Driving
66 Provided that the remote control is
inserted in the ignition lock, you can
also release the parking brake manually
after the engine has been switched off,
refer to page64. This function is useful in
automatic car washes, etc.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.<
When leaving the vehicle, always
release the remote control from the
detent in the ignition lock; this precaution
prevents children from disengaging the
parking brake, etc.<
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deacti-
vated when
>the engine is switched off
>the system detects that the driver's seat
is not occupied while the engine is run-
ning
>the hood is opened while the engine is
running
>the luggage compartment is opened
with the transmission in position R while
the engine is running, and
>when the parking brake is used to bring
the vehicle to a stop.
The indicator lamp changes from
green to red, and the AUTO P letters in the
Info Display disappear.
Before starting off again, briefly press the
button to disengage the parking brake
manually, refer to page64, or reactivate
Automatic Hold, refer to page65.
Before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, always move the
automatic transmission's selector lever to
position P and ensure that the parking
brake is engaged. The vehicle could start to
roll if you fail to observe these precautions.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Automatic Hold is automatically deac-
tivated whenever the system detects
any tendency for the wheels to spin in
response to slippery road surfaces. Note the status reports in the Check Control.
You can find additional information on the
Check Control on page83.<
Malfunction
If a malfunction occurs, the indicator
lamp lights up yellow in the Info Dis-
play and a status report will appear in the
Check Control. Please note any supple-
mentary information that appears on the
Control Display.
Releasing parking brake manually
You can respond to any interruptions in the
supply of electrical power, for instance, if
the battery is discharged or disconnected,
by releasing the parking brake manually.
Before proceeding to release the
parking brake manually, and each
time you park the vehicle without engaging
the parking brake, always ensure that the
automatic transmission's selector lever is in
position P, refer to page68. Note the range
indicated in the Info Display.
If the wheel must be changed on a surface
with a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing e.g. with a chock, refer to page204
Otherwise there is a danger that the vehicle
could start to roll if parked on a steep
slope.<
Should it also be necessary to release the
automatic transmission's lockout manually,
for instance, if the battery is discharged,
always adhere to the following sequence:
1.If necessary, start by manually releasing
the parking brake
2.Then release the automatic transmis-
sion's lockout manually, refer to
page70.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages209 and210.
Driving
68 >Engaging: the system registers the new
status and the brake setting is initial-
ized. The indicator lamp in the
Info Display lights up red.
>Releasing: the parking brake is ready
for operation. The indicator lamp
in the Info Display goes out.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic
In addition to fully automatic operation, you
can also manually shift with the button on
the steering wheel, refer to page70.
Transmission range selection
P R N D
The selector lever position is indicated, and
in the manual mode the gear currently
engaged.
Program display
S or M1 – M6
Buttons on steering wheel
Press briefly to proceed through a selection
sequence consisting of the automatic pro-
gram, the Sport program, and the manual
mode.Steptronic:
Upshifting and downshifting, refer to Sport
program and manual operation.
Selecting transmission range
The selector lever is at the center
position. To select transmission
ranges D, R or N, always start by pulling
toward the steering wheel, arrow1, then
press up or down. Note the range indicated
in the Info Display.<
>Range D or R:
Press the selector lever up or down,
continuing to apply pressure to move it
beyond the resistance point
>Neutral N:
Press the selector lever up to the resis-
tance point
Controls
69Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
>Park P:
Press button P, arrow2.
The selector lever immediately returns to
the center position when released.
With the vehicle stationary, press the
brake pedal before shifting out of P
or N; the shift command will not be exe-
cuted unless the brake is applied: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after
you select a range, maintain pressure on
the brake pedal until you are ready to start.
You can activate the Automatic Hold fea-
ture to suppress the vehicle's tendency to
creep, refer to page65.<
Shift commands are transmitted electroni-
cally. To help avoid malfunctions, each
command undergoes a plausibility check
prior to execution.
Remember to observe the Check Control
for status messages.
You can find additional information on the
Check Control on page83.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage
the parking brake before leaving the vehicle
with the engine running. Note the informa-
tion provided in the Info Display.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
The transmission lockout prevents the rear
wheels from turning. The lockout disen-
gages when you press the selector lever
toward D, N or R while the engine is run-
ning.
P is engaged automatically as soon as
you switch off the engine unless N is
engaged and the remote control is inserted
in the ignition lock, refer to page63.<
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
Select only if your journey is interrupted for
a long period.
>From D press the selector lever up
>From R press the selector lever down.
