
Practical interior accessories
108 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.

Controls
109Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Digital compass*
1Adjustment button
2Display
The display shows you the main or secondary
compass direction in which you are driving.
Operating principle
You can call up various functions by pressing
the adjustment button with a pointed object such as a ballpoint pen or similar item. The fol-
lowing adjustment options are displayed one
after the other, depending on how long you
keep the adjustment button pressed:
>Press briefly: switch display on/off
>3 to 6 seconds: set compass zone
>6 to 9 seconds: calibrate compass
>9 to 12 seconds: set left-hand/right-hand
steering
>12 to 15 seconds: set the language
Setting compass zones
Set the compass zone corresponding to your
vehicle's geographic location so that the com-
pass can function correctly; refer to the world
map with compass zones.
To set the compass zone, press the adjustment
button for approx. 3-4 seconds. The number of
the compass zone set is shown in the display.
To change the zone setting, briefly press the
adjustment button repeatedly until the display
shows the number of the compass zone corre-
sponding to your current location.The compass is operational again after
approx. 10 seconds.

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

Controls
113Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Lighter
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, press in the cigarette lighter.
The lighter can be pulled out as soon as it pops
back out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by
the knob only. Holding or touching it in
other areas could result in burns.
When leaving the car, always remove the
remote control so that children cannot operate
the cigarette lighter and burn themselves.<
Connecting electrical
appliances
In your BMW, when the engine is running or the
ignition is switched on, you can use electrical
devices such as a hand lamp, car vacuum
cleaner, etc., up to approx. 200 watts at
12 volts, as long as one of the following sockets
is available. Avoid damaging the sockets by
attempting to insert plugs of unsuitable shape
or size.
Cigarette lighter socket*
To access the socket: take the cigarette lighter
out of the socket.
Socket* in the front passenger footwell
A socket is located under the glove compart-
ment on the left.
Socket in the center armrest
External audio device, refer to page111.
Sockets in the rear center console*
Remove corresponding cover.
Socket in the cargo area*
Sedan
Sports Wagon
Open the cap.

Controls
115Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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 page126.
Sports Wagon:
Cargo area
Roller cover
Pull out the cover and hook it into the retaining
fixtures.
Do not place objects on the cover; other-
wise, they could endanger the car's occu-
pants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving.
Do not let the cover retract; otherwise, it could
be damaged.<
Raising the roller cover
Press the button: the roller cover is raised.
Before closing the rear window or tailgate,
press the roller cover downward until it
engages.
Expanding the cargo area
The rear seat backrest is divided. You can fold
down either division in order to expand the
cargo area.
Reach into the recess and pull forwards.
When folding the backrest back up, make
sure that the catch engages properly. If
you cannot see a red warning area in the recess,
the catch is properly engaged. Otherwise,
cargo can be thrown around inside the passen-
ger compartment and endanger the car's occu-
pants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving.<
Observe the instructions concerning the
safety belt on page42 to ensure the best
possible personal protection.<

Controls
117Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
>Folding, removable box* under the floor
panel, e.g. for wet or dirty items
>Stowage compartment under the floor
panel
>Insertable dividers
* and removable storage
tray for the storage compartment under the
floor panel
Sports Wagon
The following storage spaces can be found in
the cargo area:
>Umbrella holder
* on the bottom of the par-
tition net casing
>Rubber strap on the left
* and right trim
panel for securing small objects such as a
folding umbrella
>Hooks for hanging up shopping bags or tote
bags, for example, on the left and right sides
of the cargo area
>Net for small objects on the right trim panel
of the cargo area
>Stowage compartment under the floor
panel
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, other
storage spaces can be found in the cargo area:
>Net
* for securing smaller objects, to be
attached to the fixtures on the floor panel
>Net
* on the left side trim of the cargo area
instead of the rubber strap
>Reversible floor panel with integrated plas-
tic cover
* for cargo area or bumper
>Folding, removable box
* under the floor
panel, e.g. for wet or dirty items>Insertable dividers
* and removable storage
tray for the storage compartment under the
floor panel
Folding up the floor panel
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
load of 55 lbs/25 kg for the storage com-
partment under the floor panel; otherwise, dam-
age could result.<
Sedan
Press the floor panel against the ceiling of the
cargo area; a locking device holds the floor
panel in place. To detach the floor panel, pull it
out of the locking device.
Sports Wagon
Fold up the floor panel and take it out or lean it
forward.
Lashing eyes
You will find lashing eyelets in the cargo area for
securing luggage items with nets or tensioning
straps, refer to page126.

Controls
119Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility

Driving tips
123Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance between you and the vehicle in front of
you. A defensive and smooth driving style
keeps fuel consumption down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second
and higher gears, accelerate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelerating, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
On a downhill slope, take your foot off the accel-
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings
or in traffic congestions. You achieve fuel sav-
ings even if standing time is as short as approx.
4 seconds.
Switch off functions you do not need at
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner, seat
heating or rear window defroster draw large
amounts of power and consume additional fuel.
Especially in city traffic and in stop and go driv-
ing they have a considerable impact. Therefore,
switch these functions off when they are not
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW
recommends having the vehicle serviced at a
BMW center. Also note the BMW service sys-
tem, refer to page231.
General driving notes
Close the trunk lid/tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the trunk
lid/tailgate and rear window are closed.
Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter the inte-
rior of the vehicle.<
If the vehicle must be driven with the trunk lid/
tailgate open:
1.Close all windows and the glass roof.
2.Greatly increase the air volume of the auto-
matic climate control system, refer to
page104.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes.
Otherwise, there is a risk of burns.<