
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. 

Controls
 95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible. 
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
Dynamic Drive 
The concept 
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and 
optimizes vehicle stability during cornering 
and evasive maneuvers. 
Active stabilizers at the front and rear axles 
form the basis for Dynamic Drive. Suspen-
sion compliance adapts to suit driving con-
ditions, varying from performance-oriented 
during cornering to smooth and comfort-
oriented when the vehicle is proceeding in 
a straight line. 
The system assumes operational status 
each time you start the engine. 
Driving with Dynamic Drive 
During vehicle operation, the system con-
tinuously runs through closed-loop control 
cycles lasting only fractions of a second. 
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up, accom-
panied by a status message in the 
Check Control. Please take note of 
the additional information on the Control 
Display. A malfunction has occurred in the 
system. Have the system checked as soon 
as possible.
If the Dynamic Drive system switches 
off in response to malfunction, please 
remember to adapt your speed accord-
ingly, especially in curves. 
The suspension will be noticeably softer 
and the vehicle will display a greater ten-
dency to tilt during cornering and in cross-
winds. 
If a Check Control message stating that you 
should stop appears in addition to the red 
symbol, stop immediately and switch off 
the engine. In this case the oil level in the 
reservoir may have dropped below the min-imum, possibly owing to a leak in the 
hydraulic system. 
Please observe the additional instructions 
provided on the Control Display.< 
EDC Electronic Damping 
Control* 
The suspension responds to changes in 
factors such as road surface, or operating 
conditions such as steering and braking, by 
adapting to the new conditions within frac-
tions of a second. 
Two programs are available; they can be 
selected in the "Settings" menu. 
Comfort mode 
The Comfort mode is suitable for use 
throughout the vehicle's entire speed range 
and regardless of load. 
Sport program 
You should select the Sport program for 
consistently performance-oriented 
response from shock absorbers and steer-
ing. 
Flat Tire Monitor 
The concept 
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the 
inflation pressures in the four fitted tires as 
you drive. The system provides an alert 
whenever the inflation pressure drops sig-
nificantly in relation to the pressure another 
tire.  

Controls
 97Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Vehicles with run-flat tires: 
1.Cautiously reduce the vehicle speed to 
below 50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid sudden 
braking and steering maneuvers. Do not 
exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph/80 
km/h 
Due to the reinforcement on the 
side walls of the run-flat tires, 
inflation pressure loss can not usually 
be recognized from the outside, refer to 
Run-flat tires on page206.<
2.To continue driving, comply with the 
instructions for driving with damaged 
tires on page206.
Malfunction 
The indicator lamp lights up yellow, 
accompanied by a status message 
in the Check Control. The Flat Tire 
Monitor has malfunctioned or failed. Have 
the system checked as soon as possible.
Self-leveling suspension* 
Malfunction 
A Check Control message appear-
ing together with this symbol indi-
cates a malfunction in the self-level-
ing suspension. Please take note of the 
additional information on the Control Dis-
play. 
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If the rear of 
the vehicle is visibly lower than the front, 
possibly accompanied by a tilt noticeable 
when you compare the left rear with the 
right rear, please respond by immediately 
proceeding to the nearest BMW center. 
Drive with appropriate caution in the mean-
time. The vehicle has reduced ground 
clearance and driving comfort may be 
noticeably reduced. Even if the attitude of 
the vehicle is normal, you should consult 
the nearest BMW center if the warning 
lamp indicates a system fault. 
Brake Force Display 
The Brake Force Display indicates the 
intensity with which you are applying your 
brakes to drivers of following vehicles. 
The display consists of two stages:
>Normal braking: 
The brake lamps in the tail lamp assem-
blies and the high-mount brake lamp on 
the rear tray light up during braking 
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS: 
The rear lamps also light up with the 
same intensity as the standard brake 
lamp units to enhance the warning 
effect of the brake lamps.  

Controls
 99Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
whether or not the seat is occupied by a 
child in the child-restraint system or an 
adult.
>When a child is seated in the child-
restraint system or with an empty seat, 
the front and side airbags are automat-
ically deactivated on the passenger's 
side
>When an adult is traveling in the front 
seat, the front and side airbags remain 
active on the passenger side.
Although not desired, it can occur in 
the case of heavier children that the 
front passenger airbags remain active or in 
the case of very light adults or young per-
sons that the front passenger airbags are 
deactivated.
The state of the front passenger airbags is 
shown with the indicator lamp, refer to Indi-
cator lamps in the following. In this case 
transport the corresponding persons on the 
rear seat.
Except when persons to be transported, do 
not increase the load on the front passen-
ger seat with additional items. Do not fit 
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball 
mats or other items to the front passenger 
seat unless they are specifically recom-
mended by BMW. Do not place any items 
under the seat. Otherwise, the function of 
the seat occupation detection could be 
impaired.<
Indicator lamps
Airbag system ready for use 
The warning lamp indicates the operational 
readiness of the entire airbag system and 
the safety belt tensioners from the radio position: the warning lamp goes out after 
afew seconds.
The indicator lamp above the interior rear-
view mirror indicates whether the front-pas-
senger airbag system is activated or deacti-
vated as of ignition key radio position.
The indicator lamp refers exclusively 
to the front-passenger airbag sys-
tem.<
>The indicator lamp goes out after a few 
seconds.
The front passenger airbags are active, 
e.g. when transporting an adult
>The indicator lamp lights up continu-
ously. The front passenger airbags are 
deactivated, e.g. when transporting a 
child in the child-restraint system or 
when the seat is unoccupied.
For more information on the operating prin-
ciple of the front passenger airbag system 
and seat occupation detection, refer to 
Automatic deactivation of the front passen-
ger airbags.
Airbag system malfunction
Have the airbag system checked 
immediately if a malfunction occurs, 
as otherwise there is a danger of the sys-
tem failing to respond in the expected man-
ner to an impact occurring within its normal 
response range.< 
A fault has occurred in the airbag 
system:
>The warning lamp fails to come on as of 
ignition radio mode
>Warning lamp lights up continuously
>Warning lamp lights during driving. 

Controls
 101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Adaptive Head Light* 
The concept 
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp 
control system that enables dynamic illumi-
nation of the road surface. Depending on 
the steering angle and other assumptions, 
the light from the headlamp follows the 
course of the road.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
With the ignition on, refer to 
page62, turn the light switch to the 
position 'Automatic headlamp con-
trol', refer to page100.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the 
Adaptive Head Light:
>Is not active when driving in reverse
>Is only active toward the passenger's 
side with the vehicle stationary.
Malfunction 
The LED above the symbol for automatic 
headlamp control flashes. Adaptive Head 
Light is faulty or has failed. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/standing lamps 
1High beams 
2Headlamp flasher 
3Standing lamps 
Standing lamps, left and right* 
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just 
one side of your vehicle when parking: 
With the ignition off, press the lever in the 
desired direction3, beyond the resistance 
point. 
Front fog lamps 
Briefly press the button once again to 
switch on/off.
The parking lamps or low beams 
must be switched on for the fog 
lamps to operate. The green indica-
tor lamp in the Info Display lights up when-
ever the fog lamps are on. 
If the automatic headlamp control is 
activated, the low beams will come on 
automatically when you switch on the fog 
lamps.< 
Instrument lighting 
Turn the serrated dial to adjust the illumina-
tion intensity.  

