
11
Dashboard
At a glance
4
Exterior mirrors folding in and out 55
5 Adjusting exterior mirrors, automatic curb 
monitor 55
9 Instrument cluster 12 12
Ignition lock 61
13 Buttons on the steering wheel
15 Horn, entire surface
16 Adjusting the steering wheel 56
18 Releasing the hood 260
19 OBD socket 265
20 Opening the trunk lid 35
1
Convertible: opening and closing 
windows jointly
40 
2 Convertible: opening and closing 
rear windows
40 
3 Opening and closing front 
windows
40 
6 Parking lamps 110
Low beams 110
Automatic head lamp control110
Adaptive Light Control 112
High-beam Assistant 113
7 Fog lamps 114
8 Turn signals 71
High beams, headlamp 
flasher 112
High-beam Assistant 113
Roadside parking lamps 112
Computer 84
Settings and information about the 
vehicle 86
10 Windshield wipers 71
Rain sensor 72
11Switching the ignition on/off and 
starting/stopping the engine
61
Telephone: accepting and ending 
a call; dialing the selected phone 
number; redialing if no phone 
number is selected
Convertible: microphone on steer-
ing column
Volume
Activating/deactivating the voice 
activation system 25
Convertible: microphone on steer-
ing column
Changing the radio station
Interrupting a traffic bulletin
Selecting a music track
Scrolling through the redial list
Next entertainment source
Recirculated air mode 118
14 Steering wheel heating 56
17 Cruise control 75
Active Cruise Control 75
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

31
Opening and closing
Controls
for two remote controls 
if Comfort Access is in 
use.
Personal Profile settings
For more information on  specific settings, refer 
to the specified pages.
> Assignment of programmable memory 
keys, refer to page 23
> Response of the central locking system 
when the car is unlocked, refer to page 32
> Automatic locking of th e vehicle, refer to 
page 35
> Automatic call-up of th e driver's seat posi-
tion, refer to page 53
> Triple turn signal  activation, refer to 
page 71
> Settings for the display on the Control Dis-
play and in the instrument cluster:
>12h/24h format of the clock, refer to 
page 91
> Date format, refer to page 91
> Brightness of the Control Display, refer 
to page 94
> Language on the Control Display, refer 
to page 94
> Units of measure, refer to page 87
> Show visual warning for Park Distance Con-
trol PDC, refer to page 97
> Light settings:
>Welcome lamps, refer to page 111
> Pathway lighting, refer to page 111
> Daytime running lights, refer to 
page 111
> High-beam Assistant, refer to page 113
> Automatic climate control: activating/deac-
tivating AUTO program, cooling function 
and automatic recirculated air control, set-
ting temperature, air volume and distribu-
tion, refer to page 117 ff >
Entertainment:
>Setting tone contro ls, refer to page171
> Speed-dependent volume control, refer 
to page 172
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system functions when the 
driver's door is closed.
The system simultaneously engages and 
releases the locks on the following:
>Doors
> Trunk lid
> Fuel filler flap
> Convertible: glove compartment
Operating from outside
>Via the remote control
> Using the door lock
> In cars with Comfort Access, via the handles 
on the driver's door and the front passenger 
door
At the same time as locking and unlocking via 
the remote control:
> Welcome lights, the inte rior light, and the 
courtesy lighting are switched on and off.
> Alarm system, refer to page 37, is armed or 
disarmed.
Operating from inside
By means of the button fo r central locking, refer 
to page 35.
In the event of a sufficien tly severe accident, the 
central locking system un locks automatically. In 
addition, the hazard warning flashers and inte-
rior lamps come on.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

