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69
To deactivate the L mode >Press the L/D button or
>press the selector lever into position D
once again. Automatic transmission
with Steptronic Canadian models only While you can drive as with any conven-
tional automatic transmission, you also
enjoy the option of shifting manually at the
steering wheel, refer to the next column. Transmission rangesP R N D Program displayS or M1 Ð M6Buttons on steering wheel S/M/D + Ð To select a transmission range The procedure for selecting transmission
ranges is the same as that employed in the
L mode, refer to page 67.
Sport program and manual operationWhen you press the S/M/D button on the
steering wheel once, the system responds
by activating the transmission's Sport
program, as indicated by the letter S in the
Info Display, refer to previous column. We
recommend this program for performance-
oriented driving.
When you press the S/M/D button a
second time the transmission switches to
its manual mode; press again to return to
the automatic program.
You can also return to the standard auto-
matic program by reselecting D.
In the manual mode the transmission
upshifts when you briefly tap the buttons
on the rear of the steering wheel. You
downshift by briefly pressing the buttons
on the front of the steering wheel. The Info
Display shows the manual ranges M1
through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are excecuted
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 selected gear
appears briefly in the Info Display, followed
by the current gear.

At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
73
windshield before switching on either the
radio mode or the ignition.< Washer fluid Windshield and headlamp washers Capacity: approx. 8.2 quarts (7.8 liters)
Fill with water and Ð if required Ð with a
washer antifreeze (according to manufac-
turer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to the
reservoir.<
Windshield washer antifreeze is flam-
mable. Always keep it well away from
sparks and open flames, and store it in
tightly closed containers well out of the
reach of children. Always observe the
instructions for use provided on the
container.< Programmable cruise
control The concept The programmable cruise control is avail-
able for use at speeds of approx. 18 mph
(30 km/h) and higher. The vehicle maintains
and stores the speed that you set using the
lever mounted on the steering column.
You can also use the multilevel preset
mode to store 6 speeds for later selection
with the lever on the steering column, refer
to page 75. This feature assists you in quickly adapting
vehicle speed to specific road conditions,
for instance, changes in speed limits.
One multilevel lever
Cruise control 1Press the lever as far as the detent:
>To activate cruise control
>Maintain and store speed
>To accelerate
2Pull lever back to detent:
>To activate cruise control
>Maintain and store speed
>To decelerate
3Briefly tap lever up or down:
>To interrupt the cruise control
4Press button briefly:
>To recall a stored speed. Multilevel preset mode 1Press the lever beyond the detent:
>Activating multilevel preset mode, refer
to page 75
>To select the next higher desired speed
2Pull the lever back beyond the detent:
>Activating multilevel preset mode, refer
to page 75
>To select the next lower desired speed

At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
91
limited system response up to a speed of
approx. 45 mph (70 km/h). Intervention for
stability-enhancement is reduced. Do not
make any modiÞcations to the DSC system.
Never allow anyone other than authorized
professional technicians to carry out
service or repairs on the DSC system.< 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 shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops." This
system exploits all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. When the brake pedal is released, the
DBC is deactivated.
In the event of a malfunction, the
warning lamp comes on with a
yellow lamp. Have the system
checked and repaired at your BMW center
as soon as possible.
Check Control messages, refer to page 80.
Please note the supplementary information
provided in the Control Display.
Warning lamp on Canadian models.Driving stability control/
ABS Antilock Brake System The concept ABS enhances active safety by preventing
the wheels from locking under braking.
ABS incorporates CBC and EBV. In case of malfunction
If the indicator lamp lights up in
yellow, this indicates that ABS has
been deactivated in response to a
system malfunction. Conventional braking
efficiency remains available without limita-
tions. Please have the system inspected at
your BMW center.
Cornering Brake Control CBC CBC is a technical advance based on ABS.
It provides further enhancements in vehicle
stability and steering response during lane
changes and cornering at high rates of
lateral acceleration. EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV controls the brake system's applica-
tion pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration. In case of malfunction
If the brake system warning lamp
lights up in red, appearing together
with the yellow lamps for ABS and
DSC: the stability control is no
longer operational.
If all three lamps light up in yellow:
malfunction in the stability control
systems.
While you may continue, you should
remember to proceed cautiously and drive
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations.
Please have the system checked at the
nearest BMW center.
Check Control status messages, refer to
page 80. Please note the supplementary
information provided in the Control Display.
Indicator and warning lamps on
Canadian models.
Dynamic Drive The concept Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and
optimizes vehicle stability during cornering
and evasive maneuvers.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
92 Active stabilizers at the front and rear axles
form the basis for Dynamic Drive. Suspen-
sion compliance adapts to suit driving
conditions, varying from performance-
oriented during cornering to smooth and
comfort-oriented when the vehicle is
proceeding in a straight line.
The system assumes operational status
each time you start the engine.
Driving with Dynamic Drive During vehicle operation, the system
continuously runs through closed-loop
control cycles lasting only fractions of a
second. In case of malfunction
The symbol will light up, accompa-
nied by a status message in the
Check Control panel. Please take
note of the additional information in the
Control Display panel.
You can find more detailed information on
the Check Control starting on page 80.
If the Dynamic Drive system switches
off in response to malfunction, please
remember to adapt your speed accord-
ingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer
and the vehicle will display a greater
tendency to tilt during cornering and in
crosswinds.
If a status message appears in the Check
Control panel, accompanied by a red
symbol, the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir
may have fallen to below the minimum
level, possibly owing to leakage in the
hydraulic system. Stop the vehicle and
switch off the engine immediately.
Please observe the additional instructions
provided in the Control Display panel.<
EDC Electronic Damping
Control*
The suspension responds to changes in
factors such as road surface, or operating
conditions such as steering and braking, by
adapting to the new conditions within frac-
tions of a second.Comfort program The system automatically assumes opera-
tion in its Comfort mode each time you start
the engine; this mode is suitable for use
throughout the vehicle's entire speed range
and regardless of load. Sport programActivate in "Settings" menu with the igni-
tion on.
You should select the Sport program for
consistently performance-oriented
response from shock absorbers and
steering. RDC Tire Pressure Monitor*The conceptRDC monitors inflation pressures in all four
tires while you drive. The system provides
an alert whenever the inflation pressure
drops significantly below the specified
pressure in one or more tires.
To initialize RDC, start by checking the
inflation pressures in all four tires and
comparing them with those specified in the
chart on page 171, correcting them as
necessary. Then proceed to initialize the
system.

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93
This symbol will appear in the
Check Control panel to inform you
when the inflation pressure varies
from that stored in the system. A text
message appears at the same time. Please
take note of the additional information in
the Control Display panel.
You can find more information on the
Check Control starting on page 80.
The RDC cannot alert you to severe
and sudden tire damage caused by
external factors.<
To initialize the system 1.With the vehicle parked, switch on the
ignition
2.Select "RDC" from the "Settings" menu
and confirm your selection. The initializa-
tion menu appears. "INITIALIZE" 1.Select and confirm
2.RDC is initialized. A message appears in
the Check Control panel
3.After several minutes of driving RDC will
adopt the tires' current inflation pressures
as its references.
The current data appear in the Control
Display. These figures are more accurate than those that appear on the inflation
gauges at filling stations, etc.
The only time you will need to repeat this
procedure is after correcting your tire pres-
sures. Because RDC automatically
assumes operation each time you switch
on the ignition, it is on duty whenever you
drive.
If the system detects a flat tire during
the initialization process, the tires in
the Control Display will appear in red.<
Do not start initialization
Select and confirm to return to the
"Settings" menu.
Status indicators in the Control
Display The status of the system is indicated by the
color of the tires. GreenTire inflation pressures correspond to the
initialized level.YellowThe inflation pressures in the tires have
fallen to below the specified level, which is
normal in every tire after a certain amount
of time.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated to
the specified pressures as soon as
possible. RedPressure loss in indicated tire.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
and sudden steering and braking maneu-
vers. BlackThe system is being initialized.
The system needs several minutes to
complete the initialization process, after
which it is ready to detect and report tire
problems.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
94
In the event of loss in tire pressure If the indicator lamp symbol in the Check
Control lights up in yellow, and a message
also appears, this indicates that the infla-
tion pressures in the tires have fallen to
below the specified level, which is normal
in every tire after a certain amount of time.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated to
the specified pressures as soon as
possible.
Please take note of the additional informa-
tion in the Control Display panel.
If you are prompted to check the tire
pressure shortly after a correction has
been made, this indicates that the
corrected values were not accurate. Please
check the inflation pressure again and
make corrections according to the inflation
pressure table. Then reinitialize the
system.< Flat tire If you have a flat tire, the indicator lamp
symbol in the Check Control will light up in
red, and a message will appear. In addition,
a gong sounds.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
and sudden steering and braking maneu-
vers. Replace the damaged tire.
The spare tire provided with your
vehicle is equipped with the elec-
tronics required to support RDC operation;
once the spare tire is installed, the pressure
in this tire will also be monitored following
system initialization.
Have the tires changed at your BMW
center. Your BMW center has the informa-
tion needed for working with RDC and is
equipped with the necessary special
tools.
ference signals that may prevent the
system from operating as intended. The symbol will appear in yellow in the
Check Control panel and a message will
appear.
You will also see the same message
>in the event of a system fault
>if a wheel is mounted without the
appropriate electronics
>if, in addition to the spare tire, additional
wheels with RDC electronics are on board.
Please refer to the additional information
supplied in the Control Display, and have
the system inspected at your BMW center.
Self-leveling suspension*
In the event of malfunction
A Check Control message
appearing together with this symbol
indicates a malfunction in the self-
leveling suspension. Please take note of
the additional information in the Control
Display panel.
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If the rear of
the vehicle is visibly lower than the front,
possibly accompanied by a tilt noticeable
when you compare the left rear with the
right rear, you should respond by immedi-
ately proceeding to the nearest BMW
center. Drive with appropriate caution in
the meantime. The vehicle has reduced
ground clearance and driving comfort may
be noticeably reduced. Even if the attitude
of the vehicle is normal, you should consult
the nearest BMW center if the warning
lamp indicates a system fault.
Adaptive brake lamp The adaptive brake lamp indicates the
intensity with which you are applying your
brakes to drivers of following vehicles.

