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SMG Sequential manual transmission*
and automatic transmission*
Your BMW is equipped with the convenience
starting feature. It is sufficient to turn the igni-
tion key only briefly to position 3 and then
release it right away. The system responds by
automatically engaging the starter for a certain
period and allowing it to run until the engine
starts, after which it then disengages automati-
cally.
SMG Sequential manual transmission*
1.Press the brake pedal.
2.Engage selector-lever position N.
3.Start the engine.
If the engine does not start, engage the
last gear selected again, refer to instru-
ment cluster display, and then shift into posi-
tion N.<
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
1.Press the brake pedal.
2.Engage selector-lever position P or N.
3.Start the engine.
Switching off engine
Do not remove the ignition key while the
vehicle is rolling, as otherwise the steer-
ing wheel lock will immobilize the steering.
When leaving the vehicle, remove the ignition
key and lock the steering.
When parking on a downhill incline, apply the
handbrake, as otherwise the vehicle could roll
away.<
Manual transmission
1.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
2.Shift into first gear or reverse.
SMG Sequential manual transmission*
1.Engage a drive position.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
A signal sounds on stopping the engine.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
1.Engage selector-lever position P.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and an
acoustic signal also sounds when start-
ing off. The handbrake is engaged.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upward, press the button and lower
the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the hand-
brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it
too strongly. In doing so, continuously press the
button of the handbrake lever.
Strong application of the handbrake can lead to
overbraking of the rear axle and associated
'fishtailing' of the vehicle rear end.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is engaged.
Driving
56 Vehicles with manual or SMG transmission:
When parking on inclines, engage the hand-
brake, as even engaging the first or reverse gear
might not under certain circumstances secure
the vehicle against moving.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
*:
Engage selector-lever position P.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally engage the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th/6th gear, press the
selector lever toward the right, otherwise
an inadvertent shift into 3rd or 4th gear could
damage the engine.<
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
When pressing the gearshift lever to the left,
overcome some resistance.
The backup lamps automatically switch on in
ignition key position 2.
SMG Sequential manual
transmission*
The concept
The SMG Sequential manual transmission is an
automated manual transmission in which an
electrohydraulic system handles the clutching
and gear changes.You operate the SMG using the selector lever in
the center console and two shift paddles on the
steering wheel.
It offers the following functions:
>Choice of manual or automatic mode:
Sequential mode or Drive mode
>Options of two drive programs: Normal or
Sport, refer to Dynamic Driving Control
page59
>Automatic downshifting and protection
against incorrect shifting even in sequential
operation
>Kick-down function in the Drive mode
>Acceleration assistant, refer to page59.
The SMG is operational in ignition key
position 2.
Selector-lever positions
The current selector-lever position is displayed
on the center console.
>R: Reverse gear
>N: Neutral, idle
>One-touch functions for Sequential mode:
+: manual upshifting
–: manual downshifting
>D: Drive mode
The transmission automatically shifts into
N if the driver's door is opened with the
engine running and neither the pedals, the shift
paddles nor the selector lever are operated.
This is indicated by an acoustic signal and the
flashing display N in the instrument cluster.<
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recommended for a performance-oriented driv-
ing style. It is engaged automatically when the
Dynamic Driving Control is activated, see
below.
When the selector lever is briefly moved for-
ward or back, the manual mode is activated and
the Steptronic shifts gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
a downshift that would cause the engine to
overrev will not be executed by the system. The
selected gear appears briefly in the instrument
cluster, followed by the current gear.
To use the automatic function again, move the
selector lever to the right into position D.
Dynamic Driving Control
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it possible
for your BMW to react in an even more perfor-
mance-oriented manner at the push of a button:
>The engine responds more spontaneously
to accelerator pedal movements.
>Cruise control:
The stored speed is reached more quickly
when it is requested.
Additionally with SMG:
>Gearshifts are faster.
>The engine speed range is used optimally in
the Drive mode.
With automatic transmission:
>The Sport program is activated.
Activating system
In ignition key position 2, press the SPORT but-
ton.
The LED in the button lights up and SPORT is
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Deactivating system
>Press the SPORT button again or
>engage reverse gear or
>switch off the engine.
The LED in the button and SPORT in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
Acceleration assistant with SMG
The acceleration assistant enables optimized
vehicle acceleration at racing car level on road
surfaces with good adhesion when starting off.
Do not use the acceleration assistant too
often, as otherwise components will wear
prematurely.<
1.Activate the Dynamic Driving Control.