Note the arrows indicating direction in the
range display.
N remains engaged whenever the
remote control remains in the ignition
lock after the ignition is switched off. This
function is useful in automatic car washes,
etc.
After approx. 30 minutes the system auto-
matically engages P. Remember to observe
the Check Control for status messages.
Switching off engine refer to page63.<
D Drive, automatic driving position
This is the range recommended for normal
vehicle operation. All forward gears are
available.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in
position D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum
acceleration.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the
full-throttle resistance point.
Driving
70
Sport program and manual operation
Press the S/M/D button on the steering
wheel:
The sport program is activated, and S
appears in the program indicator of the Info
Display. This program is recommended for
a performance-oriented driving style.
Pressing the S/M/D button again switches
into the manual mode.
When the buttons on the back of the steer-
ing wheel are touched, the transmission
upshifts. When the buttons on the front of
the steering wheel are touched, the trans-
mission downshifts. The Info Display shows
the manual ranges M1 through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation 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 Info Display, followed by the
current gear.
Pressing the S/M/D button again switches
into the Automatic program again, and D
appears in the program indicator of the Info
Display.
Malfunction
A message appears in the Check Control
and in the Control Display. The directional
arrows also start to flash in the Info Display.
A malfunction has occurred in the transmis-
sion system. Avoid heavy loads.
While it will remain still possible to move
the selector lever to any desired position,
the transmission will revert to operation in
its default mode with only a limited number
of forward gears.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages209 and210.
Manual release of transmission
lockout
You can respond to any interruptions in the
supply of electrical power, for instance, if
the battery is discharged or disconnected,
by releasing the transmission lockout man-
ually.
To prevent the drive wheels from
locking up and sliding, the transmis-
sion lockout must always be released man-
ually before the vehicle is towed.<
Press the brake pedal before releas-
ing the transmission lockout manu-
ally. If the brakes are not applied, the vehi-
cle could start to roll if parked on a steep
slope.
The transmission lockout should only be
released for towing. Remember to engage
the transmission lockout when you repark
the vehicle after moving it.
Should it also be necessary to release the
parking brake manually, owing to a dis-
charged battery, etc., always adhere to the
following sequence:
1.Start by manually releasing the parking
brake, refer to page66
2.Then proceed to manually release the
transmission lockout.<
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages209 and210.
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
92
PDC with visual warning
You also enjoy the option of having the sys-
tem show distances to objects on the Con-
trol Display. The Control Display will also
indicate the presence of objects in green
before they are close enough to generate a
signal tone.
Select "PDC pic." from the "Settings" menu
and confirm your selection. This activates
the PDC display.
The display then appears on the Control
Display whenever the PDC is automatically
or manually activated.
The previous display automatically reap-
pears after the system is deactivated.
confirm to return to the previous dis-
play.
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 ultrasonic measurement,
such as those encountered with tow bars
and trailer couplings, as well as thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
already displayed, e.g. a curb, can also dis-
appear from the detection area of the sen-
sors again before a continuous tone
sounds.
Loud noises from outside and inside the
vehicle may prevent you from hearing the
PDC's signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice
or snow in order to ensure that they
will continue to operate effectively.
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. The following section describes
these functions based on DSC and ABS.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS enhances active safety by preventing
the wheels from locking under braking.
ABS incorporates CBC and EBV.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow
and ABS is switched off. Conven-
tional braking efficiency remains
available without limitations. Have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
CBC is a supplement to ABS. It provides
further enhancements in vehicle stability
and steering response during lane changes
and cornering at high rates of lateral accel-
eration.
Controls
93Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution
EBV controls the brake system's applica-
tion pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
The system optimizes vehicle stability dur-
ing acceleration and when starting from a
full stop, as well as optimizing traction.
The system recognizes any tendency for
the vehicle to assume an unstable attitude
such as oversteer or understeer; it then
counteracts this tendency with a combina-
tion of graduated reductions in engine
torque and selective braking intervention at
individual wheels. DSC provides optimized
stability within the limits defined by the
laws of physics.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. DSC contains the functions
DTC Dynamic Traction Control and DBC
Dynamic Brake Control.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp goes out shortly
after the engine starts.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off using the Con-
trol Center.
Activating DTC Dynamic Traction
Control
In particular driving situations, in deep
snow, for example, DTC ensures the maxi-
mum forward momentum. The gain in for-
ward momentum in these situations
involves a reduction in vehicle stability.
