Driving tips
119Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance between you and the vehicle in front of
you. A defensive and smooth driving style
keeps fuel consumption down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second
and higher gears, accelerate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelerating, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear 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 light, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
O n a d o w n h il l s lo p e , t a k e y o u r f o o t o f f t h e a c c el -
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings
or in traffic congestions. 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, seat
heating or rear window defroster draw large
amounts of power and consume additional fuel.
Especially in city traffic and in stop and go driv-
ing 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 page217.
General driving notes
Close the trunk lid
Operate the vehicle only when the trunk
lid is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes
could enter the interior of the vehicle.<
If the vehicle must be driven with the trunk lid
open:
1.Close all windows and the glass roof.
2.Greatly increase the air volume of the auto-
matic climate control system, refer to
page100.
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 sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating 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 hot 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.<
179
Entertainment
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips Communications
Navigation
Mobility
can be used in combination with the mobile
phone, e.g. a laptop.<
To temporarily deactivate the Bluetooth link
between the vehicle and your mobile phone:
1."Telephone"
2.Open "Options".
3."Bluetooth"
Adjusting the volume
Turn the knob during a call to select the desired
volume.
This volume for the hands-free system is main-
tained, even if the other audio sources are set to
minimum volume.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Operation via iDrive
You can operate the following functions using
iDrive:
>Accepting/rejecting calls
>Dialing phone numbers
>Selecting phone numbers from the phone
book>Selecting stored phone numbers, e.g. from
the list of received calls
>Ending a call
When the ignition is switched off or in radio
readiness, e.g. after taking the remote control
out of the ignition lock, you can continue an
ongoing call via the hands-free system for sev-
eral minutes.
Voice quality
If the person you are talking to is having difficul-
ties understanding you, this may be due to
excessive background noise. The full prepara-
tion package mobile phone can compensate for
these noises to a certain extent. To optimize
voice quality during a call, we recommend that
you:
>Reduce background noise, e.g. by closing
the windows, reducing air flow from the
automatic climate control or pointing the
open front air vents downward.
>Reduce the volume of the hands-free sys-
tem.
Requirements
>The mobile phone's pairing data are stored
by the vehicle and the mobile phone is oper-
ational.
>The engine is running or the ignition is
switched on.
>The mobile phone is recognized by the
vehicle.
Receiving calls
If you have the phone number of the caller
stored in the phone book and the phone num-
ber has been transmitted, the name of the entry
is displayed.
Accepting a call
Press the button on the steering wheel
Wheels and tires
208
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT … 3209 means that the
tire was manufactured in week 32 of 2009.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
225/45 R1791 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3209
Short commands for the voice activation system
246
Contacts
BMW Assist
Vehicle information
Settings
Vehicle
Equipment
FunctionCommand
Opening the contacts{Contacts}
My contacts{My contacts}
New contact{New contact}
FunctionCommand
Opening BMW Assist*{B M W Assist}
Opening BMW Search
*{B M W Search}
FunctionCommand
Opening the computer{Onboard info}
Opening the trip computer{Trip computer}
Opening the vehicle information{Vehicle info}
Opening the vehicle status{Vehicle status}
FunctionCommand
Opening the main menu{Main menu}
Opening the settings{Settings}
Opening the options{Options}
Settings on the Control Display{Control display}
Opening the time and date settings{Time and date}
Opening the language and unit settings{Language and units}
Opening the speed limit settings{Speed}
Opening the light settings{Lighting}
Opening the door lock settings{Door locks}
FunctionCommand
Opening the air conditioning settings{Climate}
Everything from A - Z
248
Everything from A - Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System82
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control63
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request230
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control101
Active cruise control63
– indicator lamps66
– malfunction67
– selecting distance65
– sensor66
Active steering88
Adaptive brake light
– Brake Force Display89
Adaptive light control94
Additives
– coolant215
Address, entering127,133
Address for navigation
– entering127
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control99
Adjusting the thigh support43
Airbags90
– indicator/warning lamp91
– sitting safely42
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control99
– ventilation101
Air distribution
– automatic99
Airing, refer to Ventilation101
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure200
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode100Air supply
– automatic climate control99
– ventilation101
Air vents98
Air volume100
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications199
Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional
alarms33
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music
collection166
ALL program100
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires211
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive83
AM, waveband149
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode100
Antenna for mobile phone176
Antifreeze
– coolant215
– washer fluid61
Antilock Brake System
ABS82
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights241
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights241
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest107
Arrival time, refer to
Computer71
Ashtray109Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems82
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control100
Audio146
– controls146
– switching on/off146
– tone control146
– volume146
Audio device, external107
Automatic
– air distribution99
– air volume99
– cruise control61,63
– headlamp control93
Automatic car washes219
Automatic climate control98
– automatic air distribution99
Automatic curb monitor50
Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant95
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC100
Automatic Service
Request194
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– interlock57,58
– overriding selector lever
lock59
– shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever position58
– sport program58
– towing232
– tow-starting232
AUTO program for automatic
climate control
99
AUX-IN
– port107
AUX-IN port169
Available services194
Reference 253
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC82
Event data recorders218
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system119
Extended connectivity of the
music player in the mobile
phone169
Exterior mirrors50
– adjusting50
– automatic dimming
feature51
– automatic heating50
– folding in and out50
External audio device107
External devices
– random sequence171
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away233
– for tying down loads122
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control77
Failure of an electrical
consumer228
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm33
