
At a glance
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Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps 
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps and their combina-
tions appear in the indicator area1 and in the 
display2. For better differentiation of malfunc-
tions, different symbols can appear in the dis-
play 2.
Some lamps in the indicator area1 are checked 
for proper operation when the engine is started 
or the ignition is switched on and light up briefly 
in the process.
Confirmation of active functions 
The following indicator lamps in the indicator 
area1 indicate that certain functions are active:
Required action in case of a 
malfunction
All warning lamps and indicator lamps not pre-
viously listed are also accompanied by text 
messages at the bottom of the Control Display. 
These may contain detailed information on the 
cause of a malfunction and the corresponding 
action required.
Sometimes warning lamps are also accompa-
nied by additional text messages on the Control 
Display which are displayed immediately. Text 
messages which do not appear immediately are 
stored and can be displayed at a later time. For 
details on displaying these messages later, 
refer to Check Control on page71. Turn signals60
Handbrake set55
Handbrake for Canadian models
Front fog lamps92
DTC Dynamic Traction Control83
High beams/headlamp flasher92
DSC Dynamic Stability Control83 

Controls
 83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
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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.< 

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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. 

Lamps
92 The low beams remain on independent of 
the ambient lighting conditions when you 
switch on the fog lamps.
With the daytime driving lamps activated, the 
low beams are always switched on in this switch 
position with the ignition key in position 2.<
The automatic headlamp control cannot 
serve as a substitute for your personal 
judgment in determining when the lamps 
should be switched on in response to ambient 
lighting conditions. For example, the system 
cannot detect fog. To avoid safety risks, you 
should always switch on the lamps manually 
under these conditions.<
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp 
control system that enables better illumination 
of the road surface. Depending on the steering 
angle and other assumptions, the light from the 
headlamp follows the course of the road.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In switch position3 the Adaptive Head Light is 
active and the automatic headlamp control is 
switched on.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive 
Head Light
>is not active when driving in reverse
>i s  o n l y  a c t i v e  t o w a r d  p a s s e n g e r ' s  s i d e  w h e n  
stationary
Malfunction
The LED beside the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. The Adaptive Head Light 
is malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one 
side of your vehicle when parking. When using 
this function, comply with national regulations:
With the ignition switched off, press the lever in 
the desired direction3, past the resistance 
point.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Avoid using for longer periods, as 
otherwise it may not be possible to start the 
engine.<
Fog lamps
The parking lamps or low beams must 
be switched on for the fog lamps to 
operate. The green indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster lights up when the fog 
lamps are switched on. 

Mobility
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OBD Socket
The Onboard Diagnostics OBD interface 
socket is located on the left of the driver's side 
under the instrument panel and under a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to ensure 
proper operation of the emission control sys-
tem for the vehicle's lifetime. The system mon-
itors emission-related components and sys-
tems for deterioration and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator lamp informs 
you of the need for service, not of the 
need to stop the vehicle. However, the 
systems should be checked by your BMW cen-
ter at the earliest possible opportunity.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
Under certain conditions, the indicator 
lamp will blink or flash. This indicates a rather 
severe level of engine misfire. When this 
occurs, you should reduce speed and consult 
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible. 
Severe engine misfire over only a short period 
of time can seriously damage emissions control 
components, especially the catalytic converter.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly 
tightened, the OBD system can detect 
the vapor leak and the indicator lamp will light 
up. If the filler cap is subsequently tightened, 
the indicator lamp should go out within a few 
days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or more 
sensing and diagnostic modules or a recording 
device capable of recording or transmitting cer-
tain vehicle data or information. In addition, if 
you have a Subscription Service Agreement for 
the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle infor-
mation may be transmitted or recorded in order 
to provide such services.
Care
Important information on care and maintenance 
of your BMW is contained in the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure. 

Everything from A to Z
204 Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– convertible top41
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door166
– glass sunroof38
– luggage compartment 
lid32,33
Emergency release33
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance186
"Emission inspect."71
"Enable services"160
"End call"153
Engine
– breaking-in108
– data192
– speed192
– starting54
– starting difficulties54
– switching off55
Engine compartment175
Engine coolant176
Engine oil
– checking the oil level175
– dipstick175
– specified engine oils176
– temperature70
– temperature gage70
– topping off176
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data192
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
specifications192
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine54
"Enter address" for 
navigation116
Entering destination116
Entering the address115
Entering the intersection117
Entering the town/city for 
navigation116
Entering zip code for 
navigation116
"Entertainment"133"Entertainment settings"133
Entry map for destination117
Entry to the rear48
"Equalizer", refer to Tone 
control135
"ESN"140
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control82
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system108
Exterior mirrors49
– automatic dimming 
feature50
– automatic heating50
Eye for towing, refer to Tow 
fitting188
Eyes for lashing, refer to 
Securing load111
F
Fader, refer to Tone 
control134
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control71
False alarms, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts48
Fastest route for 
navigation122
Fast forward
– CD changer145
– CD player145
"Fast route" for 
navigation122
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit186
First-aid kit186
First-aid pouch, refer to First-
aid kit186
Flashing when locking and 
unlocking, refer to Setting 
acknowledgement 
signals30Flashlight, refer to 
Rechargeable flashlight101
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor84
– run-flat tires85,172
Flat Tire Monitor84
– false alarms84
– initializing system84
– malfunction85
– snow chains173
– system limits84
– warning lamp85
"FM", reception 
range133,136
FM, waveband136
Fog lamps92
– indicator lamp13,92
Folding up convertible top 
compartment floor, 
Convertible34
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely109
Footwell lamps93
For your own safety6
Front airbags86
Front head restraints47
"FTM"84
Fuel
– average consumption74
– display70
– fuel specifications167
– high-quality brands167
– quality167
– tank capacity166
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gage70
Fuel filler door166
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction166
Fuel gage70
Fuel specifications167
Fuses184