Controls -> Technology for driving comfort and safety for your BMW 1 Series 2011-2019

Controls overview  
Controls  
Activating/deactivating the limit  
1. "Settings"  
Setting the voice dialog  
Switch between a standard dialog and a short  
dialog.  
2. "Speed"  
1. "Settings"  
3. "Warning"  
2. "Language/Units"  
3. "Speech mode:"  
4. Select the desired dialog.  
4. Press the controller.  
Settings on the Control  
Display  
The setting is stored for the remote control  
currently in use.  
Language on the Control Display  
Brightness of the Control Display  
The brightness is automatically adapted to the  
ambient lighting conditions. However, you can  
change the basic setting.  
Setting the language  
1. "Settings"  
2. "Language/Units"  
3. "Language:"  
1. "Settings"  
2. "Control display"  
3. "Brightness"  
4. Select the desired language.  
The setting is stored for the remote control  
currently in use.  
4. Turn the controller until the desired setting  
is selected.  
5. Press the controller.  
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-  
rently in use. In bright conditions, for example,  
the brightness control may not be clearly  
visible.  
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Technology for driving comfort and safety  
Technology for driving comfort and safety  
Switching off automatically  
Vehicle equipment  
After approx. 164 ft/50 m of driving or above  
In this chapter, all production, country, and  
approx. 18 mph/30 km/h, the system switches  
optional equipment that is offered in the model  
off and the LED goes out.  
range is described. For this reason, descrip-  
tions will be given of some equipment that may  
not be available in a vehicle, for example due to  
Signal tones  
When nearing an object, its position is indicated  
correspondingly by an interval tone. As the dis-  
selected. This also applies to safety related  
the special options or national-market version  
tance between vehicle and object decreases,  
the intervals between the tones become  
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object  
functions and systems.  
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a contin-  
uous tone sounds.  
Park Distance Control PDC  
An interval tone is interrupted after approx.  
3 seconds:  
The concept  
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight  
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If you stop in front of an object that has been  
detected by only one of the corner sensors  
parking spaces. Acoustic signals and a visual  
indicator warn you of the presence of an object  
behind your vehicle. Four ultrasonic sensors in  
the bumper measure the distance.  
If you are driving parallel to a wall  
Malfunction  
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/  
2 m. However, an acoustic warning does not  
sound until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm  
from the corner sensors or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m  
from the center sensors.  
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-  
sage appears on the Control Display.  
PDC is malfunctioning. Have the  
system checked.  
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate  
objects when they are approached  
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.  
Avoid approaching an object at high speed; oth-  
erwise, physical circumstances may lead to the  
system warning being issued too late.<  
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean  
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that  
they will continue to operate effectively. When  
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the  
sensors for extended periods of time and only  
from a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm.  
Switching on automatically  
PDC with visual warning  
With the engine running or the ignition switched  
on, the system is activated after approx. second  
when you engage reverse gear or move the  
automatic transmission selector lever to  
The approach of the vehicle to an object is  
shown on the Control Display. Objects that are  
farther away are displayed on the Control Dis-  
play before a signal tone sounds. The display  
appears on the Control Display as soon as PDC  
is activated.  
position R. Wait this short period before driving.  
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Technology for driving comfort and safety  
Controls  
System limitations  
Dynamic Brake Control DBC  
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system  
automatically produces the maximum braking  
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-  
est possible braking distance during full brak-  
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits  
provided by ABS.  
Even with PDC, final responsibility for  
estimating the distance between the  
vehicle and any obstructions always remains  
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-  
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can  
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-  
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms  
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those  
encountered with trailer towbars and hitches,  
thin or wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects  
that have already been displayed, e.g. curbs,  
can disappear again from the detection area of  
the sensors before or after a continuous tone  
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges,  
cannot be detected. Loud sound sources out-  
side or inside the car can drown out the PDC  
signal. Therefore, always drive cautiously; oth-  
erwise, there is a risk of personal injury or prop-  
erty damage.<  
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the  
duration of the full braking application.  
