
Voice command
26
Voice command
Voice command system 
The concept
The voice command system allows you to 
control operation of various vehicle sys-
tems without ever removing your hands 
from the steering wheel. The system oper-
ates on the basis of voice commands that 
you will learn easily after using them a few 
times. In many cases, the voice command 
system supports you with announcements 
or questions while you are making your 
entries.
The voice command system transforms 
your oral commands and dialog answers 
into control signals for the selected sys-
tems.
Please take the time to acquaint your-
self with how a particular system 
operates before proceeding to control it 
using the voice command system.<
Symbols used
{...} Verbal instructions to use with the 
voice command system.
{{...}} Identifies the answers generated by 
the voice command system. 
Systems available for use with voice 
command
>{Telephone}, refer to page174
>{Navigation}, refer to page130
>{Radio}, refer to page152
>{CD}, refer to page158
>{CD changer}, refer to page160
>{Notepad}, refer to page28
>{TV}, refer to page163
>{DVD}, refer to page165. Either the system that you are now operat-
ing or any current error messages will 
a ppe ar  in  th e I n fo Di spla y,  re fer  to  page27.
Voice commands
Voice command system activation
Briefly press the button on the steer-
ing wheel.
A signal tone and "SVS active" in the Info 
Display, refer to page27, indicate that the 
system is ready for use. You are automati-
cally in the main menu.
From here, you can call up all the equip-
ment that can be operated.
Canceling voice command
Briefly press the button on the steer-
ing wheel
or 
In dialogs in which any text can be spoken, 
e.g. names, notes, canceling is only possi-
ble using the button.
The system automatically switches 
over to its telephone mode if you 
receive a call during voice command. 
"SVS off" appears in the Info Display, refer 
to page27.<
Voice commands
The voice command system operates on 
the basis of specific, predefined com-
mands; these commands should be spo-
ken precisely as indicated. You can have 
the possible commands read back at any 
stage. To do so, say the command 
{Options}. 
In addition to the commands described, 
there are often other commands that run 
the same function. Instead of {Options}, 
you can, for example, also say {What now}. 
*
These sections contain information on 
using the voice command system.
{Cancel}. 

At a glance
 27Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
More detailed commands such as 
{Change scale} instead of {Scale} are also 
often possible.
Short commands
With the {Main menu} level, you can run 
certain functions directly with brief com-
mands, refer to page29, without having to 
open an equipment level.
For example, if you want to dial a phone 
number, you do not have to say 
rather you can say directly 
Special commands 
Special commands are available for spe-
cific systems. In this Owner's Manual you will find these commands in the sections 
describing the individual systems.
Displays in Info Display
The Info Display shows you what the voice 
command system has understood in line 2, 
while also indicating which voice command 
or question is currently active in line1.
In addition, any error messages are also 
displayed.
Selecting navigation scale – an example
Start the dialog:
Briefly press in the steering wheel.
Volume adjustment 
You can adjust the volume for the instruc-
tions from the voice command system:Turn the button during an instruction/
announcement to select the desired vol-
ume.
Instructions/announcements from the 
voice command system will continue at this 
volume 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.<  {Telephone}
1. {Dial number}
2.Enter the phone number.
Operation with the voice command sys-
tem is always indicated with this picto-
graph.
You sayThe voice command system repliesInfo Display screen contents
"SVS active"
{Change scale}{{Please enter the desired scale}}"scale ?
change scale"
{Scale 
500 feet}"ok
500 ft" 

Opening and closing
38 Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could void 
the user's authority to operate this equip-
ment.<
Using key 
One turn of the key in the driver's door lock 
unlocks the driver's door only. 
Turning the key a second time unlocks all of 
the remaining doors, the luggage compart-
ment lid and the fuel filler door.
You can have various confirmation 
signals programmed into the system 
to verify that the vehicle has been locked 
securely.< 
Convenience operation 
You also have the option of operating the 
windows and the glass roof from the 
driver's door lock.
>To open: 
With the door closed, turn the key to the 
'Unlock' position and hold it there 
>To close: 
With the door closed, turn the key to the 
'Lock' position and hold it there. 
Watch during the closing process to 
b e su r e th at  n o on e is i nj ur e d. R ele as-
ing the key stops the operation.< 
Manual operation 
If an electrical defect occurs, you can 
unlock or lock the driver's door with the key 
in the end positions of the door lock. 
Opening and closing: 
from inside 
You can operate the central locking system 
with this button when the driver's door is 
closed. The doors and luggage compart-
ment lid are unlocked or locked  
only. The anti-theft alarm system is not 
activated. 
Also, the fuel filler door remains unlocked 
to allow refueling.
If the remote control, refer to page 36, 
or Comfort Access, refer to page37, 
have been used to unlock only the driver's 
door and you press the button when 
the driver's door is open, the other doors, 
the luggage compartment lid, and the fuel 
filler door are unlocked. 
If the driver's door is closed, pressing 
the button locks it.< 
You can also have the system pro-
grammed to activate the central lock-
ing system automatically whenever the 
vehicle is set in motion, or when a specific 
interval elapses after it is unlocked, pro-
vided that neither the doors nor the lug-
gage compartment lid are opened in the 
meantime. This can be adjusted to be key-
specific.< 
Unlocking and opening doors 
>Either unlock the doors together with 
the button for the central locking sys-
tem and then pull the release handle 
above the armrest or 
>pull the release handle for each door 
twice: the first pull unlocks the door, 
and the second one opens it.  

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
64 Should exceptional circumstances 
render it necessary for you to switch 
off the engine while the vehicle is moving, 
press the start/stop button for approxi-
mately 1 second. 
If you maintain pressure on the start/stop 
button for longer than two seconds while 
switching off the ignition, the remote con-
trol will be ejected.< 
Before leaving the vehicle, remove 
the remote control from the ignition 
lock; with Comfort Access, always take the 
remote control with you.< 
Parking brake 
The concept 
Your BMW is equipped with an electrome-
chanical parking brake. 
The parking brake is primarily intended to 
prevent the vehicle from rolling while 
parked. 
You can operate or use the parking brake in 
two different ways: 
>Manually, by briefly pressing the button
>Automatically, through activation of the 
Automatic Hold mode, refer to page65. 
An electrohydraulic mechanism then 
engages the parking brake to prevent the 
rear wheels from turning whenever you 
switch off the engine. 
When the engine is running, parking brake 
engagement is controlled by the brake sys-
tem's hydraulic circuits, which act on the 
disc brakes at the front and rear wheels. 
Brake pedal feel 
Because this function is activated using 
the brake system's hydraulic circuits, the 
response of the brake pedal may change 
slightly. Engagement may also be accom-
panied by activation noise – this is normal. 
Manual engagement 
Briefly press the button, the 
word PARK appears briefly in 
the Info Display. With the park-
ing brake engaged, the indica-
tor lamp lights up red in 
the Info Display, refer to page12. 
With the ignition off, the indicator 
lamp goes out after a brief 
period.< 
Manual release 
With the ignition on, briefly 
press the button: the indicator 
lamp in the Info Display goes 
out.
Provided that the remote control is 
inserted in the ignition lock, you can 
also release the parking brake after the 
engine has been switched off. This function 
is intended for use in automatic car 
washes, etc.< 
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. 
The parking brake can still be engaged at 
any time when the remote control is 
released from the detent. It is only possible 
to disengage the parking brake with the 
ignition on.<
If exceptional circumstances should 
make it necessary to engage the 
parking brake while the vehicle is in motion, 
maintain pressure on the button. 
The indicator lamp appears in red in the 
Info Display. A gong sounds at the same  

