
Climate
106 5.Turn the controller to adjust the tempera-
ture:
>Turn toward the left, toward blue: colder
>Turn toward the right, toward red: 
warmer
6.Press the controller to save the setting.
Maximum cooling
Maximally cooled air is obtained as 
quickly as possible at an outside 
temperature of approx. 327/06 
and with the engine running.
The automatic climate control 
changes over to the lowest temperature and 
switches into the recirculated-air mode. The 
maximum air quantity only flows out of the vents 
for the upper body. So open these vents for 
maximum cooling.
Air volume
You can vary the air volume by 
turning. You can reactivate the 
automatic air supply mode by 
pressing the AUTO button.
Manual air distribution
You can adapt the air distribution to your own 
personal preferences:
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Climate".
3.Turn the controller to select driver's side or 
passenger side.4.Select the desired field and press the con-
troller.
1Air directed toward the windshield and side 
windows
2Air to the upper body
3Air to footwell
You can only use the condensation sensor in 
the AUTO program. Press the AUTO button 
when you notice condensation on windows and 
wish to take advantage of the condensation 
sensor.
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation
Quickly remove ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and front 
side windows.
Also switch on the air conditioner.
Residual heat
The system uses the warmth 
stored in the engine to heat the 
interior when the ignition is off, e.g. 
while the vehicle is stopped at a 
school to pick up a child.
The function can be switched on when the fol-
lowing conditions are met:
>up to 15 minutes after switching off the 
engine
>with the engine at operating temperature
>with sufficient battery voltage
>at an outside temperature below 777/
256
The LED lights up when the function is 
switched on. 

Climate
108
Rear climate control*
The following settings and operating modes 
can be selected and adjusted separately on the 
left and right sides:
1Adjusting cooling
2Maximum cooling
3Air volume
4Switching off
Switching on
>Select maximum cooling2
>Press the OFF button 4
>Via iDrive, refer to Switching on/off via iDrive
Adjusting cooling
You can also set the system to the 
desired level of cooling by turning. 
We recommend setting the sys-
tem for moderate cooling. When 
you start the vehicle, this system 
ensures that the selected setting is achieved as 
quickly as possible. It then maintains this tem-
perature, regardless of the season.
Air volume
You can vary the air volume by 
turning. 
Maximum cooling
This program quickly provides 
maximum cooling.
The system automatically switches to the recir-
culated-air mode and the maximum air volume flows from the ventilation grilles. So open these 
vents for maximum cooling.
Switching off
The system is switched off.
Press the button again to switch 
back on.
Switching on/off via iDrive
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button to open the start 
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Climate".
3.If need be, select the   symbol and press 
the controller to switch to the other side of 
the menu.
4.Select "Extra" and press the controller.
5.Select "Rear climate control" and press the 
controller.
The maximum cooling mode is automati-
cally activated when you switch on the 
rear climate control via iDrive.<
To switch off, select "Rear climate control" 
again and press the controller. 

Controls
 109Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Ventilation in rear
Use the lever1 to vary the airflow direction.
For additional information on rear ventilation 
options, refer to page107.
Parked car ventilation
The parked car ventilation blows air into the 
passenger compartment to reduce interior tem-
peratures.
You can set two different times for the system 
to start. The system is operated via iDrive. 
It remains switched on for 30 minutes.
Since the system uses a substantial amount of 
electrical current, you should refrain from acti-
vating it twice in succession without allowing 
the battery to be recharged in normal operation 
between uses.
With a preselected switch-on time, the parked 
car ventilation is switched on at an outside tem-
perature of 597/156 or greater. When oper-
ated manually, it is ready for use at any outside 
temperature, but not during driving.
The air enters the passenger compartment 
through the air vents for the upper body in the 
dashboard, which can be adjusted for both 
direction and airflow. These vents must be 
open for the system to operate.
Switching on and off directly
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button to open the start 
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Climate".
3.If need be, select the   symbol and press 
the controller to switch to the other side of 
the menu.
4.Select "Parked car " and press the control-
ler.
5.Select "Indep. ventil. " and press the con-
troller.
The parked car ventilation is switched 
on. 
LED on the automatic climate control 
flashes.
6.Select "Indep. ventil." again and press the 
controller to switch off.
Preselecting activation time
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button to open the start 
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Climate".
3.If need be, select the   symbol and press 
the controller to switch to the other side of 
the menu.
4.Select "Parked car" and press the control-
ler.
5.Select "Set time 1" or "Set time 2" and 
press the controller. 

Climate
110 6.Enter the desired time:
>Turn to change the setting.
>Press the controller to adopt the setting.
Activating timer
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button to open the start 
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Climate".
3.If need be, select the   symbol and press 
the controller to switch to the other side of 
the menu.
4.Select "Parked car" and press the control-
ler.
5.Select "Time 1" or "Time 2" and press the 
controller.
The activation time is activated. 
LED on the automatic climate control lights 
up.
LED on the automatic climate control flashes 
when the system has switched on.
The parked car ventilation is only avail-
able for activation within the next 
24 hours. After this, the time will have to be 
reconfirmed.< 

