
Controls
 27Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
>Settings for the display on the Control Dis-
play and in the instrument cluster:
>12h/24h format of the clock, refer to 
page74
>Date format, refer to page76
>Brightness of the Control Display, refer 
to page79
>Language of the Control Display, refer to 
page79
>Units of measure for fuel consumption, 
distance covered/remaining distances, 
and temperature, refer to page72
>Show visual warning for Park Distance Con-
trol PDC, refer to page80
>Light settings:
>Welcome lamps, refer to page91
>Pathway lighting, refer to page92
>Daytime running lights, refer to page92
>High-beam assistant
*, refer to page93
>Automatic climate control: activating/deac-
tivating AUTO program, cooling function 
and automatic recirculated-air control, set-
ting temperature, air volume and distribu-
tion, refer to page97 ff
>Entertainment:
>Tone control, refer to page140
>Speed-dependent volume control, refer 
to page140
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system functions when the 
driver's door is closed.
The system simultaneously engages and 
releases the locks on the following:
>Doors
>Trunk lid
>Fuel filler flap
Operating from outside
>Via the remote control
>Via the door lock
*
>In cars with Comfort Access*, via the han-
dles on the driver's and front passenger 
doors
In addition, if the remote control is used, the 
welcome lamps
*, interior lamps and the door's 
courtesy lamps
* are switched on or off. The 
alarm system
* is also armed or disarmed.
For further details on the alarm system
*, refer 
to page32.
Operating from inside
By means of the button for central locking, refer 
to page30.
In the event of a sufficiently severe accident, the 
central locking system unlocks automatically. In 
addition, the hazard warning flashers and inte-
rior lamps come on.
Opening and closing:
Using the remote control
Persons or animals in a parked vehicle 
could lock the doors from the inside. You 
should therefore take the remote control with 
you when you leave the vehicle so that the latter 
can be opened from outside.<
Convertible: to operate the convertible 
top with the remote control, the doors and 
trunk lid must be closed and the cargo area par-
tition must be folded down and engaged on 
both sides. Refer also to page40.<
Unlocking
Press the   button.
The interior lamps, the courtesy lamps
* and the 
welcome lamps come on.
Setting unlocking characteristics
You can set whether only the driver's door or 
the entire vehicle is to be unlocked when the 
button is pressed for the first time. 

Opening and closing
34
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 after the trunk lid is closed, the 
lid will reopen. The hazard warning flashers 
flash and a 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 immedi-
ately.<
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.
Malfunctions
Comfort Access may malfunction due to local 
radio waves. If this happens, open and 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.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster comes on and a message 
appears on the Control Display: 
replace the battery in the remote control. 

Controls overview
68
Controls overview
Odometer, outside 
temperature display, clock
1Knob in the instrument cluster
2Outside temperature and clock
3Odometer and trip odometer
Knob in the instrument cluster
>To reset the trip odometer while the ignition 
is switched on
>To display the time, outside temperature 
and odometer briefly while the ignition is 
switched off
Units of measure
To select the respective units of measure, miles 
or km for the odometer as well as 7 or 6 for 
the outside temperature, refer to Units of mea-
sure on page72.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Time, outside temperature display
Setting the time, refer to page74.
Outside temperature warning
When the displayed temperature falls to approx. 
+377/+36, a signal sounds and a warning 
lamp lights up. There is an increased risk of 
black ice.
Black ice can also form at temperatures 
above +377/+36. You should there-
fore drive carefully on bridges and shaded roads, for example; otherwise, there is an 
increased risk of an accident.<
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting the trip odometer: 
With the ignition switched on, press button1 in 
the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is parked
If you still want to view the time, outside tem-
perature and odometer reading briefly after the 
remote control has been taken out of the igni-
tion lock:
Press button1 in the instrument cluster.
Tachometer
Never force the engine speed up into the red 
warning field, see arrow. In this range, the fuel 
supply is interrupted to protect the engine. 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
86
Message for unsuccessful system 
reset
Yellow warning lamp comes on. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play.
The system is not reset, e.g. after a wheel 
change.
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset the 
system, refer to page85.
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in 
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp comes 
on in yellow.The tires appear in gray 
in the Control Display. No punctures can be 
detected.
Display in the following situations:
>Malfunction:
Have the system checked
>A wheel without TPM electronics has been 
installed:
Have it checked by your BMW center.
>Interference from systems or devices that 
use the same radio frequency: 
The system automatically becomes active 
again when the vehicle moves out of the 
interference zone.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold 
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the 
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If 
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the 
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, you should determine the 
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As 
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been 
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminates a low tire pressure 
telltale when one or more of your tires are signif-
icantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the 
low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, 
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving 
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the 
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. 
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and 
tire tread life and may affect the vehicle's han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the 
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver's responsibility to 
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level to trigger illumi-
nation of the TPMS low tire pressure indicator.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined 
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash 
for approximately one minute and then remain 
continuously lit. This sequence will continue 
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as 
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction 
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be 
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as 
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a 
variety of reasons, including the installation of 
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the 
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning 
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction 
telltale after replacing one or more tires or 
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the 
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow 
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Active steering*
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the 
front wheels in relation to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required 
to turn the wheels depending on the speed at 
which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low road speed 
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle is increased, i.e. steering becomes 
very direct and less effort is required to turn the 
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other 
hand, the steering angle is reduced as the 
speed increases. This improves the handling of 
your BMW over the entire speed range. 

