, refer to page30
>Locking the vehicle after a short time or 
after starting off, refer to page32
>Assigning the programmable buttons
* on 
the steering wheel, refer to page51>Settings for the display on the Control Dis-
play:
>Brightness of the Control Display, refer 
to page81
>Measuring units for consumption, route/
distances, temperature, and pressure, 
refer to page81
>Language on Control Display, refer to 
page82
>12h/24h mode of the clock, refer to 
page81
>Date format, refer to page81
>Showing optical warning for PDC Park Dis-
tance Control
*, refer to page83
>Selection and brightness of display in 
Head-Up Display
*, refer to page92
>Air distribution, temperature in the upper 
body area and intensity of the automatic air 
conditioning system, refer to page99
>Setting voice instructions for destination 
guidance in the navigation system
*, refer to 
page139
In addition, the following, most recently 
selected settings are recalled during unlocking:
>Positions of driver's seat, outside mirrors, 
and steering wheel
*, refer to page45
>Audio sources, setting volume and tone, 
refer to page145
>Radio, displaying memorized stations, refer 
to page148
>Telephone, setting volume, refer to 
pages170,176
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed. The 
system simultaneously engages and releases 
the locks on the following:
>Doors
>Luggage compartment lid/tailgate
>Fuel filler door 

Opening and closing
30
Operation from outside
>via the remote control
>via the door lock
>with comfort access
* via the door handles
At the same time, the anti-theft system is also 
operated. It prevents the doors from being 
unlocked using the lock buttons or door han-
dles. The alarm system
 is armed/disarmed at 
the same time. The interior lamps and the cour-
tesy lamps
* are also switched on and off with 
the remote control.
You can find more detailed information on the 
alarm system
 on page36.
Operating from inside
Via the button for central locking, refer to 
page32. The fuel filler door is not locked.
In an accident of sufficient severity, the central 
locking system automatically unlocks the vehi-
cle. In addition, the hazard warning flashers and 
interior lamps come on.
Opening and closing: from 
outside
Using remote control
Persons or animals left unattended in a 
parked vehicle could lock the doors from 
the inside. you should always keep the remote 
control with you; this precaution ensures that 
you will remain able to unlock the vehicle from 
the outside at all times.<
Unlocking
Use the   button to unlock the vehicle accord-
ing to current settings.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.4.Select "Door locks" and press the control-
ler.
5.Select "Central locking" and press the con-
troller.
6.Select "Unlock button" and press the con-
troller.
7.Select a menu item:
>"All doors"
Press the   button once to unlock the 
entire vehicle.
>"Driver's door only"
Press the   button once to unlock only 
the driver's door and the fuel filler door.
Press the button twice to unlock the 
entire vehicle.
8.Press the controller.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Convenience opening
Press the   button longer. The windows and 
the glass sunroof
* open.
Locking
Press the   button. 

Controls
 31Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Switching on interior lamps
If the vehicle is locked, press the   button.
You can also use this function to locate your 
vehicle in parking garages etc.
Panic mode*
You can also trigger the alarm system in case of 
danger:
Press the   button for at least three seconds.
Switch off alarm: press any button.
Sedan: opening luggage compartment 
lid
Press the  button for approx. 1 second.
The luggage compartment lid opens, regard-
less of whether it was previously locked or 
unlocked.
During opening, the luggage compart-
ment lid pivots back and up. Ensure that 
adequate clearance is available before opening. 
To prevent accidentally locking yourself out, 
never lay the remote control in the luggage 
compartment. A previously locked luggage 
compartment lid is also locked again after clos-
ing.<
Sports Wagon: unlocking tailgate
Press the  button for approx. 1 second.
The tailgate will open slightly, regardless of 
whether it was previously locked or unlocked.
During opening, the tailgate pivots back 
and up. Ensure that adequate clearance is 
available before opening. 
To prevent accidentally locking yourself out, 
never lay the remote control in the luggage 
compartment. A previously locked tailgate is 
also locked again after closing. 
When opening the tailgate, the cargo area cover 
is raised. Before closing the tailgate, press 
down the cover until it engages.<
If pointed or sharp-edged objects could 
strike the rear window while driving, be 
sure to provide protection around all edges. 
Failure to do so could result in damage to the 
heating conductors of the rear window.<
Setting confirmation signals
You can vary or also deactivate the confirmation 
signals for locking or unlocking.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.
4.Select "Door locks" and press the control-
ler.
5.Select "Confirmation" and press the con-
troller.
6.Select desired signal.
7.Press controller. 
 The signals are switched on.
Malfunctions
The remote control may malfunction due to 
local radio waves. 
Should the remote control fail to operate owing 
to interference of this kind, unlock and lock the 
vehicle via the door lock using the key.
If it is no longer possible to lock the vehicle 
using the remote control, then the battery is 
discharged. Use this remote control during an 
extended drive; this will recharge the battery, 
refer to page28.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with 
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communication 
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
LX8766S 
LX8766E  

Controls
 35Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Sports Wagon: tailgate
Opening from inside
Press the button: the tailgate opens unless it 
has been locked.
Opening from outside
Press the button on the tailgate or the   but-
ton on the remote control for approx. 1 second: 
the tailgate opens somewhat. It can be swung 
upward.
When opening the tailgate, the cargo area 
cover is raised. Before closing the tail-
gate, press down the cover until it engages.<
Opening manually
In case of an electrical defect:
1.From the cargo area, press out the cover1 
on the tailgate with a screwdriver.2.Press the locking bar2 in the direction of 
the arrow.
3.Open the tailgate and press in the cover 
again.
The tailgate is locked again as soon as it is 
closed.
Closing
Make sure that the closing path of the tail-
gate is clear, otherwise injuries may 
result.<
The handle recesses on the interior trim of the 
tailgate make it easier to pull down.
To close the tailgate, merely press it down gen-
tly. The closing process will then be carried out 
automatically.
Sports Wagon: automatic tailgate 
operation*
Adjusting opening height
You can adjust how far the tailgate is to open.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.
4.Select "Door locks" and press the control-
ler. 

Opening and closing
38 remote control with you, e.g. in your jacket 
pocket. The vehicle automatically detects the 
related remote control in the immediate vicinity 
or in the interior.
Comfort access supports the following func-
tions:
>Unlocking/locking vehicle
>Starting engine
>Comfort locking
Functional requirement
>The vehicle can only be unlocked if the 
vehicle detects that the remote control car-
ried is located outside the vehicle.
>The next unlocking and locking cycle is not 
possible until after approx. 2 seconds.
>The engine can only be started if the vehicle 
detects that the remote control carried is 
located in the vehicle.
Special features in contrast to ordinary 
remote control
It is basically irrelevant whether you operate the 
functions mentioned previously with the com-
fort access feature or by pressing the buttons 
on the remote control. Therefore, please famil-
iarize yourself with the information on opening 
and closing beginning on page28 beforehand.
The special features when using comfort 
access are described in the following.
Releasing
Completely grasp a door handle, arrow1. 
This corresponds to pressing the  button.If a remote control is detected in the interior 
after unlocking, the electric steering-wheel lock 
unlocks, refer to page56.
Locking
Touch the surface, arrow2 on the driver's door 
or3 on the other doors with a finger for approx. 
1 second. This corresponds to pressing the 
button.
For comfort closing, hold a finger on the sur-
face, arrow2 or 3.
If a remote control accidentally left in the 
luggage compartment/cargo area is 
detected in the locked vehicle after closing the 
luggage compartment lid/tailgate, the lid/tail-
gate opens again. The hazard warning flashers 
flash and an acoustic signal
* sounds.<
Switching on radio readiness
By briefly pressing the Start/Stop button, you 
switch on the radio readiness, refer to page56.
When doing so, do not depress the brake 
pedal, otherwise the engine will start 
immediately.<
Starting engine
You can start the engine or switch on the switch 
on ignition if a remote control is located in the 
interior of the vehicle. It need not be inserted in 
the ignition lock, refer to page56.
If you take the remote control with you when 
leaving the vehicle with the engine running, a 
warning lamp lights up. In addition, a message 
appears on the Control Display. As long as no 
remote control is detected in the vehicle, it is 
only possible to restart the engine within 
approx. 10 seconds after it is switched off.
Switching off engine with automatic 
transmission
The engine can only be switched off in the 
selector lever position P, refer to page58.
To switch off the engine in the selector lever 
position N, the remote control must be inserted 
in the ignition lock. 

