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Adjusting
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital con-
tribution to relaxed driving that is as fatigue-free
as possible. Together with the safety belts and
airbags, the sitting position plays an important
role in the event of an accident. To ensure that
the safety systems operate with optimized effi-
ciency, we strongly urge you to follow the
instructions contained in the section below.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page54.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
hold the steering wheel by its rim with hands at
the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to mini-
mize the risk of injuries to your hands and arms
in the event of airbag deployment. No one and
nothing is to come between the airbags and the
seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the
front passenger side as a storage area. Make
sure that the front passenger is sitting correctly
and does not rest feet or legs on the dashboard;
otherwise, leg injuries can occur if the front air-
bag is triggered. Make sure that occupants do
not rest their head against the side or head air-
bag; otherwise, injuries can occur if the airbags
are triggered.<
Even if you follow all of the instructions, injuries
resulting from contact with airbags cannot be
entirely ruled out, depending on the circum-
stances. The ignition and inflation noise may
provoke a mild – usually temporary – hearing
loss in extremely sensitive individuals.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page95.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of injury to cervical vertebrae in the event of
an accident.Adjust the head restraint so that its center
is approx. at ear level. Otherwise, there is
increased danger of injury in the event of an
accident.<
Adjusting the head restraint, refer to page46.
Safety belt
Fasten safety belts on all occupied seats before
every trip. Although airbags enhance safety by
providing added protection, they are not a sub-
stitute for safety belts.
Your vehicle has five seats that are each
equipped with a safety belt.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride on a passen-
ger's lap. Make sure that the belt lies low around
the hips in the lap area and does not press on
the abdomen. The safety belt must not lie
across the neck, rub on sharp edges, be routed
over solid or breakable objects or be pinched.
Wear the safety belt without twisting, snugly
across the lap and shoulders, as close to the
body as possible. Otherwise, the belt can slip
over the hips in the lap area in a frontal impact
and injure the abdomen. Avoid wearing clothing
that prevents the belt from fitting properly and
pull the shoulder belt periodically to readjust
the tension across your lap in order to avoid a
reduction in the retention effect of the safety
belt.<
For instructions on operating safety belts, refer
to page48.
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement and the
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
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Shoulder support adjustment
6Adjustment of the tilt angle of the shoulder
support:
The shoulder support provides support to your
back in the shoulder region as well. This pro-
vides a relaxed driving position and helps
relieve stress on the shoulder muscles.
Rear comfort seat* adjustment
You can use the control knob to adjust the set-
tings after selecting the desired function with
the buttons.
1Forward and back:
Tilt:
Backrest:
This button is basically always active.
2Lumbar support, refer to Lumbar support
adjustment
3Shoulder support:
Height of head restraint:
Backrest:
It is not possible to adjust the comfort
seats if the safety switch for the power
windows has been pressed, refer to page40.<
Adjusting passenger seat from rear
The front passenger's seat can be adjusted
from the rear sitting positions, for instance,
when a rear passenger desires more legroom.
Press the button to activate this function, refer
to arrow.
You can use the control knob to adjust the set-
tings after selecting the desired function with
the buttons.
1Forward and back:
Height:
Tilt:
2Height of head restraint:
Backrest:
Press the button again, refer to arrow, to deac-
tivate this function.
Resetting to standard position
You can use this button to return the rear seats
to their standard positions. Maintain pressure
on the button until the system completes the
adjustment.
The rear seats must be returned to their
standard position before using a child
restraint system, refer to page54.<
Transporting children safely
54
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger
themselves and other persons, e.g. by opening
the doors.<
Children always in the rear
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children is in the back seat.
Children younger than 13 years of age or
with a height under 5 ft/150 cm may only
be transported in the rear in child restraint sys-
tems which correspond to the age, weight and
height of the child. Otherwise, there is an
increased danger of injury in an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must wear a
safety belt as soon as a suitable child restraint
system can no longer be used due to their age,
size, and weight.
Exception for front passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front, knee and side airbag on the front
passenger side must be deactivated. Other-
wise, there is an increased risk of injury for the
child if the airbags are triggered, even with a
child restraint system. <
More information on Automatic deactivation of
front passenger airbags, refer to page95.
Installing child restraint
systems
Follow the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions when selecting,
installing and using child restraint systems.
