
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 19
>Activation/deactivation and duration of 
pathway lighting, refer to page60
>Adjustment of sensitivity of automatic 
headlamp control
*, refer to page59
>Setting unit of measure for displaying the 
time and outside temperature in the instru-
ment cluster, refer to page50
Examples for Key Memory
>Automatic call-up* of the driver's seat posi-
tion after unlocking, refer to page33
>Locking of the vehicle after starting off, refer 
to page21
Central locking system 
The concept
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed.
The system simultaneously engages and 
releases the locks on the following:
>Doors
>Luggage compartment lid/tailgate
>Fuel filler door
>Storage compartment between the back-
rests
>Roadster: opened manual convertible top
Operating from outside
>Via the remote control
>Via the door lock
The anti-theft system is operated at the same 
time. It prevents the doors from being unlocked 
with the lock buttons or release handles. The 
remote control is also used to switch the interior 
lamps on and off. In addition, the alarm system
* 
is armed or disarmed.
For further details of the alarm system
*, refer to 
page23.
Operating from inside
By means of the button for central locking, refer 
to page21.In the event of a sufficiently severe accident, the 
central locking system unlocks automatically. In 
addition, the hazard warning flashers and inte-
rior lamps come on.
Opening and closing:
from outside
With the remote control
Persons or animals in the vehicle could 
lock the doors from the inside. You should 
therefore take the remote control with you 
when leaving the vehicle so that the car can be 
opened from the outside.<
Unlocking
1.Press the  button once.
The driver's door and fuel filler door are 
unlocked.
2.Press the  button again.
The entire vehicle is unlocked.
Convenience opening
Hold the   button down.
Coupe: the windows are opened.
Roadster: the windows and the fully automatic 
convertible top
* are opened.
Locking
Press the   button.
The hazard warning flashers light up once.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture activated/deactivated.<
Do not lock the vehicle from the outside if 
there is any person inside, because the 
vehicle cannot be unlocked from inside without 
special knowledge.<
Switching on interior lamps
With the vehicle locked: 
Press the   button.
With this function, you can also search for your 
vehicle when parked in an underground garage, 
for instance. 

Adjustments
30
Adjustments
Safe seating position
For relaxed driving with as little fatigue as pos-
sible, you should select a seating position that 
reflects your personal requirements. In combi-
nation with the safety belts, the head restraints 
and the airbags, the seating position has a 
major influence on your safety in the event of an 
accident. To ensure that the vehicle's safety 
systems provide you with optimal protection, 
we request that you direct your careful attention 
to the following section.
For supplementary information on transporting 
children refer to page36.
Airbags 
Always maintain an adequate distance 
between yourself and the airbags. Always 
grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your 
hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, 
to minimize the risk of injury to the hands or 
arms in the event of the airbag being triggered 
off.
Never allow any objects, individuals or animals 
to obstruct the areas between passengers and 
airbags.
Never use the front airbag's cover as a storage 
tray or support for objects of any kind. Ensure 
that the passenger is correctly seated, e.g. does 
not prop feet or legs against the dashboard. 
Otherwise, leg injury could result if the knee air-
bag and front airbag suddenly deployed.
Make sure that the passenger does not lean his 
or her head against the side airbag, otherwise 
serious injuries could result if the airbags sud-
denly deployed.<
Even when all these guidelines are observed, 
the risk of injury as a result of contact with the 
airbags cannot entirely be ruled out in some sit-
uations. In sensitive individuals, the ignition and 
inflation noise may induce a mild hearing loss 
that is temporary in most cases.
For airbag locations and additional information 
on airbags, refer to page56.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the 
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way 
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the 
event of an accident.<
Head restraints, refer to page32.
Safety belt
Make sure every occupant fastens his or her 
safety belt. As supplemental restraint devices, 
the airbags are designed to enhance the effec-
tiveness of the safety belts, and not to replace 
them.
Your vehicle offers two sitting positions, each of 
which is equipped with a safety belt.
Never allow more than one person to 
wear a single safety belt. Never allow 
infants or small children to ride in a passenger's 
lap. Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits 
low against the hips and does not press against 
the abdomen. The safety belt must never rest 
against the throat, rub against sharp edges, 
pass over hard or fragile objects or be pinched. 
Fasten the safety belt around your body snugly, 
ma king sure tha t it is  pulled taut across  your lap 
and shoulder and that it is not twisted; other-
wise, the belt can slide over the hips in the event 
of a frontal collision and injure your abdomen. 
Avoid wearing bulky clothing and regularly pull 
the belt in the upper-body area taut, otherwise 
its restraining effect could be impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page33.
