
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Contents
The fastest way to find information on a partic-
ular topic or item is by using the index, refer to 
page246.
Using this Owner's Manual
4Notes
6Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Cockpit
16iDrive
23Voice command system
Controls
28Opening and closing
40Adjustments
51Transporting children safely
54Driving
67Everything under control
81Technology for driving comfort and 
safety
92Lamps
96Climate
102Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
114Things to remember when driving
119BMW M3 engineering
Navigation
124Starting the navigation system
126Destination entry
139Destination guidance
148What to do if …
Entertainment
152On/off and settings
156Radio
162Satellite radio
165CD player and CD changer
171AUX-In port
172USB-audio interface
Communications
178Telephoning
193BMW Assist
Mobility
204Refueling
206Wheels and tires
212Maintenance
214Care
218Under the hood
223Replacing components
230Giving and receiving assistance
Reference
238Technical data
242Short commands for the voice command 
system
246Everything from A - Z 

Controls
 99Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
it off while also increasing the air flow rate as 
required. 
The recirculated-air mode should not be used 
continuously for lengthy periods, otherwise the 
quality of the air inside the car will gradually 
deteriorate.<
Via the button on the steering wheel
You can switch quickly between the recircu-
lated-air mode and the previous mode using an 
individually programmable button
 on the steer-
ing wheel, refer to page47.
Residual heat
The heat stored in the engine is 
used to heat the passenger com-
partment, e.g. while 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 the engine has been 
switched off
>While the engine is at operating tempera-
ture
>As long as battery voltage is sufficient
>At an outside temperature below 777/
256
The LED is lit when the function is on.
As of radio readiness, you can set the interior 
temperature, the air flow rate and the air distri-
bution.
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation
Quickly removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and 
front side windows.
Switch on the cooling function as well.
Switching cooling function on/off
The cooling function cools and 
dehumidifies the incoming air 
before reheating it as required, 
according to the temperature setting. This 
function is only available while the engine is 
running.The cooling function helps prevent condensa-
tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may 
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
The cooling function is automatically switched 
on along with the AUTO program.
Rear window defroster
The defroster is switched off auto-
matically after a certain time. 
Depending on your vehicle's 
equipment, the upper wires serve as an antenna 
and are not part of the rear window defroster.
Ventilation
1Use the knurled wheels to smoothly open 
and close the air vents
2Use the lever to change the direction of the 
airflow
3Knurled wheel for more or less cool air from 
the vents for the upper body area
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vent outlets to direct the flow of cool 
air in your direction, for instance if it has become 
too hot in the car.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past 
you and not straight at you. 

Driving tips
 115Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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, with the 
risk of serious personal injuries and property 
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust pipes, e. g. 
when loading the cargo bay, otherwise there is a 
risk of burn injuries.<
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 situation, known as hydroplaning, 
means that the tire can completely lose contact 
with the road surface, so that neither the car can 
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page209.
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 page84.
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.
M dual clutch transmission: never drive 
with the transmission in neutral 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.
Manual transmission: never drive with the 
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral 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  

Starting the navigation system
124
Starting the navigation system
Your navigation system can use satellites to 
ascertain the precise position of your vehicle 
and guide you reliably to any destination you 
enter.
Navigation DVD
The navigation system requires a special navi-
gation DVD. You can obtain the latest version at 
your BMW center.
Inserting navigation DVD
Use the lower drive for navigation DVDs.
1.Insert the navigation DVD with the labeled 
side up.
The navigation DVD is pulled in automati-
cally.
2.Wait for several seconds to allow the con-
tents of the DVD to be read in.
Removing navigation DVD
1. Press button 1.
The DVD emerges slightly from the drive.
2.Remove the DVD.
If the DVD is not ejected, the drive may be 
blocked. In this case, a message will appear on 
the Control Display.
Display in the assistance 
window
You can display the route or the current position 
in the assistance window. This display remains 
visible even if you change to another applica-
tion.
1.Move the controller to the right to enter the 
assistance window.
2.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3.Select the desired route view or "Current 
position".
4.Press the controller.
Showing arrow display in map view*
When the navigation system suggests a change 
in direction, the arrow display appears briefly.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
* 

On/off and settings
152
On/off and settings
The following audio sources have shared con-
trols and setting options:
>Radio
>CD player
>CD changer
*
Controls
The audio sources can be operated using:
>Buttons near the CD player
>iDrive
>Buttons
 on the steering wheel, refer to 
page11
>Programmable memory keys, refer to 
page21
Buttons on the CD player
1Sound output for entertainment on/off, vol-
ume
>Press: switch on/off.
When you switch on the unit, the last set 
radio station or track is played.
>Turn: adjust volume.
2Drive for audio CDs
3 Eject CD.
4 Station scan/track search
>Change radio station.
>Select track for CD player and CD 
changer.
5Drive for navigation DVD
Operation via iDrive
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller backwards to call up 
"Entertainment".
You have the following choices:
>"FM" and "AM": radio reception
>"SAT": satellite radio
*
>"CD": CD player or changer*
>"AUX": AUX-In port, USB-audio interface*
>"Set": depending on the audio source, 
other adjustments can be made, e.g. with 
the radio: update station with strongest 
reception, store station, tone control, sam-
ple stations.
From another menu, you can switch 
directly to the screen last displayed, refer 
to Convenient call-up of menu items on 
page18.<
With the ignition at radio readiness or beyond, 
the selected audio source is stored for the 
remote control currently in use.
Switching on/off
In order to switch the entertainment sound out-
put on and off:
Press button1 on the CD player.
 This symbol on the Control Display indi-
cates that sound output is switched off. 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 163Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Selecting and storing a 
channel
1.Select "SAT" and press the controller.
Channels and categories are displayed on 
the Control Display.
2.Select a menu item:
>"Presets":
Up to twelve channels you stored previ-
ously.
>"All channels":
All channels are displayed.
>"Categories": 
All channels, sorted by category, e.g. 
news, jazz.
3.Press the controller.4.If "Categories" has been selected:
Select the desired category and press the 
controller.
The channels of this category are displayed.
5. Select a channel marked with this sym-
bol.
6.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
7.Select "Details" and press the controller.
Additional information
The name of the channel and additional infor-
mation on the current track are displayed, e.g. 
the name of the artist. 

