Driving tips
123Reference
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Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface. This phenomenon is referred
to as hydroplaning, and is characterized by
a partial or complete loss of contact
between tires and road surface, ultimately
undermining your ability to steer and brake
the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Only drive through water with a maxi-
mum depth of 1 ft/30 cm, and then
only at walking speed at the most. Other-
wise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical
systems and the transmission may be dam-
aged.<
Safe braking
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as stan-
dard equipment. The best way to brake is
to apply maximum pressure to the brake
pedal during emergency: full brake applica-
tion. Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless
avoid possible obstacles with a minimum
of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-
cate to the driver that ABS is in its active
mode.
Driving in wet conditions
While driving in wet conditions and in heavy
rain, it is a good idea to apply light pressure
to the brake pedal every few miles. Monitor
traffic conditions to ensure that this maneu-
ver does not endanger other road users.
The heat generated in this process helps
dry the pads and rotors to ensure that full
braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and reduced
efficiency of the brake system, drive
long or steep downhill gradients in the gear
in which the least braking is required. Otherwise, even light but consistent pedal
pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake fail-
ure.<
You can further enhance the engine's brak-
ing effect by selecting a lower gear in the
automatic transmission's manual mode,
downshifting as far as first gear on
extremely steep stretches, refer to
page70. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake sys-
tem.
Never allow the vehicle to coast with
the transmission in Neutral – or with
the engine switched off – as there is no
engine braking when the transmission is in
Neutral, and no power-assist for brakes
and steering when the engine is not run-
ning.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasion-
ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased ten-
dency for corrosion to form on rotors, while
contaminants accumulate on the brake
pads. This occurs because the minimal
pressure which must be exerted by the
pads during brake applications to clean the
rotors is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors,
the brakes will tend to respond with a pul-
sating effect that even extended applica-
tion will fail to cure.
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW does not recommend using
mobile communications devices, e.g.
portable phones, in the interior of the vehi-
cle without a direct connection to an out-
side antenna. Otherwise the vehicle elec-
tronics and mobile communications device
can affect each other. In addition, it is not
Things to remember when driving
124 ensured that the radiation which results
during transmission will be discharged
from the vehicle interior.<
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond
their approved carrying capacity,
never overload the vehicle. Overloading
can lead to overheating and increases the
rate at which damage develops inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume the
form of a sudden air loss.<
Determine loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's door pillar
*:
The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never
exceed XXX lbs. or YYY kg, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged and
unstable driving conditions may
result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passenger that will be riding
in your vehicle
3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passenger from XXX lbs. or
YYY kg
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.:
1,400 Ibs. minus 750 Ibs. = 650 Ibs.5.Determine the combined weight of lug-
gage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight should not exceed
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
part of the load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the
manual for transporting a trailer to
determine how this may reduce the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permitted load is the total of the weight
of occupants and cargo/luggage. The
greater the weight of occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as
low as possible, placing it directly
behind the bulkhead behind the rear
seats
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat
is not occupied, secure each safety belt
in the opposite buckle.
Radio
156 During enabling, leave the ignition
switched on.
Channel selection
1.Select "SAT" and confirm your selec-
tion.
Each time you confirm "SAT", the sys-
tem alternately changes between
"Channels", "Category" and the "Pre-
sets".
The enabled channels are displayed
with
2.Select a channel and confirm your
selection
Additional information
3.Confirm channel once again.
The name of the artiste, the title of the
track and the name of the album are
displayed.
Notes
As a rule, reception is guaranteed under a
clear sky. If you are unable to receive any
channel, the message "ACQUIRING..."
appears in the status line. "Display ESN"
shows the electronic serial number on the
Control Display. The following also appear:
>"Call Sirius ( ) to Subscribe", or
>"Call Sirius ( ) to Activate"
to subscribe or activate the selected chan-
nel.
When there is a signal blockage or the
transmission is suspended momentarily for
more than 4 seconds.
Service may be interrupted or unavail-
able for specific reasons such as
environmental or topographic conditions
and other factors that satellite radio cannot
directly control. The signal might not be
available in tunnels, in parking garages,
next to tall buildings, near trees with dense
foliage, near mountains or other possible
strong sources of radio interference.
Service should resume normally after the
source of signal unavailability has been
cleared.<
Selecting a category
1.Select "SAT" and keep pressing until
"Category" appears.
The categories are shown in the cate-
gory list
2.Select a category, e.g. "POP", and con-
firm your selection.
All the channels available in the cate-
gory "POP" are displayed
177
Entertainment
Reference
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Navigation
Mobility
Hands-free system
The hands-free microphone is located on
the left-hand side on the headliner.
The hands-free system is activated when-
ever you establish or receive a call using
the following:
>Buttons on the steering wheel, page16
>Voice command system, page26,
except for incoming calls
>Control Center, page175
>Telephone keypad, folding, page176.
Volume adjustment
You can adjust the volume for the hands-
free unit:
Turn this button during a call to select the
desired volume.
The hands-free unit will remain at this vol-
ume level, even if the other audio sources
are set to minimum volume.
The system automatically selects your
individual volume setting each time
you unlock the vehicle using your personal
remote control.<
Starting an emergency call
1.To open the protective cover:
Briefly press the protective cover
2.Press the emergency call button for at
least 2 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the button lights
up. As soon as the voice connection to
the BMW Assist response center has
been established, the indicator lamp
flashes.
Conditions for an emergency call:
>Ignition key from radio position
>The wireless communications network
is available
>The emergency call system is operable.
If the current position of your vehicle can be
determined with vehicles with an activated
BMW Assist, it will be transmitted to the
BMW Assist response center.
A navigation CD/DVD must be
inserted, as otherwise the current
vehicle position cannot be determined.
If the navigation system is inoperative, the
current position of the vehicle is not trans-
mitted.<
Following transmission of the data a confir-
mation report will appear on the Control
Display. The response center can initiate
immediate action for emergency assis-
tance.
If it is repeatedly not possible to transfer
the data, a voice connection to the BMW
Assist response center will be established.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehi-
cle until the connection has been
established. You will then be able to pro-
BMW Assist
182
BMW Assist
To avoid posing an unnecessary haz-
ard, both to your own vehicle's occu-
pants and to other road users, only make
entries with the vehicle stationary.<
Requirements
If the following requirements are met, you
can call up BMW Assist:
>Telephone is connected and switched
on
>The lock code has been entered
>The mobile communications network is
available
>GPS reception for transmission of the
data is ensured.
The position of the vehicle can influ-
ence the mobile communications/
GPS reception. As a rule, mobile communi-
cations/GPS reception is only possible
under a clear sky.
When vehicle data is exchanged with the
BMW Service Center, a corresponding
message appears on the Control Display.<
Roadside Assistance of the
BMW Group
Here, you can automatically dial the num-
ber of the Roadside Assistance of the BMW
Group, your BMW center or BMW Cus-
tomer Relations.
To contact Roadside Assistance, for exam-
ple in the event of a breakdown:
1.Select "BMW Assist" and confirm your
selection
2.Select "BMW Services" and confirm
your selection
3.Select "Roadside Assistance" and con-
firm your selection.
The current vehicle position is dis-
played4.Select "ACTIVATE" and confirm your
selection.
The data of your vehicle is transmitted
to BMW center.
The BMW center forwards the current vehi-
cle position and the customer profile and
other vehicle data to the relevant Roadside
Assistance service.
To speak to your BMW center or BMW
Customer Relations your portable phone
must be connected to the cradle in the cen-
ter console. A voice connection will be
established.
For technical reasons, the emergency
call cannot be guaranteed under
unfavorable conditions.<
*
Replacing components
204
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light source
for many of the controls and displays in
your vehicle. These light-emitting diodes,
which operate using a concept similar to
that applied in conventional lasers, are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emitting
diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for sev-
eral hours, as irritation of the iris could
result.<
Changing wheels
Safety precautions to observe in the
event of a flat and during all tire
changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, surface.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Engage the parking brake and move the
transmission's selector lever to P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the
vehicle and ensure that they remain outside
the immediate area in a safe place, such as
behind a guardrail.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all
safety guidelines and regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm sur-
face which is not slippery. The vehicle or
the jack could slip to the side if you attempt
to raise the vehicle on a soft or slippery sur-
face such as snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar
object as a support base for the jack, as
this would prevent it from extending to its
full support height and reduce its load-
carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie
under the vehicle, and never start the
engine while it is supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises, note the positions
of the tools before removing them, then
return them to their initial positions after
completing work.