Seats 
Before adjusting your seat, always 
observe the following precautions
Never try to adjust your seat while driving. 
Otherwise, the seat could respond with 
unexpected movement, and the ensuing loss of  

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 31
vehicle control could lead to an accident.
On the passenger seat as well, do not incline 
the backrest too far to the rear while the vehicle 
is being driven, otherwise there is a danger in 
the event of an accident of sliding under the 
safety belt, eliminating the protection normally 
provided by the belt.<
Comply with the instructions on head restraint 
height on page32 and on damaged safety belts 
on page34.
Seat adjustment
Comply with the preceding instructions in 
this chapter to ensure the best possible 
personal protection.<
Backward/forward adjustment
Pull lever 1 and slide the seat to the desired 
position.
After releasing the lever, move the seat gently 
forward or back to make sure it engages prop-
erly.
Height
Pull lever 2 and apply your weight to the seat or 
lift it off, as necessary.
Backrest
Pull lever 3 and apply your weight to the back-
rest or lift it off, as necessary.
Power seat adjustment*
Read and comply with the adjustment 
instructions on page30. Failure to do so 
can result in diminished personal safety.<
1Tilt angle
2Backward/forward adjustment
3Height
4Backrest
The head restraint is adjusted manually, refer to 
Head restraints on page32.
M Sports seat*
On this seat, you can also adjust the thigh sup-
port and the tilt angle. 

Adjustments
32
Tilting upward
Pull lever1 repeatedly until the desired tilt has 
been reached.
Tilting downward
Press lever2 repeatedly until the desired tilt has 
been reached.
Thigh support
Pull lever3 and move the thigh support forward 
or back.
Head restraints
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the 
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way 
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the 
event of an accident. Only remove the head 
restraint if no one is traveling in the passenger 
seat. Reinstall the head restraint before a per-
son travels in the seat to provide the safety 
functions of the head restraint.<
Adjusting the height
>To move up: pull up.>To move down: press button1 and push 
the head restraint downward.
M Sports seat*
The head restraints are integrated in the back-
rests and cannot be adjusted in height.
Removal
1.Pull up all the way.
2.Press button1 and pull out the head 
restraint completely.
M Sports seat*
The head restraints are integrated in the back-
rests and cannot be removed.
Seat memory*
You can store and recall three different driver's 
seat positions.
Storing
Ignition key in position 1 or higher
1.Adjust seat to desired position.
2.Press the M
EMORY button.
The LED in the button lights up.
3.Press memory button 1, 2 or 3.
The LED goes out.
Manual call-up
Do not select a memory position while the 
vehicle is moving. If you do, there is a risk 
of accident from an unexpected movement of 
the seat.< 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 33
Convenience function
1.Unlock and open the driver's door or turn 
the key to position 1, refer to page40.
2.Press memory button 1, 2 or 3 briefly.
Movement stops when one of the seat adjust-
ment or memory buttons is operated during the 
adjustment process.
You can have this feature programmed so 
that after you use the remote control from 
your personalized key to unlock your door, your 
seat will move into your own preferred posi-
tion.<
Safety function
1.Close the driver's door and turn the key to 
position 0 or 2.
2.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or 3 
until the adjustment process is completed.
If you press the M
EMORY button accidentally: 
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
Before activating the programmed 
adjustment feature, ensure that the space 
behind the driver's seat is empty and unob-
structed. If you fail to do so, objects behind the 
seat could be damaged, should the seat move 
backward.<
Seat heating*
The seat cushion and backrest can be heated 
with the ignition key in position 2.
Press once for each temperature level.
Three LEDs indicate the highest temperature.
To switch off:
Press button longer.
Safety belts
Comply with the instructions on page30, 
or the occupants' personal safety will be 
diminished.<
Make sure every occupant fastens his or her 
safety belt. As supplemental restraint devices, 
the airbags are designed to enhance the effec-
tiveness of the safety belts, and not to replace 
them.
To fasten
Make sure you hear the lock engage in the belt 
buckle.
The upper belt anchor is suitable for adults of 
any stature as long as the seat is adjusted prop-
erly, refer to page31.
To unlock
1.Grasp the belt firmly.
2.Press the red button in the buckle.
3.Guide the belt back into its reel.
'Fasten safety belts' reminder
The indicator lamp flashes or lights up. 
A signal also sounds. Check whether 
the safety belt has been fastened cor-
rectly.
