
At a glance
 15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Microphone for hands-free mode for 
telephone
* 
and voice command system*22
Convertible: microphone on steering 
column
2Reading lamps98
3SOS: initiating an emergency call219
4Interior lamps97
5Passenger airbag status lamp90
6Control Display16
7Hazard warning flashers
8Central locking system32
9Automatic climate control99
10Changing
>radio station162 162
>Track162 162
11Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*122
>audio CD162 16212Drive for navigation DVD in Professional
* 
navigation system122
13Drive for audio CDs162 162
14Entertainment sound output on/off 
and adjusting volume162 162
16Bracket for cup holder
*108
17Controller16
Turn, press or move horizontally in four 
directions
18Activating voice command system
*22
19Opening start menu on Control Display17
20Drivelogic of Sequential Manual 
Transmission62
21EDC Electronic Damper Control for 
Sequential Manual Transmission84
22DSC Dynamic Stability Control for 
Sequential Manual Transmission82
23M Engine Dynamic Control POWER for 
Sequential Manual Transmission64
24EDC Electronic Damper Control for manual 
transmission
*84
25MDM M Dynamic Mode for manual 
transmission82 Temperature setting, left/right99
Automatic air distribution and 
volume100
Cooling function101
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control102
Recirculated-air mode102
Maximum cooling102
Residual heat mode102
Switching off automatic climate 
control102
Air volume101
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation101
Rear window defroster99
15
Heated seats51
PDC Park Distance Control
*80
Flat Tire Monitor84
Convertible: opening the convert-
ible top41
Convertible: closing the convertible 
top41 

Driving
58
Driving
Ignition lock
Inserting remote control into ignition 
lock
Insert the remote control as far as possible into 
the ignition lock.
Radio readiness switches on.
Some electronic systems/consumers are ready 
for operation.
Comfort access*
With comfort access, only insert the remote 
control into the ignition lock in exceptional 
cases, refer to page37.
Removing remote control from ignition 
lock
Do not pull the remote control out of the 
ignition lock using force, as otherwise 
damage may result.<
Before removing the remote control, first press 
it in as far as possible to release the locking 
device.
The ignition is switched off if it was still 
switched on.
Start/Stop button
Pressing the Start/Stop button switches the 
radio readiness or the ignition on and off.
Manual transmission: the engine starts 
when you depress the brake pedal while 
pressing the Start/Stop button.
Sequential Manual Transmission: the engine 
starts when you press the Start/Stop button 
with the brake depressed and the selector lever 
in position P or N.<
Radio readiness
Some electronic systems/consumers are ready 
for operation. The last information of the com-
puter selected is displayed in the instrument 
cluster.
Radio readiness is automatically switched off:
>when the remote control is removed from 
the ignition lock
>with comfort access
* by touching the sen-
sitive surface on the door handle, refer to 
Locking doors on page37
Ignition on
All electronic systems/consumers are ready for 
operation. The odometer and the trip odometer 
are displayed in the instrument cluster, refer to 
page68.
Please switch off the ignition and the 
electronic systems/consumers which are 
not required when the engine is not running to 
save the battery.< 

Driving
60
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 applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and 
lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should 
make it necessary to apply the handbrake 
while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it too 
firmly. In doing so, continuously press the but-
ton of the handbrake lever. Otherwise, too firm 
an application of the handbrake can lock up the 
rear wheels and cause the rear of the vehicle to 
swerve.<
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 applied.<
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.<
When engaging the 1st gear, a slight jolt may 
occur. This is operation-related and no reason 
for concern.
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. 
Press the gearshift lever to the left, overcoming 
a slight resistance.
Shift lights
To achieve the best vehicle acceleration with a 
sporty driving style, shift lights in the Head-Up 
Display
* indicate the optimum shifting point 
briefly before reaching the maximum rpm. Refer 
to Shift lights, page63. 

