BMW 3 Series 1997-2006 - Controls and features

Opening and closing

³⁰Keys

Central locking system

2 Spare master key – for storage in a

safe place, such as in your wallet.

This key is not intended for constant

use

The concept

The central locking system engages

and releases the locks on the

>doors

3 Door and ignition key – the locks for

the luggage compartment lid and the

glove compartment cannot be oper-

ated with this key. This is useful for

valet parking, for example

>luggage compartment lid

>fuel filler door and

>glove compartment.

The central locking system is ready for

operation whenever the driver's door is

closed.

The central locking system can be

operated

The key set

>from outside via the door lock and

using the remote control

>from inside via the central locking

system button.

1 Master keys with remote control unit

– determine the functions of the Key

Memory, refer to page 65.

You can mark the individual keys for

subsequent identification by apply-

ing the colored decals that you

received when accepting delivery of

your vehicle

If it is operated from inside, the fuel

filler door will not be locked, refer to

page 34.

Operating it from outside simulta-

neously activates the anti-theft system,

which prevents the doors from being

unlocked via the door lock buttons or

the door release handles. The alarm

system is also armed or disarmed.

There is an extended-life battery

in every master key with remote

control that is charged automatically in

the ignition lock as you drive.

For this reason, if you have a master

key with remote control that is other-

wise not used, use that key at least

once every year while driving for an

extended period to charge the bat-

tery.<

The central locking system unlocks

automatically in the event of an acci-

dent. In addition, the hazard warning

flashers and interior lamps come on.

Opening and closing – via the remote control

31

The concept

Master keys with remote control

The remote control gives you an excep-

tionally convenient method for unlock-

ing and locking your vehicle. Further-

more, it provides two additional

functions:

Since passengers or animals

remaining in the vehicle might be

able to lock the doors from the inside,

always take the vehicle's keys with you

so that the vehicle can be opened again

from the outside at any time.<

>Switch on the interior lamps, refer to

page 32.

If it is no longer possible to lock

the vehicle via the remote control,

the battery is discharged. Use this key

while driving for an extended period in

order to recharge the battery. Guard

the remote control against unauthorized

use by only surrendering the spare key

or the door and ignition key, e.g. for

valet parking.

With this function you can also

search for your vehicle – when

parked in an underground garage, for

instance

>Open the luggage compartment lid,

refer to page 32.

The luggage compartment lid will

open slightly, regardless of whether it

was locked or unlocked.

1 Unlock, disarm the alarm system

2 Lock and secure, arm alarm system,

activate interior lamps, disarm tilt

alarm sensor and interior motion sen-

sor

In the event of a system malfunction,

please contact your BMW center. You

can also obtain replacement keys

there.<

The anti-theft system is also deacti-

vated/activated simultaneously with the

unlocking or locking of the vehicle, and

the alarm system is disarmed/armed,

and the interior lamps are switched

on/off.

3 Open luggage compartment, Panic

mode – trigger alarm

To release

Press button to unlock the driver's door

only.

You can have a signal set to con-

firm that the vehicle's locks have

engaged securely.<

Press the button twice in order to

unlock the entire vehicle.<

³²Opening and closing – via the remote control

>LX8FZVE.

To lock and secure

Panic mode – trigger alarm

Compliance statement:

This device complies with part 15 of the

FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions:

Press button.

By pressing button for more than

two seconds, the alarm can be

sounded in the event of danger, if it is

armed.

To switch on the interior lamps

>This device may not cause harmful

interference, and

>this device must accept any interfer-

ence received, including interference

that may cause undesired operation.

To switch off the alarm:

After locking the vehicle, press button

again.

Press button.

To deactivate the tilt alarm* and

interior motion sensors*

Any unauthorized modifications to

these devices could void the

user's authority to operate the equip-

ment.<

External systems

Local systems or devices in the area

may interference with remote control

function.

Press button a second time immedi-

ately after locking.

If this should occur, you can still open

and close the vehicle using the master

key in both the door and luggage com-

partment locks.

For additional information: page 39.

To open the luggage

compartment

For US owners only

The transmitter and receiver units com-

ply with part 15 of the FCC Federal

Communications Commission regula-

tions. Operation is governed by the fol-

lowing:

Press button.

The lid will open slightly, no matter

whether it was locked or unlocked.

FCC ID:

Before and after a trip, be sure

that the luggage compartment lid

has not been opened unintentionally.<

>LX8EWS

>LX8FZVS

Opening and closing – via the door lock

33

>To fasten: with the door closed, hold

the key in the Lock position.

Whenever closing the windows or

sliding/tilt sunroof you should

always monitor their path and progress

to ensure that no one is injured occur.

Releasing the key stops the opera-

tion.<

Manual operation

In the event of electrical malfunction

Turning the key in the door lock once

unlocks the driver's door, the fuel filler

door and the glove compartment.

Turn the key all the way to the left or

right to unlock/lock the driver's door.

Turning the key a second time unlocks

the passenger's door and the luggage

compartment lid.

You can have a signal set to con-

firm that the vehicle's locks have

engaged securely.<

Convenience operation

With the door closed you can also

operate the power windows and the

convertible top with the door lock.

>To open: with the door closed after

turning the key for the second time,

hold the key in the Unlock position

³⁴Opening and closing – from the inside

If you desire, the central locking

system can be activated automati-

cally as soon as you begin to drive. You

may also have this adjusted so that it is

specific to keys.<

To unlock and open the doors

>Either unlock the doors together with

the button for the central locking sys-

tem and then pull each of the release

handles above the armrests or

>pull the release handle for each door

twice: the first pull unlocks the door,

and the second one opens it.

With this button you operate the central

locking system whenever the doors are

closed. The doors and luggage com-

partment lid are unlocked or locked

only. The anti-theft alarm system is not

activated.

To lock

>Either use the central locking button

to lock all doors at once

or

If only the driver's door was

unlocked from the outside and

you press the button, then, with the

driver's door still open, the passenger's

door, the luggage compartment lid, the

fuel filler door and the glove compart-

ment will unlock, too.

>press the individual door lock buttons

down. As an added design feature to

prevent the driver from being inad-

vertently locked out of the vehicle,

the driver's door lock button will not

engage as long as the door is open.

If the driver's door is closed, it will be

locked.<

Since passengers or animals

remaining in the vehicle might be

able to lock the doors from the inside,

always take the vehicle's keys with you

so that the vehicle can be opened again

from the outside at any time.<

Luggage compartment lid

35

The lock

To open from the outside

To open from the inside

Only the master keys fit in the lock for

the luggage compartment lid, refer to

page 30.

Press the button in the handle recess – If the luggage compartment lid has not

see arrow: the luggage compartment lid been locked separately, you can open it

opens slightly.

with this button in the footwell on the

driver's side when the vehicle is sta-

tionary.

The luggage compartment is lighted

when the luggage compartment lid is

opened.

To secure separately

Lock the glove compartment using the

master key.

Manual operation

The luggage compartment lid is locked

and disconnected from the central lock- In the event of electrical malfunction

ing system. If you surrender only the

Turn the master key to the right as far

door and ignition key – refer to page 30

as it will go, the luggage compartment

– this will prevent unauthorized access

via the luggage compartment lid, which

lid will open slightly.

The luggage compartment lid is locked

is an advantage for valet parking, for

again as soon as you close the lid.

instance.

³⁶Luggage compartment lid

Nevertheless, should it be absolutely

necessary to operate the vehicle with

the luggage compartment lid open, with

closed convertible top:

1. Close all windows

2. Greatly increase the quantity of air

from the automatic climate control

system, refer to page 98.

To close

Emergency release

The handle recesses – see arrows – in

the interior trim panel of the luggage

compartment lid make it easier to pull

the lid down.

This lever releases the luggage com-

partment lid from the luggage compart-

ment's interior.

To avoid injuries, be sure that the

travel path of the luggage com-

partment lid is clear when it is closed,

following the same precautions as with

all closing procedures.<

Operate the vehicle only when the

luggage compartment lid is com-

pletely closed. Otherwise, exhaust

fumes could penetrate the interior of

the vehicle.<

Luggage compartment

37

To fold up and secure the floor

panel

3. Hook the handle into the rubber seal Enlarging luggage compartment

of the drip rail – see arrow.

With the convertible top closed, you

can enlarge the luggage compartment.

To do this, flip the handle outward and

press it down and toward the front of

the vehicle – see arrow. The convertible

top compartment panel is now raised

and secured.

1. Pull up at the handle and fold the

panel up

2. Press the button – see arrow – to

release the hanger from the handle

Carefully replace the hanger in its

holder when lowering the floor

panel back down.<

The fittings at the corners of the lug-

gage compartment provide you with a

convenient means of attaching luggage

nets* and flexible straps for securing

luggage.

To fold down the convertible top

compartment panel

To open the convertible top, the con-

vertible top compartment panel must

be lowered. To do this, fold out the

handle and pull opposite the direction

of travel.

Refer also to Cargo loading on

page 106.

³⁸Luggage compartment

Alarm system*

When opening the convertible top,

refer to page 41, make sure that

the luggage compartment is set up for

this, otherwise you may damage some-

thing.<

You can have a signal set as

acknowledgment for both arming

and disarming the alarm.<

The concept

The vehicle alarm system responds:

>When a door, the hood or the lug-

gage compartment lid are opened

>To movement inside the vehicle –

interior motion sensor

>Altering the vehicle tilt, e.g. as would

occur while attempting to steal the

wheels or tow the vehicle – tilt alarm

sensor system

You can also open the luggage com-

partment lid when the system is armed

by pressing the button of the remote

control, refer to page 32. When it is

closed, the lid is once again secured.

>To interruption of battery voltage.

The system responds to unauthorized

vehicle entry and attempted theft by

simultaneously activating the following:

>Sounding an acoustic alarm for

30 seconds

>Activating the hazard warning flash-

ers for approx. five minutes

>Flashing the high beams on and off in

rhythm with the hazard warning flash-

ers.

To arm and disarm the alarm

system

When the vehicle is locked or unlocked

by using a key or with the remote con-

trol, the alarm system is also simulta-

neously armed or disarmed.

Alarm system*

39

armed: an attempted entry has been

detected in the period since the sys-

tem was armed.

The tilt and interior motion sen-

sors are inadvertently switched off

when convenience closing of the win-

dows is interrupted within the first

10 seconds and then started again. If

this happens, they must be disarmed

and reactivated.<

Following triggering of an alarm, the

indicator lamp will flash continuously.

Avoiding unintentional alarms

The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion

sensor may be deactivated at the same

time. You can do this to prevent a false

alarm from being triggered in garages

with elevator ramps, for instance, or

when the vehicle is transported by train:

Indicator lamp displays

>The indicator lamp below the interior

rearview mirror flashes continuously:

the system is armed

Lock the vehicle twice to arm the sys-

tem. Press button on the remote control

twice in succession or lock the vehicle

twice with the key.

