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stery in the center of the steering wheel, on the 
instrument panel, the doors and the roof pillars 
along with the sides of the headliner. Do not 
attempt to remove or dismantle the steering 
wheel. Do not touch the individual components 
immediately after the system has been trig-
gered, because there is a danger of burns. 
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or 
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have 
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center 
or a workshop that works according to BMW 
repair procedures with correspondingly trained 
personnel and has the required explosives 
licenses. Otherwise unprofessional attempts to 
service the system could lead to failure in an 
emergency or undesired airbag triggering, 
either of which could result in personal injury.<
Warnings and information on the airbags is also 
provided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front 
passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected by eval-
uating the impression on the occupied seat sur-
face of the front passenger seat. The front and 
side airbags on the front passenger side are 
activated or deactivated accordingly by the sys-
tem.
The current status of the front passenger 
airbag, i.e. deactivated or activated, is 
indicated by the indicator lamp over the interior 
rearview mirror, refer to Operating state of front 
passenger airbags in the following.<
Before transporting a child on the front 
passenger seat, observe the safety infor-
mation and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely refer to page58.
The front and side airbags on the front passen-
ger side can be deactivated for teenagers and 
adults in certain sitting positions; then the indi-
cator lamp for the front passenger airbags lights 
up. In these cases, change the sitting position 
so that the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the 
desired status cannot be produced by changing 
the sitting position, transport the correspond-
ing person on the rear seat. Do not fit seat cov-ers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or other 
items onto the front passenger seat unless they 
are specifically recommended by BMW. Do not 
lay objects under the seat which could press 
against the seat from below. Otherwise a cor-
rect evaluation of the occupied seat surface 
cannot be ensured.<
Operating state of front passenger 
airbags
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the 
arrangement of the switches and indicator 
lamps may differ somewhat.
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags indicates the operating status of the front 
and side airbags on the front passenger side 
depending on the seat occupation. The indica-
tor lamp shows whether the front passenger 
airbags are activated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in 
a child restraint system intended for the 
purpose is properly detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags on the front pas-
senger side are not activated.
Most child's seats are detected by the 
system. Especially the child's seats 
required by the NHTSA at the time the vehicle is 
manufactured. After installing a child's seat, 
make sure that the indicator lamp for the front 
passenger airbags lights up. This indicates that 
the child's seat has been detected and the front 
passenger airbags are not activated.<
>The indicator lamp does not light up if, for 
example, the system detects a person of 
sufficient size seated correctly on the seat. 
The front and side airbags on the front pas-
senger side are activated. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
102 >The indicator lamp does not light up when 
the seat is empty.
However, the front and side airbags on the 
front passenger side are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
From radio readiness, refer to page62, the 
warning lamp lights up briefly, indicating the 
operational readiness of the entire airbag sys-
tem and the safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up from radio 
readiness.
>Warning lamp lights up continuously.
Have the airbag system checked immedi-
ately in case of a malfunction, otherwise 
there is a danger that the airbag system may not 
respond in the expected manner in an accident 
despite an impact of corresponding intensity.<
Head-Up Display*
The concept
With the Head-Up Display important informa-
tion is projected into the driver's field of view, 
e.g. navigation instructions. This enables you to 
take in this information without looking away 
from the road.
Switching on/off
Press the button.
1Navigation instructions
2Display
>Cruise control
>Active cruise control
>Leaving lane warning
3Speed
Selecting displays
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
106 3.Select the menu item and press the control-
ler:
>"Night Vision off":
Deactivate BMW Night Vision.
>"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.
>"Brightness": 
The brightness of the screen can be 
adjusted.
"Curve mode" can only be activated with 
the "Zoom" function switched on. With 
"Full screen" activated, "Curve mode" and 
"Zoom" cannot be selected.<
The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
To exit the menu: 
The image automatically disappears after 
approx. 5 seconds.
Cleaning camera
The function of the camera may be affected by 
heavy rain and fog, dirt, snow or ice on the lens. 
When this occurs, the displayed image on the 
Control Display may become gray.To minimize icing, the camera lens is automati-
cally heated. However, it may be necessary to 
clean the camera lens manually under severe 
weather conditions. When doing so, cautiously 
remove any debris, ice or snow. To avoid dam-
age to the lens, do not use sharp or abrasive 
instruments to clean ice, snow, or dirt off the 
lens.
When the windshield is cleaned with the head-
lamps on, the camera lens area is automatically 
sprayed as well. Refer to page69.
Leaving lane warning*
The concept
This system warns you from a speed of approx. 
40 mph/70 km/h when the vehicle is leaving the 
lane you are currently in on roads with lane limit 
lines. You feel this due to a slight vibration of the 
steering wheel. 
The system does not warn you if you signal 
before leaving the lane. 
It is best to use the system on well-developed 
roads and freeways.
Switching on/off
Press the button on the steering wheel.
>The two lines1 indicate that the system is 
activated.
>The two arrows2 mean that the system has 
detected one or two lane limit lines from a 
speed of approx. 40 mph/70 km/h and 
warns accordingly.
If you activate the system below a speed of 
approx. 40 mph/70 km/h, a message will appear  

