power steering BMW 128I 2012 E88 Owner's Manual

Driving
62 3.Using the screwdriver from the onboard
vehicle tool kit, refer to page227, press the
red lever, see arrow, while moving the
selector lever to the desired position.
7-gear Sport automatic
transmission with double
clutch*
The concept
The 7-gear Sport automatic transmission with
double clutch is an automated manual trans-
mission with two clutches and secondary gear
sets in which the clutching and shifting is han-
dled by an electrohydraulic system.
With the 7-gear Sport automatic transmission
with double clutch, the gears are shifted without
an interruption in driving power.
You operate the 7-gear Sport automatic trans-
mission with double clutch using the selector
lever and two shift paddles on the steering
wheel.
It offers you the following functions:
>Either manual or automatic mode: sequen-
tial mode or drive mode
>Automatic downshifting and protection
against incorrect gear selection, even in
sequential mode
>Acceleration assistant, Launch Control,
refer to page66
>Automatic intermediate throttle application
System limitations
The 7-gear Sport automatic transmission with
double clutch has an overheating protection
that protects the clutch from extreme loads.
The indicator lamp lights up in yellow if
the transmission becomes too warm.
Avoid high engine loads and frequent
accelerations from zero. If the transmission is
overheated, the indicator lamp lights up in red
and the power flow to the motor is interrupted. It
is only possible to continue driving once the
transmission has cooled down.
Avoid frequent powerful accelerations from
zero and do not hold the vehicle on inclines by
pressing lightly on the accelerator while letting
the clutch slip, as this may cause the transmis-
sion to overheat.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
The selector lever position and the engaged
gear are displayed, e.g. M4.
Engaging selector lever positions
>The selector lever can be moved out of
position P only with the engine running:
interlock.
>Before moving the lever away from P or N
with the vehicle stationary, first depress the
brake; otherwise, the desired shift will not
be executed: shiftlock.

Driving
68
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are heated
automatically
* while the engine is running or
the ignition is switched on.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid is flammable. Therefore,
keep it away from ignition sources and
only store it in the closed original container that
is kept out of reach of children; otherwise, there
is a risk of personal injury. Comply with the
instructions on the container.<
Washer fluid filler neck
Only refill washer fluid when the engine is
cool to avoid contact with hot engine
parts. Otherwise, fluid spills constitute a fire
hazard and a risk to personal safety.<
All washer nozzles are supplied with washer
fluid by the same reservoir.
Fill with water and, if required, with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Mix the water and antifreeze before filling
the washer fluid reservoir to make sure
the correct concentration is maintained.<
Capacity
Approx. 6.3 US quarts/6 liters.
Cruise control*
The concept
You can use the cruise control feature begin-
ning at approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. The car then
stores and maintains the speed that you specify
using the lever on the steering column.
Do not use cruise control when driving at
constant speed is prevented by adverse
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or
poor road conditions due to, e.g. snow, rain, ice
or loose surfaces. Otherwise, you could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident as a
result.<
One lever for all functions
1Storing and maintaining speed or accelerat-
ing
2Storing and maintaining speed or deceler-
ating
3Deactivating cruise control
4Resuming a previously stored speed
Maintaining current speed
Briefly press 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 grades vehicle speed may drop if the
engine output is insufficient.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
90
Servotronic*
The concept
The Servotronic varies the steering force
required to turn the wheels relative to the vehi-
cle speed.
At low speeds, the steering force is strongly
assisted, i.e. less force is needed for steering.
As the vehicle speed increases, the steering
assisting power is reduced.
This system functions automatically.
Malfunctions
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Servotronic is malfunctioning or has
failed. Steering response will be different. You
can continue your journey, but moderate your
speed and exercise due caution. Have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible.
Brake Force Display*
On the left: normal braking.
On the right: sharp braking.
When the rear fog lamps
* are switched on, the
Brake Force Display is not active and the illumi-
nated area for normal braking is reduced by
approximately half.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags
2Coupe: head airbags
3Side airbags in the seat backrests
4Convertible: knee airbags
Protective action
Observe the adjustment instructions on
page45 to ensure the best possible per-
sonal protection.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags have been designed to not be trig-
gered in every collision situation, e.g. not in
minor accidents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the front
passenger side clear, i.e., do not cover with

Controls
95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
3."Welcome light"
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the headlamp flasher after
switching off the ignition with the lamps
switched off, the low beams come on and
remain on for a certain time.
Setting duration
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Pathway light.:"
4.Set the duration.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Daytime running lights
The daytime running lights light up in switch
position 0, 1 and3. They are less powerful than
the low beams.
Activating/deactivating daytime
running lights
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Daytime running lamps"
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Adaptive Light Control*
The concept
Adaptive Light Control is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves such as on switchbacks or when
turning, at speeds up to approx. 40 mph/
70 km/h, an additional, cornering light is
switched on that lights up the area inside the
curve.
Activating Adaptive Light Control
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch to position 3, refer to page94.
The corner-illuminating lamp is switched on
automatically, depending on the steering wheel
angle or turn signal indicator.
Standstill function
*: to avoid blinding oncoming
traffic, the Adaptive Light Control directs light
toward the front passenger side when the vehi-
cle is at a standstill.
When you are reversing, only the corner-illumi-
nating lamps are switched on and active on
both sides.

