
Technology for driving comfort and safety
94 an added safety feature, your vehicle has been 
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminates a low tire pressure 
telltale when one or more of your tires are signif-
icantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the 
low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should 
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, 
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving 
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the 
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. 
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and 
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the 
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to 
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level at which the 
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined 
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash 
for approximately one minute and then remain 
continuously lit. This sequence will continue 
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as 
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction 
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be 
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as 
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a 
variety of reasons, including the installation of 
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the 
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning 
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction 
telltale after replacing one or more tires or 
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the 
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow 
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Active steering*
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the 
front wheels in relation to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required 
to turn the wheels depending on the speed at 
which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low road-speed 
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes 
very direct, and less effort is required to turn the 
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other 
hand, the steering angle is reduced more and 
more. This improves the handling capability of 
your BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle 
before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing 
intervention is simultaneously deactivated 
when DSC is switched off, refer to page88.
Malfunction
The warning lamps come on. Active 
steering is no longer operational. At 
low speeds, greater steering wheel 
movements are required, whereas at 
higher speeds the vehicle reacts more sensi-
tively to steering wheel movements. The stabil-
ity-enhancing feature may also be deactivated. 
Drive cautiously and think well ahead. Have the 
system checked.
If the warning lamp lights up during the first 
engine starting following a power supply inter-
ruption, the system must be activated by being 
initialized.
Brake Force Display
On the left: normal braking
On the right: sharp braking 

Controls
 95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the 
marked covers:
1Front airbags for driver and front passenger
2Head airbags, front and rear
3Side airbags in the seat backrests
Protective action
Observe the adjustment instructions on 
page44 to ensure the best possible per-
sonal protection.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and 
front passenger by responding to frontal 
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the 
head and side airbags help provide protection in 
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The 
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags have been designed to not be trig-
gered in every collision situation, e.g. not in 
minor accidents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the 
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or 
modify them in any other way. Do not attach 
seat covers, cushions or other objects not spe-
cifically approved for seats with integral side air-
bags to the front seats. Do not hang items of 
clothing such as coats or jackets over the back-
rests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag 
retention system from the vehicle. Do not mod-
ify the individual components of the system or 
its wiring in any way. This includes the uphol-
stered covers on the steering wheel, instrument 
panel, seats and roof posts, as well as the sides of the roof lining. Do not attempt to remove or 
dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately 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 executed only by a BMW center 
or a workshop that works according to BMW 
repair procedures 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.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front 
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and 
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or 
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior 
rearview mirror shows the current status 
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or 
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below.
Before transporting a child on the front 
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page53. 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
96 The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indicator lamp for the front 
passenger airbags comes on. In such cases, the 
passenger should change his or her sitting 
position so that the front passenger airbags are 
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the 
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by 
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach 
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or 
other items to the front passenger seat unless 
they are specifically recommended by BMW. 
Do not place any items under the seat which 
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not 
ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front 
passenger's front and side airbags in accor-
dance with whether and how the front passen-
ger seat is occupied. The indicator lamp shows 
whether the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp comes on as intended 
when a child in a specially designated child-
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
>The indicator lamp does not come on as 
long as a person of sufficient size and in a 
correct sitting position is detected on the 
seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.>The indicator lamp does not come on if the 
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, refer to page57, the 
warning lamp comes on briefly to indicate that 
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners 
are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not come on with the 
key in radio-ready position or higher
>Warning lamp remains permanently on
In the event of a fault in the airbag system, 
have it checked without delay, otherwise 
there is the risk that the system will not function 
as intended even if a sufficiently severe acci-
dent occurs.< 

Maintenance
220
Socket for On-Board 
Diagnosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust 
emissions can be checked by a device via the 
OBD socket.
This socket is located on the driver's side to the 
left, on the bottom of the instrument panel 
underneath a cover.
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamps come on. The 
exhaust emission values have wors-
ened. Have the car checked as soon 
as possible.
Canadian models display these warn-
ing lamps.
The lamps flash under certain condi-
tions. This indicates excessive misfiring in the 
engine. If this happens, you should reduce your 
speed and visit your nearest BMW center as 
soon as possible. Severe engine misfiring can 
quickly lead to serious damage of emissions-
related components, especially the catalytic 
converter.
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a 
device for recording or sending certain vehicle 
data or information. In addition, if you have 
signed a subscription contract for BMW Assist, 
certain vehicle data may be transmitted or 
recorded in order to facilitate the corresponding 
services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure. 

