
Driving tips
 115Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Mobile communications devices in 
vehicle
BMW advises against using mobile com-
munications devices, e.g. mobile phones, 
inside the vehicle without a direct connection 
to an external antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle 
electronics and mobile communications device 
can interfere with one another. In addition, there 
is no assurance that the radiation emitted dur-
ing transmission will be conveyed out of the 
vehicle interior.<
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 phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or 
complete loss of contact between the tires and 
the road surface, ultimately undermining your 
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread 
depth of the tires decreases, also refer to Mini-
mum tire tread on page187.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if 
it is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only 
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the 
vehicle's engine, electrical systems and trans-
mission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with 
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise 
greater clutch wear will result.<
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold 
the vehicle on a hill by applying the throt-
tle, but engage the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission 
region.<
Starting assistant
The starting assistant enables you to start off 
conveniently on slopes. The parking brake is 
not required for this purpose.
1.Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.
2.Release the footbrake and immediately 
drive off quickly.
The starting assistant holds the vehicle 
for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the 
footbrake. Depending on the load, the vehicle 
may also roll back slightly during this time. 
After releasing the footbrake, immediately start 
quickly; otherwise, the starting assistant no 
longer holds the vehicle after approx. 2 seconds 
and it begins to roll back.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard 
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to 
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains 
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid 
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering 
effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to 
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the 
brake pedal. Even light but consistent 
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures, 
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When driving on wet roads or in heavy rain, it is 
a good idea to apply light pressure to the brake 
pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions 
to ensure that this maneuver does not endan-
ger 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 thus reduced 
efficiency of the brake system, downshift 
to a gear in which only minimal brake applica-
tions are needed when descending long or  

 163
Entertainment
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips Communications
Navigation
Mobility
Making calls with car phone: 
BMW Assist calls
You can use the car phone via the handsfree 
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.
Initial operation
Logging on mobile phone on vehicle
The following prerequisites must be met:
>The mobile phone is ready to operate.
>The Bluetooth links of the vehicle, refer to 
page165, and the mobile phone are active.
>Depending on the mobile phone, presets in 
the mobile phone are required: e.g. acti-
vated via the menu item Bluetooth or the 
menu item Connection not with confirma-
tion.
>To log on, specify any desired number as 
the Bluetooth passkey, e.g. 1. This Blue-
tooth passkey is no longer required follow-
ing successful logon.
>The ignition is switched on.
 Only log on the mobile phone with the 
vehicle stopped; otherwise you may 
become distracted and inadvertently endanger 
your passengers and other road users.<
Switching on ignition
1.Insert the remote control as far as possible 
into the ignition lock.
2.S w i t c h  o n  t h e  s w i t c h  o n  i g n i t i o n  b y  p r e s s i n g  
the Start/Stop button without depressing 
the brake or clutch pedal.
Preparation with iDrive
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button to open the start 
menu.
2.Open the   menu by pressing the controller.
3.Select "Communication settings" and 
press the controller.
4.Select "Bluetooth" and press the controller.
5.Select "Phone" and press the controller.
Preparation with mobile phone
6.Additional operations must be carried out 
on the mobile phone and differ depending 
on the model, refer to the operating instruc-
tions of your mobile phone, e.g. find, con-
nect or link under Bluetooth device. 

