sensor BMW 1 SERIES 2010 User Guide
Page 85 of 166
Reference
At a glance
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Mobility
 83
Air flows out of the vent outlets for the upper 
body region. Open them for this purpose.
Air is cooled as quickly as possible:
>Abive an outside temperature of approx. 
327/06
>When the engine is running
AUTO program
Press the button.
Air volume, air distribution and 
temperature are controlled auto-
matically.
Depending on the selected temperature, AUTO 
intensity and outside influences, the air is 
directed toward the windshield, the side win-
dows, the upper body and the footwell.
Pressing the AUTO button automatically 
switches on the cooling function.
At the same time, a condensation sensor con-
trols the program so as to prevent window con-
densation as much as possible.
The program is switched off when the air distri-
bution is set manually or the button is pressed 
again.
Intensity of the AUTO program
With the AUTO program switched on, auto-
matic control of the air volume and air distribu-
tion can be adjusted:
Press the left side of the button to 
reduce the intensity. Press the 
right side of the button to increase 
it.
The selected intensity is shown on the display 
of the automatic climate control.
Convertible program
The Convertible program is active when the 
convertible top is open. 
Adjusting air volume manually
To be able to manually adjust the air volume, 
switch off the AUTO program first.Press the left side of the button to 
reduce the air volume. Press the 
right side of the button to increase 
it.
The air volume may be reduced or the blower 
may be switched off entirely to save on battery 
power. The display remains the same.
Automatic recirculated-air control 
AUC/Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant odors or pollut-
ants in the immediate environment by tempo-
rarily suspending the supply of outside air. The 
system then recirculates the air currently within 
the vehicle.
Press the button repeatedly to 
select an operating mode:
>LED off: outside air flows in continuously.
>Left-hand LED on, AUC mode: a sensor 
detects pollutants in the outside air and 
controls the shut-off automatically.
>Right-hand LED on, recirculated-air mode: 
the supply of outside air is permanently 
shut off. If the windows fog over, switch off 
recirculated-air mode and increase the air 
volume, if necessary. Make sure that air can 
flow onto the windshield.
The recirculated-air mode should not be 
used continuously for lengthy periods; 
otherwise, the quality of the air inside the car 
will gradually deteriorate.<
Via the button on the steering wheel
You can switch quickly between the recircu-
lated-air mode and the previous mode using a 
button
 on the steering wheel, refer to page11.
ALL program
Press the button.
The current temperature setting 
on the driver's side is transferred to 
the front passenger side.
If the temperature setting on the driver's side is 
changed, the temperature on the front passen-
ger side is changed as well. 
Page 118 of 166
Under the hood
116
Possible displays
1Oil level OK
2Oil level is being checked.
This can take about 3 minutes if the car is at 
a standstill on a level surface, or about 
5 minutes while the car is on the move.
3Oil level down to minimum:
Add engine oil as soon as possible, but no 
more than 1 US quart/1 liter, refer also to 
Adding engine oil on page116.
4Oil level is too high.
Too much oil will harm the engine. 
Have the vehicle checked without 
delay.<
5The oil level sensor is defective.
Do not add engine oil. You can continue 
your journey. Note the newly calculated dis-
tance remaining to the next oil service, refer 
to page118. Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Do not add 1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil until 
the following warning lamp lights up in the 
instrument cluster or the oil level display reads 
"+1l".
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km; 
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of 
children and comply with the relevant 
warnings on the containers. Otherwise, health 
hazards may result.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or at 
a workshop that works according to BMW 
repair procedures with correspondingly trained 
personnel.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical 
significance for the operation and service life of 
an engine. BMW routinely approves specific 
oils after testing them extensively.
Do not use oil additives as these may 
cause engine damage.< 
Page 120 of 166
Maintenance
118
Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your BMW. The objective is to optimize 
efforts with respect to minimal vehicle mainte-
nance costs.
If and when you come to sell your BMW, a com-
prehensive record of servicing will prove a sig-
nificant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into 
account. Condition Based Service uses this to 
determine the current and future service 
requirements. By letting you define a service 
and maintenance regimen that reflects your 
own individual requirements, the system builds 
the basis for trouble-free driving.
