
Controls
 59Reference
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Mobility
Starting engine
Do not run the engine in closed rooms; 
otherwise, the inhalation 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, as such a vehicle represents a 
potential safety hazard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always 
engage the handbrake and move the selector-
lever into position P or shift into neutral before 
leaving the vehicle with the engine running.<
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.
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Depress the clutch pedal and select the 
idling position.
3.Briefly press Start/Stop button.
The system responds by automatically engag-
ing the starter for a certain period and automat-
ically disengaging it as soon as the engine 
starts.
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic*
1.Depress brake pedal.
2.Briefly press Start/Stop button.
The system responds by automatically engag-
ing the starter for a certain period and automat-ically disengaging it as soon as the engine 
starts.
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox*
1.Depress brake pedal.
2.Move the selector lever into position N and 
make sure that this position is also indi-
cated in the instrument cluster.
3.Briefly press Start/Stop button.
The system responds by automatically engag-
ing the starter for a certain period and automat-
ically disengaging it as soon as the engine 
starts.
If the engine fails to start, depress the 
brake pedal and press the selector lever 
to the right and then back into position N. 
Watch the display in the instrument cluster 
while doing so.<
Special starting conditions
Depress the accelerator pedal halfway when 
starting the engine in the following situations:
>The engine fails to start on the first attempt, 
e.g. if it is very hot or cold.
>The engine is started at very low tempera-
tures below approx. + 57/– 156 and at 
high altitudes over 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 at all or is burned inadequately and 
there is a danger of overheating and damage to 
the catalytic converter.<
Switching engine off
Do not remove the remote control from 
the ignition lock while the vehicle is roll-
ing; otherwise, the steering wheel lock would 
engage while steering.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the 
remote control with you.
When parking on a downhill slope, apply the 
handbrake; otherwise, the vehicle could roll.< 

Controls
 71Reference
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If the display ACC --- mph/km/h briefly 
appears in the instrument cluster, it might 
be that conditions necessary for operation are 
not currently being met. To call up Check Con-
trol messages, refer to page79.<
Warning lamps
The display2 flashes red and a sig-
nal sounds. 
The system is warning you to inter-
vene by braking or executing an 
evasive maneuver. The active 
cruise control cannot automatically restore the 
distance to the vehicle driving ahead. 
This display does not, however, relieve the 
driver of the responsibility for adapting desired 
speed and driving style to traffic conditions.
The display2 flashes yellow. 
Automatic intervention by ABS or 
DSC. The active cruise control 
intervenes by braking until you 
actively take over.
Radar sensor
Heavy rain, dirt, snow, or ice can impair the 
detection of vehicles ahead. If necessary, clean 
the radar sensor under the front bumper. In 
doing so, be especially careful when removing 
layers of snow and ice.
If the sensor is incorrectly aligned, the active 
cruise control cannot be activated.
Things to know about active cruise control
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way 
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own 
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise 
controlling the vehicle. The driver should 
decide when to use the system on the basis of 
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions. 
Active cruise control is intended for use on 
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving 
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in 
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush 
hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery roads or roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow, 
heavy rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parking areas or toll booths. 
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's 
speed and distance setting within applicable 
legal limits. Always be ready to take action or 
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when 
the system is actively following a vehicle in front 
of you.<
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system do have physical limita-
tions. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate  

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
90
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering is a system that actively var-
ies the steering angle of the front wheels in rela-
tion to the steering wheel movements.
At low speeds, e.g. in a town or when parking, 
the steering angle of the wheels is increased, 
i.e. the steering becomes very direct.
In the higher speed range, on the other hand, 
the steering angle is reduced more and more. 
This improves the handling capability of your 
BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle 
before the driver intervenes. This stability-pro-
moting intervention is deactivated when DSC is 
switched off, refer to page86.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up and a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display. The active steering is no longer operational. At 
low speed, larger steering wheel movements 
are required, while the vehicle reacts more sen-
sitively to steering wheel movements in the 
higher road speed range. The stability-promot-
ing intervention can also be deactivated. Pro-
ceed cautiously and drive defensively. Have the 
system checked.
Brake force display
>Left-hand picture: normal braking.
>Right-hand picture: heavy braking.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the 
marked covers:
1Front airbags
2Coupe: head airbags3Side airbags
4Knee airbag
5Knee airbag 

Things to remember when driving
114
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts need time to adjust to one 
another. To ensure that your vehicle continues 
to provide optimized economy of operation 
throughout an extended service life, we request 
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and driving speeds, 
however do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/
160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode during these 
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be 
increased.
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox
Do not use the acceleration assistant during the 
break-in period, refer to page64.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full 
traction potential until after an initial break-in 
period. It is therefore important to drive reserv-
edly 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 in a reserved manner during 
this break-in period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced 
after subsequent driving operation.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid
Only drive with the luggage compartment 
lid completely closed, otherwise exhaust 
can penetrate into the passenger compart-
ment.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the 
luggage compartment lid open:
1.Coupe: close both windows and the glass 
sunroof.
Convertible: with closed top, close all win-
dows.
2.Increase the air volume of the automatic 
climate control to a high level, refer to 
page102.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed 
adjacent to it, and never apply undercoating to 
them. When driving, standing at idle and while 
parking, 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, and with it 
the risk of serious property damage as well as 
personal injury.< 

Driving tips
 115Reference
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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  

Mobility
 199Reference
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4.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove, 
refer to arrow.
5.Remove and replace the bulb.
Sidemarker
Bulb 5 watts, WY5W ST
The bulb can be replaced via a cover at the front 
of the wheel well, refer to the description for 
turn signal lamp 2.
1.The bulb holder of the sidemarker lamp is 
located toward the outside of the vehicle 
next to the bulb holder of turn signal lamp 2.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Side turn signals
Bulb 5 watts, WY 5 W
1.Press against the front edge of the lamp 
with the tip of your finger, then push it to the 
rear, release the snap connection at the 
front and take it off the trim strip.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left by 905 and 
remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Tail lamps
The roadside parking, rear and brake 
lamps are LEDs. The backup lamps are 
equipped with long-life bulbs. Please contact a 
BMW center in case of a malfunction.<
1Turn signals
2Roadside parking, rear and brake lamp
3Backup lamp
4Reflector
Rear turn signals
Bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
The illustration shows the recess on the left 
side of the luggage compartment.
1.Remove the cover.
2.Unclip the bulb holder and remove.
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while 
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment. 

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 

Reference 227
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Neck support, refer to Front 
head restraints50
"New address" for 
navigation128
"New destination"121,125
New remote control28
"New route"136
New wheels and tires188
"Next entertainment 
source"54
Nozzles
– refer to Ventilation103
– refer to Windshield washer 
nozzles66
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing204
O
OBD Socket196
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel 
specifications183
Odometer74
Oil
– additives192
– approved engine oils192
– capacity212
– consumption191
– consumption, refer to 
Engine oil, checking191
– level191
– topping off192
Oil change intervals
– refer to Service 
requirements77
– refer to the Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models or to 
the Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet for Canadian 
models
"On a new destination" for 
navigation127
"onboard info"76
Onboard monitor, refer to 
iDrive16
Onboard tool kit197
"On destination"127"On location"127
Opening and closing
– comfort access36
– from inside32
– from outside30
– using door lock32
– using the remote control30
Operation by voice for mobile 
phone170
– adjusting volume171
– canceling170
– commands170
– correcting phone 
number171
– dialing phone number171
– placing a call171
– redialing172
– voice phone book171
"Options"177
Orientation menu, refer to 
Start menu17
Output, refer to Engine 
data210
Outside air, refer to AUC 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control103
Outside temperature 
display74
– changing unit of measure83
P
Panic mode31
Park Distance Control PDC85
"Parked car operation"104
"Parked car ventilation"104
Parked car ventilation
– activating an activation 
time105
– setting activation time104
– switching on and off 
directly104
Parking, vehicle59
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park 
Distance Control85
Parking assistant, refer to Park 
Distance Control PDC85Parking brake, refer to 
Handbrake60
Parking lamps/low beams96
– replacing bulbs198
Parts and accessories6
Passenger airbags, deacti-
vating, refer to Exception for 
front passenger’s seat56
Passenger-side exterior 
mirror, tilting down53
"Pathway lighting"96
Pathway lighting96
"PDC"86
"PDC display on"86
PDC Park Distance Control85
Personal Profile29
"Perspective"134
"Phone"167
Phone book166
Phone numbers
– deleting from phone 
book169
– dialing167
– most recent numbers168
– selecting in phone book168
– Top 8168
Plasters, refer to First-aid 
kit203
"Play" in audio mode154
"Play" on the radio, 
selecting151
Plug-in unit for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock58
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter104
Position
– displaying136
– storing128
Power failure201
Power windows, refer to 
Windows38
"Presets" on the 
radio144,150
Presetting parked car venti-
lation activation times104
Pressure, tires184
"Profile"177