Controls
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stating that the system is not active until this 
speed is reached.
A warning will be canceled:
>after approx. 3 seconds
>if you return to your lane
>if you brake heavily
>if you signal
System limits
The leaving lane warning cannot serve as 
a substitute for your personal judgment in 
determining the course of the road. 
If the system issues a warning, do not move the 
steering wheel with unnecessary severity, as 
otherwise you could loose control of the vehi-
cle.<
The function of the system may be limited in the 
following example situations:
>in heavy fog, rain or snowfall
>with worn-away, poorly visible limit lines, or 
lines that run together or apart or are 
unclear, e.g. in road construction areas
>when limit lines are covered by snow, ice, 
dirt or a great deal of water
>in tight curves or on narrow roads
>when limit lines are not white
>when limit lines are covered by objects
>when driving up close behind a vehicle driv-
ing ahead
>with bright counter light
>when the windshield is fogged up, dirty or 
covered with stickers, vignettes etc. in the 
area of the inside rearview mirror 

Maintenance
238
Socket for OBD Onboard 
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the 
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via 
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to the left on the driver's 
side, on the underside of the instrument panel 
under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The 
exhaust-gas values worsen. Have the 
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain condi-
tions. This is a sign of excessive misfiring of the 
engine. In this case you should reduce speed 
and drive to the nearest BMW center as soon as 
possible. Heavy engine misfiring causes seri-
ous damage to the emission-relevant compo-
nents, especially the catalytic converter, within 
a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system will assume that 
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display lights up. If 
the cap is then tightened, the display will go out 
within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with 
a device for recording or transmitting certain 
v e hi c l e  d a t a  o r  i n f o r m a t i o n .  I f  y o u h a v e  a l s o  s u b -
scribed to BMW Assist, certain vehicle data can be transmitted or recorded to enable corre-
sponding services. 

