Controls
97Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Switching the cooling function on
and off
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before reheating it as required,
according to the temperature set-
ting. This function is only available while the
engine is running.
The cooling function helps prevent condensa-
tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
The cooling function is automatically switched
on along with the AUTO program.
Maximum cooling
Maximum cooling is achieved most
quickly at outside temperatures
above 327/06 and when the
engine is running.
The automatic climate control goes into recir-
culated-air mode at the lowest temperature. Air
flows at maximum rate from the vents for the
upper body area. You should therefore open the
vents for maximum cooling.
AUTO program
The AUTO program automatically adjusts the
air distribution to the windshield and side win-
dows, towards the upper body area, and into the
footwell and knee area.
The air flow rate and air distribution, in addition
to your temperature specifications, will be
adapted to outside influences as a result of sea-
sonal changes, e.g., sunlight or window con-
densation.
The cooling is switched on automatically with
the AUTO program.
Switching on/off
Press the button.
Manual air distribution and air flow rate are acti-
vated when the AUTO program is deactivated.
AUTO program climate level
The climate levels can be used to vary the inten-
sity when the AUTO program is switched on.
For example, air flow is adjusted automatically
to optimize climate control.
When the AUTO program is
switched on, you can select the cli-
mate level of the AUTO program
using the buttons for controlling the manual air
flow rate.
The selected climate level is displayed by
an LED.
Convertible program
When the hardtop is open, the convertible pro-
gram is activated as well. In the convertible pro-
gram, the automatic climate control is opti-
mized for driving with the hardtop open. In
addition, the air flow rate is increased as vehicle
speed increases.
The effectiveness of the convertible pro-
gram can be enhanced considerably by
installing the wind deflector.<
Adjusting air flow rate manually
Press the left side of the button to
reduce air flow. Press the right side
of the button to increase it.
The air flow rate may be reduced to save battery
power. The display remains the same.
Switching the system on/off
With the blower at its lowest setting, press the
left side of the button to switch off the auto-
matic climate control. All displays are cleared
except for the rear window defroster if it is
switched on.
Press any button except the rear window
defroster to reactivate the automatic climate
control.
Driving tips
113Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate
distance to the forward vehicle. A defensive
and smooth driving style keeps fuel consump-
tion 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.
On a downhill slope, take your foot off the accel-
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 congestion. 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 and the
seat or rear window heating draw large amounts
of power and consume additional fuel. Espe-
cially in city traffic and in stop-and-go driving
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 page206.
General driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is closed. Other-
wise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of
the vehicle.<
If the vehicle must be driven with the luggage
compartment lid open:
1.Close all windows.
2.Greatly increase the air volume of the
automatic climate control system, refer
to page97.
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.<
Things to remember when driving
114 The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page198.
Driving through water
Drive though calm water only if it is not
deeper than 1 ft/25 cm and at this height
no faster than walking speed, up to 6 mph/
10 km/h. 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 page80.
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. 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 page54.
7-gear sport automatic transmission with
dual clutch: Never drive with the trans-
mission 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.
Manual transmission: Never drive with the
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral 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.
Driving tips
115Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Before driving into a car wash
General information on caring for your BMW
can be found on page208.
With Comfort Access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition
switch.
The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page208.
With Comfort Access and 7-gear sport
automatic transmission with dual
clutch
Insert the remote control into the ignition
switch.
The engine can be switched off when the trans-
mission is in position N. Refer also to page209.
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
develops inside the tires. This can ultimately
result in a sudden blowout.<
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or
leak from their containers in the cargo
area, as this could result in damage to the
vehicle.<
Always position and secure the cargo as
described so that it cannot endanger the
car's occupants, for example if sudden braking
or swerving is necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page228, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs and there will be five 150 lbs
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs:
1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system113
Exterior mirrors45
– adjusting45
– automatic dimming
feature46
– automatic heating46
– folding in and out45
External audio device104
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away220
– for tying down loads116
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control73
Failure of an electrical
consumer216
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm34
– switching off an alarm34
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts44
Fastest route for
navigation130
Fast forward
– CD changer153
– CD player153
Fault
– parking brake53
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control98
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner95
First aid pouch219
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock50
Flash when locking/
unlocking31
Flat tire
– run-flat tires199
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM82Flat Tire Monitor FTM81
– indicating a flat tire81
– indicator/warning lamp81
– initializing the system81
– snow chains81,200
– system limits81
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition198
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir61
FM, waveband143
Folding in the mirrors, before
driving into a car wash45
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely114
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps92
Forward gear, engaging, refer
to Transmission
positions56
For your own safety5
Free memory capacity, music
collection161
Front airbags85
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor81
Fuel193
– average consumption66
– gauge65
– high-quality brands193
– quality193
– specifications
193
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities228
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Fuel filler flap192
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction192
Fuses216
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control100Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption66
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel193
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Gas station
recommendations131
Gear display, refer to Displays
in the instrument cluster56
Gear indicator, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic53
Gears, changing57
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic54
– manual transmission53
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic54
– manual transmission53
General driving notes113
Glove compartment103
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system120
Grills, refer to Air vents93
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights228
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake52
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD Radio144
Head airbags85
Headlamp control,
automatic88
Headlamp flasher59
– indicator lamp11,13
Heated
– mirrors46
– rear window95,98
– seats43
Everything from A to Z
242 Heating93
– mirrors46
– rear window95,98
– seats43
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate93
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo116
Height, refer to
Dimensions227
Height adjustment
– seats42
– steering wheel46
High-beam assistant90
High beams90
– headlamp flasher90
– indicator lamp13
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant90
High-pressure
washer208,209
High water, refer to Driving
through water114
Highways, refer to Route
criteria130
Hills114
Holders for cups105
Homepage BMW4
Hood201
Horn10,11
Hot exhaust system113
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC78
Hydroplaning113
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio144
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning64
Identification marks
– run-flat tires199
– tire coding197iDrive16
– adjusting brightness76
– changing language75
– changing settings75
– changing units of measure
and display format68
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– setting the date and
time71,72
– status information20
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition50
– switched off50
– switched on50
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness50
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on50
Ignition lock50
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM83
Individual air distribution94
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure194
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM82
Initializing
– after power failure216
– compass, refer to
Calibrating103
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM81
– radio, refer to Station,
storing144
– refer to Setting the time and
date72Installation location
– telephone104
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions132
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting91
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control100
Interactive map127
Interior lamps92
– remote control30
Interior motion sensor34
Interior rearview mirror46
– automatic dimming
feature46
– compass102
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control53
Intermittent mode of the
wipers60
Intersection, entering,
navigation122
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port163
iPod, connecting, refer to USB
audio interface163
J
Jacking points215
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting219
Jump-starting219
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control28
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access34
Everything from A to Z
244 Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System206
– for air conditioner95
– for automatic climate
control98
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System206
Mirror dimming feature46
Mirrors45
– automatic curb monitor46
– exterior mirrors45
– heating46
– interior rearview mirror46
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory43
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume173
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing170
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest104
– operation via iDrive173
– pairing170
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest104
Mobile phone, refer to
Telephone170
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitor, refer to iDrive
controls16
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor81
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to AUX-IN port163MP3 player, connecting, refer
to USB audio interface163
Multi-channel playback141
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher59
– refer to Wiper system60
Multimedia screen, refer to
iDrive16
Music, playing159
Music collection158
– backup162
– deleting162
– random sequence161
– restoring162
Music player, connecting,
refer to AUX-IN port163
Music player, connecting,
refer to USB audio
interface163
Music search159
My Info177
N
Navigation
– starting destination
guidance after entering a
destination123
– storing current position123
– voice activation127
Navigation announcements,
refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off132
Navigation data120Navigation system120
– address book123
– bypassing a route
section131
– continuing destination
guidance130
– destination entry121
– dynamic destination
guidance131
– entering a destination by
voice127
– entering a destination
manually121
– frequently asked
questions137
– gas station
recommendations131
– planning a trip128
– route list131
– selecting destination via
map126
– selecting route criteria130
– special destinations124
– starting destination
guidance130
– terminating destination
guidance130
– traffic bulletins133
– voice instructions132
– volume adjustment132
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments104
Neutral56
New tires199
NORMAL program, Dynamic
Driving Control79,80
North-facing map132
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data226
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope222
Everything from A to Z
246 Reception
– quality144
– radio station144
Recirculated-air mode94,98
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode94,98
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest42
Refueling192
Releasing
– hood201
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range66
Remote control28
– battery renewal36
– Comfort Access34
– garage door opener100
– luggage compartment lid30
– malfunction31,36
– removing from the ignition
lock50
– service data206
Replacement remote
control28
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs212
Replacing tires199
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires199
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings142
Restraint systems
– for children48
– refer to Safety belts44
Retractable hardtop
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– convenient operation30
– opening and closing39
– remote control30
retractable hardtop38
Reverse
– CD changer153
– CD player153Reverse gear56
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic54
– manual transmission53
Road map132
Roadside
Assistance185,218
Roadside parking lamps90
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements69
Roof load capacity228
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away222
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route130,131
– bypassing sections131
– changing130,131
– changing criteria130
– displaying streets or towns/
cities131
– map display132
– selecting130
Route instructions, refer to
Destination guidance
through voice
instructions132
Route map, refer to Map
display132
Route section, changing131
Route selection130
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires199
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires199
Run-flat tires199
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire82
– flat tire81
– Flat Tire Monitor81
– new tires199
– replacing199
– tire inflation pressure194
– winter tires200
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment45
Safety belts44
– damage45
– indicator/warning lamp45
– reminder45
– sitting safely41
Safety systems
– airbags85
– Antilock Brake System
ABS78
– brake system78
– driving stability control
systems78
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC78
– safety belts44
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires199
Satellite radio146
– enabling or unsubscribing
from a channel146
– favorites148
– selecting channel147
– storing channel147
– timeshift148
– Traffic Jump149
Saving fuel112
Screen, refer to iDrive
controls16
Screw thread for tow
fitting220
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio146
Seat adjustment
– electric42
– mechanical42
Seat and mirror memory43
Seat belt reminder, refer to
"Fasten safety belts"
reminder45
Seat heating43