
Controls overview
84
Date
The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile on 
page26.
Setting the date
In the instrument cluster
To set the dd/mm or mm/dd date format, refer 
to Setting the date format below.
1.Push button 1 in the turn indicator lever up 
or down repeatedly until the appropriate 
symbol appears in the display, accompa-
nied by the date and the word "SET".
2.Press button 2.
3.Use button 1 to set the day of the month.
4.Press button 2 to confirm the entry.
5.Set the month and the yea r  i n  t he  s a m e  w a y .
6.Press button 2.
The system stores the new date.
Via iDrive
1."Settings"
2."Time/Date"
3."Date:"
4.Turn the controller until the desired day is 
displayed, and press the controller.
5.Create the necessary settings for the 
month and year.
The date is stored.
Setting the date format
1."Settings"
2."Time/Date"
3."Format:"
4.Select the desired format.
The date format is stored.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions 
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored. This type of Check Control 
message includes indicator and warning lamps 
in the instrument cluster and, in some cases, an 
acoustic signal and text messages at the top of 
the Control Display.
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in a 
variety of combinations and colors.
Several of the lamps are checked for proper 
functioning and light up temporarily when the 
engine is started or the ignition is switched on. 

Controls
 87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Settings on the 
Control Display
Language on the Control Display
Setting the language
1."Settings"
2."Language/Units"
3."Language:"
4.Select the desired language.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Setting the voice dialog
Switch between a standard dialog and a short 
dialog.
1."Settings"
2."Language/Units"
3."Speech mode:"
4.Select the desired dialog.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Brightness of the Control Display
The brightness is automatically adapted to the 
ambient lighting conditions. However, you can 
change the basic setting.
1."Settings"
2."Control display"
3."Brightness"
4.Turn the controller until the desired setting 
is selected.
5.Press the controller.
The setting is stored for the remote control 
currently in use. In bright conditions, for exam-
ple, the brightness control may not be clearly 
visible. 

Lamps
102 3."Welcome light"
 Welcome lamps are activated and are 
stored for the remote control currently in use.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the headlamp flasher after 
switching off the ignition with the lamps 
switched off, the low beams come on and 
remain on for a certain time.
Setting the duration or deactivating
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Pathway light.:"
4.Set a time of duration, or 0 s to deactivate 
the function.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Daytime running lights
The daytime running lights light up in switch 
position 0, 1 and 3. They are less powerful than 
the low beams.
Activating/deactivating daytime 
running lights
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Daytime running lamps"
 Daytime running lights are activated and 
are stored for the remote control currently in 
use.
Adaptive light control*
The concept
Adaptive light control is a variable headlamp 
control system that enables better illumination 
of the road surface. Depending on the steering 
angle and other parameters, the light from the 
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves at speeds up to 40 mph/70 km/h, 
e.g. on mountainous roads or when turning, an 
additional, corner-illuminating lamp is switched 
on that lights up the inside area of the curve.
Activating Adaptive Light Control
With the ignition switched on, turn the light 
switch to position 3, refer to page101. 
The corner-illuminating lamp is switched on 
automatically, depending on the steering wheel 
angle or turn signal indicator.
Standstill function
*: to avoid blinding oncoming 
traffic, the adaptive light control directs light 
towards the front passenger side when the 
vehicle is at a standstill.
When you are reversing, only the corner-illumi-
nating lamps are switched on and active on 
both sides. 

Lamps
104
Switching the high beams on and off 
manually
Whenever you wish, or when the situation 
requires, you can intervene:
>If the high-beam assistant switches on the 
high beams, but you would like to drive with 
the low beams, simply switch off the high 
beams using the turn indicator lever. This 
deactivates the high-beam assistant. 
To reactivate the system, briefly push the 
turn indicator lever toward the high beams 
again.
>If the high-beam assistant switches on the 
low beams, but you would like to drive with 
the high beams, switch on the high beams 
as usual. This deactivates the system and 
the high beams need to be switched off 
manually, if necessary.
To reactivate the system, briefly push the 
turn indicator lever toward the high beams 
again.
>Use the headlamp flasher as usual with the 
low beams switched on.
System limitations
The high-beam assistant cannot serve as 
a substitute for the driver's personal judg-
ment of when to use the high beams. Therefore, 
manually switch off the high beams in situations 
where this is required to avoid a safety risk.<
The system is not fully functional in situations 
such as the following, and driver intervention 
may be necessary:
>In very unfavorable weather conditions, 
such as fog or heavy precipitation
>In detecting poorly-lit road users, such as 
pedestrians, cyclists, horseback riders and 
wagons; when driving close to train or ship 
traffic; and at animal crossings
>In tight curves, on hilltops or in depressions, 
in cross traffic or half-obscured oncoming 
traffic on highways
>In poorly lit towns and cities and in the pres-
ence of highly reflective signs
>At low speeds>When the windshield in front of the interior 
rearview mirror is fogged over, dirty or cov-
ered with stickers, etc.
>If the sensor is dirty. Clean the sensor on 
the front of the interior rearview mirror using 
a cloth moistened with a small amount of 
glass cleaner.
Activating via iDrive
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."High beam assistant"
 The high-beam assistant is activated and is 
stored for the remote control currently in use.
Fog lamps*
The parking lamps or low beams must 
be switched on for the fog lamps to 
operate. The green indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster lights up whenever the 
fog lamps are on.
The fog lamps are switched off while you acti-
vate the headlamp flasher or switch on the high 
beams. 

Controls
 107Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic climate control
Comfortable interior climate
AUTO program7 offers the ideal air distribution 
and air volume for almost all conditions, refer to 
AUTO program below. All you need to do is 
select an interior temperature which is comfort-
able for you.
The following sections inform you in detail 
about how to adjust the settings.
Most settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile 
settings on page26.
Adjusting air distribution manually
The air distribution can be 
switched on and off manually. The 
air is directed to the windshield, to 
the upper body area and to the 
footwell.
The automatic air distribution can be switched 
back on by pressing the AUTO button. The 
cooling function is switched on automatically 
and the manual air distribution setting is 
cleared.
Temperature
Turn to set the desired tempera-
ture.
The automatic climate control 
achieves this temperature as 
quickly as possible regardless of the season, 
using maximum cooling or heating power if nec-
essary, and then maintains it.
Avoid rapid switching between different tem-
perature settings. The automatic climate con-
trol will not have sufficient time to adjust the set 
temperature.
Maximum heating power can be obtained with 
the highest setting, regardless of the outside 
temperature.
The system cools steadily in the lowest setting, 
regardless of the outside temperature.
Maximum cooling
Press the  button.
The system is set to the lowest 
temperature, maximum air volume 
and recirculated-air mode.
Air flows out of the vent outlets for the upper 
body region. Open them for this purpose.
Air is cooled as quickly as possible:
>Above an outside temperature of approx. 
327/06
>When the engine is running
AUTO program
Press the  button.
Air volume, air distribution and 
temperature are controlled auto-
matically.
Depending on the selected temperature, AUTO 
intensity and outside influences, the air is 
directed toward the windshield, the side win-
dows, the upper body and the footwell.
Pressing the AUTO button automatically 
switches on the cooling function.
At the same time, a condensation sensor con-
trols the program so as to prevent window con-
densation as much as possible.
The program is switched off when the air distri-
bution is set manually or the button is pressed 
again.
Intensity of the AUTO program
With the AUTO program switched on, auto-
matic control of the air volume and air distribu-
tion can be adjusted:
Press the left side of the button 
to reduce the intensity. Press 
the right side of the button to 
increase it.
The selected intensity is shown on the display 
of the automatic climate control. 

