
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. 

Adjusting
48
Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory
You can store and select three different adjust-
ment settings for the driver's seat, exterior mir-
rors and steering wheel.
The adjustments of the lumbar support and the 
backrest width are not stored in the memory.
Storing
1.Switch on radio readiness or ignition, refer 
to page58.
2.Adjust the desired seat, exterior mirror and 
steering-wheel positions.
3.Press the   button:
The LED in the button lights up.
4.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or3:
The LED goes out.
Requesting
Do not request a position from the mem-
ory while the vehicle is moving. There is a 
risk of accident from unexpected movement of 
the seat or steering wheel.<
Comfort mode
1.Open the driver's door after unlocking or 
switch on radio readiness, refer to page58.
2.Briefly press the desired memory button1, 
2 or3.
The system cancels the adjustment procedure 
when you briefly press one of the seat adjust-
ment switches or one of the memory buttons.The adjusting procedure for the steering wheel 
is interrupted if you briefly press the switch for 
the steering wheel adjustment in any direction, 
refer to page53.
Safety feature
1.Close the driver's door and switch ignition 
on or off, refer to page58.
2.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or3 
and maintain pressure until the adjustment 
process has been completed.
If the   button was pressed inadvertently: 
press the button again; the LED goes out.
Activating with remote control
The last positions of the driver's seat, external 
rearview mirrors, and steering wheel are stored 
for the remote key currently in use.
You can choose when the position is requested:
>Request when unlocking vehicle
>Request when opening driver's door
When using this feature, always make 
sure that the footwell behind the driver's 
seat is empty and unobstructed. If you fail to do 
so, any persons or objects behind the seat 
could be injured or damaged by a rearward 
movement of the seat.<
The system cancels the adjustment procedure 
when you briefly press one of the seat adjust-
ment switches or one of the memory buttons.
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to 
page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "Door locks" is selected and 
press the controller. 

Transporting children safely
56
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.
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 airbags on the 
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.<
For more information on automatic deactivation 
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page89.
Installing child restraint 
systems
Follow child restraint system manufac-
turer's instructions for the selection, 
installation and use of child restraint systems. 
Otherwise, the degree of protection they offer 
may be reduced.<
On front passenger seat
After mounting a child restraint system on 
the front passenger seat, make sure that 
the front and side airbags on the front passen-
ger side are deactivated, as otherwise there is 
an increased risk of injury if the airbags are trig-
gered.<
Backrest width
Before mounting a child restraint system 
on the front passenger seat, the backrest 
width adjustment must be open completely.<
1.Adjust the backrest width to the fully open 
position, refer to page47.
2.Install 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. 

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.< 

Wheels and tires
198
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
Z = over 150 mph/240 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. This also concerns the tire of the 
spare wheel
*.
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 18 100 V
285/3519ZR
e.g.
Manufacturer code 
for tire make 
Tire size and tire design
Tire age
DOT xxxx xxx 3406 

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 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 

Everything from A to Z
250 Towing221
– methods222
– tow fittings221
– with manual 
transmission222
"Town / City" for destination 
entry125
Tow rope222
Tow-starting221
"TPM"87
TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor86
– resetting system87
– system limits86
– warning lamp87
Tracks
– finding163
– random play sequence164
– sampling on CD163
– selecting with CD162
Track width, refer to 
Dimensions226
Traction control, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control82
Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic 
information140
– refer to Bypassing route 
sections140
Traffic information for 
navigation
– depiction in route map142
– displaying141
– during destination 
guidance143
– symbols143
Traffic information with 
navigation140
"Traffic Info settings"141Transmission
– breaking-in114
– Drivelogic62
– Drive mode62
– idle61
– kick-down, refer to Drive 
mode62
– manual transmission60
– reverse gear61
– Sequential Manual 
Transmission with 
Drivelogic61
– Sequential mode61
– shift lights63
– starting assistant, refer to 
Starting off on slopes115
– towing222
– tow-starting223
Transporting children 
safely56
Transport securing device, 
refer to Securing cargo
118
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tread depth199
Treble, refer to Tone 
control149
"Treble", tone control149
"Trip computer"71
Trip computer71
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer68
"Triple turn signal"65
Trip odometer68
Trunk, refer to Luggage 
compartment35
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage 
compartment lid34
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions226
Turn signals64
– replacing bulbs210
U
"Unchanged", with MDrive55
Undercarriage protection, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR198
"Units"78
Units
– average fuel 
consumption78
– temperature78
Universal garage-door 
opener, refer to Integrated 
universal remote 
control105
Universal remote control, refer 
to Integrated universal 
remote control105
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside33
– from outside30
– without key, refer to Comfort 
access37
Unlocking without key, refer to 
Comfort access37
"Update services"189
Upshift display, refer to Shift 
lights63
"USB" in audio mode167
"Use current location as 
address"132,134
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal217
– refer to Replacing battery38
Using turn signals64