– switching off an alarm32
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts48
Fastest route for
navigation136
Fast forward
– CD changer159
– CD player159
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control101
First aid pouch230
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock55
Flash when locking/
unlocking29Flat tire
– run-flat tires210
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM86
Flat Tire Monitor FTM84
– indicating a flat tire85
– indicator/warning lamp85
– initializing the system85
– snow chains84,211
– system limits84
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition209
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir61
FM, waveband149
Fog lamps96
– indicator lamp13,96
Folding up the floor panel112
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely120
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps97
For your own safety5
Four-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive83
Free memory capacity, music
collection167
Front airbags90
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor84
Fuel199
– average consumption71
– gauge70
– high-quality brands199
– quality199
– specifications199
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities241
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Fuel filler flap198
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction198
Fuses228
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control103
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption71
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel199
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Gas station
recommendations137
Gear indicator, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic57
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
General driving notes119
Glass roof, electric36
– closing after electrical
malfunction37
– Convenient operation28,30
– initializing37
– opening, closing37
– operation with Comfort
Access34
– pinch protection system37
– power failure37
– raising36
– remote control28
Glove compartment106
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system126
Grills98
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights241
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake56
Everything from A - Z
254 Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HDC Hill Descent Control83
HD Radio150
Head airbags90
Headlamp control,
automatic93
Headlamp flasher59
– indicator lamp11,13
Head restraints44
– rear, removing46
– sitting safely42
Heated
– mirrors50
– rear window100
– seats47
– steering wheel51
Heating
– mirrors50
– rear window100
– seats47
– steering wheel51
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate98
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo121
Height, refer to
Dimensions239
Height adjustment
– seats43
– steering wheel51
High-beam assistant95
High beams95
– headlamp flasher95
– indicator lamp13
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant95
High-pressure
washer219,220
High water, refer to Driving
through water120
Highways, refer to Route
criteria136
Hill Descent Control HDC83
Hills120
Holders for cups108
Homepage BMW4
Hood212Hooks for shopping bags111
Horn10,11
Hotel function, refer to
Locking or unlocking
separately31
Hot exhaust system
119
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC82
Hydroplaning119
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio150
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning69
Identification marks
– run-flat tires210
– tire coding208
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness80
– changing language79
– changing settings79
– changing units of measure
and display format72
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– setting the date and time76
– start menu17
– status information19
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition55
– switched off56
– switched on55
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness55
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on55
Ignition lock55
Imprint2Indicator and warning
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM87
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure200
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM86
Initializing
– after power failure228
– compass, refer to
Calibrating105
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM85
– glass roof37
– radio, refer to Station,
storing149
– refer to Setting the time and
date76
Installation location
– telephone107
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions137
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting96
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote
control103
Interactive map132
Interior lamps97
– remote control28
Interior motion sensor33
Interior rearview mirror51
– automatic dimming
feature51
– compass105
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control57
Intermittent mode of the
wipers60
Intersection, entering,
navigation128
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port169
iPod, connecting, refer to USB
audio interface169
Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
J
Jacking points228
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting231
Jump-starting231
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control26
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access33
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access33
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile26
Kickdown58
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
Knock control199
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control93
– parking lamps/low beams93
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs223
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer
to Safety belts48
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo122
Last destinations130
LATCH child restraint fixing
system53
Leather care221
LED Light-emitting
diodes223
Length, refer to
Dimensions239
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb227
Light
– high-beam assistant95
Light-alloy wheels221Light-emitting diodes
LED223
Lighter109
– connecting electrical
appliances109
Lighting
– instruments96
– lamps and bulbs223
– vehicle, refer to Lamps93
Light switch93
Limit, refer to Speed limit79
Load121
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo122
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking30
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal29
– from inside30
– from outside28
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access33
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals29
– from inside30
– from outside27
Low beam control, refer to
High-beam assistant95
Low-beam headlamps93
– automatic93
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack122
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires211
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system217
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic59
– tires85Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control77
Manual car wash220
Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58
Manual operation
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler flap198
– glass roof37
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission59
Manual transmission57
Map for navigation
– changing scale139
– entering destination132
Map view138
Master key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Maximum cooling99
Maximum speed
– with winter tires211
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions239
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory47
MENU button16
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Messages182
Messages from the concierge
service183
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System217
– for automatic climate
control101
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System217
Microphone
– telephone14
– voice commands14
Mirror dimming feature51