
Cockpit
12
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in 
different colors and combinations.
The following section explains the significance 
of the individual colors as well as how you 
should respond when they appear.
>red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>yellow:
Have the system inspected as soon as 
possible
or
For your information
>green:
For your information
>blue:
For your information
Buttons on steering wheel* 
The buttons integrated into the steering wheel 
are provided so that you can operate a number 
of accessories quickly and without being dis-
tracted from traffic conditions. You may oper-
ate: 
>Selected audio source functions
>Recirculated-air mode/steering wheel 
heater Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System 
+49
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis 
control system for Canadian models
Brake pads
 +92
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 47, 49
Flat Tire Monitor 
+49
Automatic transmission 
+36
Engine oil 
+90
Service Engine Soon 
+94
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for 
Canadian models
Check Gas Cap
* +80
Engine electronics 
+34
Battery charge current 
+101
Topping off coolant91
Topping off washer fluid90
Lamp defective53
Turn signals38
Front fog lamps54
Headlamp flasher38
High beams54
Cruise control40
Indicates from ignition key in posi-
tion 2 when a door or the tailgate is 
opened. 

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
 13
>Cruise control 
>Selected telephone functions
>Voice command system
In order to operate a system, the corre-
sponding system must be switched on.< 
Telephone*/voice command system*
Press briefly:
Accept incoming call, start dialing, terminate 
call.
Extended pressure:
Activate/deactivate voice command system
Telephone*/audio sources*
Display/hide phonebook. Display the entries 
consecutively with the buttons for fast forward/
reverse
Fast forward/reverse
>Radio
Press briefly: next station
>CD
Press briefly: skip track
Extended pressure: fast forward/reverse
>Phone
Browse through list of names
Volume
On the sports steering-wheel* the buttons +/– 
for volume are located on the left-hand side of 
the steering wheel.
Cruise control* 
Cruise control: resumeCruise control: storing and accelerating 
+ as 
well as braking and storing 
–
On the sports steering-wheel* the buttons +/– 
for the cruise control are located on the right-
hand side of the steering wheel.
Cruise control: activating/interrupting/deacti-
vating
Recirculated-air mode/steering wheel 
heater*
Depending on the equipment, there is a 
button for the recirculated-air mode or 
steering wheel heater.< 
Switching recirculated-air mode on and off
Steering wheel heater: switching on/off, refer to 
page28. 

Adjustments
24
Adjustments
Sitting safely 
The ideal sitting position can make a vital con-
tribution to relaxed driving that is as fatigue-free 
as possible. The sitting position plays an impor-
tant role together with the safety belts, head 
restraints and airbags in providing occupants 
with maximum levels of passive safety in an 
accident. Therefore, observe the following 
instructions, as otherwise the protective func-
tion of the safety systems may be impaired.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page31. 
Airbags 
Always maintain an adequate distance 
between yourself and the airbags. Always 
hold the steering wheel by its rim with hands at 
the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, to mini-
mize the risk of injuries to your hands and arms 
in the event of airbag deployment. 
No one and nothing is to come between the air-
bags and the seat occupant. 
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the 
front passenger side as a storage area. Make 
sure that the front passenger is correctly seated 
and does not place feet or legs against the 
instrument panel, as otherwise leg injuries can 
result if the front airbag is triggered. Never let an 
occupant's head rest near or on a side airbag 
because the inflating airbag could cause a seri-
ous or fatal injury.<
Even if you adhere to all the instructions, inju-
ries resulting from contact with airbags cannot 
be fully excluded, depending on the circum-
stances. The ignition and inflation noise may 
provoke a mild – usually temporary – hearing 
loss in extremely sensitive individuals.
For airbag locations and additional information 
on airbags, refer to page31.
Safety belts 
Make sure the safety belts are worn in all occu-
pied seats every time you drive. Although air-
bags enhance safety by providing added pro-
tection, they are not a substitute for safety 
belts.
Your vehicle has five seats that are all equipped 
with a safety belt.
Occupants should sit upright and be 
properly restrained at all times: infants 
and small children in appropriate child-restraint 
systems; larger children and adults using the 
safety belts.
Never allow more than one person to wear a sin-
gle safety belt. Infants and children must not 
ride on a lap.
Expectant mothers should always wear their 
safety belts, taking care to position the lap belt 
against the lower hips, where it will not exert 
pressure against the abdominal area. The 
safety belt must not rest against the neck, nor 
be wedged in any way or permitted to rub 
against sharp edges. Avoid twisting the belt 
while routing it snugly across the hips and 
shoulder, as close to the body as possible, with-
out resting against hard or fragile objects. Oth-
erwise, in the event of a frontal impact, a loose 
lap belt could slide over your hips, leading to 
abdominal injury. Avoid wearing clothing that 
prevents the belt from fitting properly and pull 
the shoulder belt upward periodically to read-
just the tension across your lap in order to avoid 
a reduction in the restraining action of the 
safety belt.<
If the middle safety belt in the rear is used, then 
the wider backrest must be secured, refer to 
page67, otherwise, the safety belt cannot exert 
any restraining action.
For fastening safety belts, refer to page27. 

