
At a glance
 13Reference
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Indicator and warning 
lamps 
Technology that monitors itself 
The indicator and warning lamps identified 
by the 
+ symbol are subjected to an oper-
ation check each time you switch on the 
ignition or start the engine. They each light 
up once for different periods of time. 
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored 
system, the corresponding lamp will either 
fail to go out when the engine is started, or 
it will come on again during normal driving. 
Detailed information is provided on the 
specified pages. 
Fixed indicator and warning lamps
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light 
up in different colors and combinations. 
>Red:
Stop the vehicle immediately 
or 
an important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue to drive; drive cautiously
>Yellow:
Have the system inspected at the earli-
est opportunity
or
for your information
>Green:
For your information
>Blue:
For your information.
Variable indicator and warning lamps 
In the display 8 of the Info Display, addi-
tional indicator and warning lamps appear 
when necessary. Observe the instructions 
for action of the accompanying Check Con-
trol messages, also refer to page83. Please fasten safety belts 
+51
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control
+93 
DTC Dynamic Traction Control93 
ABS Antilock Brake System 
+92 
Brake system
+
With other warning lamps94,197
Warning lamp on Canadian models
With parking brake released66
With parking brake set64 
Warning lamp on Canadian models
Automatic parking brake, 
Automatic Hold 
+65,66 
Service Engine Soon +200
Indicator lamp on Canadian 
models
Airbags 
+98 
Turn signals71
High beams/
headlamp flasher101 
Front fog lamps101  

At a glance
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Mobility
Control Center 
The concept 
The Control Center has been designed to 
avoid the unnecessary complexity created 
by an extended number of switches and 
controls. It consists of the controller and 
the Control Display.
The controller is used to select the func-
tions that will appear on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, it also shows you the 
Check Control messages, refer to page83.
Controls 
1Controller: you operate all the functions 
in the Control Center by moving, turning 
and pressing.
If you move the controller
>you feel the mechanical guides along 
the main direction of movement. 
This makes it easier for you to select 
the right main menus
>If you turn the controller, you feel an 
electronically created rasterizing. 
This helps you to select the desired 
menu item
2Button for opening the start menu from 
any menu item
3Individual button assignmentTo avoid posing an unnecessary haz-
ard, both to your own vehicle's occu-
pants and to other road users: never 
attempt to use the controls or make adjust-
ments unless traffic and road conditions 
allow.<
The following introduction illustrates how 
easy it is to use the Control Center.
You can find detailed instructions describ-
ing how to use the individual systems in the 
separate sections.
Programming button function 
You can assign specific individual functions 
to the programmable button. This feature 
then provides you with quick access to this 
function, allowing you to control it without 
undue distraction from road and traffic con-
ditions.
1.Select "Settings" and press the control-
ler
2.Select and press the controller
3.Select . Continue to press the 
controller until the desired function 
appears:
>"Mode"
You can choose between the output 
sources radio/FM or AM, compact-
disc CD and CD changer. The pre-
condition is that one of these 
sources has been activated
>"FM" or "AM"
Switching over between wavebands 
FM and AM, also refer to page152
>"Brief info"
Display of the help and supplemen-
tary texts of the active menu for 
approx. 10 seconds, refer to Assis-
tance window on page22. 

Adjustments
54 The mirrors automatically revert to their 
clear, undimmed mode whenever you 
engage transmission position R. 
Illuminated vanity mirror in rear 
1.Press button1. The vanity mirror folds 
down 
2.Pull the mirror slightly downwards 
before you swivel it
3.Press the vanity mirror back up before 
folding it back in. 
Steering wheel adjustment 
The steering wheel can be adjusted in any 
of four directions by pressing the appropri-
ate end of the button. 
Do not adjust the steering wheel while 
the vehicle is moving. There is a risk 
of accident from unexpected movement.< 
Storing steering wheel positions, refer to 
Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory on 
page55. 
Automatic steering wheel 
adjustment 
The steering wheel automatically moves as 
high up and far forward as possible to ease driver entry and exit before then returning 
to the standard position or stored memory 
setting. 
This automatic feature is governed by the 
driver's door and the ignition switch. 
Steering wheel heater* 
The steering wheel heater operates when 
the ignition is on. 
Press the button to activate or deactivate 
this system. 
The indicator lamp within the button lights 
up when the steering wheel heater is in 
operation.
Programming button function 
You can assign specific individual 
functions to the programmable but-
ton. This feature then provides you 
with quick access to this function, allowing 
you to control it without undue distraction 
from road and traffic conditions. 
1.Select "Settings" 
2.Confirm  
3.Select "  button". Continue to press 
the controller until the desired function 
appears: 
>"Recirc. air" 
In this mode the supply of outside air 
remains blocked, refer to AUC Auto-
matic recirculated-air control on 
page105 
>"Navi info." 
To repeat the most recent message 
from the navigation system, refer to 
page141 
>"AUTO P" 
To activate/deactivate Automatic  