>Lug wrench
Located beside the spare tire
>Wheel chock
The chock is located next to the spare
tire, or behind the trim panel on the left
side of the luggage compartment on
vehicles equipped with a trailer cou-
pling.
Remove the floor mat and the cover
above the spare tire.
Unscrew the wingnut and remove the
wheel chock
>Vehicle jack
Located in the luggage compartment
behind the right-hand side panel.
Mobility
211Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Navigation
Entertainment
Selector lever in position N. Manual
release of the transmission lockout,
refer to page70. Do not exceed a towing
speed of 45 mph/70 km/h and a towing dis-
tance of 90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the
automatic transmission may be dam-
aged.<
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on
towing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, other-
wise it mill not be possible to control vehi-
cle response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the
same side on both vehicles. Should it prove
impossible to avoid mounting the tow bar
at an offset angle, please observe the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability
will be strictly limited in corners
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar
will exert lateral forces, tending to push
the vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar on the tow fitting
only. Otherwise damage could result
on other vehicle parts.<
With tow-rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle,
make sure that the tow-rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components
when towing, always use nylon ropes or
nylon straps. Secure the tow rope on the
tow fitting only. Otherwise damage could
result on other vehicle parts.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a load bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, as otherwise
damage may result.<
Reference 219
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Audio"
– audio mode148
– radio152
Audio148
– adjusting tone149
– controls148
– switching on/off149
– volume149
"AUDIO" for
DVD mode169
Audio mode148
"AUTO", automatic climate
control107
Automatic
– air distribution104
– air supply104
– headlamp control100
– luggage compartment lid
operation36,41
– steering wheel
adjustment54
– windshield washer72
Automatic car wash, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate
control103
– rear air conditioner109
– rear cooler114
– settings in Control
Display107
Automatic curb monitor56
Automatic Hold
– parking65
– parking brake65
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC105
Automatic soft closing
– doors39
– luggage compartment
lid40
Automatic station
search152
Automatic station
storage153Automatic transmission
with Steptronic68
– ignition62
– interlock62
– selector lever interlock68
– shiftlock69
– towing210
"AUTO P"
– function button54
– vehicle65
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air
distribution104
"AUTOSTOR" for radio154
Average fuel
consumption86
– setting units89
Average speed86
– setting units89
"Avoid highway"137
Avoiding tolls137
"Avoid route"141
"Avoid sect."140
"Avoid tolls"137
Axle loads, refer to
Weights216
"A-Z", telephone179
B
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment47,48
Backrest width
adjustment47
Backup lamps, bulb
replacement203
"Balance" in audio
mode150
Bandages, refer to
First-aid kit209
Bar, towing211
"Bass" in audio mode150
Battery207
– indicator lamp207
– jump-starting209
– remote control34
– switch207
"BC", refer to Computer87
Belts, refer to Safety
belts51
Beverage holders116Blower, automatic climate
control103
BMW active seat53
"BMW Assist"182
BMW Assist182
BMW Maintenance
System198
"BMW Services",
BMW Assist182
Bottle holder, refer to
Beverage holders116
Brake fluid197
– indicator lamp13
– level197
Brake Force Display97
Brake hydraulic
systems197
Brake lamps
– adaptive, refer to Brake
force display97
– bulb replacement203
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp83
Brake pad wear indicator,
indicator lamp13
Brake rotors
– brake system123
– break-in122
Brakes123
– ABS92
– brake fluid197
– break-in122
– indicator/warning
lamps13,92,94
– parking brake64
Brake system197
– brake fluid level197
– brake pads82
– break-in122
– disc brakes123
– indicator lamp13
Breakdown recovery, refer
to Roadside
Assistance182
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance182
Break-in procedures122
"Brief info", Control
Center22