
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
76 The vehicle brake lamps will automatically 
illuminate to signal a following driver to take 
action. In addition, it may be necessary for 
the vehicle to downshift to maintain the dis-
tance setting selected. If the vehicle ahead 
speeds up or when the lane ahead 
becomes clear, your vehicle will accelerate 
to the speed you have selected by increas-
ing the throttle setting and shifting gears as 
needed. 
Active cruise control is not and must 
not be used as a collision avoidance/
warning system.< 
Since this active cruise control sys-
tem is a new technology and operates 
differently from conventional cruise control 
systems which you may be accustomed, 
you are strongly urged to read all of the 
pages relating to this system before use. 
Pay special attention to the information 
contained in the Things to know about 
active cruise control section in this manual 
beginning on page78.<
Info Display screen contents 
1Stored desired speed display 
2Detected vehicle display. Lights up 
when vehicle driving ahead is detected 
3Selected distance to vehicle driving 
ahead 
4Digital speed display. 
Appears briefly when you select your 
desired speed, refer to page 77 
The system is activated. 
The display appears as soon as 
you activate the system and no 
vehicle is detected driving 
ahead. Vehicle detected. 
The display lights up when a 
vehicle is detected driving 
ahead.
The system requests you to 
intervene by braking or with an 
evasive maneuver. The display 
flashes and a chime sounds. 
The active cruise control cannot 
automatically restore the distance to the 
vehicle driving ahead. You will find more 
detailed information on page 80. 
Automatic intervention by ABS 
or DSC, or you actuate the 
parking brake while driving. The 
active cruise control now only 
intervenes by braking. 
Operating active cruise control 
1Activate system, 
store and increase desired speed 
2Activate system, 
store and decrease desired speed 
3Deactivate system 
4With system deactivated: 
Briefly press the button to recall the 
stored speed and distance 
4With system activated: 
Increase desired speed by 1 mph/ 
1 km/h with each press of the button 
5Select distance to vehicle driving 
ahead. You can choose from four avail-
able distance settings. You will find 
more detailed information on page 78  

Controls
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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.  

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.  

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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
94
Switching off DSC 
Select "Settings". Select "DSC" and con-
firm your selection. DSC is deactivated. 
The indicator lamp in the Info Display 
remains on continuously. 
Deactivating DSC automatically deacti-
vates DTC as well. The systems for 
enhancing stability and traction are deacti-
vated, and there is no active braking inter-
vention or torque control. 
A status report appears in the Check Con-
trol. Please take note of the additional infor-
mation on the Control Display. 
To maintain optimized stability, drive 
with the system on whenever possi-
ble.< 
Reactivating DSC
Select "Settings". Select "DSC" and con-
firm your selection. DSC is now activated. 
The indicator lamp in the Info Display goes 
out. 
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the 
responsibility of the driver. Avoid using the 
additional safety margin provided by the 
system as an excuse for taking unneces-
sary risks. 
When DTC is active, DSC provides only 
limited system response up to a speed of 
approximately 45 mph/70 km/h. Interven-
tion for stability enhancement is reduced. 
Do not make any modifications to the DSC 
system. Never allow anyone other than 
authorized professional technicians to 
carry out service or repairs on the DSC sys-
tem.< 
DBC Dynamic Brake Control 
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this 
system automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus helps to 
achieve the shortest possible braking dis-
tance during panic stops. This system 
exploits all of the benefits provided by ABS. 
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake 
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. When the brake pedal is released, the 
DBC is deactivated. 
Malfunction in vehicle stability 
control systems 
The brake system warning lamp 
lights up in red, appearing together 
with the indicator lamps for ABS 
and DSC. A status report appears in 
the Check Control. Please take note 
of the additional information on the 
Control Display. Driving stability 
control and ABS have failed. Con-
ventional braking efficiency remains avail-
able without limitations.
While you may continue, you should 
remember to proceed cautiously and drive 
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations. Have the system checked as soon 
as possible. 
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
The DSC warning lamp lights up. 
DSC and DTC have failed. Their sta-
bilizing interventions are no longer 
available. The vehicle will remain com-
pletely operational, however, without DSC. 
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible. 
The brake system warning lamp 
lights up yellow and a message 
appears in the Check Control. 
Please take note of the additional informa-
tion on the Control Display. DBC has failed.  

Controls
 95Reference
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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.  

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.