
 
Cockpit
 
10
 
Cockpit 
All around the steering wheel: controls and displays 
 
1
 
Roller sun blind for rear window112
 
2
 
Rear window safety switch42 
 
3
 
Electric power windows41
 
4
 
Exterior mirrors51
 
5
 
Parking brake62
 
6
 
Parking lamps and low beams99
 
7
 
Instrument lighting100
 
8
 
Turn signal indicators69
High beams, 
headlamp flasher100 

At a glance
 13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Please fasten safety belts +49
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 
+92 
DTC Dynamic Traction Control92
ABS Antilock Brake System
 +91
Parking brake/brake hydraulics/
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control 
+62/ 197/ 93 
Parking brake/brake hydraulics/
DBC Dynamic Brake Control for 
Canadian models
Parking brake 
+62,64 
Parking brake62,64 
Automatic parking brake Ð 
Automatic Hold 
+63,64 
Service Engine Soon 
+199
Indicator lamp for Canadian 
models
Airbags 
+97 
Turn signal indicators69High beams/
headlamp flasher100 
Front fog lamps 100 
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light 
up in different colors and combinations. 
The following section explains the signifi-
cance of the individual colors as well as 
how you should respond when they 
appear.
>Red:
Stop the vehicle immediately 
or 
an important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue to drive cautiously
>Yellow:
Have the system inspected at 
the earliest opportunity
or
for your information
>Green:
For your information
>Blue:
For your information.
Indicator and warning lamps of 
the Check Control
Other indicator and warning lamps appear 
in the display 8 of the Info Display as nec-
essary, accompanied by supplementary 
text, refer to Check Control, page 82. 

Driving
60
Driving
Ignition lock
Insert the remote control all the way into 
the ignition lock. This also activates the 
radio mode. 
When the remote control unit is in the 
ignition lock you can start the engine 
without first switching on the ignition.<
Comfort Access*
Carry the remote control on your person if 
you want to use Comfort Access.
With Comfort Access, you do not need to 
insert the remote control in the ignition 
lock. You can switch the ignition on and off, 
see below, or start the engine, page 61, 
when a remote control is detected in the 
vehicle interior.
When you switch off the engine, the 
transmission moves automatically to 
position P: interlock.<
Switching the ignition on and off 
Continue to briefly press the start/stop but-
ton to switch the radio mode on and off or 
switch the ignition on and off. 
Do not press the brake pedal until you 
are ready to start the engine. If you 
briefly press the start/stop button while the 
brake pedal is pressed the engine will start 
immediately.<
Radio mode 
Several systems, such as the Control Cen-
ter, independent ventilation, etc., are avail-
able for use. The time and outside temper-
ature appear in the Info Display. 
The radio mode is automatically 
deactivated: 
>After approx. 16 minutes, when a door 
is closed and the system does not reg-
ister the presence of any individuals in 
the vehicle
>Immediately if the remote control is 
removed from the ignition lock
>With Comfort Access, by pressing the 
door handle.<
Ignition switched on 
All vehicle systems are ready for operation. 
Ignition switched off 
The indicator lamps in the Info Display go 
out. Only the automatic transmission's 
range display remains visible for a brief 
period. 
Removing the remote control from 
the ignition lock 
Press the remote control in briefly; it is 
ejected and now protrudes slightly from the 
lock. This procedure will also switch off the 
ignition if it is on. 
Switch off the engine before removing 
the remote control unit from the igni-
tion lock.  

