
Controls
 95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic deactivation of the front 
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and 
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or 
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior 
rearview mirror shows the current status 
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or 
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below.<
Before transporting a child on the front 
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page51.
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 as 
long as 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. 

Controls
 111Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Locking
To lock the glove compartment, use the inte-
grated key of the remote control, refer to 
page26.
USB interface for data transmission
Port for importing and exporting data on USB 
devices, e.g. music collections, refer to 
page172.
Observe the following when connecting:
>Do not use force when plugging the con-
nector into the USB audio interface.
>Do not connect devices such as fans or 
lamps to the USB audio interface.
>Do not connect USB hard drives.
>Do not use the USB interface to recharge 
external devices.
Center armrest
Storage compartment
The center armrest between the front seats 
contains either a compartment or the cover for 
the snap-in adapter
*, depending on the equip-
ment version.
Opening
Press the button, see arrow.
Settings*
Slide the center armrest on the driver's side into 
the desired position.
Connection for external audio device
You can connect an external audio device such 
as a CD or MP3 player and play audio tracks 
over the car's loudspeaker system:
>AUX-IN port, refer to page173
>USB audio interface
*/additional connection 
of the music player in the mobile phone
*, 
refer to page174 

Practical interior accessories
116
Partition net
Do not let the partition net retract; other-
wise, there is a risk of danger and the par-
tition net could be damaged.<
Use the loop strap to pull the partition net out of 
the casing. Grip the bar on both ends and insert 
it into the retaining fixtures, arrow 1. This can 
best be done from the rear seat.
When you no longer require the partition net, 
grip both ends of the bar and take it out of the 
retaining fixtures, arrow 2. Let the partition net 
slide into the casing slowly.
With cargo area expanded
1.Fold down both rear seat backrests, refer to 
Expanding the cargo area.
2.Use the buttons to unlatch the casing on 
both sides, arrow 1.3.Pull the casing out backwards, arrow 2, 
without tilting it.
4.Slide the casing into the guides on the 
backs of the seat backrests.
5.Carefully pull out the partition net and insert 
it into the front retaining fixtures, refer to 
Partition net above. This can best be done 
from the front seat.
Follow the same steps in reverse order to return 
the partition net and seats to their original posi-
tions. Finally, slide the casing into both retaining 
fixtures on the sides until it engages. Tug on the 
casing to check if it is properly locked in place.
Storage compartments inside 
the cargo area
Sedan
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the 
following storage spaces can be found in the 
cargo area:
>Left storage compartment, e.g. for storing a 
box of cleaning tissues or up to 12 CD jack-
ets, depending on vehicle equipment ver-
sion
>Net
* for securing smaller objects, to be 
attached to the fixtures on the floor panel
>Hooks for hanging up, e.g., shopping bags 
or tote bags
>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 

Practical interior accessories
118
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 6.9 ft 10 in/2.10 m. When skis of 6.9 ft 
10 in/2.10 m length are loaded, the overall 
capacity of the ski bag is reduced due to its 
tapered design.
Loading
1.Fold down the center armrest.
2.Press the button, reach into the recess and 
fold down the cover.
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.Insert the latch plate of the ski bag's retain-
ing strap in the center belt buckle.
Only place clean skis in the ski bag. Wrap sharp 
edges to prevent damage.
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.<
To store the ski bag, perform the steps 
described for loading in reverse order.
Removing the ski bag
The ski bag can be completely removed, e.g. for 
faste r 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.< 

Reference 267
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Available services199
Average fuel consumption73
– setting the units76
Average speed73
Avoid highways in 
navigation140
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms34
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights257
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment43
Backrest width adjustment44
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats45
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb242,243
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
pouch247
Bar, refer to Towing 
methods249
Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter192
– refer to Snap-in adapter in 
the center armrest storage 
compartment111
Bass, tone setting150
Battery244
– charging244
– disposal36,244
– jump-starting247
– remote control26
– replacing244
– temporary power failure245
Battery for mobile phone192
Battery renewal
– remote control36
– remote control for vehicle36
Being towed249Belts, refer to Safety belts47
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts47
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders112
Black ice, refer to Outside 
temperature warning71
Blower, refer to Air 
volume104
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating183
BMW
– car shampoo235
BMW Advanced Diesel204
BMW Assist195
BMW Assist, 
activating197,199
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System231
BMW Search197
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders112
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control DBC85
Brake fluid, refer to Service 
requirements76
Brake Force Display93
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display93
– replacing bulb242,243
Brake pads122
– breaking in122
Brake rotors125
– brakes122
– breaking in122
Brakes
– ABS85
– BMW Maintenance 
System231
– Brake Force Display93
– breaking in122
– parking brake57
– service requirements76Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely124
Brake system122
– BMW Maintenance 
System231
– breaking in122
– disc brakes125
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance246
Breaking in the clutch122
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential122
Break-in period122
Brightness of the Control 
Display83
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs238
Button for starting the engine, 
refer to Start/stop button55
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning6
Call
– accepting184
– ending184
– rejecting184
Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing185
Calling, refer to Telephone 
owner's manual
Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders112
Capacities258
Capacity of the cargo area257
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery244
Car care, refer to Care233 

Everything from A to Z
268 Care233
– automatic car washes233
– care products233
– carpets235
– CD/DVD drives236
– chrome parts234
– displays236
– exterior233
– fine wood parts235
– headlamps234
– high-pressure washer234
– interior235
– leather235
– light-alloy wheels235
– paintwork234
– plastic parts235
– rubber seals234
– safety belts235
– sensors and cameras235
– upholstery and cloth 
trim235
– washing the car 
manually234
– windows234
Cargo, securing126
Cargo area115
– capacity257
– Comfort Access35
– folding up the floor 
panel117
– lamp, refer to Interior 
lamps101
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– partition net116
– roller cover115
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk 
lid/tailgate31
Cargo area net, refer to 
Partition net116
Cargo loading125
– securing cargo126
– stowing cargo126
– vehicle125
Car jack
– jacking points244
Car key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control26Car phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest111
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Car phone, refer to 
Telephone180
Car radio, refer to Radio153
Car shampoo235
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system123
CD, audio playback162
CD changer161,166
– controls150
– fast forward/reverse163
– filling or emptying the 
magazine166
– random play sequence162
– selecting a track162
– switching on/off150
– tone control150
– volume150
CD player161
– controls150
– fast forward/reverse163
– random play sequence162
– selecting a track162
– switching on/off150
– tone control150
– volume150
Center armrest111
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb243
Center console, refer to 
Around the center 
console14
Central locking
– from inside30
– from outside27
Central locking system27
– Comfort Access34
– hotel function32
– setting unlocking 
characteristics28
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs238Changing the language on the 
Control Display83
Changing the measurement 
units on the Control 
Display76
Changing wheels244
Chassis number, refer to 
Engine compartment226
Check Control80
Check Gas Cap202
Child restraint fixing system 
LATCH52
Child restraint systems51
Child safety locks54
Child seats, refer to 
Transporting children 
safely51
Chrome parts235
Chrome polish235
Cigarette lighter, refer to 
Lighter113
Cleaning headlamps61
– washer fluid62
Cleaning your BMW, refer to 
Care233
Climate control
– automatic air 
distribution103
Clock71
– 12h/24h mode79
– setting the time and date79
– setting time79
Closing
– from inside30
– from outside27
Clothes hooks112
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the 
engine56
Comfort Access34
– replacing the battery36
Comfort access, refer to 
Comfort Access34
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock55
Compass109 

Everything from A to Z
272 Glass roof, electric37
– closing after electrical 
malfunction38
– convenient operation28,29
– initializing38
– opening, closing38
– pinch protection system38
– power failure38
– raising37
– remote control28
Glove compartment110
GPS navigation, refer to 
Navigation system130
Grills102
Gross vehicle weight, refer to 
Weights257
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs239
Handbrake, refer to Parking 
brake57
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HDC Hill Descent Control87
HD Radio154
Head airbags94
Headlamp control, 
automatic97
Headlamp cover239
Headlamp flasher60
– indicator lamp11,13
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs239
Head restraints44
– rear, removing45
– sitting safely42
Heated
– mirrors48
– rear window104
– seats46
– steering wheel50
Heating
– mirrors48
– rear window104
– seats46
– steering wheel50Heating and ventilation, refer 
to Climate102
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing 
cargo126
Height, refer to 
Dimensions255
Height adjustment
– seats43
– steering wheel50
High-beam assistant99
High beams99
– headlamp flasher99
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs239
High beams and low beams, 
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant99
High-pressure 
washer233,234
High water, refer to Driving 
through water124
Highways, refer to Route 
criteria140
Hill Descent Control HDC87
Hills124
Holders for cups112
Homepage BMW4
Hood225
Hooks for shopping 
bags116,117
Horn10,11
Hotel function, refer to 
Locking or unlocking 
separately32
Hot exhaust system123
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to 
Dynamic Brake Control85
Hydroplaning124
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio154
Ice warning, refer to Outside 
temperature warning71
Identification marks
– run-flat tires223
– tire coding221iDrive16
– adjusting brightness83
– changing date and time79
– changing language83
– changing settings83
– changing units of measure 
and display format76
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– start menu17
– status information19
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition55
– switched off56
– switched on55
Ignition key, refer to Remote 
control with integrated 
key26
Ignition key position 1, refer to 
Radio readiness55
Ignition key position 2, refer to 
Ignition on55
Ignition lock55
Imprint2
Indicator and warning 
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM91
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure208
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to Tire Pressure 
Monitor TPM89
Initializing
– after power failure245
– compass, refer to 
Calibrating110
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM88
– glass roof38
– panorama glass roof40
– radio, refer to Station, 
storing154
– refer to Setting the time and 
date79
Installation location
– telephone111 

Everything from A to Z
276 Radio position, refer to Radio 
readiness55
Radio readiness55
– switched off56
– switched on55
Radio-remote key, refer to 
Remote control with 
integrated key26
Rain sensor61
Random sequence
– external devices176
– music collection171
Rapeseed-oil methyl ester 
RME204
Reading lamps101
Rear lamps, refer to Tail 
lamps241
Rear seat backrest, 
folding115
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints45
– folding115
– folding down 
backrests114,115
– folding head restraint down 
and up45
Rear ventilation105
Rearview mirror, refer to 
Mirrors48
Rear window
– cleaning62
– opening33
Rear window blind, refer to 
Roller sun blinds110
Rear window defroster104
Rear window safety switch37
Rear window wiper62
– changing rear wiper 
blade237
Receiving level of mobile 
phone, refer to Status 
information19
Reception
– quality154
– radio station154
Recirculated-air mode104
Recirculation of air, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode104Reclining seat, refer to 
Backrest43
Refueling202
Releasing
– hood225
Remaining distance, refer to 
Cruising range73
Remote control26
– battery renewal36
– Comfort Access34
– garage door opener107
– malfunction29,36
– removing from the ignition 
lock55
– service data231
– tailgate28
– trunk lid28
Replacement fuses, refer to 
Fuses245
Replacement remote 
control26
Replacing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs238
Replacing tires223
Replacing tires, refer to New 
wheels and tires223
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel 
gauge72
Reset, refer to Resetting tone 
settings152
Restraint systems
– for children51
– refer to Safety belts47
Reverse
– CD changer163
– CD player163
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
RME, refer to Rapeseed-oil 
methyl ester204
Road map142
Roadside 
Assistance196,246
Roadside parking lamps99
– replacing bulbs238,240Roadworthiness test, refer to 
Service requirements76
Roller blind
– sun blinds110
Roof load capacity257
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack127
Rope, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away250
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to 
iDrive16
Route140,141
– bypassing sections141
– changing140,141
– changing criteria140
– displaying streets or towns/
cities141
– map view142
– selecting140
Route instructions, refer to 
Destination guidance 
through voice 
instructions142
Route map, refer to Map 
view142
Route section, changing141
Route selection140
RSC Runflat System 
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires223
Runflat System Component 
RSC, refer to Run-flat 
tires223
Run-flat tires223
– continuing driving with a 
damaged tire89
– flat tire89
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– Inflation pressure208
– new tires223
– tire replacement223
– winter tires224
Runflat tyres, refer to Run-flat 
tires223