Adjustments
28 3.Guide the belt back into its reel.
The upper shoulder strap's anchorage point will 
be in the correct position for seat occupants of 
every build if the seat is correctly adjusted, refer 
to page24.
The two rear safety belt buckles integrated into 
the rear seat are for passengers sitting on the 
left and right. The belt buckle embossed with 
the word CENTER is intended exclusively for 
use by passengers riding in the center posi-
tion.<
Safety belt reminder for front seats
The indicator lamp flashes or lights up. 
In addition, a signal sounds. Please 
make sure that the safety belts are 
being worn correctly.
The safety belt reminder is activated if the 
safety belt on the driver's side has not yet been 
fastened. 
At speeds greater than 5 mph/8 km/h, the 
safety belt reminder is also activated if the pas-
senger side safety belt has not yet been fas-
tened, if heavy objects are placed on the pas-
senger's seat, or if the front passenger's safety 
belt is released.
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or 
stretched in an accident: have the entire 
belt system, including the tensioning mecha-
nisms, replaced at your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center or at a workshop that works 
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. Have the belt 
anchorage points inspected for damage at the 
same time. Failure to observe this precaution 
may prevent the safety belts from effectively 
providing optimal protection when needed. If a 
child-restraint system was in the vehicle during 
an accident, consult the manufacturer's 
instructions regarding replacement.< 
Steering wheel 
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel while the 
vehicle is moving. There is a risk of acci-
dent from unexpected movement.< 
1.Fold the clamping lever downward.
2.Adapt the steering wheel in the longitudinal 
direction and height of the seat position. 
3.Fold the clamping lever back up. 
Steering wheel heater* 
The button for steering wheel heater is located 
on the steering wheel, refer to page12.
Steering wheel heater: switching on/off
The steering wheel heater operates as of igni-
tion key position 2. 
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.
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors 
The mirror on the passenger side fea-
tures a lens with a more convex surface 
than the mirror installed on the driver's side. 
When estimating the distance between yourself 
and other traffic, bear in mind that the objects 
reflected in the mirror are closer than they 
appear. This means that estimations of the  

Driving
34
Driving
Ignition lock 
0 Steering locked 
T h e  k e y  c a n  b e  in s e r t e d  o r r e m o v e d  in  t h i s  p o s i-
tion only.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel 
slightly to the left or right until you hear the lock 
engage.
Interlock 
Vehicles with automatic transmission: 
To turn the key back to position 0 or to remove 
it, first place the selector lever in position P.
1 Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often makes 
it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Some power accessories are ready for opera-
tion.
2 Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Starting engine
Engine 
Do not allow the engine to warm up while idling. 
Begin driving immediately at moderate engine 
speed.
The engine idle speed is controlled by the 
engine computer system. Increased idle 
speeds at startup are normal and should decrease as the engine warms up. If engine 
speed does not decrease, service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharging, always 
switch off electrical devices which are not in use 
and the ignition when the vehicle is not being 
driven.
Do not run the engine in closed rooms, as 
otherwise inhaling toxic exhaust gases 
can cause unconsciousness and death. The 
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an 
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas. 
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the 
engine running, since an unattended vehicle 
with a running engine represents a safety haz-
ard. 
When driving, standing at idle and while parking 
take care to avoid possible contact between a 
hot exhaust system and any highly flammable 
materials such as hay, leaves, grass etc. Such 
contact could lead to a fire, resulting in serious 
personal injury and property damage.<
Indicator lamps 
If the Service Engine Soon indicator 
lamp comes on either continuously or 
intermittently, this indicates a malfunc-
tion in the emissions-related electronic sys-
tems. Although the vehicle remains operational, 
you should have the systems checked by your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center at the ear-
liest possible opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the 
need for service, not that you need to stop the 
vehicle. However, the systems should be 
checked by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center at the next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates 
a high level of engine misfire. Reduce speed 
and contact the nearest BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center immediately. Severe engine 
misfiring over even a short period of time can 
seriously damage emission control system 
components, especially the catalytic converter. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 35
Display of the previously described 
malfunction on Canadian models.
The warning lamp lights up. Malfunc-
tion in the engine electronics. You can 
continue to drive with reduced engine 
output or speed. Have the system checked 
immediately.
Starting engine 
When starting the engine, do not press the 
accelerator pedal. 
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the vehicle. 
A locking mechanism prevents the engine from 
starting if the clutch is not depressed.
Do not end the starting procedure too early, but 
do not prolong it for more than 20 seconds. 
Release the ignition key immediately as soon as 
the engine starts.
If the engine fails to start on the first attempt, for 
instance, if it is very hot or cold:
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down while 
engaging the starter. 
During a cold start at very low temperatures, 
below approx. +57/–156, at high altitudes 
over 3,300 ft/1,000 m:
>Engage the starter for approx. 10 seconds 
the first time.
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway down 
while engaging the starter.
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which 
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is 
not burned or inadequately burned and there is 
a danger of overheating and damaging the cat-
alytic converter.<
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Shift into neutral.
3.Press the clutch pedal.
If the clutch pedal is not pressed, the engine 
cannot be started.
4.Start the engine.Before leaving the vehicle with the engine 
running, place the gearshift lever in neu-
tral position and engage the handbrake.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the 
engine running, as such a vehicle represents a 
potential safety hazard.<
Automatic transmission
1.Press the brake pedal.
2.Engage selector-lever position P or N.
3.Start the engine.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, 
always select position P and engage the 
handbrake before leaving the vehicle with the 
engine running. Never leave an unattended 
vehicle with the engine running, as such a vehi-
cle represents a potential safety hazard.<
Switching off engine 
Do not remove the ignition key when the 
vehicle is moving, as otherwise the steer-
ing could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the 
ignition key and lock the steering.
When parking on downward inclines, engage 
the handbrake.<
Manual transmission
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Automatic transmission
Engage selector-lever position P, turn ignition 
key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake 
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent 
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes 
the rear wheels. 
Indicator lamp 
The indicator lamp lights up red. An 
acoustic signal also sounds when you 
begin to drive. The handbrake is 
engaged. 

