USB BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE 2008 E88 Owner's Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Contents
The fastest way to find information on a partic-
ular topic or item is by using the index, refer to
page244.
Using this Owner's Manual
4Notes
6Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Cockpit
16iDrive
23Voice command system
Controls
28Opening and closing
45Adjustments
55Transporting children safely
58Driving
67Everything under control
81Technology for driving comfort and
safety
92Lamps
97Climate
103Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
114Things to remember when driving
Navigation
122Starting the navigation system
123Destination entry
136Destination guidance
146What to do if …
Entertainment
150On/off and settings
154Radio
160Satellite radio
163CD player and CD changer
169AUX-In port
170USB-audio interface
Communications
176Telephoning
191BMW Assist
Mobility
202Refueling
204Wheels and tires
212Under the hood
217Maintenance
219Care
223Replacing components
229Giving and receiving assistance
Reference
236Technical data
240Short commands for the voice command
system
244Everything from A - Z

At a glance
17Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Menu overview
Communication
>Telephone*
>BMW Assist* or BMW TeleServices*
Navigation
>Navigation system
>Onboard information, e.g. for displaying the
average fuel consumption
Entertainment
>Radio
>CD player and CD changer
*
>AUX-In port, USB-audio interface* for
external audio device
Climate
>Vent settings
>Automatic programs
>Parked car operation
menu
>Closing the screen
>Tone and display settings
>Traffic information settings
>Settings for your vehicle, e.g. for the central
locking system
>Display of service requirements and dates
for statutory inspections
>Settings for telephone
Operating principle
As of radio readiness, the following message
appears on the Control Display:
To hide the message:
Press the controller.
The start menu is displayed.
The message is automatically hidden after
approx. 10 seconds.
Start menu
All iDrive functions can be called up via five
menu items.
Opening start menu
Press the button.
To open the start menu from the menu:
Press the button twice.

Controls
107Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Center armrest
Storage compartment
The center armrest between the front seats
contains a credit card holder and, depending on
the equipment version, a compartment or a
snap-in adapter
*.
Opening
Press the button, see arrow.
Connection for external audio
device
You can connect an external audio device such
as a CD or MP3 player and play audio tracks
over the car's loudspeaker system:
>AUX-In port, refer to page169
>USB-audio interface, refer to page170
Storage compartments inside
the vehicle
Compartments are located next to the steering
column
*, on the doors and in the center con-
sole.
There are nets
* on the front-seat backrests.
Coupe: clothes hooks
There are clothes hooks in the rear.
Items of clothing hung from the hooks
must not obstruct the driver's view. Do
not hang heavy objects from the hooks, other-
wise they could endanger the car's occupants,
e.g. in case of heavy braking or sudden swerv-
ing.<
Cup holders
Use lightweight and shatterproof contain-
ers and do not transport hot beverages,
otherwise there is an increased risk of injury in
the event of the accident. Do not force contain-
ers that are too large into the cup holders, oth-
erwise damage could result.<
There is one cup holder in the center console.
You can mount an attachable cup holder
* on
the side of the center console.
Ashtray*
Opening
Push the ridge on the cover.

On/off and settings
150
On/off and settings
The following audio sources have shared con-
trols and setting options:
>Radio
>CD player
>CD changer
*
Controls
The audio sources can be operated using:
>Buttons near the CD player
>iDrive
>Buttons
on the steering wheel, refer to
page11
>Programmable memory keys, refer to
page21
Buttons on the CD player
1Sound output for entertainment on/off, vol-
ume
>Press: switch on/off.
When you switch on the unit, the last set
radio station or track is played.
>Turn: adjust volume.
2Drive for audio CDs
3 Eject CD.
4 Station scan/track search
>Change radio station.
>Select track for CD player and CD
changer.
5Drive for navigation DVD
Operation via iDrive
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller backwards to call up
"Entertainment".
You have the following choices:
>"FM" and "AM": radio reception
>"SAT": satellite radio
*
>"CD": CD player or changer*
>"AUX": AUX-In port, USB-audio interface*
>"Set": depending on the audio source,
other adjustments can be made, e.g. with
the radio: update station with strongest
reception, store station, tone control, sam-
ple stations.
From another menu, you can switch
directly to the screen last displayed, refer
to Convenient call-up of menu items on
page18.<
With the ignition at radio readiness or beyond,
the selected audio source is stored for the
remote control currently in use.
Switching on/off
To switch the entertainment audio output on or
off:
Press button1 on the CD player.
This symbol on the Control Display indi-
cates that sound output is switched off.

