
Everything under control
74
Computer
Requesting information
As of ignition key position 1, you can use the BC 
button in the turn signal lever to call up com-
puter information in the instrument cluster.
A new function appears each time you press the 
BC button.
In instrument cluster
The display sequence:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available 
with the remaining fuel. It is projected by taking 
into account the driving style over the last 
20 miles/30 km.
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.<
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine 
off are not included in the calculations of aver-
age speed.
To reset the average speed: press the BC but-
ton in the turn signal lever for approx. 2 sec-
onds.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated for 
the time during which the engine is running.
You can use the Control Display to view your 
fuel consumption rate over two different dis-
tances, refer to page75.
To reset the average fuel consumption: press 
the BC button in the turn signal lever for approx. 
2seconds.
On Control Display
You can also call up the computer via the Con-
trol Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the right to open 
"Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation system: 
Open "Car Data".
3.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
You can now choose between:
>Computer
>Trip computer,
suitable e.g. for a vacation trip 

Controls
 81Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1.Press  button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.
4.Select "PDC" and press the controller.
5.Select "Monitor display on" and press the 
controller.
 The PDC screen is activated.
The display appears on the Control Display as 
soon as PDC is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for 
estimating the distance between the 
vehicle and any obstructions always remains 
with the driver. Even when sensors are involved, 
there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be 
detected. The system is also subject to the 
physical limits that apply to all forms of ultra-
sonic measurement, such as those encoun-
tered with thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc.  
Low objects already displayed, e.g. a curb, can 
also disappear from the detection area of the sensors again before a continuous tone 
sounds.
Loud noises from outside and inside your vehi-
cle may prevent you from hearing the PDC sig-
nal tone.<
Do not apply high pressure spray to the 
sensors for a prolonged period of time. 
Keep the spray at least 4 in/10 cm away from 
the sensors.<
Driving stability control 
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array 
of systems designed to enhance and maintain 
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during 
braking. Safe steering response is maintained 
even during hard braking. This increases active 
driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the 
engine. For information on safe braking, refer to 
page109.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
This system provides further enhancements to 
vehicle stability and steering response when 
braking while cornering or when braking during 
a lane change. 
Electronic brake-force distribution
This system controls the brake system's appli-
cation pressure at the rear wheels to ensure 
stable deceleration.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system 
automatically produces the maximum braking 
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during panic 
stops. This system exploits all of the benefits 
provided by ABS. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
82 Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal 
for the duration of the brake application. When 
the brake pedal is released, DBC is deactivated.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
The system prevents slip at the drive wheels 
when driving off and accelerating. DSC also 
detects unstable driving conditions such as 
fishtailing or sliding of the front wheels. In these 
cases DSC helps the vehicle safely stay on 
course within the physical limits by reducing the 
engine output and through braking actions in 
the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start the 
engine.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, 
even with DSC. An appropriate driving 
style always remains the responsibility of the 
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional 
safety margin again by taking risks.<
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a variant of DSC for special road condi-
tions, e.g. uncleared snow-covered roads, that 
is optimized for forward momentum. The sys-
tem ensures maximum forward momentum, but 
with limited driving stability. Therefore, drive 
with the corresponding caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC 
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving on snow-covered uphill 
grades, in slushy snow or on uncleared, 
snow-covered roads
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or when 
starting off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button; the DTC indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster lights up.
Deactivating DTC again
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp 
in the instrument cluster goes out.
Deactivating DTC and DSC together
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster lights up, however not 
longer than approx. 10 seconds. Interventions 
promoting stability and forward momentum will 
no longer be carried out. In addition, the stability 
promoting intervention of the active steering
* 
is deactivated, refer to page85.
A message appears on the Control Display. 
Please note any supplementary information 
that appears there.
To support enhanced operating stability, reacti-
vate DSC again as soon as possible.
Reactivating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster goes out. 

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.< 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
84
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the four tires as you drive. The 
system provides an alert whenever the inflation 
pressure drops significantly in relation to the 
pressure in another tire.
When a loss of pressure occurs, the rolling 
radius changes and with it, the rotational speed 
of the wheels. This change is detected and sig-
naled as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
To ensure the reliable signaling of a flat tire, the 
system must be initialized at the correct tire 
inflation pressure.
The initialization must be repeated after 
every correction of the tire inflation pres-
sure and after every tire or wheel change.<
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:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snow-covered or slippery roads
>Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels, 
high lateral acceleration
>When driving with snow chains
*
Initializing system
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time. 
When driving continues, the initialization is also 
automatically continued. 
Do not initialize the system when driving with 
snow chains
*.<
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 "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.
4.Select "FTM" and press the controller.
5.Start engine, but do not start driving.
6.Select "Set tire pressure" and press the 
controller.
7.Select "Yes" and press the controller.
8.Release.
The message "Initializing" is displayed.
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing. Then "Status: Active" appears on the 
Control Display again. 

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. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
86
Initializing system
1.Start the engine.
2.With the vehicle stationary, turn the steer-
ing wheel from the straight-ahead position 
to the left as far as it will go and then back to 
the straight-ahead position.
3.Switch off the engine.
When you start the engine again, all the func-
tions of the active steering will be available once 
again.
Brake Force Display
The Brake Force Display lights up in two stages 
depending on how strongly you brake.
>Normal braking:
The brake lamps and the third brake lamp 
go on.
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
In addition, the illuminated area of the rear 
brake lamps is enlarged, refer to illustration.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the 
marked covers:
1Front airbags for driver and front passenger
2Coupe: Head airbags
3Front side airbags
4Knee airbag for front passenger
5Knee airbag for driver
Protective action
 To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, 
please observe the adjustment instructions on 
page44.
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the 
head and side airbags help provide protection in 
the event of a side impact. The side airbag sup-
ports the side upper body area. The head air 
bag supports the head.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered in 
every impact situation, e.g. less severe acci-
dents, certain rollover conditions, or rear-end 
collisions.
For information on the correct sitting position, 
refer to page44. 

Controls
 91Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lights off
1Parking lamps
2Low beams/daytime driving lamps
*
3Automatic headlamp control/
Adaptive Head Light
*
Parking lamps
In the switch position1, the front, rear and side 
vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the 
parking lamps for parking. For lighting on one 
side for parking as an additional feature, refer to 
page92.
Low beams
The low beams light up in switch position2 only 
with the engine running. Otherwise the parking 
lamps are lit.
Pathway lighting
After parking the vehicle and switching off the 
headlamps, operating the headlamp flasher 
activates the low beams. You can set the dura-
tion on the Control Display or deactivate the 
function.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open the   menu.
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.3.Select "Light" and press the controller.
4.Select "Pathway lighting" and press the 
controller.
5.Turn the controller to select the corre-
sponding duration.
6.Press the controller to apply the setting.
Lights on warning
If you turn the ignition key to position 0, an 
acoustic signal sounds when you open the 
driver's door for a few seconds to remind you 
that the lamps have not yet been switched off. 
At the same time a message appears on the 
Control Display.
Daytime driving lamps*
If you wish, you can leave the light switch in 
position2.
Always observe all applicable laws governing 
the use of daytime driving lamps.
You can switch on the parking lamps when 
needed using the standard procedure 
described under Parking lamps.
Automatic headlamp control
In switch position3 the low beams are automat-
ically switched on or off depending on the ambi-
ent light, e.g. in a tunnel, at dawn/dusk in the 
rain or snow, and the Adaptive Head Light
* is 
active. The LED next to the symbol is illumi-
nated when the low beams are on.