
iDrive
22
Controller/buttons
The controller and buttons are located on the 
center armrest.
Rear lock
The available functions are operated with the 
respective controller.
You can use iDrive to restrict operation in the 
rear or to switch off the rear seat screen.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button to open the start 
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "Rear" and press the controller.
4.Select "Unlock" and press the controller 
repeatedly until the desired enabling of the 
rear iDrive is set.
>"menu"
You can switch the offered menus on or off 
by turning and pressing the controller. 
The  symbol indicates the menus that 
are currently activated.
>"None"
Switches the rear screen off.
>"Full"
Releases all function locks.
>"Limited"
You disable the functions that are used on 
the front Control Display.
Headphones
1Headphone jack
2Adjusting volume
3Station scan/track search
>Station scan
>Search track for CD, search chapter for 
DVD changer
With headphones connected, the sound 
output for the Control Display and the rear 
seat screen are played back separately. For 
example, a radio station can be listened to while 
a DVD is being played in the rear.<
Headphones are only intended for passengers 
in the rear seats. Please check with local regu-
lations regarding use of headphones. 

At a glance
 23Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Voice command system
The concept
The voice command system allows you to con-
trol operation of various vehicle systems with-
out ever removing your hands from the steering 
wheel. The system operates on the basis of 
voice commands that you will learn easily after 
using them a few times. In many cases, the 
voice command system assists you with 
announcements or questions while you are 
making your entries.
The voice command system transforms your 
oral commands and dialog answers into control 
signals for the selected systems.
Please take the time to acquaint yourself 
with how a particular system operates 
before proceeding to control it using the voice 
command system.<
Note
Use iDrive to set the language that will be used 
so that the voice command system will be able 
to identify the commands spoken. Setting the 
language of iDrive, refer to page84.
Symbols used
{...} Verbal instructions to use with the voice 
command system.
{{...}} Identifies the answers generated by the 
voice command system.
Systems available for use with voice 
command
>{Navigation}, refer to page130
>{Radio}, refer to page156
>{Telephone}, refer to page184
>{CD}, refer to page163
>{CD changer}, refer to page165
>{Notepad}, refer to page25
>{DVD}, refer to page170The Info Display, refer to page24, will display 
either the equipment that you are now operat-
ing or any current error messages.
Voice commands
Voice command system activation
Briefly press the  button on the steering 
wheel.
An acoustic signal and the display "SVS active" 
on the Info Display, refer to page24, indicate 
that the system is ready for operation. The sys-
tem automatically starts in the main menu.
From here, you can call up all the equipment 
that can be operated.
Canceling voice command
Briefly press the  button on the steering 
wheel
or
In dialogs in which any text can be spoken, e.g. 
names, notes, canceling is only possible using 
the  button.
The system automatically switches over 
to its telephone mode if you receive a call 
during voice input. "SVS active" appears on the 
Info Display, refer to page24.<
Voice commands
The voice command system operates on the 
basis of specific, predefined commands; these 
commands should be spoken precisely as indi-
cated. You can have the possible commands 
read aloud at any point. To do so, say the com-
mand {Options}.
In addition to the commands described, there 
are often other commands that run the same 
function. Instead of {Options}, you can, for 
example, also say {What now}. In addition, 
*
These sections contain information on 
using the voice command system.
{Cancel}. 

Voice command system
24 numerous options are often available, such as 
{Scale 100 miles} instead of {Scale}.
Short commands
In the {Main menu} level, you can run certain 
functions directly with brief commands, refer to 
page230, without having to open an equipment 
level first.
For example, if you want to dial a phone num-
ber, you can directly
without previously opening
Identification in Owner's Manual
Special commands are available for specific 
systems. In this Owner's Manual you will find 
these commands in the sections describing the 
individual systems.
Displays on Info Display
The Info Display shows you what the voice 
command system has understood in line2, 
while also indicating which voice command or 
question is currently active in line1.
In addition, any error messages are also dis-
played.
Changing map scale for navigation: an example
Starting the dialog
Briefly press the  button on the steering 
wheel.1.{Dial number}.
2.Enter the phone number.
{Telephone}
Operation with the voice command system 
is always indicated with this symbol.
You sayThe voice command system repliesShown on Info Display
"SVS active"
{Change scale}{{Please enter the desired scale}}"scale?
change scale"
{Scale 400 feet}"ok
400 ft" 

