CD changer
168
General malfunctions
The BMW CD changer is optimized for opera-
tion in the vehicle. It may react more sensitively
to defective CDs than devices intended for sta-
tionary use.
If a CD cannot be played back, first check to
make sure it has been correctly inserted.
Humidity
High humidity can fog the CD or the focusing
lens for the laser beam, temporarily preventing
playback.
Malfunctions with individual CDs
If malfunctions occur only with particular CDs,
this can be due to one of the following causes.
Home-recorded CDs
Malfunction sources in home-recorded CDs
include, for example, inconsistent data origina-
tion and recording processes as well as low
quality or pronounced aging of the blanks used.
Only write on CDs with a marker especially
designed for this purpose.
Damaged CDs
Avoid finger prints, dust, scratches, and mois-
ture.
Store CDs in a sleeve.
Do not expose CDs to temperatures above
1227/506, high humidity or direct sunlight.
CDs with copy protection
Manufacturers often provide CDs with copy
protection. This can prevent or limit the play-
back of these CDs.
Care instructions
You can find everything you need to know about
this topic by consulting the separate Caring for
your vehicle brochure.
DVD changer
174 Refer to the information on your DVD for possi-
ble selections.<
Opening DVD-specific menu
Additional functions may be available on DVDs.
For example, the viewer can select from several
possible plots or display information on the film.
1.During playback, press the controller to dis-
play the DVD control.
2.Select "MENU" or "TOP" and press the
controller.
Selecting "MENU" generally takes you to
the DVD-specific main menu. On some
DVDs, "TOP" takes you to another menu in
which you can select music scenes, for
example.
To make a selection:
3.Select .
4.Select "OK" and press the controller.
To return to a previous menu:
Select or the arrow and press the con-
troller.
You can also select language, subtitles,
camera angle, or track in the DVD-spe-
cific menu.
Refer to the information on your DVD for possi-
ble selections.<
Notes
The DVD changer can play the following for-
mats:
>Video DVD
>CD-DA (audio CD)
The DVD Audio format is not supported by the
DVD changer. However, many audio DVDs
available in stores also contain a video track in
the DVD Video format in addition to the audio
track. These DVDs can be played back by the
DVD changer. Please refer to the information on
your DVD to determine whether your audio DVD
contains an additional video track.DVDs are usually divided into tracks and chap-
ters and can contain different subtitles, camera
angles or sound tracks, languages and sound
formats. Depending on the version of the DVD,
these functions can be selected either directly
with the DVD control system or only via the
DVD-specific menu. Refer to the information on
your DVD for possible selections.
Dual-sided DVDs available from retail suppliers
are coated on both sides and bear no markings.
This means both sides are information carriers.
To play back the information on the other side,
remove the magazine and turn the DVD over.
Safety note
The BMW DVD changer is a Class 1 laser
product. Do not operate with a damaged
cover panel as this can lead to severe eye injury.
Never play CDs/DVDs with stick-on labels.
They can come loose during playback due to
the heat buildup and cause irreparable damage
to the system.
Only use round CDs/DVDs with a standard
diameter of 4.7 in/12 cm and do not play CDs/
DVDs with an adapter, e.g. CD singles; other-
wise, the CD/DVD or the adapter can jam and
may no longer eject properly.
Do not use combined CD/DVDs, e.g. DVD
Plus;
otherwise, the CD/DVD can jam, preventing it
from being ejected properly.<
General malfunctions
The BMW DVD changer is optimized for opera-
tion in the vehicle. It may react more sensitively
to defective CDs/DVDs than devices intended
for stationary use.
If a CD/DVD cannot be played back, first check
to make sure it has been correctly inserted.
Humidity
High humidity can fog the CD/DVD or the focus-
ing lens for the laser beam, temporarily prevent-
ing playback.
Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
175Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Malfunctions with particular CDs/DVDs
If malfunctions occur only with particular CDs/
DVDs, this can be due to one of the following
causes.
Home-recorded CDs/DVDs
Malfunction sources in home-recorded CDs/
DVDs include, for example, inconsistent data
origination and recording processes as well as
low quality or pronounced aging of the blanks
used.
Only write on CDs/DVDs with a marker espe-
cially designed for this purpose.
Damaged CDs/DVDs
Avoid finger prints, dust, scratches, and mois-
ture.
Store CDs/DVDs in a sleeve.
Do not expose CDs/DVDs to temperatures
above 1227/506, high humidity or direct
sunlight.
CDs/DVDs with copy protection
Manufacturers often provide CDs/DVDs with
copy protection. This can prevent or limit the
playback of these CDs/DVDs.
Care instructions
You can find everything you need to know about
this topic by consulting the separate Caring for
your vehicle brochure.
189
Entertainment
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips Communications
Navigation
Mobility
BMW Assist
BMW Assist offers you various services; for
example, the position data of your vehicle can
be transmitted to the BMW Assist Response
Center if an emergency call
* has been initiated.
Many BMW Assist services depend on the indi-
vidual contract.
After your contract has expired, the BMW
Assist system will be deactivated by the BMW
Assist Response Center without your visiting a
BMW center. After the BMW Assist system has
been deactivated, no BMW Assist service will
be available. The BMW Assist system can be
reactivated by a BMW center after a new con-
tract has been signed.
Requirements
You can use BMW Assist when the following
requirements are met:
>The installed BMW Assist system is logged
on to a mobile phone network. This network
must be capable of transmitting the ser-
vices.
>To transmit position data, the vehicle must
be able to determine the current position.
>A GPS signal must be available in order for
BMW Assist to be activated and updated.
>You have signed a BMW Assist subscriber
contract at the BMW center or the BMW
Assist Response Center. Activation must
be completed.
>BMW Assist is activated, refer to page193.
Services offered
The following services are available via
BMW Assist:
>Emergency call, refer to page219:
When you press the SOS button, a connec-
tion is established to the BMW Assist
Response Center. The BMW Assist
Response Center contacts you and takes
further steps to help you.
>Automatic emergency call:
Once the BMW Assist Response Center
has received your emergency call, the BMW
Assist Response Center contacts you and
takes further steps to help you. Even if you
are unable to reply, under certain condi-
tions, the BMW Assist Response Center
can still take additional steps to assist you.
>Roadside Assistance:
You can call the Roadside Assistance
* of
the BMW Group should you require help in
the event of a breakdown. If possible, the
vehicle data and position data are transmit-
ted during this time.
>BMW Hotline:
For information relating to your vehicle, you
can be connected to the BMW Hotline.
>TeleService:
Information about the service status of your
vehicle or required inspections is transmit-
ted to your BMW center either automati-
cally before a service due date or when you
request a BMW service appointment.
>Vehicle unlocking:
Contact the BMW Assist Response Center
if you have lost your remote control, for
example, and would like to have the vehicle
unlocked.
>Vehicle search:
After you have reported the theft of your
vehicle to the police, the BMW Assist
Response Center can determine its loca-
tion.
*
BMW Assist
190 In addition, other services can be provided to
you, such as the information service or route
planning, traffic conditions and weather.
Press the SOS button in order to contact the
BMW Assist Response Center, see below.
Special features of the services offered
The following special features apply to the ser-
vices:
>The services offered are country-specific.
>Voice contact is established or data are
transferred, depending on the equipment
and the country. In some countries, it is
possible to do both.
>The data transmitted can be vehicle data,
for example, your current position or the
data of the CBS Condition Based Service.
Using services
Contacting the BMW Assist Response
Center
You can establish contact with the BMW Assist
Response Center by pressing the SOS button.
1.Briefly press the cover flap to open.
2.Press the button for at least 2 seconds.
Contact will be established with the BMW
Assist Response Center.
Roadside Assistance
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "BMW Assist".3.Select "BMW center" and press the con-
troller.
4.Select "Roadside Assistance" and press
the controller.
If the current position can be determined,
the current vehicle location is displayed.
5.Select "START" and press the controller.
The BMW Assist Response Center connects
you to the BMW Group's Roadside Assistance.
TeleService
Automatic service notification*
Information about the service status of your
vehicle or required inspections is automatically
transmitted before the relevant deadline. You
can check when the BMW center was notified.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "BMW Assist".
3.Select "BMW center" and press the con-
troller.
BMW Assist
192
Info service*
When you call BMW Assist's info service, you
can obtain information, for example about cur-
rent events, gas stations or hotels, as well as
receive the relevant telephone numbers and
addresses. Many hotels can be reserved
directly from the BMW info service.
The info service must be enabled separately by
the BMW Assist Response Center.
Calling up information
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "BMW Assist".
3.Select "Concierge" and press the control-
ler.
4.Select "New information" and press the
controller.
The BMW Assist Response Center connects
you to the Info Service.
Displaying transmitted data
Select a received message, if appropriate, and
press the controller.
Selecting phone number or adopting
address into route guidance
>Use "CALL" to make a telephone call. A
prerequisite for this is that your Bluetooth
mobile phone is paired with the vehicle.
>With "AS DEST.", you can adopt the
address into the navigation system's route
guidance.
Customizing BMW Assist
Displaying services
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "BMW Assist".
3.Select "Status" and press the controller.
4.Select "Services" and press the controller.
The current services of BMW Assist are dis-
played.
Mobility
203Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed rating
Q = up to 105 mph/160 km/h
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 U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on
the sidewall:
DOT...1007 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in the 10th week of 2007.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires –
including the spare – after a maximum of 6 years, even though the tires may have a theo-
retical service life of up to 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 devi-
ate significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differ-
ences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those 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
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not for ZR tires
Speed rating,
before R on ZR tires
245/50 R18100 V
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire makes
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 1007
Wheels and tires
204
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, B, and C, A
being highest, and represent the tire's resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page205.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Indicates specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread depth,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not fall below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm.
At tread depths below 0.12 in/3 mm, there is an
increased risk of high-speed hydroplaning,
even when only small amounts of water are
present on the road surface.
Winter tires display a noticeable loss in their
ability to cope with cold-weather driving condi-
tions once the tread wears to below 0.16 in/
4 mm. To ensure continued safety, you should
always have such tires replaced.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread
has been driven down to the wear indicators, a
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been
reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low profile tires make wheels,
tires, and suspension parts more susceptible to
road hazards and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These
kinds of problems may also be signaled by other
changes in vehicle response, such as a strong
tendency to pull to the left or right.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. Drive carefully to the nearest
BMW center or tire shop that works according
to BMW repair procedures with correspond-