
Controls
 31Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Adapter for spare key
You will need the adapter to activate the ignition 
and to start the vehicle with the spare key.
Take the adapter from the onboard tool kit, refer 
to page207. 
Press lock button1, slide the cover open and 
insert the spare key2 into the adapter. Close 
the cover and insert the adapter in the ignition 
lock.
Key Memory
The concept
You can set a number of functions of your BMW 
individually according to your preferences. Key 
Memory ensures that most of these settings are 
stored for the remote control currently in use 
without you having to do anything. When the 
vehicle is unlocked, the corresponding remote 
control is detected and the settings stored for it 
are called up and carried out.
This means that your BMW will return to your 
personal settings even if it has in the meantime 
been driven by another person with his/her own 
remote control and settings. The individual set-
tings are stored for a maximum of four remote 
controls.
Key Memory
>Personal settings for driver's seat, outside 
rearview mirrors, and steering wheel posi-
tion, refer to page46.
>Personal temperature distribution for seat 
heating
*, refer to page49.
>Personal setting for the programmable but-
ton on the steering wheel, refer to page52.
>Personal setting of PDC Park Distance 
Control
*, refer to page86.
>Air distribution, temperature, and intensity 
of the Automatic climate control, refer to 
page105.
>Settings for the displays on the Control Dis-
play:
>Units of measure for fuel consumption, 
distance traveled, distances to go, tem-
perature, and pressure, refer to page84.
>Language on Control Display, refer to 
page84.
>Display format of date and time, refer to 
page84.
>Brightness of Control Display, refer to 
page85.
>Personal settings for volume and tone of 
the Entertainment sound output, refer to 
page153.
>Personal settings for the stored stations of 
the radio, refer to page158.
>Personal setting for the volume of the 
hands-free telephone operation, refer to 
page177. 

Controls
 37Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Manual operation
In the case of an electrical malfunction, you can 
unlock the luggage compartment lid with the 
key, refer to page35, and slowly open and close 
it without sudden movements.
Emergency release
Pull lever in luggage compartment. This 
unlocks the luggage compartment lid.
Alarm system
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds to:
>opening of a door, the hood or the luggage 
compartment lid
>movement in the vehicle interior: interior 
motion sensor, refer to page38
>changes in the vehicle's tilt if someone 
attempts to steal the wheels or tow the 
vehicle
>interruptions in battery voltage
The alarm system briefly indicates unautho-
rized tampering:
>with an acoustic alarm
>by switching on
 the hazard warning flashers
>by flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming alarm system
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with 
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm 
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
When the alarm system is armed, you can also 
open the luggage compartment lid with the button on the remote control, refer to 
page33. When the luggage compartment lid is 
closed, it is relocked and monitored again.
Unlocking via the door lock will trigger the 
alarm on some national-market versions.
Pressing the 'Panic mode' button for a longer 
period also triggers the alarm, refer to 
page33.<
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote control, 
refer to page32.
>Insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp below the interior rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after the vehicle 
is locked: the doors or luggage compart-
ment lid are not properly closed. Even if you 
do not close the door involved, the system 
begins to monitor the remaining areas, and 
the indicator lamp flashes continuously 
after 10 seconds. However, the interior 
motion sensor is not activated.
>After the vehicle is unlocked, the indicator 
lamp goes out: no manipulation or 
attempted intrusions have been detected in 
the period since the system was armed.
>After the vehicle is unlocked, the indicator 
lamp flashes until the remote control is 
inserted into the ignition lock, but for no 
more than roughly 5 minutes: an attempted 
entry has been detected in the period since 
the system was armed. 

Controls
 65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Using turn signals
Move the lever beyond the resistance point.
If you wish to manually control the shut-off of 
the turn signal, then only push the lever to the 
resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator 
lamps signals the failure of a turn signal 
lamp, possibly in the trailer when towing.<
Temporarily signaling
Push the lever to the resistance point and hold it 
there for as long as you wish to signal.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever to the resistance point; the turn 
signal flashes three times.
Wiper system
1Switching on wipers
2Switching off wipers or for brief wipe
3Activating/deactivating rain sensor
4Cleaning windshield, headlamps and 
BMW Night Vision camera
*
5Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Switching on wipers
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
Normal wiper speed
Press once.
The system reverts to operation in the intermit-
tent mode when the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance 
point.
The system reverts to normal speed when the 
vehicle is stationary.
Rain sensor
The rain sensor controls the wiper operation as 
a function of the rain intensity. It is located on 
the windshield, directly in front of the inside 
rearview mirror. 

