Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
94
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags
2Coupe: Head airbags
3Side airbags
4Knee airbag
5Knee airbag
Protective action
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,
please follow the adjustment instructions on
page47.<
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 a side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head airbag supports the head. The knee airbag
protects the legs from colliding with 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 restraint system from the
vehicle. Do not modify or tamper with either the
wiring or the individual components in the air-
bag system. This category includes the uphol-
stery in the center of the steering wheel, on the
instrument panel, the side trim panels on the
doors and on the Coupe, the roof pillars along with the sides of the headliner. Do not attempt
to remove or dismantle 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 air-
bag generators carried out only by a BMW cen-
ter or a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with appropriately trained
personnel and has the required explosives
licenses. Otherwise unprofessional attempts to
service the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or undesired airbag triggering,
either of which could result in personal injury.<
Warnings and information on 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
correspondingly activates or deactivates the
front, knee and side airbags on the front pas-
senger side.
The current status of the front passenger
airbags, i.e. deactivated or activated, is
indicated by the indicator lamp over the interior
rearview mirror, refer to Operating state of front
passenger airbags below.<
Before transporting a child in the front
passenger seat, read the safety informa-
tion and follow the instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page56.
Controls
95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The front, knee and side airbags on the front
passenger side can be deactivated for teenag-
ers and adults in certain sitting positions; the
indicator lamp for the front passenger airbags
lights up when this occurs. In these cases,
change the sitting position so that the front pas-
senger airbags are activated and the indicator
lamp goes out. If the desired status cannot be
produced by changing the sitting position,
transport the corresponding person in the rear
seat.
Do not fit seat covers, seat cushion padding,
beaded mats or other items onto the front pas-
senger seat unless they are specifically recom-
mended by BMW. Do not place objects under
the seat which could press against the seat
from below. Otherwise, a correct evaluation of
the occupied seat surface cannot be ensured.<
Operating state of front passenger
airbags
The illustration here shows a possible arrange-
ment in the Coupe. With some vehicle equip-
ment packages or in the Convertible, the
arrangement of the switches and indicator
lamps may differ somewhat.
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags indicates the operating status of the front,
knee and side airbags on the front passenger
side depending on whether the seat is occu-
pied. The indicator lamp shows whether the
front passenger airbags are activated or deacti-
vated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in
a child restraint system intended for the
purpose is properly detected on the seat.
The front, knee and side airbags on the front
passenger side are deactivated.Most child seats are detected by the sys-
tem. Especially the child seats required
by the NHTSA at the time the vehicle is manu-
factured. After installing a child seat, make sure
that the indicator lamp for the front passenger
airbags lights up. This indicates that the child
seat has been detected and the front passenger
airbags are not activated.<
>The indicator lamp does not light up when,
for example, a correctly seated person of
sufficient height is detected on the seat.
The front, knee and side airbags on the front
passenger side are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not light up when
the seat is empty.
But the front, knee and side airbags on the
front passenger side are still deactivated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
From radio readiness, refer to page58, the
warning lamp lights up briefly, indicating the
operational readiness of the entire airbag sys-
tem and the safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up as of radio
readiness.
>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.<
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96
Convertible: rollover
protection system
The rollover protection system is automatically
activated in the event of an accident or a critical
driving situation, extreme inclination on the lon-
gitudinal axis, or loss of ground contact. The
rollover bars located behind the rear head
restraints are deployed within fractions of a sec-
ond.
As a supplement to the rollover bar integrated
into the windshield frame, the rollover protec-
tion system ensures that all vehicle occupants
have the necessary headroom.
Always keep the path of movement of the
rollover protection system clear.
In less severe accidents, you are protected by
the fastened safety belt and, depending on the
severity of the accident, the belt tensioner and
the multistage airbag restraint system.<
Lowering
If the rollover protection system experienced no
impact after automatic activation, then it can be
lowered again. No tools are necessary for this
purpose.
1.Press the release backward and hold in that
position.
2.Press the rollover protection unit halfway
down from above.
3.Let go of the release.4.Press the rollover protection unit down until
it snaps into place.
5.Use the same procedure for the second roll-
over protection unit.
Have the rollover protection system checked
after unexpected triggering.
Never move the convertible top when the
rollover protection system is raised.
No changes of any nature may be made to the
individual components of the rollover protec-
tion system and wiring.
Work on the rollover protection system may
only be performed at a BMW center.
Unprofessional attempts to service the system
can lead to failure or malfunction.
For a system check and to ensure long-term
functioning, you must comply with the mainte-
nance intervals of the service requirements,
refer to page77.<
Head-Up Display*
The concept
With the Head-Up Display, important informa-
tion is projected into the driver's field of view,
e.g. navigation instructions. This enables you to
absorb this information without looking away
from the road.
Practical interior accessories
120
Securing cargo
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. To do so, tighten the retaining belt at the
buckle.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If you fail to
do so, it could endanger vehicle occu-
pants during braking or evasive maneuvers.
To refit the filler element, insert the two tabs at
the bottom into the strip and press the filler ele-
m e n t b a c k i n t o p l a c e . M a k e s u r e t h a t y o u d o n o t
damage the rear seat upholstery.<
Wheels and tires
212
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
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 ... 3307 indicates that the tire was manu-
factured in week 33 of 2007.
BMW recommends replacing all tires at least
every 6 years, even if some tires may last for
10 years.