Dynamic Stability Control DSC  
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing  
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-  
erate. The system also recognizes unstable  
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the  
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting  
at an angle past the front wheels. In these  
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe  
course within physical limits by reducing engine  
output and through braking actions at the indi-  
vidual wheels.  
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,  
even with DSC. An appropriate driving  
style always remains the responsibility of the  
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional  
safety margin again by taking risks, as this could  
result in an accident.<  
Driving stability control  
systems  
Your BMW has a number of systems that help  
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in  
adverse driving conditions.  
Deactivating DSC  
Antilock Brake System ABS  
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during  
braking. Safe steering response is maintained  
even during full braking. Active safety is thus  
increased.  
The ABS is operational every time you start the  
engine. Braking safely, refer to page 126.  
Electronic brake-force distribution  
EBV  
Press the button for at least 3 seconds until the  
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up and DSC  
OFF is displayed in the instrument cluster.  
Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DSC have  
been simultaneously deactivated. Stabilizing  
and drive-output promoting actions are no  
longer executed.  
The system controls the brake pressure in the  
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.  
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Technology for driving comfort and safety  
In the same way as with a differential interlock,  
even if DSC is deactivated, brake actions are  
still performed on the rear axle to enhance drive  
output if the drive wheels experience a signifi-  
cant loss of traction.  
Activating DTC  
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again  
as soon as possible.  
Activating DSC  
Press the button again; the indicator lamp in the  
instrument cluster goes out.  
Press the button; the indicator lamp for DSC  
OFF lights up and TRACTION is displayed in  
the instrument cluster.  
For better control  
If the indicator lamp flashes: the DSC  
controls the driving and braking forces.  
For better control  
If the indicator lamp lights up: DSC and  
DTC have failed.  
If the indicator lamp flashes: DTC con-  
trols the driving and braking forces.  
The indicator lamp lights up and  
DSC OFF is displayed in the instrument  
cluster: DSC is deactivated.  
If the indicator lamp lights up: DSC and  
DTC have failed.  
The indicator lamp lights up and TRAC-  
TION is displayed in the instrument  
cluster: DTC is activated.  
Dynamic Traction Control DTC  
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-  
put is optimized for particular road conditions,  
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-  
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with  
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-  
sary to drive with appropriate caution.  
Deactivating DTC  
Press the button again; the indicator lamp in the  
instrument cluster goes out.  
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC  
under the following special circumstances:  
Drive-off assistant  
The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off  
smoothly on uphill gradients. It is not necessary  
to use the parking brake for this.  
>
When driving uphill on snow-covered roads,  
in slush or on unplowed, snow-covered  
roads  
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When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-  
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground  
1. Hold the car in place by depressing the  
brake.  
When driving with snow chains  
2. Release the brake and drive off without  
delay.  
The drive-off assistant holds the car in  
place for approx. 2 seconds after the  
brake is released. Drive off without delay after  
releasing the brake. Otherwise, the drive-off  
assistant will no longer hold the car in place  
after approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to  
roll backwards.<  
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Technology for driving comfort and safety  
Controls  
3. "Flat Tire Monitor"  
Flat Tire Monitor FTM  
The concept  
The system does not measure the actual infla-  
tion pressure in the tires.  
The system detects a pressure loss in a tire by  
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-  
ual wheels while moving.  
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and  
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-  
sponding wheel change. This is detected and  
reported as a flat tire.  
The status is displayed.  
Initialization  
Functional requirement  
The initialization process adopts the set infla-  
tion tire pressures as reference values for the  
detection of a flat tire. Initialization is started by  
confirming the inflation pressures.  
The system must have been initialized while the  
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,  
reliable signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.  
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been  
corrected or a wheel or tire has been changed,  
reinitialize the system.  
Do not initialize the system when driving with  
snow chains.  
1. "Vehicle Info"  
2. "Vehicle status"  
3. "Reset"  
System limitations  
Sudden serious tire damage caused by  
external influences cannot be indicated in  
advance.<  
The system will not detect a natural, uniform  
pressure loss in all four tires. Therefore, check  
the tire inflation pressure regularly.  
In the following situations, the system could be  
delayed or malfunction:  
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>
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System has not been initialized  
Driving on snowy or slippery road surface  
4. Start the engine – do not drive away.  
5. Start the initialization by selecting "Reset".  
6. Start driving.  
Performance-oriented style of driving: slip  
in the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration  
>
Snow chains are attached  
The initialization is completed during driv-  
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.  
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-  
tinued automatically.<  
Status display  
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can  
be displayed on the Control Display, e.g.  
whether or not the FTM is active.  
1. "Vehicle Info"  
2. "Vehicle status"  
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Technology for driving comfort and safety  
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid  
turning abruptly and driving over obstacles  
such as curbs, potholes, etc.  
Indication of a flat tire  
The warning lamps come on in yellow  
and red. A message appears on the  
Control Display. In addition, a signal  
sounds. There is a flat tire or a major  
Since the possible driving distance depends to  
a considerable degree on the strain exerted on  
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or,  
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer,  
depending on the speed, road condition, out-  
side temperature, vehicle load, etc.  
loss in tire pressure.  
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with  
caution. Avoid sudden braking and steering  
maneuvers.  
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a  
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.  
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat  
tires, do not continue driving; continuing  
to drive can result in serious accidents.<  
When there is a tire pressure loss, the handling  
characteristics change, e.g. there will be  
reduced directional stability during braking,  
braking distances will be longer, and self-  
steering response will change.<  
When a flat tire is reported, the Dynamic Stabil-  
ity Control DSC is activated.  
Actions in the event of a flat tire  
Run-flat tires  
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can  
indicate final failure of the tire. Reduce  
your speed and bring the vehicle to a stop; oth-  
erwise, tire components may become  
detached, which could result in an accident. Do  
not continue driving; instead, contact your  
BMW center.<  
With a damaged tire, is possible to continue  
driving at speeds of up to 50 mph/80 km/h.  
When driving with a damaged tire:  
1. Avoid sudden braking and steering  
maneuvers.  
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.  
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM  
3. At the next opportunity, check the inflation  
pressure in all four tires.  
The concept  
If the inflation pressure in all four tires is cor-  
rect, the Flat Tire Monitor might not have  
been initialized. The system must then be  
initialized.  
Check the inflation pressure in the four installed  
tires. The system notifies you if there is a signif-  
icant loss of pressure in one or more tires.  
Possible driving distance with complete loss of  
tire pressure:  
Functional requirement  
The system must have been reset while the  
inflation pressure was correct; otherwise, reli-  
able signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.  
Always use wheels with TPM electronics to  
ensure that the system will operate properly.  
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been  
corrected or a wheel or tire has been changed,  
reset the system.  
The distance it is possible to drive with a flat tire  
depends on the load and the stress on the  
vehicle while driving.  
With an average load, it may be possible to drive  
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.  
When driving with damaged tires, the handling  
characteristics change, e.g. the vehicle will skid  
sooner when braking, braking distances will be  
longer, or self-steering response will change.  
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Technology for driving comfort and safety  
Green wheels  
Controls  
System limitations  
Sudden serious tire damage caused by  
external influences cannot be indicated in  
advance.<  
The inflation pressure corresponds to the  
desired state.  
"TPM active" appears in the Control Display.  
The system does not function correctly if it has  
not been reset. For example, a flat tire may be  
indicated even though the tire inflation pres-  
sures are correct.  
One wheel yellow  
There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire pres-  
sure in the indicated tire.  
The system is inactive and cannot indicate a flat  
tire:  
All wheels yellow  
>
When a wheel without TPM electronics is  
installed.  
>
There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire  
pressure in several tires.  
>
Interference with TPM by other systems or  
devices with the same transmission  
frequency.  
