Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
71
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags
2Coupe: head airbags
3Side airbags in the seat backrests
4Convertible: knee airbags
Protective action
Observe the adjustment instructions on
page35 to ensure the best possible per-
sonal protection.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags have been designed to not be trig-
gered in every collision situation, e.g. not in
minor accidents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the front
passenger side clear, i.e., do not cover with
adhesive labels or coverings, and do not attach
holders such as for navigation instruments and
mobile phones.
Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not
hang items of clothing such as coats or jackets
over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do
not modify the individual components of the
system or its wiring in any way. This includes
the upholstered covers on the steering wheel,
instrument panel, seats and roof posts, as well
as the sides of the roof lining. 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, removal 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 that has the required
explosives licenses. Unprofessional attempts to
work on the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or to undesired airbag activation,
either of which could result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior
rearview mirror shows the current status
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below.<
Lamps
76
Adaptive light control*
The concept
Adaptive light control is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves at speeds up to 40 mph/70 km/h,
e.g. on mountainous roads or when turning, an
additional, corner-illuminating lamp is switched
on that lights up the inside area of the curve.
Activating adaptive light control
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch to position 3, refer to page74.
The corner-illuminating lamp is switched on
automatically, depending on the steering wheel
angle or turn signal indicator.
Standstill function
*: to avoid blinding oncoming
traffic, the adaptive light control directs light
towards the front passenger side when the
vehicle is at a standstill.
When you are reversing, only the corner-illumi-
nating lamps are active and switched on on
both sides.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive light control is
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/roadside parking
lamps*
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
*
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
There is an additional option of switching on the
lamps on the side of the car facing the road
when parked.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or
down beyond the pressure point for approx.
1second, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for
unduly long periods of time; otherwise, the bat-
tery might not have enough power to start the
engine.<
Switching off
Press the lever in the opposite direction to the
pressure point, arrow 3.
High-beam assistant*
The concept
This system automatically switches the high
beams on and off. The procedure is controlled
by a sensor on the front of the interior rearview
mirror. The assistant ensures that the high
beams are switched on whenever the traffic sit-
uation allows. It handles this task for you and
gives you the benefit of the best possible view.
Climate
80
Heating and ventilation, air conditioner*
1Air distribution
2Recirculated-air mode
3Air volume
4Cooling function
*
If the vehicle is not equipped with a cooling function, the rear window defroster is
located here.
5Temperature
6Rear window defroster
If the vehicle is not equipped with a cooling
function, this control is located at position 4.
Air distribution
Direct the flow of air to the win-
dows , to the upper body area
or to the footwell . Intermedi-
ate settings are possible.
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/deactivate the recircu-
lated-air mode by means of a button
* on the
steering wheel, refer to page11.
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 volume 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 volume
Turn to adjust the air volume. The
higher the volume, the more effec-
tive the heating or cooling will be.
The air volume may be reduced or
the blower may be switched off entirely to save
on battery power.
Switching the system on/off
Set any desired air volume to switch on the air
conditioner.
Turn the air volume rotary switch to 0. The
blower and air conditioner are completely
switched off and the air supply is cut off.
The outside air supply is blocked when
the air conditioner is switched off. If the air
quality deteriorates or the window fogs over,
switch the system back on and increase the air
volume.<
Switching the cooling function* on/off
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before reheating it according to the
temperature setting. This function
is only available while the engine is running.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
83
Air flows out of the vent outlets for the upper
body region. Open them for this purpose.
Air is cooled as quickly as possible:
>Abive an outside temperature of approx.
327/06
>When the engine is running
AUTO program
Press the button.
Air volume, air distribution and
temperature are controlled auto-
matically.
Depending on the selected temperature, AUTO
intensity and outside influences, the air is
directed toward the windshield, the side win-
dows, the upper body and the footwell.
Pressing the AUTO button automatically
switches on the cooling function.
At the same time, a condensation sensor con-
trols the program so as to prevent window con-
densation as much as possible.
The program is switched off when the air distri-
bution is set manually or the button is pressed
again.
Intensity of the AUTO program
With the AUTO program switched on, auto-
matic control of the air volume and air distribu-
tion can be adjusted:
Press the left side of the button to
reduce the intensity. Press the
right side of the button to increase
it.
The selected intensity is shown on the display
of the automatic climate control.
Convertible program
The Convertible program is active when the
convertible top is open.
Adjusting air volume manually
To be able to manually adjust the air volume,
switch off the AUTO program first.Press the left side of the button to
reduce the air volume. Press the
right side of the button to increase
it.
The air volume may be reduced or the blower
may be switched off entirely to save on battery
power. The display remains the same.