>The indicator lamp flashes when it is

armed: the door(s), the hood or lug-

gage compartment lid are not com-

pletely closed. Even if you do not

close the alerted area, the remaining

areas are deadlocked, and the indi-

cator lamp flashes continuously after

ten seconds. However, the interior

motion sensor is not activated

The indicator lamp lights up briefly and

then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm

sensor and the interior motion sensor

are deactivated as long as the system is

armed.

>If the indicator lamp goes out when

the system is disarmed: no manipula-

tion or attempted intrusions have

been detected in the period since the

system was armed

Interior motion sensor*

Deactivate the interior motion sensor –

see Avoiding unintentional alarms – if

persons or animals are left in the vehi-

cle.

>If the indicator lamp flashes for

ten seconds when the system is dis-

⁴⁰Electric power windows

You can close the windows in the same

manner by pulling the switch. The win-

dow on the passenger side and the rear

windows to not close automatically.

The window on the passenger

side closes automatically in igni-

tion key position 2 only.<

For convenience closing via the door

lock, refer to page 33.

To open and close windows

Operating all windows at once

When leaving the vehicle, always

remove the ignition key from the

lock and remember to close the doors

to prevent children from operating the

power windows and injuring them-

selves, etc.<

With the ignition key in position 1 or

higher

>Press the switch until you feel resis-

tance: all of the windows will con-

tinue to lower as long as you con-

tinue to press the switch

>Press the switch briefly past the pres-

sure point: all windows will move

automatically. Pressing the switch

again stops the opening cycle.

With the ignition key in position 1 or

higher

>Press the switch until you feel resis-

tance: the window continues to move

as long as you continue to press the

switch

>Press the switch briefly past the pres-

sure point: the window moves auto-

matically. Touching the switch again

stops the opening cycle.

You can close the windows in the same

manner by pulling the switch. The win-

dows cannot be closed automatically

using this switch.

For convenience closing via the door

lock, refer to page 33.

Electric power windows

Convertible top

41

The completely automatically operated

convertible top combines assured pro-

tection against the elements together

with simple and easy handling.

After the ignition has been

switched off

After the ignition has been switched off:

You can still use the electric power win-

dows for up to 15 minutes, as long as

no one opens any of the doors.

So that you will get the most out of

enjoying your convertible, here are a

few tips:

>It is advisable to close the convertible

top when the vehicle is being parked.

The closed convertible top not only

protects the passenger compartment

from unforeseeable damage from the

weather, it also provides a certain

degree of theft protection. In addi-

tion, keep valuables only in the

locked luggage compartment, even

with the convertible top closed

>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage

rack on the convertible top

>At temperatures below 147/–106

do not operate the convertible top to

prevent damage.

Never store the convertible top

while it is wet to avoid permanent

damage from moisture.<

⁴²Convertible top

Driving with the opening or clos-

ing operation not completely

If possible, only operate the con-

vertible top with the vehicle

ended can lead to damage and/or inju- stopped, as otherwise the process may

ries. be interrupted.

Traffic laws applicable in your area take If you set the convertible top in motion

precedence when you operate the con- with the vehicle stationary and then

vertible top, otherwise you may be

breaking the law.

have to start suddenly – for instance, at

a traffic light – you can still complete

the operation by driving as slowly as

possible and again pressing and main-

taining pressure on the button.

Do not lay objects on the convertible

top, since they would fall off when the

convertible top is operated and cause

damage or injuries.

Before closing the convertible top,

remove any objects from the windshield

mechanism during opening and closing. frame that could keep the convertible

Do not reach into the convertible top

1 To close

2 To open

Keep children away from the moving

parts of the convertible top during

operation.<

top from closing properly.<

Locks and security systems

To close the electric power win-

dows while driving, always be

sure to first close either the rear win-

dows, or all 4 windows at the same

time, otherwise, at high speed, the win-

dows may not close tightly.<

From ignition key position 1 or higher,

with the vehicle stationary

If at all possible, only operate the con-

vertible top if the engine is running. This

saves unnecessary battery wear.

1. Read and comply with the preceding

safety precautions

At higher speeds, the ensuing

vacuum in the passenger com-

2. Before opening the convertible top,

make sure that the convertible top

compartment panel in the luggage

compartment is lowered, refer to

page 37

partment can cause the convertible top

to begin fluttering. Increase the air sup-

ply via the ventilation controls so that a

vacuum does not occur in the vehicle.<

3. Make sure that the luggage compart-

ment lid is closed

Convertible top

43

4. Press and hold the corresponding

When operating the convertible top, the

Operate the convertible top manu-

ally in emergency situations only

press the button, and after the opening to avoid causing damage due to incor-

button for convertible top operation. windows will lower slightly when you

The red indicator lamp will light up

while the convertible top is in motion. or closing operation has finished, they

It goes out as soon as the opening or will go back up, if you keep holding the

rect operation.<

closing operation has been com-

pleted.

button down for more than 2 seconds

after the indicator lamp has gone out.

If the opening or closing operation

is interrupted, the convertible top

remains in the respective position for

15 minutes, and the sequence can be

continued in the desired direction with

the button. After that, the convertible

top can be moved again and, if it is an

emergency situation, you may have to

help the top along manually. This can

also be done in ignition key position 0.

In certain cases, the luggage compart-

ment lid cannot be opened if the open-

ing or closing operation has been inter-

rupted.<

If the red indicator lamp flashes after

the button is released, then the

opening or closing operation is not

yet completed. The sequence can be

continued in the desired direction by

pressing this button.

If the yellow indicator lamp lights up

continuously with the button

pressed, then the convertible top

compartment panel is raised and the

convertible top cannot be moved,

refer to step 2.

The luggage compartment lid cannot be

opened while the convertible top is in

motion.

Do not close the side power win-

dows using the buttons if the con-

vertible top operation has been inter-

rupted.<

If the convertible top has been

stored in the convertible top com-

partment for longer periods, e.g. during

the winter months while the hardtop is

being used, it may be necessary to

manually support the first automatic

closing operation: if the convertible top

should halt right before the closing

phase is completed, press against the

front part of the convertible top frame

from the outside to help the closing

process along. Keep pressing the but-

ton while doing so until the top starts

up again on its own.<

The automatic sequence will be

interrupted immediately if you

release the button that operates the

top. The sequence can be continued in

the desired direction by pressing this

button.<

Convenience operation from the

driver's door lock

Refer to page 33.

During convertible top operation

the rear window moves toward the

passenger compartment. To prevent

injuries, make sure that the closing path

of the convertible top is unobstructed.<

⁴⁴Convertible top

1. Remove the center piece between

the rear seats. Take the trim off of the

guide rod and flip it forward. Press

down hard on the emergency lock 1

– see arrow. After a brief pause, the

mechanisms for the convertible top

compartment lid will be unlocked

If the mechanisms for the convert-

ible top compartment lid do not

unlock, then insert the Allen wrench 2

into the recess 3 and turn clockwise

until the mechanisms unlock.<

Closing manually in the event of

an electrical malfunction

3. Grasp the convertible top by the lat-

eral guide section – see arrow 1 –

and the front convertible top frame –

see arrow 2. Lift out the top and

swing forward until you encounter a

perceptible resistance at a stop.

Position the rear convertible top

frame vertically and close the con-

vertible top compartment lid. Flip the

rear convertible top frame downward

2. If the luggage compartment lid is

closed, open the convertible top

compartment lid up as far as the stop

will allow

1 Emergency operation

2 Allen wrench

3 Recess

Only actuate the convertible top

manually to close it, however

never to open it, as the convertible top

compartment lid cannot be locked and

would open during driving.<

To avoid damaging the side trim,

always fold the convertible top

Manual closing is best carried out

with two persons from outside

with the driver's door open and the

driver's seat folded forward. No one is

to be in the rear seat while you are

doing this.<

forward before folding the rear frame

brace up into its vertical position.<

Convertible top

45

The closing operation must be

completed, as otherwise damage

and/or injuries may result.<

Please consult your BMW center

to have the defect corrected.<

4. Lift out the cover panel that is in the

center of the front convertible top

frame

5. Put the Allen wrench 2 – refer to

page 44 – into the hex slot – see

arrow

Position for cleaning

To be able to access the convertible

top compartment, lean the rear frame of

the convertible top against the cover of

the convertible top compartment.

6. Pull down on the front convertible

top frame as far as possible. Close

the convertible top further by turning

the wrench in a clockwise direction;

continue turning until the front con-

vertible top frame is locked to the

windshield frame. The rear convert-

ible top frame will automatically be

pressed down onto the convertible

top compartment lid and, because of

the tension, will close completely.

First, use the button for activating

the convertible top to unlock the

locks of the convertible top compart-

ment. Refer to page 42.<

For additional information on vehi-

cle care, refer to the Caring for

your vehicle brochure.<

⁴⁶Wind deflector*

With the convertible top open, the wind

deflector keeps air movement in the

passenger compartment to a minimum,

thus providing you with a pleasant

drive, even at higher speeds. The wind

deflector comes in a protective sleeve,

and because of its slim dimensions, can

be easily stored in the luggage com-

partment.

Installation

1. Remove wind deflector from the pro-

tective sleeve

2. Flip out both sides and lock into

place. It is essential for the two com-

ponents marked in the illustration –

see arrows – to mesh at this point

3. Hold the wind deflector so that the

smaller half points toward the front

and guide the mounting pin for the

side piece into the proper opening

4. Pull back on the mounting pin for the

other side piece by using a slide, so

that the mounting pin can be guided

into the opening provided

5. Unlock the convertible top compart-

ment lid via the convertible top con-

trol button, refer to page 42, and

open the convertible top compart-

ment lid

6. Flip the back half of the wind deflec-

tor backward, so that the mounts are

lying on the vehicle

Wind deflector*

47

7. Close the convertible top compart-

ment lid via the convertible top con-

trol button. The wind deflector is now

attached so that it is theft-proof.

Operate the convertible top com-

partment lid from above only in

order to avoid any pinching.

With the wind deflector in place: never

push the front seats all the way back to

avoid damaging the wind deflector.<

Removal

Follow the same procedure as when

installing, just reverse the steps.

To adjust

⁴⁸Safe seating position

For relaxed and fatigue-free driving you For airbag locations and additional

should select a sitting position that

For information on using the safety

belts, refer to page 52.

information on airbags, refer to

reflects your personal requirements. In page 57.

combination with the safety belts and

airbags, the correct seating position

plays an important role in enhancing

occupant safety in the event of an acci-

dent. To ensure that the vehicle's safety

systems provide you with optimal pro-

tection, we request that you direct your

careful attention to the following sec-

tion.

Sitting safely with safety belts

Never allow more than one person

to wear a single safety belt. Never

allow infants or small children to ride in

a passenger's lap. Avoid twisting the

belt while routing it firmly across the

pelvis and shoulder, wear it as snugly

against your body as possible. Do not

allow the belt to rest against hard or

fragile objects in your pockets. Do not

route the belt across your neck, or run it

across sharp edges. Be sure that the

belt does not become caught or

jammed. Avoid wearing bulky clothing

and pull on the lap belt periodically to

retension it over your shoulders. In the

event of a frontal impact, a loose lap

belt could slide over the hips, leading to

abdominal injury. In addition, the safety

belt's restraint effectiveness is reduced

if the belt is worn loosely. Expectant

mothers should always wear their

safety belts, taking care to position the

lap belt against the lower hips, where it

will not exert pressure against the

abdominal area.<

For supplementary information on

transporting children, refer to page 59.

Sitting safely with airbags

Always maintain an adequate dis-

tance between yourself and the

airbags. Always hold the steering wheel

by the rim to keep any chance of injury

to hands or arms to an absolute mini-

mum should the airbag be deployed.

Never allow any objects, individuals or

animals to obstruct the areas between

passengers and airbags. Never use the

front airbag's cover as a storage tray or

support for objects of any kind. Never

allow front passengers to rest their feet

or legs on the airbag cover.<

Seats

Power seat adjustment

49

When adjusting your seat, always

observe the following precautions

Never try to adjust your seat while

operating the vehicle. The seat

could respond with an unexpected

movement, and the ensuing loss of

vehicle control could lead to an acci-

dent. Never ride with the backrest

reclined to an extreme horizontal angle

– important for front passengers to

remember. Keep the backrest relatively

upright to minimize the risk of sliding

under the safety belt and sustaining

injury in an accident.

Seat adjustment

1 Tilt angle

Thigh support

Pull the lever and adjust the position of

the cushion for thigh support as

desired.

With the wind deflector in place: never

push the front seats all the way back to

avoid damaging the wind deflector.<

2 Forward/backward adjustment

3 Height

4 Backrest angle

Adjusting the seats

You can manually adjust the thigh sup-

port.

>Power seat adjustment, refer to

page 49

>Head restraint, refer to page 50

>Entering the rear, refer to page 51.

⁵⁰Power seat adjustment

Head restraints

Adjusting the lumbar support*

Front head restraints

Tilt angle: position the head restraints

manually in the preferred position.

You can adjust the backrest's contour

for additional support in the curvature

of your spine's lumbar region.

1 Height

Head restraints reduce the risk of

spinal injury in the event of an

accident.

The upper hips and spinal column

receive supplementary support to help

you maintain a relaxed, upright position.

Adjust the head restraint.

When moving the head restraints up or

down, do not grab on between the

head restraint and the upper edge of

the backrest to avoid the possibility of

injury.<

>Press the front/rear of switch:

increase/decrease curvature

>Press the upper/lower end of the

switch: increase the upper/lower cur-

vature.

Head restraints

Entering the rear

51

Do not remove the rear head

restraints as this would damage

them.<

For further information, please consult

your BMW center.

Do not use the rear head

restraints as storage shelves.

Always keep the travel path for the roll-

over protection system free and clear.

Under no circumstances should you put

any kind of cover such as an antima-

cassar on the head restraints, refer also

to the labeling on the head restraints.<

Rear head restraints

The Seat-integrated safety belt system

(SGS) allows for easy access to the

rear.

The rear head restraints may only

be lowered if there are no passen-

gers in the rear seats. If you do so, you

are in violation of the law. Raise the rear

head restraints before taking on any

passengers in the back.<

1. Lift the lever 1 up and tilt the back-

rest forward

2. Press and hold button 2 in driving

direction until the seat moves to the

desired position

3. After entering the rear, fold back and

lock the backrest

To completely lower the rear head

restraints:

4. Press button 2 opposite the direction

of travel and hold. The seat moves

back into its previous position. If the

button 2 is released beforehand, the

seat stops in the respective position.

1. Press the button – see arrow – and

hold it down

2. Push the head restraint down from

above.

Raising the rear head restraints

The seat can be locked into posi-

tion when it is tilted forward. This

is particularly convenient when entering

the vehicle on an incline, for example.

Raise the head restraints until you hear

them click into place.

⁵²Entering the rear

Safety belts

Press against the backrest until you

hear it snap into place. Lever 1 does

not have to be released to fold the seat

back.<

To release

1. Press the red button in the belt

buckle

2. Hold the belt

3. Guide the belt back into its reel.

Lock both backrests while driving,

otherwise there is a danger of an

unexpected movement causing an

accident.<

Adjusting safety belt height

The front safety belt automatically

adjusts your body size via the setting of

the head restraint height, refer to

page 50.

The indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster flashes, when the backrest is

not locked, refer to page 18.

Always wear your safety belt

If the safety belt system has been

subjected to the stresses involved

Always fasten your safety belt before

starting off. As supplemental restraint

devices, the airbags are designed to

enhance the effectiveness of the safety

belts, and not to replace them.

in an accident or otherwise damaged:

have the entire safety belt mechanism

replaced by your BMW center, includ-

ing the safety belt tensioner. In addi-

tion, have your BMW center inspect the

safety belt anchors. If a child-restraint

system was in the vehicle during an

accident, consult the manufacturer's

instructions regarding replacement.<

Before putting your safety belts on

in the rear, take them out of the

holder.<

Leave the rear safety belts in the

holders if they are not needed, in

order to avoid unwanted movement

from the safety belts at high speeds.<

To close

Make sure you hear the lock engage in

the belt buckle.

Seat and mirror memory

53

Your BMW center can adjust your

To select a stored setting

vehicle's systems in such a man-

ner that your personalized settings are

automatically set for the seat and exte-

rior mirror positions when you unlock

the vehicle with your personal remote

control.<

Do not select a memory position

while the vehicle is moving. If you

do so, there is a risk of accident from

unexpected seat movement.<

Driver's door open after unlocking or

ignition key in position 1:

Before activating the programmed

adjustment feature, ensure that

the footwell behind the driver's seat is

empty and unobstructed. If you fail to

do so, any persons, animals or objects

behind the seat could be injured or

damaged by a rearward movement of

the seat.<

>Briefly press memory button 1, 2 or 3,

as desired.

Movement stops immediately when

one of the seat-adjustment or mem-

ory buttons is operated during the

adjustment process.

You can store and recall three different

driver's seat and outside mirror posi-

tions.

With the driver's door closed and the

ignition key either removed or in posi-

tion 0 or 2:

The setting for the lumbar support

is not stored in memory.<

>Press and hold the desired memory

button – 1, 2 or 3 – until the adjust-

ment process is completed.

To store

1. Ignition key in position 1 or 2

2. Adjust your seat and outside mirrors

to the desired position

3. Press the MEMORY button: the indi-

cator lamp in the button lights up

4. Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as

desired. The indicator lamp goes out.

If you press the MEMORY button

accidentally: press the button

again; the indicator lamp goes out.<

⁵⁴Seat and mirror memory

Seat heating*

You can deactivate this automatic fea-

ture by setting the mirror selection

switch to the passenger side position.

Passenger-side exterior mirror tilt

function

The seat cushion and backrest can be

heated with the ignition key in

position 2.

Automatic curb monitor*

You can call up different heating modes

by repeatedly pressing the buttons.

1. Move mirror selector switch 1 to the

driver's mirror position

You can also switch the higher heating

modes off directly:

2. When shifting into Reverse, or plac-

ing the selector lever in position R,

the passenger-side mirror tilts down-

ward. This brings the lower area

adjacent to the vehicle – curbs, etc. –

into the driver's field of vision while

parking.

Press the button and hold it slightly

longer.

How far the passenger mirror tilts

can be set individually for each

ignition key.<

Steering wheel

Mirrors

55

than they appear. This means that esti-

mations of the distance to following

traffic should not be regarded as pre-

cise.<

Electric defrosting

Both mirrors are heated automatically in

ignition key position 2.

To adjust

To adjust exterior mirrors

Never attempt to adjust the steer- 1 Switch for 4-way adjustment

ing wheel while driving the vehicle

2 Selection switch for changing

– it could respond with unexpected

between mirrors

movement, posing a potential accident

hazard.<

To adjust manually

The mirrors can also be adjusted manu-

1. Push the locking lever downward

ally:

2. Adjusting steering column reach and

Press the edges of the lens.

rake for your selected seating posi-

tion

3. Pull the lever back up.

To store the mirror setting, refer to Seat

and mirror memory on page 53.

The passenger-side mirror fea-

tures a convex lens. When esti-

mating the distance between yourself

and other traffic, bear in mind that the

objects reflected in the mirror are closer

⁵⁶Mirrors

Interior rearview mirror with

automatic dimming feature

This mirror automatically dims through

an infinitely variable range and switches

automatically to its clear, undimmed

mode whenever you engage reverse

gear.

There are two photocells for automatic

dimming. One photocell – see arrow – is

positioned in the mirror's frame, while

the other is slightly offset on the oppo-

site side of the mirror.

For the mirror to function perfectly,

keep the photocells clean and the area

between the inside rearview mirror and

the windshield free of any obstruction

like stickers, etc.

Passenger safety systems

Airbags

57

The side airbags in the rear pas-

senger area* of your vehicle may

dismantle the steering wheel. Unpro-

fessional attempts to service the sys-

already have been deactivated either at tem could lead to failure in an emer-

the time of manufacture or by a BMW gency or undesired airbag activation,

center. You may have them activated if either of which could result in personal

you desire to do so. Please contact

your BMW center for additional infor-

mation.<

injury. Do not touch the individual com-

ponents directly after the system has

been triggered, as otherwise there is a

danger of burns.<

The airbags will not be triggered in

the event of a minor accident, cer-

tain vehicle rollover situations or colli-

sions from the rear.<

At all times, occupants should sit

upright and be properly restrained

– infants and small children in appropri-

ate child-restraint systems; larger chil-

1 Front airbags on the driver and pas-

senger sides

Do not apply adhesive materials to dren and adults using the safety belts.

the cover panels of the airbags, Never let an occupant's head rest near

cover them or modify them in any other or on a side airbag because the inflating

way. Do not attempt to remove the air- airbag could cause a serious or fatal

bag restraint system from the vehicle. In injury. Please note that the word Airbag

the event of a malfunction, deactivation imprinted on the door trim panel indi-

or triggered activation – as a response

to an accident – of the airbag restraint

system, consult your BMW center for

inspection, repair or disassembly. Mod- is in the rear seat. However, a child sit-

ifications may not be made on either ting in the rear seat and not properly

the wiring or the individual components restrained may place his or her head on

in the airbag system. This includes the

upholstered covers on the steering

wheel, the instrument panel, the side

trim panels of the doors and front roof

pillars and on the sides of the front

2 Side airbags on the driver and pas-

senger sides – front and rear*

Protective effect

The front airbags protect the driver and

passenger in the event of a head-on

collision where the protection provided

by the safety belt alone would not be

adequate. The side airbags help pro-

vide protection in the event of a colli-

sion from the side. Each of the side air-

bags is designed to help support the

seat occupant's upper body.

cates the airbag's location.

Accident research shows that the saf-

est place for children in an automobile

or near the side airbag, if so equipped.

For example, a child – even though

belted – may fall asleep with his or her

head against the side airbag. It may be

difficult for a driver to ensure that chil-

For information on the correct sitting

position, refer to page 48.

headliner. Do not attempt to remove or dren in the rear seat will remain prop-

⁵⁸Airbags

erly positioned at all times and not

place their heads on or near the side

airbag. Therefore, we recommend that

the rear seat side airbags, if provided,

be deactivated if you plan to transport

children in the rear seat.