Controls
107Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Calibrating the digital compass
The digital compass must be calibrated in the
following situations:
>An incorrect compass direction is shown.
>The compass direction shown does not
change although the direction of travel
does.
>Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1.Make sure that no large metal objects or
overhead power lines are in the vicinity of
your vehicle and that you have enough
space to drive in a circle.
2.Set the currently valid compass zone.
3.Convertible: ensure that the convertible top
is fully closed.
4.Press the adjustment button for approx.
6-7 seconds to call up C. Then drive in at
least one full circle at a speed of no more
than 4 mph/7 km/h.
If calibration is successful, the display
changes from C to a compass direction.
5.Convertible: open the convertible top fully
and repeat step 4.
Setting right-hand/left-hand steering
Your digital compass is factory-set to right-
hand or left-hand steering, in accordance with
your vehicle.
Set the language
You can set the language of the display:
Press the adjustment button for approx.
12-13 seconds. Briefly press the adjustment
button again to switch between English, "E",
and German, "O".
The setting is automatically saved after approx.
10 seconds.
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle.
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven,
close the glove compartment immediately after
use.<
Closing
Fold the cover up.
Locking
To lock the glove compartment, use the inte-
grated key of the remote control, refer to
page28.
USB interface for data transmission
Port for importing and exporting data on USB
devices, e.g. music collections, refer to
page165.
Observe the following when connecting:
>Do not forcibly connect the plug to the USB
interface.
>Do not connect devices such as fans or
lamps to the USB interface.

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

Replacing components
232
Jack mounting points
The jacking points are at the positions shown in
the illustration.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Battery replacing
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or functions may not be fully
available.<
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your service center
to ensure that all comfort functions are fully
available.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump-starting
on page235.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or bring them to a recycling
center. Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Always secure the battery against tipping over during trans-
port.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise
have been lost and will have to be programmed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, refer to
page76.
>Radio
In some cases, stations may have to be
stored again, refer to page147.
>Navigation system
Wait for the system to start, refer to
page141.
>Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be
tilted. The system must be initialized.
Please contact your BMW center.
>Seat and mirror memory
*
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page50.
>Inside rearview mirror with digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to
page107.
>Active steering
The system automatically initializes itself
briefly during a trip. The system is deacti-
vated during this time, refer to page89.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating; oth-
erwise, this could lead to a circuit overload, ulti-
mately resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<

Mobility
237Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page57; otherwise, the low-beam
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. There is
no power assist while the engine is off. Thus,
braking and steering will require increased
effort. Active steering 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 selector lever position, refer to
page60.
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.<
Sport automatic transmission with
double clutch
Make sure that the parking lock P is not
engaged; otherwise, the rear wheels are
immobilized.
When using the car wash function, refer to
page224, make sure that after approx.
30 minutes, the parking lock P is automatically
engaged and thus immobilizes the rear wheels.
In the event of an electrical malfunction or if the
vehicle must be towed for more than approx.
20 minutes, unlock the parking lock manually,
refer to page65. speed of 30 mph or 50 km/h and a maxi-
mum distance traveled of 30 miles/50 km; oth-
erwise, the transmission may be damaged.<
BMW recommends transporting the vehicle on
a tow truck with a flatbed or towing with the rear
axle raised.
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.<

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
262 Navigation system124
– address book127
– bypassing a route
section135
– continuing destination
guidance134
– destination entry125
– dynamic destination
guidance140
– entering a destination by
voice131
– entering a destination
manually125
– frequently asked
questions141
– gas station
recommendations136
– planning a trip132
– route list135
– selecting destination via
map130
– selecting route criteria134
– special destinations128
– starting destination
guidance134
– terminating destination
guidance134
– traffic bulletins138
– voice instructions136
– volume adjustment136
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints48
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments108
Neutral63
New tires214
Next Service indicator, refer to
Condition Based Service
CBS221
North-facing map136
Notes194
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data242
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for Onboard Diagnosis222
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications207
Odometer70
Office188
– current office188
– What to do if…195
Oil, refer to Engine oil217
Oil consumption217
Oil level217
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal232
Onboard vehicle tool kit227
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access35
– from inside32
– from outside29
– using the door lock32
– using the remote control29
Options, selecting for
navigation134
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation102
Output, refer to Engine
data242
Outside temperature
display70
– changing unit of measure74
– in computer74
Outside temperature
warning70
Overriding selector lever
lock61
Overview
– radio control144
P
Paintwork care225
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control82
Park Distance Control PDC82Parked car ventilation102
– preselecting switch-on
times103
– switching on and off
directly102
Parking
– vehicle58
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC82
Parking brake59
– indicator lamp59
Parking lamps/low beams94
– replacing bulbs228
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle5
Passenger side mirror tilt
function52
Pathway lighting95
Personal information, refer to
Office188
Personal Profile28
Phone numbers
– dialing181
Phone reception level, refer to
Status information19
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric39
– windows38
Playing music162
Polish225
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter102
Power windows37
Power windows, refer to
Windows37
Pressure, tires208
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor84
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM86
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Programmable memory
keys21
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric39
– windows38