Controls
 89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Before transporting a child on the front 
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page52.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indicator lamp for the front 
passenger airbags comes on. In such cases, the 
passenger should change his or her sitting 
position so that the front passenger airbags are 
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the 
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by 
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach 
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or 
other items to the front passenger seat unless 
they are specifically recommended by BMW. 
Do not place any items under the seat which 
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise, a correct analysis of the seat cushion is 
not ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front 
passenger front and side airbags in accordance 
with whether and how the front passenger seat 
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether 
the front passenger airbags are activated or 
deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in 
a specially designated child restraint sys-
tem is detected, as intended, on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.Most child seats are detected by the 
system, especially child seats 
required by the NHTSA at the time of vehi-
cle production. After mounting a child seat, 
ensure that the indicator lamp for the front 
passenger airbag is lit. It indicates that the 
child seat has been detected and that the 
front passenger airbags are deactivated.<
>The indicator lamp does not come on when, 
for example, a person of sufficient size and 
in a correct sitting position is detected on 
the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not come on if the 
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, refer to page55, the 
warning lamp comes on briefly to indicate that 
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners 
are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up at radio 
readiness or beyond.
>Warning lamp remains permanently on.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system, 
have it checked without delay; otherwise, 
there is the risk that the system will not function 
as intended even if a sufficiently severe acci-
dent occurs.< 

Maintenance
208
Socket for Onboard 
Diagnosis OBD
On the driver's side is an OBD socket for check-
ing components relevant to the composition of 
the vehicle's emissions.
Emissions
The warning lamp lights up:
The vehicle is producing higher emis-
sions. The trip can be continued. Have 
the car checked as soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning 
lamp.
The lamp flashes under certain condi-
tions. This indicates excessive misfiring in the 
engine. If this happens, you should reduce your 
speed and visit your nearest BMW center as 
soon as possible. Severe engine misfiring can 
quickly lead to serious damage of emissions-
related components, especially the catalytic 
converter.
The warning lamp comes on if the gas 
cap is not properly tightened and the 
OBD system assumes that fuel vapor 
is escaping. Make sure that the gas cap is cor-
rectly positioned and close it until it audibly 
clicks.
Data memory
Your vehicle records data about the operation, 
faults, and user settings. These data are stored 
in the vehicle and in extract form, in the remote 
control, and can be read out using suitable 
devices at your BMW center. The data that are 
read out are used to support service proce-
dures and repairs or to optimize and expand 
vehicle functions. If you have a BMW Assist 
contract, certain vehicle data can also be trans-
mitted directly from the vehicle in order to 
enable the desired services. 

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Corner-illuminating lamps, 
refer to Adaptive light 
control92
Cornering lamps, refer to 
Adaptive light control92
Country codes DVD153
Courtesy lamps95
Criteria for route130
Cross-hairs in navigation126
Cruise control66
Cruising range70
Cupholders105
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights229
Current fuel consumption70
Current playback
– external devices165
– of music collection160
Customer Relations187
D
Dashboard, refer to 
Dashboard10
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting95
Data, technical226
– capacities230
– dimensions227
– engine226
– sizes227
– weights229
Data memory208
Data transfer188
Date
– setting75
– setting format76
Daytime running lights, switch 
positions92
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control81
Deactivating front passenger 
airbags88
Deadlocking, refer to 
Locking28
Defect
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap192
– glass roof37Defogging windows98
Defrosting the windows98
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation98
Defrosting windshield, refer to 
Defrosting windows98
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows98
Destination, entering by town/
city name121
Destination address
– entering121,127
Destination entry via BMW 
Assist125
Destination for navigation
– entering by voice127
– entering via map126
– entry121
– home address124
– manual entry121
Destination guidance130
– bypassing a route 
section131
– changing specified 
route130
– continuing130
– starting130
– voice instructions132
– volume of voice 
instructions132
Differential, breaking in112
Digital clock68,
74
Digital compass103
Digital radio, refer to HD 
Radio144
Dimensions227
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals64
Direction instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions132
Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book123
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data226
Display, refer to Control 
Display16
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting95Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– of coolant205
– remote control battery35
– vehicle battery218
Distance, refer to 
Computer70
Distance remaining to service, 
refer to Service 
requirements72
Distance to destination, refer 
to Computer70
Distance warning, refer to 
Park Distance Control 
PDC80
Door key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control26
Door lock29
Door lock, confirmation 
signals28
Doors, emergency 
operation30
DOT Quality Grades198
Draft-free ventilation99
Drinks holders, refer to 
Cupholders105
Drive mode61
Drive-off assistance, refer to 
DSC81
Drive-off assistant82
Driving dynamics control62
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams91
Driving notes112
Driving off on hills, refer to 
Drive-off assistant82
Driving stability control 
systems81
Driving through water114
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes112
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function98
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control81