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 96 W
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3307
Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Arrival time
– refer to Computer76
– refer to Starting destination
guidance146
"Arrow display" for navigation
system147
"Arrow display pop-up
instructions"133
Ashtray118
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist199
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems86
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control111
"Audio"159,161,166
Audio158
– controls158
– switching on/off158
– tone control159
– volume159
Audio device, external117
Automatic
– air distribution109
– air volume109
– cruise control65,66
– headlamp control102
– recirculated-air control
AUC111
– service notification201
– steering wheel
adjustment49
– storing stations164
Automatic car washes127
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– also refer to Comfort
access38
Automatic climate control108
– automatic air
distribution109
– convertible program109
– switching on and off112
– ventilation with vehicle
parked112Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing34
Automatic curb monitor54
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control102
– refer to Daytime running
lamps103
– refer to High-beam
assistant104
– refer to Interior lamps106
– refer to Pathway lighting103
– refer to Welcome lamps102
"Automatic programs"109
Automatic soft closing34
Automatic station search163
"Automatic ventilation"113
AUTO program with
automatic climate
control109
"Autostore" on the
radio162,164
"AUX"158,178,180
– in audio mode178
AUX-In connection117,178
Average fuel consumption75
– setting units84
Average speed75
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system145
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system144
Avoiding freeways for
navigation144
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system145
Axle loads, refer to
Weights237
"A - Z"192
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support48
Backrests, refer to Seats48
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps224
"Balance", refer to Tone
control160
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit228
Bass, refer to Tone
control159
"Bass", tone control159
Battery
– jump starting228
– refer to Vehicle battery225
Battery replacement, remote
control for comfort
access38
BC button, refer to
Computer75
Being towed230
Belts, refer to Safety belts52
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders118
Blower, refer to Air
volume110
"Bluetooth"185
"BMW Assist"200
BMW Assist199
– activating204
– concierge service202
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations202
– displaying vehicle data205
– offered services199
– roadside assistance200
– TeleService201
– updating203
"BMW Contact"194
"BMW Contact
Numbers"194
BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System221
Everything from A to Z
248 Engine oil
– adding219
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils219
– approved oils219
– electronic oil level check218
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements77
– oil change219
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils219
– recommended oils219
– temperature75
– temperature gauge75
"Engine oil level"218
Engine output, refer to Engine
data234
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data234
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine59
"Enter address"134,142
Entering address134,137
Entering intersection,
navigation136
Entering rear51
Entering town/city for
navigation135
Entering town/city of
destination name135
Entering zip code for
navigation135
"Entertainment"158
Entertainment sound output
on/off159
Entry map for destination139
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control161
"Equalizer", tone control161
"ESN"169
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control87
Event data recorders222Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system125
Exterior mirrors53
– adjusting53
– automatic dimming
feature54
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out53
– tilting down passenger-side
mirror54
External audio device117
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting229
Eyes for lashing, refer to
Securing cargo128
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control160
Fader, refer to Tone
control160
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control79
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms36
– refer to Switching off
alarm35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts52
Fastest route for
navigation144
Fast forward
– CD changer176
– CD player176
"Fast route" for
navigation144
"Favorites", calling up with
radio166
Filler neck for washer fluid65
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter112
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit228First-aid kit228
Flashing when locking and
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight117
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– run-flat tires90,92,214
– Tire Pressure Monitor90
– warning lamp90,92
Flat Tire Monitor89
– false alarms89
– initializing system89
– limits of system89
– snow chains215
– warning lamp90
Floor mats, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Floor mats/carpets, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler
neck for washer fluid65
"FM", reception
range158,162
FM, waveband162
Fog lamps106
– indicator lamp13,106
Folding into raised position
convertible top
compartment floor,
Convertible35
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely126
Footwell lighting, refer to
Interior lamps106
For specified oil grades, refer
to Approved engine oils219
For your own safety6
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria144
Front airbags94
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating94
"FTM"89
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor89
Everything from A to Z
250
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio166
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning74
ID3-Tag, refer to Information
about track174
Identification mark
– recommended tire
brands215
– run-flat tires214
– tire coding212
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness83
– assistance window20
– changing date and time82
– changing language84
– changing menu page19
– changing settings82
– changing units of measure
and display form84
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus17
– operating principle17
– selecting menu item19
– selecting or confirming
entry19
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols18
Ignition58
– switched off59
– switched on58
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness58
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on58
Ignition lock58
– starting engine with comfort
access38
i menu17
Imprint2Indicator/warning lamps
– ABS Antilock Brake
System88
– active steering93
– airbags95
– brake system88
– DSC13,87
– DTC13,88
– Flat Tire Monitor90
– fog lamps13,106
– handbrake13,60
– safety belt warning52
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor92
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview13
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure210
Inflation pressure monitoring
– refer to Flat Tire Monitor89
– refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor90
Info menu17
Information
– on another location140
– on current position140
– on town/city of
destination140
"Information" for navigation
system140
Information menu, refer to
imenu17
"Information on
destination"141
"Info sources"77
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– radio, refer to Storing
stations164
– refer to Power failure226
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory49
– time and date82
"Input map"139
Installation location
– CD changer176
– drive for navigation DVD132Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions149
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer
to Instrument lighting106
Instrument lighting106
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control115
Interesting destination for
navigation140
"Interim time"82
Interior lamps106
– switching on with remote
control31
Interior motion sensor36
– switching off36
Interior rearview mirror,
automatic dimming
feature54
Intermittent wiper mode64
J
Jacking points225
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jump starting228
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
access36
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort access36
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile29
"Keypad"194
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile29
– spare key28
Kick-down, Sport automatic
transmission61