Practical interior accessories
114 Depending upon your equipment package, any 
of the following may be located in the storage 
compartment:
>Removable CD holder
*
>Folding, removable storage compartment*, 
e.g. for glasses or mobile phone
>Folding, removable waste receptacle
*
Locking storage compartment
You can use the key to lock the storage com-
partment in the armrest.
For example at a hotel, if you want to lock 
the luggage compartment lid separately, 
refer to page35. Then lock the armrest storage 
compartment and surrender only the remote 
control without the key, refer to page30. This 
prevents unauthorized access to the armrest 
storage compartment and the luggage com-
partment.<
Ventilating storage compartment
You can use the knurled wheel in the storage 
compartment to open and close the vent.
Depending on the automatic climate con-
trol setting, the temperature in the stor-
age compartment may be higher than in the rest 
of the passenger compartment. Close the vent 
as required.<
The temperature in the storage compartment 
depends on the setting for the upper body area, 
refer to page105.
Connection for external audio device
You can connect an external audio device such 
as a CD or MP3 player and play the sound over 
the vehicle's speaker system, refer to page169.
Center armrest, rear
Before folding down the armrest, adjust 
the head restraint to its lowest position, 
refer to page48.<
To open the storage compartment: 
Press the button in the handle recess and fold 
up the cover.
Rear comfort seat*
Before folding down the armrest, adjust 
the head restraint to its lowest position, 
refer to page48.<
To open the storage compartment: 
Press the button and fold up the cover.
Storage compartments
Clothes hooks
Clothes hooks are located near the grab han-
dles in the rear.
When suspending clothing from the 
hooks ensure that it will not obstruct the 
driver's vision. Do not hang heavy objects on 
the hooks. If you do so, they could cause per-
sonal injury to occupants during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers.< 

Controls
 117Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Rear refrigerator*
The rear refrigerator is located behind the rear 
seats' center armrest.
Switching on/off
1.Switch on the ignition.
2.Press button.
The LED in the button lights up.
3.Press the button again to switch off the rear 
refrigerator.
When the ignition is switched off, this also 
switches off the rear refrigerator.
When a low voltage is reached, it is automati-
cally switched off to protect the vehicle battery. 
The LED in the button flashes.
High temperatures in the luggage com-
partment can affect the temperature in 
the rear refrigerator.<
With rear climate control
When switched on, the rear refrigerator is con-
trolled by the rear climate control. 
To adjust the cooling capacity and increase the 
airflow volume, refer to page108.
Without rear climate control
When switched on, the rear refrigerator is con-
trolled by the automatic air conditioning sys-
tem.
To adjust the temperature and increase the air-
flow volume, refer to pages105, 106.
Releasing
Pull on the opener and fold the refrigerator for-
ward.
Switching on/off via iDrive*
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button to open the start 
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Climate".
3.Select "Extra" and press the controller.
4.Select "Rear refrigerator" and press the 
controller.
Select "Rear refrigerator" again and press the 
controller to switch off.
Ski bag*
Designed for safe, convenient transport of up to 
4 pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length 
of up to 6ft 10in/2.10m. When skis of 6.9ft/
2.10 m in length are loaded, the ski bag will tend 
to contract, reducing its overall capacity. 

Things to remember when driving
122
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts need time to adjust to one 
another. To ensure that your vehicle continues 
to furnish optimized economy of operation 
throughout an extended service life, we request 
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing information.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive with changing engine and vehicle speeds, 
but do not exceed:
4500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode during these 
initial miles.
After 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be 
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors.
Following component replacements
Follow the break-in sequence again if compo-
nents addressed above must be replaced again 
during subsequent driving.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is completely 
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could pene-
trate into the passenger compartment.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the 
luggage compartment lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Adjust the automatic climate control's 
blower to supply a high rate of airflow, refer 
to page106.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed 
adjacent to it, and never apply undercoating to 
them. When driving, standing at idle, and park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact 
between the hot exhaust system and any highly 
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass, 
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, accompa-
nied by the risk of serious property damage and 
personal injury.<
Mobile communications devices in 
vehicle
BMW does not recommend using mobile 
communications devices, e.g. mobile 
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the 
vehicle electronics and mobile communications 
device can interfere with each other. In addition, 
there is no assurance that the radiation which 
results during transmission will be discharged 
from the vehicle interior.< 

Driving tips
 123Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge 
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or 
complete loss of contact between tires and 
road surface, ultimately undermining your abil-
ity to steer and brake the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Only drive through water with a maximum 
depth of 1 ft/30 cm and then, at no more 
than walking speed. Otherwise, you run the risk 
of damaging the vehicle's engine, electrical sys-
tems, and transmission.<
Safe braking
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard 
equipment. In situations that require it, it is best 
to apply the brakes fully. Since the vehicle 
maintains steering responsiveness, you can 
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles with a 
minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to 
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When driving in wet conditions and 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 endanger other road users. The heat gener-
ated 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 reduced effi-
ciency of the brake system, drive long or 
steep downhill grades in the gear that requires 
the least amount of braking. Otherwise, even 
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to 
high temperatures, brake wear, and possibly 
even failure of the brake system.
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as 
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches, 
refer to page63. This strategy helps you avoid 
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
Do not drive in idle or with the engine 
switched off; otherwise, there will be no 
engine braking action or power-assist for the 
brakes 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 minimal 
pressure that must be exerted by the pads dur-
ing 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
1.Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page50; 
otherwise, they could be damaged due to 
the width of the vehicle. 
To permit the vehicle to roll, follow the 
instructions on page58.
2.Release the parking brake, especially when 
you have activated Automatic Hold. Refer to 
page59.