Controls
109Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Ventilation in rear
Use the lever1 to vary the airflow direction.
For additional information on rear ventilation
options, refer to page107.
Parked car ventilation
The parked car ventilation blows air into the
passenger compartment to reduce interior tem-
peratures.
You can set two different times for the system
to start. The system is operated via iDrive.
It remains switched on for 30 minutes.
Since the system uses a substantial amount of
electrical current, you should refrain from acti-
vating it twice in succession without allowing
the battery to be recharged in normal operation
between uses.
With a preselected switch-on time, the parked
car ventilation is switched on at an outside tem-
perature of 597/156 or greater. When oper-
ated manually, it is ready for use at any outside
temperature, but not during driving.
The air enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents for the upper body in the
dashboard, which can be adjusted for both
direction and airflow. These vents must be
open for the system to operate.
Switching on and off directly
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Climate".3.Select "Parked car" and press the control-
ler.
4.Select "Indep. ventil." and press the con-
troller.
The parked car ventilation is switched
on.
LED on the automatic climate control
flashes.
5.Select "Indep. ventil." again and press the
controller to switch off.
Preselecting activation time
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Climate".
3.Select "Parked car" and press the control-
ler.
4.Select "Set time 1" or "Set time 2" and
press the controller.
5.Enter the desired time:
>Turn to change the setting.
>Press the controller to adopt the setting.
Controls
111Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can
replace as many as three hand-held transmit-
ters for various remote-controlled accessories,
such as door openers and house alarm sys-
tems. The integrated universal remote control
registers and stores signals from the original
hand-held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter
can be programmed into one of the three mem-
ory buttons1. Then the respective devices can
be actuated using the programmed memory
buttons. The LED2 flashes to confirm trans-
mission of the signal.
Should you sell your vehicle one day, be sure to
delete the stored programs beforehand for your
security, refer to page112.
To prevent possible damage or injury,
during programming or before each use
of the programmed device by the integrated
universal remote control, always inspect the
immediate area to make certain that no people,
animals or objects are within the swiveling and
movement range of the device. Also, comply
with the safety precautions of the original hand-
held transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If you see this symbol on the packaging
or in the manual supplied with the orig-
inal hand-held transmitter, it is safe to
assume that it is compatible with the integrated
universal remote control.
If you have additional questions, please contact
your BMW center or call: 1-800-355-3515.
Information is also provided on the Internet at:
www.bmwusa.com or
www.homelink.com.
HomeLink is a registered trademark of
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Programming
1Memory buttons
2LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Switch on the ignition.
2.When using for the first time: press both
outer buttons1 for approx. 20 seconds,
maintaining pressure until the LED2 starts
to flash. The three memory buttons1 are
cleared.
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a
distance of approx. 2in/5cm to 8in/20cm
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the
hand-held transmitter and memory
buttons1 depends on the relevant system
of the original hand-held transmitter used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit button
on the original hand-held transmitter and
the desired memory button1 of the inte-
grated universal remote control. The LED2
flashes slowly at first. As soon as the LED2
flashes rapidly, release both buttons. If the
LED2 does not flash rapidly after approx.
15 seconds, alter the distance.
5.To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the system when the engine is
running or when the ignition is switched on.
Controls
113Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
To avoid injuries, make sure that the clos-
ing region of the roller blind is clear.
Press the safety switch on the driver's door,
refer to page40. The LED must light up. This
precaution prevents children from operating
the sun blinds using the rear switches, etc.
When leaving the vehicle parked, remove the
remote control from the ignition lock and close
the doors; this precaution prevents children
from operating the roller sun blinds and injuring
themselves.<
Automatically extending and retracting
sun blinds
You can run the sun blinds up and down
together when you press and hold the button3
longer.
Glove compartment
Opening
Press button. The glove compartment opens
automatically and the light comes on.
Closing
Fold the cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent, close the glove compartment
immediately after use.<
Rechargeable flashlight
The flashlight is located on the left side of the
glove compartment.
The flashlight can remain plugged in continu-
ously. Remove the flashlight from the socket
when needed.
Be sure that the flashlight is switched off
when it is inserted into its holder. Failure
to comply with this precaution could lead to
overcharging and damage.<
Front center armrest
A storage compartment is located in the center
armrest between the front seats. Briefly press
the buttons to open.
1Open the right cover
2Open the left cover
Controls
115Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Storage compartments
Clothes hooks
Clothes hooks are located near the grab han-
dles in the rear.
When suspending clothing from the
hooks ensure that it will not obstruct the
driver's vision. Do not hang heavy objects on
the hooks. If you do so, they could cause per-
sonal injury to occupants during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers.<
Glasses compartment
Briefly press the button to open.
You can remove the insert tray for cleaning.
Storage compartment in center
console
Briefly press the button to open.
Cup holders
Front
Below the sliding covers.
Do not place glass containers in the cup
holders; otherwise, there is a danger of
injury in an accident.<
Rear
In the front of the rear seat cushion's center.
Briefly press to open; slide back to close.
Ashtray, front
Opening
Push cover on recess toward front.
Controls
117Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Cigarette lighter, rear
Refer to Cigarette lighter, front.
Rear refrigerator*
The rear refrigerator is located behind the rear
seats' center armrest.
Switching on/off
1.Switch on the ignition
2.Press button.
The LED in the button lights up.
3.Press the button again to switch off the rear
refrigerator.
When the ignition is switched off, this also
switches off the rear refrigerator.
When a low voltage is reached, it is automati-
cally switched off to protect the vehicle battery.
The LED in the button flashes.
High temperatures in the luggage com-
partment can affect the temperature in
the rear refrigerator.<
With rear air conditioner
When switched on, the rear refrigerator is con-
trolled by the rear air conditioner.
To adjust the cooling capacity and increase the
airflow volume, refer to page108.
Without rear air conditioner
When switched on, the rear refrigerator is con-
trolled by the automatic air conditioning sys-
tem.
To adjust the temperature and increase the air-
flow volume, refer to pages105, 106.
Releasing
Pull on the opener and fold the cooler forward.
Switching on/off via iDrive*
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Climate".
3.Select "Extra" and press the controller.
4.Select "Rear refrigerator" and press the
controller.
Select "Rear refrigerator" again and press the
controller to switch off.
Controls
119Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
3.Snap the cover into place as shown.
4.Close the cover panel.
Luggage compartment
Net*
You can use the net to store smaller objects
against the bulkhead separating the luggage
compartment from the rear seats.
Do not stow objects behind the side trim
panels on the left and right in the luggage
compartment; otherwise, the electrical parts
could overheat and be damaged.<
Driving tips
123Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature*
Two photocells in the interior rearview mirror
control this function. One is integrated into the
mirror's lens, the other is located offset from
this on the rear of the mirror housing.
For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells
clean and do not cover the area between the
interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do
not attach any kind of stickers to the windshield
in front of the mirror either.
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 tires and
road surface, ultimately undermining your abil-
ity to steer and brake the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Only drive through water with a maximum
depth of 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at walk-
ing speed at the most. Otherwise, you run the
risk of damaging the vehicle's engine, electrical
systems, and transmission.<
Safe braking
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard
equipment. In situations that require it, it is best
to apply the brakes fully. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless 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.
Driving in wet conditions
When driving in wet conditions and 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 endanger other road users. The heat gener-
ated 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 reduced effi-
ciency of the brake system, drive long or
steep downhill grades in the gear that requires
the least amount of braking. Otherwise, even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can further enhance the engine's braking
action by selecting a lower gear in the automatic
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches,
refer to page63. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
Do not drive in idle or with the engine
switched off; otherwise, there will be no
engine braking action or support of the braking
force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimal
pressure that must be exerted by the pads dur-
ing brake applications to clean the rotors is not
reached.
Driving tips
125Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Stowing cargo
>Place 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.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each outside rear
safety belt in the opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net* or securing straps to
secure small and lightweight luggage and
cargo.
>Heavy-duty straps
* for securing larger and
heavier objects are available at your BMW
center. Four lashing eyes for attaching
these heavy-duty straps are provided in the
luggage compartment, refer to illustration.
>Please follow the special instructions sup-
plied with the heavy-duty straps.
Always position and secure the load as
described above. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers, for example during
braking or evasive maneuvers.
Attach heavy-duty straps only to the lashing
eyes, refer to illustration, otherwise, the heavy-
duty straps could come loose or the vehicle
could be damaged.Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page220, as excessive loads can impair the
operational safety of the vehicle and may also
put you in violation of highway 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 .<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Anchorage points
The anchorage points are located inside the
door openings.
Loading roof rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under
Weights starting on page220.
Make sure that the roof load is distributed
evenly, and that it does not extend outward to
beyond the limits of the loading surface. Always
load the heaviest pieces first – on the bottom.
Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained
for raising the glass sunroof, and that objects do