
Driving
66
Cruise control*
The concept
Cruise control is available for use at speeds of 
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then stores 
and maintains the speed that you specify using 
the lever on the steering column. In order to 
maintain the specified speed, the system 
brakes the vehicle when the engine braking 
effect is insufficient on downhill gradients.
Do not use cruise control when driving at 
constant speed is prevented by adverse 
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or 
poor road conditions due to, e.g., snow, rain, ice 
or loose surfaces. Otherwise you could lose 
control of the vehicle and cause an accident as a 
result.<
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while cruise control is acti-
vated. An indicator lamp notifies you that you 
should shift gears when you drive for an 
extended period at very high or very low engine 
speeds, or the system is deactivated.
One lever for all functions
1Storing and maintaining speed or accelerat-
ing
2Storing and maintaining speed or deceler-
ating
3Deactivating cruise control
4Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Maintaining current speed
Tap the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly, arrow 2.
The car's current speed is stored and main-tained. It is displayed on the speedometer and 
briefly in the instrument cluster.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to 
maintain the set speed if current engine power 
output is insufficient. If the engine braking 
effect is insufficient on downhill slopes, the sys-
tem will brake the vehicle slightly.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance 
point or beyond, arrow1, until the desired 
speed is reached.
>Each time the lever is pressed to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased 
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pressed beyond the 
resistance point, the desired speed is 
increased by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Accelerating using the lever
Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1, 
until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point, 
arrow 1, until the desired speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on 
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and 
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever to the resistance point 
or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired speed is 
displayed.
>Each time the lever is pulled to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is decreased 
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pulled beyond the 
resistance point, the desired speed is 
reduced by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h until the 
minimum speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h is 
achieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed. 

Lamps
102 of the road surface. Depending on the steering 
angle and other parameters, the light from the 
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves at speeds up to 40 mph/70 km/h, 
e.g. on mountainous roads or when turning, an 
additional, corner-illuminating lamp is switched 
on that lights up the inside area of the curve.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
With the ignition switched on, turn the light 
switch to position 3, refer to page100. 
The corner-illuminating lamp is switched on 
automatically, depending on the steering wheel 
angle or turn signal indicator.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive 
Head Light directs light towards the front pas-
senger side when the vehicle is at a standstill. 
When you are reversing, only the corner-illumi-
nating lamps are active and switched on on 
both sides.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is 
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/roadside parking 
lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
*
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
There is an additional option of switching on the 
lamps on the side of the car facing the road 
when parked.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or 
down beyond the pressure point for a longer 
period, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for 
unduly long periods of time, otherwise the bat-
tery might not have enough power to start the 
engine.<
Switching off
Press the lever in the opposite direction to the 
pressure point, arrow 3.
Fog lamps
The parking lamps or low beams must 
be switched on for the fog lamps to 
operate. The green indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster lights up whenever the 
fog lamps are on.
The fog lamps are switched off while you acti-
vate the headlamp flasher or switch on the high 
beams.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.< 

Controls
 113Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
>The compass direction shown does not 
change although the direction of travel 
does.
>Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1.Make sure that no large metal objects or 
overhead power lines are in the vicinity of 
your vehicle and that you have enough 
space to drive in a circle.
2.Set the currently valid compass zone.
3.Press the adjustment button for approx. 
6-7 seconds to call up C. Then drive in at 
least one full circle at a speed of no more 
than 4 mph or 7 km/h.
If calibration is successful, the display 
changes from C to a compass direction.
Setting right-hand/left-hand steering
Your digital compass is factory-set to right-
hand or left-hand steering, in accordance with 
your vehicle.
Setting the language
You can set the language of the display:
Press the adjustment button for approx. 
12-13 seconds. Briefly press the adjustment 
button again to switch between English, "E", 
and German, "O".
The setting is automatically saved after approx. 
10 seconds.
Coupe:
Roller sun blind*
Tap the button in the center console to raise or 
lower the roller sun blind.
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle. 
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven, 
close the glove compartment immediately after 
use.<
Closing
Fold cover up.
Locking
To lock the glove compartment, use the inte-
grated key of the remote control, refer to 
page28.
Convertible: when you lock the vehicle from the 
outside, the glove compartment is locked as 
well. 

Things to remember when driving
126 The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page221.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is 
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only 
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the 
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a 
lengthy period using the clutch; use the 
parking brake instead. Otherwise greater clutch 
wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page91.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard 
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most 
effective way of braking in situations in which 
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains 
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid 
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering 
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that 
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, 
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal 
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to 
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger 
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 the resulting 
reduced efficiency of the brake system, 
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the 
gear in which the least braking is required. Even 
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by 
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing 
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page62.
Never drive with the clutch held down, 
with the transmission in idle or with the 
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking 
action will not be present or there will be no 
power assistance to the brakes or steering. 
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area around the 
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be 
impaired.<
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 the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits 
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water 
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
For general information about taking care of 
your BMW, refer to the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure. 

USB-audio interface
182
Repeating tracks
1.Select the current track and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Repeat track" and press the con-
troller.
Stop repeating:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Repeat track" and press the con-
troller.
Random play sequence
You can play the tracks in the selected list in 
random order, e. g. all tracks of a single artist.
1.Select the current track and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Random" and press the controller.
Stop random play:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Random" and press the controller.
Fast forward/reverse
Buttons on the steering wheel or CD player:
 Press and hold the button for the 
corresponding direction.
Notes
Do not expose the audio device to 
extreme environmental conditions, e. g. 
very high temperatures, refer to the operating 
instructions of the audio device. Otherwise the audio device may become damaged, which 
could compromise safety while driving.<
Depending on the configuration of the audio 
files, e. g. bit rates greater than 256 KBit/s, the 
files may not play back correctly in every case.
Notes on connecting
>The USB-audio interface acts as the power 
supply to the connected audio devices, pro-
vided that this is supported by the audio 
device. Therefore, do not connect the USB 
audio device to the power socket in the 
vehicle during operation.
>Do not forcibly connect the plug to the USB 
interface.
>Do not connect devices such as fans or 
lamps to the USB-audio interface.
>Do not connect USB hard disks.
>Do not use the USB-audio interface to 
charge external devices. 

Mobility
 239Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried 
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or 
rear of the BMW.
Coupe: it is  sto red in the onboard tool kit under-
neath the cover on the right-hand side of the 
cargo bay, refer to page231.
Convertible: it is stored in the onboard tool kit 
underneath the cargo bay floor, refer to 
page231.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the 
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the 
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid 
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift 
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow 
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press on the upper edges of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page59, otherwise the low-beam headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and 
windshield wipers may be unavailable.
Power steering assistance is not available when 
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and 
steering will require increased effort. Active 
steering is not active and it will be necessary to 
turn the steering wheel further.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to 
page62.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph 
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
I n  s o m e  c o u n t r i e s ,  i t  i s  i l l e g a l  t o  t o w  y o u r  v e h i c l e  
with a tow bar or tow rope on public highways.
Please familiarize yourself with the relevant 
towing regulations for the country in which you 
are driving.
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter 
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may 
be impossible to maintain control.<
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 angle, 
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is 
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only, 
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle 
could result in damage.< 