At a glance
 25Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Adjusting volume
You can adjust the volume for the instructions 
from the voice command system:
Turn the knob during an instruction/announce-
ment to select the desired volume.
Instructions/announcements from the voice 
command system will continue at this volume 
level, even if the other audio sources are set to 
minimum volume.
The volume setting is stored for the remote 
control currently in use.
Notes
Do not use the voice command system to 
make emergency calls. Your voice and 
habitual tone could be affected by stressful sit-
uations, as a result of which the process of 
establishing the telephone connection could be 
unnecessarily delayed. Instead, use the emer-
gency call button near the interior rearview mir-
ror, refer to page219.<
Environmental conditions
The voice command system uses a special 
hands-free microphone located in the front of 
your vehicle's headliner. Although the system is 
designed to filter out ambient noise, you can 
help ensure that your commands will be under-
stood by observing the following instructions:
>Speak smoothly and clearly, at a normal vol-
ume. Avoid excessive emphasis and 
pauses.
>Do not speak while the voice command sys-
tem is itself speaking.>Keep the doors, windows and glass sunroof 
closed to prevent interference from ambi-
ent noise.
>Avoid other sources of noise in the vehicle 
while speaking, and ask other vehicle occu-
pants to refrain from talking while you are 
using the system.
>The hands-free microphone is aimed 
toward the driver. This means that the sys-
tem might not be able to register the voices 
of other vehicle occupants properly.
The notepad
Recording a note
You can store roughly ten minutes of spoken 
text, either as a single entry or as multiple 
entries of any desired length.
To stop recording:
Press the   button longer.
When recording a note, the voice com-
mand system does not hear the com-
mand {Cancel} or {Exit}. The text checking 
function for command words is deactivated in 
this case so that you can speak any desired text 
for your notes. This feature saves you from hav-
ing to concentrate on avoiding any command 
words.<
Listening to a notepad entry
To listen to recorded notepad entries:
{Record note}.
1.{Read out}. 
Approximately the first 3 seconds of 
the first note are read aloud.
2.After the request {{Record note, read 
out note, delete note.}} select the 
desired function.
>To listen to the entire note:
{Read out}.
>To listen to the next note: 
{Next}.
>To listen to the note again:
{Back} or {Repeat}. 

Controls
 31Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Adapter for spare key
You will need the adapter to activate the ignition 
and to start the vehicle with the spare key.
Take the adapter from the onboard tool kit, refer 
to page213. 
Press lock button1, slide the cover open and 
insert the spare key2 into the adapter. Close 
the cover and insert the adapter into the ignition 
lock.
Key Memory
The concept
You can set a number of functions of your BMW 
individually according to your preferences. Key 
Memory ensures that most of these settings are 
stored for the remote control currently in use 
without you having to do anything. When the 
vehicle is unlocked, the corresponding remote 
control is detected and the settings stored for it 
are called up and carried out.
This means that your BMW will return to your 
personal settings even if it has in the meantime 
been driven by another person with his/her own 
remote control and settings. The individual set-
tings are stored for a maximum of four remote 
controls.
Key Memory
>Personal temperature distribution for seat 
heating
*, refer to page49.
>Personal setting for the programmable but-
ton on the steering wheel, refer to page52.
>Personal setting of PDC Park Distance 
Control
*, refer to page86.>Air distribution, temperature, and intensity 
of the Automatic climate control, refer to 
page105.
>Settings for the displays on the Control Dis-
play:
>Units of measure for fuel consumption, 
distance traveled, distances to go, tem-
perature, and pressure, refer to page84.
>Language on Control Display, refer to 
page84.
>Display format of date and time, refer to 
page84.
>Brightness of Control Display, refer to 
page85.
>Personal settings for volume and tone of 
the Entertainment sound output, refer to 
page153.
>Personal settings for the stored stations of 
the radio, refer to page158.
>Personal settings for the volume of the 
hands-free telephone operation, refer to 
page179.
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed. This 
simultaneously engages and releases the locks 
on the following:
>Doors
>Luggage compartment lid
>Fuel filler door
The central locking system can be operated 
from the outside:
>via the remote control
>via the driver's door lock
>with Comfort Access
* via the door handles
and from inside via the button for the central 
locking system.
When the system is locked from inside, the fuel 
filler door remains unlocked. Refer to page34. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
98 BMW Night Vision is not a substitute or replace-
ment for driver responsibility or for adapting to 
the visibility conditions and the traffic situation. 
The forward view illuminated by the headlamps 
must always be the basis for making safe driv-
ing decisions; otherwise, a safety risk will 
result.<
Activating BMW Night Vision
1.Turn the light switch to position2 or3, refer 
to page100.
2.When the low beams are switched on:
>Press the  button.
>Press the  button.
Programming button on the steering 
wheel, refer to page52.
The image will be displayed on the Control Dis-
play after a few seconds. Depending on the last 
mode selected, either the normal or full screen 
image will be displayed.
Due to the system's need to adjust periodically, 
a still image is displayed at certain intervals for 
fractions of a second. This is normal and not an 
indication of a problem.
To prevent driving without headlamps, at a 
speed of more than approx. 3 mph/5 km/h and 
when dark, the thermal image on the Control Display is only shown when the low beams are 
on.
BMW Night Vision is not available on the 
rear screen. When the system is active, 
neither the navigation system nor BMW Assist 
can be started from the rear screen.<
Deactivating BMW Night Vision
>Press the  button.
>Press the  button.
>Press the  button.
>Make a selection with the controller, i. e.: 
change the radio station or make a phone 
call. For iDrive details, refer to page16.
Selecting settings
1.Activate BMW Night Vision.
2.Press the controller to display the menu 
items.
3.Select the menu item and press the control-
ler:
>"Zoom": 
At higher speeds, the image is zoomed 
in.
>"Curve mode": 
Depending on the steering angle and 
other parameters, the image section fol-
lows the course of the road to some 
degree.
>"Full screen": 
The image is shown on the entire Con-
trol Display.
>"Contrast": 
The contrast of the screen can be 
adjusted, refer to page172. 

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.< 

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.<