
At a glance
 11Reference
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1Roller sun blind for rear window*113
2Rear window safety switch44 
3Power windows43
4Exterior mirrors53
5Parking brake64
6Parking lamps and low beams100
9Steering wheel16
10Info Display12
11Automatic transmission lever6812Ignition lock62
16Horn: the entire surface
20Fog lamps101
21Unlocking the engine hood194 7Instrument lighting101
8Turn signals71
High-beams, 
headlamp flasher101
Computer85
Check Control83
Computer85
Standing lamps101
13Switching ignition on/off62 
and starting engine63
14Windshield wipers72
Rain sensor72
15PDC Park Distance 
Control
*91
17Steering wheel heater
*54
Steering wheel adjustment54
18Unlocking luggage 
compartment40
19Programmable cruise 
control73
Active cruise control
*75
Front fog lamps 

At a glance
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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  

Driving
62
Driving
Ignition lock 
Insert the remote control all the way into 
the ignition lock. This also activates the 
radio mode. 
When the remote control is in the igni-
tion lock you can start the engine 
without first switching on the ignition.<
Comfort Access* 
Carry the remote control on your person 
if you want to use the Comfort Access.
With Comfort Access, you do not need to 
insert the remote control in the ignition 
lock. You can switch the ignition on and off, 
see below, or start the engine, page 63, 
when a remote control is detected in the 
vehicle interior.
When you switch off the engine, the 
transmission moves automatically to 
position P: interlock.<
Switching ignition on and off 
Continue to briefly press the start/stop but-
ton to switch the radio mode on and off or 
switch the ignition on and off. Do not press the brake pedal until you 
are ready to start the engine. If you 
briefly press the start/stop button while the 
brake pedal is pressed the engine will start 
immediately.<
Radio mode 
Several systems, such as the Control Cen-
ter, independent ventilation, etc., are avail-
able for use. The time and outside temper-
ature appear in the Info Display. 
The radio mode is automatically 
deactivated: 
>After approx. 16 minutes, when a door 
is closed and the system does not reg-
ister the presence of any individuals in 
the vehicle 
>Immediately if the remote control is 
removed from the ignition lock
>With Comfort Access, by pressing the 
door handle.<
Ignition switched on 
All vehicle systems are ready for operation. 
Ignition off 
The indicator lamps in the Info Display go 
out. Only the automatic transmission's 
range display remains visible for a brief 
period. 
Removing remote control from 
ignition lock 
Press the remote control in briefly; it is 
ejected and now protrudes slightly from the 
lock. This procedure will also switch off the 
ignition if it is on. 
Switch off the engine before removing 
the remote control from the ignition 
lock. 
The transmission automatically shifts to 
position P: interlock.<
If the remote control is still in the ignition 
lock when the driver's door is opened, a  

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
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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.  

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
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While driving 
Press1 or pull2 the lever beyond the resis-
tance point:
Press button4 for approx. 3 seconds. The 
respective driven speed is applied as the 
desired speed and displayed with6. 
If all of the graduations flash twice, 
this indicates that 6 desired speeds 
have already been stored. You must then 
delete at least one.<
Deleting desired speeds 
Select the desired speed5. 
Press button4 for approx. 3 seconds. 
Activating multilevel preset mode 
Press 1 or pull 2 the lever beyond the resis-
tance point.
The current driving speed is maintained, 
stored and displayed as the available 
speed5. 
If no desired speeds are stored, you 
can increase or reduce the speed by 
5 mph/10 km/h with the multilevel preset 
mode activated each time you press or pull 
the lever beyond the resistance point.<
Selecting desired speed 
Press 1 or pull 2 the lever beyond the resis-
tance point. 
The next desired speed is selected.
The available speed changes to the 
minimum speed of approx. 20 mph/
30 km/h when you pull the lever beyond the 
resistance point 2 at the lowest desired 
speed.<
Interrupting the cruise control 
With the cruise control active, briefly press 
the lever up or down3. 
Hiding display for multilevel preset 
function 
When activated, press the lever up or 
down3 for approx. 3 seconds. 
Showing display for multilevel preset 
function again 
Press 1 or pull2 the lever beyond the resis-
tance point. 
Deactivating multilevel preset mode 
The multilevel preset function is also deac-
tivated when you switch off the ignition. 
Active cruise control* 
The concept 
With active cruise control you can select a 
desired speed which is not only automati-
cally maintained when driving on open 
roadways, but also varied to maintain a 
selected distance setting as slower traffic is 
encountered. 
Active cruise control is a technological 
advance over the familiar cruise control and 
is a welcome relief from the constant 
adjustment of speed that can accompany 
driving in traffic on freeways or other high-
speed thoroughfares. Especially on longer 
trips, the system can reduce fatigue and 
tension, while increasing your enjoyment of 
driving. Please use it safely and responsi-
bly. 
In addition to holding a steady cruising 
speed, if you do encounter slower vehicles 
ahead, active cruise control will, within the 
scope of given possibilities, adjust your 
vehicle’s speed automatically so that you 
can flow with the traffic without frequent 
intervention by the driver. If, for example, 
while cruising at the selected speed, you 
begin to approach a slower vehicle ahead 
of you in the same lane, the system will 
reduce your vehicle's speed to the same as 
that of the vehicle ahead to maintain your 
selected distance setting between your 
vehicle and the vehicle ahead. There are 
four settings for distance, which is addi-
tionally speed-dependent. Based on your 
selected distance setting, the system auto-
matically decreases the throttle setting and 
lightly applies the brakes if necessary.