
Controls
 43Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
4Backrest
Lumbar support*
You can also adjust the contour of the backrest 
to obtain additional support in the lumbar 
region.
The upper hips and spinal column receive sup-
plementary support to help you maintain a 
relaxed, upright sitting position.
>Increase or decrease curvature: press the 
switch at the front or rear, respectively.
>Shift curvature up or down: press the switch 
at the top or bottom, respectively.
Backrest width*
You can change the width of the backrest to suit 
your individual preferences by adjusting the lat-
eral-support pads.Press the front or rear end of the switch.
Backrest width decreases or increases accord-
ingly.
Heated seats*
Press once for each temperature level. 
Three LEDs indicate the highest temperature.
To switch off:
Press button longer.
If you continue driving within approx. the next 
15 minutes, the seat heating is automatically 
activated at the previously set temperature.
The temperature is lowered or the heating is 
switched off entirely to save on battery power. 
The LEDs stay lit.
Seat and mirror memory*
You can store and call up two different combi-
nations of driver's-seat and exterior-mirror 
positions.
Settings for the backrest width and lumbar sup-
port are not stored in memory. 

Controls
 45Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Closing
Make sure you hear the latch plate engage in 
the belt buckle.
The upper belt anchor is suitable for adults of 
any stature as long as the seat is adjusted prop-
erly, refer to page41.
Opening
1.Grasp the belt firmly.
2.Press the red button in the buckle.
3.Guide the belt into its reel.
'Fasten safety belts' reminder for driver 
and passenger*
The indicator lamp comes on and an 
acoustic signal sounds. In addition, a 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. Check whether the safety belt 
has been fastened correctly.
The 'Fasten safety belts' reminder is issued as 
long as the driver's safety belt has not been fas-
tened. In some country-specific versions, the 
'Fasten safety belts' reminder is also activated 
at road speeds above approx. 5 mph or 8 km/h if 
the passenger safety belt is not fastened, if 
objects are placed on the passenger seat, or if 
driver or passenger unfasten their safety belts.
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or 
stressed in an accident: have the belt sys-
tem, including any belt tensioners or child 
restraint systems, replaced and the belt 
anchors checked. Have this work done only by 
your BMW center or at a workshop that works 
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. Otherwise, it is 
not guaranteed that the safety devices will func-
tion properly.<
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The passenger's mirror is more convex 
than the driver's mirror. The objects seen 
in the mirror are closer than they appear. Do not 
gauge your distance from traffic behind you on 
the basis of what you see in the mirror; other-
wise, there is an increased risk of an accident.<
1Adjustments
2Folding mirrors in and out
*
3Switching to the other mirror or automatic 
curb monitor
*
The setting for the exterior mirrors is stored for 
the remote control currently in use
*. The stored 
position is called up automatically when the 
vehicle is unlocked.
Manual adjustment
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually: 
press the edge of the glass.
Folding mirrors in and out*
At driving speeds up to approx. 12 mph/
20 km/h, you can fold the mirrors in and out by 
pressing button2. This can be beneficial in nar-
row streets, for example, or for moving mirrors 
that were folded in by hand back out into their 
correct positions. Mirrors that were folded in are 
folded out automatically at a speed of approx. 
25 mph/40 km/h.
Before entering an automatic car wash, 
fold in the exterior mirrors by hand or with 
button2 to prevent them from being damaged 
due to the width of the vehicle.< 

Transporting children safely
48
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the 
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger 
themselves and/or other persons by opening 
the doors, for example.<
Children on the passenger seat
Always transport children under the age 
of 13 or smaller than 5 ft/150 cm in a child 
restraint system suitable for their age, weight 
and size, and with the passenger airbag deacti-
vated. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of 
injury in the event of an accident or if the airbags 
deploy.<
Children 13 years of age or older must be buck-
led in with a safety belt as soon as there no 
longer is any child restraint system that is 
appropriate for their age, size and weight.
For more information on automatic deactivation 
of the passenger airbags refer to page86.
Installing child restraint 
systems
After installing a child restraint system on 
the passenger seat, make sure that the 
front and side airbags for the passenger are 
deactivated; otherwise, there is an increased 
risk of injury if the airbags deploy.
Observe the child restraint system manufac-
turer's instructions when selecting, installing 
and using child restraint systems. Otherwise, 
the protective effect may be diminished.<
Standard child restraint systems are designed 
to be secured with a lap belt or with the lap-belt 
section of a lap-and-shoulder belt. Incorrectly 
or improperly installed child restraint systems 
can increase the risk of injury to children. 
Always follow the installation instructions for 
the system with the greatest care.
On the passenger seat
After installing a child restraint system on 
the passenger seat, make sure that the 
front and side airbags for the passenger are 
deactivated; otherwise, there is an increased 
risk of injury if the airbags deploy.<
Seat position
Before installing a child restraint system, move 
the passenger seat as far back and up
* as pos-
sible to obtain the best possible position for 
the belt.
Backrest width*
The backrest width of the passenger seat 
must be at its widest possible setting. Do 
not change the setting after installing the child 
seat. Otherwise, the child seat's stability on the 
passenger seat is limited.<
1.Adjust the backrest width to its widest set-
ting, refer to page43.
2.Install the child seat.
Child seat security
The safety belt for the passenger can be locked 
to prevent it from being pulled out when it is 
used to secure child restraint systems. 

