Driving
62
Starting the engine
Do not run the engine in closed
rooms, as otherwise the inhaling of
toxic exhaust gases can cause uncon-
sciousness 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, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
1.Insert the remote control unit all the way
into the ignition lock
2.Depress the brake pedal
3.Briefly press the start/stop button.
Your BMW is equipped with the con-
venience starting feature. After
depressing the brake pedal, all you need to
do is briefly press the start/stop button.
The system responds by automatically
engaging the starter and allowing it to run
until the engine starts, after which it then
disengages automatically.
The automatic starting mode will not
operate or will be canceled if the battery
voltage is low. The engine can be started
by jump-starting, refer to page 202.<
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle remains
stationary. Instead, begin to drive immedi-
ately at a moderate engine speed.
If you have accidentally switched off
the engine while driving, it can be
restarted from a speed of approx. 3 mph/
5 km/h by pressing the button. It is not
necessary to depress the brake pedal.< Under the following conditions you should
press the accelerator pedal halfway down
when starting:
>If the engine fails to start on the first
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or
cold
>During a cold start at high altitudes,
from approx. 3,281 ft/1,000 m, at very
low temperatures, from approx. + 5 7/
Ð 15 6.
Refrain from starting the vehicle
repeatedly at brief intervals, and
avoid an excessive number of starting
attempts if the vehicle fails to start;
repeated activation of the starter over an
extended period would allow unburned or
only partially combusted fuel to enter the
catalytic converter, where it can cause
overheating and damage to the unit.<
Switching off the engine
With the vehicle stationary, briefly press the
start/stop button. This also activates the
radio mode.
Should exceptional circumstances
render it necessary for you to switch
off the engine while the vehicle is moving,
press the start/stop button for approxi-
mately 1 second.
If you maintain pressure on the start/stop
button for longer than two seconds while
switching off the ignition, the remote con-
trol unit will be ejected.<
Always remove the remote control
unit from the ignition lock before
leaving the vehicle.<
Parking brake
The concept
Your BMW is equipped with an electrome-
chanical parking brake.
The parking brake is primarily intended to
prevent the vehicle from rolling while
parked.
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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 page 64.
An electrohydraulic mechanism then
engages the parking brake 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. With the
parking brake set, the indicator
lamp lights up red in the
Info Display, refer to page 14.
With the ignition off, the indicator
lamp goes out after a brief
period.<
Manual release
With the ignition on, briefly
press the button: the indicator
lamp in the Info Display goes
out.
Provided that the remote control unit
is engaged in the ignition lock, 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 vir-
tual stop, i.e., down to a speed of
approximately 2 mph/3 km/h or below, the
parking brake remains engaged.
The indicator lamp in the Info Display
lights up 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 sup-
port during vehicle operation by automati-
cally engaging and releasing the parking
brake during stops at traffic lights, in stop-
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65
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deacti-
vated when
>the engine is switched off
>the system detects that the driver's seat
is not occupied while the engine is run-
ning
>the hood is opened while the engine is
running
>the luggage compartment is opened
with the transmission in reverse while
the engine is running, and
>when the parking brake is used to bring
the vehicle to a stop.
The indicator lamp changes from
green to red, and the AUTO P letters in the
Info Display disappear.
Before starting off again, briefly press the
button to disengage the parking brake
manually, refer to page 63, or reactivate
Automatic Hold, refer to page 64.
Before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, always move the
automatic transmission's selector lever to
position P and ensure that the parking
brake is engaged. The vehicle could start to
roll if you fail to observe these precautions.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Automatic Hold is automatically
deactivated whenever the system
detects any tendency for the wheels to spin
in response to slippery road surfaces. Note
the status reports in the Check Control.
You can find more detailed information on
Check Control on page 85.<
Malfunctions
If a malfunction occurs, the indicator
lamp lights up yellow in the Info Dis-
play and a status report will appear in the
Check Control. Please note any supple-
mentary information that appears in the
Control Display.
Releasing the parking brake
manually
You can respond to any interruptions in the
supply of electrical power, for instance, if
the battery is discharged or disconnected,
by releasing the parking brake manually.
Before proceeding to release the
parking brake manually, and each
time you park the vehicle without engaging
the parking brake, always ensure that the
automatic transmission's selector lever is
in position P, refer to page 67. Note the
range indicated in the Info Display.
If it is not possible to avoid parking on an
extremely steep slope, use some supple-
mentary means, such as a wheel chock, to
make certain that the vehicle will not roll,
refer to page 198. Otherwise the danger
exists that the vehicle could roll when
parked on a very steep hill.<
Should it also be necessary to release the
automatic transmission's lockout manually,
for instance, if the battery is discharged,
always adhere to the following sequence:
1.If necessary, start by manually releasing
the parking brake
2.Then release the automatic transmis-
sion's lockout manually, refer to
page 70.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages 202 and 203.
What you will need
1Screwdriver handle
2Emergency-release tool
310 mm open-end wrench
You will find the required tools in the
onboard tool kit mounted on the inside of
Driving
66 the luggage compartment lid, refer to
page 195.
