
Opening and closing
36 You can open the luggage compartment lid/tail-
gate even when the alarm system is armed, by 
pressing the   button on the remote control, 
refer to page30. The lid is locked and moni-
tored again as soon as you close it.
Switching off an alarm
>Unlock the car with the remote control, refer 
to page29.
>Insert the remote control all the way into the 
ignition lock.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp under the inside rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after locking: 
doors, hood, luggage compartment lid/tail-
gate or rear window are not properly closed. 
Even if you do not close the alerted area, the 
system begins to monitor the remaining 
areas, and the indicator lamp flashes con-
tinuously after approx. 10 seconds. How-
ever, the interior motion sensor is not acti-
vated.
>The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking: 
your vehicle has not been disturbed while 
you were away.
>If the indicator lamp flashes after unlocking 
until the remote control is inserted in the 
ignition, but for no longer than approx. 
5 minutes: your vehicle has been disturbed 
while you were away.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm 
system reacts, e.g. to attempts to steal a wheel 
or tow the vehicle.
Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and glass sunroof 
must be completely closed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor 
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following 
situations:
>In duplex garages
>During transport on car-carrying trains, 
boats/ships or on a trailer
>When animals are to remain in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and 
interior motion sensor
Press the   button on the remote control 
again as soon as the vehicle is locked.
The indicator lamp comes on for approx. two 
seconds, then begins to flash steadily. The tilt 
alarm sensor and the interior motion sensor are 
switched off until the next time the vehicle is 
unlocked and subsequently locked again.
Convenient access*
Convenient access enables you to enter your 
vehicle without needing to hold the remote con-
trol in your hand. All you need to do is wear the 
remote control close to your body, e.g. in your 
jacket pocket. The vehicle automatically 
detects the corresponding remote control 
within the immediate vicinity or in the passen-
ger compartment.
Convenient access supports the following 
functions:
>Unlocking/locking the vehicle
>Unlocking the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate separately
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>Engine starting
>Convenient closure
Functional requirement
>The vehicle or the luggage compartment 
lid/tailgate can only be locked when the 
vehicle detects that the remote control cur-
rently in use is outside of the vehicle.
>The vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked 
again until after approx. 2 seconds.
>The engine can only be started when the 
vehicle detects that the remote control cur-
rently in use is inside the vehicle.
Comparison to standard remote 
controls
In general, there is no difference between using 
convenient access or pressing the buttons on 
the remote control to carry out the functions 
mentioned above. You should therefore first 
familiarize yourself with the instructions on 
opening and closing starting on page28.
Special features regarding the use of conve-
nient access are described below.
If you notice a brief delay while opening or 
closing the windows or glass sunroof, the 
system is checking whether a remote control is 
inside the vehicle. Please repeat the opening or 
closing procedure, if necessary.<
Unlocking
Grasp the handle on the driver's or front pas-
senger's door completely, arrow 1. This corre-
sponds to pressing the  button.
If a remote control is detected inside the car 
after the vehicle is unlocked, the electric steer-
ing wheel lock is released, refer to page57.
Locking
Touch the surface, arrow 2, with your finger for 
approx. 1 second. This corresponds to pressing 
the button.
To preserve the battery, please make 
sure that the ignition and all electrical 
consumers are switched off before locking the 
vehicle.<
Convenient closure
For convenient closure, keep your finger on the 
surface, arrow 2.
Unlocking the luggage compartment 
lid/tailgate separately
Press the button on the outside of the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate. This corresponds to 
pressing the  button.
If the vehicle detects that a remote con-
trol has been accidentally left inside the 
locked vehicle's cargo bay after the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate or rear window is 
closed, the lid will reopen. The hazard warning 
flashers flash and an acoustic signal
* sounds.<
Switching on radio readiness
Radio readiness is switched on by pressing the 
start/stop button, refer to page57.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch, 
otherwise the engine will start.<
Starting the engine
You can start the engine or switch on the igni-
tion when a remote control is inside the vehicle. 
It is not necessary to insert a remote control into 
the ignition switch, refer to page57.
Switch off the engine in cars with 
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the 
selector lever is in position P, refer to page58.
T o  s w i t c h  t h e  e n g i n e  o f f  w h e n  t h e  s e l e c t o r  l e v e r  
is in position N, the remote control must be in 
the ignition switch.
