
Controls
45Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Storing the steering-wheel position, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory,
page40.
Electric steering wheel lock
The steering wheel locks or unlocks automati-
cally when the remote control is removed or
inserted, refer to page50.
Easy entry/exit
To make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle,
the steering wheel temporarily moves into the
uppermost position.
Programmable button on steering
wheel
You can program the button individually.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.4.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Steering wheel button" is
selected and press the controller.
A list of different functions appears:
>"Navigation voice instructions"
Voice instructions of the navigation sys-
tem
*
>"Air recirculation on / off"
Permanently shutting off outside air,
refer to AUC Automatic recirculated air
control on page87
>"Mute on / off"
Mutes the audio sources
>"Monitor on / off"
Switches the Control Display on/off
>"Telephone list"
*
Display/hide phone book or last list of
stored phone numbers displayed
>"Next entertainment source"
Changes audio source
5.Select the desired function unit and press
the controller.
Operating function
Press the button on the steering wheel.
If you have programmed "Navigation voice
instructions" for the button:
>To switch voice instructions on/off:
Maintain pressure on the button for several
seconds.
>To repeat the last voice instruction:
Press the button.

Controls
57Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The system reverts to operation at normal
speed whenever the vehicle is stationary.
Rain sensor
Wiper operation is controlled automatically as a
function of the rain intensity. The rain sensor is
located on the windshield, directly in front of the
interior rearview mirror.
Activating rain sensor
Press the button, arrow3. The LED in the but-
ton lights up.
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Turn the knurled wheel5.
Deactivating rain sensor
Press the button again, arrow3. The LED goes
out.
Deactivate the rain sensor when passing
through an automatic car wash. Failure to
do so could result in damage caused by undes-
ired wiper activation.<
Cleaning windshield and headlamps
Pull the lever, arrow4:
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief
period.
When the vehicle lighting is switched on, the
headlamps are simultaneously washed at
appropriate intervals.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do so, your vision could be
obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid
antifreeze, refer to Washer fluid. Do not use washers when the washer fluid reservoir is
empty, as this will damage the washer pump.<
Windshield washer nozzles
Both windshield washer nozzles are automati-
cally heated with the engine running or the igni-
tion switched on.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Always keep it well away from sparks and
open flames, and store it in tightly closed con-
tainers well out of the reach of children. Always
follow the instructions for use provided on the
containers.<
Washer fluid reservoir
All washer jets are supplied from one reservoir.
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
In order to maintain the mixture ratio, mix the
washer fluid before filling.<
Capacity
Capacity approx. 5.3 US quarts/5 liters.
Cruise control
The concept
The cruise control is available for use at speeds
of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and higher. The
vehicle stores and maintains the speed that you
set using the lever mounted on the steering col-
umn.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
76 attempt to remove or dismantle the steering
wheel.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators carried out only by a BMW cen-
ter or a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with appropriately 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
correspondingly activates or deactivates the
front, knee and side airbag on the front passen-
ger 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 below.<
Before transporting a child in the front
passenger seat, read the safety informa-
tion and follow the instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page48.
The front, knee and side airbag on the front pas-
senger side can be deactivated for teenagers
and adults in certain seat positions; the indica-
tor lamp for the front passenger airbags lights
up when this occurs. In these cases, change the
seat position so that the front passenger air-
bags are activated and the indicator lamp goes
out. If the desired status cannot be produced by
changing the seat position, transport the corre-
sponding person in the rear seat. Do not fit seat covers, seat cushion padding,
beaded mats or other items onto the front pas-
senger seat unless they are specifically recom-
mended by BMW. Do not place objects under
the seat which could press against the seat
from below. Otherwise 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 operating status of the front,
knee and side airbag on the front passenger
side depending on whether the seat is occu-
pied. The indicator lamp shows whether the
front passenger airbags are activated or deacti-
vated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in
a child restraint system intended for the
purpose is properly detected on the seat.
The 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.
The front, knee and side airbag on the front
passenger side are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not light up when
the seat is empty.
But the front, knee and side airbag on the
front passenger side are still deactivated.

Controls
81Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
5.Select "Pathway lighting" and press the
controller.
6.Turn the controller to select the desired
duration.
7.Press the controller to apply the setting.
Daytime running lamps*
If desired, the light switch can remain in posi-
tion0, 1 or 3.
In position0 and 3 the exterior lighting is auto-
matically switched off after the vehicle is
switched off. In position1 the parking lamps
light up after the ignition is switched off.
Switch on the parking lamps if required as
described under Parking lamps.
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
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
active and the automatic headlamp control is
switched on, refer to page80.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive
Head Light is not active when driving in reverse
and points toward the passenger side when the
vehicle is stopped.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. The 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 or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking. When using
this function, comply with national regulations.
Switching on
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, as otherwise it may no
longer be possible to start the engine.<
Switching off
Briefly press the lever in the opposite
direction3 up to the resistance point.
High-beam assistant*
The concept
This system automatically switches the high
beams on and off again. A sensor on the front of
the interior rearview mirror controls the pro-
cess. The assistant ensures that the high
beams are switched on whenever the traffic sit-
uation allows. This reduces the strain on you
while at the same time providing you with the
best possible visibility. Of course, you can inter-

