Technology for driving comfort and safety
82 1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
4.If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the uppermost field. Turn the controller
until "PDC" is selected and press the con-
troller.
5.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
6. The PDC screen is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
The display is shown on the Control Display as
soon as PDC is activated.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with trailer towbars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as a curb, may
enter the sensors' dead areas before a continu-
ous audible signal is given. Higher, protruding
objects, such as ledges, may not be detectable.
Loud sound sources outside or inside the car
can drown out the PDC signal.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page113.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the brake application. If the brake is
released, DBC will be switched off.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. DSC also recognizes unstable driving
conditions, for example if the rear of the car is
about to swerve or if momentum is acting at an
angle past the front wheels. In these cases,
DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe course
within physical limits by reducing engine output
and through braking actions at the individual
wheels.
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.<
Giving and receiving assistance
206 wheel lock cannot be disengaged and the car is
not steerable. Jump starting, refer to page204.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page56.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
325xi
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported on a flatbed surface
only.
Tow-starting
If the electrical system fails, do not
attempt to tow-start or tow away the car.
The electric steering wheel lock cannot be dis-
engaged and the car is not steerable. Jump
starting, refer to page204.<
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission. Only tow-start vehi-
cles with a catalytic converter with the engine
cold. It is better to jump start the engine, refer to
page204.<
Mobility
207Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page53.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and slowly release
the clutch. After the engine starts, immedi-
ately depress the clutch completely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Reference 219
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic
– air distribution95
– air flow rate95
– cruise control59,61
– headlamp control90
– service notification175
– storing of stations145
Automatic climate control94
– automatic air distribution95
– settings via iDrive95
Automatic curb monitor47
"Automatic programs" with
automatic climate control96
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC96
Automatic station search145
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– interlock55,56
– overriding selector lever
lock57
– shiftlock56
– sport program56
"Automatic ventilation"98
AUTO program for automatic
climate control95
"Autostore"
– on the radio146
AUX-IN158
– port103
Average fuel consumption69
– setting the units71
Average speed68
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation131
"Avoid highways" in
navigation131
Avoid highways in
navigation131
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation131
Axle loads, refer to
Weights212
"A - Z"168B
Backrests, refer to Seats41
Backrest width adjustment43
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs200
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps200
Balance, tone control141
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch203
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away206
Bass, tone control141
Bass sounds, refer to Tone
control141
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass141
Battery201
– charging201
– disposal37,201
– jump starting204
– temporary power failure201
Battery renewal
– remote control37
Being towed205
Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts46
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders104
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning67
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate96
BMW Assist174
– enabling174
– services offered175
"BMW Contact"178
"BMW Contact
Numbers"178
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System195
"BMW Service"176
"BMW Service settings"175
BMW webpage4Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders104
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control82
Brake fluid194
– level too low194
– warning lamp194
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements72
Brake Force Display87
Brake hydraulics, refer to
Brakes194
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display
87
– replacing bulbs200
Brake pads, breaking in112
Brake rotors114
– brakes112
– breaking in112
Brakes
– ABS82
– BMW Maintenance
System195
– brake fluid194
– brake pads194
– breaking in112
– handbrake55
– service requirements72
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely113
Brake system112
– BMW Maintenance
System195
– brake fluid194
– brake pads194
– breaking in112
– disc brakes114
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance203
Breaking in the clutch112
Breaking in the
differential112
Break-in period112
"Brightness"on the control
display80
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs197
Reference 231
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Steering wheel48
– adjustment48
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– freely programmable
buttons48
– lock53
"Steering wheel buttons"48
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering87
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic55
"Stopwatch"79
Stopwatch79
Storage compartments104
"Store in address book" in
navigation128
"Store" on the radio146,151
Storing current position128
Storing radio stations146
Storing seat positions, refer to
Seat and mirror memory44
Storing tires189
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments104
"Street" in destination
entry123
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires184
Sun blinds102
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine54
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button53
Switching on
– audio140
– CD changer140
– CD player140
– radio140
Switching on the hour
signal76
Switching the cooling function
on and off97
Symbols4
– Control Display20T
Tachometer67
Tailgate33
– convenient access36
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually33
– opening and closing33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening manually33
– unlocking with remote
control31
Tail lamps200
– replacing bulbs200
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities213
Technical data210
Technical modifications5
Telematik, refer to
TeleService, BMW
Assist174
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest103
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Telephone, refer to Mobile
phone162
"Telephone list"48
TeleService174
– enabling174
– services offered175
Temperature adjustments
– automatic climate control95
Temperature display
– ice warning67
– outside temperature67
– setting the units71
Temperature of the coolant,
refer to Coolant
temperature67
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo115
"Terminate services"177
"Text language"80
"Theater" tone settings142
The individual vehicle5
Thigh support43Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp201
Tilt alarm sensor35
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror47
"Time"76
"Time format"76
Timer, refer to Preselecting
switch-on times98
"Timer 1" for parked car
ventilation/heating98
"Timer 2" for parked car
ventilation/heating98
Tire inflation pressures184
Tire pressure
– loss86
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor85
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor86
Tire Quality Grading186
Tires
– age186,188
– breaking in112
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels201
– condition187
– damage187
– inflation pressure184
– minimum tread depth187
– new tires188
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor85
– puncture86
– Run-Flat Tires188
– size186
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth187
– winter tires189
"Tone"141
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting141
– middle setting143
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit197
"Top 8" for mobile phone168
Torque210
Touch tone dialing169
Tow bar206