
Controls
 107Reference
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Mobility
Closing
Return the rear seat backrest to the upright 
seating position and engage it.
When returning the backrest into the 
seating position, make sure that the 
seat's locking mechanism is properly engaged. 
Otherwise, cargo could be thrown around and 
endanger the occupants in the event of sharp 
braking or swerving.<
The lashing eyes in the cargo area provide you 
with a way to attach cargo area nets
* or draw 
straps for securing suitcases and luggage, refer 
to page114.
Convertible: cargo loading
Enlarging the cargo area
When the convertible top is closed you can 
enlarge the cargo area:
To do so, fold the cargo area partition upward.
Before opening the convertible top, pull the 
cargo area partition down until it engages.
Ensure that pointed objects do not press 
against the cargo area partition from below.The convertible top can only be opened 
when the cargo area partition is folded 
down.<
Storage compartments inside 
the cargo area
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the 
following storage spaces can be found in the 
cargo area:
>Rubber strap
* on the left trim panel for 
securing small objects such as a folding 
umbrella
>Net
* for small objects on the right trim 
panel of the cargo area
 
>Retaining straps* on cargo area floor: for 
securing smaller objects or as an anti-slip 
surface when you place objects on the 
straps
The lashing eyes in the cargo area provide you 
with a way to attach cargo area nets
* or draw 
straps
* for securing suitcases and luggage, 
refer to page116.
Coupe: ski bag*
The ski bag is designed for safe, clean transport 
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to 
2snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length 
of up to 6.6ft/2.0m. When skis of 6.6ft/2.0m 
length are loaded, the overall capacity of the ski 
bag is reduced due to its tapered design.
Loading
Ensure that the skis are clean when they are 
loaded into the ski bag. Wrap sharp edges to 
prevent damage.
1.Fold down the center panel in the rear seat 
backrest.
2.Press the button, reach into the recess and 
fold down the cover. To stabilize the cover  

Practical interior accessories
108 in the folded-down position, place the cen-
ter panel underneath it.
3.Open the Velcro fastener, spread the ski 
bag between the front seats and insert the 
skis or snowboards. 
The zip fastener makes objects in the ski 
bag easier to reach.
4.Attach the hook of the ski bag retaining 
strap to the eyelet on the side of the ski bag 
opening.
Securing cargo
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the ski bag in the manner 
described; otherwise, it could endanger 
the car's occupants, e.g. in case of heavy brak-
ing or sudden swerving.
Removing the ski bag
The ski bag can be completely removed, e.g. for 
fa ster drying or to allow you to use other inserts.
1.Fold down the center panel in the rear seat 
backrest.
2.Pull the handle, arrow1.
3.Pull out the insert, arrow 2.
For more information on the various 
inserts available, contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Convertible: through-loading 
opening with integrated 
transport bag*
The transport bag is designed for safe, clean 
transport of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up 
to 2 snowboards.
With the transport bag you can stow skis up to a 
length of 6.6 ft /2.0 m. When skis of 6.6 ft/2.0 m 
length are loaded, the overall capacity of the ski 
bag is reduced due to its tapered design.
When using the transport bag, it is not 
permissible to transport passengers in 
the rear seats.< 

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  

Driving tips
 115Reference
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Mobility
develops inside the tires. In some cases, this 
can result in sudden tire pressure loss.<
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or 
leak from their containers in the cargo 
area, as this could result in damage to the vehi-
cle.<
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, damage to 
the vehicle and unstable driving conditions 
may result.<
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-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able 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.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of 
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the 
weight of the occupants, the less cargo/lug-
gage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
Coupe
Convertible
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the 
respective seat backrests.
>Cover sharp edges and corners. 

Things to remember when driving
116 >For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is 
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the 
opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using 
retaining straps
*, a cargo area net* or draw 
straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing 
larger and heavier objects are available at 
your BMW center. To attach the cargo 
straps, there are two lashing eyes, arrows 1, 
on the inside wall of the cargo area. 
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, 
there may be two additional lashing eyes, 
arrows2, on the cargo area sidewalls. 
Follow the information included with the 
cargo straps.
Always position and secure the cargo as 
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger 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 page229, 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.
Only attach the cargo straps using the lashing 
eyes shown in the illustration. Do not secure 
cargo with the anchors for tether straps, refer to 
page53, otherwise, these could be damaged.<
Coupe: roof-mounted 
luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option 
f o r  y o u r  B M W .  C o m p l y  w i t h  t h e  d i r e c t i o n s  g i v e n  
in the installation instructions.
Mounting points
Fold open the cover.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on 
vehicle handling and steering response. 
You should therefore always remember not to 
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the 
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads 
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights 
on page229.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and 
should not be too large in area. Heavy items 
should always be placed at the bottom. Be sure 
that adequate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the glass roof, and that objects do not 
project into the opening path of the trunk lid.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off 
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently. 

Reference 229
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Coupe
Convertible
128i135i
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,134/1,875 4,255/1,930
>with automatic transmission  lbs/kg 4,211/1,910 –
>Sports automatic transmis-
sion with double clutchlbs/kg – 4,321/1,960
Load lbs/kg 794/360 794/360
Approved front axle load  lbs/kg 2,028/920 2,116/960
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,293/1,040 2,293/1,040
Approved roof load capacity  lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/liters 13.1/370 13.1/370
128i135i
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,398/1,995 4,541/2,060
>with automatic transmission  lbs/kg 4,475/2,030 –
>Sports automatic transmis-
sion with double clutchlbs/kg – 4,608/2,090
Load lbs/kg 750/340 750/340
Approved front axle load  lbs/kg 2,050/930 2,161/980
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,467/1,119 2,469/1,120
Approved roof load capacity  lbs/kg – –
Cargo area capacity cu ft/liters 9.1-10.7/260-305 9.1-10.7/260-305 

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 

Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Fog lamps94
– indicator lamp13,94
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely114
Footwell lamps95
For your own safety5
Free memory capacity, music 
collection161
Front airbags88
Front seat setting44
Frost, removing from 
windows, refer to Defrosting 
windows98
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor82
Fuel193
– gauge69
– high-quality brands193
– quality193
– specifications193
– tank contents, refer to 
Capacities230
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge69
Fuel consumption indicator, 
refer to Average fuel 
consumption70
Fuel consumption statistics, 
refer to Average fuel 
consumption70
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge69
Fuel filler flap192
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction192
Fuses218
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control101
Gasoline, refer to Required 
fuel193
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge69Gas station 
recommendations131
Gear change
– with automatic 
transmission58
– with manual transmission57
Gear display, with automatic 
transmission58
Gear shifting62
Gearshift lever60
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
General driving notes113
Glass roof, electric36
– closing after electrical 
malfunction37
– convenient operation30
– opening, closing37
– operation with Comfort 
Access34
– pinch protection system37
– raising36
– remote control28
Glove compartment104
GPS navigation, refer to 
Navigation system120
Grills, refer to Air vents96
Gross vehicle weight, refer to 
Weights229
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs214
Handbrake, refer to Parking 
brake57
Hands-free system, refer to 
Microphone for hands-free 
mode14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD Radio144
Head airbags88
Headlamp control, 
automatic91
Headlamp cover214
Headlamp flasher64
– indicator lamp13Headlamps
– replacing bulbs214
Head restraints46
Heated
– seats48
– steering wheel51
Heated mirrors50
Heating
– mirrors50
– seats48
– steering wheel51
Heating, rear window98
Heating and ventilation96
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing 
cargo115
Height, refer to 
Dimensions227
Height adjustment
– steering wheel51
High-beam assistant93
High beams93
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs214
High beams and low beams, 
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant93
High-pressure 
washer209,210
High water, refer to Driving 
through water114
Highways, refer to Route 
criteria130
Hills114
Holders for cups105
Hood202
Hot exhaust system113
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to 
Dynamic Brake Control81
Hydroplaning113
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio144
Ice warning, refer to Outside 
temperature warning68
Identification marks
– tire coding198
Idle position61