USB-audio interface
170
USB-audio interface
You can connect audio devices, e. g. an iPod or
a USB device (MP3 player, USB stick), to the
USB-audio interface. They can be operated via
iDrive.
Standard audio formats, e.g. MP3, WMA, WAV
(PCM) and AAC, and playlists in the M3U format
can be played.
Due the variety of audio devices on the market,
it cannot be guaranteed that every device will
be operable on the vehicle.
Ask your BMW center about what audio devices
are suitable.
Connecting
Lift up the center armrest.
1Connection for audio playback:
TRS connector 1/8 in/3.5 mm
2USB interface
Depending on your vehicle's equipment
version, it may contain a storage pouch
for your audio device. The pouch is located
under the center armrest.<
iPod
To connect the iPod use the BMW cable
adapter for Apple iPod. For more information,
contact your BMW center or go to the Internet:
www.bmw.com
To play audio tracks over the vehicle's loud-
speaker system, connect the iPod to ports 1
and 2.The iPod's menu structure is supported by the
USB-audio interface.
USB device
To connect the device, use the included
flexible adapter cable to protect the USB
interface and your USB device against physical
damage.<
To play audio tracks over the vehicle's loud-
speaker system, connect the USB device to
port2.
After the device is connected for the first time,
the information on all tracks (e. g. artist, type of
music) and the playlists are transferred from the
USB device to the vehicle. This procedure may
take some time. The duration depends on the
USB device and the number of tracks.
During transfer, you can select the tracks using
the directories and file names.
After transfer, you can call up the tracks using
the information and playlists.
Information from up to four USB devices or for
about 20,000 tracks can be stored on the vehi-
cle.
If a fifth USB device is connected and if more
than 20,000 tracks are to be stored, the infor-
mation on existing tracks may be lost.
Music tracks with integrated Digital
Rights Management (DRM) cannot be
played.<
Starting audio playback
Via iDrive
If the audio device has a device name, the name
is displayed.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller backwards to call up
"Entertainment".
*

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
171Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
3.If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the uppermost field. Turn the controller
until "AUX" is selected and press the con-
troller.
4.Select "USB" or the name of the audio
device and press the controller.
Playback begins with the first track.
Via programmable memory keys
You can store the "USB" function on the pro-
grammable memory keys to start audio play-
back, refer to page21.
Selecting a track
You can call up the tracks using the playlists
and information. With USB devices you can also
call up tracks using the file directory. The tracks
can be displayed if they have been stored in the
Latin alphabet.1.Make your selection, e.g. "Playlists" or "Art-
ists", and press the controller.
2.Select a track and press the controller.
Displaying information about the track
Any information about the current track that has
been recorded can be displayed, e.g. the name
of the artist.
1.Press the controller during playback.
2.Select "Details" and press the controller.
The information is shown for the current track.

USB-audio interface
172
Repeating tracks
1.Select the current track and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Repeat track" and press the con-
troller.
Stop repeating:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Repeat track" and press the con-
troller.
Random play sequence
You can play the tracks in the selected list in
random order, e. g. all tracks of a single artist.
1.Select the current track and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Random" and press the controller.
Stop random play:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Random" and press the controller.
Fast forward/reverse
Buttons on the steering wheel or CD player:
Press and hold the button for the
corresponding direction.
Notes
Do not expose the audio device to
extreme environmental conditions, e. g.
very high temperatures, refer to the operating
instructions of the audio device. Otherwise the audio device may become damaged, which
could compromise safety while driving.<
Depending on the configuration of the audio
files, e. g. bit rates greater than 256 KBit/s, the
files may not play back correctly in every case.
Notes on connecting
>The USB-audio interface acts as the power
supply to the connected audio devices, pro-
vided that this is supported by the audio
device. Therefore, do not connect the USB
audio device to the power socket in the
vehicle during operation.
>Do not forcibly connect the plug to the USB
interface.
>Do not connect devices such as fans or
lamps to the USB-audio interface.
>Do not connect USB hard disks.
>Do not use the USB-audio interface to
charge external devices.

Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic60
– interlock61
– selector lever lock61
– shiftlock61
– towing231
– tow-starting231
"Automatic ventilation" for
parked car ventilation101
AUTO program for automatic
climate control99
"Auto Request"193
"Autostore"
– on the radio156
"AUX"150,169,171
– AUX-In port169
– USB-audio interface170
AUX-In port169
Average fuel consumption69
– setting the units71
Average speed69
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation134
"Avoid highways" in
navigation134
Avoid highways in
navigation134
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation134
Axle loads, refer to
Weights239
"A - Z"183,184
B
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment47
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints48
Backup lamp, replacing
bulb226
Bag for skis, refer to Ski
bag109
Balance, tone control151
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch230Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away232
Bass, tone control151
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass151
Battery227
– charging227
– disposal37,227
– jump starting230
– temporary power failure227
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle37
Being towed231
Belts, refer to Safety belts51
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts51
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders107
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate99
BMW
– car shampoo222
"BMW
Assist"192,193,194,195
BMW Assist
– activating196
– concierge service195
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations194
– Roadside Assistance192
– services offered191
– TeleServices193
"BMW Contact"186
"BMW Contact
Numbers"186
BMW Maintenance
System217
"BMW Service settings"197
BMW Teleservice Call
– automatic193
– manual193
BMW TeleServices193
– displaying194
– updating194
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control82Brake fluid
– service requirements72
Brake Force Display88
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display88
– replacing bulb226
Brake pads, breaking in114
Brake rotors116
– brakes114
– breaking in114
Brakes
– ABS82
– BMW Maintenance
System217
– braking safely116
– breaking in114
– parking brake59
– service requirements72
Brake system114
– BMW Maintenance
System217
– breaking in114
– disc brakes116
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance229
Breaking in the clutch114
Break-in period114
"Brightness"80
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs223
Bulbs, changing223
Button for starting the
engine58
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
"Call"184,195
Call
– accepting182
– displaying accepted184
– ending183
– missed184
– starting183

Everything from A - Z
258 Turn, indicating
– triple turn signal63
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions237
Turn signals62
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs225
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading118
U
Underbody protection, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR208
"Units"71
Units of measure
– average fuel
consumption71
– temperature71
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control103
Universal remote control103
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking29
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside33
– from outside29
– luggage compartment lid37
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access36
Unlocking without a key, refer
to Convenient access36
"Update services"194,196
USB-audio interface170
"USB" for audio
mode169,171
V
Vehicle
– battery227
– breaking in114
– cargo loading117
– decommissioning, refer to
Vehicle storage
– dimensions237
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment213
– parking59
– weight239
"Vehicle / Tires" for
unlocking30
Vehicle jack227
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position144
Vehicle storage222
Ventilation100
– draft-free100
Ventilation when parked, refer
to Parked car ventilation101
Vents, refer to Ventilation100
"Vent settings"98
Voice commands
– overview23
– short commands240
Voice instructions from
navigation system140
– muting54,140
– repeating54,140
– switching on/off54,140
– volume140
Voice phone book188
Volume150
– audio sources150
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities239
– mobile phone181
– speed-dependent
control151
– voice instructions140
Volume distribution
– front/rear151
– left/right151
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control77
Warning triangle230
Washer fluid64
– content of the reservoir64
Washer fluid filler neck64
Waste tray, refer to
Ashtray107
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water116
Water penetration219,220
Waveband with the radio154
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth209
Weights239
Welcome lamps92
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions237
Wheels, new210
Wheels and tires204
Width, refer to
Dimensions237
Windows38
– convenient operation30
– convenient operation with
convenient access36
– opening, closing38
– pinch protection system39
Windows, defrosting and
removing condensation100
Windshield
– cleaning64
– defrosting and removing
condensation100
Windshield wash
– filling capacity, reservoir239
Windshield washer reservoir,
refer to Washer fluid filler
neck64
Windshield washer system63
– washer fluid64
– washer nozzles64
Windshield wiper blades,
changing223