2.Press the DTC button, refer to page82, for
longer than three seconds.
3.Press the accelerator pedal down fully:
Kick-down. The ideal starting-off engine
speed is set.
To maintain driving stability, do not deac-
tivate DSC if at all possible.<
Driving
60
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Using turn signals
Move the lever beyond the resistance point.
To switch off manually, press the lever to the
resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates the failure of a turn signal
lamp.<
Brief signaling
Press the lever to the resistance point and hold
it there as long as you wish to signal.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever to the resistance point; the turn
signals flash three times.
You can activate or deactivate this 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 "Triple turn signal activation" and
press the controller.
Triple turn signal is activated.
Wiper system
1Switching on wipers
2Switching off wipers or brief wipe
3Activating/deactivating rain sensor
4Cleaning windshield and headlamps
5Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Switching on wipers
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
Standard wiper speed
Press once.
The system reverts to operation in the intermit-
tent mode whenever the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wipe
Briefly press twice or press beyond the resis-
tance point.
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The system reverts to operation at normal
speed whenever the vehicle is stationary.
Rain sensor
Wiper operation is controlled automatically as a
function of the rain intensity. The rain sensor is
located on the windshield, directly in front of the
interior rearview mirror.
Activating rain sensor
Press button. The LED in the button lights up.
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Turn the serrated dial 5.
Deactivating rain sensor
Press the button again. The LED goes out.
Deactivate the rain sensor when passing
through an automatic car wash. Failure to
do so could result in damage caused by undes-
ired wiper activation.<
Cleaning windshield and headlamps
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief
period.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched
on, the headlamps are also cleaned at regular
and appropriate intervals.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do so, your vision could be
obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid
antifreeze, refer to Washer fluid.
Do not use washers when the washer fluid res-
ervoir is empty, as otherwise the washer pump
will be damaged.<
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are automati-
cally heated in ignition key position 2.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Always keep it well away from sparks and
open flames, and store it in tightly closed con-
tainers well out of the reach of children. Always
observe the instructions for use provided on the
containers.<
Washer fluid reservoir
Capacity approx. 5.3 US quarts/5 liters
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
In order maintain the mixture ratio, mix
the washer fluid before filling.<
Cruise control
The concept
The cruise control is available for use at speeds
of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and higher. The
vehicle maintains and stores the speed that you
set using the lever mounted on the steering col-
umn.
Do not use the cruise control under driv-
ing conditions that do not permit a con-
stant speed, e.g.when driving on winding roads,
in heavy traffic or in poor road conditions such
as snow, rain, ice, and loose road surface.<
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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
64
Displays in instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed display
2Detected vehicle display.
Lights up when vehicle driving ahead is
detected
3Selected distance to vehicle driving ahead
4Digital speed display.
Appears briefly when you select your
desired speed
The system is activated.
The display3 appears as soon as
you activate the system and no
vehicle is detected driving ahead.
Vehicle detected.
The display2 lights up yellow
when a vehicle is detected driving
ahead.
The system requests that you
intervene by braking or with an
evasive maneuver.
The display2 flashes red and a sig-
nal sounds. The active cruise con-
trol cannot automatically restore the distance to
the vehicle driving ahead. You will find more
detailed information on page67.
Automatic intervention by ABS or
DSC, or you actuate the parking
brake while driving.
The display2 flashes yellow. The
active cruise control now only
intervenes by braking.
Desired speed store and increase
Press the lever forward1 at a driving speed of
more than approx. 20 mph/30 km/h:
The system adopts and stores your current
speed as a desired speed. This speed is indi-
cated on the speedometer and displayed briefly
in the instrument cluster.
Subsequently pressing forward increases the
desired speed to the next multiple of 5 mph/
10 km/h.
Each time the lever is pressed forward again,
the desired speed is increased by another
5 mph/10 km/h until a maximum of 110 mph/
180 km/h is reached. The speed then displayed
is stored and achieved, provided that the road is
clear.
If the display ACC --- mph/km/h briefly
appears in the instrument cluster, it might
be that conditions necessary for operation are
not currently being met.
To call up Check Control messages, refer to
page71.<
Desired speed store and decrease
Pull back the lever2:
The current driving speed is rounded off to the
next multiple of 5 mph/10 km/h, displayed and
stored.
Each time the lever is pulled back again, the
desired speed is decreased by another 5 mph/
10 km/h until the minimum speed of 20 mph/
30 km/h is reached. The speed then displayed
is stored and achieved, provided that the road is
clear.
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.<