
Cockpit
12
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified 
with 
+ are checked for proper function each 
time you turn the ignition key. They each light 
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored sys-
tem, the corresponding lamp will either fail to go 
out when the engine is started, or it will come on 
again during normal driving. Detailed informa-
tion is provided on the specified pages.
Battery charge current 
+118
Headlamp flasher41
High beams60
Engine oil 
+103
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System 
+51
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis 
control system for Canadian models
Brake system 
+ 
With handbrake released53, 105
With handbrake engaged39
With other warning lamps53
Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models
Brake pads 
+85
Please fasten safety belts 
+32
Airbags 
+57
Front fog lamps61
Automatic transmission +40 
Turn signals41
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 51, 52
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 
+52
Service Engine Soon 
+107
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for 
Canadian models.
Check Gas Cap
* +92
Engine electronics 
+38
Topping off washer fluid43
Coolant low105
Flat Tire Monitor
* +54 
Tire Pressure Monitor
* +55
Lamp defective59
Cruise control44
Door or liftgate open 

Opening and closing
18
Opening and closing
Key set
1Master keys with remote control
2Spare key
Master keys with remote control
Each master key contains a battery that is auto-
matically charged in the ignition lock during 
driving. Use the master key at least twice a year 
in order to maintain its charge condition.
Depending on which master key is detected by 
the vehicle during unlocking, different settings 
in the vehicle are requested and executed, refer 
to Key Memory.
Spare key
For storage in a safe place, such as in your wal-
let. 
This key does not fit in the lock of the glove 
compartment. This is an advantage, e.g. when 
valet parking. The key is not intended for con-
stant use.
New keys
You can get replacement keys or spare keys 
from your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory
How the system functions
You have probably frequently wished that you 
could configure individual functions of your 
vehicle to reflect your own personal require-ments. In developing your vehicle, BMW has 
incorporated a number of options for personal 
adjustment. You can have these programmed 
at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
There are vehicle-related and person-related 
adjustments: Vehicle Memory and Key Mem-
ory. You can configure up to four different basic 
adjustments for four different persons. The only 
requirement is that each person use his or her 
own master key with remote control.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the remote 
control, the vehicle recognizes the individual 
user by means of a data exchange with the key, 
and makes adjustments accordingly.
In order for you to distinguish between the mas-
ter keys with remote control, color-coded 
decals are supplied together with the keys.
What the system can do
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center 
about the possibilities of Vehicle Memory and 
Key Memory.
You will see this symbol throughout the 
Owner's Manual. It is to remind you at 
appropriate places of the settings that are avail-
able to you.<
Following configuration of memory func-
tions, vehicle operation may differ from 
the description in the Owner's Manual. Should 
you wish to sell your BMW some day, please 
remember to have the memory functions reset 
to the factory default settings.<
Examples of Vehicle Memory
>Different confirmation signals to confirm 
locking/unlocking of the vehicle, refer to 
page19.
>Activating/deactivating function for path-
way lighting, refer to page59.
>Activating/deactivating daytime driving 
lamps, refer to page59. 