Giving and receiving assistance
230 ularly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
Sedan
The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand 
side of the cargo bay in a storage area.
Sports Wagon
The first aid pouch is located in the cargo bay 
behind the left-hand trim panel.
Warning triangle*
Sedan
The warning triangle is located on the left-hand 
side of the cargo bay. Press the tab to take it 
out.
Sports Wagon
The warning triangle is located behind the left-
hand trim panel in the cargo bay. Press the tab 
to take it out.
Jump starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your BMW's 
engine can be started by connecting two 
jumper cables to another vehicle's battery. You 
can also use the same method to help start 
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with 
fully-insulated clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts 
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or 
both vehicles, and to guard against possible 
personal injuries.<
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other 
vehicle has a voltage of 12 volts and 
approximately the same capacitance in Ah. 
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between 
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise 
there is a danger of shorting.< 

Giving and receiving assistance
232 the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow 
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press on the upper edges of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page57, otherwise the low-beam 
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and 
windshield wipers may be unavailable. If the 
electrical system fails, do not attempt to tow-
start or tow away the car. The electric steering 
wheel lock cannot be disengaged and the car is 
not steerable. Jump starting, refer to page230. 
Power steering assistance is not available when 
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and 
steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to 
page60.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph 
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
In come countries, it is illegal to tow your vehicle 
with a tow bar or tow rope on public highways.
Please familiarize yourself with the relevant 
towing regulations for the country in which you 
are driving.
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter 
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may 
be impossible to maintain control.<
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 angle, 
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is 
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only, 
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle 
could result in damage.<
With a 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 the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as 
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could 
result in damage.< 

Everything from A - Z
246
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display 
texts used to select 
individual functions and 
refers you to the page where 
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System87
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control66
Accident, refer to Initiating an 
Emergency Request 
call229
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate 
control105
"Activation time"105
Active cruise control66
– indicator lamps68
– malfunction69
– selecting distance67
– sensor69
Active steering94
– warning lamp94
Adaptive Head Light99
"Add digits" on the mobile 
phone183
Additives
– coolant217
"Address book" in 
navigation139
Address for navigation
– deleting140
– entering131,134,139
– selecting139
– storing139
– storing current position139
"Add to destination 
list"134,136Adjusting temperature inside 
the car, refer to Automatic 
climate control102
Adjusting the thigh support45
Adjusting the tone during 
audio operation, refer to 
Tone control157
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear157
– right/left balance157
Airbags95
– indicator/warning lamp96
– sitting safely44
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate 
control102
– ventilation104
Air distribution
– automatic103
– individual102
Air flow rate103
Airing, refer to Ventilation104
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure202
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode
103
"Air recirculation on / off"52
Air supply
– automatic climate 
control102
– ventilation104
Air vents101
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications201
Alarm system35
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms36
– interior motion sensor36
– switching off an alarm36
– tilt alarm sensor36
"All channels" for satellite 
radio164All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires213
"All stations", displaying with 
the radio160
All-wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive88
"AM", waveband156,160
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode103
Antenna for mobile phone176
Antifreeze
– coolant217
– washer fluid63
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system35
Anti-theft system29
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights239
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights239
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest110
Arrival time, refer to 
Computer74
Arrival time, refer to Starting 
destination guidance143
"Arrow display" in 
navigation144
Arrow view for navigation144
Ashtray
– front112
– rear112
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems87
Assistance window20
– refer to iDrive20
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control103
"Audio"159 

Everything from A - Z
248 Brakes
– ABS87
– BMW Maintenance 
System219
– breaking in122
– parking brake59
– service requirements77
Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely123
Brake system122
– BMW Maintenance 
System219
– breaking in122
– disc brakes123
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance229
Breaking in the clutch122
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential122
Break-in period122
Brightness of the Control 
Display85
"Brightness"on the control 
display85
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs222
Burned fuel
– refer to Average 
consumption74
Button for starting the engine, 
refer to Start/stop button57
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning6
"Call"183,194
Call
– accepting181
– displaying accepted183
– ending182
– in absence183
– starting181Calling
– from phone book182
– from Top 8 list183
– redialing183
Can holders, refer to Cup 
holders111
Capacities241
Capacity of the cargo bay239
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery227
Car care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
"Car Data"74
Care, refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing125
Cargo bay114
– capacity239
– convenient access37
– folding up the floor 
panel117
– lamp, refer to Interior 
lamps100
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– partition net115
– roll-up cover114
Cargo bay lid, refer to 
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate32
Cargo bay net, refer to 
Partition net115
Cargo loading
– securing cargo125
– stowing cargo125
– vehicle124
Caring for artificial leather, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochureCaring for the carpet, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Car jack
– jacking points227
Car key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control28
Car phone176
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest110
– refer to Mobile phone176
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio160
Car wash124
– also refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
– with convenient access38
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system122
"Categories" for satellite 
radio164
CBS Condition Based 
Service219
"CD"156,166
CD changer166
– compressed audio files166
– controls156
– fast forward/reverse170
– installation location170
– playing a track168
– random order169
– repeating a track169
– selecting a CD166
– selecting a track167
– switching on/off156
– tone control157
– volume157