
At a glance
 13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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
 29Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The following settings mentioned last are also 
called up during unlocking:
>Driver's seat, exterior-mirror and steering-
wheel position, refer to page46
>The volume and tone settings for audio and 
video sources, refer to page133
>The volume setting for the telephone, refer 
to page151
>The display of the stored stations for the 
radio, refer to page138
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed. This 
simultaneously engages and releases the locks 
on the following:
>Doors
>Compartment in the front center console
>Luggage compartment lid
>Fuel filler door
The central locking system can be operated 
from the outside
>via the remote control
>via the door lock
and from inside via the button for the central 
locking system.
If operated from the inside, the fuel filler door 
and the compartment in the front center con-
sole are not locked, refer to page31.
The anti-theft system is automatically activated 
whenever you activate the central locking sys-
tem from outside the vehicle. It prevents the 
doors from being unlocked using the lock but-
tons or door handles. The alarm system is 
armed/disarmed at the same time. The dome 
light is also switched on and off with the remote 
control.
You can find more detailed information on the 
alarm system on page34.In the event of a serious accident, the central 
locking system unlocks automatically. The haz-
ard warning flashers and interior lamps also 
switch on.
Opening and closing: from 
outside
Using the remote control
Protect the remote control against unau-
thorized use by handing over only the 
spare key, for example when using hotel valet 
parking.<
Because any persons or animals left unat-
tended in a parked vehicle could lock the 
doors from the inside, you should always keep 
the remote control with you; this precaution 
ensures that you will remain able to unlock the 
vehicle from the outside at all times.<
Unlocking
Use the   button to unlock the vehicle 
depending on the setting.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open the   menu.
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.
3.Select "Door locks" and press the control-
ler.
4.Select "Central locking" and press the con-
troller.
5.Select "Unlock button" and press the con-
troller.
6.Select a menu item:
>"All doors"
Press the   button once to unlock the 
entire vehicle.
>"Driver's door only"
Press the   button once to unlock only 
the driver's door and the fuel filler door. 

Adjustments
48
Adjusting tilt angle
Swivel the head restraints.
Entry to the rear
Before starting to drive, fold backrests 
back, otherwise there is the danger of 
accident due to an unexpected movement of 
the seat.<
Coupe: releasing backrest
Pull the lever upward and fold the backrest for-
ward.
The lever is designed in such a way that the 
safety belt can be stored there. This enables 
you to fasten the safety belt more conveniently.
Convertible: releasing backrest
The belt system integrated into the seat 
ensures easier entry into the rear.
1.Pull the lever 1 upward and fold the back-
rest forward.
2.Press and hold button 2 until the seat has 
moved to the desired position.
3.After entry to the rear, fold back the back-
rest and lock it in place.
4.Press and hold button 3. The seat moves 
back to its previous position. If you release 
button 3 before this, the seat stops in its 
current position.
You can lock the backrest in place when it 
is folded forward. This is useful, for exam-
ple, when you get into the vehicle when it is 
parked on a hill. Press the backrest until it audi-
bly locks into place. To fold it back, you do not 
have to use lever 1 to release it.<
Lock backrest warning lamp:
Lights up when the backrest is not 
locked. At the same time, an additional 
message appears on the Control Display.
Safety belts
 To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, 
please observe the adjustment instructions on 
page44.<
Before every drive, make sure that safety belts 
are being worn at all of the occupied seats. Air-
bags complement the safety belt as an addi-
tional safety device, but they do not represent a 
substitute. 

Controls
 63Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
cially on longer trips, the system can reduce 
fatigue and tension, while increasing your 
enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely and 
responsibly.
In addition to holding a steady cruising speed, if 
you encounter slower vehicles ahead, active 
cruise control will, within the scope of given 
possibilities, adjust your vehicle's speed auto-
matically so that one can flow with the traffic 
without having to make constant adjustments. 
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 dis-
tance, which are additionally speed-dependent. 
Based on your selected distance setting, the 
system automatically decreases the throttle 
setting and lightly applies the brakes if neces-
sary. The vehicle brake lamps will automatically 
illuminate to signal a following driver to take 
action. In addition, it may be necessary for the 
vehicle or the driver to downshift, depending on 
the kind of transmission your vehicle is 
equipped with, to maintain the distance setting 
selected. If the vehicle ahead speeds up or 
when the lane ahead becomes clear, your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have 
selected by increasing the throttle setting and 
shifting gears automatically or by the driver as 
needed.
Active cruise control is not and must not 
be used as a collision avoidance/warning 
system.<
Since this active cruise control system is 
a new technology and operates differ-
ently 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 page66.
within a normal engine speed range and also 
change gears. Continuous operation at very 
high or very low engine speeds is not possible. 
In this case the driver is asked to shift or the 
system deactivates itself.
Vehicles with SMG
Continuous operation at very high engine 
speeds is not possible in the Sequential mode. 
In this case the driver is asked to shift or the 
system deactivates itself. 
In the Drive mode the SMG acts similarly to the 
automatic transmission in the D position.
Operating active cruise control
1Activate system, store and increase desired 
speed
2Activate system, store and decrease 
desired speed
3Deactivate system
4Recall the stored speed and distance or 
increase desired speed by 1 mph/1 km/h 
with each press of the button
5Select distance to vehicle driving ahead. 
You can choose from four available distance 
settings. You will find more detailed infor-
mation on page65.
Adjust your desired speed to the traffic 
conditions and remain ready to brake at 
all times. Great differences in speed to the vehi-
cles driving ahead, e. g. when quickly approach-
ing a truck or when another vehicle swerves into 
your lane, cannot be compensated for by the 
system.< 

Driving
66
Things to know about active cruise control
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way 
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own 
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise 
controlling the vehicle. The driver should 
decide when to use the system on the basis of 
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions. 
Active cruise control is intended for use on 
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving 
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in 
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush 
hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery roads or 
roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow, 
strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parking areas or toll booths. 
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's 
speed and distance setting within applicable 
legal limits. Always be ready to take action or 
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when 
the system is actively following a vehicle in front 
of you.<
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system does have physical limi-
tations. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate 
your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead 
of you, as for example, at a traffic light or when 
approaching a parked vehicle. Also, the system 
does not react to oncoming traffic, pedestrians 
or other types of potential traffic such as a rider 
on horseback. It is also possible that the system 
may not detect smaller moving objects such as 
motorcycles or bicycles. Be especially alert 
when encountering any of these situations as 
the system will neither automatically brake, nor 
provide a warning to you. Also, be aware that every decrease in the distance setting allows 
your vehicle to come closer to a vehicle in front 
of you and requires a heightened amount of 
alertness.<
If your vehicle is actively following a vehicle in 
front of you and the vehicle ahead speeds up or 
the lane ahead becomes clear, then your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have 
selected. Be aware that changing to a clear, 
unobstructed lane will also result in your vehicle 
accelerating.
Be certain to deactivate the system when 
you pull into an exit lane for a highway off-
ramp.<
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner 
on a highway may cause a delay in the system's 
reaction to a vehicle in front of you or may cause 
the system to react to a vehicle actually in the 
lane next to you. Always be ready to take action 
or apply the brakes if necessary.
Active cruise control can only decelerate the 
vehicle to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. If the sys-
tem reduces vehicle speed below 20 mph/
30 km/h or if DSC/ABS is engaged while driving, 
the system will automatically deactivate.
Remember, the system cannot stop your 
vehicle. In addition, the system is deacti-
vated whenever the driver applies the vehicle 
brakes, shifts the transmission to neutral/N, or 
deactivates DSC. After any deactivation, the 
system will no longer automatically activate the 
vehicle brakes, which means the driver must 
intervene and resume manual braking. You 
should then reactivate the system only when 
you are fully aware of the prior speed and dis-
tance settings.< 

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.<