Controls
 39Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Before driving into a car wash with 
automatic transmission
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock.
2.Depress brake pedal.
3.Place selector lever in position N.
4.Switch off the engine.
The vehicle can roll.
Malfunction
The comfort access function may malfunction 
due to local radio waves. Then open or close the 
vehicle with the buttons on the remote control 
or with a key. To start the engine following this, 
insert the remote control in the ignition lock.
Replacing battery
The remote control for comfort access contains 
a battery which must be replaced if necessary.
1.Remove integrated key from remote con-
trol, refer to page28.
2.Remove cover.
3.Lay in new battery with positive side facing 
upward.
4.Press cover closed.
Return used battery to a recycling collec-
tion point or to your BMW center.<
Windows
To prevent injuries, exercise care when 
closing the windows and keep them in 
your field of vision until they are shut. 
Always take along the remote control when you 
leave the vehicle, otherwise children could, for example, operate the windows and injure them-
selves.<
Opening, closing
>Press switch to resistance point: 
The window continues to open as long as 
you keep the switch pressed.
>Press switch beyond resistance point: 
The window opens automatically. Pressing 
the switch again stops the opening move-
ment.
You can close the windows in the same manner 
by pulling the switch.
For information on using the convenience oper-
ation at the door lock or with the remote control, 
refer to page30 or32.
For information on comfort closing with comfort 
access, refer to Locking on page38.
After switching off ignition
You can still operate the windows with the 
remote control removed or the ignition 
switched off for approx. 1 minute, as long as 
neither of the front doors has been opened.
Anti-trapping mechanism
If the closing force rises beyond a predefined 
threshold during closing, the system will imme-
diately stop moving the window prior to lower-
ing it slightly.
Despite the anti-trapping mechanism, 
inspect the window's travel path prior to 
closing it, as the safety system might fail to 
detect certain kinds of obstructions, such as 
thin objects, and the window would continue 
closing. 
Pulling the switch beyond the resistance point  

Adjustments
46
Safety feature
1.Close the driver's door and switch the igni-
tion on or off.
2.Press the desired memory button1 or2 
and maintain pressure until the adjustment 
process has been completed.
If the   button was pressed inadvertently: 
press the button again; the LED goes out.
Activating with remote control
The last positions of the driver's seat, the exter-
nal rearview mirrors, and steering wheel are 
stored for the remote key currently in use.
You can choose when the position is requested:
>Request when unlocking vehicle
>Request when opening driver's door
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.
4.Select "Door locks" and press the control-
ler.
5.Select "Central locking" and press the con-
troller.
6.Select "Last seat pos." and press the con-
troller.7.Select "After unlocking" or "After door 
opened".
8.Press the controller.
To cancel the request: 
Select "Deactivated" and press the controller.
When using this feature, always make 
sure that the footwell behind the driver's 
seat is empty and unobstructed. Failure to do 
so could cause injury to persons or damage to 
objects behind the seat as a result of a rearward 
movement of the seat.<
Head restraints
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the 
risk of spinal injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint so that its center 
is approx. at ear level. Otherwise there is 
increased danger of injury in the event of an 
accident.<
Front seats: height adjustment
You can adjust the height of the head restraints 
electrically.