
26
At a glanceVoice activation system
Having the possible commands read 
aloud
To have the available commands read aloud:
For example, if the "Settings" menu is dis-
played, the commands relating to settings are 
read aloud.
Performing functions using short 
commands
Functions from the main menu can be per-
formed directly by means of short commands, 
essentially regardless of  which menu item is 
selected, e.g. { Vehicle status}.
List of short command of the voice activation 
system, refer to page 290.
Help dialog for voice activation system
Accessing help:
Other commands for the help dialog:
>{Help with examples }: information about 
the current control options and the most 
important commands relating to them are 
read aloud.
> {Help with voice activation }: information 
about the principle operation of the voice 
activation system is read aloud.
Example: playing back a CD
1. If necessary, switch on entertainment audio 
output.
2. Press the  button on the steering wheel.
4. Press the  button on the steering wheel.
Setting the voice dialog
You can set whether the system uses the stan-
dard dialog or a short version.
In the short version of  the voice dialog, the 
responses from the system are given in abbre-
viated form.
On the Control Display:
1. "Settings"
2. "Language/Units"
3. "Speech mode:"
4. Select a setting.
Adjusting volume
Turn the volume knob during the spoken 
instruction to select the desired volume.
>The volume remains the same, even if the 
volume of other audio sources is changed.
> The volume is stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Notes on Emergency 
Requests
Do not use the voice activation system to ini-
tiate an Emergency Request. In stressful situa-
tions, the voice and vo cal pitch can change. 
This can unnecessarily  delay the establishment 
of a telephone connection.
Instead, use the SOS  button, refer to page276, 
in the vicinity of the interior rearview mirror.
{
Voice commands }
{ Help }
3. {C D and multimedia }
The system plays the last media played.
5. {C D track … } e.g. CD track 4.
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ControlsAdjustments
Interior rearview mirror
Turn the knob to reduce glare from the head-
lamps of cars behind you when driving at night.
Interior and exterior mirrors, 
automatic dimming feature
The automatic dimming feature of the interior 
and exterior mirrors is controlled by two photo 
cells in the interior re arview mirror. One photo 
cell is in the mirror frame, see arrow; the other is 
on the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that  the system functions 
correctly, keep the photo cells clean, do not 
cover the area between the interior rearview 
mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive 
labels or stickers of an y kind to the windshield 
directly in front of the mirror.
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel position 
while the car is in mo tion; otherwise, there 
is a risk of an accident due to unexpected move-
ment. <
1. Fold the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel to the preferred 
height and angle to suit your seated posi-
tion.
3. Swing the lever back up.
Do not use force to  swing the lever 
back up; otherwise, the mechanism 
will be damaged. <
Steering wheel heating
Press the button.
The LED in the button lights up when the steer-
ing wheel heating is switched on.
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ControlsDriving
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance 
point. 
The system switches to normal speed when the 
vehicle is stationary.
Intermittent wipe or rain sensor
If the car is not equipped  with a rain sensor, the 
intermittent-wipe time is a preset.
If the car is equipped with a rain sensor, the time 
between wipes is contro lled automatically and 
depends on the intensity of  the rainfall. The rain 
sensor is mounted on the  windshield, directly in 
front of the interior rearview mirror.
Activating intermittent wipe or rain 
sensor
Press the button, arrow 3. The LED in the but-
ton lights up.
Setting speed for intermittent wipe or 
sensitivity of the rain sensor
Turn thumbwheel 5 up or down.
Deactivating intermit tent wipe or rain 
sensor
Press the button again, arrow 3. 
The LED goes out.
Deactivate the rain  sensor before enter-
ing an automatic car  wash. Failure to do 
so could result in damage caused by undesired 
wiper activation. <
Cleaning windshield and headlamps
Pull the lever, arrow  4.
Washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield and 
the wipers are operated for a short time.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched 
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and 
appropriate intervals. Do not use the washers if there is any 
danger that the flui d will freeze on the 
windshield. If you do, your vision could be 
obscured. Antifreeze should therefore be 
added to the fluid, refer to Washer fluid. 
Do not use the washers when the washer fluid 
reservoir is empty; othe rwise, you will damage 
the washer pump. <
Windshield washer nozzles
Both windshield washer  nozzles are automati-
cally heated with the engine running or the igni-
tion switched on.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifree ze is flammable. 
Therefore, keep it away from ignition 
sources and only store it  in the closed original 
container that is kept out of reach of children; 
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury. 
Comply with the instructions on the con-
tainer. <
Washer fluid filler neck
Only refill washer fluid when the engine is 
cool to avoid contact with hot engine 
parts. Otherwise, fluid  spills constitute a fire 
hazard and a risk to personal safety. <
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108
ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
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 inst ructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page 57.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indi cator lamp for the front 
passenger airbags lights up. In such cases, the 
passenger should change his or her sitting 
position so that the fr ont 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 light s up when a child in 
a specially designated  child restraint sys-
tem is detected, as in tended, on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the 
system, This partic ularly applies to 
child seats that were  required by NHTSA at 
the time of manufacture  of the vehicle. After 
mounting a child seat,  ensure that the indi-
cator lamp for the fron t passenger airbag is 
lit. It indicates that th e child seat has been 
detected and that the front passenger air-
bags are deactivated. <
> The indicator lamp does  not light up 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 light up if the 
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readine ss of airbag system
As of radio readiness, refer to page 61, the 
warning lamp lights up br iefly to indicate that 
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners 
are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
> Warning lamp does not light up at radio 
readiness or beyond.
> Warning lamp remains permanently on.
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Lamps
Controls
High-beam Assistant
The concept
This system automatica
lly switches the high 
beams on and off. The procedure is controlled 
by a sensor on the front of the interior rearview 
mirror. The assistant ensures that the high 
beams are switched on whenever the traffic sit-
uation allows. It handle s this task for you and 
gives you the benefit of the best possible view. 
You can intervene at any time and switch the 
high beams on and off as usual.
Activating the system
1. Turn the light switch to position 3, refer to 
page 110.
2. With the low beams switched on, briefly 
push the turn signal/high beam lever in the 
direction of the high beam.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when the high beams 
are activated. The system automati-
cally switches from hi gh beams to low beams 
and vice versa in response  to oncoming traffic, 
traffic ahead of you, and adequate ambient 
lighting, e.g. on city streets.
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 signal/high beam 
lever. This deacti vates the High-beam 
Assistant. 
To reactivate the syst em, briefly push the 
turn signal/high beam 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 deacti vates the system and 
the high beams need to be switched off 
manually, if necessary.
To reactivate the system, briefly push the 
turn signal/high beam  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 
judgment 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 fu nctional 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.
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ControlsPractical interior accessories
Practical interior accessories
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.
Integrated universal remote 
control
The concept
The Integrated universal remote control can be 
used to operate up to 3 functions of remote-
controlled devices such as garage door open-
ers or lighting systems.  The Integrated univer-
sal remote control thus replaces as many as 
three different hand-held  transmitters. To oper-
ate them, the buttons on  the interior rearview 
mirror must be programmed with the desired 
functions. Programming requires the hand-held 
transmitter for the respective device.
To prevent possible damage or injury, 
before programming  or using the inte-
grated universal remote control to operate a 
device, always inspect the immediate area to 
make certain that no people, animals or objects 
are within the pivoting or travel range of the 
device being operated.
Also follow the safety in structions supplied with 
the hand-held transmitter. <
For security reasons, ma ke sure to delete the 
stored functions before  selling the vehicle, refer 
to page 124.
Compatibility
If this symbol appears on the package 
or in the instructions supplied with the 
device to be operated, you can gener-
ally assume that the devi ce is compatible with 
the Integrated univer sal remote control.
For additional questions, please consult:
> Your BMW center.
> www.homelink.com on the Internet.
HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson 
Controls, Inc.
Controls on the interior rearview mirror
1 LED
2 Buttons
3 Hand-held transmitter, required for pro-
gramming.
Programming
General information
1.Switch on the ignition.
2. Initial operation:
Simultaneously hold down the right and left 
buttons on the inside mirror for approx. 
20 seconds until the LED on the inside mir-
ror flashes.
All programs of the bu ttons on the rearview 
mirror are deleted.
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215
Te l e p h o n e
Communications
The command can be repeated as often as nec-
essary.
Deleting phone number
All digits entered up to
 this point are deleted.
Redialing
Voice phone book
Depending on how your vehicle is equipped, it 
may be necessary to cr eate your own voice 
phone book.
The entries must be entered using voice com-
mands and are separate fr om the memory in the 
mobile phone. Up to 50 entries can be set up.
Store the entry
Delete the entry
Delete all entries To listen to and select the entries
Select an entry
Adjusting volume
Turn knob during announcement.
>
The volume remains the same, even if the 
volume of other audio sources is changed.
> The volume is stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Notes
Notes on Emergency Requests
Do not use the voice activation system to ini-
tiate an emergency call.  In stressful situations, 
the voice and vocal pitch can change. This can 
unnecessarily delay the establishment of a tele-
phone connection.
Instead, use the SOS button, refer to page 276, 
in the vicinity of the interior rearview mirror.
Ambient conditions
> Say the commands, numbers and letters 
smoothly and with normal volume, empha-
sis and speed.
> Always say the commands in the language 
of the system. The language of the voice 
activation of the mobile phone is preset and 
cannot be changed via the Control Display.
> Keep the doors, windows, glass roof, and 
convertible top closed  to prevent interfer-
ence from outside noise.
> Avoid ambient noise in the vehicle while 
speaking.
{
Delete }.
{ Redial }.
1. {Save name }.
2. Say the name aloud. Do not exceed a 
speaking duration of about 2 seconds.
3. Say the phone number after being 
prompted to do so by the system.
4. {Save }.
1. {Delete name }.
2. Say the name when prompted.
3. Confirm request:  {Yes }
1. {Delete phonebook }.
The dialog for deleting phone book is 
opened.
2. Confirm request:  {Yes }
3. Confirm request again:  {Yes }
1. {Read phonebook }.
The dialog for reading phone book is 
opened.
2. Say  {Dial number } when the desired 
entry is read.
1. {Dial name }.
2. Say the name when prompted.
3. Confirm request:  {Yes }
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274
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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