sensor BMW 128I 2010 E81 User Guide
Page 95 of 250
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Mobility
automatic climate control is optimized for driv-
ing with the convertible top down. In addition, 
the air volume is increased as vehicle speed 
increases.
The effectiveness of the Convertible pro-
gram can be enhanced considerably by 
installing the wind deflector.<
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.
The program is switched off when the setting is 
adjusted on the front passenger side or the but-
ton is pressed again.
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation
Press the button.
Quickly removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and 
front side windows.
For this purpose, also switch on the cooling 
function.
Switching cooling function on/off
The passenger compartment can only be 
cooled while the engine is running.
Press the button.
The air is cooled and dehumidified 
and – depending on the tempera-
ture setting – warmed again.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may 
fog up briefly when the engine is started.
Pressing the AUTO button automatically 
switches on the cooling function.
Rear window defroster
Press the  button.
The defroster is switched off auto-
matically after a certain time. 
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the 
upper wires serve as an antenna and are not 
part of the rear window defroster. 
Page 202 of 250
Under the hood
200
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 page201.
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 page203. 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 205 of 250
Mobility
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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 page67:
>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 page70; 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 207 of 250
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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 
page223.
>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.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 208 of 250
Care
206
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 209 of 250
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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 210 of 250
Care
208 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 234 of 250
Everything from A - Z
232
Everything from A - Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System76
Accessories, refer to The 
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to 
Emergency Request215
Activated-charcoal filter94
Active steering81
Adaptive light control87
Additives
– coolant201
– engine oil201
Address, entering117,123
Address for navigation
– entering117
Airbags83
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp84
Air conditioner91
Air distribution
– automatic92
Airing, refer to Ventilation94
Air outlets, refer to Air 
vents91
Air pressure, checking, refer 
to Tire inflation 
pressure190
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode93
Air vents91
Air volume93
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications188
Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms33
– interior motion sensor32
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor32
Albums of music 
collection156ALL program93
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires197
AM, waveband139
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode93
Antenna for mobile phone166
Antifreeze
– coolant201
– washer fluid61
Antilock Brake System 
ABS76
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights225
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights225
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest
100
Arrival time
– computer65
Ashtray101
Assistance systems, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC76
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control93
Audio136
– controls136
– switching on/off136
– tone control136
– volume136
Automatic
– air distribution92
– air volume92
– cruise control61
– headlamp control86
Automatic car washes205
Automatic climate control91
– automatic air distribution92
Automatic curb monitor50Automatic high beams and 
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant88
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps86
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC93
Automatic Service 
Request184
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
– selector lever lock58
– shiftlock58
– towing217
– tow-starting217
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control92
AUX-IN port159
Available services184
Average fuel consumption65
– setting the units67
Average speed65
Avoid highways in 
navigation126
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights225
B
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backrest width adjustment45
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints46
Backup lamp, replacing 
bulb212
Bag for skis, refer to Ski 
bag103
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
pouch215
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away218 
Page 235 of 250
Reference 233
At a glance
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter176
Bass, tone setting136
Battery213
– charging213
– disposal35,213
– jump-starting216
– temporary power failure213
Battery for mobile phone177
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle34
Being towed217
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts49
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders100
Blower, refer to Air volume93
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating168
BMW
– car shampoo208
BMW Assist, 
activating182,184
BMW Assist180
BMW Maintenance 
System203
BMW Search182
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders100
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control76
Brake fluid
– service requirements67
Brake Force Display82
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display82
– replacing bulb212
Brake pads, breaking in108
Brake rotors110
– brakes108
– breaking in108Brakes
– ABS76
– BMW Maintenance 
System203
– braking safely110
– breaking in108
– parking brake57
– service requirements67
Brake system108
– BMW Maintenance 
System203
– breaking in108
– disc brakes110
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance
215
Breaking in the clutch108
Break-in period108
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs209
Bulbs, changing209
Button for starting the 
engine55
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning5
Call
– accepting169
– ending170
– rejecting170
Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing170
Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders100
Capacities226
Capacity of the cargo area225
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery213
Car care, refer to Care205Care205
– automatic car washes205
– care products205
– carpets207
– CD/DVD drives208
– chrome parts207
– convertible top206
– displays208
– exterior205
– fine wood parts208
– headlamps206
– high-pressure washer206
– interior207
– leather207
– light-alloy wheels207
– paintwork206
– plastic parts208
– rubber seals207
– safety belts208
– sensors and cameras208
– upholstery and cloth 
trim207
– washing the car 
manually206
– windows206
Cargo, securing112
Cargo area
– capacity225
– Comfort Access34
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system102
– lamp, refer to Interior 
lamps90
– lid, refer to Trunk lid30
– opening from outside31
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk 
lid30
Cargo area net, refer to 
Securing cargo112
Cargo loading111
– securing cargo112
– stowing cargo
111
– vehicle110
Car jack
– jacking points213
Car key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control26 
Page 240 of 250
Everything from A - Z
238 Ignition key position 2, refer to 
Ignition on55
Ignition lock55
Imprint2
Indicator and warning 
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM80
Indicator lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting89
Individual settings, refer to 
Personal Profile26
Inflation pressure, tires190
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to Tire Pressure 
Monitor TPM79
Initializing
– compass, refer to 
Calibrating98
– radio, refer to Station, 
storing139
– refer to Setting the time and 
date70
Initializing, Flat Tire Monitor 
FTM77
Instructions for navigation 
system, refer to Voice 
instructions127
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting89
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote 
control96
Interactive map122
Interior lamps90
– remote control28
Interior motion sensor32
Interior rearview mirror50
– automatic dimming 
feature51
– compass98
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers60
Intersection, entering, 
navigation118
iPod, connecting, refer to 
AUX-IN port159
iPod, connecting, refer to USB 
audio interface159
J
Jacking points213
Jets, refer to Air vents91
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting216
Jump-starting216
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 control188
L
Lamps
– adaptive light control87
– instrument lighting89
– interior lighting90
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams86
Lamps and bulbs, replacing 
bulbs209
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo112
Last destinations120
LATCH child restraint fixing 
system53
Leather care207
LED Light-emitting 
diodes209
Length, refer to 
Dimensions223
License plate lamp, replacing 
bulb212
Light
– refer to High-beam 
assistant88
Light-alloy wheels207Light control
– refer to High-beam 
assistant88
Light-emitting diodes 
LED209
Lighter101
– socket101
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs209
– of instruments89
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps86
Light switch86
Limit, refer to Speed limit73
Load111
Load securing equipment, 
refer to Securing cargo112
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 assistant88
Low-beam headlamps86
– automatic86
– replacing bulbs210
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support45
Luggage compartment, refer 
to Cargo area
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack112
Lumbar support45
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires197
Maintenance, refer to
– BMW Maintenance 
System203
– Service booklet