The 'Fasten safety belts' reminder is issued as 
long as the driver's safety belt has not been fas-
tened. The 'Fasten safety belts' reminder is also 
activated at road speeds above approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h if the passenger's safety belt is not fas-
tened, if heavy objects are placed on the pas-
senger seat, or if driver or passenger unfasten 
their safety belts. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 35
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Never attempt to adjust the steering 
wheel while driving the vehicle. It could 
respond with unexpected movement, posing a 
potential accident hazard.<
1.Fold the lever down.
2.Move the steering wheel to the preferred 
height and angle to suit your seated posi-
tion.
3.Swing the lever back up. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 117
B
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment31
Backup lamps
– bulb replacement101
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit104
Bar, refer to Towing 
methods106
Battery102
– charging102
– disposal102
– indicator/warning 
lamp12,102
– jump-starting104
– power supply 
interruption102
– remote control18
Being towed106
Belts, refer to Safety belts33
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts33
Beverage holders69
Blower, refer to Air flow 
rate63,66
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System96
Bottle holders, refer to 
Beverage holders69
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control DBC51
Brake fluid95
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,95
– low level95
Brake Force Display56
Brake hydraulics, refer to 
Brake system95
Brake hydraulic system
– indicator/warning lamp13
Brake lamps
– brake force display56
– bulb replacement101
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb13Brake pads76
– break-in procedures74
– warning lamp76
Brake pad wear indicator
– brake pads76
– indicator/warning lamp13
Brake rotors76
– brakes76
– break-in procedures74
Brakes
– ABS51
– brake fluid95
– brake pads
76
– braking safely76
– break-in procedures74
– indicator/warning 
lamps13,52
– parking brake41
Brake system95
– brake fluid95
– brake pads76
– break-in procedures74
– disc brakes76
– indicator/warning lamp13
Breakdown service, refer to 
Roadside Assistance103
Breaking in the clutch74
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential74
Break-in procedures74
Bridging, refer to Jump-
starting104
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs98
Bulb replacement, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs98
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning5
Can holders, refer to Beverage 
holders69
Capacity
– cargo bay, refer to 
Weights113Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery102
Car care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Care products, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cargo bay23
– capacity113
– emergency release23
– floor panel98
– increasing capacity23
– opening and closing21,22
– opening from inside the 
vehicle21,22
– opening from the outside21
– roll-up cover70
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo77
– vehicle77
Car jack
– jacking points102
Car keys, refer to The key 
set18
Carpet care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Car phone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Car radio, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Car wash, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system75
CD changer, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
CD operation, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Center console, refer to 
Around the center 
console14
Center high-mount brake 
lamp, bulb replacement101 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 119
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control66
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows63,66
Dehumidifying air, refer to 
Switching cooling function 
on/off63,66
Digital clock49
Dimensions111,112
Dimming mirrors34
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signal indicators44
Disc brakes76
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data110
Display elements, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting60
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant94
– vehicle battery102
Distance remaining, refer to 
Cruising range50
Door keys, refer to The key 
set18
Door lock20
Doors, unlocking and locking
– acknowledgment 
signals19,20
– from inside21
– from outside19
DOT quality grades86
Draft-free ventilation63,67
Drive-off assistance, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC51
Drive-off assistant52
Driving light, refer to Parking 
lamps/Low beams59
Driving notes74,75
Driving off on uphill gradients, 
refer to Drive-off 
assistant52Driving stability control 
systems51
Driving through water76
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes75
Dry air, refer to Switching 
cooling function on/
off63,
66
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control51
– indicator/warning lamp51
– indicator lamp13
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control51
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,52
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC51
– indicator/warning lamp13
Dynamic Driving Control44
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC51
– indicator/warning lamp51
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC51
– indicator/warning lamp52
E
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution51
Electric
– seat adjustment31
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic43
– convertible top28
– door lock20
– fuel filler door82
– luggage compartment lid22
– tailgate22
Electric Power Steering 
EPS56
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,56
Electric power windows24
Electronic
– brake-force distribution51
– oil level check93Emergency call103
– button103
Emergency operation, refer to 
Opening manually
– tailgate22
Emergency release23
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance103
Engine40
– breaking in74
– electronics13
– indicator lamp13
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
thermometer49
– speed48
– starting40
– switching off41
– temperature49
Engine compartment92
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant94
Engine oil92
– adding94
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils94
– approved engine oils94
– BMW Maintenance 
System96
– change intervals, refer to 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
– change intervals, refer to 
Service interval display49
– checking level93
– indicator/warning lamp12
– oil grades, refer also to 
Approved engine oils94
– oil level92
– pressure92
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data110
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine40
EPS Electric Power 
Steering56