Controls
99Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
>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
External devices
160 Ask about suitable audio devices/mobile
phones at your BMW center.
Audio files
Standard audio formats, e.g. MP3, WMA, WAV
(PCM) and AAC, and playlists in the M3U format
can be played.
Connecting via USB audio interface
Lift up the center armrest.
1AUX-IN port for audio playback:
TRS connector 1/8 in/3.5 mm
2USB interface
Apple iPod/iPhone
To connect the device, use the special cable
adapter for the Apple iPod/iPhone, available
from your BMW center. The cable adapter is
required for a flawless connection.
Connect the Apple iPod/iPhone with the AUX-
IN port and USB interface1 using the cable
adapter for the Apple iPod/iPhone.
The Apple iPod/iPhone menu structure is sup-
ported by the USB audio interface.
USB device
When connecting the device use a flexi-
ble adapter cable, to protect the USB
interface and your USB device against physical
damage.<
Connect the USB device to connector 2, using
a flexible adapter cable.
After the device is connected for the first time,
the information on all tracks (e.g. artist, type of
music) and the playlists are transferred from the
USB device to the vehicle. This procedure may take some time. The duration depends on the
USB device and the number of tracks.
During transmission, the tracks can be called up
via the file directory.
Information from up to four USB devices can be
stored in the vehicle, or a total of about
16,000 tracks.
If a fifth USB device is connected or if more than
16,000 tracks are stored, information on exist-
ing tracks may be deleted.
Music tracks with integrated Digital
Rights Management (DRM) cannot be
played.<
Starting audio playback
If the audio device has a device name, the name
is displayed.
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."External devices"
3. Select the symbol.
The name of the audio device may appear.
Playback begins with the first track. When an
Apple iPhone is connected via the snap-in
adapter and an audio device is connected to the
AUX-IN port at the same time, the audio signal
of the AUX-IN port is played.
Information about the track
If information about a track has been stored, it is
displayed automatically:
>Artist
>Album title
>Number of tracks
>Track file name
Mobility
205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Care
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value retention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your
vehicle with products that are approved by
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on
the products and services available for cleaning
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW CareProducts have been
material tested, laboratory checked and
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and
protection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or hazardous to your
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products
designed for cleaning vehicles.<
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months,
ensure that the vehicle is washed more
frequently. Heavy soiling and road salt can lead
to vehicle damage.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and brake discs can corrode.<
Automatic car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.Do not use high-pressure car washes;
otherwise, water may drip into the vehicle
around the windows.<
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page223.
>If necessary, fold in the outside rearview
mirrors, refer to page50.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rail heights
over 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, there is the
danger of damaging chassis parts.<
>In Convertibles, do not treat the convertible
top with wax. Ensure that a program is avail-
able that does not apply wax or is designed
specifically for convertibles.
Preparations before driving into an automatic
car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna
*.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into an automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2.Engage transmission position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Giving and receiving assistance
218 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.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing the selector lever position, refer to
page58.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, dam-
age may result.<
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
With a tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar, or on a flatbed.
Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle
raised as this may cause the steering to turn.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to
page216. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-started when the engine is
cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission
cannot be tow-started at all.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page55.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
depressed all the way and slowly release
the clutch. After the engine starts, immedi-
ately depress the clutch completely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Reference 225
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Coupe
Convertible
128i135i
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,134/1,875 4,255/1,930
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,211/1,910 4,266/1,935
Load lbs/kg 794/360 794/360
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,028/920 2,116/960
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,249/1,020 2,249/1,020
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/liters 13.1/370 13.1/370
128i135i
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,398/1,995 4,564/2,070
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,475/2,030 4,575/2,075
Load lbs/kg 772/350 772/350
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,050/930 2,149/975
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,447/1,110 2,447/1,110
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg – –
Cargo area capacity cu ft/liters 9.1 - 10.7/260 - 305 9.1 - 10.7/260 - 305
Everything from A - Z
232
Everything from A - Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System76
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to
Emergency Request215
Activated-charcoal filter94
Active steering81
Adaptive light control87
Additives
– coolant201
– engine oil201
Address, entering117,123
Address for navigation
– entering117
Airbags83
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp84
Air conditioner91
Air distribution
– automatic92
Airing, refer to Ventilation94
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents91
Air pressure, checking, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure190
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode93
Air vents91
Air volume93
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications188
Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional
alarms33
– interior motion sensor32
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor32
Albums of music
collection156ALL program93
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires197
AM, waveband139
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode93
Antenna for mobile phone166
Antifreeze
– coolant201
– washer fluid61
Antilock Brake System
ABS76
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights225
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights225
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest
100
Arrival time
– computer65
Ashtray101
Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC76
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control93
Audio136
– controls136
– switching on/off136
– tone control136
– volume136
Automatic
– air distribution92
– air volume92
– cruise control61
– headlamp control86
Automatic car washes205
Automatic climate control91
– automatic air distribution92
Automatic curb monitor50Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant88
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps86
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC93
Automatic Service
Request184
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– selector lever lock58
– shiftlock58
– towing217
– tow-starting217
AUTO program for automatic
climate control92
AUX-IN port159
Available services184
Average fuel consumption65
– setting the units67
Average speed65
Avoid highways in
navigation126
Avoiding unintentional
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to
Weights225
B
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backrest width adjustment45
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints46
Backup lamp, replacing
bulb212
Bag for skis, refer to Ski
bag103
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch215
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away218
Everything from A - Z
236 DTC Dynamic Traction
Control76
– indicator lamps76
DVD
– country codes149
– settings150
– video playback149
DVD menu150
DVD player, refer to CD
player147
DVD video149
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC76
Dynamic destination
guidance127
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC76
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps77
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution76
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD / DVD player136
Electrical malfunction
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap188
– glass roof37
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV76
Electronic oil level check199
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC76
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap188
– glass roof37
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission59
Emergency release, trunk
lid31
Emergency Request215
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance215Energy, saving
– saving fuel108
Engine
– breaking in108
– data222
– speed222
– starting56
– starting, Comfort Access33
– switching off56
Engine compartment199
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant201
Engine oil
– adding201
– additives201
– BMW Maintenance
System203
– checking level199
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements67
– specified engine oils201
Engine output, refer to Engine
data222
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data222
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine56
Entry map for destination122
Equalizer, tone setting137
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC76
Event data recorders204
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system109
Extended connectivity of the
music player in the mobile
phone159
Exterior mirrors49
– adjusting49
– automatic dimming
feature51
– automatic heating50
– folding in and out50
External devices
– random sequence161Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away217
– for tying down loads112
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control71
Failure of an electrical
consumer213
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms33
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts49
Fastest route for
navigation126
Fast forward
– CD changer149
– CD player149
Filter of automatic climate
control, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter94
First aid pouch215
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock55
Flash when locking/
unlocking28
Flat tire
– run-flat tires196
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM79
Flat Tire Monitor FTM77
– indicating a flat tire78
– initializing the system77
– system limits77
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition195
FM, waveband139
Fog lamps89
– indicator lamp13,89
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely110
Footwell lamps90
For your own safety5
Free memory capacity, music
collection157
Front airbags83
Front seat setting43