
Technology for driving comfort and safety
82
Malfunction
The warning lamps come on. Active 
steering is malfunctioning or is tem-
porarily deactivated. At low speeds, 
greater steering wheel movements 
are required, whereas at higher speeds the 
vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering 
wheel movements. The stability-enhancing 
feature may also be deactivated. Drive cau-
tiously and think well ahead.
Deactivation
Active steering is deactivated to perform an ini-
tialization. A message indicates that the feature 
is deactivated. Initialization may take several 
minutes.
If the message does not disappear during the 
current trip, have the system checked.
Defect
If there is a defect, a corresponding text mes-
sage appears. Have the system checked.
Servotronic*
The concept
The Servotronic varies the steering force 
required to turn the wheels relative to the vehi-
cle speed.
At low speeds, the steering force is strongly 
assisted, i.e. less force is needed for steering. 
As the vehicle speed increases, the steering 
assisting power is reduced.
This system functions automatically.
Malfunctions
Malfunctions are displayed via Check Control, 
refer to page71.
Brake Force Display*
On the left: normal braking.
On the right: sharp braking. 

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3."Welcome light"
 Welcome lamps are activated and are 
stored for the remote control currently in use.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the headlamp flasher after 
switching off the ignition with the lamps 
switched off, the low beams come on and 
remain on for a certain time.
Setting the duration or deactivating
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Pathway light.:"
4.Set a time of duration, or 0 s to deactivate 
the function.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Daytime running lights
The daytime running lights light up in switch 
position0, 1 and 3. They are less powerful than 
the low beams.
Activating/deactivating daytime 
running lights
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Daytime running lamps"
 Daytime running lights are activated and 
are stored for the remote control currently in 
use.
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 page86.
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. 

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automatic climate control is optimized for driv-
ing with the convertible top down. In addition, 
the air volume is increased as vehicle speed 
increases.
The effectiveness of the Convertible pro-
gram can be enhanced considerably by 
installing the wind deflector.<
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.
The program is switched off when the setting is 
adjusted on the front passenger side or the but-
ton is pressed again.
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation
Press the button.
Quickly removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and 
front side windows.
For this purpose, also switch on the cooling 
function.
Switching cooling function on/off
The passenger compartment can only be 
cooled while the engine is running.
Press the button.
The air is cooled and dehumidified 
and – depending on the tempera-
ture setting – warmed again.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may 
fog up briefly when the engine is started.
Pressing the AUTO button automatically 
switches on the cooling function.
Rear window defroster
Press the  button.
The defroster is switched off auto-
matically after a certain time. 
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the 
upper wires serve as an antenna and are not 
part of the rear window defroster. 

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>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 large 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.Convertible: ensure that the convertible top 
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 4 mph or 7 km/h.
If calibration is successful, the display 
changes from C to a compass direction.
5.Convertible: open the convertible top fully 
and repeat step 4.
Setting right-hand/left-hand steering
Your digital compass is factory-set to right-
hand or left-hand steering, 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. 
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 the cover up.
Locking
To lock the glove compartment, use the inte-
grated key of the remote control, refer to 
page26.
USB interface for data transmission
Port for importing and exporting data on USB 
devices, e.g. music collections, refer to 
page158.
Observe the following when connecting:
>Do not forcibly connect the plug to the USB 
interface.
>Do not connect devices such as fans or 
lamps to the USB interface. 

Things to remember when driving
110
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is 
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only 
at walking speed at the most. 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. Otherwise, greater 
clutch wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page77.
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 pressure 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 to ensure 
that full braking efficiency will then 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 braking is required. Even 
light but consistent brake 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 page58.
Never drive with the clutch held down, 
with the transmission 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. 
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area around the 
pedals, otherwise, pedal function could be 
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are less frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminants 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 respond with a pulsating 
effect that even extended application will fail to 
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits 
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water 
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their 
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage 
develops inside the tires. This can ultimately 
result in a sudden blowout.<
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or 
leak from their containers in the cargo  

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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, page196.
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-
mate. Your BMW  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 page216.
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 
page69.
>Radio 
In some cases, stations may have to be 
stored again, refer to page139.
>Navigation system 
Wait for the system to start, refer to 
page133.
>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 
page48.
>Inside rearview mirror with digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to 
page98.
>Active steering
The system automatically initializes itself 
briefly during a trip. The system is deacti-
vated during this time, refer to page82.
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.< 

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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 page209.
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 page55; 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- 

Reference 233
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Controls
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Mobility
Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter176
Bass, tone setting136
Battery213
– charging213
– disposal35,213
– jump-starting216
– temporary power failure213
Battery for mobile phone177
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle34
Being towed217
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts49
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders100
Blower, refer to Air volume93
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating168
BMW
– car shampoo208
BMW Assist, 
activating182,184
BMW Assist180
BMW Maintenance 
System203
BMW Search182
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders100
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control76
Brake fluid
– service requirements67
Brake Force Display82
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display82
– replacing bulb212
Brake pads, breaking in108
Brake rotors110
– brakes108
– breaking in108Brakes
– ABS76
– BMW Maintenance 
System203
– braking safely110
– breaking in108
– parking brake57
– service requirements67
Brake system108
– BMW Maintenance 
System203
– breaking in108
– disc brakes110
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance
215
Breaking in the clutch108
Break-in period108
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs209
Bulbs, changing209
Button for starting the 
engine55
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning5
Call
– accepting169
– ending170
– rejecting170
Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing170
Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders100
Capacities226
Capacity of the cargo area225
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery213
Car care, refer to Care205Care205
– automatic car washes205
– care products205
– carpets207
– CD/DVD drives208
– chrome parts207
– convertible top206
– displays208
– exterior205
– fine wood parts208
– headlamps206
– high-pressure washer206
– interior207
– leather207
– light-alloy wheels207
– paintwork206
– plastic parts208
– rubber seals207
– safety belts208
– sensors and cameras208
– upholstery and cloth 
trim207
– washing the car 
manually206
– windows206
Cargo, securing112
Cargo area
– capacity225
– Comfort Access34
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system102
– lamp, refer to Interior 
lamps90
– lid, refer to Trunk lid30
– opening from outside31
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk 
lid30
Cargo area net, refer to 
Securing cargo112
Cargo loading111
– securing cargo112
– stowing cargo
111
– vehicle110
Car jack
– jacking points213
Car key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control26