
At a glance
 15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Microphone for voice command system* 
and for telephone in hands-free mode*
2Initiating an emergency call*
3Reading lamps96
4Glass sunroof, electric
*38
5Interior lamps96
6Passenger airbag status lamp
*92
7Control Display16
8Hazard warning flashers
9DTC Dynamic Traction Control85
10Central locking system32
11Automatic climate control
12Ejecting
>Audio CD144
>Navigation DVD12413Changing
>Radio station148
>Track157
15Controller16 
Can be turned, pressed, or moved horizon-
tally in four directions
16Activating voice command system
*22
17Opening start menu on Control Display17
18Drive for navigation DVD124
19Switching audio sources on/off and adjust-
ing volume144
20Drive for audio CDs144 Air distribution to the 
windshield98
Air distribution to the upper body 
area98
Air distribution to the footwell98
Automatic air distribution and flow 
rate98
Cooling function100
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control99
Recirculated-air mode99
Maximum cooling98
Residual heat mode99
Air flow rate99
Defrosting windows100
Rear window defroster100
14
Heated seats*43
PDC Park Distance Control
*83
Roller sun blind
*106
Hill Descent Control HDC
*86 

Controls
 65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Use good judgement to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance. 
Otherwise, you may be in violation of the law or 
an accident could result.<
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow3. 
The displays in the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When the speed is reduced to below 
20 mph or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation
>When you switch gears very slowly or shift 
to idle in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's/SMG's neutral position N
>When you activate the Dynamic Traction 
Control DTC
>When you deactivate the Dynamic Stability 
Control DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
>When the system does not recognize any 
objects for a longer period of time, e.g. on infrequently traveled roads without a shoul-
der or guard rails, or if the radar sensor is 
covered with dirt, refer to page66
>When you apply the handbrake
When the system is deactivated, you 
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or 
maneuver as necessary, otherwise there is a 
risk of accident.<
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when 
active cruise control has been auto-
matically deactivated due to a driving 
speed below 20 mph or 30 km/h, an application 
of the handbrake or a DSC intervention. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Resuming stored desired speed and 
distance
Briefly press the button, arrow 4. 
The stored speed and distance are regained 
and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is 
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>When driving stability control systems are 
intervening
>In cars with manual transmission: when you 
shift gears very slowly or shift to idle posi-
tion
>With automatic transmission/SMG: when 
you engage selector lever position N
>When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
2Shows yellow: vehicle detected ahead Distance 3 
This distance is always set when 
the system is used for the first 
time after starting the engine.
Distance 4 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
84 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 page117.
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.< 

Controls
 85Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps in 
the instrument cluster go out.
To control
If the indicator lamp flashes: 
DSC controls the drive forces and 
brake forces.
If the indicator lamps are on: 
DSC has been completely deacti-
vated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions, 
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with 
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC 
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving uphill on snow-covered roads, 
in slush or on unplowed, snow-covered 
roads
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground>When driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Briefly press the button; the DTC indicator 
lamps in the instrument cluster come on.
To control
If the indicator lamp flashes: 
DTC controls the drive forces and 
brake forces.
If the indicator lamps are on: 
DTC has been activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator 
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
xDrive 325xi, 330xi
xDrive is your BMW's four-wheel-drive system. 
The combined efforts of xDrive and DSC help to 
further optimize traction and driving dynamics. 
The xDrive four-wheel-drive system distributes 
driving power variably to the front and rear axles 
depending on the driving situation and road 
conditions.
Malfunction
In case of any of the malfunctions 
described below, drive cautiously and 
think well ahead. Avoid driving on rough tracks 
and pressing the accelerator pedal down to full 
throttle or kick-down position, otherwise the 
drive system could be damaged or accidents 
could result.< 

Wheels and tires
194
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire 
makes it easier to identify and choose the right 
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of 
the US Department of Transport.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in 
the tire coding: DOT … 0705 means that the 
tire was manufactured in week 7 of 2005.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires 
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last 
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable 
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and 
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA 
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear 
Traction AA A B C 
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to 
Federal Safety Requirements in addition 
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating 
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested 
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded 
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as 
well on the government course as a tire graded 
100. The relative performance of tires depends 
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the 
norm due to variations in driving habits, service 
practices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are 
AA, A, B, and C. 
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop 
on wet pavement as measured under controlled 
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C 
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is 
based on straight-ahead braking traction 
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ 
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
225/45 R1791 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's code 
for tire make
Tire size and 
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0705 

Mobility
 197Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Run-Flat Tires
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the 
event of a flat, moreover, no spare wheel is 
available. Your BMW Center will be glad to 
advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends 
that damaged Run-Flat Tires be replaced 
rather than repaired.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold 
winter driving conditions. Although all-season 
M+S tires provide better winter traction than 
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the 
same levels of cold-weather performance as 
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the 
winter tires mounted on your car; failure 
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that 
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the 
maximum permitted speed for the mounted 
tires must be displayed in your field of view. 
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW Center 
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry 
place with as little exposure to light as possible. 
Always protect tires against all contact with oil, 
grease and fuels.  Do not exceed the maximum 
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall 
of the tire.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been 
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and 
recommended. Consult your BMW Center for 
more information. Attach snow chains in pairs 
and only to the rear wheels. Observe the manu-facturer's instructions when mounting snow 
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or 
50 km/h.
You are not permitted to mount snow chains to 
tires of the following sizes:
>255/40 R 17
>255/35 R 18
>255/30 R 19
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if 
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the 
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it 
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to 
page85.< 

Everything from A - Z
230 Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– automatic climate 
control100
Defrosting windshield, refer to 
Defrosting windows100
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows100
"Delete address book" in 
navigation134
"Delete all numbers" on the 
mobile phone173
"Delete data" in 
navigation134
"Delete" for mobile 
phone173
Destination address
– deleting133
– entering125,128
Destination for navigation
– entry125
– navigation list131
– selecting from address 
book133
– selecting using 
information130
– storing132
Destination guidance136
– bypassing route 
sections140
– canceling voice 
instructions48
– changing specified 
route134
– displaying route137
– displaying routes137
– distance and arrival136
– interrupting136
– starting136
– terminating/continuing136
– voice instructions139
– volume of voice 
instructions139
Destination list for navigation 
system131
Destinations recently driven 
to131
"Dial" for mobile phone171
"Dial number"171Digital clock69
Digital compass104
Digital radio151
Dimensions219
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals58
Direction instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions139
Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book132
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data218
Display, refer to iDrive 
controls16
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting96
"Display off"21
Displays
– instrument cluster12
– on the Control Display16
Displays and controls10
"Display settings"77
Disposal
– coolant201
– remote control battery37
– vehicle battery209
Distance control, refer to 
Active cruise control62
Distance remaining to service, 
refer to Service 
requirements74
"Distance to dest."71
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control83
Door key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control28
Door lock32
Door locking, confirmation 
signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors, emergency 
operation32
DOT Quality Grades194
Draft-free ventilation100
Drinks holders, refer to Cup 
holders107
Drive mode56
Drive-off assistant87Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams93
Driving notes116
Driving route, refer to 
Displaying route137
Driving stability control
systems84
Driving through water117
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes116
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function100
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control84
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control85
– indicator lamps85
DVD for navigation124
Dynamic Driving Control56
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC
– indicator lamps85
E
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution84
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on the CD player144
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof39
– panorama glass roof39
Electric seat adjustment41
Electronic brake-force 
distribution84
Electronic oil level check199
Emergency call211
Emergency operation, refer to 
Closing manually
– glass sunroof39
– panorama glass roof39
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– door lock32
– fuel filler door186
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission58 

Everything from A - Z
240 Tow fittings for tow-starting 
and towing away213
Towing213
– methods214
Towing away
– car with automatic 
transmission213
"Town / City" in destination 
entry126
Tow rope214
Tow-starting213
– sequential manual gearbox 
SMG215
Tracks
– random play sequence159
Track width, refer to 
Dimensions219
Traction-assist feature, refer 
to DSC84
Traction control, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control84
Trailer towing
– towing loads and gross 
weight220
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
– manual transmission54
– overriding selector lever lock 
for automatic transmission 
with Steptronic58
– sequential manual gearbox 
SMG55
Transporting children 
safely49
Transport securing device, 
refer to Securing cargo119
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tire tread195
Treble, refer to Tone 
control145
Treble, refer to Treble and 
bass145
Treble, tone control145
"Trip computer"72
Trip computer71
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer69"Triple turn signal 
activation"59
Triple turn signal activation59
Trip odometer69
Trunk
– lid, refer to Luggage 
compartment lid33
Trunk lamp, refer to Luggage 
compartment lamp96
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage 
compartment lid33
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions219
Turn signals58
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs207
Tying down loads, refer to 
Cargo loading119
U
Underbody protection, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR194
"Units"74
Units
– average consumption73
– temperature73
Universal garage door opener, 
refer to Integrated universal 
remote control103
Universal remote control103
Unlatching, refer to 
Unlocking35
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside32
– from outside30
– luggage compartment lid36
– without remote control, refer 
to Convenient access35
"Update services"181
V
Vehicle
– battery209
– breaking in116
– care, refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
– cargo loading118
– dimensions219
– Identification Number, refer 
to Engine compartment199
– parking53
– washing, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
– weight220
Vehicle jack209
Vehicle position, refer to 
Displaying current 
position140
"Vehicle settings"88
Ventilation100
– draft-free100
– in the rear100
Ventilation while at a 
standstill101
Vents, refer to Ventilation100
"Vent settings"98
Voice commands
– overview22
– short commands222
Voice instructions for 
navigation system139
– muting48,139
– repeating48,139
– switching on/off139
– volume139
Voice phone book175
Volume144
– audio sources144
– mobile phone170
– speed-dependent 
adjustment145
– voice instructions139
W
Warning and indicator 
lamps13