
Everything under control
72 An example of a message is given below:
In instrument cluster
 This symbol means that a Check Control 
message has been generated. The symbol con-
tinues to be displayed after the message has 
been hidden automatically after a short time, 
but is still stored.
On Control Display
An acoustic signal sounds at the same time.
Supplementary instructions
An example:
Exit the additional information:
 Select the arrow and press the controller.
Importance of messages
Important messages are retained until the mal-
functions have been rectified. They cannot be 
deleted. If a number of these malfunctions 
occur simultaneously, they are displayed in 
succession.
Less important messages are displayed for 
approx. 20 seconds, but continue to be stored.
To hide these messages during the display 
time: 
Press the CHECK button on the turn signal 
lever.
Check Control symbol and message on 
Control Display
No malfunctions detected in the moni-
tored systems.
Malfunctions detected in the monitored 
systems.
Depending on the malfunction, additional 
information appears on the Control Dis-
play.
The symbols also indicate the status of the ser-
vice requirement display, refer to page71. 

Controls
 73Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Displaying stored messages
Using CHECK button
1.Press the button longer:
The first stored message is displayed.
2.Press the button:
A new message appears each time you 
press the button.
Using Control Center
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Service" and press the controller.
4.Select "Check Control messages" and 
press the controller. The stored messages 
appear on the display.5.Select a message and press the controller.
The display disappears automatically after a 
short time.
To exit from the menu immediately: 
 Select the arrow and press the controller.
Displays after completion of trip
Malfunction reports generated during the trip 
are shown consecutively when you switch off 
the ignition.
Before the display disappears, you can display 
the messages once again. Press the CHECK 
button for approx. 2 seconds. If several mes-
sages are present, you can press the CHECK 
button repeatedly.
The display:
>cancels itself automatically after a brief 
period
>can be canceled at any time pressing the 
CHECK button again for approx. 2 seconds 

Everything under control
76 1.Move the controller to the right to change to 
the assistance window and press the con-
troller.
2.Select a menu item:
>"Onboard info"
>"Trip computer"
3.Press the controller.
Speed limit
You can enter a speed and a Check Control 
message indicates when you have reached this 
speed. This enables you, for example, to 
receive warnings if you exceed a speed limit in 
an urban area.
You are only warned of reaching this speed a 
second time if your vehicle has fallen at least 
3 mph/5 km/h below it in the meantime.
Entering, changing
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open "Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation system: 
Open "Car Data".
2.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.3.Select "Limit" and press the controller.
4.Select the speed and press the controller.
5.Turn the controller to set the limit. If neces-
sary, hold it against a slight resistance to 
enter a greater difference.
6.Press the controller to apply the setting.
Applying your current speed as limit
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open "Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation system: 
Open "Car Data".
2.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
3.Select "Limit" and press the controller.
4.Select "Select current speed" and press 
the controller. The system applies your cur-
rent speed as the limit.
Activating limit
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open "Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation system: 
Open "Car Data".
2.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
3.Select "Limit" and press the controller.
4.Select "On" and press the controller.
 Limit is activated. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
80
Technology for comfort, convenience and 
safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you are parking. 
Audible signals and an optical display
* indicate 
that you are approaching an object in front of or 
behind your vehicle. To measure the distance, 
there are four ultrasonic sensors in each 
bumper. The sensors at the front and at the two 
rear corners have a range of approx. 24 in/
60 cm; the rear middle sensors have approx. 
5ft/1.50m.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate 
objects when they are approached 
slowly, as is usually the case when parking. 
Avoid approaching an object at high speed, as 
otherwise the physical circumstances would 
mean that the system warning was too late.<
Automatic mode
In ignition key position 2, the system automati-
cally assumes operational status after approx. 
1 second each time you shift into reverse or 
move the selector-lever to position R.
Wait this short period before driving. The sys-
tem switches off when you disengage the 
reverse gear.
Manual mode
Press the button; the LED lights up.
Deactivating manual mode
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
The system is automatically deactivated once 
the vehicle travels approx. 165 ft/50 m or 
exceeds a speed of roughly 20 mph/30 km/h; 
the LED goes out. You can reactivate the sys-
tem manually as needed.
Signal tones
An intermittent signal indicates the distance of 
the vehicle from an object being approached. 
Thus, an object detected to the left rear of the 
vehicle will be indicated by a signal tone from 
the left rear speaker, etc.  As the distance 
between vehicle and object decreases, the 
intervals between the tones become shorter. 
The signal tone becomes continuous once the 
distance to the nearest object falls to below 
roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
The warning signal is canceled after approx. 
3 seconds if you are moving parallel to a wall.
Malfunction
The LED in the button flashes and a message 
appears on the Control Display. PDC is mal-
functioning. Have the system checked.
As a preventive measure, keep the sensors 
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they will continue to operate effectively.
PDC with visual warning*
You also enjoy the option of having the system 
show the approach to an object on the Control 
Display. The Control Display also indicates the 
presence of objects before they are close 
enough to trigger a signal tone.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16. 

