
Opening and closing
34 able hardtop, the system is checking whether a 
remote control is inside the vehicle. Please 
repeat the opening or closing procedure, if nec-
essary.<
Unlocking
Grasp the handle on the driver's or front pas-
senger door completely, arrow 1. This corre-
sponds to pressing the  button.
Locking
Touch the surface, arrow 2, with your finger for 
approx. 1 second. This corresponds to pressing 
the button.
To preserve the battery, please make 
sure that the ignition and all electrical 
consumers are switched off before locking the 
vehicle.<
Coupe: Convenient closing
For Convenient closing, keep your finger on the 
surface, arrow 2.
Convertible: window and convertible 
top operation
With the ignition at radio readiness or beyond, 
you can open and close the windows and the 
convertible top when a remote control is 
located inside the vehicle.
Unlocking the trunk lid separately
Press the button on the outside of the trunk lid. 
This corresponds to pressing the  button.
If the vehicle detects that a remote con-
trol has been accidentally left inside the 
locked vehicle's cargo area after the trunk lid is closed, the lid will reopen. The hazard warning 
flashers flash and an acoustic signal
* sounds.<
Switching on radio readiness
Radio readiness is switched on by pressing the 
start/stop button, refer to page55.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch; 
otherwise, the engine will start.<
Starting the engine
You can start the engine or switch on the igni-
tion when a remote control is inside the vehicle. 
It is not necessary to insert a remote control into 
the ignition lock, refer to page55.
Switching off the engine in cars with 
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the 
selector lever is in position P, refer to page56.
To switch the engine off when the selector lever 
is in position N, the remote control must be in 
the ignition lock.
Malfunction
Comfort Access may malfunction due to local 
radio waves. If this happens, open or close the 
vehicle via the buttons on the remote control or 
using the integrated key. To start the engine 
afterward, insert the remote control into the 
ignition lock.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when you attempt to 
start the engine: the engine cannot 
be started. The remote control is not inside the 
vehicle or is malfunctioning.
Take the remote control with you inside the 
vehicle or have it checked. If necessary, insert 
another remote control into the ignition lock.
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up while the engine is 
running: the remote control is no 
longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is 
switched off, the engine can only be restarted 
within approx. 10 seconds. 

Controls
 55Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Driving
Ignition lock
Insert the remote control into the 
ignition lock
Insert the remote control all the way into the 
ignition lock.
>Radio readiness is switched on.
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
Comfort Access*
If the car is equipped with Comfort Access, only 
insert the remote control into the ignition lock 
under special circumstances, refer to page33.
Removing the remote control from the 
ignition lock
Do not forcibly pull the remote control out 
of the ignition lock as this may cause 
damage.<
Before removing the remote control, push it all 
the way in to release the locking mechanism.
>The ignition is switched off if it was on.
Automatic transmission
You cannot take out the remote control unless 
the selector lever is in the P position: interlock.
Start/stop button
Pressing the start/stop button switches radio 
readiness or the ignition on or off.
Manual transmission: the engine is 
started when you press the start/stop 
button and depress the clutch.
Automatic transmission: the engine is started 
when you press the start/stop button and 
depress the brake.<
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate. 
The time and the outside temperature are dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
Radio readiness is switched off automatically:
>When the remote control is removed from 
the ignition lock
>In cars with Comfort Access
*, by touching 
the surface above the door lock, refer to 
Locking on page34
Ignition on
All electrical consumers can operate. The 
odometer and trip odometer are displayed in 
the instrument cluster.
When the engine is off, please switch off 
the ignition and any unnecessary electri-
cal consumers in order to preserve the bat-
tery.< 

Driving
56
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps as well as dis-
plays in the instrument cluster go out.
Starting the engine
Do not run the engine in enclosed areas; 
otherwise, the inhalation of toxic exhaust 
gases can cause loss of consciousness and 
death. The exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly 
toxic gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle 
with the engine running; otherwise, such a vehi-
cle represents a potential safety hazard. 
Before leaving the car with the engine running, 
place the transmission in neutral or move the 
selector lever to position P and forcefully apply 
the parking brake to prevent the car from mov-
ing.<
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion as well as repeated start attempts in 
which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the 
fuel is not burned or incompletely burned and 
there is a danger of overheating and damaging 
the catalytic converter.<
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the 
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right 
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Manual transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with 
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to 
page33.
1.Depress the brake.
2.Depress the clutch and shift to neutral posi-
tion.
3.Press the start/stop button.The starter operates automatically for a certain 
time, and stops automatically as soon as the 
engine has started.
Automatic transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with 
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to 
page33.
1.Depress the brake.
2.Move the selector lever to position P.
3.Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain 
time, and stops automatically as soon as the 
engine has started.
Switching off the engine
Always take the remote control with you 
when you leave the vehicle. 
When parking, apply the parking brake force-
fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll.<
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the start/
stop button.
2.Shift into first gear or reverse.
3.Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4.Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page55.
Automatic transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, move the selec-
tor lever to position P.
2.Press the start/stop button.
3.Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4.Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page55.
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it 
brakes the rear wheels. 

Things to remember when driving
118
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to 
each other. Please follow the instructions below 
in order to achieve the optimal service life and 
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do 
not exceed an engine speed of 4,500 rpm or a 
road speed of 100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually 
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in 
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal 
level only after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be 
observed if any of the components mentioned 
above have to be renewed in the course of the 
vehicle's operating life.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends 
on several factors. You can lower fuel consump-
tion and the environmental impact by taking 
certain measures, adjusting your driving style 
and having the vehicle serviced regularly.
Remove any unneeded cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove any mounted parts after you 
have finished using them
Remove unneeded additional mirrors, the roof 
rack and the rear luggage rack after use. 
Mounted parts affect the vehicle's aerodynam-
ics and increase fuel consumption.
Close the windows and glass roof
An open glass roof or window causes higher air 
resistance and thus increases fuel consump-
tion.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check the tire inflation pressure at least twice a 
month and before embarking on a long journey, 
and correct it if necessary.
Low tire inflation pressure causes higher rolling 
resistance and thus increases fuel consumption 
and tire wear.
Set off immediately
Do not let the engine warm up while the car is 
still standing, but set off immediately at moder-
ate engine speed. This is the fastest way for the 
cold engine to reach its operating temperature. 

Things to remember when driving
120 The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page209.
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 page84.
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  

 177
Entertainment
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips Communications
Navigation
Mobility
>Bluetooth has been activated in the vehicle, 
refer to page178, and on the mobile phone.
>Depending on the mobile phone, certain 
settings may be necessary on the mobile 
phone, e.g. via the following menu items:
>Bluetooth switched on
>Connection must be allowed without 
requiring further confirmation
>Reconnection
>Depending on the mobile phone type, the 
power-saving mode setting, for example, 
may result in a paired mobile phone not 
being detected by the vehicle.
>For pairing purposes, define any 4 to 16-
digit number as a Bluetooth passkey, 
e.g. 25081107. A long and complex number 
offers the best protection against unautho-
rized access. This Bluetooth passkey is no 
longer required after pairing is successful.
>The ignition is switched on.
Pair the mobile phone with the vehicle 
only when the car is stationary, to avoid 
endangering the car's occupants and other 
road users by being distracted.<
Switch on ignition
1.Insert remote control all the way into the 
ignition lock.
2.Switch on ignition without operating the 
brake or clutch or pressing the start/stop 
button.
Preparation via iDrive
3."Telephone"
4."Bluetooth"
5."Add new phone"The Bluetooth name of the vehicle is dis-
played.
Preparation via the mobile phone
6.Further steps must be carried out with the 
mobile phone and vary depending on the 
model. Please refer to your mobile phone's 
operating instructions, e.g. under the topics 
of Searching for a Bluetooth device, Linking 
or Pairing. 
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle appears 
on the mobile phone display.
7.Select the Bluetooth name of the vehicle on 
the mobile phone display.
Pairing
Depending on your mobile phone, you will see 
messages, first on the mobile phone display or 
on the iDrive, requesting you to enter the same 
Bluetooth passkey previously determined by 
you.
8.Enter the Bluetooth passkey.
Depending on the mobile phone, you will 
have approx. 30 seconds to enter your 
Bluetooth passkey on the mobile phone 
and the Control Display.
If the pairing was successful, the mobile phone 
appears at the top of the list of mobile phones.
Following the initial pairing
>The mobile phone is detected/connected in 
the vehicle within 2 minutes if the engine is 
running or the ignition is switched on.
>As soon as a mobile phone is detected by 
the vehicle, the phone book entries stored 
on the SIM card or on your mobile phone are 
transmitted to the vehicle. This transmis- 

Giving and receiving assistance
234 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: vehicle without xDrive
Manual and automatic transmission:
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.
With a tow truck: vehicle with xDrive
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just 
the front or rear axle raised; otherwise, the 
wheels could lock up and the transfer case 
could be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported on a flatbed surface 
only.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to 
page231. 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 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 and slowly release the clutch. 
After the engine starts, immediately 
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.
With xDrive: do not activate Hill Descent 
Control HDC when the vehicle is being 
tow-started, page83.< 

Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Average fuel consumption71
– setting the units72
Average speed71
Avoid highways in 
navigation136
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights241
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment43
Backrest width adjustment44
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats46
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb225,226,227
Bag holder111
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
pouch230
Bar, refer to Towing 
methods233
Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter186
– refer to Snap-in adapter in 
the center armrest storage 
compartment107
Bass, tone setting146
Battery228
– charging228
– disposal35,228
– jump-starting231
– remote control26
– replacing228
– temporary power failure228
Battery for mobile phone187
Battery renewal
– remote control35
– remote control for vehicle35
Being towed233
Belt hand-over49
– pinch protection system49
Belts, refer to Safety belts48Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts48
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders108
Blinds, refer to Roller sun 
blinds106
Blower, refer to Air 
volume100
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating178
BMW
– car shampoo221
BMW Assist190
BMW Assist, 
activating192,194
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System217
BMW Search192
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders
108
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control DBC82
Brake fluid, refer to Service 
requirements73
Brake Force Display89
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display89
– replacing bulb225,226,227
Brake pads118
– breaking in118
Brake rotors120
– brakes118
– breaking in118
Brakes
– ABS82
– BMW Maintenance 
System217
– Brake Force Display89
– breaking in118
– parking brake56
– service requirements73
Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely120Brake system118
– BMW Maintenance 
System217
– breaking in118
– disc brakes120
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance230
Breaking in the clutch118
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential118
Break-in period118
Brightness of the Control 
Display80
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs223
Button for starting the engine, 
refer to Start/stop button55
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11C
California Proposition 65 
warning5
Call
– accepting179
– ending180
– rejecting180
Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing180
Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders108
Capacities241
Capacity of the cargo area241
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery228
Car care, refer to Care219