brake light BMW 128I 2010 E81 Owner's Manual

At a glance
13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in a
variety of combinations and colors.
Several of the lamps are checked for proper
functioning and light up temporarily when the
engine is started or the ignition is switched on.
Text messages
Text messages at the upper edge of the Control
Display explain the meaning of the displayed
indicator and warning lamps.
Supplementary text messages
You can call up more information on the Control
Display, e.g. on the cause of a malfunction and
on how to respond, via Check Control, refer to
page71.In urgent cases, this information will be shown
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps notify you that
certain functions are active:
High beams/headlamp flasher88
Fog lamps
*89
Lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC is regulating the propul-
sive forces in order to maintain driving
stability77
Canada: parking brake applied57
Parking brake applied57
Canada: engine malfunction with
adverse effect on emissions204
Engine malfunction with adverse
effect on emissions204

Opening and closing
34 consumers are switched off before locking the
vehicle.<
Coupe: Convenient closing
For Convenient closing, keep your finger on the
surface, arrow 2.
Convertible: window and convertible
top operation
With the ignition at radio readiness or beyond,
you can open and close the windows and the
convertible top when a remote control is
located inside the vehicle.
Unlocking the trunk lid separately
Press the button on the outside of the trunk lid.
This corresponds to pressing the button.
If the vehicle detects that a remote con-
trol has been accidentally left inside the
locked vehicle after the trunk lid is closed, the
lid will reopen. The hazard warning flashers
flash and a signal
* sounds.<
Switching on radio readiness
Radio readiness is switched on by pressing the
start/stop button, refer to page55.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch;
otherwise, the engine will start immedi-
ately.<
Starting the engine
You can start the engine or switch on the igni-
tion when a remote control is inside the vehicle.
It is not necessary to insert a remote control into
the ignition lock, refer to page55.
Switching off the engine in cars with
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the
selector lever is in position P, refer to page56.
To switch the engine off when the selector lever
is in position N, the remote control must be in
the ignition lock.
Malfunctions
Comfort Access may malfunction due to local
radio waves. If this happens, open and close the
vehicle via the buttons on the remote control or
using the integrated key. To start the engine
afterward, insert the remote control into the
ignition lock.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when you attempt to
start the engine: the engine cannot
be started. The remote control is not inside the
vehicle or is malfunctioning. Take the remote
control with you inside the vehicle or have it
checked. If necessary, insert another remote
control into the ignition lock.
The warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up while the engine is
running: the remote control is no
longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is
switched off, the engine can only be restarted
within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on and a message
appears on the Control Display:
replace the battery in the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for Comfort Access con-
tains a battery that will need to be replaced from
time to time.
1.Take the integrated key out of the remote
control, refer to page26.
2.Remove the cover.
3.Insert the new battery with the plus side fac-
ing up.

Controls
57Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp is lit, and when you
drive off a signal sounds in addition.
The parking brake is still applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do
not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the parking brake
lever.
Otherwise, excessive force on the parking
brake can lock up the rear wheels and cause the
rear of the car to swerve.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the parking
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the park-
ing brake is applied.<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear.<
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to
page58.
Vehicle parking
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and apply the
parking brake before leaving the vehicle with
the engine running.<
Disengaging the remote control
In order to remove the remote control from the
ignition lock, you must first move the selector
lever to position P and switch off the engine:
interlock. Removing the remote control from
the ignition lock, refer to page55.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –

Driving
62
One lever for all functions
1Storing and maintaining speed or accelerat-
ing
2Storing and maintaining speed or deceler-
ating
3Deactivating cruise control
4Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Maintaining current speed
Tap the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly, arrow 2.
The car's current speed is stored and main-
tained. It is briefly displayed in the instrument
cluster.
If the engine braking power is insufficient on a
downhill slope, the set speed may be exceeded.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to
maintain the set speed if engine power output is
insufficient.
Increasing speed
Repeatedly press the lever, arrow 1, until the
desired speed is reached.
Each time the lever is pressed lightly, the speed
is increased by approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.
Accelerating using the lever
Press the lever, arrow 1, until the desired speed
is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever, arrow2, until the
desired speed is reached.
The functions are the same as when the set speed is increased or the vehicle is accelerated,
except that in this case the speed decreases.
Deactivating cruise control
Tap the lever upwards or downwards, arrow3.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When you depress the clutch of a manual
transmission or shift to neutral
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When the vehicle travels faster or slower
than the set speed for an extended period,
e.g. when the accelerator is depressed
>When you activate DTC or deactivate DSC
>When DSC is intervening
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press the button, arrow4.
The last stored speed is resumed and main-
tained.
The stored speed is briefly displayed in the
instrument cluster.
The stored speed is cleared when the ignition is
switched off.
Display in the instrument cluster
When the speed at which the vehicle is traveling
is stored or when a stored speed is called up,
the speed is briefly displayed in the instrument
cluster.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
76
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page110.
Electronic brake-force distribution
EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting
at an angle past the front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taking risks, as this could
result in an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamps for DSC in the instrument cluster
light up. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
DSC have been simultaneously deactivated.
Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions
are no longer executed.
In the same way as with a differential interlock
*,
even if DSC is deactivated, brake actions are
still performed on the rear axle to enhance drive
output if the drive wheels experience a signifi-
cant loss of traction.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps for
DSC in the instrument cluster go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is regulating the drive and braking
forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:

Driving tips
109Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance between you and the vehicle in front of
you. A defensive and smooth driving style
keeps fuel consumption down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second
and higher gears, accelerate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelerating, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
O n a d o w n h il l s lo p e , t a k e y o u r f o o t o f f t h e a c c el -
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings
or in traffic congestions. You achieve fuel sav-
ings even if standing time is as short as approx.
4 seconds.
Switch off functions you do not need at
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner, seat
heating or rear window defroster draw large
amounts of power and consume additional fuel.
Especially in city traffic and in stop-and-go driv-
ing they have a considerable impact. Therefore,
switch these functions off when they are not
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW
recommends having the vehicle serviced at a
BMW center. Also note the BMW service sys-
tem, refer to page203.
General driving notes
Close the trunk lid
Operate the vehicle only when the trunk
lid is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes
could enter the interior of the vehicle.<
If the vehicle must be driven with the trunk lid
open:
1.Close all windows and the glass roof.
2.Greatly increase the air volume of the auto-
matic climate control system, refer to
page93.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed in
its vicinity, and never apply undercoating to
them. When driving, standing at idle and while
parking, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes.
Otherwise, there is a risk of burns.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page195.

Things to remember when driving
110
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Otherwise, greater
clutch wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page77.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page58.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking action will not be present or there will be
no power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. This can ultimately
result in a sudden blowout.<
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or
leak from their containers in the cargo

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.<

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

Reference 233
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
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