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switch again to stop the opening move-
ment.
You can close the windows in the same manner 
by pulling the switch.
There are separate switches in the rear seat 
armrests.
After switching off the ignition
When the remote control is removed or the igni-
tion is switched off, you can still operate the 
windows for approx. 1 minute as long as no 
door is opened.
For information on convenient operation via the 
remote control or the door lock, refer to page30 
or31. For information on closing with conve-
nient access, refer to Locking on page30.
Pinch protection system
If the closing force exceeds a specific value as a 
window closes, the closing action is interrupted 
and the window reopens slightly.
Despite the pinch protection system 
check and clear the window's travel path 
prior to closing it, otherwise the safety system 
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-
tions, such as thin objects, and the window 
would continue closing. 
Do not install any accessories that might inter-
fere with window movement. Otherwise the 
pinch protection system could be impaired.<
Closing without pinch protection
If there is an external danger, or if ice on the win-
dows, etc., prevents you from closing the win-
dows normally, proceed as follows:
1.Pull the switch past the resistance point and 
hold it there. Pinch protection is limited and 
the window reopens slightly if the closing 
force exceeds a certain value.
2.Pull the switch again past the resistance 
point within approx. 4 seconds and hold it 
there. The window closes without pinch 
protection.
Safety switch
With the safety switch, you can prevent the rear 
windows from being opened or closed via the 
switches in the rear passenger area, by chil-
dren, for example. When the safety function is 
switched on, the LED comes on.
Always press the safety switch when chil-
dren ride in the rear, otherwise 
unchecked closing of the windows could lead to 
injuries.<
Sedan:
Glass sunroof*, electric
To prevent injuries, exercise care when 
closing the glass sunroof and keep it in 
your field of vision until it is shut. 
Take the remote control with you when you 
leave the car, otherwise children could operate 
the sunroof and possibly injure themselves.<
Raising
Press the switch.
>The closed glass sunroof is raised and the 
sliding visor opens slightly.
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Opening and closing
40 >The open glass sunroof automatically trav-
els into the raised position. The sliding visor 
remains completely open.
Opening, closing
>Press the switch backwards to the resis-
tance point.
The glass sunroof and the sliding visor open 
together as long as you hold the switch in 
this position.
>Push the switch backwards past the resis-
tance point. 
The glass sunroof and the sliding visor open 
automatically. Briefly press the switch again 
to stop the opening movement.
You can close the glass sunroof in a similar 
manner by pushing the switch forwards. The 
sliding visor remains open and can be closed by 
hand.
For information on convenient operation via the 
remote control or door lock, refer to page30 
or31. 
After switching off the ignition
When the remote control is removed or the igni-
tion is switched off, you can still operate the 
sunroof for approx. 1 minute as long as no door 
has been opened.
Pinch protection system
If the glass sunroof encounters an obstruction 
during closing from approximately the middle of 
the opening in the roof, or during closing from 
the raised position, the closing movement is 
interrupted and the glass sunroof is opened 
again slightly.
Despite the pinch protection system 
check and clear the sunroof's travel path 
prior to closing it, otherwise the safety system 
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-
tions, such as very thin objects, and the sunroof 
would continue closing.<
Closing without pinch protection
If there is an external danger, push the switch 
past the resistance point and hold it there. The 
roof closes without pinch protection.
Following interruptions in electrical 
power supply
After a power failure, there is a possibility that 
the glass sunroof can only be raised. The sys-
tem must be initialized. BMW recommends 
having this work done by your BMW center.
Closing manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can 
move the glass sunroof manually:
1.Unclip the front of the cover of the interior 
lamps using the screwdriver from the 
onboard tool kit, refer to page221.
2.Insert the screwdriver into the openings on 
each side to press the clips.
3.Remove the control unit.
4.Unplug the motor. Considerably less effort 
will be required for manual operation.
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5.Insert the Allen wrench supplied with the 
onboard tool kit, refer to page221, into the 
opening provided. Move the glass sunroof 
in the desired direction.
6.Reinstall the control unit and reattach the 
lamp cover.
Sports Wagon:
Panorama glass roof*
To prevent injuries, exercise care when 
closing the panorama glass roof and keep 
it in your field of vision until it is shut.
Take the remote control with you when you 
leave the car, otherwise children could operate 
the sunroof and possibly injure themselves.<
Raising
>Press the switch.
The closed panorama glass roof is raised 
and the sliding visor opens slightly.
>Press the switch twice.
The open panorama glass roof is raised and 
the sliding visor is opened completely.
Do not close the sliding visor forcibly with 
the roof in the raised position, as this 
would damage the mechanism.<
Opening, closing
Sliding visor
The sliding visor can be opened or closed sep-
arately when the sunroof is closed or raised.
>Press the switch backwards to the resis-
tance point.
The sliding visor opens as long as you keep 
the switch in this position.
>Press the switch backwards past the resis-
tance point.
The sliding visor will open automatically. 
Briefly press the switch again to stop the 
movement.
You can close the sliding visor in a similar man-
ner by pressing the switch forwards.
Comfort position
In the comfort position, the sunroof is not com-
pletely open, thus reducing wind noise in the 
passenger compartment.
Each time the panorama glass roof is opened or 
closed, it stops in the comfort position. If 
desired, continue the movement by pressing 
the switch.
Panorama glass roof
>With the sliding visor open, press the switch 
backwards again to the resistance point.
The panorama glass roof opens as long as 
you keep the switch in this position.
>With the sliding visor open, press the switch 
backwards again beyond the resistance 
point.
The panorama glass roof opens automati-
cally. Briefly press the switch again to stop 
the movement.
You can close the panorama glass roof in a sim-
ilar manner by pressing the switch forwards.
For information on convenient operation via the 
remote control or door lock, refer to page30 
or31. 
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Opening and closing
42
Opening and closing the sunroof and 
sliding visor at the same time
Press the switch twice in quick succession 
beyond the resistance point.
Pressing the switch again stops the operation.
After switching off the ignition
When the remote control is removed or the igni-
tion is switched off, you can still operate the 
sunroof for approx. 1 minute as long as no door 
has been opened.
Pinch protection system
If the panorama glass roof or the sliding visor 
encounters an obstruction while closing from a 
position about two-thirds closed, or during 
closing from the raised position, the closing 
movement is interrupted and the panorama 
glass roof and the sliding visor are opened again 
slightly.
Despite the pinch protection system 
check and clear the sunroof's travel path 
prior to closing it, otherwise the safety system 
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-
tions, such as very thin objects, and the sunroof 
would continue closing.<
Closing without pinch protection
If there is an external danger, push the switch 
past the resistance point and hold it there. The 
roof closes without pinch protection.
Following interruptions in electrical 
power supply
After a power failure, there is a possibility that 
the panorama glass roof can only be raised. The 
system must be initialized. BMW recommends 
having this work done by your BMW center.
Closing manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can 
move the panorama glass roof manually:1.Unclip the front of the cover of the interior 
lamps using the screwdriver from the 
onboard tool kit, refer to page221.
2.Insert the screwdriver into the openings on 
each side to press the clips.
3.Remove the control unit.
4.Unplug the motor. Considerably less effort 
will be required for manual operation.
5.Insert the Allen wrench supplied with the 
onboard tool kit, refer to page221, into the 
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Things to remember when driving
122
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to 
each other. Please follow the instructions below 
in order to achieve the optimal service life and 
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do 
not exceed an engine speed of 4500 rpm or a 
road speed of 100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually 
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in 
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal 
level only after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be 
observed if any of the components mentioned 
above have to be renewed in the course of the 
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Closing the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid/tailgate and rear 
window are closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes 
could enter the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the luggage compartment 
lid/tailgate or rear window open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air flow rate of the automatic 
climate control considerably, refer to 
page103.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed 
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them. 
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact 
between the hot exhaust system and any highly 
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass, 
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the 
risk of serious personal injuries and property 
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. 
Otherwise there is a risk of burns.<
Mobile phone in the vehicle
BMW discourages the use of mobile 
communications devices, e.g. mobile 
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the 
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Things to remember when driving
126
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option 
for your BMW. Comply with the directions given 
in the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the roof/
along the roof rails
*.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on 
vehicle 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 applicable data under Weights 
on page239.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and 
should not be too large in area. Heavy items 
should always be placed at the bottom. Be sure 
that adequate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the glass sunroof, and that objects do not 
project into the opening path of the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off 
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
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