warning BMW 128I 2012 E88 Owner's Guide

Technology for driving comfort and safety
92 detected and that the front passenger air-
bags are deactivated.<
>The indicator lamp does n o t c o m e o n w h e n ,
for example, a person of sufficient size and
in a correct sitting position is detected on
the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not light up if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, refer to page57, the
warning lamp lights up briefly to indicate that
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners
are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up at radio
readiness or beyond.
>Warning lamp remains permanently on.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a sufficiently severe acci-
dent occurs.<
Convertible: rollover
protection system
The rollover protection system is activated
automatically in the event of an accident, a crit-
ical driving situation, an extreme tilt in the car's
longitudinal axis or upon loss of ground contact. The protection bars behind the rear head
restraints deploy within fractions of a second.
As a supplementary system to the reinforced
windshield frame, the rollover protection sys-
tem ensures that the necessary headroom is
maintained for all vehicle occupants.
Always keep the area of movement of the
rollover protection system clear.
In minor accidents, you are protected by the
fastened safety belt and, depending on acci-
dent severity, by the safety belt tensioner and
multi-phase airbag retention system.<
Resetting
If the rollover protection system was not
impacted after being automatically activated, it
can be reset by lowering the protection bars to
their original positions. This does not require
tools.
1.Push the locking lever to one side and hold
it there.
2.Push the protection bar halfway down from
above.
3.Release the locking lever.
4.Push the protection bar down until it snaps
into place.

Lamps
96
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
The Adaptive Light Control is mal-
functioning or failed. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
High beams/roadside parking
lamps*
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
*
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
There is an additional option of switching on the
lamps on the side of the car facing the road
when parked.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or
down beyond the pressure point for approx.
1 second, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for
unduly long periods of time; otherwise, the bat-
tery might not have enough power to start the
engine.<
Switching off
Press the lever in the opposite direction to the
pressure point, arrow 3.
High-beam Assistant*
The concept
This system automatically switches the high
beams on and off. The procedure is controlled
by a sensor on the front of the interior rearview
mirror. The assistant ensures that the high
beams are switched on whenever the traffic sit-
uation allows. It handles this task for you and
gives you the benefit of the best possible view.
You can intervene at any time and switch the
high beams on and off as usual.
Activating the system
1.Turn the light switch to position3, refer to
page94.
2.With the low beams switched on, briefly
push the turn signal/high beam lever in the
direction of the high beam.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high beams
are activated. The system automati-
cally switches from high beams to low beams
and vice versa in response to oncoming traffic,
traffic ahead of you, and adequate ambient
lighting, e.g. on city streets.
Switching the high beams on and off
manually
Whenever you wish, or when the situation
requires, you can intervene:
>If the High-beam Assistant switches on the
high beams, but you would like to drive with
the low beams, simply switch off the high
beams using the turn signal/high beam
lever. This deactivates the High-beam
Assistant.
To reactivate the system, briefly push the
turn signal/high beam lever toward the high
beams again.
>If the High-beam Assistant switches on the
low beams, but you would like to drive with
the high beams, switch on the high beams
as usual. This deactivates the system and
the high beams need to be switched off
manually, if necessary.

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
145Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Treble, bass, balance, fader
>"Treble": height adjustment.
>"Bass": depth adjustment.
>"Balance": left/right volume distribution
>"Fader": front/rear volume distribution
Adjustments
1."CD/Multimedia", "Radio" or "Settings".
2."Tone"
3.Select the desired tone setting.
4.To adjust: turn the controller.
5.To store: press the controller.
Equalizer*
You can set individual sound frequency ranges.
1."CD/Multimedia", "Radio" or "Settings".
2."Tone"
3."Equalizer"4.Select the desired setting.
5.To adjust: turn the controller.
6.To store: press the controller.
Multi-channel playback, surround*
You can choose between stereo and multi-
channel playback, surround.
1."CD/Multimedia", "Radio" or "Settings".
2."Tone"
3."Surround"
When surround is activated, multi-channel
playback is simulated when playing an audio
track in stereo.
Volume
>"Speed volume": volume is adapted
depending on the speed
>"PDC
"*: volume of the PDC acoustic signal
relative to the entertainment sound output
>"Gong": volume of the acoustic signal, e.g.
for the acoustic seat belt warning relative to
the entertainment sound output
>"Microphone": volume of the microphone
during a phone conversation.
>"Loudspeak.": volume of the speaker dur-
ing a phone conversation

Mobility
219Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately; otherwise, the excess oil may
lead to engine damage.<
>"Measurement inactive. Have this
checked.":
Do not add engine oil. Before continuing to
drive, note the recalculated remaining mile-
age until the next oil change service, refer to
Service requirements on page74. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Do not add 1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil until a
corresponding message is shown on the Con-
trol Display.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km;
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged.<
If the engine oil is too high, have the vehi-
cle checked immediately; failure to do so
may result in engine damage.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the relevant
warnings on the containers. Otherwise, health
hazards may result.<
Oil grades to add
Do not use oil additives as this could
result in engine damage.<
When selecting an engine oil, make sure
to use one from the SAE viscosity classes
0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 or 5W-30; failure to do
so may result in malfunctions or engine dam-
age.<
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.Some oil grades may not be available in all
countries.
Approved oil grades
Additional information about approved oil
grades is available at your BMW center.
Alternative oil types
If approved oils are not available, you can add
quantities of up to 1 US quart/1 liter of another
oil with the following specifications:
Oil change
Oil changes should only be performed by a
BMW center.
Coolant
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center for
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. Because
additives are harmful to your health, it is impor-
tant to follow the instructions on the contain-
ers.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Coolant temperature
If the coolant and therefore the engine over-
heats, a warning lamp lights up. A message
appears on the Control Display.
Gasoline engine
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30
BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Gasoline engine
API SM or higher

Maintenance
222
Socket for Onboard
Diagnosis OBD
On the driver's side is an OBD socket for check-
ing components relevant to the composition of
the vehicle's emissions.
Emissions
The warning lamp lights up:
The vehicle is producing higher emis-
sions. The trip can be continued. Have
the car checked as soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning
lamp.
The lamp flashes under certain condi-
tions. This indicates excessive misfiring in the
engine. If this happens, you should reduce your
speed and visit your nearest BMW center as
soon as possible. Severe engine misfiring can
quickly lead to serious damage of emissions-
related components, especially the catalytic
converter.
The warning lamp comes on if the fuel
cap is not properly tightened and the
OBD system assumes that fuel vapor
is escaping. Make sure that the fuel cap is cor-
rectly positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks.
Data memory
Your vehicle records data about the operation,
faults, and user settings. These data are stored
in the vehicle and in extract form, in the remote
control, and can be read out using suitable
devices at your BMW center. The data that are
read out are used to support service proce-
dures and repairs or to optimize and expand
vehicle functions. If you have a BMW Assist
contract, certain vehicle data can also be trans-
mitted directly from the vehicle in order to
enable the desired services.

Mobility
223Reference
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
page243.
>If necessary, fold in the outside rearview
mirrors, refer to page51.
>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.
>Leave the remote control in the ignition
lock.
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.

Mobility
235Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
can obtain support there in the event of a break-
down.
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents reg-
ularly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand
side of the cargo area in a storage area.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in a holder in the
trunk lid. Press the tabs to take it out.
Jump-starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your BMW's
engine can be started by connecting two
jumper cables to another vehicle's battery. You
can also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with
fully-insulated clamp handles.Do not touch any electrically live parts
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or
both vehicles, and to guard against possible
personal injuries.<
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles; otherwise,
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order to prevent sparking at the battery,
which could cause injury.<
Your BMW has a jump-starting connection in
the engine compartment which acts as the bat-
tery's positive terminal, refer also to the Engine
compartment overview on page217. The cap is
marked with +.
1.Pull the cap of the BMW jump-starting con-
nection up to remove.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehi-
cle providing assistance.

Giving and receiving assistance
238
With a tow truck
Manual transmission and automatic transmis-
sion:
Sport automatic transmission with
double clutch:
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar, or on a flatbed.
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
page235. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-started when the engine is
cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission or
Sport automatic transmission with double
clutch cannot be tow-started at all.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page57.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately 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.

Everything from A to Z
254
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System83
Acceleration assistant, refer to
Launch Control66
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to
Emergency Request234
Activated-charcoal filter102
Active steering89
Adaptive Light Control95
Additives
– coolant219
– engine oil219
Address, entering125,131
Address for navigation
– entering125
Adjusting temperature100
Airbags90
– sitting safely45
– warning lamp92
Air conditioner99
Air distribution
– automatic100
Airing, refer to Ventilation102
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents99
Air pressure, checking, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure208
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated air mode101
Air vents99
Air volume101
AKI, refer to Fuel grade207
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off an alarm34
– tilt alarm sensor35Albums of music
collection163
ALL program101
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires215
AM, waveband147
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated air mode101
Antifreeze
– coolant219
– washer fluid68
Antilock Brake System
ABS83
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system34
Anti-theft system29
Appointments, refer to
Calendar193
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights245
Approved engine oils219
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights245
Apps202
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest108
Arrival time
– computer72
Ashtray109
Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC83
AUC Automatic recirculated
air control101
Audible instructions, refer to
Voice instructions136
Audio144
– controls144
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144Automatic
– air distribution100
– air volume100
– cruise control68
– headlamp control94
Automatic car washes223
Automatic climate control99
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam Assistant96
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps94
Automatic recirculated air
control AUC101
Automatic Service
Request202
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic59
– selector lever lock60
– shiftlock60
– towing236
– tow-starting236
AUTO program for automatic
climate control100
AUX-IN port166
Available services202
Average fuel consumption72
– setting the units74
Average speed72
Avoid highways in
navigation134
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
Axle loads, refer to
Weights245
B
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment47
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints48

Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Backup lamp, replacing
bulb231
Bag for skis, refer to Ski
bag110
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch235
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away237
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter186
Bass, tone setting144
Battery232
– charging232
– disposal37,232
– jump-starting235
– replacing232
– temporary power failure232
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle37
Being towed237
Belts, refer to Safety belts50
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts50
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders108
Blower, refer to Air
volume101
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating177
Bluetooth audio169
– disconnecting an audio
connection171
– pairing a device169
– playback170
– unpairing device171
– What to do if...171
BMW
– car shampoo224
BMW Assist198
– updating202
BMW Maintenance
System221
BMW Online*200
BMW TeleServices199
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders108
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control83Brake fluid
– service requirements74
Brake Force Display90
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display90
– replacing bulb231
Brake pads, breaking in116
Brake pedal, refer to Braking
safely118
Brake rotors118
– brakes116
– breaking in116
Brakes
– ABS83
– BMW Maintenance
System221
– braking safely118
– breaking in116
– parking brake59
– service requirements74
Brake system116
– BMW Maintenance
System221
– breaking in116
– disc brakes118
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance234
Breaking in the clutch116
Break-in period116
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs227
Button for starting the
engine57
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
Calendar193
– displaying appointment193
– selecting calendar day193
California Proposition 65
warning6
Call
– accepting181
– ending181
– muting the microphone182
– rejecting181Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing181
Calling, refer to Telephone
owner's manual
Calls
– with multiple parties181
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders108
Capacities246
Capacity of the cargo area245
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery232
Car care, refer to Care223
Care223
– automatic car washes223
– care products223
– carpets226
– CD/DVD drives226
– chrome parts225
– convertible top224
– displays226
– exterior223
– fine wood parts226
– headlamps224
– high-pressure washer224
– interior225
– leather225
– light-alloy wheels225
– paintwork225
– plastic parts226
– rubber seals225
– safety belts226
– sensors and cameras226
– upholstery and cloth
trim225
– washing the car
manually224
– windows224
Cargo, securing120
Cargo area
– capacity245
– Comfort Access36
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system109
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps98
– lid, refer to Trunk lid
33
– opening from outside33