Controls
 95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
the airbag restraint system, have the testing, 
repair, removal, and disposal of airbag genera-
tors executed only by a BMW center or a work-
shop that works according to BMW repair pro-
cedures with correspondingly trained 
personnel and has the required explosives 
licenses. Unprofessional attempts to service 
the system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation, either of 
which could result in personal injury.<
Warnings and information on the airbags is also 
provided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front 
passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected by eval-
uating the impression on the occupied seat sur-
face of the front passenger seat. The system 
appropriately activates or deactivates the front, 
knee, and side airbag on the front passenger 
side.
The current status of the front passenger 
airbag, i.e. deactivated or activated, is 
indicated by the indicator lamp over the interior 
rearview mirror, refer to Operating state of front 
passenger airbags in the following.<
Before transporting a child on the front 
passenger seat, observe the safety infor-
mation and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page54. 
The front, knee and side airbag on the front pas-
senger side can be deactivated for teenagers 
and adults in certain seat positions; then the 
indicator lamp for the front passenger airbags 
lights up. In these cases, change the seat posi-
tion so that the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the 
desired status cannot be produced by changing 
the seat position, have the person ride in the 
back. Do not place slip covers, seat cushions, 
beaded mats, or other objects on the passenger 
seat that are not specifically recommended by 
BMW. Do not lay objects under the seat which 
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise, a correct evaluation of the occupied seat 
surface cannot be ensured.<
Operating state of front passenger 
airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags indicates the operational status of the 
front, knee and side airbag on the front passen-
ger side depending on the seat occupation. The 
indicator lamp shows whether the front passen-
ger airbags are activated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in 
a child restraint system intended for the 
purpose is properly detected on the seat. 
Front, knee and side airbag on the front 
passenger side are deactivated.
>The indicator lamp does not light up when, 
for example, a correctly seated person of 
sufficient height is detected on the seat.
Front, knee and side airbag on the front 
passenger side are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not light up when 
the seat is empty. 
The front, knee, and side airbags on the 
front passenger side are not activated in 
this case, though.
Operational readiness of the airbag 
system
Once the radio ready position is reached, the 
warning lamp lights up briefly, thus indicating  

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96 the operational readiness of the entire airbag 
system and the safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up from radio 
ready state.
>Warning lamp lights up continuously.
Have the airbag system checked immedi-
ately in case of a malfunction; otherwise, 
there is a danger that the airbag system may not 
respond in the expected manner in an accident 
despite an impact of corresponding intensity.<
BMW Night Vision*
The concept
BMW Night Vision is a driver assistance system 
that is designed to provide enhanced vision for 
certain objects at night. This can be especially 
helpful for detecting people and larger animals. 
When objects are detected, the driver may be 
able to take appropriate action sooner. For 
example, the driver may identify and detect the 
presence of persons or animals in the road 
ahead or off to the sides and can be more alert, 
slow down or stop, blow the horn, etc. The 
driver can decide which actions are appropriate 
and then react accordingly.
A certain area in front of the vehicle is viewed by 
an infrared camera and a generated image is 
shown on the Control Display. The resulting 
thermal image shows the relative heat radiation 
of the objects present in the camera's field of 
view. Warmer objects appear brighter and 
cooler objects appear darker. Contrast is 
dependent on the temperature difference 
between the objects and the background and 
on the amount of heat radiation of the object 
itself. As a result, it is quite possible that a per-
son is not continually recognizable as a person 
in shape, since the thermal radiation can be 
affected by different clothing which blocks heat 
loss. Objects with little temperature difference 
to the surrounding area, or little heat radiation 
are less noticeable, for example in cold weather.Any improvement in detection depends on 
many factors such as the object size and tem-
perature compared to the surroundings, or 
other nearby objects, the visual recognition 
skills of the driver, weather conditions, and 
other factors.
Driving hints
With the system active, periodically but briefly, 
glance at the thermal image on the Control Dis-
play to notice objects that could be people or 
larger animals. The glance should be similar to 
glancing at the rear view mirror. Do not stare at 
the image for long periods while driving, as this 
will take your attention away from the road. If 
you notice an object of interest ahead, be pre-
pared to slow down or stop, blow the horn, or 
take other appropriate action.
System limits
The system is designed to supplement but not 
replace forward vision through the windshield. 
The driver is responsible for safe driving at 
night. BMW Night Vision is not designed to be 
used as a continuous viewing window for driv-
ing at night.
No system, no matter how sophisticated, can 
operate without limitations. BMW Night Vision 
operation is subject to physical and environ-
mental limitations that will reduce the ability of 
the system to detect and display a clear thermal 
image. Some of the situations in which these 
limitations can occur are:
>on steep hilltops or depressions and in tight 
curves
>in tunnels, as the contrast is inherently low
>when the camera lens is dirty 

Lamps
100
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp 
control system that enables dynamic illumina-
tion of the road surface. Depending on the 
steering angle and other parameters, the light 
from the headlamp follows the course of the 
road.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In switch position3, the Adaptive Head Light is 
activated and Automatic headlamp control is 
switched on.
In order not to blind oncoming traffic, the Adap-
tive Head Light is not active when driving in 
reverse and only points toward the passenger 
side when the vehicle is stationary.
Malfunction
The LED above the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is 
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left and right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one 
side of your vehicle when parking:After parking the vehicle, press the lever in the 
desired direction3, past the resistance point.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Do not leave them switched on for 
long periods of time; otherwise, it may no longer 
be possible to start the engine.<
High-beam assistant*
The concept
This system automatically switches the high 
beams on and off again. A sensor on the front of 
the inside rearview mirror controls this process. 
The assistant ensures that the high beams are 
switched on whenever the traffic situation 
allows. This reduces the strain on you while at 
the same time providing you with the best pos-
sible visibility. Of course, you can intervene at 
any time and switch the high beams on and off 
in the accustomed manner.
Activating high-beam assistant
1.Turn the light switch to switch position3, 
refer to page99.
2.Press the turn signal lever in the high beam 
direction with the low beams switched on.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when the high-beam 
assistant is activated. The assistant 
automatically switches between high and low 
beams, whereby the system reacts to oncom-
ing traffic and traffic ahead, as well as to suffi-
cient lighting, e.g. towns/cities. 

Controls
 101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Manually switching between high and 
low beams
You can intervene at any time you wish or the 
situation requires.
>If the high-beam assistant has switched on 
the high beams, but you want to use the low 
beams, simply switch to the low beams with 
the turn signal lever. The high-beam assis-
tant is deactivated in the process.
To reactivate the system, briefly press the 
turn signal lever in the high beam direction 
again.
>If the high-beam assistant has switched on 
the low beams, but you want to use the high 
beams, switch to the high beams in the 
accustomed manner. The system is deacti-
vated in the process and you must switch to 
the low beams manually. 
To reactivate the system, briefly press the 
turn signal lever in the high beam direction 
again.
>You use the headlamp flasher as usual with 
low beams.
System limits
The high-beam assistant cannot replace 
personal decisions on the benefits of 
using the high beams. In situations which 
require this, you should therefore switch to the 
low beams manually to avoid a safety risk.<
In the following example situations, the system 
either does not operate or only operates to a 
limited degree and a personal reaction may be 
required:
>Under extremely unfavorable weather con-
ditions, such as heavy fog or precipitation.
>For perceiving road users with poor lighting 
of their own, e.g. pedestrians, cyclists, peo-
ple on horseback, horse-drawn vehicles, 
with train or ship traffic close to the road and 
wild animals crossing the road.
>In tight curves, on steep crowns or depres-
sions, with cross traffic or partially con-
cealed oncoming traffic on the freeway.
>In poorly lit places and with highly reflective 
signs.>In the low speed range.
>When the windshield is dirty or covered with 
stickers, decals etc. in the area of the inside 
rearview mirror.
>When the sensor is dirty. Clean the sensor 
on the front side of the inside rearview mir-
ror with a cloth moistened with a small 
amount of glass cleaner.
Fog lamps
Briefly press the button to switch on/off.
Front fog lamps
The parking lamps or low beams must be 
switched on for the fog lamps to operate. The 
green indicator lamp on the Info Display lights 
up whenever the fog lamps are on.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the lighting intensity with the 
knurled wheel. 

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.