>
The system was not reset after a wheel  
change and thus issues a warning based on  
the inflation pressures initialized last.  
Status display  
Gray wheels  
The current status of the Tire Pressure Monitor  
TPM can be displayed on the Control Display,  
e.g., whether or not the TPM is active.  
The system cannot detect a puncture.  
Reasons for this may be:  
>
>
TPM is being reset.  
1. "Vehicle Info"  
Interference from systems or devices that  
use the same radio frequency.  
2. "Vehicle status"  
3. "Tire Pressure Monitor - TPM"  
>
Malfunction.  
Resetting the system  
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-  
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed,  
reset the system.  
1. "Vehicle Info"  
2. "Vehicle status"  
3. "Reset"  
The status is displayed.  
Status indicator on the Control Display  
The color of the tires represents the status of  
the tires and the system.  
A change in the tire inflation pressure during  
driving is taken into account.  
A correction is only required when this is  
indicated by the TPM.  
4. Start the engine – do not drive away.  
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Technology for driving comfort and safety  
5. Reset the inflation pressure by selecting  
"Reset".  
1. Avoid sudden braking and steering  
maneuvers.  
6. Start driving.  
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.  
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting  
TPM..." is displayed.  
3. At the next opportunity, check the inflation  
pressure in all four tires.  
After driving a few minutes, the set inflation  
pressures in the tires are accepted as the target  
values to be monitored. The resetting process  
is completed automatically as you drive. On the  
Control Display, the wheels are shown in green  
and "Status: TPM active" is displayed.  
If the inflation pressure is correct in all four  
tires, then the Tire Pressure Monitor may  
not have been reset. The system must then  
be reset.  
Possible driving distance with complete loss of  
tire pressure:  
The trip can be interrupted at any time. When  
driving resumes, resetting continues automati-  
cally.  
The distance it is possible to drive with a flat tire  
depends on the load and the stress on the vehi-  
cle while driving.  
If a flat tire is detected while the system is  
resetting, all tires on the Control Display  
are displayed in yellow. The message "Low  
tire!" is displayed.<  
With an average load, it may be possible to drive  
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.  
When driving with damaged tires, the handling  
characteristics change, e.g. the vehicle will skid  
sooner when braking, braking distances will be  
longer, or self-steering response will change.  
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid  
turning abruptly and driving over obstacles  
such as curbs, potholes, etc.  
Message for low tire inflation pressure  
The warning lamps light up in yellow  
and red. A message appears on the  
Control Display. In addition, a signal  
sounds.  
Since the possible driving distance depends to  
a considerable degree on the strain exerted on  
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or,  
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer,  
depending on the speed, road condition, out-  
side temperature, vehicle load, etc.  
>
>
There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire  
pressure in the indicated wheel.  
The system was not reset after a wheel  
change and thus issues a warning based on  
the inflation pressures initialized last.  
Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with  
caution. Avoid sudden braking and steering  
maneuvers.  
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a  
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.  
When there is a tire pressure loss, the handling  
characteristics change, e.g. there will be  
reduced directional stability during braking,  
braking distances will be longer, and self-steer-  
ing response will change.<  
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat  
tires, do not continue driving; continuing  
to drive can result in serious accidents.<  
When a low tire pressure is reported, the  
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is activated.  
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can  
indicate complete failure of the tire.  
Actions in the event of a flat tire  
Run-flat tires  
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a  
stop; otherwise, tire components may become  
detached, which could result in an accident. Do  
not continue driving; instead, contact your  
BMW center.<  
You can continue driving with a damaged tire at  
speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.  
When driving with a damaged tire:  
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Technology for driving comfort and safety  
Controls  
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If  
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the  
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-  
tion pressure label, you should determine the  
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As  
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been  
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sys-  
tem, TPMS, that illuminates a low tire pressure  
telltale when one or more of your tires are signif-  
icantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the  
low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should  
stop and check your tires as soon as possible,  
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving  
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the  
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.  
