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4.Select the menu item to be set
5.Press the controller
6.Select the desired measurement unit 
and press the controller.
Depending on which key you have used to 
open the vehicle, the last settings are 
applied.
Language on Control Display 
The language on the Control Display can 
be set.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page 16:
1.Open the   menu
2.Select "Display settings" and press the 
controller
3.Select "Languages" and press the con-
troller
4.Select "Text language" and press the 
controller. You can select a different 
language for the text displays
5.Select the desired language and press 
the controller.
Depending on which key you have used to 
open the vehicle, the last adjustment is 
applied.
Setting time 
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page 16:
1.Open the   menu
2.Select "Display settings" and press the 
controller
3.Select "Time" and press the controller
4.Select "Set time" and press the control-
ler. The hours are selected
5.Turn the controller to set the hours
6.Press the controller to apply the setting. 
The next adjustment is highlighted
7.Make the remaining adjustments. After 
the last adjustment, the time is stored.
12h/24h mode 
The mode can be set.
1.Select "Time format" and press the 
controller
2.Select the desired mode and press the 
controller.
Depending on which key you have used to 
open the vehicle, the last adjustment is 
applied.
Switching on hour signal* 
You will hear three tones just before each 
full hour.
Select "Hour memo" and press the control-
ler.
 The hour signal is activated. 

Everything under control
74
Setting date 
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page 16:
1.Open the   menu
2.Select "Display settings" and press the 
controller
3.Select "Date" and press the controller
4.Select "Set date" and press the control-
ler. The first section of the date display 
is highlighted, here the day
5.Turn the controller to make the adjust-
ment
6.Press the controller to apply the setting. 
The next adjustment is highlighted
7.Make the remaining adjustments. After 
the last adjustment, the date is stored.
Changing date format
The date format can be set.
1.Select "Date format" and press the con-
troller
2.Select the desired format and press the 
controller.
Depending on which key you have used to 
open the vehicle, the last adjustment is 
applied. 

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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 and a visual display
* indicate 
the current distance to an object behind or 
in front of your vehicle. To measure the dis-
tance, there are four ultrasonic sensors in 
each bumper. The sensors at the front and 
at the two rear corners have a range of 
approx. 20 in/50 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 mode 
In ignition key position 2, the system auto-
matically assumes operational status after 
a few seconds each time you engage 
reverse gear or selector-lever position R.
Wait this short period before driving.<
The system is automatically deacti-
vated 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.
Manual mode 
With the ignition key in position  2, press the 
button; the indicator lamp lights up.
Deactivating manual mode 
Press the button again; the indicator lamp 
goes out.
Signal tones 
The signal indicating the distance to the 
nearest obstacle is directional. Thus, an 
object detected to the left rear of the vehi-
cle 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 continu-
ous once the distance to the nearest object 
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
The warning signal is canceled after 
approx. 3 seconds if you are moving paral-
lel to a wall.
Malfunctions 
The indicator lamp within the button 
flashes and a message appears on the 
Control Display. PDC has failed. Switch off 
PDC. Have the system checked.
As a preventive measure, keep the sensors 
clean and free of ice or snow in order to 
ensure that they will continue to operate 
effectively.
PDC with visual warning*
You also enjoy the option of having the sys-
tem show distances to objects on the Con-
trol Display. The Control Display will also  

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
76 indicate the presence of objects in green 
before they are close enough to generate a 
signal tone.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page 16:
1.Press button.
The start menu is opened
2.Press the controller to open the   menu
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller
4.Select "PDC" and press the controller
5.Select "Monitor display on" and press 
the controller.
 The PDC screen is activated. 
The display appears on the Control Display 
as soon as PDC is activated.
Depending on which key you have used to 
open the vehicle, the last adjustment is 
applied.
System limits
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 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 your 
vehicle may prevent you from hearing the 
PDC signal tone.<
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 
systems 
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 ABS and DSC.
ABS Antilock Brake System 
ABS enhances active safety by preventing 
the wheels from locking under braking.
ABS is operational every time you start the 
engine. ABS includes the functions CBC 
Cornering Brake Control and EBV Elec-
tronic brake-force distribution.
CBC Cornering Brake Control 
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. 

