
At a glance
13Reference
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Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
different combinations and colors.
When the engine is started or the ignition is
switched on, some lamps are checked for
proper operation and light up briefly in the pro-
cess.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the bottom edge of the Con-
trol Display explain the meaning of the indicator
and warning lamps displayed.
You can consult Check Control for additional
information, e.g. regarding the cause of a mal-
function or the appropriate actions to take, refer
to page80.In urgent cases, this information will be shown
as soon as the corresponding lamp lights up.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps indicate that the
associated functions are activated:
Handbrake set61
Handbrake for Canadian models
Fog lamps105
DTC Dynamic Traction Control89
High beams/headlamp flasher105
Lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC is controlling the drive
and braking forces to maintain vehicle
stability89

At a glance
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Mobility
1Coupe: glass sunroof, electric with raise
function
*41
2Microphone for hands-free mode for
telephone
*
and voice command system*22
Convertible: microphone on steering
column
3Reading lamps106
4Interior lamps105
5Coupe: triggering SOS emergency
call219
6Indicator lamp
for front passenger
airbags97
7Convertible: triggering SOS emergency
call
*219
8Control Display16
9Hazard warning flashers
10Central locking system33
11Automatic climate control10712Changing
>radio station159
>track154
13Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*128
>audio CD154
14Drive for navigation DVD in Professional
*
navigation system128
15Drive for audio CDs154
16Entertainment sound output on/off
and adjusting volume155
18Bracket for cup holder116
19Controller16
Turn, press or move horizontally in four
directions
20Activating voice command system
*22
21Opening start menu on Control Display17
22Dynamic Driving Control65 Temperature setting,
left/right107
Automatic air distribution and
volume108
Cooling function109
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control110
Recirculated-air mode110
Maximum cooling110
Residual heat mode110
Switching off automatic climate
control110
Air volume109
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation109
Rear window defroster107
17
Heated seats*53
PDC Park Distance Control
*87
DTC Dynamic Traction Control89
Convertible: opening the convert-
ible top43
Convertible: closing the convertible
top43

Controls
61Reference
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Mobility
Switching engine off
Do not remove the remote control from
the ignition lock while the vehicle is roll-
ing, otherwise the steering-wheel lock would
engage while steering.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
remote control with you.
When parking on a downhill incline, engage the
handbrake, otherwise the vehicle could roll
away.<
Manual transmission
1.Briefly press Start/Stop button with vehicle
stopped.
2.Shift into first gear or reverse.
3.Apply handbrake.
SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission*
1.Apply handbrake.
2.Move selector lever into a drive position.
3.Briefly press Start/Stop button.
If N is engaged when switching off the
engine, this will be pointed out to you opti-
cally and acoustically.
Automatic transmission*
1.Move selector lever into position P with
vehicle stopped.
2.Briefly press Start/Stop button.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and a sig-
nal also sounds when starting off. The
handbrake is engaged.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the hand-
brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it
too strongly. In doing so, continuously press the
button of the handbrake lever. Otherwise,
excessive pressure can lead to the rear wheels
locking up and loss of traction – fishtailing – at
the rear axle.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally engage the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is engaged.<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th/6th gear, press the
gearshift lever toward the right, otherwise
an inadvertent shift into 3rd or 4th gear could
lead to engine damage.<

Controls
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Navigation
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Mobility
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when starting off and accelerating. DSC also
detects unstable driving conditions such as
fishtailing or sliding of the vehicle's front
wheels. In these cases, DSC helps the vehicle
safely stay on course within the physical limits
by reducing the engine output and by applying
the brakes differently in the individual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Do not reduce the additional safety mar-
gin of the system by taking risks.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up, but not for
longer than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic
Traction Control and DSC are deactivated
together. Interventions promoting stability and
forward momentum will no longer be carried
out. The stability-promoting intervention of the
active steering
* is also deactivated, refer to
page95.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears there.
To support enhanced operating stability, reacti-
vate DSC again as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is controlling the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up:
DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a variant of DSC for special road condi-
tions, e.g. uncleared snow-covered roads, that
is optimized for forward momentum. The sys-
tem ensures maximum forward momentum, but
with limited driving stability. Therefore, drive
with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving on snowy inclines, in slush, or
on unplowed, snow-covered road surfaces
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or when
starting off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button; the DTC indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is controlling the drive forces and
brake forces.

Wheels and tires
204
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on
the sidewall:
DOT ... 3406 indicates that a tire was manufac-
tured in week 34 of the year 2006.
BMW recommends replacing all tires at least
every 6 years, even if some tires may last for
10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half, 1γ, times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
These grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Belted construction – radial
Rim diameter in inches
Carrying capacity ID-code
(not in ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in ZR tires before the R)
245/45 R 18 96 W
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3406

Mobility
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With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling characteris-
tics.
Run-flat tires
When installing new tires or when changing
from summer tires to winter tires, for your own
safety, use run-flat tires. No spare wheel is pro-
vided in the event of a flat. Your BMW center will
be glad to advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that you do not have damaged run-flat
tires repaired; they should be replaced.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Watch speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Always
protect tires against all contact with oil, grease
and fuels.Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressure indicated on the side wall of the
tire.
Rotating wheels between axles
BMW does not recommend moving the front
wheels to the rear or vice versa, as otherwise
the handling characteristics may be impaired.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and recommends
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
These snow chains are approved exclusively for
use in pairs on the rear wheels with the tire size:
>245/50 R 17 Y
>245/45 R 18 Y
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
installing snow chains as this could cause
the Flat Tire Monitor to malfunction.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page89.<

Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Dimensions
– Convertible228
– Coupe227
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals65
Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions144
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions144
Directory, refer to Phone
book182
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book136
Displacement, refer to Engine
data226
"Display"85
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display elements, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Displaying vehicle data196
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting105
"Display off"21
Displays
– on Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– refer to Instrument
cluster12
"Display settings"85,99
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up Display98
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with comfort access39
– coolant211
– vehicle battery217
Distance, refer to
Computer77
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control68
"Distance to dest."77
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer77Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control87
Door entry lighting, refer to
Interior lamps105
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
"Door locks"30,79
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control31
DOT Quality Grades204
Draft-free ventilation111
"Driver's door only"31
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams103
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route142
Driving stability control
systems88
Driving through water123
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes122
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function109
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control89
– indicator lamp13,89
– malfunction90
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control89
– activating89
– indicator lamp13,89
DVD for navigation128
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC88
Dynamic Drive90
Dynamic Driving Control65
"Dynamic route" for
navigation140
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC89
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC89
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
rear52
Easy entry/exit55
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player154
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top44
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door200
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid35
– storage compartment, hotel
function34
Electric convertible top42
Electric steering wheel
adjustment55
Electronic brake-force
distribution88
Electronic oil level check209
Emergency assistance, refer
to Roadside Assistance220
Emergency call219
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top44
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door200
– glass sunroof42
– hotel function34
– luggage compartment lid35
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission64
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment35
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance220
"Enable services"196
"End call"182

Everything from A to Z
250
T
Tachometer75
Tail lamps216
– replacing bulbs216
Tank capacity
– also refer to Capacities229
– fuel tank capacity200
Target cursor for
navigation134
Technical alterations, refer to
For your own safety6
Technical data226
Telematics, refer to
BMW Assist190
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest115
– refer to Mobile phone176
– refer to separate operating
instructions
"Telephone list"56
TeleService192
Temperature
– adjusting in upper body
region109
– adjusting with automatic
climate control108
– changing units of
measure85
– refer to Coolant
temperature75
Temperature display
– changing units of
measure85
– outside temperature75
– outside temperature
warning75
Temperature gauge, engine
oil76
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control67
"Terminate services"195
"Text language"85
"Theater", refer to Tone
control156
The individual vehicle5Tie-down points, refer to
Securing cargo125
Tilt alarm sensor36
– switching off37
Tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror54
"Time"84
"Time / Date"83
"Time format"84
Timer, refer to Preselecting
activation time111
"Timer 1" for parked car
ventilation111
"Timer 2" for parked car
ventilation111
Tire inflation pressure202
Tire pressure loss91,
93
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM92
Tire Quality Grading204
Tires
– age204
– air loss91,93
– breaking-in122
– condition205
– damage205
– inflation pressure202
– minimum tread depth205
– monitoring inflation
pressure, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor90
– new wheels and tires206
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor92
– replacing206
– retreaded tires206
– run-flat tires206
– size203
– size, refer to The right
wheels and tires206
– wear indicators205
– wheel/tire combination206
– winter tires207
"Tires, FTM"91
Tires with run-flat properties
– refer to Run-flat tires206
"Tone"155
Tone dialing method184Tone in audio mode
– adjusting155
– middle setting157
Tone on locking/unlocking31
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit214
Top42
"Top 8" for mobile phone182
Torque, refer to Engine
data226
Touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method184
Tow bar222
Tow fitting221
Towing221
– methods222
– tow fittings221
– with automatic
transmission222
– with manual
transmission222
– with SMG Sequential
Manual Transmission222
"Town / City" for destination
entry130
Tow rope
223
Tow-starting221
"TPM"93
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor92
– resetting system93
– system limits92
– warning lamp93
Track
– random sequence170
– sampling on CD169
– selecting with CD168
Tracks
– finding169
– random play sequence170
Track width, refer to
Dimensions227
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control89
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control89