Insert the emergency-release tool in the
screwdriver handle as shown in the illustra-
tion.
Releasing
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 arrow 2, con-
tinuing 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, con-
tinuing 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 was released manually after
an interruption in power supply, i.e. as a
result of a discharged or disconnected bat-
tery. 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, press the
button briefly three times at
intervals of approx. 5 seconds.
This initializes the system as
follows:
>Initializing the released setting
>Engage Ð the system registers the new
status and the brake setting is initial-
ized. The indicator lamp in the
Info Display lights up red.
>Release Ð the parking brake is ready for
operation. The indicator lamp in
the Info Display goes out.
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69
Deactivate the L mode to obtain max-
imum acceleration for overtaking
maneuvers, etc.<
Deactivating the L mode
>Press the L/D button or
>press the selector lever into position D
once again.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic*
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 ranges
P R N D
Program display
S or M1 Ð M6
Buttons on steering wheel
S/M/D + Ð
Selecting 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 operation
When you press the S/M/D button on the
steering wheel once, the system responds
by activating the transmission's Sport pro-
gram, as indicated by the letter S in the Info
Display, refer to previous column. We rec-
ommend this program for performance-ori-
ented 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 executed only
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation 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.
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 report will appear in the Check
Control to alert you to any malfunctions in
the transmission-control system. Please
note any supplementary information that
appears in the Control Display. The direc-
tional 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.<
Releasing transmission lockout
manually
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 man-
ually.
To prevent the drive wheels from
locking up and sliding, the transmis-
sion lockout must always be released man-
ually 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 dis-
charged 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 202 and 203.
Releasing
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
Driving
72
Wiper system
1Standard wiper speed: briefly press
once.
Fast wipe: briefly press twice
2To switch off wipers or for brief wipe
3To activate/deactivate rain sensor
4To clean windshield and headlamps
5To adjust rain sensor sensitivity level
The lever automatically returns to its
initial position when released.<
1 Standard wiper speed
The system automatically reverts to opera-
tion in the intermittent mode whenever the
vehicle stops.
Fast wiper speed
You can also select this position by
pressing the lever upward past the detent.
The system automatically reverts to opera-
tion in the standard wiper speed whenever
the vehicle stops.
4 Cleaning windshield
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a
brief period.
Cleaning headlamps
Each fifth time you press into position 4 to
clean the windshield while the headlamps
are on.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do so, your vision could
be obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid antifreeze, refer to page 73.
Avoid activating the washer when the
reservoir is empty, as damage to the pump
could result.<
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles and the
windshield itself in the area around the
wipers are heated automatically when the
ignition is switched on.
Rain sensor
The rain sensor is located on the wind-
shield, directly in front of the interior rear-
view mirror.
Activating the rain sensor
Press briefly with ignition in radio mode.
The indicator lamp comes on. The wipers
will always respond by completing at least
one sweep of the windshield.
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Turn the rotary knob 5.
Deactivating the rain sensor
Press the button again. The indicator lamp
goes out.
The rain sensor is automatically deac-
tivated when you switch off the igni-
tion.<
Deactivate the rain sensor when
passing through an automatic car
wash. Failure to do so could result in
damage caused by undesired wiper activa-
tion.<
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Changing preset level
Push 1 or pull 2 the lever beyond the
detent. The preset speed progresses to the
next desired speed. The lowest speed that
is possible to select is roughly 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Interrupting the cruise control
With the cruise control active, briefly tap
the lever up or down.
Hiding display for multilevel preset
function
When activated, press the lever upward or
downward for approx. 3 seconds.
Showing display for multilevel preset
function again
Press 1 or pull 2 the lever beyond the
detent.
Deactivating the multilevel preset
function
The multilevel preset function is also deac-
tivated when you switch off the ignition.
Storing desired speeds
With vehicle stationary
Switch on the ignition.
Press 1 or pull 2 the lever beyond the
detent: the selectable speed level is dis-
played with 5.
>To increase desired speed:
Press the lever forward
>To decrease desired speed:
Pull back the lever
>To store desired speed:
Maintain pressure on button 4 for
approx. 3 seconds. The stored desired
speed appears in 6.
If 6 speeds have already been stored,
it will be necessary to delete one
before entering a new preset speed.<
While driving
Activate multilevel preset function.
Maintain pressure on button 4 for approx.
3 seconds. The respective driven speed is
applied as the desired speed and displayed
with 6.
If all of the graduations flash at once
this indicates that 6 desired speeds
have already been stored. You must then
delete at least one.<
Deleting desired speeds
Select the desired speed 5.
Press button 4 for approx. 3 seconds.
Active cruise control*
The concept
With active cruise control you can select a
desired speed which is not only automati-
cally maintained when driving on open
roadways, but also varied to maintain a
selected distance setting as slower traffic
is encountered.
Active cruise control is a technological
advance over the familiar cruise control
and is a welcome relief from the constant
adjustment of speed that can accompany
driving in traffic on freeways or other high-
speed thoroughfares. Especially on longer