Driving
62 approx. 30 minutes or when you remove 
the remote control from the ignition lock. 
Remember to observe the Check Control 
for status messages.< 
Should exceptional circumstances 
render it necessary for you to switch 
off the engine while the vehicle is moving, 
press the start/stop button for approx. 
1 second. 
If you maintain pressure on the start/stop 
button for longer than two seconds while 
switching off the ignition, the remote con-
trol will be ejected.< 
Before leaving the vehicle, remove 
the remote control from the ignition 
lock; with Comfort Access, always take the 
remote control with you.<
Parking brake 
The concept 
Your BMW is equipped with an electrome-
chanical parking brake. 
The parking brake is primarily intended to 
prevent the vehicle from rolling while 
parked. 
You can operate or use the parking brake in 
two different ways: 
>Manually, by briefly pressing the button
>Automatically, through activation of the 
Automatic Hold mode, refer to page 63. 
An electrohydraulic mechanism then 
engages the parking brake to prevent the 
rear wheels from turning whenever you 
switch off the engine. 
When the engine is running, parking brake 
engagement is controlled by the brake sys-
tem's hydraulic circuits, which act on the 
disc brakes at the front and rear wheels. 
Brake pedal feel 
Because this function is activated using 
the brake system's hydraulic circuits, the 
response of the brake pedal may change 
slightly. Engagement may also be accom-
panied by activation noise Ð this is normal. 
Manual engagement 
Briefly press the button, the 
word PARK appears briefly 
in the Info Display. With the 
parking brake set, the indicator 
lamp lights up red in the 
Info Display, refer to page 12. 
With the ignition off, the indicator 
lamp goes out after a brief 
period.< 
Manual release 
With the ignition on, briefly 
press the button: the indicator 
lamp in the Info Display goes 
out. 
Provided that the remote control unit 
is inserted in the ignition lock, you can 
also release the parking brake after the 
engine has been switched off. This function 
is intended for use in automatic car 
washes, etc.< 
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. 
The parking brake can still be engaged at 
any time when the remote control unit is 
released from the detent. It is only possible 
to disengage the parking brake with the 
ignition on.<
If exceptional circumstances should 
make it necessary to engage the 
parking brake while the vehicle is in motion, 
maintain pressure on the button. 
The indicator lamp appears in red in the 
Info Display. A gong sounds at the same  

Controls
 63Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
time. 
The brake lamps come on. 
The vehicle continues to brake automati-
cally for as long as you maintain pressure 
on the button.< 
When you brake the vehicle to a vir-
tual stop, i.e., down to a speed of 
approx. 2 mph/3 km/h or below, the park-
ing brake remains engaged. 
The indicator lamp in the Info Display 
lights up red. Briefly press the button to 
disengage the parking brake manually.< 
Automatic Hold 
You can activate this feature after starting 
the engine; it then remains operational until 
the next time the engine is switched off. 
This feature provides supplementary sup-
port during vehicle operation by automati-
cally engaging and releasing the parking 
brake during stops at traffic lights, in stop-
and-go traffic, etc. As the vehicle then no 
longer tends to creep when the transmis-
sion is engaged, it is no longer necessary 
to hold the vehicle by pressing the brake 
pedal. 
It prevents the vehicle from rolling back-
ward during uphill starts. 
The parking brake engages automatically 
when you stop the vehicle and switch off 
the engine. 
You can activate or cancel the Automatic 
Hold feature by selecting the "Settings" 
menu in the Control Center. A description 
of the Control Center is provided on 
page 17. 
Automatic Hold activation/
deactivation 
1.Select "Settings" 
2.Select   and confirm 
3.Select "AUTO P". Press the controller 
to activate/deactivate the desired func-
tion 
>Automatic Hold is activated. 
The green AUTO P status message in 
the Info Display shows you that the sys-
tem is ready for operation 
>Automatic Hold is deactivated. 
The green AUTO  P status message dis-
appears from the Info Display. 
You can assign the Automatic Hold 
function to the programmable button 
in the steering wheel, refer to page 52. 
This feature then provides you with quick 
access to the Automatic Hold function, 
allowing you to control it without undue 
distraction from road and traffic condi-
tions.< 
You can also deactivate Auto-
matic Hold by pressing the but-
ton while the vehicle is station-
ary. The vehicle remains 
stationary, the indicator lamp 
changes from green to red. Press the but-
ton again to release the parking brake. 
Driving with Automatic Hold 
The parking brake engages automatically 
when the vehicle comes to a stop. The indi-
cator lamp in the Info Display lights 
up green. 
To start off again, simply press the acceler-
ator pedal. The parking brake is released 
automatically; the indicator lamp  
goes out. 
Do not drive through an automatic car 
wash with the Automatic Hold on and 
the engine running. The system would 
engage the parking brake while the vehicle 
is stationary.<
Parking with Automatic Hold 
The parking brake engages automatically 
when you stop the vehicle and switch off 
the engine. The indicator lamp  
changes from green to red.  

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.  

Driving
66 ized. The indicator lamp in the 
Info Display lights up red 
>Releasing: the parking brake is ready 
for operation. The indicator 
lamp in the Info Display goes out. 
Automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 
While you can drive as with any conven-
tional automatic transmission, you also 
enjoy the option of shifting manually at the 
steering wheel, refer to page 67. 
Transmission range selection 
P R N D 
Program display
S or M1 Ð M6
Buttons on the steering wheel 
Press briefly to proceed through a selec-
tion sequence consisting of the automatic 
program, the sport program, and the man-
ual mode.Steptronic: 
Upshifting and downshifting, refer to Sport 
program and manual operation.
Selecting transmission range 
The selector lever is at the center 
position. To select transmission 
ranges D, R or N, always start by pulling 
toward the steering wheel, arrow 1, then 
press up or down. Note the information 
provided in the Info Display.< 
>Range D or R: 
Press the selector lever up or down, 
continuing to apply pressure to move it 
past the resistance point
>Neutral N: 
Press the selector lever as far as the 
resistance point
>Park P: 
Press button P, arrow 2.
The selector lever immediately returns to 
the center position when released. 
With the vehicle stationary, press the 
brake pedal before shifting out of P 
or N; the shift command will not be exe-
cuted unless the brake is applied: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after 
you select a range, maintain pressure on  

Driving
74 In addition to holding a steady cruising 
speed, if you do encounter slower vehicles 
ahead, active cruise control will Ð within the 
scope of given possibilities Ð adjust your 
vehicle's speed automatically so that one 
can flow with the traffic without frequent 
intervention by the driver. If, for example, 
while cruising at the selected speed, you 
begin to approach a slower vehicle ahead 
of you in the same lane, the system will 
reduce your vehicle's speed to the same as 
that of the vehicle ahead to maintain your 
selected distance setting between your 
vehicle and the vehicle ahead. There are 
four settings for distance, which is addi-
tionally speed-dependent. Based on your 
selected distance setting, the system auto-
matically decreases the throttle setting and 
lightly applies the brakes if necessary. 
The vehicle brake lamps will automatically 
illuminate to signal a following driver to 
take action. In addition, it may be neces-
sary for the vehicle to downshift to maintain 
the distance setting selected. If the vehicle 
ahead speeds up or when the lane ahead 
becomes clear, your vehicle will accelerate 
to the speed you have selected by increas-
ing the throttle setting and shifting gears as 
needed. 
Active cruise control is not and must 
not be used as a collision avoidance/
warning system.< 
Since this active cruise control sys-
tem is a new technology and operates 
differently from conventional cruise control 
systems which you may be accustomed to, 
you are strongly urged to read all of the 
pages relating to this system before use. 
Pay special attention to the information 
contained in the Things to know about 
active cruise control section in this manual 
beginning on page 77.<
Info Display screen contents 
1Stored desired speed display 
2Detected vehicle display. Lights up 
when vehicle driving ahead is detected 
3Selected distance to vehicle driving 
ahead 
4Digital speed display. 
Appears briefly when you select your 
desired speed, refer to page 75. 
The system is activated. 
The display appears as soon as 
you activate the system and no 
vehicle is detected driving 
ahead. 
Vehicle detected. 
The display lights up when a 
vehicle is detected driving 
ahead. 
The system requests you to 
intervene by braking or with an 
evasive maneuver. The display 
flashes and a chime sounds. 
The active cruise control can-
not automatically restore the distance to 
the vehicle driving ahead. You will find 
more detailed information on page 78. 
Automatic intervention by ABS 
or DSC, or you actuate the 
parking brake while driving. The 
active cruise control now only 
intervenes by braking.