sensor BMW 1 SERIES 2011 User Guide
Page 122 of 256
Navigation system
120
Navigation system
General information
With the help of satellites and vehicle sensors, 
the navigation system is able to ascertain the 
precise position of the vehicle and reliably guide 
you to any destination you enter.
Enter data only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary, and always give priority to the 
applicable traffic regulations in the event of any 
contradiction between traffic and road condi-
tions and the instructions issued by the naviga-
tion system. Failure to take to this precaution 
can place you in violation of the law and put 
vehicle occupants and other road users in dan-
ger.<
Navigation data
General information
Navigation data are stored in the vehicle and 
can be updated.
Navigation data and authorization codes are 
available from your BMW center.
Depending on the data volume, a data update 
may take several hours.
>The data are updated while you are driving.
>The update is resumed automatically when 
a trip is continued after an interruption.
>Basic navigation functions are available 
during the trip.
>The data are stored in the vehicle.
>After the update, the system restarts.
>The medium that holds the navigation data 
can be removed after the update is com-
pleted.
Updating the navigation data
Inserting navigation DVD
1.Insert the navigation DVD into the DVD 
player with the labeled side facing up.
2.Follow the instructions on the Control Dis-
play.
3.Enter the authorization code of the naviga-
tion DVD and change the DVD if needed.
Removing navigation DVD
1. Press button1.
The DVD emerges slightly from the drive.
2.Remove the DVD.
Information about navigation data
1."Navigation"
2.Open "Options".
3."Navigation system version":
Information on the data version is displayed.
* 
Page 206 of 256
Under the hood
204
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 page205.
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 page207. Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
Display via iDrive
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Engine oil level"
Possible messages
>"Engine oil level OK"
>"Measurement not possible at this time."
>"Measuring engine oil level...": 
This can take about 1 minute if the car is at a 
standstill on a level surface and the engine 
is running, and about 5 minutes while the 
car is moving.
If engine oil was added, it may take up to 
30 minutes to obtain an oil level reading.
>"Engine oil level below minimum. Add 1 
quart!"
Add engine oil as soon as possible, but no 
more than 1 US quart/1 liter, refer also to 
Adding engine oil below.
If the oil level is below the minimum value, 
add engine oil immediately to avoid engine 
damage.
>"Engine oil level too high! Have this 
checked."
*: 
Page 209 of 256
Mobility
 207Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.
On the Control Display, you can have the 
remaining times or distances for selected main-
tenance tasks and any legally prescribed dates 
displayed, refer to page72:
>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 is always set cor-
rectly, refer to page75; otherwise, the 
effectiveness of Condition 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 211 of 256
Mobility
 209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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 
page227.
>If necessary, fold in the outside rearview 
mirrors, refer to page50.
>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.Move the selector lever to 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 212 of 256
Care
210
Sports automatic transmission with 
double clutch
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.
The transmission is switched into position P:
>automatically after approx. 30 minutes
>if you remove the infrared remote control 
from the ignition lock
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure 
washers, make sure to maintain sufficient 
distance from 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. 
Page 213 of 256
Mobility
 211Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.<
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 140 7/60 6; otherwise, damage 
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. 
Page 214 of 256
Care
212 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.
Carpet/floor mats*
The floor mats can be removed for cleaning.
When heavily soiled, clean carpets with a 
microfiber cloth and water or textile cleaner. 
Rub back and forth in the direction of travel; oth-
erwise, the carpet may become matted.