Opening and closing
20 If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture deactivated on vehicles without an 
alarm system.<
Do not lock the vehicle from the outside 
when people are in it since they will be 
unable to unlock it from the inside if they do not 
know the special procedure.<
If you unlock the vehicle, but do not open 
any doors, the central locking system 
automatically relocks the vehicle after a short 
time. If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture activated/deactivated.<
Switching off tilt alarm sensor* and 
interior motion sensor*
Press the  button again directly after 
locking. 
For details, refer to page26.
Switching on interior lamps
With the vehicle locked:
Press the  button.
You can also use this function to locate your 
vehicle in parking garages etc.
Panic mode*
You can also trigger the alarm system* in case 
of danger:
Press the   button for at least 3 seconds.
Deactivating alarm
>When vehicle is unlocked
Press button for unlocking or locking
>When vehicle is locked
Press button for unlocking
Unlocking liftgate
Press the   button.
The liftgate will open slightly, regardless of 
whether it was previously locked or unlocked.
If you wish, you can have the liftgate open 
only after the vehicle has been unlocked. 
You may have this function activated/deacti-
vated.
A previously locked liftgate is also locked again 
after closing.
Before and after a drive, make sure that the lift-
gate has not been inadvertently released.<
Malfunction
The remote control may malfunction due to 
local radio waves. 
Should this occur, use the master key to unlock 
and relock the vehicle via the door lock.
If it is no longer possible to lock the vehicle 
using the remote control, its battery is dis-
charged. Use this remote control during an 
extended drive; this will recharge the battery, 
refer to page18.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with 
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications 
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID: 
LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions:
>This device must not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
>this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could void the 
user's authority to operate this equipment.< 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 23
In the back, separate switches are provided in 
the armrests.
For convenience operation using the remote 
control or the door lock, refer to pages19, 21.
After switching off ignition
You can operate the windows for up to 1 minute 
as long as no door has been opened.
Pinch protection system
If the closing force rises beyond a predefined 
threshold when a window is being closed, the 
system will interrupt the closing of the window 
prior to lowering it slightly.
Despite the presence of the pinch protec-
tion system, inspect the window's travel 
path prior to closing it, as the safety system 
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-
t i o n s ,  su c h  a s  v e r y  t h i n  o b je c t s ,  a n d  t h e  w i n d o w  
would continue closing.
Do not install any accessories in the movement 
range of the window as this could impair the 
function of the pinch protection system.<
Closing without pinch protection 
system
When there is danger outside or when, for 
example, ice on the window prevents a normal 
closing, press the switch past the resistance 
point and hold it there. The window will close 
without the pinch protection system.
Following interruptions in electrical 
power supply
After disconnecting the battery, the pinch pro-
tection system must be reinitialized. To do this, 
open and close the windows once and continue 
pull the switch for longer than approx. 2 sec-
onds after closing.
Safety switch
With the safety switch, you can prevent the rear 
windows from being opened or closed via the 
switches in the rear passenger area, by chil-
dren, for example. The LED lights up when this 
safety function is activated.
Press the safety switch when children 
ride in the rear; otherwise, unsupervised 
closing of the windows could lead to injuries.<
Panorama glass sunroof*
The panorama glass sunroof is ready for opera-
tion with the ignition key in position 2.
Keep panorama glass sunroof in your line 
of sight while closing. Fa ilure to  do so c an 
result in bodily injury.
Always remove the key when leaving the vehi-
cle; otherwise, children could operate the sun-
roof and injure themselves.<
Raising
Press the switch.
The closed roof is raised and the sliding visor 
opens slightly. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 25
Moving manually*
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can 
move the sunroof manually.
1.Pull the cover firmly downward to remove.
2.Take the Allen wrench
* from the compart-
ment under cargo area floor, refer to 
page116, and insert it into the opening pro-
vided. Move the sunroof into the desired 
position. The arrow in the illustration indi-
cates the rotation direction for closing the 
sunroof.
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood, or the liftgate is 
opened.
>To movements inside the vehicle: interior 
motion sensor, refer to description below.
>When the car's inclination changes, for 
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up 
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to 
towing away.
>To interruptions in battery voltage.The alarm system signals unauthorized manip-
ulations for a short time by:
>Sounding an acoustic alarm
>Switching on the hazard warning flashers
>Flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming alarm system
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with 
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm 
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
If the alarm system has been properly armed, 
the hazard warning flashers light up once.
You can have different confirmation sig-
nals set to confirm arming and disarm-
ing.<
You can open the liftgate even when the system 
is armed by using the  button of the remote 
control, refer to page20. When the liftgate is 
closed, it is locked again and monitored.
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote control, 
refer to page19.
>Turn the ignition key to position 1.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp below the interior rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after the vehicle 
is locked: doors, hood, or liftgate are not 
properly closed. Even if you do not close the 
alerted area, the system begins to monitor 
the remaining areas, and the indicator lamp 
flashes continuously after approx. 10 sec- 

Practical interior accessories
74
Clothes hooks
When hanging clothing from the hooks 
ensure that it will not obstruct the driver's 
vision. Do not hang heavy objects on the hooks. 
If you do so, they could endanger passengers 
during braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Ashtray*
Emptying
Press the edge of the opened cover: the ashtray 
moves up and can be removed.
On vehicles with the nonsmoker's equipment 
package, the insert is removed in the same way.
Lighter*
Press in the cigarette lighter1. 
The lighter can be removed as soon as it pops 
out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by 
the knob only. Holding or touching it in 
other areas could result in burns. 
The cigarette lighter remains operational when 
the ignition key has been removed. For this rea-
son, do not leave unsupervised children in the 
vehicle.<
Connecting electrical devices
You can use electrical devices such as flash-
lights, car vacuum cleaners, or the like with 
power ratings of up to approx. 200 W at 12 V if 
at least one of the following connection points is provided. Avoid damage to the socket caused 
by inserting plugs of the wrong shape or size.
To reduce the strain on the battery, do not 
leave electrical devices connected with 
the engine switched off.<
Lighter socket
Remove cigarette lighter from its socket.
With the nonsmoker's equipment package the 
socket is covered with a removable cap.
Power socket in cargo area
Fold the cover upward.
Connection for external audio 
device
You can connect an external audio device, e.g. a 
CD or MP3 player, and play the sound over the 
vehicle speakers. You can adjust the volume 
and tone via the car radio, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual for the radio or for the onboard 
computer.
Connecting
Connection for audio playback:
1/8 in/3.5 mm jack 

Giving and receiving assistance
122
Starting engine
1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and 
let it run at a slightly elevated idling speed 
for a few minutes.
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 connection sequence.
If need be, have the battery checked and 
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine.<
Tow starting and towing
Obey all applicable laws and guidelines 
for tow starting and towing.<
Do not allow any passengers other than 
the driver to ride in a vehicle that is being 
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the 
onboard tool kit, refer to page111, and must 
always remain in the vehicle. It can be screwed 
in at the front or rear of the BMW.
Only use the tow fitting that comes with 
the vehicle and screw it in as far as it will 
go. Use the tow fitting only for towing on roads. 
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 can be dam-
aged.<
Access to screw thread
Front
Push the cover in the bumper out of the recess 
with a screwdriver.
Rear
Press on the mark provided on the cover.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1; otherwise, the steering lock will 
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine 
switched off. It is therefore necessary to exert 
increased effort for braking and steering.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with 
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to 
page40.
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.< 

Everything from A to Z
132 Child's seat, refer to Child 
restraint devices35
Child restraint devices35
– installing35
– with tether strap36
Child-restraint system 
LATCH36
Child-safety locks37
Child seat security35
Cigarette lighter74
Circulation of air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode64,68
Cleaning rear window43
Cleaning your BMW, refer to 
Care and maintenance108
Clock47,48
– 12 or 24 hour mode48
– setting, also refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
– setting time47
Closing
– from inside21
– with the remote control19
Clothes hooks74
Clutch82
– breaking-in82
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting 
engine38
Combination of wheel/tire99
Compact wheel, wheel 
changes116
Compartments, refer to 
Storage compartments73
Compartments in cargo area, 
refer to Behind side trim 
panel78
Compass, digital70
Computer48
– also refer to Owner's Manual 
for Onboard Computer
– functions48
Condensation, refer to When 
the vehicle is parked84
Confirmation signal for 
locking/unlocking 
vehicle19,21Connecting car vacuum 
cleaner, refer to Connecting 
electrical devices74
Connecting electrical 
devices74
Consumption, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption49
Consumption indicator, refer 
to Fuel gauge46
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– from outside21
– panorama glass sunroof21
– windows21
Coolant105
– level105
– temperature gauge47
– warning lamp105
Cooling, refer to 
Temperature64,67
Copyright2
Correct wheels and tires99
Courtesy lamps61
Cruise control44
– buttons on steering 
wheel13
– indicator lamp44
Cruising range49
Cup holders72
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights128
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data126
D
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting61
Dashboard system, refer to 
Cockpit10
Data, technical126
– dimensions127
– engine126
– filling capacities129
– weights128
Daytime driving lamps59
Deactivating front passenger 
airbags35,57Defective lamp59
Defects7
Defrosting windows64,67
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows64,67
Digital clock47
Digital compass70
Dimensions127
Dimming mirror34
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals41
Disk brakes85
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data126
Display illumination, refer to 
Instrument lighting61
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting61
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster11
Disposal, vehicle battery118
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control50
Door exit lighting61
Door handle lighting59
Door keys18
Door lock21
Doors
– locking and unlocking from 
inside21
– manual operation21
– unlocking and locking, 
confirmation signals19,21
DOT Quality Grades97
Draft-free ventilation65,
68
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams59
Driving notes84
Driving on poor roads87
Driving stability control 
systems51
Driving through water87