
Controls
 37Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
able hardtop, the system is checking whether a 
remote control is inside the vehicle. Please 
repeat the opening or closing procedure, if nec-
essary.<
Unlocking
Grasp the handle on the driver's or front pas-
senger's door completely, arrow 1. This corre-
sponds to pressing the  button.
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.<
Coupe: convenient closure
For convenient closure, keep your finger on the 
surface, arrow 2.
Convertible: window and hardtop 
operation
With the ignition at radio readiness or beyond, 
you can open and close the windows and, if the 
vehicle is at a standstill, the retractable hardtop 
when a remote control is located inside the 
vehicle.
Unlocking the luggage compartment 
lid separately
Press the button on the outside of the luggage 
compartment lid. 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 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 page59.
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 page59.
Switching 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 page60.
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.
Before driving a vehicle with automatic 
transmission into a car wash
1.Insert remote control into ignition switch.
2.Depress the brake.
3.Move the selector lever to position N.
4.Switch off the engine.
The vehicle can roll.
Malfunction
Convenient access may malfunction due to 
local radio waves. If this happens, open or close 
the vehicle via the buttons on the remote con-
trol or using the integrated key. To start the 
engine afterward, insert the remote control into 
the ignition switch. 

Opening and closing
38
Warning lamps
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when you attempt to 
start the engine: the engine cannot 
be started. The remote control is not inside the 
vehicle or is malfunctioning. Take the remote 
control with you inside the vehicle or have it 
checked. If necessary, insert another remote 
control into the ignition switch.
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up while the engine is 
running: the remote control is no 
longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is 
switched off, the engine can only be restarted 
within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster comes on and a message 
appears on the Control Display: 
replace the battery in the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for convenient access con-
tains a battery that will need to be replaced from 
time to time.
1.Take the integrated key out of the remote 
control, refer to page28.
2.Remove the cover.
3.Insert the new battery with the plus side fac-
ing up.
4.Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a battery collec-
tion point or to your BMW center.<
Windows
To prevent injuries, watch the windows 
while closing them. 
Take the remote control with you when you 
leave the car, otherwise children could operate 
the electric windows and possibly injure them-
selves.<
Opening, closing
Coupe
>Press the switch to the resistance point:
The window opens as long as you press the 
switch.
>Press the switch beyond the resistance 
point:
The window opens automatically. Press the 
switch again to stop the opening move-
ment.
You can close the windows in the same manner 
by pulling the switch.
Convertible: individually
>Press the switch to the resistance point:
The window opens as long as you press the 
switch. 

Practical interior accessories
110
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 devices, 
such as garage doors and gates or lighting 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 on one of the three mem-
ory buttons1. After this, the programmed 
memory button1 will operate the system in 
question. 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 
safety, refer to page111.
To prevent possible damage or injury, 
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect 
the immediate area to make certain that no peo-
ple, animals or objects are within the pivoting or 
travel range of the device being operated. Com-
ply also with the safety instructions supplied 
with the original hand-held transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If this symbol appears on the package 
or in the instructions supplied with the 
original hand-held transmitter, you can 
assume that the radio remote control device will 
be compatible with the integrated universal 
remote control.
For additional information, please contact your 
BMW center or call: 1-800-355-3515.
You can also obtain information 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, refer to page59.
2.When starting operation for the first time: 
Press the left and right memory buttons1 
for approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 
flashes. The three memory buttons are 
cleared.
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a 
distance of approx. 4 to 12 in/10 to 30 cm 
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons1 depends on the system of the 
respective original hand-held transmitter 
used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit key on 
the original hand-held transmitter and the 
desired memory button 1 on the integrated 
universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes 
slowly at first. As soon as the LED2 flashes 
rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED2 
does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 sec-
onds, alter the distance and repeat this 
step.
5.To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4. 

Controls
 111Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the device while the ignition is 
switched off.
If the device fails to function even after 
repeated programming, check whether 
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the 
instructions for the original hand-held transmit-
ter or hold down the programmed memory 
button1 of the integrated universal remote 
control. If the LED2 on the integrated universal 
remote control flashes rapidly for a short while 
and then remains lit for about two seconds, the 
original hand-held transmitter uses an alternat-
ing-code system. If it uses an alternating-code 
system, program the memory buttons1 as 
described under Alternating-code hand-held 
transmitters.<
Alternating-code hand-held 
transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote 
control, consult the operating instructions for 
the device to be set. You will find information 
there on the possibilities for synchronization.
When programming hand-held transmitters 
that employ an alternating code, please observe 
the following supplementary instructions:
P r o g ra m m in g  w i ll  b e  ea s i er  w it h  t h e  a i d  o f  
a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the 
remote-controlled device.
2.Program the integrated universal remote 
control as described above in the section 
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3.Locate the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit.
4.Press the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set. After step 4, you have 
approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5.Press the programmed memory button1 of 
the integrated universal remote control 
three times.The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
If you have any questions, please contact 
your BMW center.<
Deleting all stored programs
Press the left and right memory buttons1 for 
approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 flashes rap-
idly: all stored programs are deleted.
Reassigning individual programs
1.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a 
distance of approx. 4 to 12 in/10 to 30 cm 
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons1 depends on the system of the 
respective original hand-held transmitter 
used.<
2.Press the desired memory button1 of the 
integrated universal remote control.
3.If the LED2 flashes slowly after approx. 
20 seconds, press the transmit key of the 
original hand-held transmitter. Release 
both buttons as soon as the LED2 flashes 
rapidly. If the LED2 does not flash rapidly 
after approx. 15 seconds, alter the distance 
and repeat this step. 

Controls
 113Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
>The compass direction shown does not 
change although the direction of travel 
does.
>Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1.Make sure that no large metal objects or 
overhead power lines are in the vicinity of 
your vehicle and that you have enough 
space to drive in a circle.
2.Set the currently valid compass zone.
3.Press the adjustment button for approx. 
6-7 seconds to call up C. Then drive in at 
least one full circle at a speed of no more 
than 4 mph or 7 km/h.
If calibration is successful, the display 
changes from C to a compass direction.
Setting right-hand/left-hand steering
Your digital compass is factory-set to right-
hand or left-hand steering, in accordance with 
your vehicle.
Setting the language
You can set the language of the display:
Press the adjustment button for approx. 
12-13 seconds. Briefly press the adjustment 
button again to switch between English, "E", 
and German, "O".
The setting is automatically saved after approx. 
10 seconds.
Coupe:
Roller sun blind*
Tap the button in the center console to raise or 
lower the roller sun blind.
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle. 
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven, 
close the glove compartment immediately after 
use.<
Closing
Fold cover up.
Locking
To lock the glove compartment, use the inte-
grated key of the remote control, refer to 
page28.
Convertible: when you lock the vehicle from the 
outside, the glove compartment is locked as 
well. 

Destination entry
134
Destination entry
In entering your destination you can select from 
the following options:
>Entering a destination manually, see below
>Entering a destination by voice com-
mands*, refer to page138
>Selecting destination using information, 
refer to page140
>Selecting destination from a list, refer to 
Destination list, page141
>Selecting destination from address book, 
refer to page142
>Selecting home address, refer to page144
After selecting your destination you can pro-
ceed to start the destination guidance, refer to 
page147.
You can also store a navigation destination on 
the programmable memory keys, refer to 
page21.
Enter data only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary, and always give priority to the 
applicable traffic regulations in the event of any 
contradiction between traffic and road condi-
tions and the instructions issued by the naviga-
tion system. Otherwise, vehicle occupants and 
other road users may be endangered.<
Opening navigation
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the right to call up 
"Navigation".
3.Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
Entering a destination 
manually
The system's word-matching principle makes it 
easier for you to enter the names of streets or 
towns, refer to page146. This allows you to 
enter different spellings and completes your 
entry automatically so that stored names can be 
called up quickly.
1.If necessary, move the highlight marker to 
the uppermost field. Turn the controller 
until "Navigation" is selected and press the  

Navigation
Driving tips
 147Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
Destination guidance
Starting destination 
guidance
Via iDrive
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.If necessary, move the highlight marker to 
the uppermost field. Turn the controller 
until "Navigation" is selected and press the 
controller.
2.Select the destination from the destination 
list and press the controller or enter a new 
destination, refer to page134.
3.Select "Start guidance" and press the con-
troller.
After the route has been calculated, destination 
guidance is indicated by arrows or a map dis-
play on the Control Display.
If the "Avoid highways", "Avoid tollroads" 
or "Avoid ferries" route criteria are 
selected, route calculation may take consider-
ably longer.
Select the   symbol and press the controller.
During destination guidance, you can operate 
other equipment items at any time via iDrive. 
You will be notified in time of any necessary 
change of direction by means of spoken 
instructions and the display of the direction 
arrows.
Via programmable memory keys
 ...   Press the key on which the 
desired destination has been stored, refer also 
to page21.
Terminating/continuing 
destination guidance
In the arrow or map display
Select the   symbol and press the controller.
In the destination list
 This symbol indicates the current destina-
tion. 

On/off and settings
160
On/off and settings
The following audio sources have shared con-
trols and setting options:
>Radio
>CD player
>CD changer
*
Controls
The audio sources can be operated using:
>Buttons near the CD player
>iDrive
>Buttons
 on the steering wheel, refer to 
page11
>Programmable memory keys, refer to 
page21
Buttons on the CD player
1Sound output for entertainment on/off, vol-
ume
>Press: switch on/off.
When you switch on, the last set radio 
station or CD track is played.
>Turn: adjust volume.
2Drive for audio CDs
3 Eject CD
4 Station scan/track search
>Change radio station.
>Select track for CD player and CD 
changer.
5Drive for navigation DVD
Operation via iDrive
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller backwards to call up 
"Entertainment".
You have the following choices:
>"FM" and "AM": radio reception
>"SAT": satellite radio
*
>"CD": CD player or changer
>"AUX": AUX-In port, USB/audio interface
>"Set": depending on the audio source, 
other adjustments can be made, e.g. with 
the radio: update station with strongest 
reception, store station, tone control, sam-
ple stations.
From another menu, you can switch 
directly to the screen last displayed, refer 
to Convenient call-up of menu items on 
page18.<
With the ignition at radio readiness or beyond, 
the selected audio source is stored for the 
remote control currently in use.
Switching on/off
In order to switch the entertainment sound out-
put on and off:
Press button1 on the CD player.
 This symbol on the Control Display indi-
cates that sound output is switched off.