
24
At a glanceiDrive
Status box symbols
The symbols are divided  into separate groups.
Radio symbols
Telephone symbols
Entertainment symbols Other
With the Professional 
navigation system:
Split screen
General information
Additional information, e.g. from the computer, 
can be displayed on the right side of the split 
screen.
This information remains visible on the split 
screen even when you change to another menu.
Switching the split 
screen on and off
1.Press the button.
2. "Split screen"
Selecting display
1. Press the button.
2. "Split screen"
3. Move the controller until the split screen is 
selected.
4. Press the controller or select "Split screen 
content".
5. Select the desired menu item.
SymbolMeaning
Traffic bulletins switched on
HD radio switched on
Satellite radio switched on
SymbolMeaning
Incoming or outgoing call
Missed call
Reception strength of mobile 
phone network
Symbol flashing: network search
No mobile phone network available
Bluetooth switched on
Roaming active
Receiving text message, email
Checking SIM card
SIM card blocked
SIM card missing
Entering PIN
SymbolMeaning
CD/DVD player
Music collection
Gracenote® database
AUX-IN port
USB audio interface
Music interface for smartphones
SymbolMeaning
Voice instructions are switched off
Querying current vehicle position
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25
iDrive
At a glance
Programmable memory keys
General information
iDrive functions can be stored on the program-
mable memory keys and called up directly, e.g. 
radio stations, navigation destinations, phone 
numbers and entry points into the menu.
The settings are stored 
for the remote control 
currently in use.
Storing functions
1. Highlight the function via the iDrive.
2.  ...   Press the desired button 
for longer than two seconds.
Executing a function
... Press the button.
The function is executed immediately. This 
means, for example, that the number is dialed 
when a phone number is selected.
Displaying memory  key assignments
Touch the button with a  finger. Do not wear 
gloves or use objects.
The key assignment is displayed at the top 
edge of the screen.
> Displaying brief information: press the 
button.
> Displaying detailed in formation: press and 
hold the button.
Entering letters and numbers
1. Turn the controller: se lect the letters or 
numbers.
2. Select additional letters or numbers if 
needed.
3. "OK": confirm entry.
Switching between letters and 
numbers
Depending on the menu, you can switch 
between entering letters and numbers:
Switching between uppercase and 
lowercase letters
Depending on the menu, you can switch 
between entering upperc ase letters and lower-
case letters:
SymbolFunction
Press the controller: delete 
one letter or number
Press the controller for an 
extended period: delete all 
letters or numbers
Enter a blank space
SymbolFunction
Entering letters
Entering numbers
SymbolFunction
Move the controller toward 
the front: to switch from 
uppercase letters to lower-
case letters
Move the controller toward 
the front: to switch from low-
ercase letters to uppercase 
letters
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27
Voice activation system
At a glance
Voice activation system
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.
The concept
> The voice activation system can be used 
to control most functions by spoken 
commands.
> Functions that can only  used when the vehi-
cle is stopped cannot be operated using the 
voice activation system.
> The system includes a special microphone 
on the driver's side.
> In the Owner's Manual,  {...} indicates com-
mands for the voice activation system.
> In the Owner's Manual,  {{...}}  indicates the 
answers from the voice activation system.
Prerequisite
On the Control Display, set a language that is 
also supported by the vo ice activation system 
to permit identification of the commands to be 
spoken.
Setting the langua ge, refer to page87.
Saying commands
Activating voice activation system
1.Press the  button on the steering wheel.
2. Wait for the acoustic signal.
3. Say the command.
 This symbol on the  Control Display and an 
acoustic signal notify yo u that the voice activa-
tion system is activated.
If no additional commands are possible, 
continue by operating the function via iDrive.
Finishing voice input
Press the  button on the steering wheel
or
Possible commands
Most menu items on the Control Display can be 
spoken as commands.
The available commands depend on which 
menu is currently selected on the Control 
Display.
There are short commands  for functions of the 
main menu.
Some list entries such as phone book entries 
can also be selected using the voice activation 
system. Make sure to say list entries the same 
way as they appear in the respective list. {
Cancel }
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29
Voice activation system
At a glance
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 vocal pitch can change. 
This can unnecessarily  delay the establishment 
of a telephone connection.
Instead, use the SOS button, refer to page 250, 
in the vicinity of the interior rearview mirror.
Ambient conditions
> Say the commands, nu mbers and letters 
smoothly and with normal volume, empha-
sis and speed.
> Always speak the commands in the lan-
guage of the voice  activation system.
> When selecting a radio station, use the 
standard pronunciation of the station name:
{Station … } e.g. National Public Radio
> Keep the doors, windows, glass roof/pan-
oramic glass roof closed to prevent interfer-
ence from ambient noise.
> Avoid ambient noise in the vehicle while 
speaking.
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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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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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115
Practical interior accessories
Controls
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle. 
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven, 
close the glove compartment immediately after 
use. <
Closing
Fold the cover up.
Locking
To lock the glove compartment, use the 
integrated key of the re mote control, refer to 
page 32.
USB interface for data transmission
Port for importing and  exporting data on USB 
devices, e.g. music collections, refer to 
page 173. Observe the following when connecting:
>
Do not forcibly connect  the plug to the USB 
interface.
> Do not connect devices such as fans or 
lamps to the USB interface.
> Do not connect USB hard discs.
> Do not use the USB interface to recharge 
external devices.
Center armrest
Storage compartment
The center armrest between the front seats 
contains a credit card holder and, depending on 
the equipment version, a compartment or a 
snap-in adapter.
Opening
Press the button, see arrow.
Connection for external audio device
You can connect an external audio device such 
as a CD or MP3 player and play audio tracks 
over the vehicle speakers:
>AUX-IN port, refer to page 177.
> USB audio interface/extended connectivity 
of the music player in the mobile phone, 
refer to page 178.
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126
Driving tipsThings to remember when driving
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the he at shields installed in 
its vicinity, and never  apply undercoating to 
them. When driving, standing at idle and while 
parking, take care to  avoid possible contact 
between the hot exhaust system and any highly 
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass, 
etc. Such contact could le ad to a fire, with the 
risk of serious personal  injuries and property 
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. 
Otherwise, there is a risk of burns. <
Mobile phones in the vehicle
It is not advisable to use wireless devices 
such as mobile phones inside the vehicle 
without a direct connection  to an external aerial. 
Otherwise, it is not poss ible to exclude the pos-
sibility of a reciprocal  interference occurring 
between the vehicle electronics and the wire-
less device. Otherwise,  there is no assurance 
that the radiation genera ted by the radio trans-
mission will be conveyed out of the passenger 
compartment.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge 
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, 
means that the tire can  completely lose contact 
with the road surface, so  that neither the car can 
be steered nor the brak e be properly applied.<
The risk of hydropla ning increases with 
declining tread depth on th e tires, refer also to 
Minimum tread depth on page 229.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is 
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only 
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the 
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged. <
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a 
lengthy period using the clutch; use the 
parking brake instead. Otherwise, greater 
clutch wear will result. <
For more information about the drive-off 
assistant, refer to page 90.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard 
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most 
effective way of braking  in situations in which 
this is necessary. Sinc e the vehicle maintains 
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid 
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering 
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with 
sounds from the hydraulic  circuits, indicate that 
ABS is in its active mode.
Objects in the movement range of the 
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects 
out of the movement range of the pedals; 
otherwise, they may inhi bit the function of the 
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an 
existing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that  have been approved for 
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the fl oor mats are securely 
fastened again after they have been removed, 
e.g. for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, 
briefly exert gentle pre ssure on the brake pedal 
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to 
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger 
other road users. The heat generated in this 
process helps dry the pads and rotors. Full 
braking efficiency will th en be available when 
you need it.
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