controls BMW Z4 SDRIVE35I 2009 Owner's Manual

Controls
37Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Opening, closing
Individually
>Press the switch to the resistance point:
The window opens as long as you press the
switch.
> Press the switch beyond the resistance
point:
The window opens automatically. Press
the switch again to stop the opening
movement.
You can close the windows in the same manner
by pulling the switch.
Jointly
> Press the switch to the resistance point:
All windows open as long as you press the
switch.
> Press the switch beyond the resistance
point:
All windows open automatically. Press
the switch again to stop the opening
movement.
You can close all windows in the same manner
by pulling the switch.
After switching off the ignition
When the remote control is removed or the igni-
tion is switched off, you can still operate the
windows for approx. 1 minute as long as no
door is opened.
Convenient operation
For information on convenient operation via the
remote control or the do or lock, refer to page29
or 31 . For information on closing with conve-
nient access, refer to Locking on page 30.
Pinch protection system
If the closing force exceeds a specific value as a
window closes, the closing action is interrupted
and the window reopens slightly.
Despite the pinch protection system
check and clear the window's travel path
prior to closing it, othe rwise the safety system
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-
tions, such as thin objects, and the window
would continue closing.
Do not install any accessories that might inter-
fere with window movement. Otherwise the
pinch protection system could be impaired. <
Closing without pinch protection
If there is an external danger, or if ice on the win-
dows, etc., prevents you from closing the win-
dows normally, proceed as follows:
1. Pull the switch past the resistance point and
hold it there. Pinch pr otection is limited and
the window reopens slig htly if the closing
force exceeds a certain value.
2. Pull the switch again past the resistance
point within approx. 4 seconds and hold it
there. The window closes without pinch
protection.

Controls
39Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Opening and closing
When the vehicle is stationary and at radio
readiness or beyond, refer to page50:
If possible, conserve the battery by only
operating the retrac table hardtop when
the engine is running.
Before closing the retrac table hardtop, remove
all foreign objects from the windshield frame as
these could prevent the hardtop from closing
properly. <
1 Press button 1.
The retractable hardtop closes.
2 Press button 2. The retractable hardtop
opens.
3 LEDs
The side windows move down when the
hardtop is opened or closed. Convenient
closing
*: If you continue pressing the buttons
after the LED 3 goes out, the windows move
back up. <
If the windows pause brie fly as they move, this
is for technical reasons and is not a malfunction.
LEDs
In the following situations, a message appears
on the Control Display or an acoustic signal
sounds in addition to the LED lighting up:
> While the hardtop is being operated, the
green LED lights up. It goes out as soon as
the top is fully opened or closed.
> If the red LED flashes when you release the
switch, the opening or closing action has
not yet finished.
> If the red LED lights up when the switch is
pressed, the cargo bay partition is folded
up, the luggage compartment lid is not closed, the vehicle is standing on a strong
incline or there is a malfunction. The
retractable hardto
p cannot be moved.
Interruption
The automatic sequence of movements is
interrupted if the switch for hardtop operation is
released. The sequence can be continued in
the desired direction by pushing or pulling the
switch.
Open or close the hardtop fully; other-
wise, there is a risk of injury or damage
when driving.
Do not interrupt and re sume the closing proce-
dure several times in cl ose succession as this
could damage the mechanism. <
If the hardtop is not fully opened or
closed, the luggage compartment lid can-
not be opened and the windows cannot be
moved. <
Convenient operation with remote
control or via door lock
Refer to pages 30 and 31.
Wind deflector*
The wind deflector keeps air movements in the
passenger compartment to a minimum when
the hardtop is open and provides an even more
comfortable ride, particul arly at high speeds.
Installation
1.Insert the wind deflector 1 into the holders 2
on the rollover bars; the arrow should point
in the direction of travel.

Controls
41Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital con-
tribution to relaxed, fati gue-free driving. In con-
junction with the safe ty belts, the head
restraints and the airbags, the seated position
has a major influence on your safety in the event
of an accident. To ensu re that the safety sys-
tems operate with optimal efficiency, we
strongly urge you to observe the instructions
contained in the following section.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page 48.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your
hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions,
to minimize the risk of injury to the hands or
arms in the event of the airbag being triggered
off. No one and nothing is to come between the
airbags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the
passenger side as a st orage area. Make sure
that the passenger is sitting correctly, e.g.
keeping his or her feet or legs in the footwell
and not on the dashboard; otherwise, leg inju-
ries can occur if the front airbag deploys.
Make sure that passengers do not lean their
heads against the side airbag; otherwise, seri-
ous injuries could result if the airbag suddenly
deployed. <
Even if you follow all the instructions, injuries
resulting from contact with airbags cannot be
fully excluded, depending on the circum-
stances. The ignition and inflation noise may
provoke a mild hearing loss in extremely sensi-
tive individuals. This e ffect is usually only tem-
porary.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page 85.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additi onal safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Your vehicle has two seats, each of which is
equipped with a safety belt.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passenger's
lap. Make sure that the be lt in the lap area sits
low across the hips and does not press against
the abdomen.
The safety belt must not rest against the throat,
run across sharp edges, pass over hard or frag-
ile objects or be pinched. Fasten the safety belt
so that it sits as snugly as possible against the
lap and shoulder withou t being twisted. Other-
wise the belt could slide over your hips and
injure your abdomen in the event of a frontal
collision.
Avoid wearing bulky clothing and regularly pull
the belt in the upper-bo dy area taut, otherwise
its restraining effect could be impaired. <
Safety belts, refer to page 44.
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while
the vehicle is moving. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement, and the
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
On the passenger seat as well, do not incline
the backrest too far to th e rear while the vehicle
is being driven, otherwise there is a danger in
the event of an accident of sliding under the
safety belt, eliminating the protection normally
provided by the belt. <
Note the information on safety belt damage on
page 45.

Controls
43Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
4Backrest
Lumbar support*
You can also adjust the contour of the backrest
to obtain additional support in the lumbar
region.
The upper hips and spinal column receive sup-
plementary support to help you maintain a
relaxed, upright sitting position.
> Increase or decrease curvature: press the
switch at the front or rear, respectively.
> Shift curvature up or down: press the switch
at the top or botto m, respectively.
Backrest width*
You can change the width of the backrest to suit
your individual preferences by adjusting the lat-
eral-support pads. Press the front or rear end of the switch.
Backrest width decreases or increases
accordingly.
Heated seats*
Press once for each temperature level.
Three LEDs indicate the highest temperature.
To switch off:
Press button longer.
If you continue driving
within approx. the next
15 minutes, the seat he ating is automatically
activated at the previously set temperature.
The temperature is lowered or the heating is
switched off entirely to save on battery power.
The LEDs stay lit.
Seat and mirror memory*
You can store and call up two different combi-
nations of driver's-sea t and exterior-mirror
positions.
Settings for the backrest width and lumbar sup-
port are not stored in memory.

Controls
45Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Closing
Make sure you hear the latch plate engage in
the belt buckle.
The upper belt anchor is suitable for adults of
any stature as long as the seat is adjusted prop-
erly, refer to page 41.
Opening
1. Grasp the belt firmly.
2. Press the red button in the buckle.
3. Guide the belt into its reel.
Fasten safety belts reminder for driver
and passenger*
The indicator lamp comes on and an
acoustic signal sounds. In addition, a
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. Check whether the safety belt
has been fastened correctly.
The 'Fasten safety belts' reminder is issued as
long as the driver's safe ty belt has not been fas-
tened. In some country- specific versions, the
'Fasten safety belts' remi nder is also activated
at road speeds above approx. 5 mph or 8 km/h if
the passenger's safety belt is not fastened, if
objects are placed on the passenger seat, or if
driver or passenger unfasten their safety belts.
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or
stressed in an accident: have the belt sys-
tem, including any belt tensioners or child-
restraint systems, replaced and the belt
anchors checked. Have this work done only by
your BMW center or at a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained perso nnel. Otherwise, it is
not guaranteed that the safety devices will func-
tion properly. <
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The passenger's mirror is more convex
than the driver's mirror. The objects seen
in the mirror are closer than they appear. Do not
gauge your distance from traffic behind you on
the basis of what you see in the mirror; other-
wise there is an increased risk of an accident. <
1 Adjustments
2 Folding mirrors in and out
*
3Switching to the other mirror or automatic
curb monitor
*
The setting for the exterior mirrors is stored for
the remote control currently in use
*. The stored
position is called up automatically when the
vehicle is unlocked.
Manual adjustment
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually:
press the edge of the glass.
Folding mirrors in and out*
At driving speeds up to approx. 20 km/h, you
can fold the mirrors in and out by pressing
button 2. This can be beneficial in narrow
streets, for example, or for moving mirrors that
were folded in by hand back out into their cor-
rect positions. Mirrors that were folded in are
folded out automatically at a speed of approx.
25 mph/40 km/h.
Before entering an automatic car wash,
fold in the exterior mi rrors by hand or with
button 2 to prevent them from being damaged
due to the width of the vehicle. <

Controls
47Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Do not use force to swing the lever
back up, otherwise the mechanism
will be damaged. <
Steering wheel heating*
To switch on or off, press the button.