Reference 259
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Heating
– mirrors53
– rear window107
– residual heat107
– seats49
Heating and ventilation, refer 
to Climate104
Heating while at a standstill, 
refer to Using residual 
heat107
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing 
cargo127
Height, refer to 
Dimensions245
Height adjustment
– seats46
– steering wheel53
High beams102
– headlamp flasher102
– indicator lamp13
High Definition Radio167
High water, refer to Driving 
through water126
Highways, refer to Route 
criteria145
Hill Descent Control HDC90
Hills126
Holders for cups115
Home address144
"Home address" in 
navigation145
Homepage BMW4
Hood224
Hooks for shopping bags118
Horn10,11
Hotel function, refer to 
Locking or unlocking 
separately34
Hot exhaust system125
"Hour memo"82
"House number" in 
destination entry137
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to 
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC89
Hydroplaning125I
IBOC, refer to High Definition 
Radio167
Ice warning, refer to Outside 
temperature
warning74
ID3 tag, refer to Information 
about the track175
Identification marks
– Run-Flat Tires222
– tire coding220
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness86
– assistance window20
– automatic climate 
control105
– changing language86
– changing units of measure 
and display format78
– confirming selection or 
entry19
– controls16
– displays, menus17
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– selecting a menu item19
– setting the date and time81
– start menu17
– status information20
– switching menu pages19
– symbols18
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition59
– switched off59
– switched on59
Ignition key, refer to Remote 
control with integrated 
key28
Ignition key position 1, refer to 
Radio readiness59
Ignition key position 2, refer to 
Ignition on59
Ignition lock59
i menu18
Imprint2Indicator and warning 
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM95
Individual air distribution105
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure212
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to Tire Pressure 
Monitor TPM93
Information
– on another location140
– on country140
– on current position140
– on destination location140
Information menu, refer to 
i menu18
"Information on 
destination"142
"Info sources"80
Initializing
– active steering96
– after power failure235
– compass, refer to 
Calibrating112
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM92
– glass roof40
"Input map"139
Installation location
– CD changer177
– navigation DVD drive132
– telephone114
Instructions for navigation 
system, refer to Voice 
instructions150
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting103
Instrument panel, refer to 
Cockpit10
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote 
control110
Interesting destination for 
navigation140
"Interim time"86
Interior lamps103
– remote control31
Interior motion sensor36 

Everything from A - Z
262 "New route"151
New tires222
"Next entertainment 
source"54
North-facing map149
Nozzles104
Number of cylinders, refer to 
Engine data244
Nylon rope, refer to Tow 
rope240
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket 
for On-Board Diagnosis230
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel 
specifications211
Odometer74
Oil, refer to Engine oil225
Oil consumption225
Oil level225
Old batteries, refer to 
Disposal235
"On a new destination" in 
navigation141
"Onboard info"76
Onboard tool kit231
"On destination"141
"On location"141
Opening and closing
– convenient access36
– from inside32
– from outside29
– using the door lock32
– via the remote control29
Operation by voice for mobile 
phone197
– adjusting volume198
– canceling197
– correcting phone 
number198
– dialing phone number198
– placing a call198
– redialing198
– voice commands197
– voice phone book198
"Options"205
Orientation menu, refer to 
Start menu17Outlets
– refer to Ventilation107
Output, refer to Engine 
data244
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate 
control106
Outside-temperature 
display74
– changing units of 
measure78
– in computer78
Outside temperature 
warning74
Overheated engine, refer to 
Coolant temperature75
Overriding selector lever 
lock63
P
Park assistant, refer to Park 
Distance Control88
"Parked car operation"108
"Parked car ventilation"108
Parked car ventilation108
– activating switch-on 
times109
– preselecting switch-on 
times108
– switching on and off 
directly108
Parking
– vehicle60
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park 
Distance Control88
Parking brake60
– indicator lamp61
Parking lamps100
Parking lamps/low beams100
Passenger-side mirror tilt 
function53
"Pathway lighting"101
Pathway lighting101
"PDC"88
PDC Park Distance Control88
Personal Profile28
"Perspective"149
Phone book191Phone numbers
– deleting from phone 
book195
– dialing193
– most recent numbers194
– selecting in phone book194
– Top 8194
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric40
– windows39
Placing a call, refer to 
telephone owner's manual
"Play" for satellite radio171
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic 
climate control108
Position
– displaying155
– saving, refer to Storing 
current position143
Power failure235
Power windows38
Power windows, refer to 
Windows38
"Presets", displaying with the 
radio164
"Presets" for satellite 
radio171
Pressure, tires212
Pressure monitoring, tires92
– Flat Tire Monitor92
Pressure monitoring of tires, 
refer to Tire Pressure 
Monitor TPM
93
"Profile"207
Programmable buttons on the 
steering wheel11
Programmable memory 
keys21
Protection function, refer to 
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric40
– windows39
Providing medical assistance, 
refer to First add pouch237
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor92