Adjustments
56
Tilt function, passenger-side mirror
Automatic curb monitor
Activating
1.Select the driver's mirror with the mirror
selector switch
2.When you select the transmission
position R, the exterior mirror glass on
the front passenger side tilts downward
slightly. This allows the driver to see the
area immediately adjacent to the vehi-
cle – such as a curb – when parking, etc.
Deactivating
Slide the mirror selection switch to the pas-
senger's side position.
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory
How the system functions
Doubtless you have often reflected on how
great it would be if you could configure
your vehicle's various adjustment settings
to meet your own personal requirements.
In developing your vehicle, BMW has incor-
porated a number of options for personal
adjustment which you can set with the
Control Center or you can have these pro-
grammed at your BMW center.
There are vehicle-related and person-
related adjustments: Vehicle Memory and
Key Memory. You can have up to four dif-
ferent basic settings adjusted for four dif-
ferent persons. The only requirement is that
each person uses his or her own remote
control. When your vehicle is unlocked with the
remote control, the vehicle recognizes the
individual user by means of a data
exchange with the key, and makes adjust-
ments accordingly.
To differentiate
Color-coded decals are provided to help
you distinguish the individual remote con-
trols with their different settings.
What the system can do
Please contact your BMW center for more
information on the range of options avail-
able with Vehicle Memory and Key Mem-
ory.
You will see this symbol throughout
the Owner's Manual. It is to remind
you at appropriate places of the settings
that are available to you. These positions
can be looked up in the index under the
respective keyword.<
Following configuration of the mem-
ory functions, vehicle operation may
differ from the description in the Owner's
Manual. Should you want to sell your BMW
some day, please remember to have the
memory functions reset to the default
state.<
Examples of Vehicle Memory
functions
>Central locking system: set different
signals as an acknowledgment
>Pathway lighting: deactivate/activate
function and set times
>Daytime driving lamps: activate/deacti-
vate function
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
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.
Controls
79Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
in city driving; heavy traffic such as during
rush hour; on curvy, winding roads, slip-
pery roads or roads with sharp curves such
as highway off-ramps; during inclement
weather such as snow, strong rain or fog;
or when entering interchanges, 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
ability of the system does have physi-
cal limitations. It will not apply the brakes or
decelerate your vehicle when there is a
slow-moving vehicle, stopped vehicle or
stationary object ahead of you, as for
example, at a traffic light or a parked vehi-
cle. Also, the system does not react to
oncoming traffic, pedestrians or other type
of potential traffic such as a rider on horse-
back. It is also possible that the system
may not detect smaller moving objects
such as motorcycles or bicycles. Be espe-
cially alert when encountering any of these
situations as the system will neither auto-
matically 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 alert-
ness.<
If while 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 vehicle will
accelerate to the speed you have selected.
Be aware that changing to a clear, unob-
st r uc ted lan e w il l als o r esu lt in y ou r v eh icle
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 man-
ner 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 vehi-
cle 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 system 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
deactivated whenever the driver applies
the vehicle brakes, shifts the transmission
from drive/D to neutral/N, or deactivates
DSC. After any deactivation, the system will
no longer automatically activate the vehicle
brakes, which means the driver must inter-
vene and resume manual braking. You
should then reactivate the system only
when you are fully aware of the prior speed
and distance settings.<
Active cruise control may brake when you
reduce the stored desired speed; however,
the driver must constantly monitor traffic
and intervene if necessary.
When you switch off the engine or ignition,
active cruise control is fully switched off,
too, and any settings you have selected are
canceled.
Behavior in curves
Because of the limited range of the system,
it is possible that in curves or on the peaks
and valleys of hilly roads, a vehicle ahead
may be recognized late, or not at all. There-
fore, it is up to the driver to select a speed
that is prudent in view of the curves and
terrain of the roadway.
Controls
91Reference
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Mobility
Technology for comfort, convenience
and safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you are parking.
Signal tones indicate the current distance
to an object behind or in front of your vehi-
cle. Four ultrasonic sensors in both the
bumpers monitor the distance to the near-
est object. The sensors at the front and at
the two rear corners have a range of
approx. 2 ft/60 cm; the rear middle sensors
have approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
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 function
Whenever the ignition is on the system
automatically assumes operational status
after a few seconds each time you engage
the transmission position R.
Wait this short period before revers-
ing.<
Switching on manually
Press the button, the indicator lamp lights
up.
Manual deactivation
Press the button again; the indicator lamp
goes out.
Automatic deactivation
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 indicator lamp goes
out. You can reactivate the system manu-
ally as needed.
Signal tones
The signal indicating the distance to the
nearest obstacle is directional. Thus, an
object detected to the left rear of the vehi-
cle 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 continu-
ous 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 paral-
lel to a wall.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp within the button flashes
and a status message appears in the Check
Control. PDC has failed. Switch off PDC.
Have the system checked.
To prevent this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to
ensure that they will continue to operate
effectively.
Practical interior accessories
112
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can
replace as many as three hand-held trans-
mitters for various remote-controlled
accessories, such as door openers and
house alarm systems. The integrated uni-
versal remote control registers and stores
signals from the original hand-held trans-
mitters.
The signal of an original hand-held trans-
mitter can be programmed on one of the
three memory keys1. Following that, each
of the devices can be actuated with the
appropriately-programmed memory key1.
The indicator lamp 2 flashes to confirm
transmission of the signal.
Should you sell your vehicle one day, be
sure to delete the stored programs before-
hand for your safety, refer to page113.
To prevent possible damage or injury,
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always
inspect the immediate area to make certain
that no people, animals or objects are
within the swiveling and movement range
of the device. Also, comply with the safety
precautions of the original hand-held trans-
mitter.<
Checking compatibility
If you see this symbol on the pack-
aging or in the manual supplied with
the original hand-held transmitter, it
is safe to assume that it is compatible with
the integrated universal remote control.
If you have additional questions,
please consult your BMW center or
call 1-800-355-3515.
You can also visit these websites:
www.bmwusa.com or
www.homelink.com. HomeLink is a registered trademark owned
by Johnson Controls, Inc.<
Programming
1Memory keys
2Indicator lamp
Fixed-code hand-held transmitter
1.Switch on the ignition
2.When using for the first time: press both
outer keys1 for approx. 20 seconds,
maintaining pressure until the indicator
lamp2 starts to flash. The three mem-
ory keys1 are cleared
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter
at a distance of approx. 2 in/5 cm to
8 in/20 cm from the memory keys1
The required distance between
the hand-held transmitter and
memory keys1 depends on the relevant
system of the original hand-held trans-
mitter used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit key
on the original hand-held transmitter
and the desired memory key1 of the
integrated universal remote control.
Initially, the indicator lamp2 flashes
slowly. Release both keys as soon as
the indicator 2 lamp flashes rapidly. If
the indicator lamp2 does not flash rap-
idly after approx. 15 seconds, change
the distance
5.To program other original hand-held
transmitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
Driving tips
123Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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