
iDrive
18
Menu overview
Communication
>Telephone*
>BMW Assist* or BMW TeleServices*
Navigation or onboard information
>Navigation system*
>Onboard information, e.g. for displaying 
the average fuel consumption
Entertainment
>Radio
>CD player and CD changer
*
>USB-audio interface* for external audio 
device
Climate
>Vent settings
>Automatic programs
>Parked car operation
 menu
>Switching off Control Display
>Tone and display settings
>Settings for your vehicle, e.g. for the central 
locking system
>Display of maintenance intervals and dead-
lines for legally mandated inspections
>Settings for telephone
Basic operation
From radio readiness, refer to page60, the fol-
lowing message is shown on the Control Dis-
play:
To hide the message:
Press the controller.
This displays the start menu.
The message is hidden after approx. 10 sec-
onds.
Start menu
You can call up all the functions of iDrive using 
five menu items.
Opening start menu
Press the   button. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
98
Lowering
If the rollover protection system experienced no 
impact after automatic activation, then it can be 
lowered again. No tools are necessary for this 
purpose.
1.Press the release backward and hold in that 
position.
2.Press the rollover protection unit halfway 
down from above.
3.Let go of the release.
4.Press the rollover protection unit down until 
it snaps into place.
5.Use the same procedure for the second roll-
over protection unit.
Have the rollover protection system checked 
after unexpected triggering.
Never move the convertible top when the 
rollover protection system is raised.
No changes of any nature may be made to the 
individual components of the rollover protec-
tion system and wiring.
Work on the rollover protection system may 
only be performed at a BMW center.
Unprofessional attempts to service the system 
can lead to failure or malfunction.
For a system check and to ensure long-term 
functioning, you must comply with the mainte-nance intervals of the service requirements, 
refer to page79.<
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. 

Radio
168
Weather news flashes*
Weather Radio is a service of the National Oce-
anic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
of the US Department of Trade. Weather news 
flashes are repeated every 4 to 6 minutes and 
are routinely updated at intervals of 1 to 
3 hours, and more often when necessary. Most 
stations operate 24 hours a day. In case of a 
storm, the National Weather Service interrupts 
the routine weather news and transmits special 
warning messages instead. If you have a ques-
tion about NOAA Weather Radio, please con-
tact the nearest office of the National Weather 
Service. Details are also provided on the Inter-
net at www.nws.noaa.gov.
Calling up weather news flashes
1.Select "WB" and press the controller.
2.Select a station.
The station for weather news flashes may be 
unavailable in some regions.
High Definition Radio*
Many stations transmit both analog and digital 
signals. You can receive these stations digitally 
and with improved sound quality.
A digital radio network must be available in 
order to receive digital stations.
HD Radio™ technology is manufactured under 
license from iBiquity Digital Corp. U.S. and For-
eign Patents. HD Radio™ and the HD and 
HD Radio logos are proprietary trademarks of 
iBiquity Digital Corp.
Activating/deactivating digital radio 
reception
1.Press the  button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Turn the controller until "Settings" is 
selected and press the controller.
4.Select "Audio" and press the controller.
5.Change to upper field. Turn the controller 
until "HD radio" is selected and press the 
controller.
6.Select "Off" and press the controller.
 The reception of digital stations is activated.
 This symbol is displayed when a station is 
being received digitally.
With some stations the digital signals are not 
transmitted simultaneously with the analog sig-
nals. If you are in an area in which the selected 
station is not continuously received digitally, 
playback changes between analog and digital 
reception. This can result in repetitions or inter-
ruptions. In this case it may be advisable to 
deactivate digital radio reception. 

Mobility
 225Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW maintenance system supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your BMW. The service schedule also 
includes operations related to the vehicle's 
comfort and convenience features, such as 
replacement of the filters for the inside air. 
The ultimate objective is to ensure economical 
maintenance by providing the ideal service for 
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell 
your BMW, a complete dealer service history 
will prove to be an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into 
account. Condition Based Service uses this to 
determine the current and future service 
requirements. By letting you define a service 
and maintenance regimen that reflects your 
own individual requirements, the system builds 
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Control Display to show 
remaining distances and times of selected 
maintenance intervals and legally mandated 
deadlines, refer to page79:
>Engine oil
>Brake pads, front and rear separately
>Brake fluid>Vehicle check
>Legally mandated inspections depending 
on local regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores the information required 
maintenance continuously in the remote con-
trol during driving. After accessing the data 
stored in the remote control, your BMW Service 
Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of 
service procedures for your own individual vehi-
cle. You should therefore hand over the remote 
control you last used to drive to the BMW Ser-
vice Advisor when you take your vehicle in for 
service.
Make sure the date is set correctly, refer 
to page85, otherwise the effectiveness 
of CBS Condition Based Service is not 
ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and 
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models 
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service 
and repair operations performed at your 
BMW center. 
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries 
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.< 

Care
228 can result in water penetration. Follow the oper-
ating instructions for the high-pressure clean-
ing jets.<
When using high-pressure cleaning jets, 
do not remain in one place for a long time 
and be sure to maintain a distance of at least 
12 in/30 cm from sensors, e.g. Park Distance 
Control sensors or radar sensors.<
Hand washing
When washing the vehicle by hand, use plenty 
of water and car washing shampoo. Clean the 
vehicle with gentle pressure using a sponge or a 
washing brush.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unwanted wiper operation.<
Follow local guidelines for washing vehi-
cles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not rub dry and never use abrasives or 
strong solvents to clean the covers.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or 
insect remover and wash away with plenty of 
water.
Use a window de-icer to remove accumulated 
ice and snow, not a scraper.
Windows
Use a glass cleaner to clean the inside and out-
side surfaces of the windows and the glass sur-
faces of the mirrors.
Do not use quartz-containing cleansers 
to clean glass surfaces of the mirrors.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to 
prevent streaking.
The presence of wax and sealant residues 
and dirt on the windows leads to streaking 
during wiper operation and results in premature 
wear on wiper blades as well as interference 
with the rain sensor.<
Convertible top care
The appearance and service life of the convert-
ible top depend on proper care and operation.
Please follow these instructions:
>Never stow the convertible top in the con-
vertible top compartment when it is wet or 
frozen, since this can cause water marks, 
mildew stains, and scuff marks.
>Remove water marks on the headliner with 
a microfiber cloth and interior cleanser.
>When parking for long intervals in enclosed 
spaces, make sure there is sufficient venti-
lation.
>Remove bird droppings immediately 
because their caustic properties have a cor-
rosive effect on the convertible top and can 
damage the rubber seals.
Do not use stain remover, paint thinner, 
solvents, gasoline, or the like to remove 
stains. These substances can damage the rub-
ber coating. Improper care and cleaning can 
cause leaks to develop in the convertible top 
and its seams.<
In the event of more serious soiling, use a spe-
cial convertible top cleaner. 
When doing so, follow the manufacturer's 
directions for use.
After three to five washings, treat the convert-
ible top with sealant.
Caring for the vehicle finish
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value 
and protects the paint from the long-term 
effects of aggressive substances.
Regionally occurring environmental factors can 
affect and damage vehicle finish. It is therefore 
important to tailor the frequency and extent of 
your car care accordingly.
Immediately remove particularly aggressive 
substances such as spilled fuel, oil, grease, 
brake fluid, tree resin, or bird droppings; other-
wise, they may damage your paint. 

Everything from A to Z
256 Engine
– breaking-in126
– data242
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature76
– speed242
– starting61
– starting, comfort access38
– switching off61
– switching off when equipped 
with Automatic 
transmission, with comfort 
access40
Engine compartment221
Engine coolant223
Engine oil
– adding223
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils223
– approved oils223
– electronic oil level check222
– interval between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements79
– oil change223
– oil grades, refer to Approved 
engine oils223
– recommended oils223
– temperature77
– temperature gauge77
"Engine oil level"222
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data242
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
data242
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine61
"Enter address"136,144
Entering destination via town/
city name137
Entering intersection, 
navigation138
Entering rear53
Entering the 
address136,139
Entering town/city for 
navigation137
Entering zip code for 
navigation138"Entertainment"160
Entertainment sound output 
on/off161
Entry map for destination141
Equalizer, refer to Tone 
control163
"Equalizer", tone control163
"ESN"171
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control89
Event Data Recorders226
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system127
Exterior mirrors55
– adjusting55
– automatic dimming 
feature56
– automatic heating55
– folding in and out55
– tilting down passenger-side 
exterior mirror56
External audio device119
Eye for tow-starting and 
towing, refer to Tow 
fitting237
F
Fader, refer to Tone 
control162
"Fader", tone control162
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control81
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms38
– refer to Switching off 
alarm37
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts54
Fastest route for 
navigation146
"Fast route" in navigation147
Filler neck for washer fluid67
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter114First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit236
First-aid kit236
Flashing
– during locking/unlocking, 
refer to Setting confirmation 
signals33
– triple turn signal 
activation66
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor90
– run-flat tires92,93,218
– Tire Pressure Monitor92
– TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor92
– warning lamp92,93
Flat tire, refer to Run-flat 
tires218
Flat Tire Monitor90
– false alarms91
– initializing system91
– snow chains219
– system limits91
– warning lamp92
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler 
neck for washer fluid67
FM, waveband164
"FM" waveband160,164
Fog lamps108
– indicator lamp13,108
Folding into raised position 
convertible top 
compartment floor, 
Convertible37
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely128
Footwell lamps, refer to 
Interior lamps108
Forward, fast
– CD changer178
– CD player178
For your own safety
6
Freeway, refer to Route 
criteria146
Front airbags95
Front passenger airbags
– deactivating96
"FTM"91 

Reference 261
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Night Vision on / off"57
Nozzles, refer to Windshield 
washer nozzles67
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing237
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket 
for Onboard Diagnostics 
interface226
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel 
specifications213
Odometer76
Oil, refer to Engine oil222
Oil change intervals
– refer to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models or 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian 
models
– refer to Service 
requirements79
"On a new destination" in 
navigation142
Onboard computer, refer to 
iDrive16
"Onboard info"78
Onboard toolkit231
"On destination"142
"On location"142
Opening and closing
– comfort access38
– from inside34
– from outside32
– using remote control32
– using the door lock34
Operating principle, iDrive18Operation by voice for mobile 
phone197
– adjusting volume198
– canceling197
– commands197
– correcting phone 
number198
– dialing phone number198
– placing a call198
– redialing199
– voice phone book198
"Options"205,206
Orientation menu, refer to 
Start menu18
Output, refer to Engine 
data242
Outside air, refer to AUC 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control113
Outside temperature 
display76
– changing unit of measure86
Overheated engine, refer to 
Coolant temperature76
Overview
– operating principle18
– radio control160
– screen display21
P
Panic mode33
Park Distance Control PDC87
"Parked car operation"115
"Parked car ventilation"115
Parked car ventilation
– activating activation 
time115
– preselecting activation 
times115
– switching on and off 
directly115
Parked car ventilation system
– LED110
Parking
– vehicle61
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park 
Distance Control87Parking assistant, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control87
Parking brake, refer to 
Handbrake62
Parking lamps104
– replacing bulbs232
Parts and accessories6
Passenger-side exterior 
mirror, tilting down56
"Pathway lighting"105
Pathway lighting105
"PDC"88
"PDC display on"88
PDC Park Distance Control87
Personal Profile30
"Perspective"150
"Phone"188,190,193
Phone book192
– changing entry194
– creating and editing voice 
phone book198
– deleting all entries195
– deleting entry195
– dialing phone number194
Phone numbers
– deleting from phone 
book195
– dialing193
– most recent numbers195
– selecting in phone book195
– Top 8195
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof43
– power windows42
Plasters, refer to First-aid 
kit236
Plug-in unit for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock60
Polish230
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter114
Position, refer to Displaying 
current position155
Position, refer to Storing 
current position144
Power failure233 

Reference 263
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Retreaded tires218
Reverse, fast
– CD changer178
– CD player178
Reverse gear
– manual transmission62
– Sport automatic 
transmission63
Road map150
"Roadside 
Assistance"196,202
Roadside assistance202,236
Roadside parking lamps106
– replacing bulbs, refer to 
Parking lamps232
Rollover protection system on 
Convertible97
– lowering98
Rope, refer to Tow-starting 
and towing237
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to 
iDrive16
Route146
– bypassing sections152
– changing152
– changing criteria146
– displaying149
– displaying arrow display149
– displaying map view150
– displaying streets or towns/
cities151
– selecting146
Route information, refer to 
Destination guidance with 
voice instructions151
Route map, refer to Displaying 
map view150
"Route preference", 
changing146
Route selection146
RSC Runflat System 
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires218
Run-flat System Component 
RSC, refer to Run-flat 
tires218Run-flat tires218
– continuing driving with a 
damaged tire92,93
– flat tire92,93
– Flat Tire Monitor90
– new tires218,219
– tire inflation pressure214
– Tire Pressure Monitor92
– winter tires219
S
Safety belts54
– damage55
– indicator lamp54
– reminder54
– sitting safely49
Safety belt tensioners, refer to 
Safety belts54
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System88
– airbags95
– driving stability control 
systems88
– rollover protection system, 
Convertible97
– safety belts54
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat 
tires218
Satellite radio171
– enabling channel171
– selecting channel171
– storing channel171
"SAT" in radio mode160,171
"Save current 
destination"146
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD176
– stations in radio mode165
Scan
– CD changer176
– CD player176
– radio165
"Scan all" in audio mode176
"Scan directory" in audio 
mode176
Screen, refer to iDrive16Screw thread for tow 
fitting238
SDARS, refer to Satellite 
radio171
Seats49
– adjusting the seats50
– heating55
– lumbar support50
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory51
– sitting safely49
– sports seat50
– storing the setting51
– thigh support50
Securing cargo130
– ski bag122
"Select as 
destination"142,205
"Select current speed"83
Selecting audio sources, refer 
to Operation via iDrive160
Selecting distance with active 
cruise control70
Selecting frequency 
manually165
Selecting menu items20
Selecting route146
Selection options with 
navigation system146
Service, refer to Roadside 
Assistance236
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for 
US models225
"Service Info"79,203,222
Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition 
Based Service225
– refer to Service 
requirements79
"Service Request"196,203
"Service 
requirements"80,203,222
Service requirements79
– refer to CBS Condition 
Based Service225
"Set date"85
"Set" in audio mode160