Driving
40 3.Move the wiper lever from position 0 to 
position 2 again
To change the wiper blades, refer to page95.
Cruise control* 
The vehicle maintains and stores the speed 
that you set as of a speed of approx. 20 mph/
30 km/h. 
You can use cruise control whenever the sys-
tem is active while the engine is running.
On the sports steering-wheel
* the buttons +/– 
for the cruise control are located on the right-
hand side of the steering wheel.
Indicator lamp 
The indicator lamp lights up green: 
System ready for operation using the 
buttons on the steering wheel.
Activating system
As of ignition key position 2: 
Press button on steering wheel; the indicator 
lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. You 
are able to use the cruise control.
Do not use the cruise control under unfa-
vorable conditions that do not permit a 
constant speed, e.g. when driving on winding 
roads or in heavy traffic or when negotiating 
poor road conditions such as snow, rain, ice, or 
a loose road surface.< 
Deactivating system
Press the button repeatedly until the indicator 
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
The cruise control is also deactivated when the 
ignition key is turned to position 0. The speed 
stored in the memory is deleted in the process.
Maintaining speed, storing, and 
accelerating
Briefly press + button:
The system maintains and stores the current 
vehicle speed. Every time you briefly press the 
button, the vehicle's speed increases by 
roughly 1 mph/1 km/h.
Press and hold 
+ button:
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on 
the accelerator pedal. When you release the 
button, the system maintains and stores the 
current speed.
If, on a downhill gradient, the engine's 
braking effect is not sufficient, the con-
trolled speed can be exceeded. Speed can drop 
on uphill grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient.< 
Decelerating
Briefly press – button:
Every time you briefly press the button, the 
vehicle's speed decreases by roughly 1 mph/
1 km/h provided that you have already activated 
the cruise control.
Press and hold 
– button:
With the cruise control active, the system auto-
matically reduces the fuel supply to slow the 
vehicle. When you release the button, the sys-
tem maintains and stores the current speed.
Interrupting cruise control
When the system is activated, press button 1. 
The indicator lamp stays on. You can use the 
cruise control again whenever required by 
requesting the speed that was stored last. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 47
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the button flashes and a 
short continuous tone sounds. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. Switch off PDC. Have the system 
checked. 
To prevent this problem, keep the sensors 
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they will continue to operate effectively. 
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 ultra-
sonic measurement, such as those encoun-
tered with tow bars and trailer couplings, or thin 
and wedge-shaped objects etc. Low objects 
already displayed, e.g. a curb, can also disap-
pear from the detection area of the sensors 
again before a continuous tone sounds.
Loud sources of sound, inside and outside the 
vehicle, could drown out the PDC signal tone.< 
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice or 
snow in order to ensure that they will con-
tinue 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. 
ABS Antilock Brake System 
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during 
braking. Safe steering response is maintained 
even during full braking. This results in an 
increase in the active safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the 
engine. Safe braking, refer to page73.
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution 
EBV controls the brake system's application 
pressure in the rear wheels to ensure stable 
deceleration.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control 
When the brake pedal is depressed quickly, this 
system automatically generates a maximal 
braking force distribution and thus helps keep 
the braking distance to a minimum during full 
braking. 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 application. DBC is 
deactivated when you release the brake pedal.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC prevents slip at the drive wheels when 
starting off and accelerating. DSC also detects 
unstable driving conditions, such as a fishtailing 
of the vehicle's rear end or the sliding of the 
vehicle on its front wheels. In these circum-
stances, DSC helps keep the vehicle on a safe 
path, within physical limits, by reducing engine 
output and by applying the brakes in individual 
wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start the 
engine.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, 
even with DSC. An appropriate driving 
style always remains the responsibility of the 
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional 
safety margin again by taking risks.< 
Indicator lamp 
The indicator lamp goes out shortly 
after the engine starts.
When the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is controlling the drive and braking forces. 
When the indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off with the button.