
Opening and closing
30
integrated key to the corresponding limit posi-
tions in the door lock.
Opening and closing:
From inside
This button serves to unlock or lock doors and 
the luggage compartment lid/tailgate, but does 
not activate the anti-theft
 system. The fuel filler 
door remains unlocked.
Automatic locking
You can also set the situ ations in which the car 
locks:
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. "Settings"
2. "Door locks"
3. Select the desired function:
>"Lock if no door is opened" 
The central locking system locks the 
vehicle after a brief time if no door has 
been opened.
> "Lock after start. to drive" 
The central locking system locks the 
vehicle when you drive away.  Automatic locking is switched on and is 
stored for the remote control currently in use.
Unlocking and  opening doors
>Either unlock the doors together using the 
button for the central locking system and 
then pull the door handle above the armrest 
or
> pull on the door handle of each door twice: 
the first time unlocks  the door, the second 
time opens it.
Locking
> Use the central locking button to lock all of 
the doors simultaneously, or
> press down the safety  lock button of a door. 
To prevent you from being locked out, the 
open driver's door cannot be locked using 
the lock button.
Persons or animals in a parked vehicle 
could lock the doors from the inside. You 
should therefore take th e remote control with 
you when you leave the ve hicle so that the latter 
can be opened from outside. <
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
In order to avoid damage, make sure there 
is sufficient clearance before opening the 
luggage compartment lid/tailgate.<
Opening from inside
Press the button: the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate opens unless  it has been locked.
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Opening and closing
34
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor 
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following 
situations:
>In duplex garages
> During transport on car-carrying trains, 
boats/ships or on a trailer
> When animals are to remain in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and 
interior motion sensor
Press the   button on the remote control 
again as soon as the vehicle is locked.
The indicator lamp light s up briefly and then 
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor and 
the interior motion sensor  are switched off until 
the next time the vehicle is unlocked and subse-
quently locked again.
Convenient access*
Convenient access enables you to enter your 
vehicle without needing to  hold the remote con-
trol in your hand. All you  need to do is wear the 
remote control close to your body, e.g. in your 
jacket pocket. The vehicle detects the corre-
sponding remote control within the immediate 
vicinity or in the passenger compartment.
Convenient access supports the following 
functions:
> Unlocking/locking the vehicle
> Unlocking the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate separately
> Engine starting
> Convenient closure
Functional requirement
>The vehicle or the luggage compartment 
lid/tailgate can only  be locked when the 
vehicle detects that th e remote control cur-
rently in use is ou tside of the vehicle.
> The vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked 
again until after approx. 2 seconds. >
The engine can only be started when the 
vehicle detects that th e remote control cur-
rently in use is  inside the vehicle.
Comparison to the standard remote 
control
In general, there is no difference between using 
convenient access or pressing the buttons on 
the remote control to  carry out the functions 
mentioned above. You should therefore first 
familiarize yourself with the instructions on 
opening and closing starting on page 26.
Special features regarding the use of conve-
nient access are described below. If you notice a brief delay while opening or 
closing windows or the glass roof/pan-
orama glass roof, the system is checking 
whether a remote control  is inside the vehicle. 
Please repeat the opening or closing proce-
dure, if necessary. <
Unlocking
Grasp the handle on the driver's or front pas-
senger's door completely, arrow  1. This corre-
sponds to pressing the  button.
Locking
Touch the surface, arrow  2, with your finger for 
approx. 1 second. This corresponds to pressing 
the button.
To preserve the battery, please make 
sure that the ignition  and all electrical 
consumers are switched off before locking the 
vehicle. <
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Controls
 35Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Convenient closure
For convenient closure, keep your finger on the 
surface, arrow 2.
Unlocking the luggage compartment 
lid/tailgate separately
Press the button on the  outside of the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate. This corresponds to 
pressing the  button.
If the vehicle detects that a remote con-
trol has been accident ally left inside the 
locked vehicle's cargo bay after the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate or rear window is 
closed, the lid will reopen. The hazard warning 
flashers flash and an acoustic signal
* sounds. <
Switching on radio readiness
Radio readiness is switched on by pressing the 
start/stop button, refer to page 53.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch, 
otherwise the engine will start. <
Starting the engine
You can start the engine or switch on the igni-
tion when a remote control is inside the vehicle. 
It is not necessary to insert a remote control into 
the ignition switch, refer to page 53.
Switching off the engine in cars with 
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the 
selector lever is in position P, refer to page 54.
To switch the engine off when the selector lever 
is in position N, the remote control must be in 
the ignition switch.