In the instrument cluster, you can have the 
remaining times or distances for selected main-
tenance tasks and any legally prescribed dates 
displayed, refer to page61:
>Engine oil
>Brake pads: separately for front and rear
>Brake fluid
>Vehicle check
>Legally mandated inspections depending 
on local regulations
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control 
while you are driving. Your BMW Service Advi-
sor can read out this data from the remote con-
trol unit, and propose an optimized mainte-
nance approach. Whenever you take your car in 
for servicing you should therefore hand your 
BMW Service Advisor the remote control unit 
that you last used.
Make sure that the date in the instrument 
cluster is always set correctly, refer to 
page62; otherwise, the effectiveness of Condi-
tion Based Service CBS is not assured.<
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models 
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service 
and repair operations performed at your 
BMW center. 
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries 
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.< 
Page 122 of 166
Care
120
Care
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value retention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your 
vehicle with products that are approved by 
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on 
the products and services available for cleaning 
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW CareProducts have been 
material tested, laboratory checked and 
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and 
protection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol 
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances 
that are dangerous or hazardous to your 
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety 
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning 
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or 
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products 
designed for cleaning vehicles.<
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months, 
ensure that the vehicle is washed more 
frequently. Heavy soiling and road salt can lead 
to vehicle damage.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise, 
water can reduce braking efficiency over the 
short term and brake discs can corrode.<
Automatic car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.Do not use high-pressure car washes; 
otherwise, water may drip into the vehicle 
around the windows.<
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is 
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to 
page147.
>If necessary, fold in the outside rearview 
mirrors, refer to page42.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rail heights 
over 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, there is the 
danger of damaging chassis parts.<
>In Convertibles, do not treat the convertible 
top with wax. Ensure that a program is avail-
able that does not apply wax or is designed 
specifically for convertibles.
Preparations before driving into an automatic 
car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna
*.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into an automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2.Engage transmission position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock 
so that the vehicle can roll. 
Page 123 of 166
Reference
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Mobility
 121
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure 
washers, ensure that you maintain suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed 
a temperature of 1407/606. 
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or 
temperature can lead to component damage or 
water penetration. Follow the operating instruc-
tions for the steam jet or high-pressure 
washer.<
When using high-pressure washers, do 
not spray against the sensors and cam-
eras, e.g. of the Park Distance Control or Rear 
View Camera, for an extended period and main-
tain a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm.<
Manual car wash
When washing the vehicle by hand, use large 
quantities of water and car shampoo if neces-
sary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or wash-
ing brush, applying light pressure only.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unintentional activation of the 
wipers.<
Observe local regulations pertaining to 
washing vehicles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not rub them dry and do not use abrasive or 
corrosive cleaning agents.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or 
insect remover and wash away with copious 
quantities of water.
Thaw ice with a windshield deicer and do not 
use an ice scraper.
Windows
Clean the inside and outside surfaces of the 
windows and the mirrors with window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners 
containing quartz.<
Convertible top care
The appearance and life of the convertible top 
depend on proper care and operation.Follow these instructions:
>Do not fold the convertible top into the con-
vertible top box when the top is wet or fro-
zen, as this may cause water spots, mold 
stains or chafed areas.
>If water spots occur on the inside headliner 
despite precautions, remove them using a 
microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.
>If the vehicle is parked in enclosed areas for 
extended periods, ensure that there is suffi-
cient ventilation.
>Remove bird droppings immediately, as 
their corrosive ingredients attack the con-
vertible top and damage the rubber seals.
To remove stains from the convertible 
top, do not use stain removers, paint thin-
ners, solvents, benzine or similar substances. 
These substances may damage the rubber 
parts. Improper care and cleaning may cause 
the convertible top and convertible top seams 
to become leaky.<
To remove heavy soiling, use a special convert-
ible top cleaner. 
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
After washing the convertible top three to five 
times, treat it with an impregnating agent.
Paintwork care
Regular care contributes to value retention and 
protects the paintwork against the long-term 
effects of damaging substances.
Region-specific environmental influences can 
damage the vehicle paintwork. Therefore, it is 
important to adapt the frequency and scope of 
car care accordingly.
Immediately remove aggressive materials such 
as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap or 
bird droppings to prevent damage to the paint-
work.
Repairing paintwork damage
Immediately repair scratches or similar 
damage, such as that caused by stones 
hitting the vehicle, where necessary to prevent 
rusting.< 
Page 124 of 166
Care
122 BMW recommends having paintwork damage 
repaired by a professional paint repair work-
shop according to BMW specifications using 
original BMW paint materials.
