
33
Opening and closing
Controls
mum of four remote cont
rols. They are stored 
for two remote controls  if Comfort Access is in 
use.
Personal Profile settings
For more information on  specific settings, refer 
to the specified pages.
> Programming the Programmable memory 
keys, refer to page 25
> Response of the central locking system 
when the car is unlocked, refer to page 34
> Automatic locking of th e vehicle, refer to 
page 37
> Automatic call-up of th e driver's seat posi-
tion, refer to page 54
> Triple turn signal  activation, refer to 
page 71
> Settings for the display on the Control 
Display and in the instrument cluster:
>12h/24h format of the clock, refer to 
page 82
> Date format, refer to page 84
> Brightness of the Control Display, refer 
to page 87
> Language of the Contro l Display, refer to 
page 87
> Units of measure for fuel consumption, 
distance covered/remaining distances, 
and temperature, refer to page 80
> Show visual warning for Park Distance 
Control PDC, refer to page 88
> Light settings:
>Welcome lamps, refer to page 101
> Pathway lighting, refer to page 101
> Daytime running lights, refer to 
page 101
> High-beam Assistant, refer to page 102
> Automatic climate control: activating/deac-
tivating AUTO program, air conditioning 
and automatic recirculated air control, 
setting temperature, air volume and 
distribution, refer to page 107 ff>
Entertainment:
>Tone control, refer to page 155
> Speed-dependent volume control, refer 
to page 156
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
Operating from outside
>Via the remote control
> Using the door lock
> In cars with Comfort Access, via the handles 
on the driver's door  or 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 or off.
> Alarm system, refer to page 38, is armed or 
disarmed.
Operating from inside
By means of the button fo r central locking, refer 
to page 37.
In the event of a sufficien tly severe accident, the 
central locking system unlocks automatically. In 
addition, the hazard warning flashers and inte-
rior lamps come on.
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41
Opening and closing
Controls
Convertible: window and convertible 
top operation
With the ignition at radio readiness or beyond, 
you can open and close the windows and the 
convertible top when a remote control is 
located inside the vehicle.
Unlocking the trunk lid separately
Press the button on the ou
tside of the trunk lid.
This corresponds to pressing the  button. If the vehicle detects that a remote con-
trol has been accident ally left inside the 
locked vehicle after the trunk lid is closed, the 
lid will reopen. The haza rd warning flashers 
flash and a signal sounds. <
Switching on radio readiness
Pressing the Start/Stop button switches on 
radio readiness.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch; other-
wise, the engine will start immediately.
Starting the engine
The engine can be started or the ignition can be 
switched on when a remote  control is inside the 
vehicle. It is not necessa ry to insert a remote 
control into the ignition lock, refer to page 61.
Switching off the engine in cars with 
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the 
selector lever is in po sition P, refer to page 63.
To switch the engine off when the selector lever 
is in position N, the remote control must be in 
the ignition lock.
Malfunctions
Local radio waves can in terfere with the func-
tion of Comfort Access, for example when a 
mobile phone is in the immediate vicinity of the 
remote control or by when a mobile phone is 
being charged in the vehicle. If this happens, open and close the vehicle via 
the buttons on the remote control or using the 
integrated key. To star
t the engine afterward, 
insert the remote control  into the ignition lock.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when you attempt to 
start the engine: the engine cannot 
be started. The remote co ntrol is not inside the 
vehicle or is malfunctio ning. Take the remote 
control with you inside  the vehicle or have it 
checked. If necessary, insert another remote 
control into the ignition lock.
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up wh ile the engine is 
running: the remote control is no 
longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is 
switched off, the engine can only be restarted 
within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster comes on and a message 
appears on the Control Display: 
replace the battery in  the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for Comfort Access con-
tains a battery that will need to be replaced from 
time to time.
1. Take the integrated ke y out of the remote 
control, refer to page 32.
2. Remove the cover.
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75
Controls overview
Controls
Controls overview
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, 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.
Odometer, outside 
temperature display, clock
1 Knob in the instrument cluster
2 Outside temperature and clock
3 Odometer and trip odometer
Knob in the instrument cluster
>To reset the trip odomet er while the ignition 
is switched on
> To display the time, outside temperature 
and odometer briefly while the ignition is 
switched off
Units of measure
To select the respective units of measure, miles 
or km for the odometer as well as  7 or  6 for 
the outside temperature, refer to Units of mea-
sure on page 80.
The setting is stored  for the remote control 
currently in use.
Time, outside temperature display
Setting the time, refer to page 82.
Outside temperature warning
When the displayed temperature sinks to 
approx. +377/+3 6, a signal sounds and a 
warning lamp lights up.  There is an increased 
risk of black ice.
Black ice can also form at temperatures 
above +37 7/+3 6. You should there-
fore drive carefully on  bridges and shaded 
roads, for example; otherwise, there is an 
increased risk of an accident. <
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting the trip odometer: 
With the ignition switched on, press button 1 in 
the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is parked
If you still want to view the time, outside tem-
perature and odometer reading briefly after the 
remote control has been  taken out of the igni-
tion lock:
Press button 1 in the instrument cluster.
