
Controls
 47Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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.
On the front passenger side as well, do not tilt 
the backrest too far toward the rear. Failure to 
observe this precaution can prevent the belt 
from providing effective protection against 
injury, as the passenger could slide under the 
belt in an accident.<
Also follow the instructions regarding damage 
to the safety belt on page51.
Convertible: with the wind deflector fitted, 
do not incline the front seat backrests too 
far backward if the seat is to be moved back to 
the end position. Otherwise, the wind deflector 
will be damaged.<
Adjusting seat
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, 
please follow the adjustment instructions on 
page46.<
1Inclination
2Longitudinal direction
3Height
4Backrest
5Convertible: head restraints, refer to 
page506Coupe: backrest width
7Lumbar support
Lumbar support
You can also adjust the contours of the backrest 
to obtain additional support in the lumbar 
region.
The upper hips and spinal column receive sup-
plementary support to help you maintain a 
relaxed, upright sitting position.
>Increase or decrease curvature: 
Press front or rear of switch.
>Move curvature up or down: 
Press top or bottom of switch.
Thigh support
You can also adjust the thigh support manually: 
Pull the lever and adjust the thigh support in the 
longitudinal direction. 

Controls
 81Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
PDC with visual warning*
You can also enjoy the option of having the sys-
tem show the approach to an object on the 
Control Display. Objects that are farther away 
are already shown there before a signal tone 
sounds. The setting is stored for the remote 
control currently in use.
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.Turn the controller until "Settings" is 
selected and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller until "Vehicle / Tires" is 
selected and press the controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "PDC" is selected and press 
the controller.
6.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
 The PDC screen is activated.
The display appears on the Control Display as 
soon as PDC is activated.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for 
estimating the distance between the 
vehicle and any obstacles always remains with 
the driver. Even when sensors are involved, 
there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be 
detected. The system is also subject to the 
physical limits that apply to all forms of ultra-
sonic measurement, such as those encoun-
tered with tow bars and trailer couplings, or thin 
and wedge-shaped objects etc. Low objects 
already displayed, e. g. curbs, can also disap-
pear from the detection area of the sensors 
again before or after a continuous tone already 
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges, 
cannot be detected. 
Loud noises from outside and inside the vehicle 
may prevent you from hearing the PDC signal 
tone.<
Driving stability control 
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array 
of systems designed to enhance and maintain 
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during 
braking. Safe steering response is maintained 
even during hard braking. This increases active 
driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the 
engine. For information on safe braking, refer to 
page116.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
This system provides further enhancements to 
vehicle stability and steering response when 
braking while cornering or when braking during 
a lane change.
Electronic brake-force distribution
This system controls the brake system's appli-
cation pressure at the rear wheels to ensure 
stable deceleration. 

Mobility
 209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in the luggage 
compartment under the floor mat.
Replacing wiper blades
1.Fold the wiper arm out and grasp it firmly.
2.Press the locking tabs together while slid-
ing the wiper blade toward the front to dis-
engage it.
3.Insert the new wiper blade and slide it in 
until it audibly clicks into place.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to driving safety. You must be duly diligent 
in replacing them. If you are not familiar with the 
specified procedures, have the corresponding 
work carried out at your BMW center.Never touch the glass on new bulbs with 
your bare fingers, as even minute 
amounts of contamination will burn into the 
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a 
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its 
metal socket.<
A selection of replacement bulbs is available at 
your BMW center.
Whenever you perform any work on the 
electrical system, turn off the electrical 
devices involved to prevent short circuits from 
occurring. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, follow any 
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
When performing maintenance on the head-
lamps, follow the instructions in the separate 
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
For bulbs for which changing is not 
described, and for checking and adjusting 
headlamp aim, please contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of 
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These 
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a 
concept similar to that applied in conventional 
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never 
stare into the unfiltered light for several 
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Xenon lamps
The service life of these lamps is very long and 
the probability of a failure is very low, provided 
that they are not switched on and off an unusual 
number of times.  

