steering wheel BMW 128I 2009 E81 User Guide

Climate
80
Heating and ventilation, air conditioner*
1Air distribution
2Recirculated-air mode
3Air flow rate
4Cooling function
*
If the vehicle is not equipped with a cooling function, the rear window defroster is
located here.
5Temperature
6Rear window defroster
If the vehicle is not equipped with a cooling
function, this control is located at position 4.
Air distribution
Direct the flow of air to the win-
dows , to the upper body area
or to the footwell . Intermedi-
ate settings are possible.
Recirculated-air mode
If the air outside the car has an
unpleasant odor or contains pollut-
ants, shut off the supply to the
interior of the car temporarily. The
system then recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle. You can also activate/deactivate the
recirculated-air mode by means of a button
* on
the steering wheel, refer to page11.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing the air flow rate as
required.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
continuously for lengthy periods, otherwise the
quality of the air inside the car will gradually
deteriorate.<
Air flow rate
Adjust the air flow rate. The higher
the rate, the more effective the
heating or cooling will be.
The air flow rate may be reduced or
the blower may be switched off entirely to save
on battery power. The display remains the
same.
Switching the system on/off
To switch on the system, set the desired air flow
rate.
Turn the air flow rate rotary switch to 0. Blower
and air conditioner are completely switched off
and the air supply is cut off.
Switching the cooling function* on/off
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before reheating it as required,
according to the temperature set-
ting. This function is only available while the
engine is running.
The cooling function helps prevent condensa-
tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
83
The automatic climate control goes into recir-
culated-air mode at the lowest temperature. Air
flows at maximum rate from the vents for the
upper body area. You should therefore open
them for maximum cooling.
AUTO program
The AUTO program adjusts the air
distribution to the windshield and
side windows, towards the upper
body area and into the footwell for you. The air
flow rate and your temperature specifications
will be adapted to outside influences as a result
of seasonal changes, e.g. sunlight or window
condensation.
The cooling is switched on automatically with
the AUTO program.
Convertible program
The Convertible program is active when the
convertible top is open. In the Convertible pro-
gram, the automatic climate control is opti-
mized for driving with the convertible top down.
In addition, the air flow rate is increased as vehi-
cle speed increases.
The effectiveness of the Convertible pro-
gram can be enhanced considerably by
installing the wind deflector.<
Adjusting air flow rate manually
Press the left side of the button to
reduce airflow. Press the right side
of the button to increase it. You can
reactivate the automatic mode for the air flow
rate with the AUTO button.
The air flow rate may be reduced or the blower
may be switched off entirely to save on battery
power. The display remains the same.
Switching the system on/off
With the blower at its lowest setting, press the
left side of the button to switch off the auto-
matic climate control. All displays are cleared
except for the rear window defroster if it is
switched on.
Press any button except REST or rear window defroster to reactivate the automatic climate
control.
The recirculated-air mode is switched on
when you switch off the automatic cli-
mate control. If the air quality deteriorates or the
window fogs over, switch the system back on
and increase the air volume.<
Automatic recirculated-air control
AUC/Recirculated-air mode
Switch on the desired operating
mode by pressing this button
repeatedly:
>LED off: outside air flows in continuously.
>Left-hand LED on, AUC mode: a sensor
detects pollutants in the outside air. If nec-
essary, the system blocks the supply of out-
side air and recirculates the inside air. As
soon as the concentration of pollutants in
the outside air has decreased sufficiently,
the system automatically switches back to
outside air supply.
>Right-hand LED on, recirculated-air mode:
the supply of outside air is permanently
shut off. The system then recirculates the
air currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing the air flow rate as
required.
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 use a button on the steering wheel,
refer to page11, to select between the different
modes.
Residual heat
The heat stored in the engine is
used to heat the passenger com-
partment, e.g. while stopped at a
school to pick up a child.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
133
is not active and it will be necessary to turn the
steering wheel further.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing the selector lever position, refer to
page50.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
With a tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle
raised as this may cause the steering to turn.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to
page131. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-started when the engine is
cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission
cannot be tow-started at all.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page47.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
depressed all the way and slowly release
the clutch. After the engine starts, immedi-
ately depress the clutch completely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.

