
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  

Controls
 55Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Hold refer to Automatic Hold on 
page65. 
You can select the displayed function using 
the button on the steering wheel. 
If you have activated the Automatic 
Hold feature, refer to page65, you 
can use the button on the steering wheel to 
deactivate the system for parking maneu-
vers etc.<
Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory 
You can store and select two different 
adjustment settings for the driver's seat, 
exterior mirrors and steering wheel.
If your vehicle is equipped with comfort 
seats, you can also store and set two sitting 
positions for each additional seat with the 
memory. 
The adjustment of the lumbar support is not 
stored in the memory. 
Storing 
1.Radio mode, or switch on ignition 
2.Set desired sitting position; for driver's 
seat also the exterior mirror and steer-
ing wheel position 3.Press 
MEMORY button: 
The indicator lamp within the button 
comes on 
4.Press the desired memory button 1 or 2: 
The indicator lamp goes out. 
Selecting a stored setting 
Convenience mode
1.Driver's door open after unlocking or 
ignition lock in radio mode 
2.Briefly press the desired memory but-
ton 1 or2.
The system immediately cancels the 
adjustment procedure when you press one 
of the seat adjustment buttons or use one 
of the memory buttons. 
Safety feature
1.Driver's door closed and ignition 
switched either on or off
2.Press memory button 1 or2 and main-
tain pressure until the adjustment pro-
cess has been completed. 
If you press the 
MEMORY button acciden-
tally: 
Press the button again; the indicator lamp 
goes out. 
Do not call up a position from the 
memory while the vehicle is moving. 
There is a risk of accident from unexpected 
movement of the seat or steering wheel.< 
You can have your vehicle pro-
grammed to automatically dial in your 
own individual adjustment settings for the 
seat, mirrors and steering wheel whenever 
you use your personal remote control to 
unlock the vehicle.< 
When using the Key Memory feature 
always make sure that the footwell 
behind the driver's seat is empty and unob-
structed. If you fail to do so, any persons or 
objects behind the seat could be injured or 
damaged by a rearward movement of the 
seat.<  

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
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
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.  

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