Controls
49Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
To Locking the safety belt
1.Secure the child-restraint system with
the belt.
2. Pull the belt strap all the way out.
3. Allow the belt strap to retract and pull it taut
against the child-restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
To Unlocking the safety belt
1. Open the belt buckle.
2. Remove the child-restraint system.
3. Allow the safety belt strap to retract all
the way.

Controls
51Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Starting the engine
Do not run the engine in closed rooms,
otherwise the inhalation of toxic exhaust
gases can cause unconsciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, otherwis e such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the car wi th the engine running,
place the transmission in neutral or move the
selector lever to position P and set the parking
brake to prevent the car from moving. <
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion as well as repeat ed start attempts in
which the engine does no t start. Otherwise, the
fuel is not burned or incompletely burned and
there is a danger of overheating and damaging
the catalytic converter. <
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Manual transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with con-
venient access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 35.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Depress the clutch and shift to neutral
position.
3. Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Automatic transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with con-
venient access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 35.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Move the selector lever to position P.
3. Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
7-gear sport automatic transmission
with dual clutch
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with con-
venient access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 35.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Press the start/stop button.
The engine starts, regardless of the current
selector lever position.

Controls
53Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The parking brake can only be released while
the ignition is switched on or the engine is
running.
With manual transmission
Press the button of the parking brake. Depress
the brake and clutch pedals while doing so.
With automatic transmission or 7-gear
sport automatic transmission with dual
clutch
Press the parking brake button while the brake
is depressed or transmission position P is
engaged.
Indicator lamps
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Indicator lamp in Canadian models.
Malfunction
In the event of a failure or malfunction of the
parking brake, secure the vehicle against rolling
using a wheel chock, for example, if you leave
the vehicle.
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise
the engine could be da maged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear. <
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to
page 54.
Vehicle parking
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and set the park-
ing brake before leavin g the vehicle with the
engine running. <
Disengaging the remote control
In order to remove the remote control from the
ignition lock, you must first move the selector
lever to position P and switch off the engine:
interlock. Removing th e remote control from
the ignition lock, refer to page 50.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –

Controls
55Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
a downshift that would cause the engine to
overrev will not be executed by the system. The
gear selected is briefly displayed in the instru-
ment cluster, followed by the gear actually
in use.
Shifting gears via sh ift paddles* on the
steering wheel
The shift paddles allow yo u to shift gears with-
out taking your hands off of the steering wheel.
> When you use the shift paddles on the
steering wheel to shif t gears in automatic
mode, the transmission switches to
manual mode.
> If you do not accelerate or shift gears using
the shift paddles for a certain amount of
time, the transmission switches back to
automatic mode.
If the selector lever is in the M/S gear
plane, manual mode remains active. <
> To shift up: pull one of the shift paddles.
> To shift down: press one of the shift
paddles.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
a downshift that would cause the engine to
overrev will not be executed by the system. The
gear selected is briefly displayed in the instru-
ment cluster, followed by the gear actually
in use.
Overriding selector lever lock
Should the selector lever refuse to move out of
position P although the button on the selector
lever is pressed, the sele ctor lever lock can be
overridden:
1. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2. Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is inside out. 3.
Using the screwdriver from the onboard
tool kit, refer to page 208, press the red
lever while moving the selector lever to the
desired position.
7-gear sport automatic
transmission with dual
clutch*
The concept
This transmission is an automated manual
transmission with two clutches and two gear-
box components in which the gears are
changed without loss of torque.
You operate the transmission using the selector
lever and two shift paddles on the steering
wheel.
It offers the following functions:
> Selection between manual and automatic
operation: sequential mode or drive mode
> Automatic downshifting and protection
against selecting the wrong gear, even in
sequential mode
> Launch Control acceleration assistant, refer
to page 58
> Automatic double de-clutch
System limitations
This transmission is equipped with an over-
heating protection system that protects the
clutches against extremely high loads.