
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Contents
The quickest way to find special topics is to 
consult the index, refer to page238.
Using this Owner's Manual
4Notes
7Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Dashboard
16iDrive
21Letters and numbers
22Voice activation system
Controls
26Opening and closing
43Adjustments
52Transporting children safely
55Driving
68Controls overview
80Technology for driving comfort and 
safety
91Lamps
96Climate
101Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
112Things to remember when driving
Navigation
120Navigation system
121Destination entry
130Destination guidance
137What to do if …
Entertainment
140On/off and tone
143Radio
146Satellite radio
151CD/DVD player and CD changer
158Music collection
163External devices
Communications
170Telephone
182Contacts
184BMW Assist
Mobility
192Refueling
194Wheels and tires
202Under the hood
207Maintenance
209Care
213Replacing components
219Giving and receiving assistance
Reference
226Technical data
231Short commands for the voice activation 
system
238Everything from A to Z 

On/off and tone
140
On/off and tone
The following audio and video sources share 
the same control elements and adjustments:
>Radio
>CD/DVD player
>CD changer
*
>Video*
>External devices, e.g. MP3 player
Controls
The audio and video sources can be controlled 
using the:
>Buttons near the CD/DVD player
>iDrive
>Buttons on the steering wheel, refer to 
page10
>Programmable memory keys, refer to 
page20
>Voice activation system
Buttons in the area of the CD/DVD 
player
1Sound output for entertainment on/off, vol-
ume
>Press: switch on/off
When you switch on the unit, the last set 
radio station or track is played.
>Turn: adjusting the volume
2 Eject the CD/DVD
3CD/DVD drive
*
4FM/AM: change the radio station wave-
band
5MODE: change the audio and video 
sources
6 Station scan/track search
>Change the radio station
>Select the track for the CD/DVD player, 
CD changer and certain multimedia 
devices
Switching on/off
To switch the entertainment audio output on or 
off:
Press button1 next to the CD / DVD player.
 This symbol on the Control Display indicates 
that sound output is switched off.
The sound output is available for approx. 
20 minutes after the ignition was switched off.
For sound output, switch the unit back on.
Adjusting volume
Turn button1 next to the CD / DVD player until 
the desired volume is obtained.
You can also adjust the volume with buttons on 
the steering wheel, refer to page10.
Tone control
You can alter various tone settings, e.g. treble 
and bass or the speed-dependent volume 
increase.
The tone settings are applied to all audio 
sources.
The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Treble, bass, balance, fader
>"Balance": left/right volume distribution
>"Fader": front/rear volume distribution 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 151Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
CD/DVD player and CD changer
CD/DVD playback
Inserting a CD / DVD
Insert the CD/DVD into the drive with the 
labeled side facing up. The CD/DVD is drawn in 
automatically.
Playback starts automatically if the sound out-
put is on. For CDs/DVDs with compressed 
audio files, it can take several minutes to read in 
the data, depending on the directory structure.
Playable formats
CD/DVD player
>DVD: DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-
RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL, DVD 
audio (video part only), DVD video
>CD: CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, CD-DA, 
VCD, SVCD
>Compressed audio files: MP3, WMA, AAC
CD changer
*
>CD: CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, CD-DA
Starting playback
Via iDrive
Fill the CD/DVD magazine and insert it, refer to 
page155.To start playback if a CD is already located in 
the player or changer:
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."CD/DVD"
3.Select the desired CD or DVD:
Ejecting a CD / DVD
 Press the button next to the CD/DVD player.
The CD/DVD emerges slightly from the drive.
Audio playback
Selecting a track using the button
 Press the button for the appropriate 
direction as often as necessary until the desired 
track is reached.
*
SymbolFunction
CD/DVD player
CD changer 

CD/DVD player and CD changer
152
Selecting a track using iDrive
Audio CDs
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."CD/DVD"
3.Select the desired CD or DVD.
4.Select the desired track to begin playback.
CDs / DVDs with compressed audio 
files*
Depending on the data, some letters and num-
bers of the CD/DVD may not be displayed cor-
rectly.
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."CD/DVD"
3.Select the desired CD or DVD.
4.Select the directory, if necessary.
To change to a higher level directory: move 
the controller to the left.5.Select a track and press the controller.
Displaying information about the 
track*
If information about a track has been stored, it is 
displayed automatically:
>Artist
>Album title
>Number of tracks on the CD/DVD
>Track file name
Random play sequence
The tracks on the current CD/DVD are played 
once in random sequence.
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."CD/DVD"
3.Select the desired CD or DVD.
4.Open "Options". 

CD/DVD player and CD changer
154 In fast forward/reverse: the speed increases 
every time the controller is pressed. To stop, 
start playback.
DVD menu
1.If necessary, turn the controller to open the 
Video menu.
2. "DVD menu"
The DVD menu is displayed. The display 
depends on the contents of the DVD.
>To select menu items: move and press the 
controller.
>To change to the Video menu: turn the con-
troller and select "Back".
DVD/VCD settings
For some DVDs, settings can only be made via 
the DVD menu; refer also to the information on 
your DVD.
Language*
1.Turn the controller during playback.
2.Open "Options".
3."Audio/language"
4.Select the desired language.The languages that are available depend on the 
DVD.
Subtitles*
Subtitles can be selected if they are contained 
on the DVD.
1.Turn the controller during playback.
2.Open "Options".
3."Subtitles"
4.Select the desired language or 'Do not dis-
play subtitles".
Brightness, contrast, color
1.Turn the controller during playback.
2.Open "Options".
3."Display settings"
4."Brightness", "Contrast" or "Color"
5.Turn the controller until the desired setting 
is displayed, and then press the controller. Stop
Next chapter/next track
Previous chapter/previous 
track
Fast forward
Reverse
SymbolFunction 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 155Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Zoom
Display the video image on the full screen.
1.Turn the controller during playback.
2.Open "Options".
3."Additional options"
4."Zoom mode"
Selecting track
DVD video:
1.turn the controller when the DVD menu is 
displayed.
2.Open "Options".
3."Additional options"
4."Select title"
5.Select the desired track.
VCD/SVCD:
1."Select track"
2.Select the desired track.
Camera angle*
The camera angle depends on the DVD.
1.Turn the controller during playback.
2.Open "Options".
3."Additional options"
4."Viewing angle"
5.Select the desired camera angle.
Opening the main menu, back
These functions are not contained on every 
DVD. Therefore, they may not be available for 
use.
CD changer*
The BMW CD changer for six CDs is behind the 
left side panel in the cargo area.
Removing the CD magazine
T o  i n s e r t  o r  r e m o v e  C D s  f r o m  t h e  C D  m a g a z i n e ,  
you must first remove it from the CD changer:
1.Push the cover to one side, arrow 1.
2.Press the button, arrow2.
The CD magazine will be ejected.
Push the magazine back in after at least 
2 seconds have passed so that the inserted 
CDs can be read in again. 

CD/DVD player and CD changer
156
Inserting/removing CDs from the CD 
magazine
When loading CDs into or removing them from 
the CD magazine, hold them at their edges and 
do not touch the reflective signal-sensing area.
Inserting CDs:
Insert one CD per compartment with the 
labeled side up.
Removing CDs:
Pull out the desired compartment and take out 
the CD.
Inserting the CD magazine
Insert the CD magazine all the way in the direc-
tion of arrow 1 and close the cover, arrow 2.
The CD changer automatically reads in the 
loaded CDs and is then ready for operation.
Notes
BMW CD/DVD players and changers are 
officially designated Class 1 laser prod-
ucts. Do not operate if the cover is damaged; 
otherwise, severe eye damage can result.
Do not use self-recorded CDs/DVDs with labels 
applied as these can become detached during 
playback due to heat build-up and can cause 
irreparable damage to the device.Only use round CDs / DVDs with a standard 
diameter of 4.7 in/12 cm and do not play CDs /
DVDs with an adapter, e.g. CD singles; other-
wise, the CDs or the adapter might jam and no 
longer eject.
Do not use a combined CD/DVD, e.g. DVD
Plus; 
otherwise, the CD/DVD can jam and will no 
longer eject.<
General malfunctions
BMW CD/DVD changers and players have been 
optimized for performance in vehicles. In some 
instances they may be more sensitive to faulty 
CDs/DVDs than stationary devices would be.
If a CD/DVD cannot be played, first check if it 
has been inserted correctly.
Humidity
High levels of humidity can lead to condensa-
tion on the CD/DVD or the laser's scan lens and 
temporarily prevent playback.
Malfunctions with individual CDs/DVDs
If malfunctions occur only with particular CDs/
DVDs, this may be due to one of the following 
reasons.
Self-recorded CDs/DVDs
Possible reasons for malfunctions with self-
recorded CDs/DVDs are, for example, inconsis-
tent data-creation or recording processes, or 
poor quality or old age of the CD/DVD blank.
Only label CDs/DVDs on the top, with a pen 
designed for this purpose.
Damage
Avoid leaving fingerprints, as well as dust, 
scratches or moisture on the CDs/DVDs. 
Keep CDs/DVDs in protective sleeves or cases.
Do not subject CDs / DVDs to temperatures 
above 1227/506, nor to high humidity levels 
or direct sunlight.
CDs/DVDs with copy protection
CDs/DVDs are often copy-protected by the 
manufacturer. This can mean that some CDs/ 

Everything from A to Z
240 Car key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest105
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Car phone, refer to 
Telephone170
Car radio, refer to Radio143
Car shampoo210
Car wash209
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system113
CD, audio playback151
CD changer151,155
– controls140
– fast forward/reverse153
– filling or emptying the 
magazine156
– random play sequence152
– selecting a track151
– switching on/off140
– tone control140
– volume140
CD player151
– controls140
– fast forward/reverse153
– random play sequence152
– selecting a track151
– switching on/off140
– tone control140
– volume140
Center armrest105
Center brake lamp, replacing 
bulb217
Center console, refer to 
Around the center 
console14
Central key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control26
Central locking
– from inside30
– from outside27
Central locking system27
– Comfort Access33
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5Changing the language on the 
Control Display79
Changing wheels217
Chassis number, refer to 
Engine compartment203
Check Control76
Checking oil level203
Child restraint fixing system 
LATCH53
Child restraint systems52
Child seats52
Chrome parts211
Chrome polish211
Cigarette lighter106
Cleaning headlamps65
– washer fluid66
Cleaning your BMW, refer to 
Care209
Climate control
– automatic air distribution97
Clock68
– 12h/24h mode75
– setting the time and date75
– setting time74
Closing
– from inside30
– from outside27
clothes hooks105
Cold start, refer to Starting the 
engine56
Comfort Access33
– replacing the battery35
Comfort access, refer to 
Comfort Access33
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock55
Compass103
Computer69
– displays on Control 
Display70
Computer, refer to iDrive16
Concierge service185
Condensation, refer to When 
the vehicle is parked114
Condition Based Service 
CBS207Configuring settings, refer to 
Personal Profile26
Confirmation signals for 
locking/unlocking the 
vehicle28
Congestion
– refer to Route, bypassing 
sections131
Connecting vacuum cleaner, 
refer to Connecting 
electrical appliances106
Consumption, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption70
Contacts
– creating182
Control Center, refer to 
iDrive16
Control Display16
Control Display, refer to iDrive
– switching on/off19
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls and displays10
Convenient operation
– windows
28
– windows with Comfort 
Access34
– with Comfort Access34
Convenient starting, refer to 
Starting the engine56
Convertible
– rollover protection 
system90
– top38
– wind deflector41
Convertible top
– convenient opening28
Convertible top care210
Coolant205
– checking level206
– filling206
Coolant temperature69
Cooling, maximum97
Cooling fluid, refer to 
Coolant205
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps92