
At a glance
 15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Coupe: glass sunroof, electric with raise 
function
*40
2Microphone for handsfree mode for 
telephone
* 
and voice command system*22
Convertible: microphone on steering 
column
3Reading lamps99
4Interior lamps99
5Coupe: initiating emergency call
*202
6Indicator/warning lamp for front passenger 
airbag
*92
7Convertible: initiating emergency 
call
*202
8Control Display16
9Hazard warning flashers
10Central locking system32
11Automatic climate control100
12Changing
>radio station145
>track14013Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*120
>audio CD140
14Player for navigation DVD in Professional
* 
navigation system120
15Drive for audio CDs140
16Switching audio sources on/off and 
adjusting volume141
18Bracket for cup holder109
19Controller16
Turn, press or move horizontally in four 
directions
20Activating voice command system
*22
21Opening start menu on Control Display17
22Dynamic Driving Control64 Temperature setting, 
left/right100
Automatic air distribution and 
volume101
Cooling function102
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control103
Maximum cooling103
Residual heat mode103
Switching off automatic climate 
control103
Air volume102
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation102
Rear window defroster100
17
Heated seats52
PDC Park Distance Control
*85
DTC Dynamic Traction Control87
Convertible: opening the convert-
ible top42
Convertible: closing the convertible 
top42 

Controls
 69Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Maintaining current speed
Briefly press lever, arrow1, or briefly pull, 
arrow2, at a driving speed of more than approx. 
20 mph or 30 km/h.
The speed currently being driven is stored and 
maintained. It is indicated on the speedometer 
and briefly in the instrument cluster.
The controlled speed can drop on uphill grades 
if the engine output is insufficient. If the 
engine's braking action is not sufficient on a 
downhill grade, the system lightly brakes the 
vehicle.
Setting desired speed
Adjust your desired speed to the traffic 
conditions and remain ready to brake at 
all times; otherwise, there is a danger of acci-
dents. The system is unable to compensate for 
great differences between your speed and that 
of the vehicle ahead, e.g. when quickly 
approaching a truck or when another vehicle 
swerves into your lane.<
Increasing in steps
Briefly press the lever repeatedly up to the 
resistance point or past the resistance point, 
arrow1, until the desired speed is displayed.
>Each time the lever is briefly pressed up to 
the resistance point, the desired speed 
increases by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is briefly pressed 
beyond the resistance point, the desired 
speed is increased by a maximum of 5 mph 
or 10 km/h until the maximum speed of 
110mph or 180km/h is reached.
The speed then displayed is stored and 
reached on clear roads.
Increasing without intermediate steps
Press the lever up to the resistance point or 
past the resistance point, arrow1, until the 
desired speed is reached.
The speed then displayed is stored and 
reached on clear roads.
Decreasing without intermediate steps
Briefly pull the lever repeatedly up to the resis-
tance point or past the resistance point, 
arrow2, until the desired speed is displayed.
>Each time the lever is pulled up to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed decreases 
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pulled beyond the 
resistance point, the desired speed is 
decreased by a maximum of 5 mph or 
10 km/h until the minimum speed of 
20 mph or 30 km/h is reached.
The speed then displayed is stored and 
reached on clear roads.
Select distance
>Rotary switch downward: 
Increase distance
>Rotary switch upward: 
Decrease distance 

Controls
 101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The current setting for air distribution is dis-
played on the Control Display.
A congenial climate
The AUTO program offers the optimum air dis-
tribution and air volume for virtually all condi-
tions, refer to AUTO program below. Now you 
only need to select an interior temperature that 
you find pleasant.
The following sections contain more detailed 
information on the available setting options.
Most settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use, also refer to Personal Profile 
settings on page29.
AUTO program
The AUTO program handles the 
adjustment of air distribution to the 
windshield and side windows, in 
the direction of the upper body, and in the foot-
well, as well as the adjustment of the air volume. 
It also adapts your instructions for the tempera-
ture to outside influences throughout the year.
The cooling is switched on automatically with 
the AUTO program. At the same time, a con-
densation sensor controls the program in such 
a way that window condensation is prevented 
as much as possible.
Intensity of the AUTO program
To meet your individual needs, you can 
increase or decrease the intensity of the auto-
matic climate control.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button. 
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the left to open 
"Climate".3.Select "Automatic programs" and press the 
controller.
4.Select the desired intensity and press the 
controller.
 The marked intensity of the automatic 
program is switched on.
Convertible program
When the convertible top is opened, the con-
vertible program can also be selected. In the 
convertible program, the automatic climate 
control is optimized for driving with the convert-
ible top open. In addition, the air supply is 
increased as the speed increases.
If the convertible program has been selected, 
it is automatically active every time the top is 
opened.
The effect of the convertible program can 
be greatly enhanced if the wind deflector 
is installed.<
Temperature
Set the desired temperature indi-
vidually on the driver's and front 
passenger side.
The automatic climate control 
achieves this temperature as quickly as possi-
ble at any time of year, if necessary with the 
maximum cooling or heating capacity, and then 
keeps it constant.
When switching between different tem-
perature settings in rapid succession, the 
automatic climate control does not have suffi-
cient time to achieve the set temperature.< 

Controls
 103Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Maximum cooling
Maximally cooled air is obtained as 
quickly as possible from an outside 
temperature above 327/06 and 
with the engine running.
The automatic climate control changes over to 
the lowest temperature and switches into the 
recirculated-air mode. The maximum air quan-
tity only flows out of the vents for the upper 
body. It is therefore necessary for these vents to 
be open for maximum cooling.
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control/recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant 
odors or pollutants in the immedi-
ate environment by temporarily 
suspending the supply of outside air. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently within the 
vehicle. In AUC mode, a sensor detects pollut-
ants in the outside air and controls the shut-off 
automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run through the 
following control sequence:
>LED off: outside air flows into the vehicle 
continuously.
>Right LED on, AUC mode: the system 
detects pollutants in the outside air and 
responds by blocking the supply of outside 
air when required.
>Left LED on, recirculated-air mode: the 
supply of outside air into the vehicle is shut 
off continuously.
If condensation starts to form on the 
inside window surfaces during operation 
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch 
it off while also increasing the air volume as 
required.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used 
over a longer period of time, as the air quality 
inside the vehicle deteriorates continuously.<
Residual heat
The heat stored in the engine is 
used to heat the passenger com-
partment, e.g. while stopped at a 
school to pick up a child.
The function can be switched on when the fol-
lowing conditions are met:
>up to 15 minutes after switching off the 
engine
>engine at operating temperature
>sufficient battery voltage
>outside temperature below 777/256
The LED lights up when the function is 
switched on.
With the ignition switch at radio readiness or 
higher the interior temperature, the air volume 
and the air distribution can be set.
Switching off automatic climate control
The air volume, the heater and the 
cooling function are all switched 
off.
You can restart the automatic cli-
mate control by pressing any of its buttons 
except the REST button.
Ventilation
1Knurled wheels for smoothly opening and 
closing air vents
2Levers for changing the airflow direction
Do not drop any foreign objects into the 
vent outlets; otherwise, they could be cat-
apulted outwards and cause injuries.< 

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  

Starting navigation system
120
Starting navigation system
Your navigation system can use satellites to 
ascertain the precise position of your vehicle 
and guide you reliably to any destination you 
enter.
Navigation DVD
The navigation system requires a special navi-
gation DVD. You can obtain the latest version at 
your BMW center.
Inserting navigation DVD
1.Insert the navigation DVD with the labeled 
side up.
2.Wait several seconds for the system to scan 
the data from the DVD.
Removing navigation DVD
1.Press  button 1.
The DVD emerges slightly from the drive.
2.Remove the DVD.
If the DVD is not ejected from the drive, it is pos-
sible that it is jammed. A message appears on 
the Control Display.
Display in the assistance 
window
You can display the route or the current position 
in the assistance window. This display remains 
visible even if you switch to another application.
1.Move the controller to the right to enter the 
assistance window.
2.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3.Select the desired route view or "Current 
position".
4.Press the controller.
The contents of the assistance window are con-
tinually updated as you drive.
* 

On/off and tone
140
On/off and tone
The following audio sources have shared 
controls and setting options:
>Radio Professional
* or 
Radio Business
>CD player
>CD changer
*
Controls
The audio sources can be operated using:
>Buttons near CD player
>iDrive
>Buttons on steering wheel, refer to page11
Buttons near CD player
The layout of the buttons can vary depending 
on your vehicle's equipment.
Equipment with a single drive:
Equipment with two drives:1Entertainment sound output on/off, volume
>Press: switch on/off.
When you switch on, the last set radio 
station or CD track is played.
>Turn: adjust volume.
2Drive for audio CDs
3 Eject CD
4 Station scan/track search
>Change radio station.
>Select track for CD player and 
CD changer.
5Drive for navigation DVDs
Operation via iDrive
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller backwards to open 
"Entertainment".
You have the following choices:
>"FM" and "AM": radio reception
>"WB": Weather Band station
>"SAT": satellite radio
>"CD": CD player or CD changer
>"Set": depending on the audio source, 
other adjustments can be made, e.g. with 
the radio: update station with strongest 
reception, store station, tone control, 
sample stations. 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 149Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Updating stations offering digital 
reception
If you are on a longer journey and leave the 
transmission range of the stations originally set, 
you can update the list of stations with the best 
reception.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Change into the second field from the top.
3.Select "Autostore" and press the controller.
4.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
5.Select "Autostore  " and press the con-
troller.
The display of the stations offering digital 
reception is updated. This can take up to 
2minutes.
Displaying additional information
With the digital stations, additional information 
on the current track is displayed, e.g. the name 
of the artist.
1.Select station and press controller.
2.Select "Details" and press the controller.
 The information is displayed.
If a digital station is received again when the 
station is changed, the additional information 
will be displayed again following a brief interrup-
tion.
Satellite radio*
You can receive up to 100 different channels 
with high sound quality.
The channels are offered to you in predefined 
packages. To receive the channels of your 
choice, you must have this package enabled.
With this new technology the signal may 
fail, causing interruptions in reception.<