Technology for driving comfort and safety
86
Do not attempt to remove
the airbag retention
system from the vehicle. Do not modify the indi-
vidual components of the system or its wiring in
any way. This includes the upholstered covers
of the steering wheel, the dashboard and the
seats. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle
the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, remo val and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of BMW with correspondingly
trained personnel and th at has the required
explosives licenses. Unprofessional attempts to
work on the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or to undesi red airbag activation,
either of which could resu lt in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the
passenger airbags
The system determines whether the passenger
seat is occupied by meas uring the resistance of
the human body. Front, knee and side airbags
on the passenger side ar e activated or deacti-
vated accordingly.
Make sure that the passenger keeps his
or her feet in the footwell; otherwise, the
passenger airbags may not function properly. <
The indicator lamp above the interior rearview
mirror shows the current status of the passen-
ger airbags, deactivated or activated, refer to
Status of passenger airbags below.
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, see page 48.
Malfunction of the automatic
deactivation system
The front, knee and side airbags can also be
deactivated by adolescents and adults sitting in
certain positions; the in dicator lamp for the pas-
senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the pa ssenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator la mp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting posi tion, do not transport
the passenger in the vehicle.
To make sure that occupa tion of the seat cush-
ion can be detected correctly:
> Do not attach seat covers, seat cushion
padding, ball mats or other items to the pas-
senger seat unless they are specifically rec-
ommended by BMW.
> Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. <
Status of passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the passenger airbags
shows the functional status of the passenger's
front, knee and side airbags in accordance with
whether and how the passenger seat is occu-
pied. The indicator lamp shows whether the
passenger airbags are activated or deactivated.
> The indicator lamp lights up when a child
who is properly seated in a child-restraint
system intended for that purpose is
detected on the seat or the seat is empty.
The front, knee and side airbags for the pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the sys-
tem, especially child seats required by the
NHTSA at the time of vehicle production.
Lamps
88
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lamps off,
daytime running lamps
1 Parking lamps and daytime running lamps
2 Low-beam headlamps and welcome lamps
3 Automatic headlamp control
*, daytime run-
ning lamps, welcome lamps and Adaptive
Head Light
*
When you open the driver's door with the igni-
tion switched off, the exterior lighting is auto-
matically switched off if the light switch is in
position 0, 2 or 3.
Switch on the parkin g lamps if necessary,
switch position 1.
Parking lamps
In switch position 1, the front, rear and side
vehicle lighting is switch ed on. You can use the
parking lamps for parking.
The parking lamps will discharge the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for
unduly long periods of time, otherwise the bat-
tery might not have enou gh power to start the
engine. It is preferable to switch on the left-
hand or right-hand ro adside parking lamps,
refer to page 90.<
Low beams
The low beams light up wh en the light switch is
in position 2 and the ignition is on.
Automatic headlamp control*
When the switch is in position 3, the low beams
are switched on and off automatically depend-
ing on ambient light conditions, e.g. in a tunnel,
in twilight, or if there is precipitation. The Adap-
tive Head Light
* is active. The LED next to the
symbol is illuminated when the low beams are
on. You can also activate the daytime running
lamps, refer to page 89. In the situations
described above, the la mps then automatically
switch from daytime runn ing lamps to low beams.
The headlamps may also come on when the
sun is sitting low on a blue sky. The automatic headla mp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determin ing when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the system
cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To avoid
safety risks, you should always switch on the
low-beam headlamps ma nually under these
conditions. <
Welcome lamps
If you leave the light switch in position 2 or 3
when you park the car, the parking lamps and
the interior lamps light up briefly when you
unlock the vehicle.
Activating/deactivating welcome lamps
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Welcome light"
Controls
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Air conditioning system
1Air distribution
2 Recirculated-air mode
3 Cooling function 4
Temperature
5 Air flow rate
6 Rear window defroster
Air distribution
Direct the flow of air to the win-
dows , to the upper body area
or to the knee area and footwell
. Intermediate settings are pos-
sible. In the 6 o'clock position, a small amount
of air is also directed towards the windows in
order to keep them from fogging over.
Recirculated-air mode
If the air outside the car has an
unpleasant odor or contains pollut-
ants, shut off the supply to the interior of the car
temporarily. The system then recirculates the
air currently within the vehicle.
You can also activate/d eactivate the recircu-
lated-air mode by means of a button
* on the
steering wheel, refer to page 11.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing the air flow rate as
required.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
continuously for lengthy periods, otherwise the
quality of the air inside the car will gradually
deteriorate. <
Air flow rate
Press the corresponding button.
The higher the rate, the more
effective the heating or cooling
will be.
The air flow rate may be reduced or the blower
may be switched off entire ly to save on battery
power.
Switching the system on/off
With the blower at its lowest set-
ting, press the left side of the but-
ton. Thes blower and air condi-
tioner are completely switched off and the air
supply is cut off.
To switch on the air cond itioner, set the desired
air flow rate.