Mobility
 197Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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 … 3709 means that the 
tire was manufactured in week 37 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.< For example:
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in % 
 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
For example:
Manufacturer's code 
for tire make
Tire size and 
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3709 

Care
208
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 
damage.<
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 page227.
>If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors, 
refer to page45.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rail heights 
over 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, there is dan-
ger of damaging chassis parts.<
Preparations before driving into an automatic 
car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna
*.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to avoid unin-
tentional activation of the wipers.
>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, even with Com-
fort Access, into the ignition lock.
2.Move the selector lever to 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. 

Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic high beams and 
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant90
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC98
Automatic Service 
Request188
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic53
– interlock53,54
– overriding selector lever 
lock55
– shiftlock, refer to Changing 
selector lever position54
– sport program54
– towing220
– tow-starting220
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control97
AUX-IN port104,163
Available services188
Average fuel consumption66
– setting the units68
Average speed66
Avoid highways in 
navigation130
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms34
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights228
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support43
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment42
Backrest width adjustment43
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb214
Backup lamps, refer to Tail 
lamps214
Band-aids, refer to First-aid 
pouch219
Bar, refer to Towing 
methods221Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter180
– refer to Snap-in adapter in 
the center armrest storage 
compartment104
Bass, tone setting140
Battery216
– charging216
– disposal36,216
– jump-starting219
– remote control28
– temporary power failure216
Battery for mobile phone181
Battery renewal
– remote control36
– remote control for vehicle36
Being towed221
Belts, refer to Safety belts44
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts44
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders105
Blower, refer to Air flow 
rate94,97
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating173
Bluetooth, refer to separate 
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo211
BMW Assist, 
activating186,188
BMW Assist184
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System206
BMW Search186
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders105
Brake
– parking brake52
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control DBC78Brake fluid, refer to Service 
requirements69
Brake Force Display85
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display85
– replacing bulb214
Brake pads112
– breaking in112
Brake rotors114
– brakes112
– breaking in112
Brakes
– ABS78
– BMW Maintenance 
System206
– breaking in112
– service requirements69
Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely114
Brake system112
– BMW Maintenance 
System206
– breaking in112
– disc brakes114
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance218
Breaking in the clutch112
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential112
Break-in period112
Brightness of Control 
Display76
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs212
Button for starting the engine, 
refer to Start/stop button50
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning6 

Everything from A to Z
250 Voice, refer to Destination 
guidance through voice 
instructions132
Voice commands
– short commands229
– telephone178
Voice instructions from 
navigation system132
– repeating132
– switching on/off132
– volume132
Voice phone book*179
Volume140
– audio sources140
– fuel tank, refer to 
Capacities228
– mobile phone173
– voice instructions132
Volume balance, tone 
setting142
W
Warning and indicator 
lamps13Warning messages, refer to 
Check Control73
Warning triangle219
Washer fluid61
– content of the reservoir61
Washer fluid reservoir61
Water on roads, refer to 
Driving through water114
Water penetration208,209
Waveband on the radio143
Wear indicators in tires, refer 
to Minimum tread depth198
Weights228
Welcome lamps88
Wheel/tire combination, refer 
to Correct wheels and 
tires199
Wheelbase, refer to 
Dimensions227
Wheels, new199
Wheels and tires194
Width, refer to 
Dimensions227
Wind deflector39
Windows36
– convenient operation30
– opening, closing37
– pinch protection system37
Windows, defrosting, refer to 
Defrosting windows95
Windows, defrosting and 
defogging
– air conditioner95
Windows, indicator on Control 
Display16
Windshield
– cleaning61
– defrosting and defogging95
Windshield, defrosting, refer 
to Defrosting windows95
Windshield wash60
– filling capacity, reservoir228
– nozzles61
– reservoir for washer fluid61
– washer fluid61
Windshield wiper blades, 
changing212
Windshield wipers, refer to 
Wiper system60Winter tires200
– storage200
Wiper blade replacement212
Wiper system60
Word-matching principle for 
navigation129
Work in the engine 
compartment201
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to 
Onboard vehicle tool kit212
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulbs213
Y
Your individual vehicle
– settings, refer to Personal 
Profile28