Automatic recirculated-air control
AUC/Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant odors or pollut-
ants in the immediate environment by tempo-
rarily suspending the supply of outside air. The
system then recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
Press the button repeatedly to
select an operating mode:
>LED off: outside air flows in continuously.
>Left-hand LED on, AUC mode: a sensor
detects pollutants in the outside air and
controls the shut-off automatically.
>Right-hand LED on, recirculated-air mode:
the supply of outside air is permanently
shut off. If the windows fog over, switch off
recirculated-air mode and increase the air
volume, if necessary. Make sure that air can
flow onto the windshield.
The recirculated-air mode should not be
used continuously for lengthy periods;
otherwise, the quality of the air inside the car
will gradually deteriorate.<
Via the button on the steering wheel
You can switch quickly between the recircu-
lated-air mode and the previous mode using a
button
on the steering wheel, refer to page11.
ALL program
Press the button.
The current temperature setting
on the driver's side is transferred to
the front passenger side.
If the temperature setting on the driver's side is
changed, the temperature on the front passen-
ger side is changed as well.
Replacing components
128 When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount run-flat tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you. Refer
also to New wheels and tires, page112.
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your
BMW center.<
Jack mounting points
The jacking points are at the positions shown in
the illustration.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
ma te. Your BM W center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump-starting
on page131.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or bring them to a recycling
center. Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Always secure
the battery against tipping over during trans-
port.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise
have been lost and will have to be programmed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, refer to
page62.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be
raised. The system must be initialized.
Please contact your BMW center.
>Seat and mirror memory
*
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page40.
>Inside rearview mirror with digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to
page87.
>Active steering
The system automatically initializes itself
briefly during a trip. The system is deacti-
vated during this time, refer to page70.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating; oth-
erwise, this could lead to a circuit overload, ulti-
mately resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
In the glove compartment
Accessing the fuse box:
Giving and receiving assistance
132 Your BMW has a special nut as body ground or
negative pole.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
It is stored with the onboard vehicle tool kit
underneath the floor mat in the cargo area, refer
to page124.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the
tow fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press the arrow on the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page47; otherwise, the low-beam
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. Power
steering assistance is not available when the
engine is not running. Thus, braking and steer-
ing will require increased effort. Active steering
is not active and it will be necessary to turn the
steering wheel further.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Indicator and warning lamps
136Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, refer to
page61.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, not presentThe engine cannot be started. Have the
remote control checked, if necessary.
Battery of remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with Comfort
Access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immediately.
Active steering defective You can continue your journey.
Steering characteristics are modified
and steering wheel could be off-center.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Steering assistance failed Markedly different steering response.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up:
Emergency Request system has failed
or is malfunctioningHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction Stop the car and switch off the engine.
You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power is no longer available You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the engine checked as
soon as possible.
12Cause Special actions to be taken
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
153
Blower, refer to Air
volume80,83
BMW
– car shampoo123
BMW Maintenance
System118
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders89
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control65
Brake fluid
– service requirements61
Brake Force Display70
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display70
– replacing bulb127
Brake pads, breaking in96
Brake rotors98
– brakes96
– breaking in96
Brakes
– ABS65
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– braking safely98
– breaking in96
– parking brake49
– service requirements61
Brake system96
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– breaking in96
– disc brakes98
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance130
Breaking in the clutch96
Break-in period96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs124
Bulbs, changing124
Button for starting the
engine47
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5Can holders, refer to
Cupholders89
Capacities150
Capacity of the cargo area149
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery128
Car care, refer to Care120
Care120
– automatic car washes120
– care products120
– carpets122
– CD/DVD drives123
– chrome parts122
– convertible top121
– displays123
– exterior120
– fine wood parts123
– headlamps121
– high-pressure washer121
– interior122
– leather122
– light-alloy wheels122
– paintwork121
– plastic parts123
– rubber seals122
– safety belts123
– sensors and cameras123
– upholstery and cloth
trim122
– washing the car
manually121
– windows121
Cargo, securing100
Cargo area
– capacity149
– Comfort Access26
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system91
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps78
– lid, refer to Trunk lid23
– opening from outside23
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk
lid23
Cargo area net, refer to
Securing cargo100Cargo loading99
– securing cargo100
– stowing cargo99
– vehicle98
Car jack
– jacking points128
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo123
Car wash120
– with Comfort Access48
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system97
Center armrest88
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulb127
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Central locking
– from inside22
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– Comfort Access26
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing wheels127
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment115
Check Control62
Checking oil level115
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH45
Child restraint systems44
Child seats44
Chrome parts123
Chrome polish123
Cigarette lighter90
Cleaning headlamps53
– washer fluid53
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care120