Switching cooling function on/off
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before reheating it as re quired, according to the
temperature setting. This function is only avail-
able while the engine is running.
The cooling function helps prevent condensa-
tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
Depending on the weathe r, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
Controls
95Reference
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Communications
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Automatic climate control*
1Temperature, left side of passenger com-
partment
2 Maximum cooling
3 Rear window defroster
4 Defrosting windows and removing conden-
sation
5 Automatic recirculated-air control AUC/
recirculated-air mode 6
Air distribution, manual
7 AUTO program
8 Air flow rate, manual, climate level
9 Temperature, right side of passenger com-
partment
10 Switching cooling function on/off manually
Comfortable interior climate
AUTO program 7 offers the ideal air distribution
and air flow rate for almost all conditions, refer
to AUTO program below. All you need to do is
select an interior temp erature which is comfort-
able for you.
The following sections inform you in detail
about how to adjust the settings.
Most settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use, refer al so to Personal Profile
settings on page 28.
Air distribution, manual
Depending on the selected setting, the air is
directed to the windshie ld, to the upper body
area, to the knee area and into the footwell.
Adjusting air distribution manually
Press the button repeatedly until
the air distribution is set as
required. The corresponding LED lights up.
The manual air distribution is also switched on
when the AUTO program is deactivated.
Temperature
Set the desired temperatures indi-
vidually for the driver's and pas-
senger's sides.
The automatic climate control
achieves this temperature as quickly as possi-
ble regardless of the season, using maximum
cooling or heating power if necessary, and then
maintains it.
To give the automatic climate control
enough time to achieve the set tempera-
ture, do not switch be tween different tempera-
ture settings in quick succession. <
You can achieve maximum heating power with
the highest setting, rega rdless of the outside
temperature.
The lowest setting effe cts continuous cooling.
Practical interior accessories
98
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 signals 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 vehicle one day, be sure to
delete the stored progra ms beforehand for your
safety, refer to page 99.
To prevent possible damage or injury,
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect
the immediate area to ma ke 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 re mote 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 igni tion, refer to page 50.
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 transmit-
ter used. <
4. Simultaneously press the transmit key on
the original hand-hel d 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.
Controls
99Reference
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The corresponding memory button 1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the device while the ignition is
switched on.
If the device fails to function even after
repeated programming, check whether
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the
instructions for the original hand-held transmit-
ter or hold down the programmed memory
button 1 of the integrated universal remote
control. If the LED 2 on the integrated universal
remote control flashes rapidly and then remains
lit for about two seconds, the original hand-held
transmitter uses an alte rnating-code system. If
it uses an alternating-code system, program
the memory buttons 1 as described under
Alternating-code hand-held transmitters. <
Alternating-code hand-held
transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote
control, consult the operating instructions for
the device to be set. You will find information
there on the possibilities for synchronization.
When programming hand-held transmitters
that employ an alternating code, please observe
the following supplementary instructions:
Programming will be easier with the aid of
a second person. <
1. Park your vehicle within the range of the
remote-controlled device.
2. Program the integrated universal remote
control as described above in the section
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3. Locate the button on the receiver of the
device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit.
4. Press the button on the receiver of the
device to be set. Af ter step 4, you have
approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5. Press the programmed memory button 1 of
the integrated universal remote control
three times. The corresponding memory button
1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
If you have any questions, please contact
your BMW center. <
Deleting all stored programs
Press the left and right memory buttons 1 for
approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes rap-
idly: all stored pr ograms are deleted.
Reassigning individual programs
1.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 transmit-
ter used.<
2. Press the desired memory button 1 of the
integrated universal remote control.
3. If the LED 2 flashes slowly after approx.
20 seconds, press the transmit key of the
original hand-held transmitter. Release
both buttons as soon as the LED 2 flashes
rapidly. If the LED 2 does not flash rapidly
after approx. 15 seconds, alter the distance
and repeat this step.
Practical interior accessories
100
Digital compass*
1Adjustment button
2 Display
The display shows you the main or secondary
compass direction in which you are driving.
Operating principle
You can call up various functions by pressing
the adjustment button with a pointed object
such as a pen or similar item. The following
adjustment options are displayed one after the
other, depending on how long you keep the
adjustment button pressed:
> Press briefly: switch display on/off
> 3 to 6 seconds: set the compass zone
> 6 to 9 seconds: calibrate the compass
> 9 to 12 seconds: set left-hand/right-hand
steering
> 12 to 15 seconds: Setting the language
Setting compass zones
Set the compass zone corresponding to your
vehicle's geographic loca tion so that the com-
pass can function correctl y; refer to the world
map with compass zones.
To set the compass zone, press the adjustment
button for approx. 3-4 seconds. The number of
the compass zone set is shown in the display.
To change the zone se tting, briefly press the
adjustment button repeat edly until the display shows the number of the compass zone corre-
sponding to your current location.
The compass is operational again after approx.
10 seconds.
Driving tips
111Reference
At a glance
Controls
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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.<