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Technology for comfort, convenience
and safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you are parking.
Signal tones indicate the current distance
to an object behind or in front of your
vehicle. Four ultrasonic sensors in both the
bumpers monitor the distance to the
nearest object. The sensors at the front and
at the two rear corners have a range of
approx. 2 ft (60 cm); the rear middle sen-
sors have approx. 5 ft (1.50 m).
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,
as otherwise the physical circumstances
would mean that the system warning was
too late.<
Automatic function
Whenever the ignition is on the system
automatically assumes operational status
after a few seconds each time you engage
the transmission position R.
Wait this short period before
reversing.<
Switching on manually
Press the button, the indicator lamp lights
up.
Manual deactivation
Press the button again; the indicator lamp
goes out.
Automatic deactivation
The system is automatically deactivated
once the vehicle travels approx. 165 ft
(50 m) or exceeds a speed of roughly
20 mph (30 km/h); the indicator lamp goes
out. You can reactivate the system manu-
ally as needed.
Acoustic signals
The signal indicating the distance to the
nearest obstacle is directional. Thus, an
object detected to the left rear of the
vehicle will be indicated by a signal tone
from the left rear speaker, etc. As the
distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. The signal tone becomes
continuous once the distance to the
nearest object falls to below roughly 1 ft
(30 cm).
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. 3 seconds when the distance to an
object remains constant during this time,
if you are moving parallel to a wall, for
instance.
Malfunctions
The indicator lamp within the button
flashes and a status message appears in
the Check Control.
Please take note of the supplementary
information provided in the Control Display.
Switch the system off and have the cause
of the malfunction corrected by your BMW
center.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
94
PDC with visual warning
You also enjoy the option of having the
system show distances to objects in the
Control Display. The Control Display will
also indicate the presence of objects in
green before they are close enough to gen-
erate a signal tone.
Select "PDC pic." from the "Settings" menu
and confirm your selection. This activates
the PDC display.
The display then appears in the Control
Display whenever the PDC is automatically
or manually activated.
The previous display automatically reap-
pears after the system is deactivated.
Confirm in the menu to return to
the previous display.<
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always
remains with the driver. Even when sensors
are involved, there is a blind spot in which
objects cannot be detected. The system is
also subject to the physical limits that apply
to all forms of ultrasonic measurement,
such as those encountered with tow bars
and trailer couplings, as well as thin and
wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects already displayed, e.g. a curb, can also dis-
appear from the detection area of the sen-
sors again before a continuous tone
sounds.
Loud noises from outside and inside the
vehicle may prevent you from hearing
PDC's signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice
or snow in order to ensure that they
will continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Keep the spray at least 4 in (10 cm) away
from the sensors.<
Driving stability control/
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
Your BMW is equipped with an extended
array of systems designed to enhance and
maintain vehicle stability under extreme
conditions. The following section describes
these functions based on DSC and ABS.
The concept
DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting from
a full stop, as well as optimizing traction.
The system recognizes any tendency for
the vehicle to assume an unstable attitude
such as oversteer or understeer; it then
counteracts this tendency with a combina-
tion of graduated reductions in engine
torque and selective braking intervention at
individual wheels. DSC provides optimal
stability within the limits defined by the
laws of physics.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. DSC includes the functionality
of the DTC Dynamic Traction Control and
DBC Dynamic Brake Control.
With its selective braking intervention at the
individual drive wheels, DTC fulfills the
same function as a conventional limited-
slip differential to enhance traction under

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difficult driving conditions, such as on
snow, etc.
Indicator lamps
The indicator lamp in the Info Dis-
play goes out soon after you start
the engine.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off via the Control
Display.
The indicator lamp and the brake
warning lamp remain on continu-
ously:
DSC, DTC and DBC have been
deactivated or a system malfunc-
tion is present.
When the system is off, the stability main-
tenance functions described above are no
longer available. The vehicle will remain
completely operational, however, without
DSC.
Please respond to any malfunctions by
referring the problem to your BMW center.
Indicator and warning lamps on
Canadian models.
Activating DTC Dynamic Traction
Control
You may find it useful to briefly activate
DTC under the following special circum-
stances: >When rocking the vehicle and starting
off in deep snow or on loose road sur-
faces
>When ascending snow-covered hills,
and when driving in deep or on hard-
packed snow
>When driving with snow chains.
Select "Settings". Select "DTC" and con-
firm your entry. DTC is now activated. The
DTC indicator lamp in the Info Display
lights up.
When DTC is active, DSC provides
only limited system response up to a
speed of approximately 45 mph (70 km/h).
Control intervention to maintain stability is
reduced.<
Deactivating DTC
Select "Settings". Select "DTC" and con-
firm your entry. DTC is now deactivated.
The DTC indicator lamp in the Info Display
goes out.
Deactivating DSC
Select "Settings". Select "DSC" and con-
firm your entry. DSC is deactivated. The
indicator lamp in the Info Display remains
on continuously.
Deactivating DSC automatically deacti-
vates DTC as well. The systems for
enhancing stability and traction are deacti-
vated, and there is no active braking inter-
vention or torque control.
A status report appears in the Check Con-
trol. Please take note of the additional
information in the Control Display.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96 To maintain optimal stability, drive
with the system on whenever pos-
sible.<
Reactivating DSC
Select "Settings". Select "DSC" and con-
firm your entry. DSC is now activated. The
indicator lamp in the Info Display goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An approp-
riate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Avoid using the
additional safety margin provided by the
system as an excuse for taking unneces-
sary risks.
When DTC is active, DSC provides only
limited system response up to a speed of
approximately 45 mph (70 km/h). Interven-
tion for stability-enhancement is reduced.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC
system. Never allow anyone other than
authorized professional technicians to
carry out service or repairs on the DSC
system.<
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this
system automatically produces the max-
imum braking force boost and thus helps to
achieve the shortest possible braking dis-
tance 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 light. Have the system
checked and repaired at your BMW center
as soon as possible.
Check Control messages, refer to page 85.
Please note the supplementary information
provided in the Control Display.
Warning lamp on Canadian models.
Driving stability control/
ABS Antilock Braking
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.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
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 lat-
eral 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 indicator 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.

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Check Control messages, refer to page 85.
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.
Active stabilizers at the front and rear axles
form the basis for Dynamic Drive. Suspen-
sion compliance adapts to suit driving con-
ditions, 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 con-
tinuously 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. Please take note of
the additional information in the Control
Display.
You can find more detailed information on
the Check Control starting on page 85.
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 ten-dency to tilt during cornering and in cross-
winds.
If a Check Control message stating that
you should stop appears in addition to the
red symbol, stop immediately and switch
off the engine. In this case the oil level in
the reservoir may have dropped below the
minimum, possibly owing to a leak in the
hydraulic system.
Please observe the additional instructions
provided in the Control Display.<
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 program
Activate in "Settings" menu with the igni-
tion on.
You should select the Sport program for
consistently performance-oriented
response from shock absorbers and
steering.

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The symbol will appear in yellow in the
Check Control 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 TPM electronics
>if, in addition to the spare tire, addi-
tional wheels with TPM 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.
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.
The display consists of two stages:
>Normal braking:
The brake lamps in the tail lamp assem-
blies and the high-mount brake lamp on
the rear tray light up during braking
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
The tail lamps also light up with the
same intensity as the standard brake
lamp units to enhance the warning
effect of the brake lamps.

Lamps
102
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
Parking lamps/side marker lamps
With the switch in this position, the
front, rear and side vehicle lighting
is switched on. You can use the side
marker lamps for parking. For lighting on
one side for parking as an additional fea-
ture, refer to page 103.
Low beams
When you switch off the ignition
with the headlamps on, the head-
lamps go out, and only the parking
lamps remain on.
Follow-me-home lamps:
After parking the vehicle and
switching off the headlamps, you can use
the headlamp flasher control to activate
the low beams for a period of roughly
40 seconds. You also have the options of
extending this period or, as an alternative,
having this function deactivated.<
Lights on warning
If you switch off the ignition while the head-
lamps are on, when you subsequently open
the driver's door a gong will sound for sev-
eral seconds, while the Check Control will
provide you with a message
.
Daytime driving lamps*
If you wish, you can leave the light switch in
the low-beam position:
All external lamps go out when you switch
off the ignition.
Always observe all applicable laws gover-
ning the use of daytime driving lamps.
You can switch on the parking lamps when
needed using the standard procedure
described under Parking lamps.
You can have the daytime driving
lamps on your vehicle programmed to
operate as desired.<
Automatic headlamp control
When you set the switch to this
position, the system activates and
switches on and off the low beams
in response to changes in ambient light
conditions, for instance, in tunnels, at dawn
and dusk, and in rain and snow. The green
indicator lamp next to the symbol is illumi-
nated when the low beams are on.
Following automatic activation the
vehicle's external lighting remains on
when you switch on the fog lamps.<
The automatic headlamp control
cannot serve as a substitute for your
personal judgment in determining when the
lamps should be switched on in response
to ambient lighting conditions.
For example, the system cannot detect fog.
To avoid safety risks, you should always
switch on the lamps manually under these
conditions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the
headlamp control system adjusted on
your vehicle.<

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undermining your ability to steer and brake
the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft (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.<
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 con-
sistent 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 bra-
king effect by selecting a lower gear in the
automatic transmission's manual mode,
downshifting as far as first gear on extre-
mely steep stretches, refer to page 68. This
strategy helps you avoid placing excessive
loads on the brake system.
Never allow the vehicle to coast with
the transmission in Neutral Ð or with
the engine switched off Ð there is no engine
braking when the transmission is in Neu-
tral, 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.<
Corrosion
When the vehicle is driven only occasio-
nally, 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 ten-
dency 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 pul-
sating effect that even extended applica-
tion will fail to cure.
Brake pads
If the brake pad wear warning lamp
appears in the Check Control,
accompanied by a text: please take
careful note of the additional information in
the Control Display.