ABS BMW 128I 2012 E88 Owner's Manual

Opening and closing
42 >If the right-hand LED lights up red when the
button is pressed, the cargo area partition is
raised, the trunk lid is not closed or there is a
malfunction. The convertible top cannot be
moved.
Interruption
The automatic sequence of movements is
interrupted if the button for the convertible top
operation is released. The sequence can be
continued in the desired direction by pushing or
pulling the buttons.
If the opening or closing procedure is inter-
rupted for an extended period, the convertible
top remains in the raised position for approx.
10 minutes and then slowly moves to a stable
position.
A convertible top which is not completely
open or closed is hazardous.<
If the convertible top is not fully opened or
closed, the trunk lid cannot be opened
and the windows cannot be moved.<
Convenient opening and closing with
remote control or via door lock
Refer to pages30 and32.
Closing manually
Only close the convertible top manually if
it is absolutely necessary. Never open it
manually. The convertible top box cover cannot
be locked if there is an electrical defect and
would then open while the vehicle is in motion.
Incorrect handling can result in damage.<
Closing the convertible top manually should be
performed by two people. The rear seats must
not be occupied.
Before closing
1.Open the trunk lid.
2.Take the screwdriver out of the onboard
vehicle tool kit, refer to page227.
3.If the convertible top is locked, release the
two button in the cargo area, arrows1,
using the screwdriver and pull forcefully all
the way out. The convertible top box cover
is unlocked.
4.Close the trunk lid. After manually releasing
the convertible top box cover, it is no longer
possible to open the trunk lid.
Closing
1.Slide the protective cap, arrow2, forward.
2.Slowly and smoothly open the convertible
top box cover all the way, arrow3.
3.The locking pins must have engaged com-
pletely. If they are still visible: close the con-
vertible top box cover as far as necessary
until the locking bolts engage audibly, then
slowly open the cover. During this process,
do not close the convertible top box cover
completely.

Controls
83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
signal. Therefore, always drive cautiously; oth-
erwise, there is a risk of personal injury or prop-
erty damage.<
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 page118.
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
s a f e t y m a r g i n a g a i n b y t a k i n g r i s k s , a s t h i s c o u l d
result in an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds until the
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up and DSC
OFF is displayed in the instrument panel.
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 lamp in the
instrument panel goes out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: the DSC
controls the driving and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp lights up: DSC and
DTC have failed.
The indicator lamp lights up and
DSC OFF is displayed in the instrument
panel: DSC is deactivated.

Driving tips
117Reference
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
Use first gear only for driving 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.
On a downhill slope, take your foot off the accel-
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.
4seconds.
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 page221.
General driving notes
Close the trunk lid
Only drive with the trunk closed. Failure to
do so may endanger passengers or other
road users or may damage the vehicle in the
event of an accident or a braking and evasive
maneuver. In addition, exhaust gas may flow
into the passenger compartment.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the trunk open:
1.Close all windows and the glass roof.
2.Greatly increase the air volume of the auto-
matic climate control system, refer to
page101.
3.Drive cautiously.
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

Things to remember when driving
118 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 page213.
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 page84.
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.
Objects in the movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an exist-
ing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the floor mats are securely fas-
tened again after they have been removed, e.g.
for cleaning.<
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 page61.
Sport automatic transmission with double
clutch never drive with the transmission in
neutral or with the engine switched off; other-
wise, there will be no engine braking action and
no power assistance to the brakes and steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral or with the engine switched off; otherwise,
there will be no engine braking action and no
power assistance to the brakes and 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

Wheels and tires
214
Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-flat tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can
continue to be used subject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire on page85.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may
be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often
wide variations in tire age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount run-flat tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you.BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions, which could
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot guarantee their driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS, DSC or
FTM.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise,
the Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to
detect a puncture, refer to page87. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.

Mobility
233Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
In the glove compartment
Accessing the fuse box:
1.Open the glove compartment.
2.Remove the damper, arrow1, from the
lower holder by applying forward pressure.
3.Disengage the glove compartment by
pressing on both tabs, arrows 2, and fold it
down.
Plastic tweezers are located on the distributor
box.
Information on fuse assignment can be found
next to the distributor box.
Spare fuses are available from your BMW cen-
ter.
After replacing a fuse, press the glove compart-
ment upward until it engages and reattach the
damper.

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.

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

Everything from A to Z
264
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment51
Safety belts50
– damage51
– indicator lamp51
– reminder51
– sitting safely45
Safety systems
– airbags90
– Antilock Brake System
ABS83
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC83
– rollover protection system,
Convertible92
– safety belts50
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires214
Satellite radio150
– enabling or unsubscribing
from a channel150
– favorites152
– selecting channel151
– storing channel151
– timeshift152
– Traffic Jump153
Saving fuel116
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting236
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio150
Seat and mirror memory50
Seat belt reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder51
Seats46
– heating50
– sitting safely45
Securing cargo111,112
Selecting new scale for
navigation137
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic60
Selector lever positions62Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance234
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance234
Service data in remote
control221
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS221
Service Request201
Service requirements74
Service status202
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h format77
– date format78
– DVD158
– language81
Settings for the map view137
Setting times, refer to
Preselecting switch-on
times103
Shifting64
– 7-gear Sport automatic
transmission with double
clutch63
Shifting gears with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic61
Shift into a drive position, refer
to selector lever
positions62
Shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever positions60
Shift paddles on the steering
wheel64
Short commands for the voice
activation system247
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route134
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer156
– CD player156
Side airbags90
Side windows, refer to
Windows37
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely45
– airbags45
– safety belts45Ski bag110
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Glass roof, electric39
Slot for remote control57
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray109
Snap-in adapter176
– inserting/removing186
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest108
Snow chains215
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances109
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD222
Software update172
Sound, adjusting during audio
playback, refer to Tone
control144
Sound output for
entertainment on/off144
Spare fuses232
Special destinations128
Special destinations,
displaying129
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils219
Specified engine oils, refer to
Approved engine oils219
Speed
– for winter tires215
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit80
Speedo, refer to
Speedometer12
Speedometer12
Speed Volume145
Split screen content, refer to
Selecting the display for the
split screen content20
Sport automatic transmission
with double clutch62
– driving dynamics control64
– kickdown63
– Launch Control66
– manually unlocking parking
lock65
– neutral63
– reverse gear63