
At a glance
 15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Coupe: microphone for voice activation 
system
* and for telephone* in hands-free 
mode
Convertible: microphone on steering col-
umn
2SOS: initiating an Emergency Request 
call
*230
3Reading lamps97
4Coupe: glass roof, electric
*36
5Interior lamps97
6Passenger airbag status lamp
*91
7Control Display16
8Hazard warning flashers
9Dynamic Traction Control DTC82
10Central locking system30
11Automatic climate control
12CD/DVD drive
*15713Changing the audio and entertainment 
sources
14Selecting AM or FM waveband
15Changing
>Radio station149
>Track157
17Controller16 
Can be turned, pressed, or moved in four 
directions
18Buttons on the controller16
Selecting menus directly
20Programmable memory keys20
21Switching entertainment audio sources on/
off and adjusting volume146
22Ejecting a CD/DVD
*157 Air distribution to the 
windshield99
Air distribution to the upper body 
area99
Air distribution to the footwell99
Automatic air distribution and flow 
rate99
Cooling function100
Automatic recirculated-air control 
AUC and recirculated-air 
mode100
Maximum cooling99
ALL program100
Air volume100
Defrosting windows100
Rear window defroster100
Heated seats
*47
16
Park Distance Control PDC*81
Coupe: 
Roller sun blind
*106
Coupe: 
Hill Descent Control HDC
*83
19Convertible:
Opening and closing retractable 
hardtop38 

Controls
 65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Selecting distance
>Press downward: 
Increase distance.
>Press upward: 
Decrease distance.
The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance. 
Otherwise, an accident risk could result.<
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow3. 
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When the speed is reduced to below 
20 mph or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation
>When you switch gears very slowly or shift 
to neutral in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When you activate the Dynamic Traction 
Control DTC
>When you deactivate the Dynamic Stability 
Control DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
>When the system does not recognize any 
objects for a longer period of time, e.g. on 
infrequently traveled roads without a shoul-
der or guard rails, or if the radar sensor is 
covered with dirt, refer to page66
>When you apply the parking brake
When the system is deactivated, you 
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or 
maneuver as necessary; otherwise, there is a 
risk of accidents.<
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when 
active cruise control has been auto-
matically deactivated, for example 
due to a driving speed below 20 mph or 
30 km/h or a DSC intervention. A message 
appears on the Control Display. Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3
Distance 4
This is always the preset dis-
tance when you use the system 
for the first time after starting the 
engine. 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
82 can drown out the PDC signal. Therefore, 
always drive cautiously; otherwise, there is a 
risk of personal injury or property damage.<
Driving stability control 
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help 
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in 
adverse driving conditions.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during 
braking. Safe steering response is maintained 
even during full braking. Active safety is thus 
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the 
engine. Braking safely, refer to page120.
Electronic brake-force distribution 
EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the 
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system 
automatically produces the maximum braking 
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the 
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing 
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable 
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the 
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting 
at an angle past the front wheels. In these 
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe 
course within physical limits by reducing engine 
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.The laws of physics cannot be repealed, 
even with DSC. An appropriate driving 
style always remains the responsibility of the 
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional 
safety margin again by taking risks, as this could 
result in an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamps for DSC in the instrument cluster 
light up. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and 
DSC have been simultaneously deactivated. 
Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions 
are no longer executed.
In the same way as with a differential interlock
*, 
even if DSC is deactivated, brake actions are 
still performed to enhance drive output if the 
drive wheels experience a significant loss of 
traction.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again 
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps in 
the instrument cluster go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: 
DSC is regulating the drive and brak-
ing forces.
If the indicator lamps are on: 
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,  

Controls
 83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with 
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC 
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving uphill on snow-covered roads, 
in slush or on unplowed, snow-covered 
roads
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button; the indicator lamps for DTC in 
the instrument cluster come on.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: 
DTC is regulating the drive and brak-
ing forces.
If the indicator lamps are on: 
DTC has been activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator 
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
xDrive*
xDrive is your BMW's four-wheel-drive system. 
The combined efforts of xDrive and DSC help to 
further optimize traction and driving dynamics. 
The xDrive four-wheel-drive system distributes 
driving power variably to the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation and road 
conditions.
Hill Descent Control HDC*
HDC is a downhill driving assistant that controls 
your speed on steep downhill gradients and 
makes it even easier to control your BMW's 
handling under these conditions. The vehicle 
then moves slightly faster than double walking 
speed without the driver needing to intervene.
HDC can be activated as long as you are driving 
under approx. 20 mph or 35 km/h. When driving 
downhill at a speed of under approx. 20 mph or 
35 km/h, the vehicle's speed is automatically 
reduced to slightly more than double walking 
speed and maintained.
Increasing or decreasing speed
By accelerating or braking you can change this 
speed within a range from approx. 3 to 15 mph, 
approx. 5 to 25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same 
range using the cruise control
* lever on the 
steering column.
1To increase speed
2To decrease speed 

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 

Mobility
 211Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by 
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a 
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall 
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling 
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for winter roads 
or at temperatures below +45°F/+76. 
Although all-season M+S tires provide better 
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the 
winter tires mounted on your car; failure 
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that 
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the 
maximum permitted speed for the mounted 
tires must be displayed in your field of view. 
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center 
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry 
place with as little exposure to light as possible. 
Always protect tires against all contact with oil, 
grease and fuels.  Do not exceed the maximum 
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall 
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels 
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires 
have the same size, as this could impair driving 
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes, 
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been 
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and 
recommended. Consult your BMW center for 
more information. 
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on 
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow 
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or 
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if 
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the 
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it 
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to 
page82.< 

Everything from A - Z
252 Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting96
Displays
– on the Control Display16
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant215
– remote control battery35
– vehicle battery228
Distance control, refer to 
Active cruise control63
Distance remaining to service, 
refer to Service 
requirements73
Distance warning, refer to 
Park Distance Control 
PDC81
Door key, refer to Remote 
control with integrated 
key26
Door lock29
Doors, emergency 
operation30
DOT Quality Grades208
Draft-free ventilation101
Drinks holders, refer to 
Cupholders108
Drive-off assistance, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC82
Drive-off assistant84
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams93
Driving notes118
Driving off on hills, refer to 
Drive-off assistant84
Driving stability control 
systems82
Driving through water120
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes118
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function100
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control82DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control82
– indicator/warning lamp82
DVD
– country codes159
– settings160
– video playback159
DVD menu160
DVD player, refer to CD 
player157
DVD video159
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC82
Dynamic destination 
guidance137
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC82
– indicator/warning lamp82
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp83
E
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution82
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on the CD/DVD player146
Electrical malfunction
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler flap198
– glass roof37
Electric seat adjustment43
Electric steering wheel lock
– with Comfort Access34
Electronic brake-force 
distribution EBV82
Electronic oil level check213
Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC82
Emergency actuation, 
automatic transmission, 
refer to Overriding selector 
lever lock59
Emergency operation
– fuel filler flap, manual 
release198Emergency operation, refer to 
Closing manually
– glass roof37
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– door lock30
Emergency release
– trunk lid from inside31
Emergency Request230
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance230
Energy, saving
– saving fuel118
Engine
– breaking in118
– data238
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature70
– speed238
– starting56
– starting, Comfort Access33
– switching off56
Engine compartment213
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant215
Engine oil
– adding215
– alternative oil types215
– BMW Maintenance 
System217
– capacity241
– checking level213
– intervals between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements73
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data238
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
data238
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine56
Entry lamps, refer to Interior 
lamps97
Entry map for destination132
Equalizer, tone setting147
Error messages, refer to 
Check Control77 

Reference 261
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Tone
– control146
– middle setting148
Tools, refer to Onboard 
vehicle tool kit223
Top, refer to Retractable 
hardtop38
Top 50 of music 
collection166
Torque, refer to Engine 
data238
Tow bar233
Tow fitting233
– screw thread233
Tow fittings for tow-starting 
and towing away233
Towing232
– car with automatic 
transmission232
– methods233
Towing and tow-starting232
Town/city, for navigation127
Tow rope233
Tow-starting232,234
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure 
Monitor86
Track
– selecting on CD157
Traction control, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC82
Traffic bulletins
– categories141
Traffic bulletins, filtering141
Traffic bulletins for 
navigation139
– during destination 
guidance141
– in map view141
Traffic jam
– displaying traffic 
bulletins139
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
– manual transmission57
– overriding selector lever lock 
for automatic transmission 
with Steptronic59Transmission interlock
– refer to Changing selector 
lever position58
– refer to P Park58
Transporting children 
safely52
Transport securing devices, 
refer to Securing cargo122
Travel instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions137
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tire tread209
Trip, deleting135
Trip, storing134
Trip computer, refer to 
Displays on the Control 
Display71
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer69
Triple turn signal activation60
Trip odometer69
Trips, changing135
Trunk lid31
– Comfort Access34
– emergency release31
– locking or unlocking 
separately31
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– remote control28
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions239
Turn signal indicators
– indicator/warning lamp12
Turn signals59
– replacing bulbs225
– triple turn signal60
Tying down loads, refer to 
Cargo loading122
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR208
Units of measure
– average consumption72
– temperature72Universal garage door opener, 
refer to Integrated universal 
remote control103
Universal mobile phone 
preparation package, refer 
to separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control103
Unlatching, refer to 
Unlocking33
Unlocking
– from inside30
– from outside27
– setting unlocking 
characteristics27
– trunk lid34
– without remote control, refer 
to Comfort Access33
Updating the navigation 
data126
USB audio interface169
V
VCD159
Vehicle
– battery228
– breaking in118
– cargo loading120
– Identification Number, refer 
to Engine compartment213
– measurements, refer to 
Dimensions239
– parking56
– weight241
Vehicle jack228
Vehicle storage222
Ventilation101
– draft-free101
– in the rear101
Ventilation, refer to Climate98
Ventilation while at a 
standstill101
Vents, refer to Ventilation101
Video menu160
Video playback159
Voice, refer to Destination 
guidance through voice 
instructions137