Indicator and warning lamps
136Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with convenient access, not
presentThe engine cannot be started. Have the
remote control checked, if necessary.
Battery of remote control dischargedUse the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with convenient
access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immediately.
Active steering defective You can continue your journey.
Steering characteristics are modified
and steering wheel could be off-center.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Steering assistance failed Markedly different steering response.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up:
Emergency Request system has failed
or is malfunctioningHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction Stop the car and switch off the engine.
You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power is no longer available You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the engine checked as
soon as possible.
Indication in US models:
Warning lamp flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in damage
to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the vehicle checked
without delay.
Warning lamp comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse effect
on exhaust emissionsHave the car checked as soon as possi-
ble.
12Cause Special actions to be taken

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
153
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders89
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate80,83
BMW
– car shampoo123
BMW Maintenance
System118
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders89
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
wheel11C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Capacities150
Capacity of the cargo bay149
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 washer120
– interior122
– leather122
– light-alloy wheels122
– paintwork121
– plastic parts123
– rubber seals122
– safety belts123
– sensors and cameras123
– upholstery and cloth
trim122
– washing the car
manually121
– windows121
– wiper blades121
Cargo, securing100
Cargo bay
– capacity149
– convenient access27
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system91
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps77
– lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid23
– opening from outside23Cargo bay lid, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid23
Cargo bay net, refer to
Securing cargo100
Cargo loading99
– securing cargo100
– stowing cargo99
– vehicle99
Car jack
– jacking points128
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control
18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo123
Car wash98
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
– convenient 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

Everything from A to Z
156 Front airbags71
Front seat setting35
Frost, removing from
windows, refer to Defrosting
windows81,84
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Fuel104
– gauge57
– high-quality brands104
– quality104
– specifications104
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities150
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Fuel consumption display,
refer to Average fuel
consumption58
Fuel consumption statistics,
refer to Average fuel
consumption58
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Fuel filler door104
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction104
Fuses128
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control85
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel104
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Gear change
– with automatic
transmission50
– with manual transmission49
Gear display, with automatic
transmission49
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic50
– manual transmission49
General driving notes97Glass roof, electric29
– closing after electrical
malfunction30
– convenient operation22
– opening, closing29
– operation with convenient
access26
– pinch protection system29
– raising29
– remote control20
Glove compartment88
Grills, refer to Air vents79
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights149
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs125
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake49
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags71
Headlamp control,
automatic74
Headlamp cover125
Headlamp flasher51
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs125
Head restraints37
Heated
– seats39
Heated mirrors42
Heating79
– mirrors42
– seats39
– steering wheel43
Heating, rear window81,84
Heating and ventilation79
Heating during a stop83
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo99
Height, refer to
Dimensions147
Height adjustment
– steering wheel43High beams76
– indicator lamp134
– replacing bulbs125
High-pressure
washer120,121
High water, refer to Driving
through water98
Hills98
Holders for cups89
Hood114
Hot exhaust system97
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control65
Hydroplaning97
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning56
Identification marks
– tire coding110
Ignition47
– switched off47
– switched on47
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness47
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on47
Ignition lock47
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,134
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM69
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Individual air distribution80
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure, tires106
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM68

Everything from A to Z
158 Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher51
– refer to Wiper system52
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints37
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments89
New tires112
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data146
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for On-Board Diagnosis119
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications104
Odometer56
Oil, refer to Engine oil115
Oil consumption115
Oil level115
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal128
Onboard tool kit124
Opening and closing
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control19
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation81,84
Output, refer to Engine
data146Outside temperature
display56
– changing unit of measure60
– on computer60
Outside temperature
warning56
Overriding selector lever
lock51
P
Paintwork care121
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control64
Park Distance Control PDC64
Parking
– vehicle48
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC64
Parking brake49
– indicator lamp49
– manual activation49
Parking lamps/low beams74
– replacing bulbs125
Parts and accessories, refer to
The individual vehicle5
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function42
Pathway lighting74
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric29
– windows28
Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Polish123
Pollen, refer to Microfilter81
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter84
Power windows27
Power windows, refer to
Windows27
Pressure, tires106
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor66
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM68Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric29
– windows28
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First add pouch130
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor66R
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness47
Radio readiness47
– switched off47
– switched on47
Rain sensor53
Reading lamps78
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps126
Rear-mounted luggage
rack101
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints38
– folding down backrests91
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors41
Rear window defroster81,84
Recirculated-air mode80,83
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,83
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps126
Refueling104
Releasing
– hood114
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range58