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86
ControlsControls overview
2.Press button 2.
"CHECK OK" appears if there are no Check 
Control messages. If  a Check Control mes-
sage has been stored, the corresponding 
lamp lights up. It is  accompanied by a text 
message on the Control Display.
3. Push button 1 to check for other messages.
4. Press button 2.
The display again shows the outside 
temperature and the time.
Via iDrive
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Check Control"
4. Select the text message.
Speed limit
You can enter a speed, and a Check Control 
message will indicate  when you reach this 
speed. This enables you, for example, to 
receive warnings if you exceed a speed limit in 
an urban area. 
You are only warned of reaching this speed a 
second time if your vehi cle speed falls below it 
again by at least 3 mph/5 km/h.
Displaying, setting or changing the 
limit
1. "Settings"
2. "Speed"
3. "Warning at:"
4. Turn the controller until the desired speed 
is displayed.
5. Press the controller.
The speed limit is stored.
Applying your curr ent speed as the 
limit
1. "Settings"
2. "Speed"
3. "Select current speed"
The system adopts your current speed as the 
limit.
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88
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 
behind your vehicle. Four ultrasonic sensors in 
the bumper measure the distance.
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 corner sensors or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m 
from the center sensors.
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. second 
when you engage reverse gear or move the 
automatic transmission selector lever to 
position R. Wait this short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 164 ft/50 m of driving or above 
approx. 18 mph/30 km/h, the system switches 
off and the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated 
correspondingly by an in terval tone. 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 stop in front of an object that has been 
detected by only one of the corner sensors
> If you are driving parallel to a wall
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display. 
PDC is malfunctioning. Have the 
system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean 
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that 
they will continue to op erate effectively. When 
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the 
sensors for extended periods of time and only 
from a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm.
PDC with visual warning
The approach of the vehicle to an object is 
shown on the Control Display. Objects that are 
farther away are displayed on the Control Dis-
play before a signal tone sounds. The display 
appears on the Control Display as soon as PDC 
is activated.
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95
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
Message for unsuc
cessful system 
reset
Yellow warning lamp lights up. A 
message appears on the Control 
Display.
The system has detected a wheel change, but 
was not reset. A reliable warning is not possible 
at the current inflation pressures.
Check the tire inflation  pressure and reset the 
system, refer to page 93.
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in 
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp lights 
up in yellow. The tires appear in gray 
in the Control Display.  No punctures can be 
detected.
Display in the following situations:
> A wheel without TPM electronics has been 
installed:
Have it checked by your BMW center.
> Malfunction
Have the system checked
> Tire Pressure Monitor was unable to 
complete the resetting process. Reset the 
system again.
The small warning lamp flashes in 
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp lights 
up in yellow. The tires appear in gray 
in the Control Display.
Display in the following situations:
Interference from systems or devices that use 
the same radio frequency. The system auto-
matically becomes active again when the vehi-
cle moves out of the interference zone.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold 
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the  vehicle placard or tire infl
ation pressure label. If 
your vehicle has tires of  a different size than the 
size indicated on the vehi cle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, you should determine the 
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As 
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been 
equipped with a tire pr essure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminate s a low tire pressure 
t e l l t a l e  w h e n  o n e  o r  m o r e  o f  y o u r  t i r e s  a r e  s i g n i f -
icantly underinflated.  Accordingly, when the 
low tire pressure telltal e illuminates, you should 
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, 
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving 
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the 
tire to overheat and ca n lead to tire failure. 
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and 
tire tread life and may a ffect 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 pr essure, even if underin-
flation has not reached th e level to trigger illumi-
nation of the TPMS low  tire pressure indicator.
The TPMS malfunction indicator 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.
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96
ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
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 depending 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 improves the handling of 
your BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations,  the system can make tar-
geted corrections to th e 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 89.
Malfunction
The warning lamps come on. Active 
steering is malfunctioning or is tem-
porarily deactivate d. At low speeds, 
greater steering wheel movements 
are required, whereas at higher speeds the 
vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering 
wheel movements. Th e stability-enhancing 
feature may also be deactivated. Drive cau-
tiously and think well ahead.
Deactivation
Active steering is deacti vated to perform an ini-
tialization. A message indicates that the feature 
is deactivated. Initializ ation may take several 
minutes.
If the message does not 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 wh eels relative to the 
vehicle 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.
This system functions automatically.
Malfunctions
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display. 
Servotronic is malfunctioning or has 
failed. Steering response  will be different. You 
can continue your journey, but moderate your 
speed and exercise due caution. Have the 
system checked as soon as possible.
Brake Force Display
On the left: normal braking.
On the right: sharp braking.
When the rear fog lamps are switched on, the 
Brake Force Display is no t active and the illumi-
nated area for normal  braking is reduced by 
approximately half.
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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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