DTC is active up to 45 mph/70 km/h.You may find it useful to briefly activate
DTC under the following special circum-
stances:
>When rocking the vehicle and starting
off in deep snow or on loose road sur-
faces
>When ascending snow-covered hills,
and when driving in deep or on hard-
packed snow
>When driving with snow chains.
Select "Settings". Select "DTC" and con-
firm your selection. DTC is now activated.
The DTC indicator lamp in the Info Display
lights up permanently.
When DTC is active, DSC provides
only limited system response up to a
speed of approximately 45 mph/70 km/h.
Intervention for stability enhancement is
reduced.<
Deactivating DTC again
Select "Settings". Select "DTC" and con-
firm your selection. DTC is now deacti-
vated. The DTC indicator lamp in the Info
Display goes out. DSC is once again avail-
able without restriction.
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96 The check of the tire inflation pressure is
based on monitoring the relative speeds of
the wheels. A flat tire is detected and
reported on the basis of a deviation in cer-
tain speed ratios.
Functional requirements
So that the Flat Tire Monitor can learn the
correct inflation pressure, please perform
the following:
1.Check the inflation pressures in all tires
2.Compare with the inflation pressure
table on page189 and correct if neces-
sary
3.Initialize the system.
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused by
outside factors and does not detect a natu-
ral, even pressure drop in all four tires.<
In the following situations, on the other
hand, there can be delays in detecting tire
pressure losses, and even system failure:
>When you are driving on snow-covered
or slippery road surfaces
>In the case of performance-oriented
driving: slip on the drive wheels, high
lateral acceleration
>False alarms and undetected loss of
pressure may occur when you are driv-
ing with snow chains fitted.
Initializing system
Perform the initialization immediately
after correcting the inflation pressure,
changing a tire or changing a wheel or all
wheels. A drive is necessary for this pur-
pose.<
1.Start the engine, but do not drive off
2.Select "RPA" from the "Settings" menu
and confirm your selection. The initial-
ization menu appears 3.Select "SET" and confirm your selection
4.Drive off.
"FTM is being initialized" is displayed as the
status.
It takes at least 10 minutes before the Flat
Tire Monitor can detect and report a flat
tire.
When driving with snow chains, do
not initialize the system.<
Select and confirm to exit from the
menu.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red,
accompanied by a status message
in the Check Control. In addition, an
acoustic signal sounds. A flat tire or a major
air loss has occurred.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2.Identify damaged tire
If identification is not possible,
contact your BMW center.<
3.Replace the damaged tire, refer to
Changing wheels on page204.
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
98
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags for driver and front pas-
senger
2Head airbags in front and rear
3Side airbags in front and rear
*
4Knee airbags for driver and front pas-
senger
Protective effect
The front airbags help protect the driver
and front passenger by responding to fron-
tal impacts in which safety belts alone can-
not provide adequate restraint. When
needed, the head and side airbags help
provide protection in the event of side
impact. The side airbags help restrain the
side of the occupant's upper torso, and the
head airbags help support the head while
also helping provide protection against any
objects penetrating into the passenger
compartment. The knee airbags help pro-
tect the legs against impact against the
cockpit.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered in
every impact situation, e.g. less severe
accidents, certain roll-over conditions, or
rear-end collisions.
The rear seat side airbags may
already have been deactivated by a
BMW center. Labels in the rear door open-
ing should indicate the status of your rear
seat side airbags. If you are uncertain of
their status, or wish to have the airbags
activated or deactivated, please contact
your BMW center.
Do not apply adhesive materials to
the cover panels of the airbags, cover
them or modify them in any other way.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag reten-
tion system from the vehicle. Never modify
or tamper with either the wiring or the indi-
vidual components in the airbag system.
This category includes the upholstery in the
center of the steering wheel, on the instru-
ment panel, the doors and the roof pillars
along with the sides of the headliner. Do
not attempt to remove or dismantle the
steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been trig-
gered, because there is a danger of burns.
In case of malfunctions, storage or after the
airbag restraint system has been triggered,
only have checking, repair or dismantling
and the scrapping of the airbag generators
carried out by a BMW center or a workshop
that uses personnel trained in accordance
with BMW requirements and equipped with
the required explosives permits. Unprofes-
sional attempts to service the system could
lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag activation, either of which could
result in personal injury.<
Airbag warning information is also provided
on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front
passenger airbags
Your BMW has a seat occupation detection
system. By evaluating the weight on the
front passenger‘s seat, the system detects