The rear seat side airbags may already

have been deactivated, either at the

time of manufacture or by a BMW cen-

ter. Labels in the door opening should

indicate the status of your rear-seat

side airbags. If you are uncertain of

their status, or wish to have the airbags

activated or deactivated, please con-

tact your BMW center.<

This is the right way a child should sit in This is the right way a larger child

a child-restraint when rear side airbags, should sit wearing the seat belt when

see arrow, are provided.

rear side airbags, see arrow, are pro-

vided.

Even when all these guidelines are

observed, there is still a small residual

risk of injuries to the face, hands and

arms occurring from airbag deployment

in isolated instances.

Indicator lamp

The indicator lamp indicates the

operational status of the airbag

system when the ignition key is

in position 1 or higher.

The ignition and inflation noise may

provoke a mild temporary hearing loss

in extremely sensitive individuals.

System operational:

>The indicator lamp comes on briefly

when the ignition key is turned to

position 1 or higher.

Airbag warning information is also pro-

vided on the sun visors.

System malfunction:

>Indicator lamp does not come on or

>indicator lamp lights up continuously.

Airbags

Transporting children safely

59

If there is a system malfunction, there is

a risk that the airbags will not be trig-

gered within their normal response

Leave the rear safety belts in the

holders if they are not needed to

avoid unwanted movement from the

range, even if the level of impact would safety belts at high speeds.<

normally have triggered them.

Commercially available child seats

complying with the legal standard are

Have your BMW center inspect the sys-

tem immediately.

designed to be secured with a seat belt

or with the seat belt portion of a combi-

nation lap/shoulder belt. Improperly or

inadequately installed restraint sys-

tems can increase the risk of injury to

children. Always read and follow the

instructions that come with the system.

Child-restraint system with tether

strap

If you use a child-restraint system with

a tether strap, two additional tether

anchorage points have been provided –

refer to the arrows in the illustration.

⁶⁰Transporting children safely

It is recommended to cover the child- device in the front passenger seat, as

restraint attaching clip with a soft mate- the impact of the airbag against the

rial to prevent damage to the stored

soft top.

child-restraint's backrest could lead to

serious or fatal injuries.

If it is necessary for a child – not an

Should a hard top be installed, the infant – to ride in the front seat, certain

fitting of child harness tether

strap/s – if child seat is required – is

necessary before installation of the

hard top.<

precautions should be taken. First,

move the passenger seat as far away

from the instrument panel as possible.

This important precaution is intended to

maximize the distance between the air-

bag and the child. Older children

Before installing any child-

restraint device or child seat,

please read the following:

Depending on the location selected for

seating in the rear passenger area,

attach the tether strap to the corre-

sponding anchorage point to secure the

child-restraint system, as shown in the

illustration.

Never install a rearward-facing child-

restraint system in the front passenger

seat of this vehicle.

Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag

supplemental restraint system for the

front passenger. Because the backrest

on any rear-facing child-restraint sys-

tem – of the kind designed for infants

under 1 year and 20 lbs/9 kg – would

be within the airbag's deployment

range, you should never mount such a

1. Open the convertible top compart-

ment lid, refer to page 41

2. Lift the headrest and pass the tether

strap between the headrest and the

seat back. It is recommended that

you return the head restraint back to

its lowest possible position

3. Adjust the tether strap according to

the child-restraint manufacturer's

instructions

4. Close the convertible top compart-

ment panel.

Transporting children safely

61

should be tightly secured with the

safety belt after they have outgrown a

booster seat that is appropriate for their

age, height, and weight.

The belt cannot be extracted further.

Always observe the installation instruc-

tions provided by the manufacturer of

the child-restraint system.

Younger children should be secured in

an appropriate forward-facing child-

restraint system that has first been

properly secured with a safety belt.

Never install a rearward-facing child-

restraint system in the front passenger

seat.

To unlock the safety belt

Release the safety belt, remove the

child seat and retract the safety belt to

its end position on the belt retractor.

We strongly urge you to carefully read

and comply with the instructions for

installation and use provided by the

child-restraint's manufacturer whenever

you use such a device.

Do not attempt to modify child-restraint

systems. If you do this, the protection

provided by these systems could be

impaired.

Securing child-restraint system

All of the rear belt retractors and the

front passenger's safety belt can be

locked for mounting and securing child-

restraint systems.

A label with the appropriate instructions

for this is located in the immediate

Be sure that all occupants – of all ages – vicinity of the buckle latch of each

remain properly and securely restrained safety belt.

at all times.<

To lock the safety belt

All rear seating positions in your vehicle

meet the recommendations of

SAE J1819, an industry-recommended

practice for securing child-restraint sys-

engage the buckle, then tighten the belt

tems in motor vehicles.

Extract the entire length of the belt from

the inertia reel mechanism. Allow the

reel to retract the belt somewhat and

against the child-restraint system. The

retraction mechanism is now locked.

⁶²Transporting children safely

LATCH child-restraint mounting

system

The left and right rear seats are both

equipped with a LATCH child-restraint

mounting system.

To prevent damage to the upholstery,

you can purchase an insertion aid* from

your BMW center.

LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tether for

CHildren

The anchorage points for the LATCH

child-restraint system installation are

located behind the upholstery at the

positions indicated by the arrows.

Firmly press the insertion aid into the

gap between the seat cushion and

backrest, continuing until the two

guides snap into place on the LATCH

brackets in the seat.

Canadian models only:

The LATCH anchorage points are iden-

tified by buttons.

Carefully slide the brackets through the

gaps in the upholstery at the indicated

locations.

The illustration is an example showing

the anchorages for a LATCH child-

restraint system on the right rear seat.

Always follow all manufacturer's

instructions and observe all safety

precautions when installing the LATCH

child-restraint mounting system.

Leave the rear safety belts in the hold-

ers if they are not needed to avoid

unwanted movement from the safety

belts at high speeds.<

Rollover protection system

63

In the event of an accident or some

other critical driving situation – extreme

tilting in the longitudinal or transverse

axis, loss of contact with the ground –

the rollover protection system will be

automatically activated. The protective

bars located in the rear head restraints

extend within fractions of a second.

In addition to the integrated rollover bar

in the windshield frame, the rollover

protection system affords all the vehicle

occupants necessary headroom.

If, after being automatically triggered,

the protective function is not needed,

then the rollover protection system can

be lowered back into place. No special

tool is needed for this.

2. Pull up on the lever toward the front

of the vehicle – see arrow – and keep

it in this position

Always keep the travel path for the

rollover protection system free

and clear. Under no circumstances

should you cover the head restraints.

In the event of less serious accidents,

the safety belt will protect you and,

depending on the severity of the acci-

dent, so will the safety belt tensioner

and the multi-stage airbag restraint sys-

tem as well.<

1. Using a screwdriver from the on-

board tool kit, remove the cover

panel; to do this, position the screw-

driver under the notch – see arrow

⁶⁴Rollover protection system

Do not move the convertible top

under any circumstances if the

rollover protection system has

extended.

Do not use the rear head restraints as

storage shelves.

Absolutely no modifications are to be

made to any of the rollover protection

system's individual components or any

of its wiring.

Only your BMW center is to carry out

any work on the rollover protection sys-

tem.

Work done on the system that is carried

out improperly could lead to failure in

an emergency or accidental airbag acti-

vation.

3. Keep pressing down on the protec-

tive bar from on top – see arrow 1 –

until you hear it click into place

4. Put the cover panel back in place

and press down firmly

Regarding having the system checked

to ensure long-term operation: be scru-

pulous in adhering to the Service Inter-

val Display for maintenance intervals.

Every two years at the latest, the roll-

over protection system must be

inspected by a BMW center.<

5. Push the back panel of the head

restraint closed – see arrow 2.

Do the same for the second protective

bar. If you are not familiar with any of

the procedures, consult your BMW

center.

Have the rollover protection system

checked out by your BMW center after

it has been inadvertently triggered.

Vehicle Memory, Key Memory

65

When your vehicle is unlocked with the >Switches on rear window defroster

remote control, the vehicle recognizes

automatically, refer to page 99

>After giving an ice warning, the dis-

play returns to the previous setting,

refer to page 84.

the individual user by means of a data

exchange with the key, and makes

adjustments accordingly.

In order for you to distinguish between Examples for Key Memory:

different keys, colored decals are sup-

plied together with the keys.

>Locks the vehicle automatically after

you start off, refer to page 34

>Automatically moves the seat and

outside mirror into position for the

programmed driver when unlocking

the vehicle, refer to page 53

>Automatic tilting of the passenger-

side mirror, refer to page 54

>After the engine is started, calls up

the last selected driving program for

each shifting mode, refer to page 74.

What the system can do

Your BMW center can provide you with

details on the possibilities that the Vehi-

cle and Key Memory systems offer.

How the system functions

You have probably frequently wished

that you could configure individual

functions of your vehicles to reflect your

own personal requirements. In engi-

neering your vehicle, BMW has pro-

vided for a number of options for per-

sonal adjustment that can be

Examples for Vehicle Memory:

>Various signals that can serve as

acknowledgment for locking and

unlocking the vehicle, refer to

page 31

>Activates/deactivates the Follow me

home lamps function, refer to

page 92

You will see this symbol through-

out the Owner's Manual. It is to

remind you at appropriate places of the

settings that are available to you.<

programmed into your vehicle at your

BMW center.

>Activates/deactivates daytime driv-

ing lamps, refer to page 92

>Sets the units of measure for display-

ing time, outside temperature, dis-

tance traveled and fuel consumption

in the instrument cluster.

>Indicates via an acoustic tone that

PDC has been activated, refer to

page 86

The available configuration data fall into

two categories, according to whether

their primary orientation is the vehicle –

Vehicle Memory – or the individual –

Key Memory. You can have up to four

different basic settings adjusted for four

different persons. The only require-

ment is that each person uses his or her

own remote control key.

Driving

⁶⁶Ignition lock

Once the ignition has been switched

off, ignition key in position 0 or

removed, the radio functions are still

available for approx. 20 minutes. Turn

the radio back on to use it.

Steering unlocked

You will find that it is often easier to turn

the ignition key from position 0 to posi-

tion 1 when you move the steering

wheel slightly to help disengage the

lock.

Ignition key positions

0 Steering locked

Individual electrical accessories are

ready for operation.

1 Steering unlocked

2 Ignition switched on

3 Starting engine

Steering locked

The key can be inserted or removed in

this position only.

After removing the key, turn the steer-

ing wheel slightly to the left or right until

the lock engages.

If the key is not removed, an acoustic

signal is sounded after the driver's door

has been opened.

Starting engine and driving off

67

Do not allow the engine to warm

up by leaving it running while the

vehicle remains stationary. Instead,

drive off immediately at a moderate

engine speed.<

Extended starting attempts, char- 3. Start the engine. Do not actuate the

acterized by excessively frequent

starter for too short a time. Do not

turn it for more than approx.

or long periods with the starter

engaged, can damage the catalytic

converter.<

20 seconds. Release the ignition key

immediately when the engine starts

4. Engage a driving position

Do not allow the engine to run in

enclosed spaces. Otherwise,

breathing the exhaust fumes can lead

to unconsciousness and death. The

exhaust gases contain carbon monox-

ide, an odorless and colorless, but

highly toxic gas. Do not leave the vehi- serious personal injury and property

cle unattended with the engine running. damage.<

An unattended vehicle with a running

When driving, standing at idle,

and parking the vehicle, take care

to avoid contact between the hot

exhaust system and flammable materi-

als – grass, hay, leaves, etc. Such con-

tact could lead to a fire, resulting in

5. Release footbrake and slowly

depress accelerator pedal.

With the engine running, the gear

indicator in the SMG display

flashes to indicate that a driving posi-

tion is engaged with the driver's door

open or if the hood is not closed prop-

erly, refer to page 72.

engine represents a safety hazard.<

If none of the pedals is actuated, then

the gearbox is automatically taken out

of gear after approx. 4 seconds. Then

the desired direction of travel must be

selected again with the selector lever in

position 0. Driving off is not possible

with the hood open.<

Manual transmission

1. Engage the parking brake

If the engine does not start on the first

attempt, such as when it is very hot or

cold:

2. Gearshift lever in idling position

3. Press the clutch pedal at low tem-

peratures

4. Start the engine. Do not press the

accelerator pedal. Do not actuate the

starter for too short a time. Do not

turn it for more than approx.

>Press the accelerator pedal halfway

down while engaging the starter.

Cold starts at very low temperatures

below about 57/–156 and at high

altitudes above 3,300 ft/1,000 m:

Before exiting the vehicle with the

engine running, move the selector

lever into position 0 and apply the park-

ing brake.

Never leave the vehicle unattended

with the engine running. An unat-

tended vehicle with a running engine

represents a safety hazard.<

20 seconds. Release the ignition key

immediately when the engine starts.

>On the first start attempt, it may be

necessary to engage the starter for a

longer period, but no longer than

20 seconds.

Sequential M gearbox SMG II

1. Depress footbrake

2. Move selector lever into position 0

⁶⁸Starting engine and driving off

Engine idle speed is controlled by the

engine computer system. Increased

speeds at start-up are normal and

should decrease as the engine warms

up. If engine speed does not decrease,

service is required.

To prevent the battery from discharg-

ing, always deactivate electrical

devices that are not in use. Switch the

ignition off when the vehicle is not

being driven.

Switching off the engine

Parking brake

69

You should never remove the igni- The warning stops after approx. ten

tion key when the vehicle is in

motion, as the steering lock could

engage.

When you leave the vehicle, always

remove the ignition key and engage the

steering lock.<

seconds. If you move the selector lever

into a forward or reverse position dur-

ing this time, a gear is automatically

engaged.

Always engage the parking brake

when parking on downhill roads.

Engaging a gear may not sufficiently

secure the vehicle against rolling.<

The parking brake is designed primarily

to prevent the vehicle from rolling when

it is parked. It operates against the rear

wheels.

Manual transmission

Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.

Sequential M gearbox SMG II

To engage

If you turn the ignition key to position 1

or 0 with the selector lever in the for-

ward or reverse position, a gear auto-

matically remains engaged.

The detent engages automatically, and

the indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster comes on when the ignition key

is in position 2, refer to page 18.

If you turn the ignition key to position 1

or 0 with the selector lever in position 0,

a warning tone and the flashing gear

indicator in the SMG display remind you

that the vehicle is not secured against

rolling.

To release

Pull up slightly on the lever, press the

button – see arrow – and lower the

lever.

⁷⁰Parking brake

Manual transmission

If exceptional circumstances

make it necessary to engage the

parking brake while the vehicle is in

motion, do not pull it with excessive

pressure. Keep your thumb pressed

against the release button while care-

fully pulling the lever up.

Excessive pressure can lead to over-

braking and loss of traction – fishtailing

– at the rear axle.

The brake lamps do not come on when

the parking brake is engaged.

Always engage the parking brake when

parking on downhill roads. Engaging a

gear may not sufficiently secure the

vehicle against rolling.<

When shifting gears in the

fifth/sixth gear plane, be sure to

press the gearshift lever to the right in

order to prevent inadvertent selection

of a gear in the third/fourth gear plane.

Do not hold the vehicle in place on

slopes by slipping or "riding" the clutch.

Use the parking brake instead. Riding

the clutch causes the clutch assembly

to wear out sooner.<

To avoid corrosion and one-sided

braking, apply the parking brake

lightly from time to time when coasting

to a standstill – at a traffic signal, for

example – provided that it is safe to do

so.<

Reverse

Select only when the vehicle is station-

ary. Press the shift lever to the left to

overcome the resistance.

As you do this, the backup lamps will

light up automatically when the ignition

key is in position 2.

Sequential M gearbox SMG II*

71

Under normal operating conditions, fuel

The concept

consumption is lowest when driving in

the first driving program of the auto-

mated shifting mode.

The sequential M gearbox SMG II is an

automated manual gearbox with which

clutching and shifting is assumed by an

electro-hydraulic system.

The SMG II is operated via two shift

paddles on the steering wheel and the

selector lever in the center console.

It offers the following functions:

>Sequential and automated shifting

mode

>Ability to choose between different

driving programs, Drivelogic

>Gradient assistance, refer to page 74

>Upshift display and shift lights, refer

to page 75

Selector lever position

R: Reverse position

0: Position 0 (Neutral)

Forward position with one-touch mode:

>RPM matching on downshifts

>Driving dependent functions:

The respective driving situation, e.g.

cornering, mountain driving or brak-

ing, is detected by sensors and taken

into account for shifting, e.g. to

achieve optimum gear selection dur-

ing deceleration and subsequent

acceleration

>Slip recognition at the rear axle for

increasing driving stability, e.g. dur-

ing downshifting on slippery road

surfaces

>S: sequential mode

>A: automated mode

>+: upshifting in sequential mode

>–: downshifting in sequential mode.

The SMG II is ready for operation from

ignition key position two or higher.

For your safety, it is only possible to

engage a driving position with the vehi-

cle stopped approx. 2 seconds after

engaging position 0 with the footbrake

depressed – Shiftlock function.

>Operating safety through protection

against misshifting.

⁷²Sequential M gearbox SMG II*

You do not need to reduce the throttle

for shifting.

R – Reverse position

Only engage with the vehicle stopped

or at low speed, e.g. for rocking free in

deep snow.

An intermittent signal tone indi-

cates that the reverse position has

been engaged.<

0 – Position 0 (Neutral)

Always engage before starting the

engine.

Display in instrument cluster

If the driving situation requires, e.g.

when downshifting on slippery roads,

the SMG II automatically disengages

and reengages the clutch, i.e. it is not

necessary to manually engage

position 0.

The selector lever position, currently

engaged gear and selected driving pro-

gram are displayed in the instrument

cluster.

1 Engaged gear

2 Selected driving program, corre-

sponds to the number of illuminated

fields, refer to page 74

S – Sequential mode

In the sequential mode all forward

gears are to be shifted by the driver.

3 Tapping the selector lever to the right

switches over into the displayed shift

mode

Changeover from automated to

sequential mode:

4 "A" indicates an activated automated

shift mode

>Tap the selector lever to the right

toward S or

>Change gears with the selector lever

or the shift paddles on the steering

wheel.

Sequential M gearbox SMG II*

73

You accelerate from higher gears, e.g. Changeover from sequential to auto-

during passing, by manually downshift- mated mode: tap the selector lever to

ing.

the right toward A. Watch the display in

the instrument cluster, refer to page 72.

In the following situations the SMG II

helps you think in the sequential mode: For rapid acceleration, e.g. during

passing, depress the accelerator pedal

completely – kickdown. The gearbox

>Upshifts and downshifts are only exe-

cuted when the new gear will provide

now downshifts in dependence on the

a suitable combination of vehicle and

selected driving program.

engine speed, i.e., downshifts that

would cause the engine to overrev

will not be executed

Even in the automated mode, you can

help specify the shifting point: if a gear-

dependent minimum speed is

>During a stop the gearbox is auto-

matically downshifted into the first

gear so that, e.g. before a traffic light, reducing pressure on the accelerator

Shifting gears with shift paddles on

steering wheel:

exceeded, you can upshift by slowly

it is only necessary to accelerate to

continue driving

pedal. In the process, the respective

driving situation is detected by sensors

and taken into account.

>To upshift, briefly pull the right pad-

dle +

>To downshift, briefly pull the left pad-

dle –.

>When the speed is reduced, the

gearbox is automatically down-

shifted shortly before a gear-depen-

dent minimum speed is reached with-

out you taking any action.

Shift paddles with various widths

matched to the shape of your

hand are available from your BMW cen-

ter.<

A – Automated mode

Each time the engine is started, the

automated mode is activated as soon

as you move the selector lever into the

forward driving position.

Shifting gears with selector lever:

>To upshift, pull the selector lever

backward +

>To downshift, push the selector lever

forward toward –.

In the automated mode all forward

gears are automatically shifted.

No automatic upshifting is carried out in

the sequential mode.

⁷⁴Sequential M gearbox SMG II*

In the sequential mode you can choose

Gradient assistance

from six driving programs ranging from

balanced, dynamic driving – 1 – to

sporty, puristic driving – 6. The sporty,

puristic driving program can only be

activated with the Dynamic Stability

Control (DSC) deactivated, refer to

page 87.

The gradient assistance enables start-

ing off on grades with virtually no roll-

back. It can be activated in the sequen-

tial and automated mode with the vehi-

cle stopped and can be used for both

forward and reverse driving.

The vehicle may roll slightly before

it is held by the gradient assis-

tance after releasing the footbrake.

Two seconds after the footbrake is

released, the vehicle begins to roll, as it

is no longer held with the gradient

assistance.<

To maintain vehicle stability,

always drive with the DSC acti-

vated on whenever possible.<

Drivelogic

Following each change between the

sequential and the automated mode,

the last driving program selected in the

Drivelogic makes various driving pro-

grams available to you.

Press the Drivelogic repeatedly until the respective mode is active. Exception:

desired driving program is shown in the instead of the last selected sequential

1. Depress footbrake with vehicle

stopped

SMG display of the instrument cluster,

refer to page 72.

driving program 6, program 5 is acti-

vated only after the engine has been

started again.

2. Activate the gradient assistance by

pulling the left paddle for at least

0.5 seconds. An increase in the

engine speed indicates that the gra-

dient assistance is activated

In the automated mode you can select

from five driving programs ranging from

convenience mode/winter operation to

sporty and highly dynamic.

Your vehicle is set so that when

the engine is started, the last

selected driving program saved in your

key is activated for each shifting

mode.<

Briefly pulling the left paddle again

deactivates the gradient assis-

tance again.<

In the first automated driving program,

starting off takes place in second gear,

which is advisable under winter road

conditions with ice and snow.

3. Release the footbrake and start off

within two seconds.

