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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. 

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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.< 

Mobility
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Recommended tire sizes and makes 
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire 
size, classifies them as road-safe and 
approves them. You can find out about 
these at specialized dealers or at your 
BMW center. Observe any country-specific 
regulations, e.g. on making a correspond-
ing entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-mounted tires have been spe-
cially selected to provide optimized perfor-
mance when installed on your vehicle; if 
properly cared for, they will provide a com-
bination of safety and excellent ride com-
fort.
Run-flat tires 
In the event of replacement, use run-flat 
tires, refer to page 168, as there is no spare 
wheel available for flats.
For safety reasons, BMW recom-
mends that you do not have damaged 
run-flat tires repaired; they should be 
replaced.<
Special characteristics of winter 
tires 
BMW recommends winter tires for use in 
cold winter driving conditions. Although all-
season M+S tires provide better winter 
traction than summer tires, they generally 
fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Run-flat tires 
If you switch from summer to winter tires, 
or vice versa, use run-flat tires, refer to 
page 168, as in the event of a flat tire there 
is no spare tire available. Your BMW center 
will be glad to advise you.
Observing speed ratings 
Never exceed the maximum speed for 
which the winter tires are rated. 
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents. Have this work performed by skilled 
professionals only. The technicians at your 
BMW center will be glad to assist you with the required professional knowledge and 
specialized equipment.<
Storage 
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry 
place with as little exposure to light as pos-
sible. Always protect tires against all con-
tact with oil, grease and fuels. Do not 
exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure 
indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Snow chains* 
BMW only tests certain snow chains, clas-
sifies them as road-safe and approves 
them. Consult your BMW center for more 
information. BMW recommends using 
these approved, narrow-link snow chains. 
These snow chains are approved exclu-
sively for use in pairs on the rear wheels 
with the tire size 245/45 R 18.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions 
when mounting snow chains.
Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h with the chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Runflat Indicator 
after mounting snow chains.
When you are driving with snow chains, it 
can be beneficial to switch off DSC briefly, 
refer to page 77.< 

Everything from A to Z
208 Screw thread for tow 
fitting 186
Seats 43
– adjusting 43
– heating 47
– memory, refer to Seat, 
mirror and steering wheel 
memory 44
– sitting safely 42
– sports seat 43
– storing the setting 44
– thigh support 43
Securing load 98
"Select as destination" 113
"Select current speed" 71
Selecting audio sources, 
refer to Operation using 
Control Center 126
Selecting frequency 
manually 131
Selecting menu items 18
Selecting new scale for 
navigation system 
display 120
Selecting route 116
Selection options with 
navigation system 116
Selector lever
– automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 58
– manual transmission 56
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission 56
Selector lever interlock, 
refer to Shiftlock
– automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 58
– SMG Sequential manual 
transmission 57
Sequential manual trans-
mission, SMG 56
"Service" 65, 156
Service, refer to 
Roadside Assistance 184
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US 
models 174
"Service notification" 156
"Service Request" 157Service requirement 
display 65
– also refer to CBS 
Condition Based 
Service 174
"Service 
requirements" 65, 156
"Service Status" 155
"Set date" 74
"Set" in audio mode 127
"Set service date" 66
"Set time" 73
Setting road-speed limit 71
Settings
– changing on the 
Control Display 72
– configuring, refer to 
Key Memory 26
Setting the time, refer to 
Preselecting activation 
time 93
"Set tire pressure" 79
Shifting gears with 
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 58
Short commands of the 
voice command 
system 194
"Short cut / Telephone" 49
Shortest route for 
navigation 116
"Short route" for 
navigation 116
"Show current 
position" 112
"Show destination 
position" 112
Side airbags 81
Side marker lamps, 
replacing the bulbs 180
Side turn signals, replacing 
the bulbs 180
Sill panel lighting 87
Sitting safely 42
– with airbags 42
– with safety belts 42
Ski bag 98
Sliding/tilt roof, refer to 
Glass roof, electric with 
raise function 35SMG Sequential manual 
transmission 56
– acceleration assistant 60
– convenience start 55
– Dynamic Driving 
Control 59
– gear display 57
– kickdown 57
– overheating 58
– shiftlock 57
– towing 186
– tow-starting 187
– warning lamp 58
"SMS" 150
Snow chains 169
Socket
– for Onboard Diagnosis 
interface 176
– in front passenger 
footwell 98
– refer to Cigarette lighter 
socket 97
SOS, refer to Initiating an 
emergency call 183
Sound output for Enter-
tainment on/off 127
Spare fuses 182
Spare key 26
Special oils, refer to 
Specified engine oils 172
Specified engine oils 172
Speed-dependent 
volume 128
Speed limit warning, refer 
to Speed limit 71
Speedometer 12
"Speed volume", refer to 
Adjusting the tone 128
Speed with winter tires 169
Sport program
– automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 59
– Dynamic Driving 
Control 59
Stability control, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems 76
"Start" for stopwatch 72
"Start guidance" 111, 118
Starting assistance, refer to 
Jump-starting 184