Controls
 111Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote 
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can 
replace as many as three hand-held transmit-
ters for various remote-controlled devices, 
such as garage doors and gates or lighting sys-
tems. The integrated universal remote control 
registers and stores signals from the original 
hand-held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter 
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons1. After this, the programmed 
memory button1 will operate the system in 
question. The LED2 flashes to confirm trans-
mission of the signal.
Should you sell your vehicle one day, be sure to 
delete the stored programs beforehand for your 
safety, refer to page112.
To prevent possible damage or injury, 
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect 
the immediate area to make certain that no peo-
ple, animals or objects are within the pivoting or 
travel range of the device being operated. Com-
ply also with the safety instructions supplied 
with the original hand-held transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If this symbol appears on the package 
or in the instructions supplied with the 
original hand-held transmitter, you can 
assume that the radio remote control device will 
be compatible with the integrated universal 
remote control.
For additional information, please contact your 
BMW center or call: 1-800-355-3515.
You can also obtain information on the Internet 
at: 
www.bmwusa.com or 
www.homelink.com. 
HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson 
Controls, Inc.<
Programming
1Memory buttons
2LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page55.
2.When starting operation for the first time: 
press the left and right memory buttons1 
for approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 
flashes rapidly. The three memory buttons 
are cleared.
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a 
distance of approx. 4 to 12 in/10 to 30 cm 
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons1 depends on the system of the 
respective original hand-held transmitter 
used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit key on 
the original hand-held transmitter and the 
desired memory button 1 on the integrated 
universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes 
slowly at first. As soon as the LED2 flashes 
rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED2 
does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 sec-
onds, alter the distance and repeat this 
step.
5.To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter. 

Practical interior accessories
112 You can operate the device while the ignition is 
switched on.
If the device fails to function even after 
repeated programming, check whether 
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the 
instructions for the original hand-held transmit-
ter or hold down the programmed memory 
button1 of the integrated universal remote 
control. If the LED2 on the integrated universal 
remote control flashes rapidly and then remains 
lit for about two seconds, the original hand-held 
transmitter uses an alternating-code system. If 
it uses an alternating-code system, program 
the memory buttons1 as described under 
Alternating-code hand-held transmitters.<
Alternating-code hand-held 
transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote 
control, consult the operating instructions for 
the device to be set. You will find information 
there on the possibilities for synchronization.
When programming hand-held transmitters 
that employ an alternating code, please observe 
the following supplementary instructions:
Programming will be easier with the aid of 
a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the 
remote-controlled device.
2.Program the integrated universal remote 
control as described above in the section 
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3.Locate the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit.
4.Press the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set. After step 4, you have 
approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5.Press the programmed memory button1 of 
the integrated universal remote control 
three times.
The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
If you have any questions, please contact 
your BMW center.<
Deleting all stored programs
Press the left and right memory buttons1 for 
approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 flashes rap-
idly: all stored programs are deleted.
Reassigning individual programs
1.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a 
distance of approx. 4 to 12 in/10 to 30 cm 
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons1 depends on the system of the 
respective original hand-held transmitter 
used.<
2.Press the desired memory button1 of the 
integrated universal remote control.
3.If the LED2 flashes slowly after approx. 
20 seconds, press the transmit key of the 
original hand-held transmitter. Release 
both buttons as soon as the LED2 flashes 
rapidly. If the LED2 does not flash rapidly 
after approx. 15 seconds, alter the distance 
and repeat this step. 

Practical interior accessories
114
Calibrating the digital compass
The digital compass must be calibrated in the 
following situations:
>An incorrect compass direction is shown.
>The compass direction shown does not 
change although the direction of travel 
does.
>Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1.Make sure that no large metal objects or 
overhead power lines are in the vicinity of 
your vehicle and that you have enough 
space to drive in a circle.
2.Set the currently valid compass zone.
3.Convertible: ensure that the retractable 
hardtop is fully closed.
4.Press the adjustment button for approx. 6-7 
seconds to call up C. Then drive in at least 
one full circle at a speed of no more than 
4mph or 7km/h.
If calibration is successful, the display 
changes from C to a compass direction.
5.Convertible: open the retractable hardtop 
fully and repeat step 4.
Setting right-hand/left-hand steering
Your digital compass is factory-set to right-
hand or left-hand steering, in accordance with 
your vehicle.
Set the language
You can set the language of the display:
Press the adjustment button for approx. 
12-13 seconds. Briefly press the adjustment 
button again to switch between English, "E", 
and German, "O".
The setting is automatically saved after approx. 
10 seconds.
Coupe:
Roller sun blind*
Tap the button in the center console to raise or 
lower the roller sun blind.
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle. 
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven, 
close the glove compartment immediately after 
use.<
Closing
Fold the cover up.
Locking
To lock the glove compartment, use the inte-
grated key of the remote control, refer to 
page26.
Convertible: when you lock the vehicle from the 
outside, the glove compartment is locked as 
well.