
Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster 
1Indicator lamps for turn signals13
2Speedometer with display of speed for 
cruise control63
3Fixed indicator and warning lamps13
4Tachometer64
 and engine oil thermometer65
5Display for
>Variable indicator and warning 
lamps66
>Speed for cruise control63
>Time/date64
>Outside temperature646Display for
>Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
>SMG Sequential manual 
transmission57
>Dynamic Driving Control59
>Computer69
>Date and remaining distance for 
service requirement65
>Odometer and trip odometer64
>Check Control message present66
7Fuel gauge65
8Resetting the trip odometer to zero64 

At a glance
 13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning 
lamps 
Technology that monitors itself 
The indicator and warning lamps identified 
by the 
+ symbol are subjected to an oper-
ation check each time you switch on the 
ignition or start the engine. They each light 
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored 
system, the corresponding lamp will either 
fail to go out when the engine is started, or 
it will come on again during normal driving, 
usually accompanied by a Check Control 
message. You will find more details on the 
specified pages.
Fixed indicator and warning lampsColors The indicator and warning lamps can light 
up in different colors and combinations.
>Red:
Stop immediately 
or 
important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue to drive; drive cautiously
>Yellow:
Have the system checked at the earliest 
opportunity
or
for your information
>Green or blue:
For your information.
Variable indicator and warning lamps 
On the display 5 of the instrument cluster, 
other indicator and warning lamps appear 
as necessary. Pay attention to the instruc-
tions of the accompanying Check Control 
messages, also refer to page 66. Turn signals60
Active steering 
+80
Brake system 
+
With handbrake engaged55
With handbrake released78, 173
With other warning lamps78
Brake system for Canadian models
Airbags 
+81
Service Engine Soon 
+176
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a malfunction 
the emissions-related electronic 
systems.
Although the vehicle remains oper-
ational, you should have the sys-
tems checked by your BMW center 
at the earliest possible opportunity
Service Engine Soon indicator 
lamp for Canadian models
Front fog lamps86
ABS Antilock Brake System +78
DTC Dynamic Traction Control78
High beams/headlamp flasher86
Please fasten safety belt 
+47
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 
+78
Check Gas Cap162
Lamp for US models 

Driving
58 speed; thus, for example, a downshift 
that would cause the engine to overrev 
will not be executed by the system
>When the vehicle is stationary, the 
transmission automatically downshifts 
into first gear
>Shortly before dropping below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the trans-
mission downshifts automatically even 
without your intervention.
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up and a 
message appears on the Control 
Display. There is a malfunction in 
the transmission system. Avoid high loads.
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.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Information on jump-starting and towing 
begins on page 185.
Overheating 
The warning lamp lights up and a 
message appears on the Control 
Display. In addition, an acoustic 
signal sounds. Overheating in the area of 
the transmission. If possible, stop or drive 
off quickly so that the system can cool 
down.
Automatic transmission 
with Steptronic* 
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you 
can also shift manually with Steptronic, 
refer to page 59.
Selector-lever positions 
P R N D M/S + –
Possible displays 
P R N D DS M1 to M6 
The selector lever position is indicated, and 
in the manual mode the gear currently 
engaged.
Changing selector-lever positions 
An interlock prevents inadvertent gear-
shifts into selector-lever positions R and P. 
To cancel the interlock, press the button on 
the front of the selector lever knob, refer to 
arrow.
Shiftlock 
Press the brake pedal before shifting out 
of P or N; the shift command will not be 
executed unless the brake is applied.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after 
you select a driving position, maintain pres-
sure on the brake pedal until you are ready 
to start.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, 
always select selector-lever posi-
tion P and engage the handbrake before 
leaving the vehicle with the engine running.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the 
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.< 

Controls
 59Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
P Parking 
Select only when the vehicle is completely 
stationary. The rear wheels are blocked.
R Reverse 
Select only when the vehicle is completely 
stationary.
N Neutral 
E.g. engage in car washes. The vehicle can 
roll.
D Drive, automatic position 
Position for normal vehicle operation. 
All forward gears are available.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel 
consumption is lowest when driving in 
position D.
Kickdown 
The kickdown mode provides maximum 
acceleration:
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the 
full-throttle resistance point.
M/S manual operation and 
Sport program 
Move the selector lever from position D to 
the left into gearshift gate M/S:
The sport program is activated and DS 
appears in the instrument cluster.
This position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style. It is engaged 
automatically when the Dynamic Driving 
Control is activated, see below.
When the selector lever is moved slightly 
towards + or –, the Steptronic shifts gear 
and manual operation is activated. The 
instrument cluster shows 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 instrument cluster, followed by 
the current gear.
To use the automatic function again, move 
the selector lever to the right into posi-
tion D.
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up and a 
message appears on the Control 
Display. There is a malfunction in 
the transmission system. Avoid heavy 
loads.
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.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Towing, refer to page, 185, jump-starting, 
refer to page 185.
Dynamic Driving Control 
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it pos-
sible for your BMW to react in an even more 
sports-oriented manner at the push of a 
button:
>The engine responds more spontane-
ously to accelerator pedal movements
>The steering conveys a feeling of even 
better contact with the road surface
>Cruise control:
The stored speed you call up is reached 
more quickly.
Additionally with SMG:
>Gearshifts are faster
>The engine speed range is used opti-
mally in the Drive mode.
With automatic transmission: 
>The Sport program is activated. 

Everything under control
64
Everything under control 
Odometer, outside 
temperature display, clock 
When the ignition is off you can briefly acti-
vate the time, outside temperature and 
odometer displays by pressing the knob 3 
at the lower left of the instrument cluster.
Outside temperature display, clock, 
date 1 
The outside temperature and the time are 
displayed from ignition key position 1 
onwards.
You can set the measurement unit 7 or 6 
on the Control Display, refer to Measure-
ment units on page 72.
To call up the date:
Briefly press the CHECK button on the turn 
indicator lever, refer to page 69.
Setting the time and date, refer to page 73.
Ice warning 
A signal sounds when the outside temper-
ature falls to roughly +37.57/+36; this is 
accompanied by a message.
Please bear in mind that the ice warn-
ing does nothing to alter the fact that 
black ice may be present on roads at tem-
peratures higher than +37.57/+36, e.g. 
on bridges and shaded roads.<
Odometer and trip odometer 2 
To reset the trip odometer to zero:
Press button 3 in the instrument cluster.
Tachometer 
The white-striped advance warning field, 
arrow 1, changes depending on the engine 
temperature. The segments disappear in 
sequence as the engine warms to its nor-
mal operating temperature.
Avoid allowing the engine speed to rise as 
far as the advance warning field whenever 
possible.
Engine speeds in the red warning field, 
arrow 2, must be avoided.
In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted 
to protect the engine. 

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  

Controls
 79Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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.