Controls
 103Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
A congenial climate
Automatic climate control 
1Automatic climate control 
2Airflow directed toward the windshield 
and side windows 
3Air for upper body area
The serrated dials in the center open 
and close through an infinitely-variable 
range to control air supply while also 
adjusting the air's direction like the 
lower serrated dials. You can find more 
information on adjusting for draft-free 
ventilation on page108 
4Air to footwell  

Controls
 105Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Temperature adjustment 
You can turn to select the 
desired temperatures for the 
driver's and passenger sides. 
Your settings appear on the 
Control Display's status line. 
The figures in the display provide a general 
indication of interior temperature. When 
you start the vehicle, this system ensures 
that the selected temperature is achieved 
as quickly as possible. It then maintains this 
temperature, regardless of the season. 
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation 
This program quickly removes 
ice and condensation from the 
windshield and door windows. 
Adjusting air supply manually 
You can adjust the air supply by 
turning. The automatic air sup-
ply control is operational when-
ever you see your selection rep-
resented by a bar on the 
Control Display's status line. The automatic 
air distribution remains in operation as 
before. You can reactivate the automatic air 
supply mode with the AUTO button. 
Switching air conditioner mode on 
and off manually
The air conditioner cools and 
dehumidifies the incoming air 
before also reheating it as 
required, according to temperature setting. 
Depending on the weather, the windshield 
may fog over briefly when the engine is 
started. 
The air conditioner comes on automatically 
when you select the AUTO program. 
Maximum cooling 
This program quickly provides 
maximum cooling. 
The temperature display reverts 
to 607/166 while the system 
switches to the recirculated-air mode and 
starts to provide maximum air supply through the vent outlets only. For this rea-
son you should ensure that these outlets 
are open before selecting this program.
Outside air/AUC Automatic 
recirculated-air control/recirculated 
air 
You can respond to unpleasant 
odors or pollutants in the imme-
diate environment by tempo-
rarily suspending the supply of outside air. 
The system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. AUC executes this 
function automatically. 
Press the button repeatedly to run through 
the following control sequence: 
>Indicator lamps off: outside air flows 
into the vehicle 
>Left indicator lamp on, AUC mode: the 
system detects pollutants in the outside 
air and responds by blocking the supply 
of outside air when required. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently 
within the vehicle. 
Depending upon air quality, in the auto-
matic mode the system may start to 
alternate between its outside-air and 
recirculated-air modes 
>Right indicator lamp on, recirculated-air 
mode: the supply of outside air into the 
vehicle is permanently blocked. The 
system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. 
If condensation starts to form on the 
inside window surfaces during opera-
tion in the recirculated-air mode, you 
should switch it off while also increasing air 
supply as required.< 
Residual heat mode 
The system uses the warmth 
stored in the engine to heat the 
interior when the ignition is off, 
for instance, while the vehicle 
is stopped at a school to pick 
up a child.
You can adjust the automatic climate con-
trol's settings when the ignition lock is in 
the radio mode. The system blows heated  

Controls
 107Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Switching off automatic climate 
control* 
The air supply, the heater and 
the air conditioner are all 
switched off. You can restart 
the automatic climate control 
by pressing any of its buttons 
except the REST button. 
Settings using Control Center 
With the ignition on, select "Climate". You 
can use the Control Center to set the fol-
lowing: 
>"Left 
Χ Right": 
Separate settings for driver and front 
passenger 
>Adjusting and adapting air-distribution 
patterns, refer to the next column
>Adjusting temperature for the upper 
body, refer to page108 
>Storing and calling up an individual set-
ting for interior ventilation outlets, air 
distribution and temperature, refer to 
page108. 
Select the second page of the "Cli-
mate" menu. 
>"Indep. ventil.": 
For information on activating and deac-tivating the independent ventilation and 
setting the timer, refer to page110 
>"Seat temp.": 
Adjusting temperature distribution 
while the seat heaters are on, refer to 
page52 
>"Extra": 
Switching the rear air conditioning or 
rear cooler on and off, refer to 
pages109 and114.
Select the first page of the "Climate" 
menu. 
Automatic air distribution and supply 
"AUTO": 
The AUTO program adjusts the airflow and 
distribution patterns for you while also 
using your preselected temperature setting 
as the basis for adjusting the interior cli-
mate to adapt to external influences: sum-
mer, winter. 
"Bi-Level":
This program operates in the same way as 
the AUTO program, but with airflow 
directed toward upper body and into the 
footwells. 
Combining air distribution yourself 
You can cancel the AUTO program by 
selecting specific air distribution patterns 
for your personal comfort.