The gradient assistance must be reacti-

vated before each use.

Sequential M gearbox SMG II*

75

Indicator lamp

Tire replacement, snow chains

The transmission indicator lamp

in the instrument cluster goes

out after the engine is started.

Following a tire or wheel change and

after mounting or removing snow

chains, the slip recognition of the

SMG II must become familiar with the

changed condition.

>If it does not go out, or if it lights up

during driving, a fault has occurred.

The available functions may be lim-

ited under certain circumstances.

Drive carefully and with the Dynamic

Stability Control (DSC) activated.

Have the system checked by the

nearest BMW center

>If the indicator lamp flashes while

driving, the system is overloaded.

Avoid high loads until the indicator

lamp goes out again permanently.

Reinitialize the system afterwards:

1. Move the selector lever into

position 0 on a straight stretch of

road at a speed of over 20 mph /

30 km/h

2. Pull both shift paddles for approx.

two seconds.

Shift lights

To achieve the best possible vehicle

acceleration with a sporty driving style

in the sequential mode, shift lights in

the instrument cluster indicate the opti-

mum shifting point shortly before the

maximum engine speed is reached.

If you do not carry out the initialization,

the system automatically learns the

changed condition gradually during

driving. This can become apparent due

to brief opening and closing of the

clutch.

1. When the maximum engine speed is

approached, yellow indicator fields,

shift lights, in the tachometer light up

consecutively to indicate the

approaching upshift time

2. Shift at the latest when the last indi-

cator field lights up red.

⁷⁶Turn signal indicator/Headlamp flasher

1 High beams – blue indicator lamp

2 Headlamp flasher – blue indicator

lamp

3 Turn signal indicator – green indicator

accompanied by periodic clicking

sound from the relay

To signal briefly

Press the lever up to but not beyond

the resistance point. It then returns to

the center position when released.

If the flashing indicator lamp and

the clicking from the relay are

both faster than normal, one of the turn

signal indicators has failed.<

Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor*

77

Rain sensor

Fast wiper speed

The rain sensor is positioned on the

windshield, directly behind the interior

rearview mirror.

When the vehicle is stationary, the wip-

ers operate at normal speed – not on

vehicles with rain sensor.

To activate the rain sensor:

>With the ignition key in position 1 or

higher, move the lever to position 1.

The wipers travel once across the

windshield, regardless of the weather

>You can leave the lever permanently

in position 1. It is then only necessary

to activate the rain sensor when the

ignition key is in position 1 or higher.

Activate by briefly turning rotary dial

5.

0 Wipers retracted

1 Intermittent operation or rain sensor

2 Normal wiper speed

3 Fast wiper speed

To adjust the sensitivity of the rain sen-

sor: turn rotary dial 5.

4 Brief wipe

To deactivate the rain sensor: put lever

in position 0.

5 Rotary dial for control of the wipe

interval or the sensitivity of the rain

sensor

Turn the rain sensor off in auto-

matic car washes. Failure to do so

could result in damage caused by

undesired wiper activation.<

Intermittent mode

Not on vehicles with rain sensor.

You can set the wipe interval at four

stages with rotary dial 5. In addition, the

wipe interval is varied automatically

depending on road speed.

Normal wiper speed

When the vehicle is stationary, the wip-

ers switch automatically to intermittent

wipe – not on vehicles with rain sensor.

⁷⁸Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor*

Cruise control

When the vehicle's lighting system is Starting at about 20 mph / 30 km/h, you

switched on, the headlamps will also be can maintain and store any vehicle

cleaned at reasonable intervals.

speed that you specify.

The cruise control is operational when-

ever the engine is running and the sys-

tem has been activated.

Windshield washer nozzles

The windshield washer jets are warmed

automatically when the ignition key is in

position 2.

To activate the system

With the ignition key in position 2 or

higher:

0 Wipers retracted

Press the button. The indicator lamp in

the instrument cluster comes on, refer

to page 20. You can now use the cruise

control.

1 Clean windshield and headlamps

Clean windshield and headlamps*

Do not use the washers if there is

any danger that the fluid will

freeze on the windshield, as your vision

could be obscured. Always use a wind-

shield washer antifreeze in cold

weather. Refer to page 124.

Do not use the washers when the reser-

voir is empty. This could cause damage

to the washer pump.<

Do not use cruise control on twist-

ing roads, when high traffic den-

sity prevents driving at a constant

speed, or when the road surface is slick

– snow, rain, ice – or loose – rocks or

gravel, sand.<

To deactivate the system

The system sprays washer fluid against

the windshield and activates the wipers

for a brief period.

Press button as often as you need to

until the indicator lamp in the instru-

ment cluster goes out.

Cruise control

79

Cruise control is also deactivated when

the ignition key is in position 0.

>Sequential M gearbox SMG II, refer

to page 71: when shifting in the

sequential mode.

To decelerate

The speed stored in memory is deleted.

Press button "–" briefly:

To recall the stored setting

To store and maintain speed or to

accelerate

When cruise control is active, every tap

of the button reduces the speed by

approx. 0.6 mph / 1 km/h.

Press button:

Press and hold button "–":

The vehicle accelerates to and main-

tains the last speed stored.

Press button "+" briefly:

With the cruise control active, the sys-

tem automatically reduces the throttle

opening to slow the vehicle. When you

release the button, the system stores

and maintains the current speed.

The system stores and maintains the

current vehicle speed. Every time you

tap the button, the speed increases by

0.6 mph / 1 km/h.

Press and hold button "+":

To interrupt the cruise control

The vehicle accelerates without pres-

sure on the accelerator pedal. When

you release the button, the system

stores and maintains the current speed.

Each time zou activate the system,

press the button. The indicator lamp

stays on. You can use the cruise control

again whenever you want by calling up

the speed that was stored last.

If on a downhill gradient the

engine braking effect is not suffi-

cient, the controlled speed can be

exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill

grades if the engine output is insuffi-

cient.<

In addition, cruise control is interrupted

automatically:

>If the brakes are applied

>When pressing down the clutch pedal

>If you exceed or fall below the pro-

grammed speed for an extended

period – by depressing the accelera-

tor, for example

Everything under control

⁸⁰Odometer

Tachometer

Temperature gauge

1 Odometer

Variable pre-warning zone

The general operating temperature lies

between 1757/806 and 2507/

1206. During high-performance driv-

ing, do not exceed a maximum value of

3007/1506.

2 Trip odometer

The yellow pre-warning zone displays

current permissible engine speeds,

depending on the engine temperature.

As the engine temperature climbs,

some of the sectors for this pre-warning

zones will go out one after the other.

Odometer

You can activate the displays shown in

the illustration with the ignition key in

position 0 by pressing the left button,

see arrow, in the instrument cluster.

Avoid engine speeds in the early warn-

ing zone if possible.

Trip odometer

Never allow the engine to operate with

the needle in the red overspeed zone of

the gauge.

To reset the trip odometer to zero,

press the left button – see arrow – with

the ignition key in position 1 or higher.

To protect the engine, the fuel supply is

interrupted when you approach this

sector.

Fuel gauge

Engine coolant temperature gauge

81

Between the blue and red zones

Normal operating range. The needle

may rise as far as the edge of the red

sector during normal operation.

Once the indicator lamp stays on con-

tinuously, there are still approx.

2 gallons/8 liters of fuel in the fuel tank.

Blue

The engine is still cold. Drive at moder-

ate engine and vehicle speeds.

Fuel tank capacity approx. 16.6 gal./

63 liters.

Red

If the tilt of the vehicle varies – when

you are driving in mountainous areas,

for example – the needle may fluctuate

slightly.

When you switch on the ignition, the

warning lamp comes on briefly as an

operation check.

If the lamp comes on while operating

the vehicle: the engine has overheated.

Switch off the engine immediately and

allow it to cool down.

Fill the fuel tank before it is com-

pletely empty. Driving to the last

drop of fuel can prevent the engine

from operating properly and result in

damage.<

To check the coolant level, refer to

page 126.

When you switch on the ignition, the

indicator lamp lights up briefly as an

operation check.

⁸²Service interval display

Check Control

A flashing message and a "–" in front of

the number mean that the service inter-

val has already been exceeded by the

distance shown on the display. Please

contact your BMW center for an

appointment.

Remaining distance to next

service

Display

When the ignition key is in position 2 or

higher, the following information or

conditions are displayed until the cause

has been corrected:

The displays shown in the illustration

appear for a few seconds when the

ignition key is in position 1 or higher or

after the engine is started.

1 Inspect the low-beam and high-beam

headlamps, as well as the parking

lamps

The next service due appears with the

message OIL SERVICE or

INSPECTION, together with the dis-

tance remaining in miles – in kilometers

in Canada – before the next scheduled

service.

2 Door open

3 Luggage compartment lid open

4 Check brake and tail lamps

When you open the driver's door after

completing a journey, an acoustic

warning signal will sound if you have

forgotten to turn off the headlamps.

The computer bases its calculations of

the remaining distance on the preced-

ing driving style.

Clock

83

If you wish to have a permanent time

display, you can make this adjustment

in the car radio* display, refer to the

Owner's Manual for Radio.

In ignition key position 0: the time is

displayed for a few seconds after you

press the left button, refer to Odometer

on page 80.

You can set the time of day, and the

display for the car radio, as follows.

To adjust

When the ignition key is in position 1 or

higher, the time of day appears in the

display.

To set ahead: turn the right button to

the right.

To set back: turn the right button to the

left.

The adjustment speed will increase the

longer you continue to hold the right

button.

To change the display mode: press the

right button briefly.

Every time you press the knob, the

clock display alternates between the

12-hour and 24-hour mode.

⁸⁴Computer

After giving an ice warning, the

display returns to the previous

setting.<

The ice warning does not alter the

fact that surface ice can form at

temperatures above 37.57/+36, on

bridges or shaded road surfaces, for

instance.<

Mode selection

Outside temperature

With the ignition key in position 1 and

higher, you can use the button in the

You can change the units of measure –

6/7 – for the outside temperature dis-

turn signal lever to retrieve information play by pressing the right-hand reset

from the computer for display in the button in the instrument cluster while

instrument cluster. Each time you press the temperature display is active. The

the button briefly in the direction of the units of measure – 6/7 – in the tem-

steering column, a new function is

called up in the display.

perature display of the automatic cli-

mate control change automatically,

refer to page 96.

The displays appear in the following

order:

Ice warning

Time of day, outside temperature, aver-

age fuel consumption, cruising range,

average vehicle speed.

If the outside temperature drops to

about 37.57/+36, then the computer

will automatically switch to a display of

the outside temperature. In addition, a

signal sounds as a warning and the dis-

play flashes for a brief period.

When the ignition key is in position 1 or

higher, the last active setting is dis-

played.

Computer

85

It is important that you refuel when

the cruising range falls below

approx. 35 miles/50 kilometers. Other-

wise, the engine cannot be guaranteed

to operate properly and damage may

result.<

Average speed

If you continue to hold the button on the

turn signal lever, the average fuel con-

sumption being displayed for that

speed is recalculated from that point in

time.

Average fuel consumption

Any time spent when the vehicle is sta-

tionary and the engine is shut off is

ignored for the calculation.

If you continue to press and hold the

button on the turn signal lever, the aver-

age fuel consumption being displayed

is recalculated from that point.

If you wish, you can have the aver-

age fuel consumption displayed in

a different unit of measure.<

Range

The computer bases its calculations of

the cruising range on the preceding

driving style and on the remaining fuel

in the tank.

Technology for safety and driving convenience

⁸⁶Park Distance Control (PDC)*

You can have a signal set to con- the system approaches the physical

The concept

firm that the PDC has been acti-

vated.<

limits of ultrasonic measurement, as

occurs with tow bars and trailer cou-

plings, and in the vicinity of thin or

wedge-shaped objects. Moreover, low

objects that have already been

detected – such as a curb edge – can

disappear out of the detection range of

the sensors before a continuous tone

sounds.

PDC assists you when you back into a

parking space. Acoustic signals alert

you to the momentary distance to an

object behind your vehicle. To do this,

four ultrasonic sensors in the rear

bumper measure the distance to the

nearest object. The range for the sen-

sors located at both rear corners ends

Acoustic signals

The distance to the nearest object is

indicated by a tone sounding at various

intervals. As the distance between vehi-

cle and object decreases, the intervals

approx. 2 ft/60 cm behind the bumpers. between the tones become shorter. A

The range for the two middle sensors is continuous tone indicates the pres-

Loud sources of sound from outside or

inside the vehicle could drown out the

PDC signal tone.<

slightly less than 5 ft/1.50 m.

ence of an object less than 1 ft/30 cm

away.

PDC is a parking aid that can

identify objects if they are

The warning signal is canceled after

approx. three seconds if the distance to

the object remains constant during this

time – if you are moving parallel to

a wall, for instance.

Keep the sensors clean and free

of ice or snow in order to ensure

that they will continue to operate effec-

tively.

Do not apply high pressure spray to the

sensors for a prolonged period of time.

Always maintain a distance of more

than 4 in/10 cm.<

approached slowly, as is generally the

case when parking. Avoid driving

towards objects rapidly; due to underly-

ing physical principles, the system may

otherwise alert you too late for you to

take evasive steps.<

System malfunctions will be indicated

by a continuous high-pitched tone

when the system is activated the first

time. Please have your BMW center

resolve the problem.

The system is activated automatically

about one second after you engage

reverse with the ignition key in

position 2.

PDC does not remove the driver's

personal responsibility for evaluat-

ing the distance between the vehicle

and any objects. Even when sensors

are involved, there is a blind spot in

which objects cannot be detected. This

applies especially in those cases where

Let this short period elapse before

driving backwards.<

PDC is deactivated when you shift back

out of Reverse.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

87

risks. Do not make any modifications to

The concept

the DSC system. Allow only authorized

technicians to perform service proce-

dures on the DSC.

At first, you may need some time to

become accustomed to this system's

intervention. However, it guarantees

optimum drive force and at the same

time, the best possible vehicle stabil-

ity.<

DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in

critical driving situations.

The system optimizes vehicle stability

during acceleration and when starting

from a full stop, as well as optimizing

traction. In addition, it recognizes

unstable vehicle conditions, such as

understeering or oversteering, and,

within physically feasible limits, helps

keeping the vehicle on a steady course

by reducing the engine speed and

brake applications to the individual

wheels.

Indicator lamp

The indicator lamp in the instru-

ment cluster will go out shortly

after the ignition has been

To deactivate the system

Press the button; the indicator lamp

comes on and stays on.

The system starts up automatically

each time you start the engine.

switched on, refer to page 19.

The vehicle does not execute the stabil-

ity-enhancement and traction-control

functions when DSC is deactivated.

>Indicator lamp flashes: the system is

active and is controlling the drive

torque based on driving conditions

>If the indicator lamp fails to go out

after the engine has been started, or

if it comes on during normal driving

and stays on: the system has been

deactivated via the button or is

defective. You can continue to drive

the vehicle normally, but without

DSC. Please consult your BMW cen-

ter for repairs.

The laws of physics cannot be

repealed, even with DSC. The

results of driving irresponsibly rest with

the driver. We therefore urge you to

avoid using the additional safety margin

of the system as an excuse for taking

We recommend that you deactivate the

system for increased traction:

>When rocking the vehicle or starting

off in deep snow or on loose surfaces

>When driving with snow chains

>When driving on snow-covered

grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-

covered surface that has been

packed down from being driven on.

To maintain vehicle stability,

always drive with the system

switched on whenever possible.<

⁸⁸Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Flat Tire Monitor

To reactivate the system

The concept

Press the button again; the indicator

lamp goes out.

As you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor

keeps track of pressure levels in all four

tires. The system detects whenever the

inflation pressure in a tire drops off sig-

nificantly.

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

DBC is an integral component of the

DSC system.

Controlling the tire pressure is based

on monitoring the rpm that the tires

have relative to each other. A flat tire is

detected and reported because the rpm

suddenly deviate drastically from one

another.

If you apply the brakes rapidly, this sys-

tem automatically generates maximum

braking force boost and thus helps to

achieve the shortest possible braking

distance in panic braking situations. All

of the benefits of the ABS system are

exploited under these circumstances.

Do not reduce the pressure on the

brake pedal for the duration of the

brake application. When the brake

pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-

vated.

Flat Tire Monitor

89

4. After a few minutes, the Flat Tire

Monitor will accept the current infla-

tion pressure as the value to be mea-

sured against, and from that point on

can detect and report a flat tire.

Initializing the system

To activate/deactivate the system

Initializing is necessary to familiarize the

system with the correct inflation pres-

sures.

The system is automatically activated in

ignition key position 2 and conse-

quently is on whenever the vehicle is

operated.

Repeat this process after any changes

in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or

replacement.

To deactivate the system: tap the but-

ton, the indicator lamp will light up yel-

low.

1. Check the tire inflation pressures in

all the tires, comparing them with the

inflation pressure table, refer to

page 25, and adjust them if neces-

sary

2. Turn the ignition key to position 2

3. Press button as long as you need to

until the indicator lamp in the instru-

ment cluster lights up. After a little

while, the indicator lamp will go out

by itself

To activate the system: tap the button

again; the indicator lamp goes out.

Deactivate the system when snow

chains are mounted, since false warn-

ings and undetected losses in pressure

are possible under these kinds of con-

ditions.

⁹⁰Flat Tire Monitor

Check tire inflation pressures on a

regular basis, correcting them as

necessary, refer to page 25.

Under certain circumstances, there

may be false warnings or a delayed

detection of losses in pressure when

driving on snow-covered or slippery

road surfaces.

Performance-oriented driving – slip at

the drive wheels and high levels of lat-

eral acceleration – can also delay the

appearance of status reports in the Flat

Tire Monitor's display panel.<

Flat tire

The red warning lamp in the

instrument cluster lights up to

warn of pressure loss and tire

failure. In addition, an acoustic signal is

sounded. To come to an immediate

stop, reduce speed, while avoiding any

sudden, jerky braking or steering

maneuvers.

Fix the flat tire using the M Mobility sys-

tem, refer to page 139.

To reset the indicator lamp: the red

indicator lamp has to be switched off

manually after putting on a new wheel.

At this point, hold the Flat Tire Monitor

button down until the indicator lamp

goes out. Reinitialize the system after-

ward.

System malfunctions

As long as there is still a malfunction,

the indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster will stay lit up yellow.

Please contact your BMW center for

additional information.

The Flat Tire Monitor cannot pro-

vide you with advance warning of

sudden and severe tire damage caused

by external factors.

Another factor which the Flat Tire Moni-

tor does not recognize is the balanced

and very gradual pressure loss that

takes place in all tires over an extended

period of time.<

M Engine dynamics control

91

The Sport mode is deactivated every

time the engine is started.

The system – Sport mode – will cause

the engine to respond more spontane-

ously to any motion of the accelerator

pedal.

Activating/deactivating Sport

mode

Activating: with the ignition key in posi-

tion 2, press the SPORT button. The

indicator lamp will come on.

Each time you activate the sys-

tem, the vehicle may gain speed

without any additional pressure on the

accelerator pedal.<

Deactivating: press the SPORT button

again; the indicator lamp will go out.

Lamps

⁹²Parking lamps/Low beams

You can also have this function

deactivated.<

Automatic headlamp control*

When the switch is in this posi-

tion, the system automatically

responds to changes in ambient

light – in tunnels, at dusk, etc. – and to

rain and snow by switching the low

beams on or off.

LIGHTS ON warning

Whenever you open the driver's door

after having turned the ignition key to

position 0, you will hear an acoustic

signal for a few seconds to remind you

that the lamps have not been switched

off.

The vehicle's external lamps

remain on constantly when you

switch on the front fog lamps after the

headlamps have come on automati-

cally.<

Daytime driving lamps*

Parking lamps

If you desire, the light switch can be left

in the low-beam position: when the

ignition is switched off, the external

lighting is also switched off.

The front, rear and side vehicle

lighting is switched on. You can

use this to signal the position of

Automatic headlamp control can-

not serve as a substitute for your

personal judgement in determining

when the lamps should be switched on.

For example, the sensors are not able

to detect fog. In such situations switch

on the lamp manually, as otherwise a

safety hazard will result.<

the vehicle when it is parked. For light-

ing on one side for parking as an addi-

tional feature, refer to page 93.

Observe the legal regulations regarding

the use of daytime driving lamps.

When required, switch on the parking

lamps as usual as described under

Parking lamps.

Low beams

When you switch the ignition off

with the low-beam headlamps

on, only the parking lamps will

remain on.

You can have the activation set-

tings for the daytime driving lamps

programmed on your vehicle.<

You can have the sensitivity of

your vehicle's automatic head-

lamp control adjusted.<

Follow me home lamps

When you activate the headlamp

flasher after parking the vehicle and

switching off the lights, the low beams

will come on for a brief period.

Instrument lighting

High beams/Standing lamps

93

Turn the rotary dial to control the light- 1 High beams – blue indicator lamp

ing when the parking or low beam

2 Headlamp flasher – blue indicator

lamps are on.

lamp

3 Standing lamps

Standing lamps, left or right

As an additional feature, you can illumi-

nate your vehicle on either side for

parking, if you wish to do so:

With the ignition key in position 0, push

the lever in the appropriate direction.

The lever engages in the turn signal

position.

⁹⁴Fog lamps

Interior lamps

Reading lamps

Front fog lamps

The interior lamps operate automati-

cally.

Front reading lamps

The green indicator lamp in the

instrument cluster lights up to

indicate that the front fog lamps

Switch on and off with the button adja-

cent to each lamp.

To switch the interior lamps on

and off manually

are on.

Press the button briefly.

If the automatic headlamp control

is on, the low beams will come on

automatically whenever you activate

the front fog lamps.<

If you want the interior lamps to remain

off all the time, press and hold the but-

ton for approx. three seconds.

Press the button briefly to revert to nor-

mal operation.