Lamps
82 vene 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 page80.
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, reacting to oncoming traffic and traffic
ahead and to well-lit areas such as towns and
cities.
Manually switching between high and
low beams
You can intervene at any time if 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. This also deactivates
the high-beam assistant.
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 in the usual
way when the low beams are on.
System limits
The high-beam assistant cannot replace
personal decisions about the benefits of
using high beams. In situations that require
them, you should switch to the low beams man-
ually to avoid a safety risk.<
In the following sample situations, the system
either does not function or functions only in a
limited way and a personal reaction may be
required:
>Under extremely unfavorable weather con-
ditions, such as fog or heavy precipitation
>To make out poorly-lit road users such as
pedestrians, cyclists, people on horseback,
horse-drawn vehicles, train or ship traffic
close to the road and wild animals crossing
the road
>In tight curves, on steep hilltops or in
depressions, with cross traffic or partially
concealed oncoming traffic on the freeway
>In poorly lit places and with highly reflective
signs
>In the low speed range
>When the windshield is fogged up, dirty or
covered with stickers, decals, etc. in the
area of the interior 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

Things to remember when driving
100
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
steep downhill stretches. Even light but consis-
tent pressure on the brake pedal can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
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 minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic climate
control during operation, and then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under
the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page44,
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Ground clearance
Ensure that sufficient ground clearance
is available. To drive down curbs, select
the "Sport" program of the EDC Electronic
Damping Control, refer to page73, to keep the
ground clearance as uniform as possible. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle may be damaged.<
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg, otherwise the vehicle
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<

Replacing components
190
Disposal
After replacement, have old batteries dis-
posed of by your BMW center or deposit
them at a recycling center. Maintain the battery
in an upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery to prevent it from tip-
ping over during transport.<
Power failure
Following a temporary interruption of the power
supply, the operation of some equipment is lim-
ited and must be reinitialized. Individual settings
are also lost and must be updated:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
The position must be stored again, refer to
page40.
>Time and Date
The values must be updated, refer to
page67.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again if necessary,
refer to page132.
>Navigation system
Wait until the system starts, refer to
page123.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse, and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, as
this could lead to overloading of the wiring, ulti-
mately resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
Spare fuses and a pair of plastic tweezers are
located in the compartment for the onboard tool
kit, refer to page182.
Information on fuse allocation is located below
the bracket for the onboard tool kit, see below.
In glove compartment
1.Press the button on the back in the center of
partition1 and pull out the partition upward,
arrow2.
2.Press the coupling downward, arrow3, and
fold the lid 4 forward.
In luggage compartment
Fold the cover under the floor mat upward and
remove the bracket for the onboard tool kit.
Information on fuse allocation1 and additional
fuses2 are provided there.

Reference 211
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Engine
– breaking-in98
– data198
– M Engine Dynamic
Control55
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature59
– speed198
– starting51
– starting, comfort access36
– starting difficulties51
– switching off51
Engine compartment176
Engine coolant178
Engine oil
– additives178
– approved oils178
– checking oil level176
– exact measurement177
– fast measurement177
– possible displays177
– recommended oils178
– temperature60
– temperature gauge60
– topping off177
Engine output, refer to Engine
data198
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature59
Engine speed, refer to Engine
specifications198
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine51
"Enter address"108,114
Entering address107,110
Entering destination via town/
city name108
Entering intersection109
Entering rear42
Entering town/city for
navigation108
Entering zip code for
navigation109
"Entertainment"126
"Entertainment
settings"127,134
Entertainment sound output
on/off127
Entry map for destination111Equalizer, refer to Tone
control129
"Equalizer", tone control129
"ESN"136
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control71
Event data recorders181
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system98
Exterior mirrors43
– automatic dimming
feature44
– automatic heating44
– folding in and out44
– tilting down passenger-side
mirror44
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting193
Eyes for lashing, refer to
Securing cargo101
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control128
Fader, refer to Tone
control128
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control64
False alarms, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts42
Fastest route for
navigation116
Fast forward
– CD changer143
– CD player143
"Fast route" for
navigation117
"Favorites" calling up with
radio133
Filling bottle, refer to
M Mobility System185
Filling capacities200First aid, refer to First-aid
kit192
First-aid kit192
Flashing when locking and
unlocking, refer to Setting
acknowledgment signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight91
Flat tire
– M Mobility System185
– spare wheel188
Flat Tire Monitor
– false alarms74
– initializing system74
– limits of system74
– show chains174
– warning lamp74
"FM", reception
range126,130
FM, waveband130
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely99
Footwell lighting, refer to
Interior lamps83
For specified oil grades, refer
to Approved engine oils178
For your own safety6
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria116
Front airbags75
Front passenger airbags
deactivating76
"FTM"74
Fuel
– average consumption61
– display60
– fuel specifications169
– high-quality brands169
– quality169
– specifications
169
– tank capacity168
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Fuel filler door168
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction168
Fuel gauge60
Fuses190