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child restraint system and the affected 
vehicle safety-belt system checked and, 
if necessary, replaced. Only have corre-
sponding work carried out by a BMW cen-
ter or a workshop that uses personnel 
trained in accordance with BMW require-
ments.<
Commercially-available child-restraint sys-
tems are designed to be secured with a lap 
belt or with the lap belt portion of a combi-
nation lap/shoulder belt. Improperly or 
inadequately installed restraint systems 
can increase the risk of injury to children. 
Always read and follow the instructions that 
come with the system. 
Child seat security 
All of the rear belt retractors and the front 
passenger's safety belt can be locked for 
mounting and securing child-restraint sys-
tems.
Information regarding this is located near 
the buckle latch of each safety belt.
To lock safety belt 
Pull the entire length of the belt from the 
belt retractor. Allow the reel to retract the 
belt somewhat and engage the buckle, 
then tighten the belt against the child-
restraint system. The retraction mechanism 
is now locked. 
To unlock safety belt 
Release the buckle, remove the child-
restraint system and allow the belt retractor 
to reel the belt completely in. 
Child-restraint system with tether 
strap 
If you use a child-restraint system with a 
tether strap, three additional tether anchor-
age points have been provided, refer to the 
arrows in the illustration. Depending on the 
location selected for seating in the rear 
passenger area, attach the tether strap to 
the corresponding anchorage point to 
secure the child-restraint system, as shown 
in the illustration below. 
Each sitting position is fitted with a head 
restraint. 
Outer sitting positions: 
Lift the head restraint and pass the tether 
strap between the head restraint and the 
seat back. It is recommended to readjust 
the head restraint into the lowest possible 
position. 
Center sitting position: 
The head restraint must be adjusted into 
the lowest possible position. Pass the 
tether strap over the head restraint. 
Adjust the tether strap according to 
the child-restraint manufacturer's 
instructions.< 

Controls
 65Reference
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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.  

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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.  

Things to remember when driving
122
Things to remember when driving
Break-in procedures 
To ensure that your vehicle continues to 
furnish optimized economy of operation 
throughout an extended service life, we 
request that you devote careful attention 
to the following information.
Engine and differential 
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km: 
During this initial period you should attempt 
to avoid constant, steady-state operation 
and vary both vehicle and engine speeds 
as often as possible. Until the break-in 
period has been completed you should 
also refrain from exceeding the following: 
>4,500 rpm or 105 mph/170 km/h 
Always obey all official speed limits. 
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode during 
these initial miles. 
Once  you have driven 1,200 miles/
2,000 km, the engine or vehicle speeds can 
be gradually increased. 
Tires 
Due to technical factors associated with 
their manufacture, tires do not achieve their 
full traction potential until after an initial 
break-in period. Therefore, drive reservedly 
during the first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system 
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve opti-
mized contact and wear patterns between 
brake pads and rotors.
Following component replacements
Observe the break-in instructions again if 
previously addressed components must be 
replaced again during driving later. 
General driving notes 
Hot exhaust system 
Extreme temperatures occur at the 
catalytic converter on this and every 
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not remove 
the heat shields installed adjacent to vari-
ous sections of the exhaust system, and 
never apply undercoating to them. When 
driving, standing at idle and while parking 
take care to avoid possible contact 
between the hot exhaust system and any 
highly flammable materials such as hay, 
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead 
to a fire, accompanied by the risk of serious 
property damage as well as personal 
injury.< 
Air conditioning 
Condensation forms in the air conditioner 
system during operation, and then exits 
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed 
water under the vehicle are thus normal.
Before driving into a car wash 
1.Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to 
page53, as otherwise they could be 
damaged due to the width of the vehicle 
2.Leave the remote control in the ignition 
lock, as otherwise the P position of the 
automatic transmission will automati-
cally be selected when the remote con-
trol is removed. Refer to page63 
and69.
With Comfort Access, be sure to 
observe the instructions on page63
3.Release the parking brake, especially 
when you have activated Automatic 
Hold. Refer to page64 and65.