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DSC Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC 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, see below.
Indicator lamp 
The indicator lamp goes out soon 
after you start the engine.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off via the button.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 
In special driving states, e.g. in deep snow, 
DTC ensures maximum forward momen-
tum. The gain in forward momentum also 
involves a reduction in driving stability. 
DTC is active up to approx. 45 mph/
70 km/h, whereas DSC is only effective to 
a limited degree.
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.
Activating DTC 
>Press the DSC button briefly; the DTC 
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster 
lights up continuously.
Deactivating DTC again 
Press the DSC button briefly again; the 
DTC indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter goes out.
Switching off DSC 
Press the DSC button until the DSC indica-
tor light in the instrument cluster lights up 
continuously, however not longer than 
approx. 10 seconds. DSC and DTC are 
deactivated. In addition, the stability pro-
moting intervention of the active steering is 
deactivated, refer to page 80.
A message appears on the Control Display. 
Please note any supplementary information 
that appears there.
To maintain optimal stability, drive 
with the system on whenever possi-
ble.<
Reactivating DSC 
Press the DSC button briefly; the indicator 
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
78 The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the 
responsibility of the driver. Therefore, do 
not reduce the additional safety margin 
again by taking risks.<
DBC Dynamic Brake Control 
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this 
system automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus helps to 
achieve the shortest braking distance dur-
ing 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, 
DBC is deactivated.
Malfunctions of driving stability 
control systems 
The brake system warning lamp 
lights up in red, appearing together 
with the indicator lamps for ABS 
and DSC. A message appears on 
the Control Display. Driving stability 
control and ABS have failed. Con-
ventional braking efficiency remains 
available without limitations.
While you may continue, you should 
remember to proceed cautiously and drive 
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
The DSC warning lamp lights up. 
DSC and DTC have failed. 
The stability maintenance functions 
are no longer available. The vehicle will 
remain completely operational, however, 
without DSC.Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
The warning lamp for the brake sys-
tem lights up yellow and a message 
appears on the Control Display. 
DBC has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
Active roll stabilization* 
The concept 
Active roll stabilization minimizes body roll 
and optimizes vehicle stability during cor-
nering and evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear 
axles form the basis for active roll stabiliza-
tion. Suspension compliance adapts to suit 
driving conditions, varying from perfor-
mance-oriented during cornering to 
smooth and comfort-oriented when the 
vehicle is proceeding in a straight line. Dur-
ing vehicle operation, the system continu-
ously runs through closed-loop control 
cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status 
each time you start the engine.
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up and a 
message appears on the Control 
Display. There is a malfunction in 
the system. Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
If there is a malfunction in the system, 
please remember to adapt your 
speed accordingly, 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 message stating that you should stop 
appears on the Control Display, stop and 
switch off the engine as soon as possible. 
In this case the oil level in the reservoir may  

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have dropped below the minimum, possi-
bly owing to a leak in the hydraulic system. 
Do not continue driving. Contact your BMW 
center.<
Flat Tire Monitor 
The concept 
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the 
inflation pressures in the four tires as you 
drive. The system provides an alert when-
ever the inflation pressure drops signifi-
cantly in relation to the pressure in another 
tire.
The check of the tire inflation pressure is 
based on monitoring the relative speeds 
of the wheels. A flat tire is detected and 
reported on the basis of a deviation in cer-
tain speed ratios.
Functional requirement
To ensure reliable operation, the system 
should have been initialized with the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate 
sudden severe tire damage caused 
by outside factors and does not detect a 
natural, even pressure drop in all four 
tires.<
In the following situations, the system 
could be delayed or malfunction:
>When you are driving on snow-covered 
or slippery road surfaces
>In the case of performance-oriented 
driving: slip on the drive wheels, high 
lateral acceleration
>False alarms and undetected loss of 
pressure may occur when you are driv-
ing with snow chains fitted
>If the Flat Tire Monitor was not initial-
ized after the last inflation pressure cor-
rection, false alarms indicating a flat tire 
that is not present are possible or pres-
sure loss might not be detected.
Initializing system 
Perform the initialization immediately 
after correcting the inflation pressure, 
after changing a tire or changing a wheel or 
all wheels. A drive is necessary for this pur-
pose.<
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page 16:
1.Start the engine, but do not drive off
2.Open the   menu
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller
4.Select "FTM" and press the controller
5.Select "Set tire pressure" and press the 
controller
6.Select "Yes" and press the controller
7.Drive off.
The message "Initializing" is displayed.
It takes a few minutes before the Flat Tire 
Monitor can detect and report a flat tire and 
"Status: Active" is displayed.
If a flat tire is detected during initialization, 
a message appears on the Control Display.
When driving with snow chains, do 
not initialize the system.< 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
80
Report of a flat tire 
The warning lamp lights up in red 
and a message appears on the 
Control Display. In addition, an 
acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat tire 
or extensive inflation pressure loss.
1.Cautiously reduce the vehicle speed to 
below 50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid sudden 
braking and steering maneuvers. Do 
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph/
80 km/h
Due to the reinforcement on the 
side walls of the run-flat tires, 
inflation pressure loss can not usually 
be recognized from the outside, refer to 
Run-flat tires on page 168.<
2.To continue driving, comply with the 
instructions for driving with damaged 
tires on page 168.
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up yellow 
and a message appears on the 
Control Display. The Flat Tire Moni-
tor has a malfunction or has failed. Have 
the system checked as soon as possible.
Active steering* 
The concept 
The active steering is a system that actively 
varies the steering angle of the front wheels 
in relation to the steering wheel move-
ments.
When you are driving in the low road speed 
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the 
steering angle of the wheels is reinforced, 
i.e. the steering becomes very direct.
In the higher speed range, on the other 
hand, the steering angle of the wheels is 
reduced more and more. This improves the 
handling capability of your BMW over the 
entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make 
targeted changes to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the 
vehicle before the driver intervenes.
Malfunction 
The fixed warning lamp lights up.
The active steering is no longer 
operational. In the low speed range, 
greater steering wheel movement is neces-
sary. Have the system checked.
If the warning lamp lights up during the first 
engine starting following a power supply 
interruption, the system must be activated 
with initialization.
Initializing system 
1.Start the engine
2.With the vehicle stationary, turn the 
steering wheel from the straight-ahead 
position to the left as far as it will go and 
then back to the straight-ahead position
3.Switch off the engine.
When you start the engine again, all the 
functions of the active steering are avail-
able once again.
Brake Force Display 
The two-stage brake lamps light up in two 
stages depending on how strongly you 
brake.
>Normal braking:
The brake lamps and the third brake 
lamp go on
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
In addition, the light area of the rear 
brake lamps is enlarged, refer to illus-
tration.