park assist BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE 2008 E88 Owner's Manual

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
81Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Park Distance Control PDC*
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight
parking spaces. Acoustic signals and a visual
indicator
warn you of the presence of an object
behind your vehicle. Four ultrasonic sensors in
the bumper measure the distance.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2 m. However, an acoustic warning does not
sound until an object is approx. 2 ft/60 cm from
the corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from
the center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching an object at high speed, oth-
erwise physical circumstances may lead to the
system warning being issued too late.<
Switching on automatically
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated after approx. 1 sec-
ond when you engage reverse gear or move the
automatic transmission selector lever to
position R. Wait this short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 55 yd/50 m of driving or above
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the system switches
off and the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated
correspondingly by an interval tone. As the dis-
tance between vehicle and object decreases,
the intervals between the tones become
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a contin-
uous tone sounds.
An interval tone is interrupted after approx.
3seconds:>If you remain in front of an object that has
been detected by only one of the corner
sensors
>If you are driving parallel to a wall
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. A message appears on the
Control Display. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that
they will continue to operate effectively. When
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not direct the
jet toward the sensors for lengthy periods and
only spray from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.
PDC with visual warning
You can also have the system show distances
to objects on the Control Display. The contours
of distant objects are shown on the Control Dis-
play even before the acoustic signal sounds.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.
5.If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the uppermost field. Turn the controller

Controls
83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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:>When driving uphill on snow-covered roads,
in slush or on unplowed, snow-covered
roads
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button; the indicator lamps for DTC in
the instrument cluster come on.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC is regulating the drive and braking
forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DTC has been activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off
smoothly on uphill gradients. It is not necessary
to use the parking brake for this.
1.Hold the car in place by depressing the
brake.
2.Release the brake and drive off without
delay.
The drive-off assistant holds the car in
place for approx. 2 seconds after the
brake is released. Drive off without delay after
releasing the brake. Otherwise, the drive-off

Things to remember when driving
116 The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page209.
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 page83.
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 page61.
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.
Before driving into a car wash
General information on caring for your BMW
can be found on page219.

Giving and receiving assistance
230
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 bay in a storage area.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in a holder in the
luggage compartment 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 page213. 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.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.

Everything from A - Z
244
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions and
refers you to the page where
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System82
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to
Emergency Request229
Activated-charcoal filter101
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation101
Active steering88
Adaptive Head Light94
"Add digits" on the mobile
phone184
Additives
– coolant216
– engine oil215
"Address book" in
navigation131
Address for navigation
– deleting133
– entering123,131
– selecting132
– storing131
– storing current position132
"Add to destination list"126
Airbags89
– sitting safely45
– warning lamp90
Air conditioner97
Air distribution
– automatic99
Air flow rate99
Airing, refer to Ventilation100
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents97Air pressure, checking, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure204
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
"Air recirculation on / off"53
Air vents97
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications202
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off an alarm35
– tilt alarm sensor35
"All channels" for satellite
radio161
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires211
"All stations", displaying with
the radio154
"AM", waveband150,154
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode
99
Antenna for mobile phone176
Antifreeze
– coolant216
– washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System
ABS82
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system34
Anti-theft system29
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights239
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights239
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest107
Arrival time
– computer69
Arrival time, refer to Starting
destination guidance136Arrow display for
navigation137
"Arrow display" in
navigation137
Ashtray107
Assist191
Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC82
"Assist profile"197
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control99
"Audio"153,157
Audio150
– controls150
– switching on/off150
– tone control151
– volume151
"Audio", refer to Tone
control151
Automatic
– air distribution99
– air flow rate99
– BMW Teleservice Call193
– cruise control65
– headlamp control92
– storing of stations155
Automatic car wash, refer to
Car wash116
Automatic car washes219
Automatic climate control97
– automatic air distribution99
– settings via iDrive98
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps92
"Automatic programs" with
automatic climate control99
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC99
Automatic station search155

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
248 "Delete address book" in
navigation133
"Delete all numbers" on the
mobile phone185
"Delete data" in
navigation133
"Delete" for mobile
phone185
Destination address
– deleting133
– entering123,127
Destination for navigation
– destination list130
– entry123
– home address133
– manual entry123,127
– selecting from address
book132
– selecting using
information129
– selecting via language127
– selecting via map128
– storing131
Destination guidance136
– canceling voice
instructions54
– changing specified
route134
– displaying route137
– distance and arrival136
– starting136
– terminating/continuing136
– voice instructions140
– volume of voice
instructions140
Destination list for navigation
system130
Destinations recently driven
to130
"Details" for audio mode171
"Dial" for mobile phone183
"Dial number"183
Differential, breaking in114
Digital clock67
Digital compass105
Digital radio, refer to High
Definition Radio157
Digital Versatile Disc, refer to
– Drive for navigation DVD150Dimensions237
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals62
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions140
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book131
Displacement, refer to Engine
data
236
"Display"20
Display, refer to Control
Display16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting95
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
"Display settings"80
Disposal
– of coolant216
– remote control battery37
– vehicle battery227
Distance, refer to
Computer69
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements72
"Distance to dest."70
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer69
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC81
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
Door lock32
Door lock, confirmation
signals31
"Door locks"30,32,73
Doors, emergency
operation32
DOT Quality Grades208
Draft-free ventilation100
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Drive for navigation DVD150
Drive-off assistance, refer to
DSC82
Drive-off assistant83Driving around a traffic
congestion144
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams92
Driving notes114
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant83
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route137
Driving stability control
systems82
Driving through water116
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes114
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function100
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control82
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control83
– indicator lamps83
DVD
– drive for navigation DVD150
DVD for navigation122
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC82
"Dynamic route" in
navigation134
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC82
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps83
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution82
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player150
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– fuel filler door202
– glass roof40
– luggage compartment lid33
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV82
Electronic oil level check213

Everything from A - Z
250 Fuel consumption statistics,
refer to Average fuel
consumption69
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Fuel filler door202
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction202
Fuses227
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control103
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel202
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Gear change
– with automatic
transmission61
– with manual transmission60
Gear display, with automatic
transmission60
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– manual transmission60
General driving notes115
Glass roof, electric39
– closing after electrical
malfunction40
– convenient operation32
– opening, closing39
– operation with convenient
access36
– pinch protection system40
– raising39
– remote control30
Glove compartment106
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system122
Grills, refer to Air vents97
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights239
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs224
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake59
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone for hands-free
mode14
Hazard warning flashers14
"HD radio"157
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio157
Head airbags89
Headlamp control,
automatic92
Headlamp cover224
Headlamp flasher62
– indicator lamp13
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs224
Head restraints47
Heated
– seats49
Heated mirrors52
Heating
– mirrors52
– seats49
Heating, rear window100
Heating and ventilation97
Heating during a stop100
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo117
Height, refer to
Dimensions237
Height adjustment
– steering wheel53
High beams94
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs224
High Definition Radio157
High-pressure
washer219,220
High water, refer to Driving
through water116
Highways, refer to Route
criteria134
Hills116
Holders for cups107Home address133
"Home address" in
navigation134
Hood212
Hot exhaust system115
"Hour memo"76
"House number" in
destination entry126
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control82
Hydroplaning115
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio157
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning67
ID3 tag, refer to Information
about the track165
Identification marks
– tire coding208
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness80
– automatic climate control98
– changing date and time75
– changing language80
– confirming selection or
entry19
– displays, menus17
– lists19
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– selecting a menu item19
– status information20
– switching menu pages19
– symbols18
Ignition58
– switched off58
– switched on58
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness58
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on58
Ignition lock58

Reference 253
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"New address" in
navigation132
"New destination"124,128
"New route"141
New tires210
"Next entertainment
source"54
North-facing map138
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data236
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for On-Board Diagnosis218
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications202
Odometer67
Oil, refer to Engine oil213
Oil consumption213
Oil level213
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal227
"On a new destination" in
navigation130
"Onboard info"69
Onboard tool kit223
"On destination"130
"On location"130
Opening and closing
– convenient access36
– from inside32
– from outside29
– using the door lock32
– via the remote control29
Operation by voice for mobile
phone187
– adjusting volume188
– canceling187
– correcting phone
number188
– dialing phone number188
– placing a call188
– redialing188
– voice commands187
– voice phone book188
"Options"195,196
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17Outlets, refer to
Ventilation100
Output, refer to Engine
data236
Outside temperature
display67
– changing unit of measure71
– on computer71
Outside temperature
warning67
Overriding selector lever
lock62P
Paintwork care220
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control81
Park Distance Control PDC81
"Parked car operation"101
"Parked car ventilation"101
Parked car ventilation101
– activating switch-on
time102
– preselecting switch-on
times101
– switching on and off
directly101
Parking
– vehicle59
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC81
Parking brake59
– indicator lamp60
Parking lamps/low beams92
– replacing bulbs224
Parts and accessories, refer to
The individual vehicle5
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function52
"Pathway lighting"93
Pathway lighting93
"PDC"81
Personal Profile28
"Perspective"138
Phone book181Phone numbers
– deleting from phone
book185
– dialing183
– most recent numbers184
– selecting in phone book184
– Top 8184
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric40
– windows39
Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
"Play" for satellite radio161
Polish222
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter101
Position
– displaying144
– saving, refer to Storing
current position132
Power windows38
Power windows, refer to
Windows38
"Presets", displaying with the
radio154
"Presets" for satellite
radio161
Pressure, tires204
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor84
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM85
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Programmable memory
keys21
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric40
– windows39
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First add pouch230
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor84