
Driving
64 Provided that the remote control is
inserted in the ignition lock, you can
also release the parking brake manually
after the engine has been switched off,
refer to page 62. This function is useful in
automatic car washes, etc.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.<
When leaving the vehicle, always
release the remote control from the
detent in the ignition lock; this precaution
prevents children from disengaging the
parking brake, etc.<
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 lid 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 62, or reactivate
Automatic Hold, refer to page 63.
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 precau-
tions.
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 additional information on the
Check Control on page 82.<
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 on 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 66. Note the
range indicated in the Info Display.
If the wheel must be changed on a surface
with a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing e.g. with a chock, refer to page 203.
Otherwise there is a danger that the vehicle
could start to roll if parked on a steep
slope.<
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 68.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages 207 and 208.

Controls
67Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
the brake pedal until you are ready to start.
You can activate the Automatic Hold fea-
ture to suppress the vehicle's tendency to
creep, refer to page 63.<
Shift commands are transmitted electroni-
cally. To help avoid malfunctions, each
command undergoes a plausibility check
prior to execution.
Remember to observe the Check Control
for status messages.
You can find additional information on the
Check Control on page 82.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage
the parking brake before leaving the vehi-
cle with the engine running. Note the infor-
mation provided in the Info Display.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
P Park
Select P only when the vehicle is station-
ary. The transmission lockout prevents the
rear wheels from turning. The lockout dis-
engages when you press the selector lever
toward D, N or R while the engine is run-
ning.
P is engaged automatically as soon as
you switch off the engine unless N is
engaged and the remote control is inserted
in the ignition lock, refer to page 61.<
R Reverse
Select R only when the vehicle is station-
ary.
N Neutral
Select N only if your journey is interrupted
for a long period.
>From D press the selector lever up
>From R press the selector lever down.
Note the arrows indicating direction in the
range display.
N remains engaged whenever the
remote control unit remains in the
ignition lock after the ignition is switched
off. This function is useful in automatic car washes, etc.
After approx. 30 minutes the system auto-
matically engages P. Remember to
observe the Check Control for status mes-
sages.
Switching off the engine, refer to
page 61.<
D Drive, automatic driving position
This is the range recommended 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.
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
program display of the Info Display, refer to

Driving
68 page 66. We recommend this program for
performance-oriented driving.
When you press the S/M/D button a sec-
ond 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 press 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.
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 on 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 out-
put 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. Engaging the parking brake, refer to
page 62.<
Manual release of transmission
lockout
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 releas-
ing the transmission lockout manu-
ally. If the brakes are not applied, the vehi-
cle 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 64
2.Then proceed to manually release the
transmission lockout.<
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages 207 and 208.

Controls
83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Priority 1:
These status messages and malfunction
reports are signaled by a gong. Simulta-
neous defects will be displayed consecu-
tively. These messages cannot be deleted,
and they remain in the display until the
problem is corrected. Supplementary infor-
mation is also shown on the Control Dis-
play, refer to Automatic display on the Con-
trol Display.
Priority 2:
These status messages and malfunction
reports appear in the Info Display for
approx. 20 seconds.
Briefly press the CHECK button on the turn
signal indicator lever to cancel the mes-
sage in the display, if allowed by priority
rating.
Requesting stored messages using the
Control Center see there.
Check Control symbol and messages
on the Control Display
Depending on the status of the monitored
systems, the Check Control symbol is
displayed in different colors.
Yellow or red
Faults are present in the monitored sys-
tems. Depending upon how serious the
problem is, a supplementary message may
also appear on the Control Display.
Requesting stored messages using the
Control Center see there.
The symbol in the status line also indi-
cates the status of the Service Interval
Display, refer to page 23.<
Automatic display on the Control
Display
These supplementary messages are
intended to assist you in assessing the
severity of malfunctions; they provide you
with the information you need to decide on
the best way to respond.
Select and confirm to switch off the dis-
play.
Requesting stored messages using
the Control Center
1.Select "Car data"
2.Select and confirm
3.Select "Check" and confirm
4.The stored status reports appear in the
display. Select the desired report and
confirm.

Everything under control
84 The display disappears when the sym-
bol is confirmed.
Displays after completion of trip
Selected fault reports generated during the
trip are shown consecutively when you
switch off the ignition.
If indicated, the following message may
also appear:
"Parking lamps on!"
This message appears when you open the
driver's door after parking. A supplemen-
tary gong is also heard.
Even with the ignition and Info Display off,
you can reactivate the screen and display
the messages.
Press the CHECK button for approx.
8 seconds, refer to page 83. The stored
status reports appear again in the display.
If several messages are present, you can
continue to briefly press the CHECK button
to view them in succession.
The Check Control function
>cancels itself automatically after a brief
period
>can be canceled by again pressing the
CHECK button for approx. 8 seconds.
You can select the language in which
Check Control status reports and
messages from the computer will appear,
refer to page 88.<
Computer
To select functions:
You can use the buttons in the turn signal
indicator lever to request a display from the computer on the Info Display, starting at
the radio mode in the ignition lock.
1Info Display on left
2Info Display on right
A new function appears each time you
briefly press the button.
Displays in the Info Display
The display sequence:
>Fuel gauge85
>Range and remaining distance85.
The display sequence:
>Odometer80
>Energy Control/
Current fuel consumption85
>Average fuel consumption85
>Average speed85
>Time of arrival85.
Maintain pressure on button 1 to can-
cel the display from the computer.
Briefly press the button again to return to
the last display.
It will not be possible to cancel the display
if the fuel level has fallen into the reserve
range or if a Check Control status report is
currently on the screen.

A congenial climate
104 The air conditioner comes on automatically
when you select the AUTO program.
Temperature adjustment
You can turn to select the
desired temperatures for the
driver and passenger sides.
Your settings appear on the
Control Display's status line.
The figures in the display provide a general
indication of interior temperature. When
you start the vehicle, this system ensures
that the selected temperature is achieved
as quickly as possible. It then maintains
this temperature, regardless of the season.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and door windows.
Adjusting air supply manually
You can adjust the air supply by
turning. The automatic air sup-
ply control is operational when-
ever you see your selection
represented by a bar on the
Control Display's status line. The automatic
air distribution remains in operation as
before. You can reactivate the automatic
air supply mode with the AUTO button.
Switching air conditioner mode on
and off manually
The air conditioner cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before also reheating it as
required, according to temperature setting.
Depending on the weather, the windshield
may fog over briefly when the engine is
started.
The air conditioner comes on automatically
when you select the AUTO program.
Maximum cooling
This program quickly provides
maximum cooling.
The temperature display reverts
to 607/166 while the system
switches to the recirculated-air mode and
starts to provide maximum air supply
through the vent outlets only. For this rea-
son you should ensure that these outlets
are open before selecting this program.
Outside air/AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control/
recirculated air
You can respond to unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the imme-
diate environment by tempo-
rarily suspending the supply of outside air.
The system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. AUC executes this
function automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run through
the following control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside air flows
into the vehicle
>Left indicator lamp on, AUC mode: the
system detects pollutants in the outside
air and responds by blocking the supply
of outside air when required. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently
within the vehicle.
Depending upon air quality, in the auto-
matic mode the system may start to
alternate between its outside-air and
recirculated-air modes
>Right indicator lamp on, recirculated-
air mode: the supply of outside air into
the vehicle is permanently blocked.
The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during opera-
tion in the recirculated-air mode, you
should switch it off while also increasing air
supply as required.<

Practical interior accessories
118
Securing the load
Secure the bag's contents by tighten-
ing down the strap at the buckle.<
Stowing the ski bag
1.Close the hatch in the luggage com-
partment:
Press the handle and slide to the left
2.Fold up the ski bag and place it in the
compartment
3.Engage the cover as shown
4.Close the cover.

Driving tips
125Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and
as low as possible, placing it directly
behind the bulkhead behind the rear
seats
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat
is not occupied, secure each safety belt
in the opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net* or securing straps
to hold down small and lightweight lug-
gage and cargo, refer to page 39
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available
at your BMW center. Anchorages for
attaching these heavy-duty straps have
been provided in your vehicle's luggage
compartment, refer to the illustration
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the anchorage fittings.
Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can even
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross
vehicle weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer to page 214, as excessive
loads can pose a safety hazard, and may
also place you in violation of freeway safety
laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger com-
partment, as they could fly around and
pose a safety hazard to the vehicle's occu-
pants during abrupt braking or evasive
maneuvers .<
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*
Anchorage points
The anchorage points are located within
the door openings.
A special rack system is available as an
option for your BMW. Please comply with
the precautions included with the installa-
tion instructions.
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's cen-
ter of gravity when loaded, they have a
major effect on its handling and steering
response.
You should therefore always remember not
to exceed the approved roof weight, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle
loads when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights in the
Technical data section on page 214.
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
and that it does not extend outward to
beyond the limits of the loading surface.
Always load the heaviest pieces first Ð on
the bottom. Be sure that adequate clear-
ance is maintained for raising the glass
roof, and that objects do not project into