Telephoning
170
Changing between mobile 
phone and handsfree system
From mobile phone to handsfree 
system
You can continue calls begun outside the Blue-
tooth range of the vehicle via the handsfree sys-
tem when the motor is running or the ignition is 
switched on. Depending on your mobile phone, 
the system automatically switches over to the 
handsfree mode.
For mobile phones that do not automatically 
switch over to the handsfree mode:
>You may also be able to continue the con-
versation via the handsfree system, 
depending on the mobile phone used. 
Follow the instructions displayed on the 
mobile phone display, refer to the operating 
instructions of your mobile phone.
>Press the   button above the storage 
compartment. Switching over may take 
several seconds.
From handsfree system to mobile 
phone
When you telephone via the handsfree system, 
you can also continue the call via the mobile 
phone if necessary, depending on the mobile 
phone model. Follow the instructions displayed 
on the mobile phone display, refer to the oper-
ating instructions of your mobile phone.
Operation by voice*
The concept
You can operate your mobile phone without 
having to remove your hands from the steering 
wheel. When making your entries, you will be 
assisted by announcements and questions in 
many cases.
The same prerequisites as for operation via 
iDrive apply, refer to page166.
Symbols in Owner's Manual
Voice commands
Activating system
1.Press the   button on the steering wheel.
An acoustic signal indicates that you can 
say commands.
2.Say the command.
The text or numbers that the voice com-
mand system has registered will appear on 
the Control Display.
Ending/canceling operation by voice
Press the   button on the steering wheel
or
In dialogs where text is spoken, not a command, 
e.g. a name, canceling is only possible using the 
button on the steering wheel.
Having possible commands read aloud
The system understands default commands 
that must be spoken word for word. 
You can have the system read aloud the possi-
ble commands at any point:
Using alternative commands
There are often a number of commands to run a 
function, e.g.: 
The system recognizes digits from zero to nine.
You can say each digit individually or group 
them into a sequence to accelerate the input.
{...} Say the specified commands word for 
word.
{{...}} Indicates responses of the system.
{Cancel}.
{Help}.
 {Dial name} or {Name}.  

Mobility
 195Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance 
System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your BMW. The service schedule also 
includes operations related to the vehicle's 
comfort and convenience features, such as 
replacement of the filters for the inside air. 
The ultimate objective is to ensure economical 
maintenance by providing the ideal service for 
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell 
your BMW, you will find that a complete dealer 
service history is an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into 
account. Condition Based Service uses this to 
determine the current and future service 
requirements. By letting you define a service 
and maintenance regimen that reflects your 
own individual requirements, the system builds 
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Control Display to show 
remaining distances and times of selected 
maintenance intervals and legally mandated 
deadlines, refer to page77:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, front and rear separately
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
>Brake fluid>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Legally required tests depending on local 
regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores this information continu-
ously in the remote control while the vehicle is 
being driven. After accessing the data stored in 
the remote control, your BMW Service Advisor 
can suggest precisely the right array of service 
procedures for your own individual vehicle. 
For this reason, when you take your vehicle in 
for service, you should give the BMW Service 
Advisor the remote control last used to drive it.
Make sure the date in the iDrive is always 
set correctly, refer to page83; otherwise, 
the effectiveness of CBS Condition Based Ser-
vice is not ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and 
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models 
for additional information on service require-
ments.
Have service and repair operations per-
formed at your BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries 
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance, and may also be 
required when submitting warranty claims.< 

Maintenance
196
Socket for OBD Onboard 
Diagnostics interface
A diagnostics device can use the OBD socket to 
check components critical to exhaust composi-
tion.
This socket is located under a cover on the left 
side of the driver's footwell, directly under the 
dashboard.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The 
exhaust-gas values are deteriorating. 
Have the vehicle checked as soon as 
possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This 
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In 
this case, you should reduce speed and drive to 
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible. 
Heavy engine misfiring causes serious damage 
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can detect the 
escape of fuel vapor. This causes a display to 
light up. If the cap is then tightened, the display 
should go out within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with a 
device for recording or transmitting certain 
vehicle data or information. If you have also sub-
scribed to a BMW Assist plan, then certain vehi-
cle data can be transmitted or recorded to 
enable corresponding services.
Care
Important information on care and maintenance 
of your BMW is contained in the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure. 

Reference 221
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
D
Dashboard, refer to 
Cockpit10
Data
– capacities212
– dimensions211
– engine210
– technical data210
– weights210
"Date"83
Date74
– setting83
"Date format"83
Daytime driving lamps96
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control86
"Deactivated"50
Deactivating selector lever 
interlock63
Decommissioning the vehicle, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Defrosting windows102
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation102
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows102
"Delete address book" for 
navigation130
"Delete all numbers" on the 
mobile phone169
"Delete data" for 
navigation130
"Delete" for mobile 
phone169
Destination address
– deleting129
– entering121,124
Destination for navigation
– destination list127
– entry121
– home address130
– selecting from address 
book129
– selecting using 
information126
– storing128Destination guidance132
– bypassing route 
sections136
– canceling voice 
instructions55
– changing specified 
route130
– displaying routes133
– distance and arrival132
– interrupting132
– starting132
– terminating/continuing132
– voice instructions135
– volume of voice 
instructions
135
Destination list for 
navigation127
Destinations recently driven 
to127
"Details" in audio mode155
"Dial" for mobile phone167
"Dial number"167
"Diamond button"54
Digital clock74
Digital radio, refer to High 
Definition Radio148
Dimensions
– Convertible212
– Coupe211
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals64
Direction announcements, 
refer to Voice 
instructions135
Direction instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions135
Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book128
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data210
"Display"83
Display, refer to iDrive16
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting99
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
"Display settings"82Displays on the windshield, 
refer to Head-Up Display93
Disposal
– battery of remote control 
with comfort access38
– vehicle battery200
Distance, refer to 
Computer76
Distance control, refer to 
Active cruise control67
"Distance to dest."76
Distance to destination, refer 
to Computer76
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control85
Door entry lighting, refer to 
Interior lamps99
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
"Door locks"30
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades186
Draft-free ventilation104
"Driver's door only"30
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams96
Driving notes114
Driving route, refer to 
Displaying the route133
Driving stability control 
systems86
Driving through water115
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes114
Drying the air, refer to Cooling 
function102
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control86
– indicator lamp13,87
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control87
– activating87
– indicator lamp13,87
DVD for navigation120 

Everything from A to Z
228 Programmable buttons on 
steering wheel54
Protective function, refer to 
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof40
– windows39
R
Radio
– Autostore145
– controls140
– High Definition Radio148
– playing stations145
– satellite radio149
– selecting frequency 
manually145
– selecting 
waveband140,144
– station search145
– station selection144
– station with best 
reception145
– storing stations146
– switching on/off140
– tone control141
– volume141
– Weather Band, refer to 
Weather news flashes147
Radio key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Radio position, refer to Radio 
readiness58
Radio readiness58
– switched off58
– switched on58
– with comfort access37
Rain sensor, windshield 
washer system65
"Random", random play 
sequence, selecting156
"Random all" in audio 
mode156
"Random directory" in audio 
mode156
Random play sequence
– CD changer156
– CD player156"RDS"147
Reading lamps99
Rear lamps, refer to Tail 
lamps199
Rearview mirrors, refer to 
Mirrors52
Rear window
– heating102
– opening and closing39
"Received calls"168
Reception
– quality147
– radio stations147
– regional station145
Reception quality of mobile 
phone, refer to Status 
information20
Rechargeable flashlight107
Recirculated-air mode, refer 
to AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control103
Recirculation of air, refer to 
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control103
Reclining seat, refer to 
Backrest48
Recording times, refer to 
Stopwatch81
"Redial" for mobile phone168
Reflectors, refer to Tail 
lamps199
Refueling182
Releasing, hood190
"Relock door if not 
opened"32
Remaining distance, refer to 
Remaining range75
Remaining distance to desti-
nation, refer to Computer76
Remaining range75
Remote control28
– battery replacement38
– comfort access36
– garage-door opener106
– luggage compartment lid31
– malfunction31,37
Removing condensation from 
windows102"Repeat directory" in audio 
mode156
"Repeat" in audio mode156
"Repeat track" in audio 
mode156
Replacement fuses201
Replacing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs197
Replacing tires
– changing a wheel200
– new wheels and tires188
Reporting an accident, refer to 
Initiating emergency 
call202
Reporting safety defects7
Required fuel183
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel 
gauge75
Reset, refer to Resetting tone 
settings143
"Reset" for stopwatch81
"Reset" tone settings143
Residual heat103
Restraint systems
– for children56
– refer to Safety belts51
Retreaded tires188
Reverse, fast
– CD changer157
– CD player157
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic63
– manual transmission
61
– SMG Sequential Manual 
Gearbox61
Road map133
"Roadside 
Assistance"176,178
Roadside Assistance203
Roadside parking lamps97
– replacing bulbs, refer to 
Parking lamps198
Rollover protection system on 
Convertible92
– lowering93
Rope, refer to Tow-starting 
and towing204