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 240 of 256
Everything from A to Z
238
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System81
Acceleration assistant, refer to 
Launch Control64
Accessories, refer to The 
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to 
Emergency Request219
Activated-charcoal filter99
Activating 
BMW Assist186,188
Active steering86
Adaptive light control92
Additives
– coolant205
– engine oil205
Address, entering121,127
Address for navigation
– entering121
Adjusting temperature97
Airbags88
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp89
Air conditioner96
Air distribution
– automatic97
Airing, refer to Ventilation99
Air outlets, refer to Air 
vents96
Air pressure, checking, refer 
to Tire inflation 
pressure194
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode98
Air vents96
Air volume98
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications193Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms33
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music 
collection160
ALL program98
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires201
AM, waveband143
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode98
Antenna for mobile phone170
Antifreeze
– coolant205
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System 
ABS81
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system
32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights229
Approved engine oils205
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights229
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest105
Arrival time
– computer70
Ashtray106
Assistance systems, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC81
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control98
Audible instructions, refer to 
Spoken instructions132Audio140
– controls140
– switching on/off140
– tone control140
– volume140
Automatic
– air distribution97
– air volume97
– cruise control66
– headlamp control91
Automatic car washes209
Automatic climate control96
Automatic curb monitor50
Automatic high beams and 
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant93
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps91
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC98
Automatic Service 
Request188
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
– selector lever lock58
– shiftlock58
– towing221
– tow-starting221
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control97
AUX-IN port163
Available services188
Average fuel consumption70
– setting the units72
Average speed70
Avoid highways in 
navigation130
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights229 
Page 241 of 256
Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
B
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backrest width adjustment45
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints46
Backup lamp, replacing 
bulb216
Bag for skis, refer to Ski 
bag107
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
pouch219
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away222
Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter180
Bass, tone setting140
Battery217
– charging218
– disposal35,218
– jump-starting220
– replacing217
– temporary power failure218
Battery for mobile phone181
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle35
Being towed222
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts49
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders105
Blower, refer to Air volume98
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating172
BMW
– car shampoo210
BMW Assist184
BMW Maintenance 
System207
BMW Search186
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders105
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control81
Brake fluid
– service requirements72
Brake Force Display87Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display87
– replacing bulb216
Brake pads, breaking in112
Brake rotors114
– brakes112
– breaking in112
Brakes
– ABS81
– BMW Maintenance 
System207
– braking safely114
– breaking in112
– parking brake57
– service requirements72
Brake system112
– BMW Maintenance 
System207
– breaking in112
– disc brakes114
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance219
Breaking in the clutch112
Break-in period112
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs213
Bulbs, changing213
Button for starting the 
engine55
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning6
Call
– accepting173
– ending174
– rejecting174
Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing174
Calling, refer to Telephone 
owner's manual
Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders105
Capacities230
Capacity of the cargo area229Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery217
Car care, refer to Care209
Care209
– automatic car washes209
– care products209
– carpets212
– CD/DVD drives212
– chrome parts211
– convertible top210
– displays212
– exterior209
– fine wood parts212
– headlamps210
– high-pressure washer210
– interior211
– leather211
– light-alloy wheels211
– paintwork211
– plastic parts212
– rubber seals211
– safety belts212
– sensors and cameras212
– upholstery and cloth 
trim211
– washing the car 
manually210
– windows210
Cargo, securing116
Cargo area
– capacity229
– Comfort Access34
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system106
– lamp, refer to Interior 
lamps95
– lid, refer to Trunk lid31
– opening from outside31
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk 
lid31
Cargo area net, refer to 
Securing cargo116
Cargo loading115
– securing cargo
116
– stowing cargo115
– vehicle114
Car jack
– jacking points217 
Page 246 of 256
Everything from A to Z
244 iDrive16
– adjusting brightness79
– changing date and time75
– changing language79
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– status information19
Ignition55
– switched off56
– switched on55
Ignition key, refer to 
Integrated key/remote 
control26
Ignition key position 1, refer to 
Radio readiness55
Ignition key position 2, refer to 
Ignition on55
Ignition lock55
Imprint2
Indicator and warning 
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM85
Individual settings, refer to 
Personal Profile26
Inflation pressure, tires194
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to Tire Pressure 
Monitor TPM84
Initializing
– compass, refer to 
Calibrating104
– radio, refer to Station, 
storing143
– refer to Setting the time and 
date75
Initializing, Flat Tire Monitor 
FTM83
Instructions for navigation 
system, refer to Voice 
instructions132
Instrument cluster12
Instrument combination, refer 
to Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting95
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote 
control101
Interactive map126Interior lamps95
– remote control28
Interior motion sensor33
Interior rearview mirror50
– automatic dimming 
feature51
– compass103
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers65
Intersection, entering, 
navigation122
iPod, connecting, refer to 
AUX-IN port163
iPod, connecting, refer to USB 
audio interface163
J
Jacking points217
Jets, refer to Air vents96
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting220
Jump-starting220
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control26
Keyless go, refer to Comfort 
Access33
Keyless opening and closing, 
refer to Comfort Access33
Key Memory, refer to Personal 
Profile26
Kickdown58
Knock control193
L
Lamps
– adaptive light control92
– interior lighting95
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams91
Lamps and bulbs, replacing 
bulbs213
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo116Last destinations124
LATCH child restraint fixing 
system53
Launch Control64
Leather care211
LED Light-emitting 
diodes213
Length, refer to 
Dimensions227
License plate lamp, replacing 
bulb217
Light
– instrument lighting95
– refer to High-beam 
assistant93
Light-alloy wheels211
Light control
– refer to High-beam 
assistant93
Light-emitting diodes 
LED213
Lighter106
– socket106
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs213
– of instruments95
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps91
Light switch91
Limit, refer to Speed limit78
Load115
Load securing equipment, 
refer to Securing cargo116
Lock buttons of doors, refer to 
Locking30
Locking
– adjusting confirmation 
signal28
– from inside30
– from outside28
– without remote control, refer 
to Comfort Access33
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside30
– from outside27
Low beam control, refer to 
High-beam assistant93
Low-beam headlamps91
– automatic91
– replacing bulbs214