
Controls
 3Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Contents 
The fastest way to find specific topics is 
to use the index, refer to page218.
Using this Owner's Manual
4 Notes
7 Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Cockpit 
17 Control Center 
26 Voice command
Controls
34Opening and closing
46 Adjustments
58 Transporting children safely 
62 Driving
81 Everything under control
91 Technology for comfort, convenience 
and safety
100 Lamps 
103 A congenial climate
112 Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
122Things to remember when driving
Navigation
130Starting navigation system
132 Destination entry 
139 Destination guidance 
145 What to do if …
Entertainment
148On/off, tone
152 Radio 
158 CD Compact Disc 
160 CD changer 
163 TV 
165 DVD changer 
Communications
174Using the phone in your vehicle
182 BMW Assist 
Mobility
186Refueling 
188 Wheels and tires 
194 Under the hood 
198 Maintenance
200 Rules and regulations
201 Replacing components
209 Giving and receiving assistance 
Reference
214Technical data 
218 Everything from A to Z  

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" 

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.  

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.  

On/off, tone
148
On/off, tone
Controls 
Operation using buttons 
The illustration shows a CD player as an 
example.
1Operating audio and video sources
>Press: switching on/off
>Turn: adjusting volume
2CD slot
3Eject CD
4Change station/track
>Change the station
>Fast forward/reverse
>Music track change for CD, change 
chapter for DVD changer
>Change program for TV
Operation using Control Center
The following control options are available 
in the "Entertainment" menu.
>"FM..." and "AM..." 
Select waveband>"WB"
 Select Weather Band
If your vehicle is equipped with satellite 
radio, "SAT...", select satellite radio, is 
located at this position
>"CD" and  
Change audio source
>"Tone"
Set tone, e.g. treble, bass
>"Video" and "Audio"
Change to video or audio sources
>"TV" and "DVD"
Change video source
>"Picture"
Adjust picture
Select standard
Select picture format
>"Tone"
Set tone, e.g. treble, bass.
You can also control the radio, CD player, 
CD changer and the TV using the buttons 
on the steering wheel, refer to page16, as 
well as via the voice command system, 
refer to page26.
Operating temperatures
The system is configured for operat-
ing temperatures of 57/–156 to 
1407/+606. Outside this temperature 
range, malfunctions can occur.<