Everything from A to Z
160 Speed
– for winter tires113
Speed display, refer to
Speedometer12
Speedometer12
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic50
Spray nozzles, refer to
Windshield washer
nozzles53
Stability control,
refer to Driving stability
control systems64
Start/stop button47
– starting the engine48
– switching off the engine48
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine48
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting131
Starting the engine
– start/stop button47
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steam jet120,121
Steering wheel43
– adjustment43
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– heating43
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering70
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic49
Storage123
Storage compartment
package89
Storage compartments89
Storing
– seat position, refer to Seat
and mirror memory39
– telephone numbers, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Storing tires113
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments89Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires106
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine48
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button47
Switching the cooling function
on and off84
Symbols4
T
Tachometer56
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps126
– replacing bulb127
Tail lamps126
– replacing bulb127
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities150
Technical changes5
Technical data146
Telephone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest88
Telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Temperature, setting for
automatic climate
control81,82
Temperature display
– outside temperature56
– outside temperature
warning56
– setting the units60
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control54
Thigh support36
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp127
Three-point safety belt41
Through-loading system91
Tilt alarm sensor25
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror42
Tire inflation pressure106
– loss67Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor66
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
– resetting the system68
– system limitations68
– warning lamp69
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor67
Tire Quality Grading110
Tires
– age110,112
– air loss69
– breaking in96
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels127
– condition111
– damage111
– inflation pressure106
– labels110
– minimum tread depth111
– new tires112
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor66
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
– puncture67
– retreaded112
– Run-Flat Tires112
– size110
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth111
– winter tires113
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit124
Torque, refer to Engine
data146
Tow bar133
Tow fitting132
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away132
Towing132
– car with automatic
transmission132
– methods133
Towing and tow-starting132
Tow rope133
Tow-starting132

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
161
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor68
Traction control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission49
Transporting children
safely44
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo100
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread111
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer56
Triple turn signal activation52
Trip odometer56
Trunk, refer to Cargo bay
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid23
Turn, indicating
– triple turn signal52
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions147
Turn signals51
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs126
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading100
U
Underbody protection, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR110
Units of measure
– average fuel
consumption60
– temperature60
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control85
Universal remote control85
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking19Unlocking
– from inside23
– from outside19
– luggage compartment lid27
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access26
Unlocking without a key, refer
to Convenient access26
V
Vehicle
– battery128
– breaking in96
– cargo loading99
– decommissioning, refer to
Vehicle storage
– dimensions147
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment115
– parking48
– weight149
Vehicle jack128
Vehicle storage123
Ventilation81,84
– draft-free81,84
Vents, refer to Air vents79
Vents, refer to
Ventilation81,84
Volume
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities150
W
Warm
– steering wheel43
Warning and indicator
lamps13,134
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control62
Warning triangle131
Washer fluid53
– content of the reservoir53
Washer fluid filler neck53
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray90
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water98
Water penetration120,121Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth111
Weights149
Welcome lamps74
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions147
Wheels, new112
Wheels and tires106
Width, refer to
Dimensions147
Windows27
– convenient operation20
– convenient operation with
convenient access26
– opening, closing27
– pinch protection system28
Windows, defrosting and
removing
condensation81,84
Windshield
– cleaning53
– defrosting and removing
condensation81,84
Windshield wash
– filling capacity, reservoir150
Windshield washer reservoir,
refer to Washer fluid filler
neck53
Windshield washer system52
– washer fluid53
– washer nozzles53
Windshield wiper blades,
changing124
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system52
Winter tires113
– storage113
Wiper blade replacement124
Wiper system52
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit124
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb124