
97
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1
Front airbags
2 Coupe: head airbags
3 Side airbags in the seat backrests
4 Convertible: knee airbags
Protective action
Observe the adjustment instructions on
page 49 to ensure the best possible
personal protection. <
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restrain t. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags have been designed to not be trig-
gered in every collision si tuation, e.g. not in
minor accidents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the front
passenger side clear, i. e., do not cover with
adhesive labels or coveri ngs, and do not attach
holders such as for navigation instruments and
mobile phones.
Do not attach seat cove rs, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not
hang items of clothing su ch as coats or jackets over the backrests. Do
not attempt to remove
the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do
not modify the individu al components of the
system or its wiring in any way. This includes
the upholstered covers on the steering wheel,
instrument panel, seats and roof posts, as well
as the sides of the roof lining. Do not attempt to
remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of faults, immobilization, or after the
airbag system has been triggered, only have the
testing, repair, or disa ssembly and scrapping of
gas generator performed by your BMW center
or a workshop that has the required explosives
licenses. Unprofessional attempts to work on
the system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or to undesired ai rbag activation, either
of which could result in personal injury. <
Warning notices and information about the
airbags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impr ession in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passe nger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior
rearview mirror shows the current status
of the front passenger ai rbags, deactivated or
activated, refer to Sta tus of front passenger
airbags below. <
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98
ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
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 58.
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 lights 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
passenger 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 n o t c o m e o n w h e n ,
for example, a person of sufficient size and
in a correct sitting position is detected on
the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front
passenger are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not light up if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front
passenger 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.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked withou t delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that th e system will not function
as intended even if a sufficiently severe acci-
dent occurs. <
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99
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
Convertible: rollover
protection system
The rollover protection
system is activated
automatically in the event of an accident of suf-
ficient severity or an extreme tilt in the car's lon-
gitudinal axis. The protection bars behind the
rear head restraints depl oy within fractions of a
second.
As a supplementary system to the reinforced
windshield frame, the rollover protection
system increases the safety of the vehicle
occupants.
Always keep the area of movement of the
rollover protection system clear.
In minor accidents, you are protected by the
fastened safety belt and, depending on acci-
dent severity, by the sa fety belt tensioner and
multi-phase airbag retention system. <
Resetting
If the rollover protection system was not
impacted after being automatically activated, it
can be reset by lowering the protection bars to
their original positions. This does not require
tools.
1. Push the locking lever to one side and hold
it there.
2. Push the protection bar halfway down from
above.
3. Release the locking lever. 4.
Push the protection bar down until it snaps
into place.
5. Repeat the procedure for the other protec-
tion bar.
Have the rollover protection system checked
after an unexpected activation.
If the rollover protective system is
extended, do not operate the convertible
top.
Do not make any modifica tions to the individual
components of the rollover protection system
or its cabling.
Work on the rollover protection system should
be performed only by your BMW center.
Faulty repair may lead to the failure of the sys-
tem or malfunctions.
To check the system and ensure flawless long-
term operation, always observe the service
intervals, refer to page 80.<
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128
Driving tipsThings to remember when driving
1,400 lbs and there will be five 150-lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and lugga ge load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your tra iler will be transferred
to your vehicle. Co nsult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
Coupe Convertible
Storing cargo
>
Position heavy objects as low and as far
forward as possible, ideally directly behind
the respective seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
> Secure smaller and lighter items using draw
straps.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at your
BMW center. To attach the cargo straps,
there are two lashing eyes on the inside wall
of the trunk.
Comply with the information enclosed with
the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerving is necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the a pproved axle loads, refer
to page 259, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may al so place you in viola-
tion of traffi c safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the
occupants.
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156
EntertainmentOn/off and tone
Multi-channel playback, surround
You can choose between stereo and multi-
channel playback, surround.
1."CD/Multimedia", "Radio" or "Settings".
2. "Tone"
3. "Surround"
When surround is acti vated, multi-channel
playback is simulated when playing an audio
track in stereo.
Volume levels
> "Speed volume": volume is adapted
depending on the speed
> "PDC": volume of the PDC acoustic signal
relative to the ente rtainment sound output
> "Gong": volume of the acoustic signal, e.g.
for the acoustic Safety Belt Reminder rela-
tive to the entertainment sound output
> "Microphone": volume of the microphone
during a phone conversation.
> "Loudspeak.": volume of the speaker
during a phone conversation.
Adjustments
1."CD/Multimedia", "Radio" or "Settings".
2. "Tone"
3. "Volume settings"
4. Select the desired volume setting.
5. To adjust: turn the controller.
6. To store: press the controller.
Resetting tone settings
You can reset all tone settings to the default
setting.
