
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