Malfunction
Convenient access may  malfunction due to 
local radio waves. If this  happens, open or close 
the vehicle via the butto ns on the remote con-
trol or using the integrated key. To start the 
engine afterward, insert  the remote control into 
the ignition switch.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when you attempt to 
start the engine: the engine cannot 
be started. The remote co ntrol is not inside the 
vehicle or is malfunctioning. Take the remote 
control with you inside the vehicle or have it 
checked. If necessary, insert another remote 
control into the ignition switch.
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up while the engine is 
running: the remote control is no 
longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is 
switched off, the engine can only be restarted 
within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster comes on and a message 
appears on the Control Display: 
replace the battery in  the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for convenient access con-
tains a battery that will n eed to be replaced from 
time to time.
1. Take the integrated ke y out of the remote 
control, refer to page 26.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Insert the new battery wi th the plus side fac-
ing up.
4. Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a battery collec-
tion point or to your BMW center. <
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Controls
 53Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Driving
Ignition lock
Insert the remote control into the 
ignition lock
Insert the remote control all the way into the 
ignition lock.
>Radio readiness is switched on.
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
Convenient access*
If the car is equipped with convenient access, 
only insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock under special circ umstances, refer to 
page 34.
Removing the remote control from the 
ignition lock
Do not forcibly pull the remote control out 
of the ignition lock as this may cause 
damage. <
Before removing the remote  control, push it all 
the way in to release  the locking mechanism.
> The ignition is switched off if it was on.
Automatic transmission
You cannot take out th e remote control unless 
the selector lever is in the P position: interlock.
Start/stop button
Pressing the start/stop button switches radio 
readiness or the ignition on or off. Manual transmission: the engine is 
started when you press the start/stop 
button and depress the clutch.
Automatic transmission: the engine is started 
when you press the start/stop button and 
depress the brake. <
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate. 
The time and the outside temperature are dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
Radio readiness is swit ched off automatically:
> When the remote control is removed from 
the ignition lock
> In cars with convenient access
*, by touch-
ing the surface above the door lock, refer to 
Locking on page 34
Ignition on
All electrical consumers can operate. The 
odometer and trip odometer are displayed in 
the instrument cluster.
When the engine is off, please switch off 
the ignition and any unnecessary electri-
cal consumers in order to preserve the bat-
tery. <
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warnin g lamps as well as dis-
plays in the instrument cluster go out.
Starting the engine
Do not run the engine in closed rooms, 
otherwise the inhalation of toxic exhaust 
gases can cause unconsciousness and death. 
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, 
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas. 
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the 
engine running, otherwise such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential  safety hazard. 
Before leaving the car wi th the engine running, 
ba8_E9091_cic.book  Seite 53  Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008  2:59 14 

Driving
54
place the transmission in neutral or engage 
selector lever position P 
and forcefully apply the 
parking brake to prevent the car from moving. <
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion as well as repeated start attempts in 
which the engine does no t start. Otherwise, the 
fuel is not burned or  incompletely burned and 
there is a danger of overheating and damaging 
the catalytic converter. <
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the 
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right 
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Manual transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with con-
venient access, inside  the vehicle, refer to 
page 34.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Depress the clutch and shift to neutral posi-
tion.
3. Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain 
time, and stops automatically as soon as the 
engine has started.
Automatic transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with con-
venient access, inside  the vehicle, refer to 
page 34.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Move the selector lever to position P.
3. Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain 
time, and stops automatically as soon as the 
engine has started.
Diesel engine
When the engine is cold and temperatures are 
below approx. 32 7/06 , the starting process 
may take a little more  time due to automatic 
preheating. The preheating indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster comes on; at the same 
time a message appears  on the Control Display.
Switching off the engine
Always take the remote control with you 
when you leave the vehicle. 
When parking, apply th e parking brake force-
fully, otherwise the vehicle could begin to roll. <
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the start/
stop button.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4. Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page 53.
Automatic transmission
1. With the car at a standstill, move the selec-
tor lever to position P.
2. Press the start/stop button.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4. Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page 53.
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it 
brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp is lit, and when you 
drive off an acoustic signal sounds in 
addition. The parking brake is still 
applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Applying
The lever locks in po sition automatically.
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Controls
 71Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Button for:
>Selecting display
> Setting values
2 Button for:
>Confirming selected display or set val-
ues
> Calling up computer information 693
When the lights are on: instrument lighting 
brightness 92
4 Calling up Check Control 75
5 Checking engine oil level 212
6 Setting the time 73
7 Setting the date 74
8 Viewing service requirement display 71
Exiting displays
The outside-temperature reading and the time 
reappear when you press button 2 or if you 
make no entries within  approx. 15 seconds. If 
required, complete the current setting first.
Units of measure
Setting the units of measure
You can change the units for fuel consumption, 
route/distance, temperature and pressure.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page 16.
1. "Settings"
2. "Language/Units"
3. Select the desired menu item.
4. Select the desired unit.
The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Service requirements
The remaining driving dist ance and the date of 
the next scheduled service are displayed briefly 
immediately after you start the engine or switch 
on the ignition.
The extent of service work required can 
be read out from th e remote control by 
your BMW Service Advisor. <
For certain maintenance operations, you can 
view the respective distance remaining or due 
date individually in  the instrument cluster.
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 53.
2. Push button  1 in the turn indicator lever up 
or down repeatedly until the appropriate 
symbol appears in the display, accompa-
nied by the words "SERVICE-INFO".
3. Press button  2.
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Controls
 99Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote 
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can 
replace as many as three hand-held transmit-
ters for various remote -controlled devices, 
such as garage doors and gates or lighting sys-
tems. The integrated universal remote control 
registers and stores sign als from the original 
hand-held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter 
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons 1. After this, the programmed 
memory button 1 will operate the system in 
question. The LED 2 flashes to confirm trans-
mission of the signal.
Should you sell your vehicl e one day, be sure to 
delete the stored progra ms beforehand for your 
safety, refer to page 100.
To prevent possible damage or injury, 
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote  control, always inspect 
the immediate area to make certain that no peo-
ple, animals or objects are within the pivoting or 
travel range of the device being operated. Com-
ply also with the safety instructions supplied 
with the original hand-held transmitter. <
Checking compatibility
If this symbol appears on the package 
or in the instructions supplied with the 
original hand-held transmitter, you can 
assume that the radio remote control device will 
be compatible with the integrated universal 
remote control.
For additional information, please contact your 
BMW center or call: 1-800-355-3515.
You can also obtain information on the Internet 
at: 
www.bmwusa.com or 
www.homelink.com.  HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson 
Controls, Inc.
<
Programming
1Memory buttons
2 LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 53.
2. When starting operation for the first time: 
press the left and  right memory buttons 1 
for approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 
flashes rapidly. The three memory buttons 
are cleared.
3. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a 
distance of approx. 4 to 12 in/10 to 30 cm 
from the memory buttons 1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons 1 depends on the system of the 
respective original  hand-held transmitter 
used. <
4. Simultaneously press the transmit key on 
the original hand-held transmitter and the 
desired memory button  1 on the integrated 
universal remote control. The LED  2 flashes 
slowly at first. As soon as the LED 2 flashes 
rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED 2 
does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 sec-
onds, alter the distance and repeat this 
step.
5. To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
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Navigation
Driving tips
 133Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
Destination guidance
Starting destination 
guidance
1."Navigation"
2. "Enter address"
3. Select the destination.
4. "Start guidance"
After the route is calculated, the route is dis-
played in the map on the Control Display.
Terminating destination 
guidance
1. "Navigation"
2. "Map"
3. Select the   symbol
Continuing destination 
guidance
If the destination was not reached at the end of 
the last trip, the system asks whether it should 
continue destination guidance.
Select "Resume guidance" or "Stop guidance".
Route criteria
General information
You can influence the calculated route by 
choosing certain route criteria. You can change 
the route criteria as often as you like during des-
tination entry or during  destination guidance.
The route is planned acco rding to fixed rules. 
The type of road is taken into account, e.g. 
whether it is a highway or a winding road. As a 
result, the routes recommended by the naviga-
tion system may not alwa ys be the same ones 
that you would choose ba sed on personal expe-
rience. The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Changing route criteria
1.
"Navigation"
2. "Map"
3. "Route preference"
4. Selecting a criterion:
>"Fast route": time-optimized route, 
which is a combination of the shortest 
possible route and the fastest roads
> "Efficient route": optimized combination 
of the fastest and shortest roads
> "Short route": short distance, irrespec-
tive of how fast or slow progress will be
> "Alternative routes ": other suggested 
alternative routes
5. Select additional route criteria, if desired. 
Where possible, the sele cted criteria will be 
avoided on the route.
> "Avoid highways"
> "Avoid toll roads"
> "Avoid ferries"
> "Avoid area": define an area that the 
route is to avoid
The setting applies to the current route and to 
the planning of future routes.
Dynamic destination guidance
"Dynamic guidance" is switched on:
The route is automatically  changed in the event 
ba8_E9091_cic.book  Seite 133  Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008  2:59 14