Driving
64 desired, by tapping or pulling the lever when
road and traffic conditions permit. It is not pos-
sible to resume a stored speed.
Radar sensor
The sensor's ability to detect vehicles ahead
may be restricted as a result of heavy rain, dirt, snow or ice. If necessary, clean the radar sensor
located in the front bumper, see arrow. Be sure
to use particular care when removing any layers
of snow or ice from the sensor.
When the radar sensor is not properly posi-
tioned, active cruise control cannot be activated
at all.
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when
the system has failed. A message
appears on the Control Display. You
can find more information starting on page75.
System limitations
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system does have physical limi-
tations. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate
your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead
of you, as for example, at a traffic light or a
parked vehicle. Also, the system does not react
to oncoming traffic, pedestrians or other types
of potential traffic such as a rider on horseback.
It is also possible that the system may not
detect smaller moving objects such as motor-
cycles or bicycles. Be especially alert when
encountering any of these situations as the sys-
tem will neither automatically brake, nor provide
a warning to you. Also, be aware that every
decrease in the distance setting allows your
vehicle to come closer to a vehicle in front of
you and requires a heightened amount of alert-
ness.
system.<
If while your vehicle is actively following a vehi-
cle in front of you and the vehicle ahead speeds
up or the lane ahead becomes clear, then your
vehicle will accelerate to the speed you have
selected. Be aware that changing to a clear,
unobstructed lane will also result in your vehicle
accelerating.
Be certain to deactivate the system when
you pull into an exit lane for a highway off-
ramp.<
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner
on a highway may cause a delay in the system's
reaction to a vehicle in front of you or may cause
the system to react to a vehicle actually in the
lane next to you. Always be ready to take action
or apply the brakes if necessary.
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Everything under control
72 7Spark plugs
8Front brake pads
9Rear brake pads10Brake fluid
The sequence of displayed service items may
vary. The data for the next service appointment
is shown first.
Supplementary information
You can have further information on the scope
of maintenance displayed on the Control Dis-
play, refer to page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Service" and press the controller.
4.If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the uppermost field. Turn the controller
until "Service requirements" is selected and
press the controller.
5.If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the second field from the top. Turn the con-
troller until "Status" is selected and press
the controller.
A list of selected maintenance operations and, if
applicable, inspections required by law is dis-
played.
You can request more detailed information on
every entry.Select the entry and press the controller.
To exit from the menu:
Select the arrow and press the controller.
Symbols
No service is currently required.
The deadline for service or a legally man-
dated inspection is approaching. Please
schedule a service appointment.
The service deadline has already passed.
Entering dates of statutory emissions
tests and vehicle inspections*
Make sure the date on the Control Display is
always set correctly, refer to page74, otherwise
the effectiveness of CBS Condition Based Ser-
vice is not ensured.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Service" and press the controller.
4.Select "Service requirements" and press
the controller.
5.Select "Status" and press the controller.
6.Select "Emission inspect." or "State
inspection" and press the controller.
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Controls
81Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
5.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
The PDC screen is activated.
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 wall ledges, may not be detect-
able. 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.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamps for DSC in the instrument cluster
light up. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
DSC have been simultaneously deactivated.
Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions
are no longer executed.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
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Controls
87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Active steering*
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the
front wheels in relation to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required
to turn the wheels depending on the speed at
which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low road-speed
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes
very direct, and less effort is required to turn the
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other
hand, the steering angle is reduced more and
more. This improves the handling capability of
your BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing
intervention is simultaneously deactivated
when DSC is switched off, refer to page81.
Malfunction
The warning lamps come on. Active
steering is no longer operational. At
low speeds, greater steering wheel movements are required, whereas at higher
speeds the vehicle reacts more sensitively to
steering wheel movements. The stability-
enhancing feature may also be deactivated.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead. Have the
system checked.
If the warning lamp lights up during the first
engine starting following a power supply inter-
ruption, the system must be activated by being
initialized.
Brake Force Display
On the left: normal braking
On the right: sharp braking
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags for driver and front passenger
2Head airbags, front and rear3Side airbags in the seat backrests
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Driving tips
113Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
device can influence one another. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation which
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.<
Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic
dimming feature*
The automatic dimming feature of the interior
and exterior mirrors
* is controlled by two photo
cells in the interior rearview mirror. One photo
cell is in the mirror frame, see arrow; the other is
on the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions
correctly, keep the photo cells clean, do not
cover the area between the interior rearview
mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive
labels or stickers of any kind to the windshield
directly in front of the mirror.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page188.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
greater clutch wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page82.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page55.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in idle or with the
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking
action will not be present or there will be no
ba8_E9293_US.book Seite 113 Freitag, 5. Mai 2006 1:02 13
Everything from A - Z
218
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions and
refers you to the page where
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System81
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control60
Accident, refer to Initiating an
emergency call203
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control99
"Activation time"99
Active cruise control60
– indicator lamps63
– malfunction64
– selecting distance62
– sensor64
Active steering87
– warning lamp87
Adaptive Head Light92
"Add digits" for mobile
phone168
Additives
– coolant194
"Address book" in
navigation128
Address for navigation
– deleting129
– entering121,124,128
– selecting129
– storing128
– storing current position128
"Add to destination
list"124,125
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control96
Adjusting the thigh support41Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control141
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear141
– right/left balance141
Airbags87
– indicator/warning lamp89
– sitting safely40
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control96
– ventilation98
Air distribution
– automatic97
– individual96
Air flow rate97
Airing, refer to Ventilation98
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure184
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode97
"Air recirculation on / off"48
Air supply
– automatic climate control96
– ventilation98
Air vents95
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications182
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off an alarm34
– tilt alarm sensor34
"All channels" for satellite
radio150
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires190
"All stations" displaying with
the radio144
"AM", waveband140,144
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode97Antenna for mobile phone162
Antifreeze
– coolant194
– washer fluid58
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system34
Anti-theft system29
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights212
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights212
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest104
Arrival time, refer to
Computer68
Arrival time, refer to Starting
destination guidance132
"Arrow display" in
navigation133
Arrow view for navigation133
Ashtray
– front106
– rear107
Assist, refer to BMW
Assist175
Assistance window20
– refer to iDrive20
Assistant systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems81
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control97
Audio140
– controls140
– switching on/off140
– tone control141
– volume141
"Audio", refer to Tone
control141
"Audio Aux"140,
158
"Audio Aux" for external audio
device158
Audio device, external105
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Everything from A - Z
222 Data, technical210
– dimensions211
– engine210
– weights212
"Date"75
Date
– setting74
– setting format75
"Date format"75
"Daytime running light"92
Daytime running light91
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control81
DCC, refer to Cruise
control58
"Deactivated"45
Deactivating front passenger
airbags88
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking30
Decommissioning the vehicle
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Defect
– door lock31
– fuel filler door182
– glass sunroof38
Defogging windows98
Defrost, windows98
Defrosting windows98
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– automatic climate control98
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows98
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows98
"Delete address book" in
navigation130
"Delete all numbers" on the
mobile phone169
"Delete data" in
navigation130
"Delete" for mobile
phone169
Destination address
– deleting129
– entering121,124Destination for navigation
– entry121
– navigation list127
– selecting from address
book129
– selecting using
information126
– storing128
Destination guidance132
– canceling voice
instructions49
– changing specified
route
130
– displaying route133
– distance and arrival132
– starting132
– terminating/continuing132
– voice instructions135
– volume of voice
instructions135
Destination list for navigation
system127
Destinations recently driven
to127
"Dial" for mobile phone167
"Dial number"167
Digital clock66
Digital compass102
Digital radio147
– displaying additional
information148
– switching on/off147
– updating stations148
Dimensions211
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals56
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions135
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book128
Displacement, refer to Engine
data210
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting93
"Display off"21
Displays
– on the Control Display16Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
"Display settings"74
Disposal
– coolant194
– remote control battery37
– vehicle battery201
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control60
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements71
"Distance to dest."69
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control80
Door key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key28
Door lock31
"Door locks"30
Doors, emergency
operation31
DOT Quality Grades187
Draft-free ventilation98
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders105
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC81
Drive-off assistant82
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams90
Driving notes112
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant82
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route133
Driving stability control
systems81
Driving through water113
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes112
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function98
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control81
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Everything from A - Z
224 Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control99
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid pouch203
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock52
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight104
Flash when locking/
unlocking30
Flat
– Flat Tire Monitor82
– Run-Flat Tires189
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM84
Flat tire
– Tire Pressure Monitor84
Flat Tire Monitor FTM82
– indicating a flat tire83
– indicator/warning lamp83
– initializing the system83
– malfunction84
– snow chains83,190
– system limits83
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition188
Floor mats, carpets, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir58
"FM", waveband140,144
FM, waveband144
Fog lamps93
– indicator lamp13,93
Folding in the mirrors, before
driving into a car wash114
Folding up the floor panel108
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely113
Footwell lamp, refer to Interior
lamps93
For your own safety5
Front airbags87
"FTM"83FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor82
Fuel182
– average consumption68
– display67
– high-quality brands182
– quality182
– specifications182
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities213
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge67
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge67
Fuel filler door182
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction182
Fuses201
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control101
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel182
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge67
Gasoline engine, checking oil
level192
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic54
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– manual transmission54
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– manual transmission54
General driving notes112Glass sunroof, electric37
– closing after electrical
malfunction38
– convenient operation31
– initializing38
– opening, closing38
– operation with convenient
access36
– pinch protection system38
– power failure38
– raising38
Glove compartment104
– rechargeable flashlight104
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system120
Grills95
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights212
H
Handbrake54
– indicator lamp54
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight104
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD, refer to Digital radio147
Head airbags87
Headlamp control,
automatic90
Headlamp flasher56
– indicator lamp11,13
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Head restraints42
– front, removing43
– rear, removing43
– sitting safely40
Heated
– mirrors47
– rear window98
– seats44
Heating
– mirrors47
– rear window98
– residual heat98
– seats44
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