Controls
 65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
time. 
The brake lamps come on. 
The vehicle continues to brake automati-
cally for as long as you maintain pressure 
on the button.< 
When you brake the vehicle to a vir-
tual stop, i.e., down to a speed of 
approximately 2 mph/3 km/h or below, the 
parking brake remains engaged. 
The indicator lamp in the Info Display 
lights up red. Briefly press the button to 
disengage the parking brake manually.< 
Automatic Hold 
You can activate this feature after starting 
the engine; it then remains operational until 
the next time the engine is switched off. 
This feature provides supplementary sup-
port during vehicle operation by automati-
cally engaging and releasing the parking 
brake during stops at traffic lights, in stop-
and-go traffic, etc. As the vehicle then no 
longer tends to creep when the transmis-
sion is engaged, it is no longer necessary to 
hold the vehicle by pressing the brake 
pedal. 
It prevents the vehicle from rolling back-
ward during uphill starts. 
The parking brake engages automatically 
when you stop the vehicle and switch off 
the engine. 
You can activate or cancel the Automatic 
Hold feature by selecting the "Settings" 
menu in the Control Center. A description 
of the Control Center is provided on 
page17. 
Automatic Hold activation/
deactivation 
1.Select "Settings" 
2.Select and confirm 
3.Select "AUTO P". Press the controller 
to activate/deactivate the desired func-
tion 
>Automatic Hold is activated. 
The green AUTO P status message in 
the Info Display shows you that the sys-
tem is ready for operation >Automatic Hold is deactivated. 
The green AUTO P status message dis-
appears from the Info Display. 
You can assign the Automatic Hold 
function to the programmable button 
on the steering wheel, refer to page54. 
This feature then provides you with quick 
access to the Automatic Hold function, 
allowing you to control it without undue dis-
traction from road and traffic conditions.< 
You can also deactivate Auto-
matic Hold by pressing the but-
ton while the vehicle is station-
ary. The vehicle remains 
stationary, the indicator lamp 
changes from green to red. Press the but-
ton again to release the parking brake. 
Driving with Automatic Hold 
The parking brake engages automatically 
when the vehicle comes to a stop. The indi-
cator lamp in the Info Display lights 
up green. 
To start off again, simply press the acceler-
ator pedal. The parking brake is released 
automatically; the indicator lamp  
goes out. 
Do not drive through an automatic car 
wash with the Automatic Hold on and 
the engine running. The system would 
engage the parking brake while the vehicle 
is stationary.<
Parking with Automatic Hold 
The parking brake engages automatically 
when you stop the vehicle and switch off 
the engine. The indicator lamp  
changes from green to red.  

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.  

Controls
 75Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
While driving 
Press1 or pull2 the lever beyond the resis-
tance point:
Press button4 for approx. 3 seconds. The 
respective driven speed is applied as the 
desired speed and displayed with6. 
If all of the graduations flash twice, 
this indicates that 6 desired speeds 
have already been stored. You must then 
delete at least one.<
Deleting desired speeds 
Select the desired speed5. 
Press button4 for approx. 3 seconds. 
Activating multilevel preset mode 
Press 1 or pull 2 the lever beyond the resis-
tance point.
The current driving speed is maintained, 
stored and displayed as the available 
speed5. 
If no desired speeds are stored, you 
can increase or reduce the speed by 
5 mph/10 km/h with the multilevel preset 
mode activated each time you press or pull 
the lever beyond the resistance point.<
Selecting desired speed 
Press 1 or pull 2 the lever beyond the resis-
tance point. 
The next desired speed is selected.
The available speed changes to the 
minimum speed of approx. 20 mph/
30 km/h when you pull the lever beyond the 
resistance point 2 at the lowest desired 
speed.<
Interrupting the cruise control 
With the cruise control active, briefly press 
the lever up or down3. 
Hiding display for multilevel preset 
function 
When activated, press the lever up or 
down3 for approx. 3 seconds. 
Showing display for multilevel preset 
function again 
Press 1 or pull2 the lever beyond the resis-
tance point. 
Deactivating multilevel preset mode 
The multilevel preset function is also deac-
tivated when you switch off the ignition. 
Active cruise control* 
The concept 
With active cruise control you can select a 
desired speed which is not only automati-
cally maintained when driving on open 
roadways, but also varied to maintain a 
selected distance setting as slower traffic is 
encountered. 
Active cruise control is a technological 
advance over the familiar cruise control and 
is a welcome relief from the constant 
adjustment of speed that can accompany 
driving in traffic on freeways or other high-
speed thoroughfares. Especially on longer 
trips, the system can reduce fatigue and 
tension, while increasing your enjoyment of 
driving. Please use it safely and responsi-
bly. 
In addition to holding a steady cruising 
speed, if you do encounter slower vehicles 
ahead, active cruise control will, within the 
scope of given possibilities, adjust your 
vehicle’s speed automatically so that you 
can flow with the traffic without frequent 
intervention by the driver. 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 distance, which is addi-
tionally speed-dependent. Based on your 
selected distance setting, the system auto-
matically decreases the throttle setting and 
lightly applies the brakes if necessary.