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and  
tire tread life and may affect the vehicle's han-  
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the  
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-  
nance, and it is the driver's responsibility to  
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-  
flation has not reached the level to trigger illumi-  
nation of the TPMS low tire pressure indicator.  
Message for unsuccessful system  
reset  
Yellow warning lamp lights up. A  
message appears on the Control  
Display.  
The system has detected a wheel change, but  
was not reset. A reliable warning is not possible  
at the current inflation pressures.  
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset the  
system, refer to page 93.  
Malfunction  
The small warning lamp flashes in  
yellow and then lights up continu-  
ously; the large warning lamp lights  
up in yellow. The tires appear in gray  
in the Control Display. No punctures can be  
detected.  
Display in the following situations:  
>
A wheel without TPM electronics has been  
installed:  
Have it checked by your BMW center.  
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined  
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-  
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash  
for approximately one minute and then remain  
continuously lit. This sequence will continue  
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as  
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction  
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be  
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as  
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a  
variety of reasons, including the installation of  
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the  
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning  
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction  
telltale after replacing one or more tires or  
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the  
>
>
Malfunction  
Have the system checked  
Tire Pressure Monitor was unable to  
complete the resetting process. Reset the  
system again.  
The small warning lamp flashes in  
yellow and then lights up continu-  
ously; the large warning lamp lights  
up in yellow. The tires appear in gray  
in the Control Display.  
Display in the following situations:  
Interference from systems or devices that use  
the same radio frequency. The system auto-  
matically becomes active again when the vehi-  
cle moves out of the interference zone.  
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow  
the TPMS to continue to function properly.  
Declaration according to NHTSA/  
FMVSS 138  
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems  
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold  
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-  
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the  
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Technology for driving comfort and safety  
Defect  
Active steering  
If there is a defect, a corresponding text mes-  
sage appears. Have the system checked.  
The concept  
Active steering varies the turning angle of the  
front wheels in relation to steering wheel move-  
ments. It also varies the steering force required  
to turn the wheels depending on the speed at  
which you are driving.  
Servotronic  
The concept  
The Servotronic varies the steering force  
required to turn the wheels relative to the  
vehicle speed.  
At low speeds, the steering force is strongly  
assisted, i.e. less force is needed for steering.  
As the vehicle speed increases, the steering  
assisting power is reduced.  
When you are driving in the low speed range,  
e.g. in a town or when parking, the steering  
angle is increased, i.e. steering becomes very  
direct and less effort is required to turn the  
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other  
hand, the steering angle is reduced as the  
speed increases. This improves the handling of  
your BMW over the entire speed range.  
This system functions automatically.  
In critical situations, the system can make tar-  
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-  
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle  
before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing  
intervention is simultaneously deactivated  
when DSC is switched off, refer to page 89.  
Malfunctions  
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-  
sage appears on the Control Display.  
Servotronic is malfunctioning or has  
failed. Steering response will be different. You  
can continue your journey, but moderate your  
speed and exercise due caution. Have the  
system checked as soon as possible.  
Malfunction  
The warning lamps come on. Active  
steering is malfunctioning or is tem-  
porarily deactivated. At low speeds,  
greater steering wheel movements  
Brake Force Display  
are required, whereas at higher speeds the  
vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering  
wheel movements. The stability-enhancing  
feature may also be deactivated. Drive cau-  
tiously and think well ahead.  
Deactivation  
Active steering is deactivated to perform an ini-  
tialization. A message indicates that the feature  
is deactivated. Initialization may take several  
minutes.  
On the left: normal braking.  
On the right: sharp braking.  
If the message does not disappear during the  
current trip, have the system checked.  
When the rear fog lamps are switched on, the  
Brake Force Display is not active and the illumi-  
nated area for normal braking is reduced by  
approximately half.  
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Controls  
Airbags  
The following airbags are located under the  
marked covers:  
over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove  
the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do  
not modify the individual components of the  
system or its wiring in any way. This includes  
the upholstered covers on the steering wheel,  
instrument panel, seats and roof posts, as well  
as the sides of the roof lining. Do not attempt to  
remove or dismantle the steering wheel.  
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4
Front airbags  
Coupe: head airbags  
Side airbags in the seat backrests  
Convertible: knee airbags  
Protective action  
Do not touch the individual components imme-  
diately after the system has been triggered,  
because there is a danger of burns.  
Observe the adjustment instructions on  
page 49 to ensure the best possible  
personal protection.<  
In the event of faults, immobilization, or after the  
airbag system has been triggered, only have the  
testing, repair, or disassembly and scrapping of  
gas generator performed by your BMW center  
or a workshop that has the required explosives  
licenses. Unprofessional attempts to work on  
the system could lead to failure in an emer-  
gency or to undesired airbag activation, either  
of which could result in personal injury.<  
The front airbags help protect the driver and  
front passenger by responding to frontal  
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-  
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the  
head and side airbags help provide protection in  
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-  
bag supports the side upper body area. The  
head air bag supports the head.  
Warning notices and information about the  
airbags can also be found on the sun visors.  
The airbags have been designed to not be trig-  
gered in every collision situation, e.g. not in  
minor accidents or rear-end collisions.  
Automatic deactivation of the front  
passenger airbags  
Do not apply adhesive materials to the  
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or  
modify them in any other way.  
Keep the dashboard and window on the front  
passenger side clear, i.e., do not cover with  
adhesive labels or coverings, and do not attach  
holders such as for navigation instruments and  
mobile phones.  
Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other  
objects not specifically approved for seats with  
integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not  
hang items of clothing such as coats or jackets  
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-  
senger seat cushion determines whether and  
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-  
bags for the front passenger are activated or  
deactivated by the system accordingly.  
The indicator lamp above the interior  
rearview mirror shows the current status  
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or  
activated, refer to Status of front passenger  
airbags below.<  
97  
 
Controls  
Technology for driving comfort and safety  
Before transporting a child on the front  
passenger seat, read the safety precau-  
tions and handling instructions under Trans-  
porting children safely, refer to page 58.  
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-  
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-  
tain positions; the indicator lamp for the front  
passenger airbags lights up. In such cases, the  
passenger should change his or her sitting  
position so that the front passenger airbags are  
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the  
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by  
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-  
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach  
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or  
other items to the front passenger seat unless  
they are specifically recommended by BMW.  
Do not place any items under the seat which  
could press against the seat from below. Other-  
wise, a correct analysis of the seat cushion is  
not ensured.<  
Most child seats are detected by the  
system. This particularly applies to  
child seats that were required by NHTSA at  
the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After  
mounting a child seat, ensure that the indi-  
cator lamp for the front passenger airbag is  
lit. It indicates that the child seat has been  
detected and that the front passenger air-  
bags are deactivated.<  
>
The indicator lamp does not come on when,  
for example, a person of sufficient size and  
in a correct sitting position is detected on  
the seat.  
The front and side airbags for the front  
passenger are activated.  
>
The indicator lamp does not light up if the  
seat is empty.  
The front and side airbags for the front  
passenger are not activated.  
Operational readiness of airbag system  
Status of front passenger airbags  
As of radio readiness, refer to page 61, the  
warning lamp lights up briefly to indicate that  
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners  
are operational.  
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-  
bags shows the functional status of the front  
passenger front and side airbags in accordance  
with whether and how the front passenger seat  
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether  
the front passenger airbags are activated or  
deactivated.  
Airbag system malfunction  
>
Warning lamp does not light up at radio  
readiness or beyond.  
>
Warning lamp remains permanently on.  
>
The indicator lamp lights up when a child in  
a specially designated child restraint sys-  
tem is detected, as intended, on the seat.  
The front and side airbags for the front  
passenger are not activated.  
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,  
have it checked without delay; otherwise,  
there is the risk that the system will not function  
as intended even if a sufficiently severe acci-  
dent occurs.<  
98