
Driving
56
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps as well as dis-
plays in the instrument cluster go out.
Starting the engine
Do not run the engine in enclosed areas; 
otherwise, the inhalation of toxic exhaust 
gases can cause loss of consciousness and 
death. The exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly 
toxic gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle 
with the engine running; otherwise, such a vehi-
cle represents a potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the car with the engine running, 
place the transmission in neutral or move the 
selector lever to position P and forcefully apply 
the parking brake to prevent the car from mov-
ing.<
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the 
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right 
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion as well as repeated start attempts in 
which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the 
fuel is not burned or incompletely burned and 
there is a danger of overheating and damaging 
the catalytic converter.<
Manual transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with 
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to 
page33.
1.Depress the brake.
2.Depress the clutch and shift to neutral posi-
tion.
3.Press the start/stop button.The starter operates automatically for a certain 
time, and stops automatically as soon as the 
engine has started.
Automatic transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with 
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to 
page33.
1.Depress the brake.
2.Move the selector lever to position P.
3.Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain 
time, and stops automatically as soon as the 
engine has started.
Sports automatic transmission with 
double clutch
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with 
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to 
page33.
1.Depress the brake.
2.Press the start/stop button.
The engine starts independent of the current 
transmission position.
Switching off the engine
Always take the remote control with you 
when you leave the vehicle. 
When parking, apply the parking brake force-
fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll.<
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the start/
stop button.
2.Shift into first gear or reverse.
3.Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4.Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page55.
Automatic transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, move the selec-
tor lever to position P.
2.Press the start/stop button. 

Mobility
 193Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Fuel specifications
Do not fill the tank with leaded fuel, as this 
would cause permanent damage to the 
catalytic converter.
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing 
85 % ethanol, nor with FlexFuel. Otherwise, the 
engine and fuel supply system will be dam-
aged.<
Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less 
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is:
>128i: 87
>135i: 89
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds 
when starting at high outside temperatures. 
This has no effect on the engine life.
Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise, the 
engine could be damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition, 
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale 
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10Ξ ethanol or other 
oxygenates with up to 2.8Ξ oxygen by weight, 
that is, 15Ξ MTBE or 3Ξ methanol plus an 
equivalent amount of cosolvent, will not void the 
applicable warranties with respect to defects in 
materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in 
drivability, starting and stalling problems 
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and 
high altitude. 
Should you encounter drivability problems 
which you suspect could be related to the fuel 
you are using, we recommend that you respond 
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand 
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier Detergent Gasoline. 
Failure to comply with these recommendations 
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.< 

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. 

Mobility
 223Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Sports automatic transmission with
double clutch:
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck 
with a so-called lift bar, or on a flatbed.
Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle 
raised as this may cause the steering to turn.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to 
page220. Vehicles with a catalytic converter 
should only be tow-started when the engine is 
cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission or 
Sports automatic transmission with double 
clutch cannot be tow-started at all.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers, 
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page55.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch 
depressed all the way and slowly release 
the clutch. After the engine starts, immedi-
ately depress the clutch completely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked. 

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