Preservation
A preservation treatment is necessary when 
water no longer beads off the clean paintwork 
surface. Only use products for paintwork pres-
ervation that contain carnauba or synthetic 
waxes.
Rubber seals
Treat only with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon-containing care prod-
ucts on rubber seals; otherwise, noise 
and damage could occur.<
Chrome parts
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radia-
tor grill, door handles or window frames with 
copious quantities of water and a shampoo 
additive, especially when roads are treated with 
de-icing salt. For additional treatment, use a 
chrome polish.
Light-alloy wheels
For technical reasons, dust is generated during 
braking that is deposited on the light-alloy 
wheels. Remove the dust regularly using acid-
free rim cleaner.
Do not use aggressive, acidic, strongly 
alkaline and abrasive cleaning agents or 
steam jets over 1407/606; otherwise, dam-
age may occur.<
Outside sensors/cameras
Keep the sensors and cameras on the 
outside of the vehicle, e.g. those for Park 
Distance Control, clean and free of ice to ensure 
that they remain fully functional.<
Interior care
Upholstery fabrics/cloth trims/
Alcantara fabrics
Vacuum regularly with a vacuum cleaner to 
remove superficial dirt.
To remove severe spots such as stains from 
beverages, use a soft sponge or lint-free 
microfiber cloth and suitable interior cleaners. 
Follow the instructions on the packaging.
Clean the upholstery down to the seams 
using a sweeping motion. Avoid strong 
rubbing.<
Opened Velcro fasteners on pants or 
other articles of clothing can damage the 
seat covers. Ensure that Velcro fasteners are 
closed.<
Leather/leather trim
The leather used by BMW is a high quality 
natural product. Slight irregularities in the 
leather are a typical characteristic of natural 
leather.<
Dust and road grit in the pores and folds of the 
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to 
increased wear and causing the leather surface 
to become brittle prematurely. Therefore, fre-
quently clean the leather of dust using a cloth or 
vacuum cleaner.
Clean light-colored leather more frequently as 
dust and dirt are more noticeable.
Treat the leather at least once every two 
months using a leather lotion as dirt and grease 
will gradually attack the leather's protective 
layer.
Carpets/cargo area
You can vacuum the carpets and floor mats or 
clean them with interior cleaner if heavily soiled.
The floor mats can be removed for cleaning. 
When replacing the mats, ensure that the seat 
rails do not extend over the floor mats, as this 
may damage the mats. 
Page 125 of 166
Reference
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Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 123
Lint on the floor mats occurs for technical rea-
sons and can be removed by vacuuming 
repeatedly.
Interior plastic parts
>Imitation leather surfaces
>Lamp glasses
>Display pane of instrument cluster
>Matte parts
Clean with water and solvent-free plastic 
cleaner if necessary.
Fine wood parts
Clean fine wood trim and fine wood parts with a 
damp cloth. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and 
thus have a negative impact on safety.
Do not clean chemically, as this may 
destroy the webbing.<
Interior sensors/cameras
To clean interior sensors and cameras, e.g. of 
the high-beam assistant, use a lint-free cloth 
moistened with glass cleaner.
Displays
To clean displays, e.g. of the radio or instrument 
cluster, use a cleaning cloth for displays or a 
soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
Avoid applying excessive pressure when 
cleaning the displays; otherwise, damage 
may occur.<
Do not use chemical or abrasive house-
hold cleaning agents. Keep all types of 
fluid away from the device. Otherwise, surfaces 
or electrical components may be corroded or 
damaged.<
CD/DVD drives
Do not use a cleaning CD, as it may dam-
age parts of the drive.<
Vehicle storage
If your vehicle is to be decommissioned for 
longer than three months, your BMW center or 
a workshop that operates according to BMW 
specifications will be glad to advise you. 
Page 144 of 166
Indicator and warning lamps
142Lights up in red: 
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the 
selector lever to position P. Allow the 
transmission to cool down. You can 
continue your journey, but moderate 
your speed and exercise due caution. 
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow: 
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate your 
speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged. 
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
Selector lever position P not engaged. 
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when 
you wish to switch off the ignition, refer 
to page47.
Pinch protection system of the power 
windows malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Pinch protection system of the electric 
glass roof malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Cruise control system failed You can continue your journey. Have 
the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
>High-beam assistant inactive Clean the sensor field on the front of 
the interior rearview mirror, refer to 
page77.
>High-beam assistant malfunction-
ingHave the system checked by your near-
est BMW center.
>Sensitivity of the high-beam assis-
tant has been changedThere is a risk that oncoming traffic 
may be blinded. Have the system 
checked by your nearest BMW center.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as 
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp failed Have the low beams checked as soon 
as possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps 
checked.
12Cause Special actions to be taken 
Page 154 of 166
Everything from A to Z
152
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System64
Accessories, refer to The 
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to 
Emergency Request130
Activated-charcoal filter84
Active steering70
Adaptive light control76
Additives
– coolant117
– engine oil116
Airbags71
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp72
Air conditioner79
Air distribution
– automatic83
– individual80
Airing, refer to 
Ventilation81,84
Air outlets, refer to Air 
vents79
Air pressure, checking, refer 
to Tire inflation 
pressure106
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode80,83
Air vents79
Air volume80,83
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications104
Alarm system24
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms25
– interior motion sensor25
– switching off an alarm25
– tilt alarm sensor25
ALL program83All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires113
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode80,83
Antifreeze
– coolant117
– washer fluid53
Antilock Brake System 
ABS64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights149
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights149
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest
88
Ashtray90
Assistance systems, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC65
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control83
Automatic
– air distribution83
– air volume83
– cruise control54
– headlamp control74
Automatic car washes120
Automatic climate control79
– automatic air distribution83
Automatic curb monitor42
Automatic high beams and 
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant76
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps74
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC83Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic49
– selector lever lock50
– shiftlock50
– towing132
– tow-starting132
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control83
Average fuel consumption58
– setting the units60
Average speed58
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms25
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights149
B
Backrests, refer to Seats36
Backrest width adjustment37
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints38
Backup lamp, replacing 
bulb127
Bag for skis, refer to Ski 
bag92
Band-aids, refer to First-aid 
pouch130
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away133
Battery128
– charging128
– disposal27,128
– jump-starting131
– temporary power failure128
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle27
Being towed132
Belts, refer to Safety belts41
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts41
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders89 
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Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
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Blower, refer to Air 
volume80,83
BMW
– car shampoo123
BMW Maintenance 
System118
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders89
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control65
Brake fluid
– service requirements61
Brake Force Display70
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display70
– replacing bulb127
Brake pads, breaking in96
Brake rotors98
– brakes96
– breaking in96
Brakes
– ABS65
– BMW Maintenance 
System118
– braking safely98
– breaking in96
– parking brake49
– service requirements61
Brake system96
– BMW Maintenance 
System118
– breaking in96
– disc brakes98
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance130
Breaking in the clutch96
Break-in period96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs124
Bulbs, changing124
Button for starting the 
engine47
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning5Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders89
Capacities150
Capacity of the cargo area149
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery128
Car care, refer to Care120
Care120
– automatic car washes120
– care products120
– carpets122
– CD/DVD drives123
– chrome parts122
– convertible top121
– displays123
– exterior120
– fine wood parts123
– headlamps121
– high-pressure washer121
– interior122
– leather122
– light-alloy wheels122
– paintwork121
– plastic parts123
– rubber seals122
– safety belts123
– sensors and cameras123
– upholstery and cloth 
trim122
– washing the car 
manually121
– windows121
Cargo, securing100
Cargo area
– capacity149
– Comfort Access26
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system91
– lamp, refer to Interior 
lamps78
– lid, refer to Trunk lid23
– opening from outside23
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk 
lid23
Cargo area net, refer to 
Securing cargo100Cargo loading99
– securing cargo100
– stowing cargo99
– vehicle98
Car jack
– jacking points128
Car key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Car shampoo123
Car wash120
– with Comfort Access48
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system97
Center armrest88
Center brake lamp, replacing 
bulb127
Center console, refer to 
Around the center 
console14
Central key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control18
Central locking
– from inside22
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– Comfort Access26
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Changing wheels127
Chassis number, refer to 
Engine compartment115
Check Control62
Checking oil level115
Child restraint fixing system 
LATCH45
Child restraint systems44
Child seats44
Chrome parts123
Chrome polish123
Cigarette lighter90
Cleaning headlamps53
– washer fluid53
Cleaning your BMW, refer to 
Care120