
15
Dashboard
At a glance
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in a 
variety of combinations and colors.
Several of the lamps are checked for proper 
functioning and light up temporarily when the 
engine is started or the ignition is switched on.
Text messages
Text messages at the uppe
r edge of the Control 
Display explain the meaning of the displayed 
indicator and warning lamps.
Supplementary text messages
You can call up more information on the Control 
Display, e.g. on the cause of a malfunction and 
on how to respond, via Check Control, refer to 
page 84.
In urgent cases, this  information will be shown 
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator  lamps notify you that 
certain functions are active:
High beams/headlamp flasher 102
Fog lamps 103
Lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC is regulating the propul-
sive forces in order to maintain driving 
stability 90
Canada: parking brake applied 63
Parking brake applied 63
Canada: engine malfunction with 
adverse effect on emissions 238
Engine malfunction with adverse 
effect on emissions 238
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40
ControlsOpening and closing
Avoiding uninten tional alarms
The tilt sensor and interior motion sensor can 
be deactivated together , for example in the 
following situations:
> In car washes
> In stacking garages
> During transport on car-carrying trains, 
boats/ships or on a trailer
> When leaving animals in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and 
interior motion sensor
Once the vehicle is locked, press the 
button on the remote control again 
within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp light s up briefly and then 
begins flashing again. Th e tilt alarm sensor and 
the interior motion sensor are switched off until 
the next time the vehicle is unlocked and subse-
quently locked again.
Comfort Access
The concept
It is possible to access  the vehicle without actu-
ating the remote control.  It is sufficient to have 
the remote control with you, for example in your 
jacket pocket. The vehicle automatically 
detects the remote control  in the vicinity or in 
the passenger compartment.
Comfort Access supports the following func-
tions:
> Unlocking/locking the vehicle
> Convenient closing
> Unlocking the trunk lid separately
> Engine starting
Functional requirement
>There are no external sources of interfer-
ence in the vicinity.
> The remote control mu st be outside the 
vehicle to lock it. >
The next unlocking and locking cycle is not 
possible until after approx. 2 seconds.
> It is only possible to start the engine if the 
remote control is inside the vehicle.
Comparison with ordinary remote 
control
The above functions can be controlled by 
pressing the remote control buttons or by using 
Comfort Access.
If you notice a brief delay while opening or 
closing windows, the glass roof or the 
convertible top, the system is checking whether 
a remote control is inside the vehicle. Please 
repeat the opening or closing procedure, if 
necessary. <
Unlocking
Grasp the handle on the driver's or front 
passenger door completely, arrow 1.
This corresponds to  pressing the  button.
Locking
Touch the surface on the door handle, arrow  2, 
with your finger for approx. 1 second.
This corresponds to pressing the  button.
To preserve the battery, please make 
sure that the ignition  and all electrical 
consumers are switched off before locking the 
vehicle. <
Coupe: convenient closing
Keep pressing the surface, arrow 2, with your 
finger.
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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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45
Opening and closing
Controls
Before opening and closing
>
Comply with the sa fety precautions 
described above.
> Ensure that the trunk  partition is folded 
down and engaged on both sides, refer to 
page 118; otherwise, it will not be possible 
to open the convertible top.
> Ensure that the cargo does not press 
against the trunk partition from below.
> Ensure that the tr unk lid is closed.
Opening and closing
Convertible top operation with Comfort Access, 
also refer to page 34.
As of radio readiness, refer to page 61:
To conserve battery  power, if possible 
operate the convertible top only while the 
engine is running.
Prior to closing the conv ertible top, check for 
and remove all debris  from the windshield 
frame; otherwise, the closing of the top may be 
hampered. <
1 Push button: close  the convertible top
2 Push button: open convertible top
3 LEDs
The side windows move down when the 
convertible top is opened. <
If it is no longer possible to operate the cover 
after it has been actuated several times in 
immediate succession or after the cover has 
remained in an interm ediate position for a 
longer period, then the  convertible top drive has 
overheated. If possible, close the convertible top and allow 
the drive unit to cool for a few minutes.
Operating while driving
You can open or close the convertible top while 
driving, as long as the car is not moving faster 
than approx. 25 mph/40 km/h.
If you accelerate to ov
er 30 mph/50 km/h while 
the convertible top is moving, the procedure is 
interrupted.
While operating the convertible top, pay 
close attention to the surrounding traffic; 
otherwise, an accident may happen. Try to 
avoid operating the convertible top while 
reversing the vehicle since the rear view is very 
limited during the convertible top's movement. 
