
 
Cockpit
 
12
 
Instrument cluster
 
1
 
Speedometer
 
2
 
Indicator and warning lamps12
 
3
 
Tachometer48
with indicator and warning lamps12
 
4
 
Engine coolant temperature gauge48
 
5
 
Fuel gauge48
 
6
 
Button for 
 
>
 
Time49
>Service interval display49 
7Display field for selector lever and pro-
gram indicator
>Automatic transmission 39
>Sequential manual gearbox 
SMG42
8Button for
>Trip odometer, reset to zero48
>Setting time49
9Display for
>Trip odometer/Odometer48
>Clock49
>Service interval49
>Computer49
Indicator and warning 
lamps 
Technology that monitors itself 
Indicator and warning lamps that are iden-
tified by 
+ are tested for proper functioning 
whenever the ignition key is turned. They 
each light up once for different periods of 
time.
If a fault should occur in one of these sys-
tems, the corresponding lamp does not go 
out after the engine is started or it lights up 
again while the vehicle is moving. The indi-
cated pages provide information on what 
measures to take. 

Opening and closing
26
Arming and disarming the alarm 
system
When the vehicle is locked or unlocked 
either via the driver's door lock or with the 
remote control, the alarm system is simul-
taneously armed or disarmed.
The hazard warning flashers blink once 
when the alarm system has been properly 
armed.
You can have different acknowledg-
ment signals set to confirm arming 
and disarming.<
You can still open the luggage compart-
ment lid when the system is armed by 
pressing the remote control button, refer to 
page 17. When it is closed, the lid is once 
again secured.
Manual operation of the luggage 
compartment lid triggers the alarm. 
Refer to page 19.<
To cancel an alarm: 
Press the button on the remote control, 
refer to page 16, or turn the ignition key to 
position 1. Refer to page 36.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp beneath the interior 
mirror flashes continuously:
The system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes when it is 
being armed: 
A door, the hood or luggage compart-
ment lid is not completely closed. Even 
if you do not close the area causing the alert, the remaining areas are secured 
and the indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously after 10 seconds. 
However, the interior motion sensor is 
not activated
>If the indicator lamp goes out as soon 
as the system is disarmed: 
No manipulation or attempted intru-
sions have been detected in the period 
since the system was armed
>If the indicator lamp flashes for 
10 seconds when the system is being 
disarmed: 
An attempted entry has been detected 
in the period since the system was 
armed.
After an alarm has been triggered, the indi-
cator lamp will flash continuously.
Interior motion sensor* 
The system monitors the footwells and the 
seating areas of the driver and passenger.
Deactivate the interior motion sensor, 
refer to Avoiding unintentional alarms, 
if children or animals are to remain in the 
vehicle.<
Avoiding unintentional alarms 
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion 
sensor can be deactivated at the same 
time. You can do this to prevent a false 
alarm from being triggered, for instance in 
garages with elevator ramps or when the 
vehicle is transported by train.
Lock the vehicle twice = arm the system:
Press the button on the remote control 
twice in succession,
or
lock the vehicle twice with the key. Refer to 
page 18.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and 
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm 
sensor and the interior motion sensor are 
deactivated as long as the system is 
armed. 

Adjustments
30
Safety function
1.Close the driver's door and turn the 
ignition key to position 0 or 2
2.Press and hold the desired memory 
button 1, 2 or 3 until the adjustment 
process is completed.
If you press the 
MEMORY button acciden-
tally: 
Press the button again; the indicator lamp 
goes out.
Seat heating* 
The seat cushion and backrest can be 
heated with the ignition key in position 2.
You can call up different heating modes by 
repeatedly pressing the buttons.
The seat heating can also be switched off 
from the higher heating modes:
Press the button and hold it slightly longer.
Safety belts
To close
Make sure you hear the lock engage in the 
belt buckle.The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up for a few seconds 
or until the safety belts have been 
fastened. Depending on the vehicle ver-
sion, an acoustic signal
* sounds at the 
same time.
To unlock the safety belt
1.Press the red button in the belt buckle
2.Hold the belt
3.Guide the belt back into its reel.
The upper belt attachment point is suitable 
for all body sizes provided that the person 
is sitting correctly, refer to page 28.
Damaged safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or 
stretched in an accident: have the 
entire belt system, including the tensioning 
mechanisms, replaced at your BMW cen-
ter. Have the belt anchorage points 
inspected for damage at the same time. 
Failure to observe this precaution may pre-
vent the safety belts from effectively pro-
viding optimal protection when needed.<
Steering wheel 
Adjustments
Never attempt to adjust the steering 
wheel while driving the vehicle. It 
could respond with unexpected move-
ment, posing a potential accident hazard.<
1.Push the locking lever downward
2.Adjust the steering column's reach and 
height to suit your seat position
3.Pull the lever back in. 

Driving
42 You accelerate from higher gears, e.g. dur-
ing passing, by downshifting manually.
In the following situations, the SMG in the 
sequential mode assists you:
>The transmission will only execute 
upshifts and downshifts that will result 
in an appropriate combination of vehi-
cle speed and engine rpm. For 
instance, downshifts that would result 
in excessive engine speed cannot be 
executed
>During a stop the gearbox is automati-
cally downshifted into first gear
>Shortly before a gear-dependent mini-
mum speed is reached, the gearbox 
shifts down automatically without you 
taking any action.
Display in the instrument cluster
Gear indicator
R N 1 2 3 4 5 6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
The currently engaged gear, the selected 
mode, and any possible malfunctions are 
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Malfunctions
Indicator lamp
If the indicator lamp comes on, 
there is a malfunction in the trans-
mission system.
All of the selector lever positions can con-
tinue to be engaged; however, in the for-
ward drive positions the range of available 
gears is restricted.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads 
and consult the nearest BMW center.
Warning tone
An acoustic signal sounds if the SMG gear-
box overheats; if possible you should either 
stop or increase your pullaway speed so 
that the system can cool down. 
For jump-starting and towing, refer to the 
information on page 94.
Driving Dynamic Control
The Driving Dynamic Control feature lets 
you select between a standard and a sport 
program. 
Sport program 
>The engine responds more spontane-
ously to any motion of the accelerator 
pedal
>The vehicle is steered more directly and 
traction is enhanced
Additionally with SMG and automatic 
transmission:
>The shifting times are reduced 
>The engine speed range is optimally uti-
lized in the drive mode.
Activating the Sport program
In ignition key position 2
Press the SPORT button.
The LED in the button lights up.
With automatic transmission:
The sport program of the automatic 
transmission is enabled by activating the 
Driving Dynamic Control system. Thus, the 
selector lever does not have to be shifted 
from D to M/S; refer also to page 39.< 

Lamps
46
Lamps
Parking lamps/Low beams 
Parking lamps 
The front, rear and side vehicle 
lighting is switched on. You can use 
the parking lamps to signal the 
position of the vehicle when it is parked. 
For information on lighting on one side of 
the vehicle for parking, which is available 
as an additional feature, refer to page 47.
Low beams
When you switch off the ignition 
with the low beam headlamps on, 
only the parking lamps will remain 
on.
Defective bulbs
The indicator lamp lights up:
At least one bulb of the vehicle's 
exterior lighting has failed.
For replacing bulbs refer to page 88.
Follow me home lamps 
When you activate the headlamp flasher 
after parking the vehicle and switching off 
the lights, the low beams will come on for a 
brief period.
You can also have this function acti-
vated/deactivated if you wish.<
LIGHTS ON warning 
Whenever you open the driver's door after 
having turned the ignition key to position 0, 
you will hear an acoustic signal for a few seconds to remind you that the lamps have 
not been switched off
.
Daytime driving lamps* 
If you desire, the light switch can be left in 
the second position: 
When the ignition is switched off, the exter-
nal lighting is also switched off.
You can have the activation settings 
for the daytime driving lamps pro-
grammed on your vehicle.<
Automatic headlamp control* 
When the switch is set to this posi-
tion, the system automatically acti-
vates and cancels the low beams in 
response to changes in ambient light, for 
example in tunnels, at dusk, and when it is 
raining or snowing.
The vehicle's external lights remain 
on constantly when you switch on the 
front fog lamps after the headlamps have 
come on automatically.< 
Automatic headlamp control cannot 
serve as a substitute for the driver's 
judgement in determining when the vehicle 
lights should be switched on. For example, 
the sensors are not able to detect fog. To 
avoid safety risks, you should respond to 
these kinds of low-visibility situations by 
switching the headlamps on manually.<
You can have the sensitivity of your 
vehicle's automatic headlamp control 
adjusted.<  

Technology for safety and driving convenience
52
Technology for safety and driving 
convenience
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC
The concept
This system optimizes driving stability and 
traction, especially when just starting off, 
when accelerating or when cornering. It 
also maintains vehicle stability, even in crit-
ical driving situations.
DSC recognizes unstable vehicle condi-
tions, such as understeering or oversteer-
ing, and, within physically feasible limits, 
helps keeping the vehicle on a steady 
course by reducing engine speed and by 
brake applications at individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start 
the engine. It includes the following func-
tions:
>Automatic Stability Control plus Trac-
tion ASC+T
>Dynamic Traction Control DTC
>Dynamic Brake Control DBC
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed even with DSC. It will always 
be the driver's responsibility to drive in a 
manner that matches road conditions. We 
therefore urge you to avoid using the addi-
tional safety margin of the system as an 
excuse for taking risks.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC 
system. Allow only authorized technicians 
to perform service procedures on the 
DSC.<
Indicator lamps 
The indicator lamps in the instrument clus-
ter go out shortly after you switch on the 
ignition.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC indi-
cator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs 
drive torque and braking forces.The indicator lamp stays lit:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC and 
Dynamic Traction Control DTC have been 
switched off via the button.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC indi-
cator lamp lights up permanently:
DTC has been deactivated via the 
DSC button.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC indi-
cator lamp flashes:
Dynamic Traction Control DTC indi-
cator lamp lights up permanently:
DTC is actively regulating drive 
torque and braking forces.
Interventions to increase stability are 
being performed to a limited degree 
only.<
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC 
indicator lamp and yellow brake 
warning lamp for Dynamic Brake 
Control DBC light up continuously:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC, 
Dynamic Traction Control DTC and 
Dynamic Brake Control DBC are malfunc-
tioning.
Have the system repaired at your BMW 
center.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC indi-
cator lamp and yellow brake warn-
ing lamp for Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC for Canadian models:
The vehicle remains completely oper-
ational without the DSC, DTC and 
DBC functions.<
In the event of a malfunction, please see 
your BMW center. 

Technology for safety and driving convenience
54 The display has two levels:
>Normal braking:
Brake lamp 1 lights up on both sides of 
the vehicle together with the center 
brake lamp
>Forceful braking and braking with ABS:
Brake lamps 1 and 2 light up on both 
vehicle sides together with the center 
brake lamp.
Antilock Brake System ABS
The concept
ABS keeps the wheels from locking during 
braking, thereby enhancing active driving 
safety.
Malfunctions
If the yellow indicator lamp for the 
Antilock Brake System ABS comes 
on together with the brake warning 
lamp and the indicator lamp for the 
Dynamic Stability Control DSC:
The entire ABS and DSC control 
system has failed. Continue driving 
cautiously and defensively. Avoid 
hard brake applications. Please have the 
system checked by your BMW center as 
soon as possible.
Indicator lamp for the Antilock 
Brake System ABS with the brake 
warning lamp and the indicator 
lamp for the Dynamic Stability Con-
trol DSC for Canadian models.
Braking with ABS
If you are in a situation which requires full 
braking, you will exploit the full benefits of 
the ABS system if you apply maximum 
brake pressure: panic stop.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-
cate to the driver that ABS is in its active 
mode.
Flat Tire Monitor 
The concept
As you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor keeps 
track of pressure levels in all four tires. The 
system alerts you whenever the inflation 
pressure of a tire falls significantly below 
the pressure of another tire.
The system actually detects pressure loss 
by monitoring differences in the relative 
speeds of the four wheels. It interprets vari-
ations outside specified limits as severe 
pressure loss, and then responds by gen-
erating a warning.
System requirements
In order for the Flat Tire Monitor to learn the 
correct tire inflation pressure, please do the 
following:
1.Check the tire inflation pressures in all 
tires
2.Compare to the inflation pressure table, 
refer to page 76, and correct if neces-
sary
3.Initialize the system.
If the system is not initialized, 
undetected losses in pressure or 
false warnings that indicate a non-exis-
tent flat tire are possible.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot provide 
you with advance warning of sudden 
and severe tire damage caused by external 
factors and does not detect the balanced 
and very gradual pressure loss that takes  

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 55
place in all four tires over an extended 
period of time.<
On the other hand, the following situations 
can lead to false warning, a delayed detec-
tion of pressure loss and even to the sys-
tem not functioning:
>Driving on snow-covered or slippery 
roads
>Performance-oriented driving: slip at 
the drive wheels, high levels of lateral 
acceleration
>When driving with snow chains, false 
warnings and undetected pressure 
losses may occur
>If the Flat Tire Monitor was not initial-
ized after the last time the tire inflation 
pressures were corrected, undetected 
losses in pressure or false warnings 
that indicate a non-existent flat tire are 
possible.
Initializing the system 
Each time you correct the pressure in 
a tire, or change a wheel or tire, reini-
tialize the system immediately afterwards. 
This requires driving.<
1.Start the engine, but do not drive off
2.Press the button as long as you need to 
until the yellow indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster lights up for a few 
seconds
3.Drive off.
It takes a few minutes before the Flat Tire 
Monitor can detect a flat tire and issue a 
warning.
When driving with snow chains, do 
not initialize the system.<
Flat tire warning
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up in red. This visual 
alert is accompanied by an acoustic 
warning signal. There is a flat tire or a sign-
ficant loss of tire pressure.
1.Carefully reduce your speed to under 
50  mph  / 80 km/h. Avoid strong braking 
and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed 
a maximum speed of 50  mph  / 80  km/h.
2.Check the inflation pressure in all four 
tires as soon as possible.
Because the sides of Run Flat 
tires are reinforced, a drop in infla-
tion pressure usually cannot be 
detected from the outside, refer to Run 
Flat tires on page 80.<
3.Before continuing to drive, refer to the 
notes on page 80.
If the vehicle is not equipped with Run 
Flat tires, refer to page 80, the stan-
dard equipment by design, continuing to 
drive with a flat tire can result in serious 
accidents.<
System malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up yellow. The Flat 
Tire Monitor is malfunctioning or out 
of order. Please refer the problem to your 
BMW center.