
66
ControlsDriving
>To upshift, briefly pull the right shift 
paddle +.
> To downshift, briefly pull the left shift 
paddle –.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result in a plausible combination 
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example, 
a downshift that would cause the engine to 
overrev will not be exec uted by the system.
The gear selected is briefly displayed in the 
instrument cluster, followed again by the gear 
actually in use.
Overriding selector lever lock
If the selector lever will not move out of 
position P even though the ignition is switched 
on, the brake is depressed, and the button on 
the selector lever is pre ssed, the selector lever 
lock can be overridden:
1. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2. Pull the sleeve up over  the selector lever 
until the sleeve is inside out.
3. Using the screwdriver from the onboard 
vehicle tool kit, refer to page 243, press the 
red lever, see arrow, while moving the 
selector lever to the desired position.
7-gear Sport automatic 
transmission with double 
clutch
The concept
The 7-gear Sport automatic transmission with 
double clutch is an automated manual trans-
mission with two clutches and secondary gear 
sets in which the clutching and shifting is 
handled by an electr ohydraulic system.
With the 7-gear Sport automatic transmission 
with double clutch, the gears are shifted without 
an interruption in driving power.
You operate the 7-gear Sport automatic trans-
mission with double clutch using the selector 
lever and two shift paddles on the steering 
wheel.
It offers you the following functions:
> Either manual or au tomatic mode: sequen-
tial mode or drive mode
> Automatic downshifting and protection 
against incorrect gear selection, even in 
sequential mode
> Acceleration assistan t, Launch Control, 
refer to page 70
> Automatic intermediate  throttle application
System limitations
The 7-gear Sport automatic transmission with 
double clutch has an overheating protection 
that protects the clutch from extreme loads.
The indicator lamp lights up in yellow if 
the transmission becomes too warm. 
Avoid high engine loads and frequent 
accelerations from zero. If the transmission is 
overheated, the indicator lamp lights up in red 
and the power flow to the  motor is interrupted. It 
is only possible to continue driving once the 
transmission has cooled down.
Avoid frequent powerful accelerations from 
zero and do not hold the  vehicle on inclines by 
pressing lightly on the  accelerator while letting 
the clutch slip, as this may cause the transmis-
sion to overheat.
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73
Driving
Controls
United States: the washer
 fluid mixture ratio is 
regulated by the U.S. EPA and many individual 
states; do not exceed the allowable washer fluid 
dilution ratio limits that  apply. Follow the usage 
instructions on the washer fluid container. Use 
BMW's Windshield Washer Concentrate or the 
equivalent.
Washer fluid filler neck
Only add washer fluid after allowing the 
engine to cool and close the cover com-
pletely in order to prevent the washer fluid from 
contacting hot engine parts. Otherwise, fluid 
spills or leaks constitute  a fire hazard and a risk 
to personal safety. <
All washer nozzles are  supplied with washer 
fluid by the same reservoir.
The recommended minimum filling quantity is 
0.2 US gal/1 liter.
Fill with a mixture of window cleaner concen-
trate, tap water and, if  required, with a washer 
antifreeze, according to  manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Do not fill with und iluted window cleaner 
concentrate or with pure water since these can 
result in damage to the wiper system.
Do not mix window cleaner concentrates from 
different manufacturers si nce this may clog the 
washer nozzles.
Cruise control
The concept
You can use the cruise control feature begin-
ning at approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. The car then 
stores and maintains the speed that you specify 
using the lever on the steering column.
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.<
One lever for all functions
1 Storing and maintaining speed or 
accelerating
2 Storing and maintaining speed or 
decelerating
3 Deactivating cr uise control
4 Resuming a previously stored speed
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 briefly disp layed in the instrument 
cluster.
If the engine braking power is insufficient on a 
downhill slope, the set speed may be exceeded. 
On uphill grades vehicle speed may drop if the 
engine output is insufficient.
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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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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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114
ControlsPractical interior accessories
To set the compass zones, press the setting 
button for approx. 3-4 seconds. The number of 
the compass zone set is shown in the display.
To change the zone setting, briefly press the 
adjustment button repeat edly until the display 
shows the number of th e compass zone corre-
sponding to your current location.
The compass is operatio nal again after approx. 
10 seconds.
Calibrating the digital compass
The digital compass must  be calibrated in the 
following situations:
> An incorrect compass direction is shown.
> The compass direction shown does not 
change although the direction of travel 
does.
> Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1.Make sure that no large metal objects or 
overhead power lines are in the vicinity of 
your vehicle and that you have enough 
space to drive in a circle.
2. Set the currently valid compass zone. 3.
Convertible: ensure that the convertible top 
is fully closed.
4. Press the setting button approx. 
6-7 seconds to call up C. Then drive in a 
complete circle at least once at a maximum 
speed of 4 mph/7 km/h.
If the calibration is su ccessful, display C is 
replaced with the points of the compass.
5. Convertible: open the convertible top fully 
and repeat step 4.
Setting right-hand/left-hand steering
Your digital compass is factory-set to right-
hand or left-hand steering, in accordance with 
your vehicle.
Setting the language
You can set the langua ge of the display:
Press the setting button for approx. 
12-13 seconds. Briefly press the adjustment 
button again to switch between English, "E", 
and German, "O".
The setting is automatically saved after approx. 
10 seconds.
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127
Things to remember when driving
Driving tips
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting 
reduced efficiency of the brake system, 
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the 
gear in which the least br aking is required. Even 
light but consistent brak e pressure can lead to 
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect 
by shifting down, all the way to first gear if nec-
essary. This strategy  helps you avoid placing 
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mo de of the automatic 
transmission, refer to page 65.
Sport automatic transm ission with double 
clutch: never drive with the transmission 
in neutral or with the en gine switched off; other-
wise, there will be no en gine braking action and 
no power assistance to the brakes and steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the 
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral or with the engine switched off; otherwise, 
there will be no engine braking action and no 
power assistance to the brakes and steering. 
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into  the area around the 
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be 
impaired. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driv en only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are le ss frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the 
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum 
pressure which must be exerted by the pads 
during brake applications  to clean the rotors is 
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the 
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating 
effect that even extended  application will fail to 
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms  while the automatic 
climate control is in operation, and then exits 
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water 
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their 
approved carrying ca pacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overlo ading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage 
develops inside the tires. In some situations, 
this can result in sudden loss of tire pressure. <
Avoid fluid spills in the trunk as they could 
damage the vehicle. <
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's placard:
The combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise damage to 
the vehicle may occur and unstable driving 
conditions may result.<
2. Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver 
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY 
pounds.
4. The resulting figure  equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. 
For example, if the YYY amount equals 
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253
Giving and receiving assistance
Mobility
Use only the tow fitting provided with the 
vehicle and screw it a
ll the way in. Use the 
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid 
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift 
the vehicle by the tow  fitting. Otherwise, the 
tow fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press the arrow on the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page61; otherwise, the low-beam 
headlamps, tail lamps, turn  signal indicators and 
windshield wipers may be  unavailable. There is 
no power assist while the engine is off. Thus, 
braking and steering will require increased 
effort. Active steering is  not active and it will be 
necessary to tu rn the steering wheel further. <
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever position, refer to 
page 64.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic 
transmission may be damaged. <
Sport automatic transmission with 
double clutch
Make sure that the parking lock P is not 
engaged; otherwise, the rear wheels are 
immobilized. 
When using the car wash  function, refer to 
page 240, make sure that after approx. 
30 minutes, the parking lock P is automatically 
engaged and thus immobilizes the rear wheels.
In the event of an electrical malfunction or if the 
vehicle must be towed for more than approx. 
20 minutes, unlock the  parking lock manually, 
refer to page 69.<
When towing, do not exceed a maximum 
speed of 30 mph or 50 km/h and a maxi-
mum distance traveled of 30 miles/50 km; oth-
erwise, the transmission may be damaged. <
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or 
body and chassis parts; otherwise, 
damage may result. <
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter 
than the towed vehicle;  otherwise, it may 
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used sh ould be on the same 
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, 
please observe the following:
> Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will ge nerate lateral forces if it is 
attached offset.
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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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