1. "CD/Multimedia", "Radio" or "Settings".
2. "Tone"
3. "Reset"
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228
MobilityWheels and tires
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT … 1013 means that the
tire was manufactured in week 10 of 2013.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall betw een tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requir ements in addition
to these grades. <
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditio ns on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditio ns of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
These grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement, as measured under con-
trolled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
C may have poor traction performance.
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio
in
Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
225/45 R1791 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 4012
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241
Care
Mobility
In order to prevent staining, e.g due to clothing,
clean the leather approximately every two
months.
Clean light-colored leather
more frequently as it
shows dust and dirt more noticeably.
Use BMW Premium Leather Care since dirt and
grease will otherwise slow ly affect the protec-
tive layer of the leather.
Suitable care products are available at your
BMW center.
Upholstery care
Regularly vacuum with a vacuum cleaner.
To remove severe spots such as beverage
stains, use a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber
cloth and suitable interior cleaners.
Clean the upholstery down to the seams using a
sweeping motion. Avoid strong rubbing.
Opened Velcro fasteners on pants or
other articles of clothing can damage the
seat covers. Ensure that Velcro fasteners are
closed. <
Care of special parts
Light-alloy wheels
When cleaning on the vehicle, use only neutral
rim cleaner with a pH value of 5 to 9. Do not use
coarse cleansers and do not use steam clean-
ers at temperatures greater than 140 7/60 6.
Follow manufacturer's instructions.
Aggressive, acid-containing, or strongly alka-
line cleaning agents can destroy the protective
coating of nearby components such as the
brake discs.
Chrome look surfaces
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radia-
tor grill or door handles with copious quantities
of water and possibly a shampoo additive, par-
ticularly when roads ar e treated with deicing
salt.
Rubber parts
Treat only with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon-containing care products on
rubber seals; otherwis e, noise and damage
could occur.
Fine wood parts
Clean fine wood trim an d fine wood parts only
with a damp cloth. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Plastic parts
These include:
>Imitation leather surfaces
> Roofliner
> Lamp glasses
> Display pane of instrument cluster
> Parts spray painted matte black
> Painted parts in the passenger
compartment
Use a microfibre cloth for cleaning.
Moisten the cloth slightly with water.
Do not soak the roofliner. Do not use any cleaners that contain alco-
hol or solvents such as lacquer thinner,
cold cleaning agents, fuel, and the like; other-
wise, you may damage the surfaces. <
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
Do not clean chemic ally, as this may
destroy the webbing. <
Only clean with a mild soap solution in the
installed state.
Only reel in seat belts when they are dry.
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269
Everything from A to Z
Reference
Average speed
77
Avoid highways in
navigation 143
Avoiding unintentional alarms 40
Axle loads, refer to Weights 259
B
Backrests, refer to Seats 50
Backrest width adjustment 51
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints 52
Backup lamp, replacing bulb 247
Bag for skis, refer to Ski bag 118
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch 251
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 253
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 199
Bass, tone control 155
Battery 248
– charging 248
– disposal 42,249
– jump starting 251
– replacing 248
– temporary power failure 248
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle 41
Being towed 253
Belts, refer to Safety belts 54
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 54
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 116
Blower, refer to Air volume 108 Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 189
Bluetooth audio 180
– disconnecting an audio connection 183
– pairing device 181
– playback 182
– unpairing device 183
– what to do if … 183
BMW Assist 212
– updating 216
BMW Info 206
BMW Maintenance System 237
BMW Online 214
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 116
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic Brake Control 89
Brake fluid
– service requirements 80
Brake Force Display 96
Brake lamps
– brake force display 96
– replacing bulb 247
Brake pads, breaking in 124
Brake pedal, refer to Braking safely 126
Bra k
e rotors 127
– brakes 124
– breaking in 124
Brakes
– ABS 89
– BMW Maintenance
System 237
– braking safely 126
– breaking in 124
– parking brake 63
– service requirements 80Brake system
124
– BMW Maintenance
System 237
– breaking in 124
– disc brakes 127
Breakdown services, refer to Roadside Assistance 251
Breaking in the clutch 124
Break-in period 124
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 243
Button for starting the engine 61
Buttons on the steering
wheel 13
C
Calendar 207
– displaying appointment 207
– selecting calendar day 207
California Proposition 65
warning 6
Call
– accepting 193
– ending 193
– muting the microphone 195
– rejecting 193
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 194
Calls
– with multiple parties 194
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 116
Capacities 259
Capacity of the trunk 259
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 248
Car care, refer to Care 239
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