Controls
 61Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Sequential Manual 
Transmission with Drivelogic
The concept
The SMG Sequential Manual Transmission 
with Drivelogic is an automated manual trans-
mission in which an electrohydraulic system 
handles the clutching and gear changes.
The Sequential Manual Transmission is oper-
ated with the selector lever and two shift pad-
dles on the steering wheel.
It offers the following functions:
>Choice of manual or automatic mode: 
Sequential mode or Drive mode
>Selection option between different driving 
programs, Drivelogic, refer to page62
>Upshift display, shift lights, refer to page63
>Automatic downshifting and prevention of 
incorrect shifting even in sequential opera-
tion
>Automatic double clutching
Selector lever positions
>R: Reverse gear
>N: Neutral, idle
>Β: Drive position:
>+: manual upshifting
>–: manual downshifting
>D/S: switch between Drive mode and 
Sequential mode
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting out of N; 
the shift command will not be executed unless 
the brake is applied.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Idle
Always engage before starting engine.
If the driving situation requires, e.g. when down-
shifting on a slippery road surface, the Sequen-
tial Manual Transmission automatically 
clutches and then declutches again, i.e. it is not 
necessary to engage idling manually.
N is automatically engaged after just a 
few seconds when you open the driver's 
door or the hood with the engine running and do 
not operate either pedals, shift paddles or the 
selector lever. In these cases, to start off after 
closing the driver's door or the hood, first move 
the selector lever into the position N and then 
into the drive position.<
S Sequential mode
You can shift up and down using the shifting 
paddles or the selector lever. You do not need 
to remove your foot from the accelerator to do 
so.
After every engine start, as soon as the selector 
lever is pushed to the right into the drive posi-
tion Β and the brake pedal is pressed, the 
Sequential mode is activated.
Starting off is also possible on a level road sur-
face in second gear, e.g. in case of ice.
In the following situations, the Sequential Man-
ual Transmission thinks for you:
>Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will res ult in a  plausible combina-
tion of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for 
example, the system will not execute a 
downshift that would cause the engine to 
overrev.
>When the vehicle is stationary, the trans-
mission automatically downshifts into first 
gear.
>Shortly before dropping below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the transmis-
sion downshifts automatically even without 
your intervention. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
82
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system 
automatically produces the maximum braking 
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
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 optimizes the vehicle stability and traction. 
It also detects unstable driving states such as 
understeering and oversteering, and helps 
keep the vehicle on course within the physical 
limits by reducing the engine output and by 
braking at the wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start the 
engine.
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.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp goes out shortly 
after the engine is started. 
The indicator lamp flashes: DSC is con-
trolling the drive forces and brake forces. 
The indicator lamp lights up continuously: DSC 
is deactivated.
M Dynamic Mode MDM
The M Dynamic Mode is a mode of the DSC 
Dynamic Stability Control. It enables driving 
with greater longitudinal and lateral accelera-
tion on dry road surfaces, however with limited 
vehicle stability. The system does not provide 
stabilizing intervention by reducing the engine 
output and braking at the wheels until the abso-
lute driving limit is reached. Steering correc-
tions by the driver may also be required in this 
driving state.
The M Dynamic Mode is deactivated each time 
the engine is started.With the M Dynamic Mode activated, sta-
bilizing interventions are only carried out 
to a reduced degree.<
To maintain vehicle stability, drive with 
DSC activated and the M Dynamic Mode 
deactivated whenever possible.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp goes out shortly 
after the engine is started. The indica-
tor lamp lights up continuously: 
M Dynamic Mode is activated. 
The indicator lamp lights up continuously and 
the DSC indicator lamp flashes: the M Dynamic 
Mode is active and controls the drive and brak-
ing forces.
Activating MDM
You activate the M Dynamic Mode with the   
button on the steering wheel, refer to MDrive on 
page54.
With the ignition switched on you can change 
the settings of MDrive on the Control Display.
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to 
page16.
1.Press the   button. 
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "MDrive" and press the controller.
4.Select "DSC" and press the controller.
5.Select "M Dynamic Mode" and press the 
controller.
Sequential Manual Transmission with Drive-
logic: 

Things to remember when driving
114
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts need time to adjust to one 
another. To ensure that your vehicle continues 
to provide optimized economy of operation 
throughout an extended service life, we request 
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Do not use the driving programs 5 and 6, refer 
to Drivelogic on page62, during break-in.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and driving speeds, 
however do not exceed 5,500 rpm or 105 mph/
170 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode during these 
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km to 
3,000 miles/5,000 km
The engine and driving speeds can gradually be 
increased up to a continuous vehicle speed of 
135 mph/220 km/h. Only drive at top speed 
briefly, e.g. when passing.
Transmission
The function of the transmission is only at its 
optimized level after driving a distance of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km. Do not exceed 
engine speeds of 5,500 rpm during this time.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive in a reserved manner during 
this break-in period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. With manual transmission: 
During this break-in period, engage the clutch 
gently.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced 
after subsequent driving operation.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid
Only drive with the luggage compartment 
lid completely closed, otherwise exhaust 
can penetrate into the passenger compart-
ment.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the 
luggage compartment lid open:
1.Coupe: close both windows.
Convertible: with closed top, close all win-
dows.
2.Increase the air volume of the automatic cli-
mate control to a high level, refer to 
page101. 

Things to remember when driving
116
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard 
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to 
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains 
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid 
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering 
effort.
The pulsing of he brake pedal indicates that the 
ABS is controlling braking.
In certain braking situations the perforated 
brake rotors can cause operating noises which, 
however, have not effect on the performance 
and operating safety of the brake system.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the 
brake pedal. Even light but consistent 
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures, 
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When driving on wet roads or in heavy rain, it is 
a good idea to apply light pressure to the brake 
pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions 
to ensure that this maneuver does not endan-
ger other road users. The heat generated in this 
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure 
that full braking efficiency will then be available 
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and thus reduced 
efficiency of the brake system, downshift 
to a gear in which only minimal brake applica-
tions are needed when descending long or 
steep downhill stretches. Even light but consis-
tent pressure on the brake pedal can lead to 
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure.<
Sequential Manual Transmission: do not 
drive in idle or with the engine switched 
off, otherwise there will be no engine braking 
action or support of the braking force and steer-
ing. 
Manual transmission: do not drive with the 
clutch depressed, in idle or with the engine 
switched off, otherwise there will be no engine 
braking action or support of the braking force 
and steering.Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area of movement 
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are less frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the 
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum 
pressure which must be exerted by the pads 
during brake applications to clean the rotors is 
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the 
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating 
effect that even extended application will fail to 
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic climate 
control during operation, and then exits under 
the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under 
the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page52, 
otherwise they could be damaged due to the 
width of the vehicle.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure.
Ground clearance
Ensure that sufficient ground clearance 
is available. To drive down curbs, select 
the "Sport" program of the EDC Electronic 
Damping Control, refer to page84, to keep the 
ground clearance as uniform as possible. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle may be damaged.< 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 153Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
>"Manual":
Set stations that are received in addition to 
those displayed.
Changing selection criteria
1.Change into the second field from the top.
2.Turn the controller until the desired selec-
tion criterion is selected and press the con-
troller.
Buttons next to CD player
Press the   button for the corresponding 
direction.
The system changes to the next displayed sta-
tion.
You can also change stations with buttons on 
the steering wheel, refer to page11.
Sampling stations, scan
The system automatically plays a brief sample 
from each of the stations on the current wave-
band.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
"Set" is selected.
2.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3.Select "Scan" and press the controller.The stations are sampled.
To end sampling:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
This cancels sampling of the stations, and the 
radio remains on the current station.
Buttons next to CD player
To sample the stations, press and hold the 
 button for the corresponding direction.
To stop scanning, press the button again.
Selecting frequency manually
With "Manual" you can select stations that are 
received in addition to those displayed.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Change into the second field from the top.
3.Select "Manual" and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller to set a certain fre-
quency.
Updating stations with best reception
For Professional radio with "AM" and Business 
radio:
If you are on a longer journey and leave the 
transmission range of the stations originally set, 
you can update the list of stations with the best 
reception signal.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Change into the second field from the top.
3.Select "Autostore" and press the controller.
"Set" is selected.