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63
You have two separate options for
engaging the parking brake:
>Manually, by briefly pressing the button
>Automatically, through activation of the
Automatic Hold mode, refer to next
column.
An electrohydraulic mechanism then
engages the parking brakes to prevent the
rear wheels from turning whenever you
switch off the engine.
When the engine is running, parking brake
engagement is controlled by the brake
system's hydraulic circuits, which act on
the disc brakes at the front and rear
wheels. Brake pedal feel Because this function is activated using the
brake system's hydraulic circuits, the
response of the brake pedal may change
slightly. Engagement may also be accom-
panied by activation noise Ð this is normal. Manual engagement
Press the button briefly, the
word "PARK" appears briefly in
the Info Display.
The indicator lamp
appears in red in the Info
Display when the parking brake is
engaged, refer to page 14.
The indicator lamp goes out
soon after you switch off the igni-
tion.<
Manual release
With the ignition on, briefly
press the button: the indicator
lamp in the Info Display goes
out.
Provided that the detent holding the
remote control unit in the ignition lock
is engaged, you can also release the
parking brake after the engine has been
switched off. This function is intended for
use in automatic car washes, etc.<
When leaving the vehicle, always
release the remote control unit from
the detent in the ignition lock; this precau-
tion prevents children from disengaging the
parking brake, etc.
The parking brake can still be engaged at
any time when the remote control unit is
released from the detent. It is only possible
to disengage the parking brake with the
ignition on.<
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the
parking brake while the vehicle is in motion,
maintain pressure on the button.
The indicator lamp appears in red in the
Info Display. A gong sounds at the same
time.
The brake lamps come on.
The vehicle continues to brake automati-
cally for as long as you maintain pressure
on the button.<
When you brake the vehicle to a
virtual stop, i.e., down to a speed of
approx. 1.9 mph (3 km/h) or below, the
parking brake remains engaged.
The indicator lamp in the Info Display
appears in red. Press the button briefly to
disengage the parking brake manually.<
Automatic Hold You can activate this feature after starting
the engine; it then remains operational until
the next time the engine is switched off.
This feature provides supplementary
support during vehicle operation by auto-
matically engaging and releasing the
parking brake during stops at traffic lights,
Driving
66
To release 1.Remove the floor mat and the cover on
the spare tire
2.Guide the emergency-release tool with
the screwdriver handle into the opening,
arrow 1
3.Apply the open-end wrench to the
hexagon on the emergency-release tool.
Press against the resistance from the
spring to guide the emergency-release tool
all the way in, then hold it in place. Turn the
emergency-release tool in the direction
indicated by the arrow 2, continuing until
you hear the mechanism snap into place
and feel resistance; maintain pressure on
the tool after the mechanism engages
4.Use the open-end wrench to turn the
emergency-release tool against the drive
unit's mechanical resistance, continuing to
rotate it in arrow direction 2 until you feel a
substantial increase in turning effort.
To prevent possible damage to the
rear brakes, always make sure that
the parking brake is completely released
before driving the vehicle.<
5.Return the tools to their places
6.Return the spare tire cover and the floor
mat to their original locations.
Have any defects repaired at the
nearest BMW center. The technicians
can also return the parking brake to normal
operational status after it has been
released manually in response to malfunc-
tion.<
Following manual release, the actual
status of the parking brake may vary
from that displayed by the indicator lamp.<
Operation after interruptions in
power supply
The parking brake may only be used
again, if it is released manually after
an interruption in power supply, i. e. as a
result of a discharged or disconnected
battery. If this is not done, the parking
brake may fail to operate correctly. Even
with the parking brake engaged, there
would be a danger of the vehicle rolling on
steep hills.<
Once the electrical power supply has been
restored you can again use the parking
brake:
With the ignition on and the
vehicle stationary, tap the
button three times at intervals
of approx. 5 seconds. This
initializes the system as follows:
>Initializing the disengaged setting
>Engage Ð the system registers the new
status and the brake setting is initialized.
The indicator lamp in the Info Display
appears in red
>Release Ð the parking brake is ready for
operation. The indicator lamp in the
Info Display goes out.
Automatic transmission
with L mode While you can drive as with a conventional
automatic transmission, you also have the
option of retaining your current gear selec-
tion with the L/D button on the steering
wheel, refer to page 68. Transmission ranges
Driving
70 To obtain maximum acceleration (for
passing maneuvers, etc.) during
operation in the manual mode, use the
kickdown or downshift manually.<
Malfunctions A status message will appear in the Check
Control panel to alert you to any malfunc-
tions in the transmission-control system.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears in the Control Display. The
directional arrows also start to flash in the
Info Display.
While it will remain still possible to move
the selector lever to any desired position,
the transmission will revert to operation in
its default mode with only a limited number
of forward gears.
Some types of malfunction will make it
impossible to engage all gears.
The engine may respond with reduced
output when accelerating from a standing
start.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads
and consult the nearest BMW center.
If no status messages appear in the
Info Display you should accelerate
carefully to confirm that you are driving in
the desired direction.
Never work in the engine compartment
with any of the forward or reverse gears
engaged, as the vehicle could start to
move. Engage the parking brake, refer to
page 62.< Manual release of transmission
lockout You can respond to any interruptions in the
supply of electrical power, for instance, if
the battery is discharged or disconnected,
by releasing the transmission lockout
manually.
To prevent the drive wheels from
locking up and sliding, the transmis-
sion lockout must always be released
manually before the vehicle is towed.<
Press the brake pedal before
releasing the transmission lockout manually. If the brakes are not applied, the
vehicle could start to roll if parked on a
steep slope.
The transmission lockout should only be
released for towing. Remember to engage
the transmission lockout when you repark
the vehicle after moving it.
Should it also be necessary to release the
parking brake manually (owing to a
discharged battery, etc.), always adhere to
the following sequence:
1.Start by manually releasing the parking
brake, refer to page 65
2.Then proceed to manually release the
transmission lockout.<
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages 187 and 188.
To release 1.Use the vehicle key to release the cover
panel beneath the instrument panel by
turning the lock counterclockwise, then
fold down the cover
2.Use the strap 1 to pull out the release
lever, continuing until it snaps into place Ð
the transmission lockout is released.
Re-engage the transmission lockout
after parking the vehicle at its destina-
tion. Otherwise there is a danger that the
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
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.
Things to remember when driving
118
Things to remember when drivingBreak-in procedures To ensure that your vehicle continues to
furnish optimal economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we
request that you devote careful attention to
the following section. Engine and differential The first 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
During this initial period you should attempt
to avoid constant, steady-state operation
and vary both vehicle and engine speeds
as often as possible. Until the break-in
period has been completed you should
also refrain from exceeding the following:
>4500 rpm and 105 mph (170 km/h)
Always obey all official speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode during
these initial miles.
After the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) you
can gradually increase both engine and
vehicle speeds to their respective maxima.
You should also comply with these break-in
procedures if the engine or differential is
replaced at a later point. Tires Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve their
full traction potential until after an initial
break-in period. We thus urge you to drive
with extra care during the first 200 miles
(300 kilometers). Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles (500 km) to achieve
optimal contact and wear patterns
between brake pads and rotors.
General driving notes High temperatures
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not remove
the heat shields installed adjacent to
various sections of the exhaust system,
and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while
parking take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any
highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead
to a fire, and with it the risk of serious prop-
erty damage as well as personal injury.<
Parking the vehicle Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water under the vehicle are thus normal.Aquaplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface. This phenomenon is referred
to aquaplaning, and is characterized by a
partial or complete loss of contact between
tires and road surface, ultimately under-
mining your ability to steer and brake the
vehicle.<
Water-covered streets
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 foot (30 cm),
and then only at walking speed at the most.
Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the elec-
trical systems and the transmission may be
damaged.<
At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
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.<
At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
179
Maintenance The BMW Maintenance
System The BMW Maintenance System is
designed to ensure that your vehicle will
continue to furnish consistent reliability
combined with optimal safety. The service
schedule also includes operations related
to the vehicle's comfort and convenience
features, such as replacement of the filters
for the inside air. The ultimate objective is
to furnish economical maintenance by
providing the ideal service for your indi-
vidual vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to
sell your BMW, you will find that a complete
dealer service history is an asset of great
value. CBS Condition Based Service CBS is a more advanced version of the
Service Interval Display. Sensors combine
with highly-specialized algorithms to
supply service information that reflects
your vehicle's actual operating conditions
more precisely than ever before.
The system now furnishes individual
displays of the times remaining until the
deadlines for specific service operations as
well as official state inspections:
>Engine oil
>Brakes Ð separate for front and rear
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
>Brake fluid >Coolant
>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Official state inspections
CBS monitors both current and upcoming
service requirements. After accessing the
data stored in the vehicle's key, your BMW
service advisor is able to suggest precisely
the right array of service procedures for
your own individual vehicle.
By letting you define a service and mainte-
nance regimen that reflects your own indi-
vidual requirements, Condition Based
Service builds the basis for troublefree
driving.
You can find more detailed information on
the Service Interval Display on page 78.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models) Please consult your Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) and
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models)
for additional information on service
requirements.
Have service and repair operations
performed at your BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service
procedures are confirmed by entries in
your vehicle's Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models). These
entries verify that your vehicle has received
the specified regular maintenance, and
may also be required when submitting
warranty claims.< Care You can find everything you need to know
on this topic by consulting the separate
"Car care" manual.