Controls
101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Calibrating the digital compass
The digital compass must be calibrated in the
following situations:
> An incorrect compass direction is shown.
> The compass direction shown does not
change although the direction of
travel does.
> Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1.Make sure that no la rge metal objects or
overhead power lines are in the vicinity of
your vehicle and that you have enough
space to drive in a circle.
2. Set the currently valid compass zone.
3. ensure that the retractable hardtop is fully
closed.
4. Press the adjustment button for approx.
6-7 seconds to call up C. Then drive in at
least one full circle at a speed of no more
than 4mph or 7km/h.
If calibration is successful, the display
changes from C to a compass direction.
5. Open the retractable hardtop fully and
repeat step 4.
Setting right-hand/left-hand steering
Your digital compass is factory-set to right-
hand or left-hand steeri ng, in accordance with
your vehicle.
Setting the language
You can set the language of the display:
Press the adjustment button for approx.
12-13 seconds. Briefly press the adjustment
button again to switch between English, "E",
and German, "O".
The setting is automatically saved after approx.
10 seconds.
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle, arrow 2.
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven,
close the glove compartment immediately
after use. <
Closing
Fold cover up.
Locking
Lock with a key, arrow 1.
If you hand out the remote control without
the integrated key, such as at a hotel,
refer to page 28, the glove compartment cannot
be unlocked.
USB interface for data transmission
Port for importing and exporting data on USB
devices, e.g. music collections, refer to
page 153.
Controls
103Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
In the cargo bay: Press the handle up and fold
the storage compartment completely down.For more information on the various
inserts available, contact your BMW
center. <
Lateral storage compartment behind
the seats
This space can be used to store briefcases, for
example.
When loading the rear storage shelf, do
not move both seats all the way forward
while moving them to th eir uppermost position
and leaning the backrests forward. Otherwise,
the seats could hit and damage the seal on the
windshield and the sun visor.
Only transport light and small objects in the lat-
eral storage compartment; otherwise, braking
maneuvers and swerving may lead to a safety
hazard due to objects flying about the passen-
ger compartment. Only transport heavy lug-
gage in the cargo bay if it has been appropri-
ately secured. <
Cup holders*
Use lightweight and shatterproof contain-
ers and do not transp ort hot beverages,
otherwise there is an increased risk of injury in
the event of the accident. Do not force contain-
ers that are too large in to the cup holders, oth-
erwise damage could result. <
In the center armrest
The cup holders are located the center console.
Attachable cup holder*
Attaching to the center console
Mount the cup holder onto the center console
so that it snaps into place.
Storing in the glove compartment
Insert the cup holder into the holder in the glove
compartment.
Practical interior accessories
104
Ashtray, front
Opening
Push the ridge on the cover.
Emptying
Press the cover open beyond the point of resis-
tance, see arrow. The ashtray can now be
removed.
Lighter
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, press in the cigarette lighter.
The lighter can be pulled out as soon as it pops
back out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by
the knob only. Holding or touching it in
other areas could result in burns. When leaving the car,
always remove the
remote control so that children cannot operate
the cigarette lighter and burn themselves. <
Connecting electrical
appliances
Sockets
In your BMW, when the engine is running or the
ignition is switched on , you can use electrical
devices such as a flashlight, car vacuum
cleaner, etc., up to approx. 200 watts at
12 volts, as long as one of the following sockets
is available. Avoid damaging the sockets by
attempting to insert pl ugs of unsuitable shape
or size.
Cigarette lighter socket*
To access the socket: take the cigarette lighter
out of the socket.
Under the center armrest
External audio device, refer to page 102.
In the passenger footwell*
A socket is located on the left below the glove
compartment.
Cargo bay
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
following storage spaces can be found in the
cargo bay:
>Rubber band
* for securing light objects
> Storage compartment
To open: turn the lock to the left, see arrow,
and fold the cover up.
Driving tips
111Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance to the forward vehicle. A defensive
and smooth driving style keeps fuel con-
sumption down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second
and higher gears, accele rate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelerating, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable ge ar and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red lig ht, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
On a downhill slope, take your foot off the accel-
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engi ne during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings
or in traffic congestion. You achieve fuel sav-
ings even if standing time is as short as approx.
4 seconds.
Switch off functions you do not need at
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner and the
seat or rear window heating draw large amounts
of power and consume a dditional fuel. Espe-
cially in city traffic and in stop and go driving
they have a considerable impact. Therefore,
switch these functions off when they are not
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW
recommends having the vehicle serviced at a
BMW center. Also note the BMW service sys-
tem, refer to page 202.
General driving notes
Close the luggag e compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is closed. Other-
wise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of
the vehicle. <
If the vehicle must be driven with the luggage
compartment lid open:
1. Close all windows.
2. Greatly increase the ai r volume of the auto-
matic climate control system, refer to
page 96.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sect ions of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply un dercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
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 ho t exhaust tail pipes.
Otherwise there is a risk of burns. <
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.<
Things to remember when driving
112
The risk of hydroplaning
increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tire s, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page 194.
Driving through water
Drive though calm water only if it is not
deeper than 1 ft/25 cm and at this height
no faster than walking speed, up to 6 mph/
10 km/h. 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. Ot herwise greater clutch
wear will result. <
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page 80.
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 pre ssure 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. Full
braking efficiency will th en 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 br aking is required. Even light but consistent brak
e 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. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page 54.
7-gear sport automatic transmission with
dual clutch: Never drive with the trans-
mission 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 a ssistance to the brakes
or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise peda l function could be
impaired. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driv en only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in op erating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to re spond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail
to cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms wh ile the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Things to remember when driving
114
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as possi-
ble, directly behind the cargo bay partition,
and as low as possible.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
Cargo, securing
Secure smaller and lighter items using retaining
straps, a cargo bay net
* or draw straps*.
Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at your BMW
center. Four lashing eyes are provided behind
the seats for attaching the cargo straps.
Adhere to the informat ion included with the
cargo straps.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerving is necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the a pproved axle loads, refer
to page 222, as excessive loads can pose a safety hazard, and may al
so place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. <
Before opening the hardtop, fold down
the cargo bay partition. Make sure the
cargo bay is loaded correctly, otherwise parts of
the hardtop can be damaged, refer to
page 105.<
Lashing eyes
Top:
Bottom:
Navigation system
118
Navigation system
General information
With the help of satellites, the navigation sys-
tem is able to ascertain the precise position of
the vehicle and guide you reliably to any desti-
nation you enter.
The navigation data is st ored in the vehicle and
can be updated using navigation DVDs.
Enter data only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary, and always give priority to the
applicable traffic regulati ons in the event of any
contradiction between traffic and road condi-
tions and the instructions issued by the naviga-
tion system. Failure to ta ke to this precaution
can place you in violation of the law and put
vehicle occupants and other road users in
danger. <
Updating the navigation data
The navigation data is st ored in the vehicle and
can be updated using a na vigation DVD. Please
contact the BMW center if you have any ques-
tions.
Inserting navigation DVD
1. Insert the navigation DVD into the DVD
player with the labe led side facing up.
2. Follow the instructio ns on the display.
3. Enter the authorization code of the naviga-
tion DVD and change the DVD if needed.
Displaying information on the version
1. "Navigation"
2. Open "Options".
3. "Navigation system version".
Information on the data version is displayed.
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.
*
Destination entry
120
>
To delete all letters:
Select the symbol and press the
controller for a lengthy period.
> To enter spaces:
Select the symbol.
The list gradually grow s smaller each time
you enter a new letter.
2. Move the controller to the right.
3. Select the name of th e town/city from the
list. The three destinations stored last are
displayed.
If there are several towns/cities with the
same name:
1. Change to the list of town/city names.
2. Highlight the town/city: a preview map is
displayed.
3. Select the town/city.
Entering the postal code
1.Select "Town/City/Postal Code" or the dis-
played town/city.
2. Select the symbol.
3. Select the digits.
4. Change to the list of postal codes and
towns/cities.
5. Highlight the postal code. A preview map is
displayed in the assistance window.
6. Select the postal code.
Entering street and intersection
1.Select "Street" or the displayed street.
2. Enter a street and intersection as you would
the town/city.
After the street you can also enter the intersec-
tion or the house number.
If there are several streets with the same name:
1. Change to the list of street names.
2. Highlight the street: a preview map is dis-
played.
3. Select the street.
Entering a street without a destination
town/city*
You can also enter a street without specifying a
town/city. In this case, all streets of the same
name in the designated state/province are
offered. The correspond ing town/city is dis-
played after the street name.
If a town/city has already been entered, you can
negate this entry. This could be helpful in
instances where the desired street does not
exist in the entered town/city because it
belongs to another suburb, for example.
1. "Navigation"
2. "Enter address"
3. Select "Street" or the displayed street.
4. Change to the list of street names.
5. "Find streets in" the state/province cur-
rently displayed.
6. Select the letters.
7. Change to the list of street names.
8. Highlight the street. A preview map is dis-
played in the assistance window.
9. Select the street.
Entering a house number
You can enter any house number stored in the
navigation data for the street.
1."House number"
2. Select the digits.
3. Change to the list of house numbers.
4. Select a house number or range of house
numbers.