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119
Brake system Braking with ABS The best way to achieve optimal response
from the ABS is to apply maximum pres-
sure to the brake pedal during emergencyÐ
panic stops. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can never-
theless avoid possible obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-
cate to the driver that ABS is in its active
mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.< Disc brakes
Driving in wet conditions While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to 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 You can retain full and unimpaired braking
efficiency by downshifting to a gear in
which only minimal brake applications are
needed when descending long or steep
downhill stretches.
You can further enhance the engine's
braking effect by selecting a lower gear in
the automatic transmission's manual
mode, downshifting as far as first gear on
extremely steep stretches, refer to
page 68. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake
system.
Corrosion When the vehicle is driven only occasion-
ally, 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
minimal 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 appli-
cation will fail to cure.
Never allow the vehicle to coast with
the transmission in neutral Ð or with
the engine switched off; there is no engine
braking when the transmission is in neutral,
and no power-assist for brakes and
steering when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.< Brake pads
If the brake pad wear indicator lamp
appears in the Check Control,
accompanied by a text: please take
careful note of the additional information in
the Control Display panel.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
The brake pads have reached their
minimum pad thickness. Have them
replaced at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For your own safety: use only brake
pads that BMW has released for your
particular vehicle model. Because BMW
cannot assess the suitability of other brake
pads for use on your vehicle, we are unable
to assume continued responsibility for the
vehicle's operating safety if non-approved
pads are installed.<

Things to remember when driving
120
Cargo loadingStowing cargo >Load heavy cargo as far forward and as
low as possible, placing it directly behind
the bulkhead behind the rear seats
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>For very heavy loads when the rear seat
is not occupied, secure each safety belt in
the opposite buckle. Securing the load >Use the luggage net
* or securing straps
to hold down small and light-weight
luggage and cargo, refer to page 40
>Heavy-duty cargo straps for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center
*. Anchorages for
attaching these heavy-duty straps have
been provided in your vehicle's luggage
compartment, refer to the illustration
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle weight or either of the approved
axle loads, refer to page 194, as excessive
loads can pose a safety hazard, and may
also place you in violation of highway
safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger
compartment, as they could fly around and
pose a safety hazard to the vehicle's occu-
pants during abrupt braking or evasive
maneuvers .<
Roof-mounted luggage
rack* Anchorage pointsThe anchorage points are located within
the door openings.
A special rack system is available as an
option for your BMW. Please comply with
the precautions included with the installa-
tion instructions.
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's
center of gravity when loaded, they have a
major effect on its handling and steering
response. You should therefore always
remember not to exceed the approved roof
weight, the approved gross vehicle weight
or the axle loads when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights in the
Technical data section on page 194.
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
and that it does not extend outward to
beyond the limits of the loading surface.
Always load the heaviest pieces first (on
the bottom). Be sure that adequate clear-
ance is maintained for raising the sliding/tilt
sunroof, and that objects do not project