
Driving tips
 117Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage 
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That 
weight may not safely exceed the available 
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated 
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of 
the load from your trailer will be transferred 
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for 
transporting a trailer to determine how this 
may reduce the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of 
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the 
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage 
can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low 
as possible, placing it directly behind the 
bulkhead behind the rear seats.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net* or securing straps to 
hold down small and lightweight luggage 
and cargo.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing 
larger and heavier objects are available at 
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes 
mounted in the luggage compartment are 
used to secure these heavy-duty cargo 
straps, refer to arrows.
>Please observe the special instructions 
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load as 
described above. If you do not, it can 
endanger the passengers during braking or 
evasive maneuvers. 
When fastening lashings, use only the lashing 
eyes, refer to illustration; otherwise, the lash-
ings could come loose or you could damage the 
vehicle.
Never exceed the approved gross vehicle 
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer 
to page210, as excessive loads can pose a 
safety hazard, and may also put you in violation 
of freeway safety laws. 
You should never transport heavy or hard 
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could fly around and pose a safety 
hazard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt 
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Pad on bottom of luggage 
compartment
You can use the pad as needed, for example to 
transport soiled objects. The rubberized side is 
washable and has an anti-skid effect. 

Giving and receiving assistance
204 1.Fold open the cover of the BMW jump-
starting terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
2.Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+ 
to the positive terminal of the battery or a 
jump-starting terminal of the vehicle provid-
ing assistance.
3.Attach the second end of the cable to the 
positive terminal of the battery or to a jump-
starting terminal of the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/– 
to the negative terminal of the battery or to 
an engine or body ground of the vehicle 
providing assistance.
Your BMW has a special nut as body ground 
or negative terminal.
5.Attach the second end of the cable to the 
negative terminal of the battery or to the 
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be 
started.
Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle 
and allow it to run at idle for several minutes 
at slightly increased speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the 
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful, 
wait a few minutes before another attempt 
in order to allow the discharged battery to 
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing 
the connection sequence.
If required, have the battery inspected and 
recharged at your BMW center.
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Observe applicable laws and regulations 
for tow-starting and towing.<
Do not transport any passengers other 
than the driver in a vehicle that is being 
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool kit 
mounted on the inside of the luggage compart-
ment under the floor mat, refer to page197, and 
should always remain in the vehicle. It can be 
screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW.
Only use the tow fitting that comes with 
the vehicle and screw it in as far as possi-
ble. Use the tow fitting for towing only on roads. 
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do 
not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise 
the tow fitting and vehicle can be damaged.< 

Mobility
 205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover in bumper:
Press the arrow symbol on the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page58; otherwise, the low-beam 
headlights, tail lights, turn signals and wind-
shield wipers would not be available. If the vehi-
cle electrical system fails, do not tow-start or 
tow the vehicle. The electric steering-wheel 
lock cannot be unlocked and the vehicle cannot 
be steered. For information on jump starting, 
refer to page203. There is no power assistance 
with the engine stopped. This then requires 
increased effort for braking and steering. Active 
steering is deactivated and larger steering 
wheel movements are required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with 
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 
45 mph/70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.<
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox
Engage selector lever position N with the igni-
tion switched on.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or 
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter 
than the vehicle to be towed; otherwise, it 
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle 
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same 
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset 
angle, please note the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be strictly limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will 
exert lateral forces, tending to push the 
vehicle sideways.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only, 
as attachment to other vehicle parts can 
lead to damage.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make 
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated 
stresses on vehicle components when 
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps. 
Attach tow ropes to the tow fittings only, as 
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to 
damage.< 

Everything from A to Z
218 "Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control103
Audio140
– controls140
– switching on/off140
– tone control141
– volume141
"Audio", refer to Tone 
control141
Automatic
– air distribution101
– air volume101
– headlamp control96
– service notification175
– steering wheel adjustment, 
refer to Easy entry/exit53
– storing stations145
Automatically switching 
between high beams and 
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant97
Automatic car washes116
– also refer to Comfort 
access37
– also refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control100
– automatic air 
distribution101
– convertible program101
– switching off103
Automatic curb monitor53
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp 
control96
– refer to Daytime driving 
lamps96
– refer to High-beam 
assistant97
– refer to Interior lamps99
– refer to Pathway lighting96
"Automatic programs"101
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC103
Automatic station search145Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic62
– deactivating selector lever 
interlock63
– Dynamic Driving Control64
– interlock62
– kick-down63
– selector lever lock, 
Interlock62
– shiftlock62
– towing205
– tow-starting206
– with comfort access37
"Automatic ventilation"104
AUTO program with 
automatic climate 
control101
"Autostore" on the 
radio144,146
Average fuel consumption75
– setting units83
Average speed75
"Avoid ferries" for 
navigation131
Avoid freeways for 
navigation130
"Avoid highways" for 
navigation131
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for 
navigation131
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights210
"A - Z"168
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support48
Backrests, refer to Seats48
Backup lamps
– refer to Reverse gear61
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail 
lamps199
"Balance", refer to Tone 
control142Balance, refer to Tone 
control142
Balance adjustment in audio 
mode, right/left142
Band-aids, refer to First-aid 
kit203
Bass, refer to Tone 
control141
"Bass", tone control142
Bass, tone control141
Battery
– disposal38
– jump starting203
– refer to Vehicle battery200
Battery change38
Being towed205
Belts, refer to Safety belts51
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders109
Blower, refer to Air 
volume102
"BMW Assist"176
BMW Assist174
– enabling174
– services offered175
"BMW Contact"178
"BMW Contact 
Numbers"178
BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System195
"BMW Service"176
"BMW Service settings"175
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup 
holders109
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC 
Dynamic Brake Control86
Brake fluid193
– level193
– warning lamp193
Brake force display90
Brake hydraulic system193
Brake lamps
– brake force display90
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail 
lamps199 

Reference 219
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Brake pads194
– breaking-in114
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System86
– brake fluid193
– brake force display90
– brake pads194
– breaking-in114
– CBC Cornering Brake 
Control86
– handbrake60
Brake system114
– brake fluid level193
– brake pads114,194
– brake rotors116
– breaking-in114
– warning lamp13,193
Brake wear warning
– brake pads194
– warning lamp194
Braking
– electronic brake-force 
distribution86
– refer to Braking safely115
Braking safely115
Breakdown assistance176
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance203
Breaking-in114
Breaking-in the clutch114
Breaking-in the 
differential114
"Brightness"83,94
Brightness of Control 
Display83
Button for starting engine58
Buttons on steering wheel11
Bypassing route sections136
C
California law
– Event Data Recorders196
California Proposition 
65 Warning6
"Call"168Call
– accepting166
– displaying accepted168
– ending167
– in absence168
– starting167
Calling
– from phone book167
– from Top 8 list168
– redialing168
Can holder, refer to Cup 
holders109
Capacity of luggage 
compartment210
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery200
Car care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
"Car data"76
Care196
– refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Cargo loading
– securing cargo117
– stowing cargo117
– vehicle116
Caring for artificial leather, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochureCar key, refer to Keys/remote 
control28
Car phone162
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest108
– refer to Mobile phone162
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio144
Car wash116
– refer to Before driving into a 
car wash116
– refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
– with comfort access37
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system114
"Categories"151
CBC Cornering Brake 
Control86
CBS Condition Based 
Service195
"CD"140,153
CD changer153
– controls140
– fast forward/reverse157
– installation location157
– playing a track155
– random play sequence156
– repeating a track156
– selecting a CD153
– selecting a track154
– switching on/off140
– tone control141
– volume141
CD player153
– controls140
– fast forward/reverse157
– playing a track155
– random play sequence156
– repeating a track156
– selecting a track154
– switching on/off140
– tone control141
– volume141
Center armrest, adjusting 
height108 

Everything from A to Z
222 Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC86
Dynamic Drive88
Dynamic Driving Control64
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC86
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC87
E
Easy entry, refer to Getting in 
back51
Easy entry/exit53
EBV, refer to Electronic brake-
force distribution86
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on CD player140
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door182
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– storage compartment, hotel 
function33
Electric steering wheel 
adjustment53
Electronic brake-force 
distribution86
Electronic oil level check191
Emergency assistance, refer 
to Roadside Assistance203
Emergency call202
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door182
– glass sunroof41
– hotel function33
– luggage compartment lid34
– selector lever interlock, 
automatic transmission63Emergency release for 
luggage compartment lid in 
luggage compartment34
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance203
"Emission inspect."78
"Enable services"175
"End call"167
Engine
– breaking-in114
– data210
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature74
– speed210
– starting59
– starting, comfort access36
– starting difficulties59
– switching off59
– switching off when equipped 
with Automatic transmission 
with comfort access37
Engine compartment191
Engine coolant193
Engine oil
– additives192
– approved oils192
– electronic oil level check191
– recommended oils192
– temperature75
– temperature gauge75
– topping off192
"Engine oil level"192
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data210
Engine overheating, refer to 
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
specifications210
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine59
"Enter address"122,128
Entering address121,124
Entering destination via town/
city name122
Entering intersection123
Entering town/city for 
navigation122Entering zip code for 
navigation123
"Entertainment"140
"Entertainment 
settings"141,148
Entertainment sound output 
on/off141
Entry map for destination125
Equalizer, refer to Tone 
control143
"Equalizer", tone control143
"ESN"150
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control86
Event Data Recorders196
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system114
Exterior mirrors52
– automatic dimming 
feature53
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out52
– tilting down passenger-side 
mirror53
Eye for tow-starting and 
towing, refer to Tow 
fitting204
Eyes for lashing, refer to 
Securing cargo117
F
"Fader", refer to Tone 
control142
Fader, refer to Tone 
control142
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control79
False alarms, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms36
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts51
Fastest route for 
navigation130 

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 

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