Otherwise the protective effect may be dimin-
ished.<
In the front passenger seat
Before installing a child restraint system
in the front passenger seat, make sure
that the front, knee, and side airbags on the
passenger side are deactivated. Otherwise,
there is an increased risk of injury when the air-
bags are triggered.<
Backrest width*
The passenger seat backrest width set-
ting must be open all the way. After
installing the child's seat, no memory position
may be called up; otherwise, the stability of the
child's seat on the front passenger seat is
reduced.<
1.Open backrest width completely, refer to
Front comfort seat adjustment on page44.
2.Mount child's seat.
Child seat security
All rear safety belts and the safety belt for the
front passenger can be locked against pulling
out to secure child restraint systems.
Locking safety belt
1.Secure the child restraint system with the
belt.
2.Pull out the belt webbing completely.
3.Allow the belt webbing to be pulled in and
pull taut against the child restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
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Unlocking safety belt
1.Open the belt buckle.
2.Remove the child restraint system.
3.Allow the belt webbing to be pulled in com-
pletely.
LATCH child restraint fixing
system*
LATCH: Lower Anchor and Tethers for CHil-
dren.
For installation and use of LATCH child
restraint systems, follow the operating
and safety instructions of the system manufac-
turer.<
If the vehicle is equipped with power seats in
the rear, return these to their standard positions
before using LATCH child restraint systems,
refer to page45.
Before installing the LATCH child's seat, pull
the belt away from the region of the child
restraint fixing system.
Make sure that the LATCH anchors have
properly engaged and that the child
restraint system is resting snugly against the
backrest.<
Rear seats
The anchor points for the LATCH anchors are
provided at the locations indicated by the
arrows, in the gap between the bottom seat
cushion and backrest.
Installation guide
The installation guide makes it easier to install
the LATCH child restraint systems and at the
same time protects the surface of the seats.
The installation guide is available at your
BMW center. Always follow all instruc-
tions for operation and use provided by the
manufacturer in the installation guide.<
Firmly press the installation guide into the gap
between the upholstery on seat cushion and
backrest, continuing until the two funnel-
shaped guides snap into place in the LATCH
child restraint fixing system in the seat.
Pull the installation guide to remove.
Child restraint system with tether strap
The attachment points for the top tethers
are only intended for attachment of child
restraint systems; other uses can damage the
attachment points.<
There are three additional attachment points for
child restraint systems with a tether strap, refer
to arrows.
Transporting children safely
56
Routing of the tether strap
Make sure that the tether strap is not
routed over sharp edges and does not
twist on its way to the attachment point; other-
wise, the belt can fail to properly secure the
child restraint system in the event of an acci-
dent.<
1Direction of travel
2Head restraint
3Tether strap hook
4Attachment point
5Rear shelf
6Backrest
7Tether strap of child restraint system
Fold upward before using the mounting points.
1.Pull the head restraint upward.
2.Guide the tether strap between the sup-
ports of the head restraint.
3.Attach the tether strap hook to the attach-
ment point.
4.Slide the head restraint into the bottom
position.
5.Pull tether strap tight.
During trips
If the vehicle is equipped with rear side
airbags, make sure that children riding in
the rear do not lean out of the child's seat
toward the door panels. Otherwise, injuries can
occur if the side airbags are triggered.<
Child-safety locks for rear doors
Slide down the safety levers on the rear doors:
The door can now be opened from the outside
only.
Safety switch for power windows and
rear seats
If the vehicle is equipped with power seats in
the rear, return these to their standard adjust-
ment setting before using a child restraint fixing
system, refer to page45.
When children are riding in the back, press the
safety switch for the power windows, refer to
page40.
This switch also disables the power rear seat
adjustment.
Incorrect or unsupervised adjustment of
the power seats in the rear could lead to
bodily injury or damage to the child restraint
system.<
Driving
60 engage the parking brake the moment the vehi-
cle comes to a stop.<
Parking
The parking brake engages automatically when
you stop the vehicle and switch off the engine.
The indicator lamp changes from green to
red.
You can also release the parking brake
manually after the engine is switched off,
as long as the remote control is in the ignition
lock, refer to page59. You can use this function,
for example, in a car wash.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.<
When leaving the vehicle, release the
remote control from the detent in the igni-
tion lock; this precaution prevents children from
disengaging the parking brake etc.<
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deactivated
when:
>the engine is switched off
>the system detects that the driver's seat is
not occupied while the engine is running
>the hood is opened while the engine is run-
ning
>the luggage compartment is opened while
the engine is running and the transmission
is in reverse
>and when the parking brake is used to brake
the vehicle to a stop during driving
The indicator lamp changes from green to
red, and the indication AUTO P on the Info Dis-
play disappears.
Before starting off again, briefly press the but-
ton to disengage the parking brake manually,
refer to page59, or reactivate Automatic Hold,
refer to page59.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, always move the automatic
transmission's selector lever to position P and
make sure that the parking brake is engaged.
The vehicle could start to roll if you fail to take
these precautions.
tendency for the wheels to spin in response to
slippery road surfaces.
Pay attention to the messages on the Info Dis-
play. For additional information, refer to Check
Control on page80.<
Releasing parking brake manually
In the event of an electrical power loss or elec-
trical malfunction, you can release the parking
brake manually.
Before manually releasing the parking
brake and each time you park the vehicle
without engaging the parking brake, make sure
that the automatic transmission is in position P,
refer to page62. Be sure to pay attention to the
information on the Info Display.
If circumstances should force you to park on a
steeply inclined road surface, it is essential to
take additional precautions against inadvertent
rolling, e.g. by using the chock, refer to
page216. Otherwise, there is the danger of the
vehicle rolling, depending on the incline.<
If it becomes necessary to also unlock the
transmission lock of the automatic transmis-
sion, follow this sequence:
1.If necessary, start by releasing the parking
brake manually.
2.Then release the automatic transmission's
transmission lock manually, refer to
page64.
Jump starting and tow starting information,
refer to section starting on page220.
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Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags
2Head airbags
3Side airbags in front and rear
*
4Knee airbags
Protective action
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,
please follow the adjustment instructions on
page43.<
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 knee air-
bags help protect the legs against impact
against 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 retention
system from the vehicle. Never modify or
tamper with either the wiring or the individual
components in the airbag system. This cate-
gory includes the upholstery in the center of the
steering wheel, on the instrument panel, the
doors and the roof pillars along with the sides of the headliner. Do not attempt to remove or dis-
mantle 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 airbag genera-
tors executed only by a BMW center or a work-
shop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel 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.<
Warnings and information about 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
appropriately activates or deactivates the front,
knee, and side airbag on the front passenger
side.
The current status of the front passenger
airbag, i.e. deactivated or activated, is
indicated by the indicator lamp over the interior
rearview mirror, refer to Operating state of front
passenger airbags in the following.<
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, pay attention to the
safety information and follow the handling
instructions under Transporting children safely,
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96 refer to page54.
In certain sitting positions, teenagers and adults
can deactivate the front, knee and side airbag
on the front passenger side; when this occurs,
the indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags lights up. In these cases, change the sit-
ting position so that the front passenger airbags
are activated and the indicator lamp goes out.
If the desired status cannot be produced by
changing the sitting position, have the person
ride in the back. Do not place slip covers, seat
cushions, beaded mats, or other objects on the
passenger seat that are not specifically recom-
mended by BMW. Do not lay objects under the
seat which could press against the seat from
below. Otherwise, a correct evaluation of the
occupied seat surface cannot be assured.<
Operating state of front passenger
airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags indicates the operational status of the
front, knee and side airbag on the front passen-
ger side depending on whether the seat is
occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child
properly seated in a child restraint system
intended for the purpose is detected on the
seat.
Front, knee and side airbag on the front
passenger side are deactivated.
Most child seats are detected by the
system. It is particularly advisable to
use child seats approved by NHTSA at the
time that the vehicle was produced. After
installing a child's seat, make sure that the indicator light for the front passenger air-
bags is illuminated. This indicates that the
system has detected the child's seat and
has deactivated the front passenger air-
bags.<
>The indicator lamp does not light up when,
for example, a correctly seated person of
sufficient height is detected on the seat.
Front, knee and side airbag on the front
passenger side are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not light up when
the seat is empty.
The front, knee, and side airbags on the
front passenger side are not activated in
this case either.
Operational readiness of the airbag
system
Once the radio ready position is reached, the
warning lamp lights up briefly, thus indicating
the operational readiness of the entire airbag
system and the safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up from radio
ready state.
>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.<