96
ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all pr oduction, country, and 
optional equipment that is offered in the model 
range is described. For this reason, descrip-
tions will be given of some equipment that may 
not be available in a vehi cle, for example due to 
the special options or  national-market version 
selected. This also app lies to safety related 
functions and systems.
Park Distance Control PDC
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight 
parking spaces. Acoustic signals and a visual 
indicator warn you of the presence of an object 
in front of or behind your vehicle. To measure 
the distance, there are four ultrasonic sensors 
in either bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2 m. However, an acoustic warning does not 
sound until an object  is approx. 24 in/60 cm 
from the front sensors and rear corner sensors, 
or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the rear center sen-
sors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate 
objects when they are approached 
slowly, as is usually th e case when parking. 
Avoid approaching an object at high speed; oth-
erwise, physical circumstances may lead to the 
system warning being issued too late. <
Switching on automatically
With the engine running or the ignition switched 
on, the system is activated after approx. one 
second when you shift into reverse or move the 
automatic transmission selector lever to 
position R. Wait this short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 55 yd/50 m of driving or above 
approx. 20 mph/approx. 30 km/h, the system 
switches off and the LED goes out.
Switching on manually
When parking in the forward direction, the sen-
sors must be switched  on manually to enable 
them to signal an approach to an object in front 
of or behind the vehicle.
Press the button; the LED lights up.
Switching off manually
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated 
correspondingly by an interval tone. For exam-
ple, if an object is dete cted behind the vehicle, 
the signal tone sounds from the rear. As the dis-
tance between vehicle an d object decreases, 
the intervals betwee n the tones become 
shorter. If the distance  to the nearest object 
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a contin-
uous tone sounds.
An interval tone is interrupted after approx. 
3seconds
> If you remain in front of an object that has 
been detected by only one of the corner 
sensors
> If you are driving parallel to a wall.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

100
ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off 
smoothly on uphill gradients. It is not necessary 
to use the parking brake for this.
1.Hold the car in place by depressing the 
brake.
2. Release the brake and drive off without 
delay.
The drive-off assistant holds the car in 
place for approx. 2 seconds after the 
brake is released. Drive  off without delay after 
releasing the brake. Ot herwise, the drive-off 
assistant will no longer hold the car in place 
after approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to 
roll backwards. <
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not measure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pressure loss in a tire by 
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-
ual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and 
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change.  This is detected and 
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have be en initialized while the 
tire inflation pressure  was correct; otherwise, 
reliable signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed, 
reinitialize the system.
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by 
external influences cannot be indicated in 
advance.<
A natural, steady pressure  loss in all four tires is 
not detected. Therefore, check the tire inflation 
pressure regularly.
In the following situatio ns, the system could be 
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
> Performance-oriented style of driving: slip 
in the drive wheels, hi gh lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can 
be displayed on the Control Display, e.g. 
whether or not the FTM is active.
1."Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
Initialization
The initialization process adopts the set infla-
tion tire pressures as  reference values for the 
detection of a flat tire. Initialization is started by 
confirming the inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the syst em when driving with 
snow chains.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

105
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
tire to overheat and ca
n lead to tire failure. 
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and 
tire tread life, and may  affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the 
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to 
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached  the level at which the 
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction in dicator is combined 
with the low tire pressure  telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction,  the telltale will flash 
for approximately one minute and then remain 
continuously lit. This  sequence will continue 
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as 
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction 
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be 
able to detect or signal  low tire pressure as 
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a 
variety of reasons, includ ing the installation of 
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the 
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning 
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction 
telltale after replacing one or more tires or 
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the 
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow 
the TPMS to continue  to function properly.
Active steering
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the 
front wheels in relation  to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required 
to turn the wheels depe nding on the speed at 
which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low speed range, 
e.g. in a town or when parking, the steering 
angle is increased, i.e. steering becomes very 
direct and less effort is required to turn the 
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other 
hand, the steering angle is reduced as the 
speed increases. This im proves the handling of 
your BMW over the entire speed range. In critical situations, 
the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle 
before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing 
intervention is simult aneously deactivated 
when DSC is switched off, refer to page 98.
Malfunction
The warning lamps light up and a 
message is displayed on the Control 
Display. Active steering is malfunc-
tioning or is temporarily deactivated. 
At low speeds, greater steering wheel move-
ments are required, whereas at higher speeds 
the vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering 
wheel movements. The stability-enhancing 
feature may also be deactivated. Drive cau-
tiously and think well ahead.
Deactivation
Active steering is deactivated to perform an ini-
tialization. A message in dicates that the feature 
is deactivated. Initializ ation may take several 
minutes.
If the message does no t disappear during the 
current trip, have the system checked.
Defect
If there is a defect, a corresponding text mes-
sage appears. Have the system checked.
Servotronic
The concept
The Servotronic varies the steering force 
required to turn the whee ls relative to the vehi-
cle speed.
At low speeds, the steering force is strongly 
assisted, i.e. less force is needed for steering. 
As the vehicle speed increases, the steering 
assisting power is reduced.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

110
ControlsLamps
Lamps
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all pr oduction, country, and 
optional equipment that is offered in the model 
range is described. For this reason, descrip-
tions will be given of some equipment that may 
not be available in a vehi cle, for example due to 
the special options or  national-market version 
selected. This also app lies to safety related 
functions and systems.
At a glance
0 Lamps off, 
daytime running lights
1 Parking lamps and daytime running lights
2 Low beams, 
welcome lamps
3 Automatic headlamp control, daytime run-
ning lights, welcome lamps, High-beam 
Assistant, and Adaptive Light Control
Parking lamps/low beams, 
automatic headlamp control
General information
When the driver's door is opened with ignition 
switched off, then the exterior lighting is auto-
matically switched off if  the light switch is in 
position  0, 2 , or 3.
Parking lamps
In switch position 1, the front, rear and side 
vehicle lighting is switch ed on. You can use the 
parking lamps for parking.
The parking lamps will discharge the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for 
unduly long periods of time; otherwise, the bat-
tery might not have enou gh power to start the 
engine. It is preferable  to switch on the left-
hand or right-hand roadside parking lamps, 
refer to page 112.<
Low beams
The low beams light up wh en the light switch is 
in position 2 and the ignition is on.
Automatic headlamp control
When the switch is in position 3, the low beams 
are switched on and off automatically depend-
ing on ambient lighting conditions, e.g. in a tun-
nel, in twilight, or if there is precipitation. The 
Adaptive Light Control is  active. The LED next 
to the symbol is illu minated when the low 
beams are on. You can also activate the daytime 
running lights, refer to page 111. In the situa-
tions described above, the lamps then automat-
ically switch from daytime running lights to low 
beams.
The headlamps may also  come on when the 
sun is sitting low on a blue sky.
The low beams remain switched on inde-
pendent of the ambient lighting condi-
tions when you switch on the fog lamps. <
The automatic headlamp control cannot 
serve as a substitute for your personal 
judgment in determining when the lamps 
should be switched on  in response to ambient 
lighting conditions. For example, the system 
cannot detect fog or ha zy weather. To avoid 
safety risks, you should  always switch on the 
low-beam headlamps ma nually under these 
conditions. <
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

114
ControlsLamps
Activating via iDrive
1."Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "High beam assistant"
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently 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.
If the automatic headla mp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you swit ch on the fog lamps.<
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument 
lighting only when the pa rking lamps or the low 
beams are switched on.
1. Push button 1 up or down repeatedly until 
the appropriate symbol appears in the dis-
play, accompanied by the brightness set-
ting and scale the word "SET".
2. Press button 2.
3. Push button 1 up or down to select the 
desired brightness level.
4. Press button  2.
The display again shows the outside tem-
perature and the time.
Interior lamps
The interior lamps, the footwell lamps, entry 
lamps, cargo area lamp, and courtesy lamps are 
controlled automatically.
The LEDs for the courtesy  lamps are set in the 
door handles and illuminate  the ground in front 
of the doors.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

141
Things to remember when driving
Driving tips
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 br aking is required. Even 
light but consistent brak e 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 he lps you avoid placing 
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode  of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page 65.
Sport automatic transm ission with double 
clutch: never drive with the transmission 
in neutral or with the en gine switched off; other-
wise, there will be no en gine braking action and 
no power assistance to the brakes and steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the 
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral or with the engine switched off; otherwise, 
there will be no engine braking action and no 
power assistance 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 driv en only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are le ss frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminan ts 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 wh ile 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 ca pacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overlo ading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage 
develops inside the tires. In some situations, 
this can result in sudden loss of tire pressure. <
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.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG