
Controls
 39Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Push button: close convertible top
2Push button: open convertible top
3LEDs
The side windows move down when the 
convertible top is opened.<
Operation while driving
You can open or close the convertible top while 
driving, as long as the car is not moving faster 
than approx. 25 mph/40 km/h.
If you accelerate to over 30 mph/50 km/h while 
the convertible top is moving, the procedure is 
interrupted.
When operating the convertible top while 
driving, pay extra attention to the traffic to 
avoid an accident. If possible, do not move the 
convertible top while driving in reverse gear, 
b e c a u s e  yo u r v ie w  t o  t h e r ea r is  s e v e re ly  li m i t ed  
during the procedure. Do not operate the con-
vertible top while driving in windy conditions. 
Do not drive faster than 30 mph/50 km/h; other-
wise, damage to the vehicle can occur.<
LEDs
>While the convertible top is being operated, 
the left LED lights up green. It goes out as 
soon as the top is fully opened or closed.
In the following situations, a message appears 
on the Control Display or an acoustic signal 
sounds in addition to the LED lighting up:
>If the right-hand LED flashes red when you 
release the button, the opening or closing 
action has not yet finished.>If the right-hand LED lights up red when the 
button is pressed, the cargo area partition is 
raised, the trunk lid is not closed or there is a 
malfunction. The convertible top cannot be 
moved.
Interruption
The automatic sequence of movements is 
interrupted if the button for the convertible top 
operation is released. The sequence can be 
continued in the desired direction by pushing or 
pulling the buttons.
If the opening or closing procedure is inter-
rupted for an extended period, the convertible 
top remains in the raised position for approx. 
10 minutes and then slowly moves to a stable 
position.
A convertible top that is not fully opened 
or closed is a safety hazard.<
If the convertible top is not fully opened or 
closed, the trunk lid cannot be opened 
and the windows cannot be moved.<
Convenient operation with remote 
control or via door lock
Refer to pages28 and30.
Closing manually
Only close the convertible top manually if 
it is absolutely necessary, and never open 
it manually. The convertible top box cover can-
not be locked if there is an electrical defect and 
would then open while the vehicle is in motion. 
Incorrect handling can result in damage.<
Closing the convertible top manually should be 
performed by two people. The rear seats must 
not be occupied. 

Controls
 81Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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 page114.
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 on the rear axle to enhance drive 
output if the drive wheels experience a signifi-
cant loss of traction.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again 
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps for 
DSC in the instrument cluster go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: 
DSC is regulating the drive and braking 
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, 
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: 

Things to remember when driving
114
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is 
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only 
at walking speed at the most. 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 page82.
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 to ensure 
that 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 page59.
Sports automatic transmission with dou-
ble clutch Never drive with the transmis-
sion in neutral or the engine switched off; other-
wise, there is no engine braking action or power 
assist to the brakes and steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the 
clutch depressed, the transmission in neutral, 
or the engine switched off; otherwise, there is 
no engine braking action or power assist to the 
brakes and 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.
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  

Wheels and tires
200
Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle 
with the letters RSC on the sidewall. 
Run-flat tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can 
continue to be used subject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat 
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire on page83.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only 
by your BMW center or tire shop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this 
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety 
h a z a r d s .  M a k e s u re  t h a t  t h e  n e w  w h ee l s  a r e  b a l-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use 
retreaded tires, since driving safety may 
be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often 
wide variations in tire age, which can result in a 
limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount run-flat tires for your own safety. In the 
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your 
BMW center will be glad to advise you.BMW recommends that you use only 
wheel and tire combinations that BMW 
has tested and approved for your particular 
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and 
tires with identical official size ratings could 
actually have different dimensions, which could 
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are 
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, 
and therefore cannot guarantee their driving 
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is 
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of 
various vehicle systems such as ABS, DSC or 
FTM.
To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, use only tires of a single brand and 
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only 
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise, 
the Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to 
detect a puncture, refer to page85. Your BMW 
center will be glad to advise you.
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. 

Replacing components
218
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the 
terminals in the engine compartment with the 
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump-starting 
on page220.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your 
BMW center or bring them to a recycling 
center. Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Always secure 
the battery against tipping over during trans-
port.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of 
some equipment may be limited and require 
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise 
have been lost and will have to be programmed:
>Time and date 
These values must be updated, refer to 
page74.
>Radio 
In some cases, stations may have to be 
stored again, refer to page143.
>Navigation system 
Wait for the system to start, refer to 
page137.
>Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be 
raised. The system must be initialized. 
Please contact your BMW center.
>Seat and mirror memory
*
The positions must be stored again, refer to 
page48.
>Inside rearview mirror with digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to 
page104.
>Active steering
The system automatically initializes itself 
briefly during a trip. The system is deacti-
vated during this time, refer to page87.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and 
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating; oth-
erwise, this could lead to a circuit overload, ulti-
mately resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
In the glove compartment
Accessing the fuse box:
1.Open the glove compartment.
2.Remove the damper, arrow1, from the 
lower holder by applying forward pressure.
3.Disengage the glove compartment by 
pressing on both tabs, arrows 2, and fold it 
down.
Plastic tweezers are located on the distributor 
box.
Information on fuse assignment can be found 
next to the distributor box.
Spare fuses are available from your BMW cen-
ter.
After replacing a fuse, press the glove compart-
ment upward until it engages and reattach the 
damper.  

Giving and receiving assistance
220 The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand 
side of the cargo area in a storage area.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in a holder in the 
trunk lid. Press the tabs to take it out.
Jump-starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your BMW's 
engine can be started by connecting two 
jumper cables to another vehicle's battery. You 
can also use the same method to help start 
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with 
fully-insulated clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts 
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or 
both vehicles, and to guard against possible 
personal injuries.<
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other 
vehicle has a voltage of 12 volts and 
approximately the same capacitance in Ah. 
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between 
the bodies of the two vehicles; otherwise, 
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct 
order to prevent sparking at the battery, 
which could cause injury.<
Your BMW has a jump-starting connection in 
the engine compartment which acts as the bat-
tery's positive terminal, refer also to the Engine 
compartment overview on page203. The cap is 
marked with +.
1.Pull the cap of the BMW jump-starting con-
nection up to remove.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+ 
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the 
battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehi-
cle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the 
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal 
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of 
the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/– 
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the 
battery or to an engine or body ground of 
the assisting vehicle. 

Everything from A to Z
238
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System81
Acceleration assistant, refer to 
Launch Control64
Accessories, refer to The 
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to 
Emergency Request219
Activated-charcoal filter99
Activating 
BMW Assist186,188
Active steering86
Adaptive light control92
Additives
– coolant205
– engine oil205
Address, entering121,127
Address for navigation
– entering121
Adjusting temperature97
Airbags88
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp89
Air conditioner96
Air distribution
– automatic97
Airing, refer to Ventilation99
Air outlets, refer to Air 
vents96
Air pressure, checking, refer 
to Tire inflation 
pressure194
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode98
Air vents96
Air volume98
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications193Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms33
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music 
collection160
ALL program98
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires201
AM, waveband143
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode98
Antenna for mobile phone170
Antifreeze
– coolant205
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System 
ABS81
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system
32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights229
Approved engine oils205
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights229
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest105
Arrival time
– computer70
Ashtray106
Assistance systems, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC81
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control98
Audible instructions, refer to 
Spoken instructions132Audio140
– controls140
– switching on/off140
– tone control140
– volume140
Automatic
– air distribution97
– air volume97
– cruise control66
– headlamp control91
Automatic car washes209
Automatic climate control96
Automatic curb monitor50
Automatic high beams and 
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant93
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps91
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC98
Automatic Service 
Request188
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
– selector lever lock58
– shiftlock58
– towing221
– tow-starting221
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control97
AUX-IN port163
Available services188
Average fuel consumption70
– setting the units72
Average speed70
Avoid highways in 
navigation130
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights229 

Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
B
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backrest width adjustment45
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints46
Backup lamp, replacing 
bulb216
Bag for skis, refer to Ski 
bag107
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
pouch219
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away222
Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter180
Bass, tone setting140
Battery217
– charging218
– disposal35,218
– jump-starting220
– replacing217
– temporary power failure218
Battery for mobile phone181
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle35
Being towed222
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts49
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders105
Blower, refer to Air volume98
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating172
BMW
– car shampoo210
BMW Assist184
BMW Maintenance 
System207
BMW Search186
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders105
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control81
Brake fluid
– service requirements72
Brake Force Display87Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display87
– replacing bulb216
Brake pads, breaking in112
Brake rotors114
– brakes112
– breaking in112
Brakes
– ABS81
– BMW Maintenance 
System207
– braking safely114
– breaking in112
– parking brake57
– service requirements72
Brake system112
– BMW Maintenance 
System207
– breaking in112
– disc brakes114
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance219
Breaking in the clutch112
Break-in period112
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs213
Bulbs, changing213
Button for starting the 
engine55
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning6
Call
– accepting173
– ending174
– rejecting174
Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing174
Calling, refer to Telephone 
owner's manual
Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders105
Capacities230
Capacity of the cargo area229Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery217
Car care, refer to Care209
Care209
– automatic car washes209
– care products209
– carpets212
– CD/DVD drives212
– chrome parts211
– convertible top210
– displays212
– exterior209
– fine wood parts212
– headlamps210
– high-pressure washer210
– interior211
– leather211
– light-alloy wheels211
– paintwork211
– plastic parts212
– rubber seals211
– safety belts212
– sensors and cameras212
– upholstery and cloth 
trim211
– washing the car 
manually210
– windows210
Cargo, securing116
Cargo area
– capacity229
– Comfort Access34
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system106
– lamp, refer to Interior 
lamps95
– lid, refer to Trunk lid31
– opening from outside31
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk 
lid31
Cargo area net, refer to 
Securing cargo116
Cargo loading115
– securing cargo
116
– stowing cargo115
– vehicle114
Car jack
– jacking points217