Do not operate the convertible top while driving 
in windy conditions. Do not drive faster than 
30 mph/50 km/h; otherwise, damage to the 
vehicle can occur. <
LEDs
>While the convertible top is being operated, 
the left LED lights up green. It goes out as 
soon as the top is fully opened or closed.
In the following situations, a message appears 
on the Control Display or an acoustic signal 
sounds in addition to the LED lighting up:
> If the right-hand LED  flashes red when you 
release the button, th e opening or closing 
action has not yet finished.
> If the right-hand LED lights up red when the 
button is pressed, the trunk partition is 
raised, the trunk lid is not closed or there is a 
malfunction. The convertible top cannot be 
moved.
Interruption
The automatic sequence of movements is 
interrupted if the button for the convertible top 
operation is released.  The sequence can be 
continued in the desired  direction by pushing or 
pulling the buttons.
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84
ControlsControls overview
Date
The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile on 
page32.
Setting the date
In the instrument cluster
To set the dd/mm or mm/dd date format, refer 
to Setting the date format below.
1. Push button 1 in the turn signal/high beam 
lever up or down repe atedly until the appro-
priate symbol appear s in the display, 
accompanied by the date and the word 
"SET".
2. Press button  2.
3. Use button 1 to set the day of the month.
4. Press button 2 to confirm the entry.
5. Set the month and the ye a r  i n  t he  s a m e  w a y .
6. Press button 2.
The system stores the new date.
Via iDrive
1. "Settings"
2. "Time/Date"
3. "Date:"
4. Turn the controller until the desired day is 
displayed, and press the controller.
5. Create the necessary  settings for the 
month and year.
The date is stored.
Setting the date format
1. "Settings"
2. "Time/Date"
3. "Format:"
4. Select the desired format.
The date format is stored.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions 
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored. Such a Check Control mes-
sage includes indicato r and warning lamps in 
the instrument cluster  and, in some circum-
stances, an acoustic signal as well as text 
messages at the top of  the Control Display.
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in a 
variety of combinations and colors.
Several of the lamps are checked for proper 
functioning and light up  temporarily when the 
engine is started or the  ignition is switched on.
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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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102
ControlsLamps
angle and other parameters, the light from the 
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves such as on switchbacks or when 
turning, at speeds up to approx. 40 mph/
70 km/h, an additional, cornering light is 
switched on that lights up the area inside the 
curve.
Activating Adaptive Light Control
With the ignition switched on, turn the light 
switch to position  3, refer to page 100.
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 does not 
direct light toward the driver's side when the 
vehicle 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 approx. 
1 second, 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.
High-beam Assistant
The concept
This system automatically 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 100.
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 
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125
Things to remember when driving
Driving tips
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check the tire inflation pr
essure at least twice a 
month and before embarking on a long journey, 
and correct it if necessary.
Low tire inflation pressure causes higher rolling 
resistance and thus increases fuel consumption 
and tire wear.
Set off immediately
Do not let the engine wa rm up while the car is 
still standing, but set off immediately at moder-
ate engine speed. This is the fastest way for the 
cold engine to reach its operating temperature.
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking 
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance between you and th e vehicle in front of 
you. A defensive and smooth driving style 
keeps fuel consumption down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for dr iving off. In second and 
higher gears, accelerate  without hesitation or 
pauses. When accelerati ng, shift up before 
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desi red speed, shift into 
the highest applicable ge ar and drive with the 
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers 
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red lig ht, take your foot off 
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
On a downhill slope, take your foot off the accel-
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy 
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy 
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings 
or in traffic congestions.
Switch off functions you do not need at 
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner, seat 
heating or rear window defroster draw large 
amounts of power and consume additional fuel. 
Especially in city traffic and in stop-and-go driv-
ing they have a considerable impact. Therefore, 
switch these functions  off when they are not 
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve 
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW 
recommends having the vehicle serviced at 
your BMW center. Also note the BMW Mainte-
nance System, refer to page 237.
General driving notes
Close the trunk lid
Only drive with the trunk closed. Failure to 
do so may endanger passengers or other 
road users or may damage the vehicle in the 
event of an accident or a braking and evasive 
maneuver. In addition, exhaust gas may flow 
into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstance s make it absolutely 
necessary to drive wi th the trunk open:
1. Close all windows and the glass roof.
2. Greatly increase the air volume of the 
automatic climate cont rol system, refer to 
page 108.
3. Drive cautiously.
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