
Controls
95Reference
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Navigation
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Mobility
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of a side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head airbag supports the head. The knee airbag
protects the legs from colliding with the cockpit.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered in
every impact situation, e. g. less severe acci-
dents 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 attempt to
remove the airbag restraint system from the
vehicle. Do not modify or tamper with either the
wiring or the individual components in the air-
bag system. This category includes the uphol-
stery in the center of the steering wheel, on the
instrument panel, the side trim panels on the
doors and on the Coupe, the roof pillars along
with the sides of the headliner. Do not 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. Otherwise unprofessional attempts to
service the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or undesired airbag triggering,
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 airbags on the front pas-
senger side.The current status of the front passenger
airbags, 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 page57.
The front, knee and side airbags on the front
passenger side can be deactivated for teenag-
ers and adults in certain sitting positions; the
indicator lamp for the front passenger airbags
lights up when this occurs. In these cases,
change the sitting position so that the front pas-
senger airbags are activated and the indicator
lamp goes out. If the desired status cannot be
produced by changing the sitting position,
transport the corresponding 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 illustration here shows a possible arrange-
ment in the Coupe. With some vehicle equip-
ment packages or in the Convertible, the
arrangement of the switches and indicator
lamps may differ somewhat.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96 The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags indicates the operating status of the front,
knee and side airbags 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 airbags on the front
passenger side are deactivated.
Most child seats are detected by the sys-
tem. Especially the child seats required
by the NHTSA at the time the vehicle is manu-
factured. After installing a child seat, make sure
that the indicator lamp for the front passenger
airbags lights up. This indicates that the child
seat has been detected and the front passenger
airbags are not activated.<
>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 airbags 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 airbags on the
front passenger side are still deactivated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
From radio readiness, refer to page59, the
warning lamp lights up briefly, indicating the
operational readiness of the entire airbag sys-
tem and the safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up as of radio
readiness.
>Warning lamp lights up continuously.
Have the airbag system checked immedi-
ately in case of a malfunction; otherwise,
there is a danger that the airbag system may not
respond in the expected manner in an accident
despite an impact of corresponding intensity.<
Convertible: rollover
protection system
The rollover protection system is automatically
activated in the event of an accident or a critical
driving situation, extreme inclination on the lon-
gitudinal axis, or loss of ground contact. The
rollover bars located behind the rear head
restraints are deployed within fractions of a sec-
ond.
As a supplement to the rollover bar integrated
into the windshield frame, the rollover protec-
tion system ensures that all vehicle occupants
have the necessary headroom.
Always keep the path of movement of the
rollover protection system clear.
In less severe accidents, you are protected by
the fastened safety belt and, depending on the
severity of the accident, the belt tensioner and
the multistage airbag restraint system.<
Lowering
If the rollover protection system experienced no
impact after automatic activation, then it can be
lowered again. No tools are necessary for this
purpose.

Mobility
211Reference
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Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located under a cover on the left
side of the driver's footwell, directly under the
instrument panel.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The
exhaust-gas values are deteriorating.
Have the vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In
this case, you should reduce speed and drive to
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Heavy engine misfiring causes serious damage
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can detect the
escape of fuel vapor. This causes a display to
light up. If the cap is then tightened, the display
should go out within a few days.<
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with a
device for recording or transmitting certain
vehicle data or information. If you have also sub-
scribed to a BMW Assist plan, then certain vehi-
cle data can be transmitted or recorded to
enable corresponding services.
Care
Important information on care and maintenance
of your BMW is contained in the Caring for your
vehicle brochure.

Mobility
217Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Navigation
Entertainment
Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency call
Conditions for an emergency call:
>Full preparation package mobile phone.
With this equipment, an emergency call is
still possible when no mobile phone is
paired in the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated. Activating
BMW Assist, refer to page194.
>Radio readiness is activated.
>The BMW Assist system is logged on to a
mobile phone network.
>The emergency call system is operable.
Once your service contract for BMW Assist
expires, the BMW Assist system can be deacti-
vated by a BMW center without you having to
visit a workshop. Following deactivation of the
BMW Assist system, no emergency calls can be
made. The BMW Assist system can be reacti-
vated after concluding a new agreement at a
BMW center.
Initiating an emergency call
1.Briefly press protective cover to open.
With some vehicle equipment packages or
in the Convertible, the arrangement of the
switches and indicator lamps may differ
somewhat.
2.Press the button for at least 2 seconds.
The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the
voice connection to the BMW Assist Response
Center has been established, the LED flashes.When the emergency call is received at the
BMW Assist Response Center, the BMW Assist
Response Center contacts you and arranges
for additional steps to help you.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until
the connection has been established. You will
then be able to provide a detailed description of
the situation.
If the current position of your vehicle can be
determined, it will be transmitted to the BMW
Assist Response Center.
If the LED is flashing but the BMW Assist
Response Center cannot be heard over the
hands-free system, it is possible that the
hands-free system is malfunctioning. You may
still be heard by the BMW Assist Response
Center, however.
Under certain conditions, an emergency call is
automatically initiated immediately after a
severe accident. The automatic emergency call
is not affected by the button being pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency call
cannot be guaranteed under the most
unfavorable conditions.<
You can also use other services of
BMW Assist with this button, refer to
page189.<
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located on the left-hand
side in the luggage compartment.

Giving and receiving assistance
220 Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page59; otherwise, the low-beam
headlamps, tail lights, turn signals and wind-
shield wipers would not be available. Do not tow
the vehicle with the rear axle raised, as other-
wise the steering can turn to the left or right.
When the engine is stopped, there is no power
assist. This then requires increased effort for
braking and steering. Active steering is deacti-
vated and larger steering wheel movements are
required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever position, refer to Deac-
tivating selector lever interlock page64.
Do not exceed a towing speed of
45 mph/70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
Engage selector lever position N with the igni-
tion switched on.
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed; otherwise, it
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle
response.<
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 offset
angle, please note the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be strictly limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
With 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 tow ropes to the tow fittings only, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<

Everything from A to Z
232
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions, and
indicates where to find them
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System87
– indicator/warning lamp89
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control68
Acceleration assistant with
SMG65
Accepted calls182
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
call217
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control110
Activating hour signal84
"Activation time" for parked-
car ventilation110
Active cruise control68
– indicator lamp71
– radar sensor72
– selecting distance70
– warning lamps71
Active steering94
– warning lamp94
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display94
Adaptive Head Light103
"Add digits" for mobile
phone182
Additives
– coolant209
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils208"Address book" for navigation
system136
Address for navigation
– deleting137
– entering128,131
– selecting136
– storing136
– storing current position136
"Add to address book"135
"Add to destination
list"131,133
Adjusting interior
temperature107
Adjusting thigh support49
Adjusting tone in audio mode,
refer to Tone control153
"After door opened"51
"After unlocking"51
Airbags94
– deactivating, refer to
Exception for front
passenger seat57
– indicator/warning lamp96
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags95
– sitting safely48
Air distribution
– automatic107
– manual108
Airing, refer to Ventilation109
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation109
Air recirculation, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control109
"Air recirculation on / off"56
Air supply, automatic climate
control106
Air volume108
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications199Alarm system35
– avoiding unintentional
alarms36
– interior motion sensor36
– switching off alarm36
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor36
– tilt alarm sensor36
"All channels"163
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires205
"All stations", calling up with
radio156,159
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
"AM", reception
range152,156
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antenna for mobile phone174
Antifreeze
– coolant209
– washer fluid67
Antilock Brake System
ABS87
– indicator/warning lamp89
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system35
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system30
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights226
Approved engine oils208
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights226
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest114
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10

Everything from A to Z
234 BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System210
BMW Night Vision99
– activating100
– cleaning camera101
– cleaning camera, refer to
Wiper system67
– deactivating100
– making settings100
"BMW Service settings"193
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders115
Bracket for telephone or
mobile phone, refer to Snap-
in adapter187
Brake assistant88
Brake force display94
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps214
– two-stage94
Brake rotors
– breaking-in120
– refer to Braking safely121
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System87
– brake force display94
– breaking-in120
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control87
– electronic brake-force
distribution87
– handbrake61
– refer to Braking safely121
Brake system120
– brake pads120
– brake rotors122
– breaking-in120
– warning lamp13,89
Braking safely121
Breakdown assistance190
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance218
Breaking-in120Breaking-in brake pads120
Breaking-in the clutch120
Breaking-in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential120
"Brightness"85,98
– with BMW Night Vision101
Brightness of Control
Display84
Button for starting engine,
refer to Start/Stop button59
Buttons on steering wheel11
Bypassing route sections144
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"182,193
Call
– accepting181
– displaying accepted183
– ending181
– in absence183
– rejecting181
– starting181
Calling
– by entering phone
number181
– from phone book182
– from Top 8 list183
– redialing183
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders115
Capacities226
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery215
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"77
Care211
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochureCargo loading
– securing cargo123
– stowing cargo123
– vehicle122
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control28
Car phone175
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest114
– refer to Mobile phone174
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio156
Car wash122
– refer to Before driving into a
car wash122
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– with comfort access38
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system120
"Categories"163
CBC Cornering Brake
Control87
CBS Condition Based
Service210
"CD"152,165

Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting104
"Display off"21
Displays
– on Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– refer to Instrument
cluster12
"Display settings"85,98
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up Display97
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with comfort access38
– coolant209
– vehicle battery215
Distance, refer to
Computer77
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control68
"Distance to dest."77
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer77
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control86
Door entry lighting, refer to
Interior lamps104
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
"Door locks"30,79
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control31
DOT Quality Grades202
Draft-free ventilation110
"Driver's door only"30
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams102
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route141
Driving stability control
systems87
Driving through water121
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes120Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function108
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control88
– indicator lamp13,88
– malfunction89
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control88
– activating88
– indicator lamp13,89
DVD for navigation
126
Dynamic Drive89
Dynamic Driving Control64
"Dynamic route" for
navigation139
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC88
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC88
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
rear52
Easy entry/exit55
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player152
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top44
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door198
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– storage compartment, hotel
function34
Electric convertible top42
Electric steering wheel
adjustment55
Electronic brake-force
distribution87
Electronic oil level check207
Emergency assistance, refer
to Roadside Assistance218
Emergency call217Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top44
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door198
– glass sunroof41
– hotel function34
– luggage compartment lid34
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission64
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment35
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance218
"Enable services"195
"End call"182
Engine
– breaking-in120
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature75
– starting60
– starting, comfort access37
– switching off60
– switching off when equipped
with Automatic
transmission, with comfort
access38
Engine compartment207
Engine coolant209
Engine oil
– adding208
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils208
– approved oils208
– electronic oil level check207
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements78
– oil change208
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils208
– recommended oils208
– temperature76
– temperature gauge76