Mobility
 253Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Navigation
Entertainment
Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency request
Conditions for an emergency request:
>Full preparation package mobile phone. 
With this equipment, an emergency request 
is still possible when no mobile phone is 
paired with the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated. 
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page215.
>Radio readiness is activated.
>The BMW Assist system is logged on to a 
mobile phone network.
>The emergency request system is opera-
ble.
Once your BMW Assist subscription expires, 
the BMW Assist system can be deactivated by 
a BMW center without you having to visit a 
workshop. Once the BMW Assist system has 
been deactivated, emergency requests are not 
possible. The BMW Assist system can be reac-
tivated by a BMW center after signing a new 
contract.
Initiating an emergency request
1.Briefly press protective cover to open. 
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the 
arrangement of the switches and indicator 
lamps may differ somewhat.
2.Press the SOS button for at least 
2seconds.
The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the 
voice connection to the BMW Assist Response 
Center has been established, the LED flashes.Even if you are unable to answer, the BMW 
Assist Response Center can take further steps 
to help you under certain conditions.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until 
the connection has been established. You will 
then be able to provide a detailed description of 
the situation.
If the current position of your vehicle can be 
determined, it will be transmitted to the BMW 
Assist Response Center.
If the LED is flashing but the BMW Assist 
Response Center cannot be heard over the 
hands-free system, it is possible that the 
hands-free system is malfunctioning. The BMW 
Assist Response Center may still be able to 
hear you, though.
Under certain conditions, an emergency 
request is automatically initiated immediately 
after a severe accident. Pressing the button 
does not interfere with this.
For technical reasons, the emergency request 
cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable condi-
tions.
You can also use other services of 
BMW Assist with this button, refer to 
page209.<
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate. 

Giving and receiving assistance
256 Sedan: 
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page243.
Sports Wagon: 
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side 
panel in the cargo bay, refer to page243.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the 
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the 
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral 
loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the 
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Press the arrow symbol on the cover in the 
bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page62, otherwise the low 
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield 
wipers would not be available. Do not tow the 
vehicle with the rear axle raised, as otherwise 
the steering can turn to the left or right. When 
the engine is stopped, there is no power assist. This then requires increased effort for braking 
and steering. Active steering is deactivated and 
larger steering wheel movements are 
required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with 
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic and sport automatic 
transmission
Before towing, manually release the 
transmission lock, even if there is no mal-
function in the transmission. Otherwise there is 
a risk that the transmission lock will engage dur-
ing towing.<
Manually unlocking and locking transmission 
lock, refer to page66.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km; otherwise the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body 
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may 
result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or 
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the 
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter 
than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it 
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle 
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same 
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset 
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering. 

Everything from A to Z
270
Everything from A to 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 
System91
– indicator lamp94
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control71
Accepted calls202
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency 
request253
Acoustic signal, refer to Check 
Control84
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate 
control118
"Activation time" for parked 
car ventilation119
Active cruise control71
– indicator lamp75
– radar sensors75
– selecting distance73
– warning lamps75
Active front head restraints51
Active seat54
Active seat ventilation54
Active steering99
– warning lamp100
Adapter for spare key30
Adaptive brake assistant92
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to 
Brake force display100
Adaptive Head Light110
"Add digits" in mobile phone 
mode202Additives
– coolant235
– engine oil, refer to Approved 
engine oils235
"Address book" in 
navigation152
Address for navigation
– deleting153
– entering144,147
– selecting153
– storing152
– storing current position152
"Add to address book"152
"Add to destination 
list"147,149
Adjusting active backrest 
width49
Adjusting interior 
temperature115
Adjusting the tone during 
audio operation, refer to 
Tone control169
Adjusting thigh support48
"After door opened"50
"After unlocking"
50
Airbags100
– indicator/warning lamp102
– indicator lamp for front 
passenger airbags101
– sitting safely47
Air distribution
– automatic115
– manual116
Airing, refer to Ventilation118
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic 
recirculated-air control117
– recirculated-air mode117
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode117
"Air recirculation on / off"57Air supply, automatic climate 
control114
Air volume116
AKI, refer to Fuel quality221
Alarm system39
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms40
– interior motion sensor40
– switching off alarm40
– switching off tilt alarm 
sensor and interior motion 
sensor40
– tilt alarm sensor40
"All channels"180
"All doors"33
Alloy wheels240
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires230
"All stations", requesting in 
radio mode172
All-wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive93
Alterations, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road160
"AM", reception 
range168,172
Antenna for mobile phone194
Antifreeze
– coolant235
– washer fluid70
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system39
Anti-theft system, refer to 
Central locking system32
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights263
Approved engine oils235
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights263
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest, rear127