Reading lamps

95

Rear reading lamps

With the hardtop reading lamps are also

located in the rear, refer to page 113.

Switch on and off with the button adja-

cent to each lamp.

In order to prevent battery dis-

charge, all of the lamps in the

vehicle are automatically switched off

approx. 15 minutes after you turn the

ignition key to position 0.<

Controlling the climate for pleasant driving

⁹⁶Automatic climate control

Automatic climate control

97

1 Air onto the windshield and the side

windows

2 Air for the upper body area 99

3 Air to the footwell

4 Outside air/Automatic recirculated-

air control (AUC)/Recirculated

air 99

5 Air supply/Blower 98

6 Temperature 98

7 Automatic air distribution and

supply 98

8 Individual air distribution 98

9 Interior temperature sensor – please

keep clear and unobstructed

10 Display for temperature and air

supply 98

11 To defrost windows and remove

condensation 98

12 Air conditioning 98

13 Rear window defroster 99

⁹⁸Automatic climate control

the windows , toward the upper

body , and into the footwell

can reactivate the automatic air supply all of the displays are canceled: the

When the lowest blower speed is set

. You and you press the left half of the button,

Tips for pleasant driving

Use the automatic mode – switch on

with AUTO button 7. Select the desired

interior temperature.

by pressing the AUTO button.

blower, heating and air conditioner are

switched off, and the air supply is

stopped. You can reactivate the system

by pressing any button for the auto-

matic climate control.

Detailed setting options are described

for you in the following sections.

Temperature

The interior temperature that

appears in the display panel is a

general figure intended for reference

purposes. We recommend 727/+226

as a comfortable setting, even if the air

conditioning is on. When you start the

vehicle, the system ensures that the

selected temperature is reached as

quickly as possible. It then maintains

this temperature, regardless of the sea-

son.

You can make the settings of your

vehicle in such a manner that,

when you unlock the vehicle with the

remote control of your personal key,

your own personalized setting for the

automatic climate control is initiated.<

To defrost windows and remove

condensation

This program quickly removes

ice and condensation from the

windshield and the side windows.

Automatic air distribution and

supply

Air conditioning

The air is cooled and dehumidi-

fied and – depending on the

temperature setting – rewarmed.

The AUTO program adjusts the

air distribution and the air sup-

ply for you and in addition adapts the

temperature to external influences –

summer, winter – to meet preferences

you can specify.

To select the units of measure 6/7

of the display, refer to page 84.

Depending on the weather, the wind-

shield may fog over briefly when the

engine is started. Air conditioning helps

prevent the windows from fogging up.

Air supply/Blower

By pressing the left or right half

of the button, you can vary the

air supply. This deactivates the auto-

matic air supply – the AUTO display dis-

appears from the panel. Nevertheless,

the automatic air distribution remains

unchanged. You can reactivate the

automatic air supply by pressing the

AUTO button.

Individual air distribution

Condensation forms during opera-

tion of the air conditioning system,

which then exits under the vehicle.

Traces of condensed water of this kind

are thus normal.<

You can cancel the AUTO pro-

gram by selecting specific dis-

tribution patterns to suit your

own individual requirements.

While the AUTO program is then deacti-

vated, the automatic airflow control

remains in operation. Air flows onto

Automatic climate control

99

If the windows fog over in the

recirculated-air mode, switch the

recirculated-air mode off and increase

the air supply as required.<

Outside air/Automatic

recirculated-air control (AUC)/

Recirculated air

You can respond to unpleasant

external odors or pollutants by

temporarily stopping the flow of outside

air. The system then recirculates the air

currently within the vehicle.

Rear window defroster

With the convertible top closed

or with the hardtop* mounted,

press the button. The indicator lamp

remains on. The rear window defroster

switches off automatically.

By repeatedly pressing the button, you

can select one of three different operat-

ing modes.

>Indicator lamps off: outside air always

flowing into the vehicle

>Left-hand indicator lamp on – auto-

matic mode: the system detects pol-

lutants in the outside air and

responds by deactivating the outside

airflow as required. The system then

recirculates the air currently within

the vehicle.

You can have your vehicle pro-

grammed in such a way that the

rear window defroster switches on

automatically. This occurs within 5 min-

utes after starting the engine when out-

side temperatures are below approx.

397/+46.<

Draft-free ventilation

You can adjust the blower controls for

the upper body area to obtain the opti-

mum airflow rates and directions for

your personal requirements:

1 Rotary dials for opening and closing

the vents at any setting desired

2 Lever for adjusting airflow direction

Depending on air quality require-

ments, the system automatically

switches between outside air supply

and recirculation of the air already

within the vehicle

3 With the rotary dial you can adjust the

temperature of the outgoing air:

>Turn toward blue – colder

>Turn toward red – warmer

>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the

flow of outside air is permanently

blocked. The system recirculates the

air already within the vehicle.

¹⁰⁰Automatic climate control

Microfilter, activated-charcoal

filter

The built-in microfilter removes dust

and pollen from the incoming air. The

activated-charcoal filter provides addi-

tional protection by filtering gaseous

pollutants from the outside air. Your

BMW center will replace the combined

filter as a standard part of your sched-

uled maintenance. A substantial reduc-

tion in airflow indicates that the filter

needs to be replaced early.

Interior conveniences

Glove compartment

Storage compartments ¹⁰¹

If – for example for valet parking –

you turn over only your door and

ignition key, refer to page 30, then

access to the glove compartment and

the luggage compartment is not possi-

ble.<

To open

Front center armrest

Pull the handle. The glove compartment

will light up.

To open: press the button and lift

upward – see arrow.

To close

Other compartments and nets

Fold up cover.

You will find additional storage areas in

the doors and in the center console

above the ashtray. Storage nets are

located on the backrests of the front

seats.

To prevent injury in the event of an

accident, close the glove com-

partment immediately after use.<

To lock

Lock with one of the master keys. A

master key can also be used for unlock-

ing.

¹⁰²Storage compartments

Cellular phone*

Ashtray, front*

Beverage holder, coin box

Hands-free system

To empty

A coin box and two beverage holders

are provided in the center console.

In vehicles equipped with telephone

preparation* or with the communica-

tions package*, the cover for the

hands-free microphone is located

above the interior rearview mirror on

the driver side.

Press on the edge of the open cover –

see arrow: you can now pull the ashtray

upward for removal.

Extinguishing cigarettes

Tap off the ash and gently press the tip

into the funnel.

For further information on the cellular

phone, refer to the separate Owner's

Manual.

Cigarette lighter

Hold or touch the hot cigarette

lighter by the knob only. Holding

or touching it in other areas could result

in burns.

The cigarette lighter remains opera-

tional when the ignition key has been

removed. For this reason, children

should never be left in the vehicle unat-

tended.<

Ashtray, front*

Ashtray, rear*

103

Press lighter 1 in. As soon as the lighter

jumps back out, it can be removed.

Cigarette lighter socket

It can be used for attaching power sup-

plies for flashlights, car vacuum clean-

ers and other similar appliances up to a

rating of approx. 200 watts at 12 volts.

Avoid damaging the socket due to

inserting plugs of different shapes or

sizes.

To empty

Press on the edge of the raised cover in

the opening direction – see arrow. You

can now pull the ashtray upward for

removal.

Loading and transporting

¹⁰⁴Ski bag*

The ski bag allows the safe and clean

transport of up to 3 pairs of standard

skis or up to two snowboards.

The length of the ski bag and the addi-

tional space provided in the luggage

compartment make it possible to carry

skis up to 6 ft 10 in / 2.10 m long.

Because of the tapered shape of the

bag, only two pairs of skis longer than

6 ft 10 in / 2.10 m can be carried.

Loading

4. Press the release button in the lug-

gage compartment – see arrow

1. Release the safety belts from their

holders

2. Press lever downward – see arrow –

and remove the center piece by pull-

ing it forward

3. Extend the ski bag between the front

seats. The zipper provides conve-

nient access to stored items. It may

be opened to allow the ski bag to dry

Ski bag*

105

5. Secure the cover panel with the

magnetic retainer on the rear wall

and pull out the ski bag.

Securing cargo

Storing the ski bag

Secure skis and any other objects To store the ski bag, perform the above

stored in the bag by tightening the steps in reverse sequence.

retaining strap at the buckle.<

When reattaching the center

piece, guide both bars into the

Please be sure that the skis are

clean before loading them into the guide and press the center piece back

bag. Be careful to avoid damage from

sharp edges.<

into place. Secure the safety belts in

their holders again.<

¹⁰⁶Cargo loading

Always position and secure the

You can enlarge the luggage com-

partment when the convertible top

is closed, refer to page 37. To do this

you have to fold the convertible top

compartment panel up.

We recommend that you always fold

the convertible top compartment panel

down as soon as you have removed

your cargo from the luggage compart-

ment. This way, you can be sure that

you can always operate you convertible

top at any time.

Conversely, when the convertible top is

closed, raise the convertible top com-

partment panel before stowing your

cargo in the luggage compartment to

avoid any damage to the convertible

top compartment or your load.<

load correctly. If you do not, it can

endanger the passengers during brak-

ing or evasive maneuvers.

Do not exceed the approved gross

weight or the approved maximum axle

loads, refer to page 152. Otherwise the

vehicle's operating safety is no longer

assured and you are in violation of the

law

Do not stow heavy or hard objects in

the passenger compartment without

first securing them. Otherwise they

would be thrown around during braking

and evasive maneuvers and endanger

the occupants.<

Stowing cargo

>Load heavy cargo as far forward as

possible – directly behind the back-

rests or the luggage compartment

partition – and as low as possible

>Cover sharp edges and corners.

Cargo loading

Roof-mounted luggage rack for the hardtop*

107

When loading, be sure to remember not

to exceed the approved roof weight or

the approved gross vehicle weight or

the axle loads. You will find the specifi-

cations under Technical data on

page 152.

Make sure that the load is not too bulky,

and attempt to distribute it evenly.

Always load the heaviest pieces first so

that they are at the bottom. Make sure

that no objects get in the way when the

luggage compartment lid is opening or

closing.

Securing the cargo in the luggage A special roof-rack system is available

as an optional extra for your BMW.

Please observe the precautions

included with the installation instruc-

tions.

compartment

Secure the roof-mounted luggage cor-

rectly and safely to prevent it from shift-

ing or being lost during driving.

>For small, light items, use the rubber-

lined non-skid side of the floor mat or

secure with a luggage compartment

net* or elastic straps, refer to page 37

>For large, heavy pieces, see your

BMW center for load-securing

devices*. Lashing fittings located in

the luggage compartment can be

used for fastening the load-securing

devices.

Drive smoothly and avoid sudden

acceleration or braking. Do not corner

at high speeds.

Anchorages

Access to the mounting points:

To fold up the cover – see arrow –

please use the tool which is provided

with the luggage system.

Comply with the information enclosed

with the load-securing devices.

Loading and driving notes

Because roof racks raise the center of

gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they

exercise a major effect on its handling

and steering response.

108

Controls and features for your BMW 3 Series 1997-2006

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