
66
ControlsDriving
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result in a plausible combination 
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example, 
a downshift that would cause the engine to 
overrev will not be exec uted by the system.
The gear selected is briefly displayed in the 
instrument cluster, followed again by the gear 
actually in use.
Overriding selector lever lock
Should the selector lever  refuse to move out of 
position P even though the ignition is switched 
on, the brake is depressed and the button on 
the selector lever is pre ssed, the selector lever 
lock can be overridden:
1. Switch off ignition.
2. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
3. Pull the sleeve up over  the selector lever 
until the sleeve is inside out.
4. Using the screwdriver from the onboard 
vehicle tool kit, refer to page 270, press the 
red lever and with the button pressed, 
simultaneously move th e selector lever to 
the desired position.
7-gear Spor t automatic 
transmission with double 
clutch
The concept
The 7-gear Sport automa tic transmission with 
double clutch is an automated manual trans-
mission with two clutches and secondary gear  sets in which the clutch
ing and shifting is han-
dled by an electrohydraulic system.
With the 7-gear Sport automatic transmission 
with double clutch, the gears are shifted without 
an interruption in driving power.
You operate the 7-gear Sport automatic trans-
mission with double clutch using the selector 
lever and two shift paddles on the steering 
wheel.
It offers you the following functions:
> Either manual or au tomatic mode: sequen-
tial mode or drive mode
> Automatic downshifting and protection 
against incorrect gear selection, even in 
sequential mode
> Acceleration assistan t, Launch Control, 
refer to page 70
> Automatic intermediate  throttle application
System limitations
The 7-gear Sport automatic transmission with 
double clutch has an overheating protection 
that protects the clutch from extreme loads.
The indicator lamp lights up in yellow if 
the transmission becomes too warm. 
Avoid high engine loads and frequent 
accelerations from zero. If the transmission is 
overheated, the indicator lamp lights up in red 
and the power flow to the  motor is interrupted. It 
is only possible to continue driving once the 
transmission has cooled down.
Avoid frequent powerful accelerations from 
zero and do not hold the  vehicle on inclines by 
pressing lightly on the  accelerator while letting 
the clutch slip, as this may cause the transmis-
sion to overheat.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
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Driving
Controls
All washer nozzles are 
supplied with washer 
fluid by the same reservoir.
Fill with water and, if  required, with a washer 
antifreeze, according to  manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Mix the water and antifreeze before filling 
the washer fluid reservoir to make sure 
the correct concentration is maintained. <
Capacity
Approx. 6.3 US quarts/6 liters.
Cruise control
The concept
Cruise control is available for use at speeds of 
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then stores 
and maintains the speed that you specify using 
the lever on the steering  column. In order to 
maintain the specifie d speed, the system 
brakes the vehicle when the engine braking 
effect is insufficient  on downhill gradients.
Do not use cruise control when driving at 
constant speed is prevented by adverse 
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or 
poor road conditions due  to, e.g., snow, rain, ice 
or loose surfaces. Otherwise, you could lose 
control of the vehicle and cause an accident as a 
result. <
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while  cruise control is acti-
vated. The system is deactivated when you  drive at very low engine speeds for an extended 
period.
One lever for all functions
1
Storing and maintainin g speed or accelerat-
ing
2 Storing and maintaining speed or deceler-
ating
3 Deactivating cr uise control
4 Resuming a previously stored speed
Maintaining current speed
Briefly press the lever, arrow  1, or pull it briefly, 
arrow  2.
The car's current speed is stored and main-
tained. It is displayed on the speedometer and 
briefly in the instrument cluster.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to 
maintain the set speed if  current engine power 
output is insufficient. If the engine braking 
effect is insufficient on  downhill slopes, the sys-
tem will brake the vehicle slightly.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance 
point or beyond, arrow 1, until the desired 
speed is reached.
> Each time the lever is  pressed to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased 
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
> Each time the lever is  pressed beyond the 
resistance point, the desired speed is 
increased by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
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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.
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ControlsLamps
Adaptive Light Control
The concept
Adaptive Light Control is a variable headlamp 
control system that en ables 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.
I n  t i g h t  c u r v e s  a t  s p e e d s  u p  t o  4 0 m p h / 7 0 k m / h ,  
e.g. on mountainous roads or when turning, an 
additional, corner-illumina ting 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 page 110. 
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 
toward the front passenge r side when the vehi-
cle is at a standstill.
When you are reversing, only the corner-illumi-
nating lamps are switched on and active on 
both sides.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display. 
The Adaptive Light Control is mal-
functioning or failed. Ha ve the system checked 
as soon as possible.
High beams/roadside parking 
lamps
1 High beams
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right
There is an additional option of switching on the 
lamps on the side of the car facing the road 
when parked.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or 
down beyond the pressu re point for a longer 
period, arrow  3.
The roadside parking lamps drain 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. <
Switching off
Press the lever in the o pposite direction to the 
pressure point, arrow  3.
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Practical interior accessories
Controls
Setting compass zones
Set the compass zone co
rresponding to your 
vehicle's geographic location so that the com- pass can function correc
tly; 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 se tting, briefly press the 
adjustment button repeat edly 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.
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 4 mph/7 km/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.
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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.
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MobilityReplacing components
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your 
BMW center. <
Jack mounting points
The jacking points are at the positions shown in 
the illustration.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the 
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery 
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in 
all matters concerning the battery.
Battery replacing
Only use vehicle batteries that have been 
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or functions may not be fully 
available. <
After a battery replacem ent, have the battery 
registered on the vehicle by your service center 
to ensure that all comfort functions are fully 
available.
Charging the battery
Note
Do not connect battery chargers to the 
sockets built into the vehicle at the plant; 
doing so may damage the vehicle. <
Jump-starting terminals
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the 
terminals in the engine compartment with the 
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump-starting 
on page278.
Power failure
After a temporary power lo ss, the functioning of 
some equipment may be limited and require 
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise 
have been lost and will  have to be programmed:
> Time and date 
These values must be updated, refer to 
page 90.
> Radio 
In some cases, statio ns may have to be 
stored again, refer to page 174.
> Navigation system 
Operability must be waited for, refer to 
page 148.
> Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be 
tilted. The system must be initialized. 
Please contact your BMW center.
> Seat and mirror memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to 
page 53.
> Inside rearview mirror  with digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to 
page 125.
> Active steering
The system automatically  initializes itself 
briefly during a trip. The system is deacti-
vated during this time, refer to page 105.
> xDrive
The system automatically  initializes itself 
during a trip. Indicator lamps light up during 
this time. If the lamps  do not go out during 
the current trip, have the system checked.
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Giving and receiving assistance
Mobility
5.
Attach the second te rminal clamp of the 
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to  the engine or body 
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1. Start the engine of the donor vehicle and 
allow it to run for a fe w minutes at slightly 
increased idle speed.
2. Start the engine on the other vehicle in the 
usual way. 
If the first start attempt is not successful, 
wait a few minutes be fore another attempt 
in order to allow the  discharged battery to 
recharge.
3. Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing 
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have th e battery checked and 
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine. <
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable  laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles. <
Do not transport any passengers other 
than the driver in a vehicle that is being 
towed. <
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried 
in the car. It can be sc rewed in at the front or 
rear of the BMW.
Coupe: it is stored in the onboard vehicle tool kit 
underneath the cover on  the right-hand side of 
the cargo area, refer to page 270.
Convertible: it is stored in the onboard vehicle 
tool kit underneath the ca rgo area floor, refer to 
page 270. Use only the tow fitting provided with the 
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the 
tow fitting for towing on  paved roads only. Avoid 
lateral loading of the tow  fitting, e.g. do not lift 
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the 
tow fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Release the cover panel in the bumper:
Press on the upper part of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page61; otherwise, the low-beam 
headlamps, tail lamps, turn  signal indicators and 
windshield wipers may be unavailable.
Power steering assistance is not available when 
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and 
steering will require in creased effort. Active 
steering is not active an d it will be necessary to 
turn the steering wheel further. <
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