Giving and receiving assistance
222 Rear: press the arrow symbol on the cover while 
prying out the cover upward by hand.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page58; 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.<
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.
Sequential Manual Transmission with 
Drivelogic
Make sure that selector lever position N is 
engaged with the ignition switched on, as 
otherwise the engine can be damaged during 
towing.<
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.<
With tow truck
Do not tow the vehicle with only the front 
or rear axle raised, as otherwise the 
engine may be damaged or the steering can 
turn to the left or right.<
Have the vehicle transported on a flatbed sur-
face only. 

Mobility
 223Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but 
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page220. With a catalytic con-
verter, the vehicle should only be tow-started 
with the engine cold.
Manual transmission
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers, 
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page58.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely 
depressed and slowly release the clutch. 
After the engine starts, immediately 
depress the clutch again completely.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Sequential Manual Transmission with 
Drivelogic
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers, 
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page58.
3.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
4.Move the selector lever into the drive posi-
tion and pull toward + within 2 seconds. 
The correct gear will be selected and 
engaged automatically.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked. 

Reference 235
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control102
"Audio"149,151,156
Audio148
– controls148
– switching on/off148
– tone control149
– volume149
Audio device, external107
Automatic
– air distribution100
– air volume100
– cruise control66
– headlamp control95
– recirculated-air control 
AUC102
– service notification187
– steering wheel 
adjustment48
– storing stations153
Automatic car washes116
– also refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control99
– automatic air 
distribution100
– convertible program100
– switching on and off102
– ventilation with vehicle 
parked103
Automatic closing of doors, 
refer to Automatic soft 
closing34
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp 
control95
– refer to Daytime running 
lamps96
– refer to Interior lamps97
– refer to Pathway lighting95
"Automatic programs"100
Automatic soft closing34
Automatic station search153
"Automatic ventilation"103AUTO program with 
automatic climate 
control100
"Autostore" on the 
radio152,154
"AUX"148,167
AUX-In connection107,167
Average fuel consumption70
– setting units78
"Avoid ferries" for navigation 
system135
"Avoid highways" for 
navigation system134
Avoiding freeways for 
navigation134
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for 
navigation system135
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights228
"A - Z"178
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support47
Backrests, refer to Seats47
Backrest width adjustment47
Backup lamps, replacing 
bulbs, refer to Tail 
lamps211
"Balance", refer to Tone 
control150
Band-aids, refer to First-aid 
kit220
Bass, refer to Tone 
control149
"Bass", tone control149
Battery
– jump starting220
– refer to Vehicle battery217
Battery replacement, remote 
control for comfort 
access38
BC button, refer to 
Computer69
Being towed222
Belts, refer to Safety belts51Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders108
Blower, refer to Air 
volume101
"Bluetooth"172
"BMW Assist"186
BMW Assist185
– activating190
– breakdown assistance186
– contacting BMW Customer 
Relations188
– displaying vehicle data191
– information service188
– services offered185
– TeleService187
– updating189
"BMW Contact"180
"BMW Contact 
Numbers"180
BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System207
"BMW Service settings"189
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup 
holders108
Bracket for telephone or 
mobile phone, refer to Snap-
in adapter183
Brake assistant82
Brake force display88
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail 
lamps211
– two-stage88
Brake rotors
– breaking-in114
– refer to Braking safely116
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System81
– brake force display88
– breaking-in114
– CBC Cornering Brake 
Control81
– electronic brake-force 
distribution81
– handbrake60
– refer to Braking safely116 

Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Locking31
– confirmation signals31
– from inside33
– from outside31
– without key, refer to Comfort 
access37
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals31
– from inside32
– from outside30
Low beams95
– automatic95
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs209
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support47
Lug bolts215
– tightening torque, refer to 
After mounting216
– wrench215
Luggage compartment
– capacity228
– emergency release35
– hotel function33
– increasing capacity, 
Convertible35
– opening/closing, refer to 
Luggage compartment 
lid34
– opening from inside34
– opening from outside34
– opening with remote 
control31
Luggage compartment lid34
– comfort access38
– emergency operation34
– emergency release35
– opening from inside34
– opening from outside34
– opening with remote 
control31,34
– unlocking manually34
Lumbar support47
LW, waveband152M
M Dynamic Mode MDM82
– indicator lamp13,82
M Engine Dynamic Control64
– "P 400"64
– "P 500"64
– "P 500 Sport"64
M Mobility System212
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires200
Maintenance207
– refer to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models207
– refer to Service 
requirements71
– refer to Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models207
Maintenance system207
Malfunction
– convertible top42
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– hotel function34
– luggage compartment lid34
Malfunction warnings, refer to 
Check Control73
Manual air distribution101
"Manual" on the radio153
Manual operation
– convertible top42
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– hotel function34
– luggage compartment lid34
Manual transmission60
– tow-starting223
"Map direction of travel"138
"Map facing north"138
Map for navigation
– changing scale138
– destination entry129
Map view138Map view facing north138
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling102
Maximum speed with winter 
tires200
MDM, refer to M Dynamic 
Mode82
"MDrive"54
MDrive54
"M Dynamic Mode"82
Measurements, refer to 
Dimensions
– Convertible227
– Coupe226
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory48
MENU, button refer to Start 
menu17
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Message list for traffic 
information141
Microfilter103
Microphone
– for telephone14
– for voice command 
system14
Mirror dimming feature52
Mirrors52
– automatic curb monitor52
– folding in and out52
– heating52
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory48
"Missed calls"178
Missed calls179
Mobile communications 
devices in vehicle115 

Reference 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Route134
– bypassing sections140
– changing140
– changing criteria134
– display137
– displaying arrow display137
– displaying map view138
– displaying streets or towns/
cities139
– selecting134
Route information, refer to 
Destination guidance with 
voice instructions139
Route map, refer to Displaying 
map view138
"Route preference", 
changing134
Route selection134
Rubber parts, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Run-flat tires
– continuing driving with a 
damaged tire87
– flat tire87
S
Safety belts51
– damage51
– indicator lamp51
– refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
– reminder51
– sitting safely46
Safety belt tensioners, refer to 
Safety belts51
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System81
– airbags89
– driving stability control 
systems81
– rollover protection system, 
Convertible91
– safety belts51
Satellite radio157
– enabling channels158
– selecting channel158
– storing channel158"SAT" with radio148,158
"Save current 
destination"134
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD163
– stations with radio153
Scan
– CD changer163
– CD player163
– radio153
"Scan all" in audio mode163
"Scan directory" in audio 
mode163
Screw thread for tow 
fitting221
SDARS, refer to Satellite 
radio157
Seats47
– adjusting47
– adjusting backrest width47
– heating51
– lumbar support47
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory48
– sitting safely46
– storing the setting48
– thigh support47
Securing cargo118
– ski bag110
"Select as 
destination"130,189
"Select current speed"76
Selecting audio sources, refer 
to Operating via iDrive148
Selecting frequency 
manually153
Selecting menu items19
Selecting route134
Selection options with 
navigation system134
Selector lever61
– manual transmission60
Selector lever lock, refer to 
Shiftlock61
Selector lever positions61
– manual transmission60Sequential Manual 
Transmission with 
Drivelogic61
– Drivelogic driving 
programs62
– Drive mode62
– idle61
– initializing system, refer to 
After changing wheels/
tires201
– kick-down62
– reverse gear61
– Sequential mode61
– shift lights63
– shiftlock61
– towing222
– tow-starting223
Sequential mode61
"Service"72,187
Service, refer to Roadside 
Assistance220
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for 
US models207
Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition 
Based Service207
– refer to Service 
requirements71
"Service notification"187
"Service Request"180,187
"Service 
requirements"72,187
Service requirements71
– refer to CBS Condition 
Based Service207
"Service Status"191
"Set"
– in audio mode148
– in trip computer71
"Set date"78
"Set service date"73
"Set time"77
Setting button, refer to 
Controls, controller16
"Settings"191
– for BMW Assist189
– for unlocking30