Everything from A - Z
246
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display 
texts used to select 
individual functions and 
refers you to the page where 
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System82
Acceleration assistant, refer to 
Launch Control62
Accident, refer to Sending an 
Emergency Request230
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate 
control100
"Activation time"100
Adaptive Head Light94
"Add digits" on the mobile 
phone186
Additives
– coolant222
"Address book" in 
navigation134
Address for navigation
– deleting136
– entering126,134
– selecting135
– storing134
– storing current position135
"Add to destination list"129
Adjusting temperature inside 
the car, refer to Automatic 
climate control97
Adjusting the thigh support41
Adjusting the tone during 
audio operation, refer to 
Tone control153
Airbags89
– indicator/warning lamp91
– sitting safely40Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control97
– ventilation99
Air distribution
– automatic98
– individual97
Air flow rate98
Airing, refer to Ventilation99
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure206
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode98
"Air recirculation on / off"47
Air supply
– automatic climate control97
– ventilation99
Air vents96
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications204
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off an alarm34
– tilt alarm sensor35
"All channels" for satellite 
radio163
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires
210
"All stations", displaying with 
the radio156
"AM", waveband152,156
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode98
Antenna for mobile phone178
Antifreeze
– coolant222
– washer fluid65
Antilock Brake System 
ABS82
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system34
Anti-theft system29Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights240
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights240
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest106
Arrival time, refer to 
Computer69
Arrival time, refer to Starting 
destination guidance139
Arrow display for 
navigation140
"Arrow display" in 
navigation140
Ashtray
– front107
– rear108
Assist193
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems82
Assistance window20
– refer to iDrive20
"Assist profile"199
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control98
"Audio"155,159
Audio152
– controls152
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
"Audio", refer to Tone 
control153
Audio device, external106
Automatic
– air distribution98
– air flow rate98
– BMW Teleservice Call195
– cruise control65
– headlamp control92
– storing of stations157
Automatic car washes214 

Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs223
Changing the language on the 
Control Display79
Changing the measurement 
units on the Control 
Display71
Changing wheels228
Chassis number, refer to 
Engine compartment219
Check Control77
"Check Control 
messages"78
Check Gas Cap204
Child-restraint fixing system 
LATCH52
Child-restraint systems51
Child-safety lock53
Child seats, refer to 
Transporting children 
safely51
Chrome parts216
Chrome polish216
Cigarette lighter, refer to 
Lighter107
Cleaning headlamps64
– washer fluid65
Cleaning your BMW, refer to 
Care214
"Climate"97
Clock67
– 12h/24h format76
– setting time74
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside29
Clothes hooks106
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the 
engine55
Combined instrument, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Comfort access, refer to 
Convenient access35
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14
"Comfort" with EDC84"Communication"184,194,1
95,196,197
Compact disc, refer to
– CD changer165
– CD player165
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock54
Compass
104
Computer68
– displays on Control 
Display69
– hour signal75
Computer, refer to iDrive16
"Concert hall" for Tone 
control154
"Concierge"197
Concierge service197
Condensation, refer to When 
the vehicle is parked116
Condition Based Service 
CBS212
Configuring settings, refer to 
Personal Profile28
Confirmation signals for 
locking/unlocking the 
vehicle31
Connecting vacuum cleaner, 
refer to Connecting 
electrical appliances108
Consumption, refer to 
Average consumption69
Consumption indicator, refer 
to Average consumption69
"Continue guidance to 
destination?"140
Control Center, refer to 
iDrive16
Control Display
– brightness80
– changing the language79
– switching off/on21
Control Display, refer to 
iDrive16
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls and displays10
Control unit, refer to iDrive16
Convenient access35
– replacing the battery36Convenient operation
– glass roof30
– glass roof with convenient 
access36
– windows30
– windows with convenient 
access36
Coolant222
– checking level222
Coolant temperature68
Cooling, maximum98
Cooling fluid, refer to 
Coolant222
Cooling system, refer to 
Coolant222
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps, 
refer to Adaptive Head 
Light94
Cornering lamps, refer to 
Adaptive Head Light94
Correct tires210
Courtesy lamps, refer to 
Interior lamps95
Cross-hairs in navigation131
Cruise control65
Cruising range69
Cup holders107
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights240
"Current position"147
Current position
– displaying147
– entering135
– storing135
"Customer 
Relations"188,196
D
Dashboard, refer to 
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting94