
11
Dashboard
At a glance
4
Exterior mirrors fo lding in and out50
5 Adjusting exterior mirrors, automatic curb 
monitor 50
9 Instrument cluster 12 12
Ignition lock 57
13 Buttons on the steering wheel
15 Horn, entire surface
16 Adjusting the steering wheel 52
18 Releasing the hood 198
19 OBD socket 203
20 Opening the trunk lid 31
1
Convertible: opening and closing 
windows jointly
35 
2 Convertible: opening and closing 
rear windows
35 
3 Opening and closing front 
windows
35 
6 Parking lamps 103
Low beams 103
Automatic head lamp control103
Adaptive Light Control 105
High-beam Assistant 106
7 Fog lamps 107
8 Turn signals 67
High beams, headlamp 
flasher 105
High-beam Assistant 106
Roadside parking lamps 105
Computer 80
Settings and information about the 
vehicle 82
10 Windshield wipers 68
Rain sensor 68
11Switching the ignition on/off and 
starting/stopping the engine
57
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
Voice commands for 
telephone 163
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 113
14 Steering wheel heating 52
17 Cruise control 71
Active Cruise Control 71
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12
At a glanceDashboard
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2 Indicator lamps for turn signals
3 Indicator and warning lamps 13
4 Displays for Active Cruise Control 71
5 Tachometer 79
6 Engine oil temperature 79
7 Display for
>Clock 78
> Outside temperature 78
> Indicator and warning lamps 878
Display for
>Position of automatic transmission 60
> Gear indicator of 7-gear Sport automatic 
transmission with double clutch 62
> Computer 80
> Date of next scheduled service, and 
remaining distance to be driven 84
> Odometer and trip odometer 78
> High-beam Assistant 106
> Initializing Flat Tire Monitor 93
> Resetting the Tire Pressure Monitor 95
> Checking the oil level 198
> Settings and information 82
> There is a Check Control 
message 87
9 Fuel gauge 79
10 Resetting the trip odometer 78
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69
Driving
Controls
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 antifreeze 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. <
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
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70
ControlsDriving
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 de sired 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.
Accelerating using the lever
Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow  1, 
until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point, 
arrow  1, until the desired speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on 
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and 
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever  to the resistance point 
or beyond, arrow  2, until the desired speed is 
displayed.
> Each time the lever is  pulled to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is decreased 
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h. >
Each time the lever  is pulled beyond the 
resistance point, the desired speed is 
reduced by  up to  5 mph o r 10 km/h until the  
minimum speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h is 
achieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Briefly press the lever upwards or downwards, 
arrow 3. 
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system  is automatically deacti-
vated:
> When the brakes are applied.
> When the manual transmission is shifted 
very slowly or shifted into neutral.
> When the automatic transmission selector 
lever is moved into  the neutral position.
> When the selector lever of the Sports auto-
matic transmission with double clutch is 
moved into the neutral position.
> When DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated.
> When DSC or ABS is intervening.
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing 
the accelerator pedal.  Once the accelerator 
pedal is released, the st ored speed is achieved 
again and maintained.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up when 
cruise control is deactivated due to 
control intervention by the DSC, for 
example. 
Resuming a previously stored speed
Press the button, arrow 4. 
The last stored speed is resumed and main-
tained.
In the following instance s, the stored speed is 
deleted and can no  longer be resumed:
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71
Driving
Controls
>
When driving stability control systems are 
intervening.
> In cars with manual transmission: when you 
shift gears very slowly or shift to neutral.
> In cars with automatic transmission: when 
you engage selector  lever position N.
> In cars with Sport au tomatic transmission 
with double clutch: when you engage selec-
tor lever position N.
> When the ignition is switched off.
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored speed
2 Selected speed is  displayed briefly
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears 
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation 
are currently not met. 
Calling up Check Control messages, refer to 
page 88.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The 
cruise control is malfunctioning. You 
can continue your journey. Have the 
system checked.
Active Cruise Control
The concept
With Active Cruise Cont rol, you can select a 
desired speed which is  not only automatically 
maintained when driving on open roadways, but 
also varied to maintain a selected distance set-
ting as slower traffic is encountered.
Active Cruise Control is a technological 
advance over the familiar  cruise control and is a 
welcome relief from the constant adjustment of 
speed that can accompany  driving in traffic on 
highways or other high-speed thoroughfares. 
Especially on longer trips, the system can 
reduce fatigue and tension, while increasing 
your enjoyment of driving.  Please use it safely 
and responsibly.
Within the limits of its capability, the system 
automatically adap ts the car's speed to that of a 
slower vehicle in front of you. You can specify 
the distance to be main tained from the vehicle 
in front in four stages.  For safety reasons, the 
distance is speed-dependent. Based on your 
selected distance setti ng, the system automat-
ically decreases the thro ttle setting and lightly 
applies the brakes if necessary. The vehicle 
brake lamps will automatically illuminate to sig-
nal a following driver to  take action. In addition, 
it may be necessary for the vehicle or the driver 
to downshift, depending on the kind of trans-
mission your vehicle is equipped with, to main-
tain the distance setting  selected. If the vehicle 
ahead speeds up or when the lane ahead 
becomes clear, your vehi cle will accelerate to 
the speed you have selected by increasing the 
throttle setting and shifting gears automatically 
or by the driver as needed. Your selected speed 
will be held when driving downhill, too.
Since this Active Cruise Control system is a 
new technology and operates differently from 
conventional cruise co ntrol systems which you 
may be accustomed to, you are strongly urged 
to read all of the pages  relating to this system 
before use. Pay special  attention to the System 
limitations section beginning on page 76.
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72
ControlsDriving
Braking sensation
>If you step on the brake pedal while the sys-
tem is braking, pedal sensation will be 
slightly different from the usual.
> Possible noises during automatic braking 
are normal.
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.
Range of applications
The minimum desired speed is 20 mph or 
30 km/h, the maximum desired speed is 
110 mph or 180 km/h.
As with conventional  cruise control sys-
tems, Active Cruise  Control in no way 
diminishes or substitutes for the driver’s own 
personal responsibility,  alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed,  braking or otherwise 
controlling the vehicle. The driver should 
decide when to use the system on the basis of 
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions. 
Active Cruise Control is  intended for use on 
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving 
relatively smoothly. Do  not use this system in 
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush 
hour; on curvy, winding ro ads, slippery roads or 
roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow, 
strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parkin g areas or toll booths. 
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's 
speed and distance setting within applicable 
legal limits. Always be ready to take action or 
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when 
the system is actively fo llowing a vehicle in front 
of you. Otherwise, driving situations could 
result that pose the risk of accidents. <
One lever for all functions
1Store and increase desired speed
2 Store and decrease desired speed
3 Deactivate system, refer to page 73
4 Resume stored desired speed and dis-
tance, refer to page 74
5 Select distance to vehicle driving ahead, 
refer to page 73
Storing current speed
Briefly press the lever, arrow 1, or pull the lever, 
arrow 2, at a driving speed of more than approx. 
20 mph or 30 km/h.
The car's current speed is stored. It is displayed 
on the speedometer and briefly in the instru-
ment cluster.
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73
Driving
Controls
Increasing desired speed
Press or briefly press the lever to the resistance 
point or beyond, arrow
1, until the desired 
speed is displayed.
> Each time the lever is  briefly pressed to the 
resistance point, the desired speed is 
increased by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
> Each time the lever  is briefly pressed 
beyond the resistance  point, the desired 
speed is increased by up to 5 mph or 
10 km/h until the maximum speed of 
110 mph or 180 km/h is achieved.
The speed then displayed is stored and 
achieved on a clear road.
Decreasing desired speed
Pull the lever, arrow  2, until the desired speed is 
displayed.
The other functions work analogously to those 
described under Increasing desired speed.
Selecting distance
> Press downward: 
Increase distance.
> Press upward: 
Decrease distance. The selected distance is 
displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe  following distance. 
Otherwise, an accident risk could result.<
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow 3. 
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system  is automatically deacti-
vated:
Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3
Distance 4
This is always the preset dis-
tance when you use the system 
for the first time after starting the 
engine.
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74
ControlsDriving
>When the brakes are applied.
> The speed is reduced to below 20 mph or 
30 km/h due to a traffic situation.
> When the manual transmission is shifted 
very slowly or shifted into neutral.
> When the automatic transmission selector 
lever is moved into  the neutral position.
> When the selector lever of the Sports auto-
matic transmission with double clutch is 
moved into the neutral position.
> When Dynamic Traction Control DTC is 
activated.
> When Dynamic Stability Control DSC is 
deactivated.
> When DSC or ABS is intervening.
> The system does not recognize any objects 
for a longer time, e. g. on infrequently trav-
eled roads without a shoulder or guard rails, 
or if the radar sensor is covered with dirt, 
refer to page 75.
> The parking brake is engaged.
When the system is deactivated, you 
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or 
maneuver as necessary; otherwise, there is a 
risk of accidents. <
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up when 
Active Cruise Control has been 
automatically deactivated, for exam-
ple due to a driving speed below 20 mph or 
30 km/h or a DSC intervention. 
Resuming stored desired speed and 
distance
Briefly press th e button, arrow 4 . 
The stored speed and distance are regained 
and maintained.
In the following instance s, the stored speed is 
deleted and can no longer be resumed: >
When driving stability control systems are 
intervening.
> In cars with manual transmission: when you 
shift gears very slowly or shift to neutral.
> In cars with automatic transmission: when 
you engage selector lever position N.
> In cars with Sport automatic transmission 
with double clutch: when you engage selec-
tor lever position N.
> When the ignition is switched off.
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
2 Shows yellow: vehicle detected ahead
Flashes in red: system  cannot maintain dis-
tance; driver must brake the vehicle
Flashes in yellow: driving stability control 
systems are intervening; cruise control is 
deactivated
3 Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up  as soon as the sys-
tem is activated.
4 Selected desired speed is temporarily dis-
played
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears 
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation 
are currently not met. Calling up Check Control 
messages, refer to page 88.<
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  312 - \251  08/11  BMW AG