Controls
 83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
To control
The indicator lamp flashes: 
DSC or DTC controls the drive forces 
and brake forces. 
The indicator lamp comes on: 
DSC and DTC are deactivated together via the 
button DTC.
The indicator lamp comes on: DTC is 
activated via the DTC button.
Malfunction in the 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 Dis-
play. The driving-stability control sys-
tems have failed. Conventional braking 
efficiency remains available without 
limitations. 
While you may continue, you should remember 
to proceed cautiously and drive defensively 
while avoiding full brake applications. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
The DSC indicator lamp lights up. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. A malfunction has occurred in 
DSC and DTC. 
The stability maintenance functions are no 
longer available. The vehicle remains opera-
tional. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
The warning lamp for the brake system 
lights up in yellow. A message appears 
on the Control Display. DBC has failed. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.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 cornering and 
evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear axles 
form the basis for active roll stabilization. Sus-
pension compliance adapts to suit driving con-
ditions, varying from performance-oriented 
during cornering to smooth and comfort-ori-
ented when the vehicle is proceeding in a 
straight line. During vehicle operation, the sys-
tem continuously 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 mes-
sage 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 tendency to tilt 
during cornering and in crosswinds.
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 have dropped 
below the minimum, possibly owing to a leak in 
the hydraulic system. Do not continue driving. 
Contact your BMW center.< 

Controls
 85Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Report of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up in red. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. 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 brak-
ing and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed 
a vehicle speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
If the vehicle is not, as provided at the 
factory, equipped with run-flat tires, 
refer to page172, stop driving. Continued 
driving after a flat tire can result in serious 
accidents.<
2.Check the air pressure in all four tires at the 
next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four 
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor 
may not have been initialized. The system 
must then be initialized.<
3.In case of a complete loss of the tire inflation 
pressure or obvious tire damage, you can 
estimate the possible driving distance for 
continued driving base on the following ref-
erence values:
>With low load: 
1 to 2 persons without luggage: 
approx. 155 miles/250 km.
>With medium load: 
2 persons, luggage compartment full, or 
4 persons without luggage: 
approx. 94 miles/150 km.
>With full load: 
4 persons, luggage compartment full: 
approx. 30 miles/50 km.
Drive reservedly and do not exceed 
a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the 
event of pressure loss, vehicle handling 
changes. This includes reduced tracking 
stability in braking, extended braking dis-
tance and altered natural steering charac-
teristics.
If unusual vibrations occur while the vehicle 
is being driven, this can indicate final failure 
of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and stop as soon as possible. Do not continue 
driving. Contact your BMW center.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up in yellow. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. The Flat Tire Monitor has a mal-
function or has failed. Have the system checked 
as soon as possible.
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering is a system that actively var-
ies the steering angle of the front wheels in rela-
tion to the steering wheel movements.
A t  l o w  s p e e d ,  e . g .  i n  a  t o w n  o r  w h e n  p a r k i n g ,  t h e  
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 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 tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle 
before the driver intervenes. This stability-pro-
moting intervention is deactivated when DSC is 
switched off, refer to page82.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The active 
steering is no longer operational. At low 
speed, larger steering wheel move-
ments are required, while the vehicle reacts 
more sensitively to steering wheel movements 
in the higher road-speed range. Have the sys-
tem checked.
If the warning lamp lights up during the first 
engine starting following a power supply inter-
ruption, the system must be activated by being 
initialized. 

Refueling
166
Refueling
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling. If you do not, fuel cannot be dis-
pensed into the tank and a message on the 
Control Display will appear.<
Always observe all applicable precautions 
and regulations when handling fuels. 
Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehi-
cle. Whether empty or full, these containers can 
leak, cause an explosion, and lead to fire in the 
event of a collision.<
Fuel filler door
To open and close: briefly press the rear edge of 
the fuel filler door.
Manual release
In the event of an electrical malfunction in the 
system, you can release the fuel filler door man-
ually:
In the luggage compartment, pull the knob with 
the gas pump symbol on the right side panel.
Observe following when refueling
When handling fuels always observe any 
safety guidelines posted at the gas sta-
tion.<
Put the fuel filler cap in the bracket attached to 
the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the filler nozzle 
during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>can lead to reduced efficiency in the fuel-
vapor recovery system
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks 
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 18.5 US gallons/70 liters, including the 
reserve capacity of approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, as otherwise engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur.<
Closing fuel filler cap
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly 
hear a click.
Close the fuel filler cap carefully after 
refueling, continuing until a click is heard. 
While closing, be sure not to squeeze the strap 
which is fastened to the cap. A loose or missing 
cap will activate an indicator lamp and the mes-
sage Check Gas Cap
* on the Control Display.< 

Under the hood
176
Topping off engine oil
Wait until the level has dropped to just above 
the lower dipstick mark before adding oil. When 
it falls to this level, a message also appears on 
the Control Display.
Refill the oil within the next 125 miles/
200 km, otherwise engine damage could 
result.<
Store oil, grease etc., well out of the reach 
of children; always observe all warning 
labels on the containers.<
Oil change
Have oil changes carried out only by a BMW 
center.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical 
significance for the operation and service life of 
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use 
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Use only approved BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small 
amounts of another synthetic oil between oil 
changes. Use only oils with the API SH specifi-
cation or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details concern-
ing the specific BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils which have been 
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America at 
1-800-831-1117 or visit this website: 
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.BMW engines are designed to operate 
without additives, and their use could 
even lead to damage in some cases.<
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in SAE 
classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class depends 
on the climatic conditions in the area where you 
typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes 5W-40 
and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all ambient 
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not open the cooling system when the 
engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause 
burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additive. 
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center for 
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, as otherwise 
engine damage may result. The additives 
present a health hazard.<
Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-
posing of used coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.