Driving tips
125Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW discourages the use of mobile
communications devices, e. g. mobile
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
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*
This feature is controlled by two photocells in
the inside rearview mirror. One is integrated into
the glass of the mirror, while the other is located
at an offset position on the rear of the mirror
housing.
For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells
clean and do not cover the area between the
interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do
not attach stickers of any kind to the windshield
in front of the mirror, either.
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 phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between the tires and
the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page201.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
greater clutch wear will result.<
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold
the vehicle on a hill by pressing the accel-
erator, but apply the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission
region.<
Starting assistant
The starting assistant enables you to start off
conveniently on slopes. The parking brake is
not required for this purpose.
1.Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.
2.Release the footbrake and immediately
drive off quickly.
The starting assistant holds the vehicle
for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the
footbrake. Depending on the load, the vehicle
may also roll back slightly during this time.
After releasing the footbrake, immediately start
quickly, otherwise the starting assistant no
longer holds the vehicle after approx. 2 seconds
and it begins to roll back.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. 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.
Things to remember when driving
126 Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
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 pressure on the brake pedal
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the
way down into first gear. This strategy helps
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. For information on downshifting in the
manual mode of the automatic transmission,
refer to page64.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise there will be no engine braking action or
support of the braking force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this vehicle
from being damaged, always fold them in by
hand before entering an automatic car wash.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Rear window wiper*
The rear window wiper can be damaged in car
washes. Take appropriate protective measures;
ask the car wash operator if necessary.
With comfort access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off in the selector
lever position N. Also refer to page40.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Short commands of voice command system
234
Climate
menu
FunctionCommand
To adjust temperature distribution for front seat
heating50{Seat heater distribution}
To open "Vent settings"107{Vent settings}
To open "Automatic programs"106{Automatic programs}
To open "Parked car ventilation"109{Parked car operation}
To open "Automatic ventilation"109{Automatic ventilation}
To display activation times109{Activation time}
FunctionCommand
To open "Door locks"30, 32{Door locks}
To open "Steering wheel buttons"53{Steering wheel buttons}
To open "Lighting"64{Lighting}
To open "Communication settings"187{Communication settings}
To open "BMW Service settings"187{BMW Service settings}
To open "BMW Service"189{BMW service}
To open "Service requirements"77, 188{Service requirements}
To open "Service"77, 188{Service}
To display "Check Control messages"80{Check Control messages}
To open "Display settings"82{Display settings}
To open "Head-Up Display"97{Head-up display}
To activate speed limit81{Limit on}
To deactivate speed limit81{Limit off}
To set brightness of Control Display83{Brightness}
To open "Units"84{Units}
To open "Languages"84, 147{Language}
To open "Time"82{Time}
To open "Date"83{Date}
To open "PDC"85{
PDC}
To open "FTM"90{FTM}
To open "TPM"92{TPM}
To open "HDC"88{HDC}
To open "Entertainment settings"153{Entertainment settings}
Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Display"84
Display, refer to iDrive16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting104
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
"Display settings"82
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up Display96
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with comfort access40
– vehicle battery218
Distance, refer to
Computer76
Distance cruise control, refer
to Active cruise control67
"Distance to dest."76
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer76
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control85
Divided rear seat back, refer to
Through-loading
system116
Door entry lighting104
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
Door locking, acknowl-
edgment signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades200
Draft-free ventilation108
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Drive mode62
"Driver's door only"30
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams101
Driving notes124
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route145Driving stability control
systems86
Driving through water125
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes124
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function107
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function107
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control86
– indicator lamp13,87
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control87
– activating87
– indicator lamp
13,87
DVD for navigation132
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC86
Dynamic Drive89
Dynamic Driving Control62
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC86
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC87
E
Easy entry/exit52
– backrest width47
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player152
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof, electric42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– tailgate36
Electric steering wheel
adjustment52
Electronic brake-force
distribution86
Electronic oil level check205
Emergency call219Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission64
– tailgate36
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment34
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance220
"Emission inspect."78
"Enable services"188
"End call"179
"End Night Vision"100
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control75
Energy Control75
Engine
– breaking-in124
– data226
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature74
– speed226
– starting59
– starting, comfort access38
– starting difficulties59
– switching off60
Engine compartment205
Engine coolant207
Engine oil
– adding206
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils206
– approved engine oil206
– checking oil level205
– electronic oil level check205
"Engine oil level"206
Engine output, refer to Engine
data226
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed226
Everything from A to Z
242 Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine59
"Enter address"134,140
Entering destination via town/
city name134
Entering the
address133,136
Entering the intersection135
Entering town/city for
navigation134
Entering zip code for
navigation135
"Entertainment"152
"Entertainment
settings"153,160
Entertainment sound output
on/off153
Entry map for destination137
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control155
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control155
"ESN"162
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control86
Event Data Recorders210
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system124
Exterior mirrors51
– automatic dimming
feature125
– automatic heating51
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror52
External audio
device114,171
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting221
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control154
Fader, refer to Tone
control154Failure messages, refer to
Check Control79
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms38
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts49
– warning lamp49
Fastest route for
navigation142
"Fast route" for
navigation143
"Favorites" calling up with
radio159
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit220
First-aid kit220
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight113
Flat tire
– changing wheels215
– compact wheel216
– Flat Tire Monitor89,90
– run-flat tires90,93,201
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor91
Flat Tire Monitor89
– false alarms90
– initializing system90
– show chains203
– system limits90
– warning lamp90
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition201
"FM", reception
range152,156
FM, waveband156
Fog lamps104
– indicator lamp13,104
Folding rear seat
back116,117
Fold-over rear seat
back116,117
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely125
Footwell lamps104Forward, fast
– CD changer
169
– CD player169
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive87
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria142
Front airbags94
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front113
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating95
Front seat adjustment46
"FTM"90
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor89
Fuel195
– capacity230
– display75
– high-quality brands195
– quality195
– specifications195
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Fuel consumption display,
computer, average fuel
consumption75
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Fuel filler door194
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction194
"Full screen" with BMW Night
Vision100
Fuses218
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control111
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel195
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Gear changes
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission62
Gear display
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission61
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission60
Gearshift lever positions,
manual transmission60
General driving notes124
Glass sunroof, electric41
– auto-remote operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access39
– moving manually42
– remote control31
Glove compartment113
– lighting113
– rechargeable flashlight113
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system132
Grills, refer to Ventilation108
Grills of the automatic climate
control105
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights229
H
Halogen lamps212
Handbrake60
– indicator lamp13,60
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight113
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14
Hazard warning flashers15
HD, refer to High Definition
Radio160
"HDC"88
HDC Hill Descent Control88
"HDC on"88
"HDC on / off"53Head airbags94
Headlamp control,
automatic101
Headlamp flasher64
Headlamps101
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system66
– replacing bulbs212
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light102
Head restraints48
– front head restraints,
active49
– sitting safely45
"Head-Up Display"97
Head-Up Display96
Heated
– mirrors51
– rear window107
– seats50
– steering wheel52
Heating105
– exterior mirrors51
– interior105
– rear window107
– residual heat108
– seats50
– steering wheel52
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat108
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo128
Height, refer to
Dimensions227
Height adjustment
– seats46
– steering wheel52
High-beam assistant103
High beams102
– headlamp flasher102
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs212
High Definition Radio160
High water, refer to Driving
through water125
Hill Descent Control HDC88Hills126
Holder for cups114
"Home address" for
navigation system142
Homepage4
Hood204
Horn10
Hot exhaust system124
"Hour memo"83
"House number" for desti-
nation entry136
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control86
Hydroplaning125
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio160
Ice, refer to Outside temper-
ature warning74
ID3 tag, refer to Information on
track167
iDrive16
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control
with expanded scope106
– changing date and time82
– changing language84
– changing menu page19
– changing settings82
– changing units of measure
and display type84
– confirming selection or
entry19
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus17
– selecting menu item19
– setting brightness83
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols18
Ignition58
– switched off58
– switched on58
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Lighter115
Lighter socket115
"Lighting"65,102
Lighting
– instruments104
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps101
– refer to High-beam
assistant103
Light switch101
"Limit"81
Loading
– securing cargo128
– stowing cargo127
– vehicle126
"Lock after driving"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33
Locking
– from inside33
– from outside31
– setting confirmation
signals31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside32
– from outside30
– setting confirmation
signals31
Locking out, refer to
Unlocking39
Locking without key, refer to
Comfort access38
Low beams101
– automatic101
– replacing bulbs212
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support46
Lug bolts216
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting217
– wrench215Luggage compartment
– capacity229
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside34
– opening with remote
control31
Luggage compartment cover,
refer to Roll-up cover117
Luggage compartment lid33
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation34
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside34
– unlocking and locking from
inside32
– unlocking manually34
Luggage net, refer to
Separation net118
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack128
Lumbar support46
LW, waveband156
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires202
Maintenance
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models209
– refer to Service
requirements77
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models209
Maintenance system209
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control79
Manual air distribution107Manually controlled recircu-
lated air108
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission62
"Manual" on the radio157
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission64
Manual transmission60
"Map direction of travel"146
Map display146
Map display facing north146
"Map facing north"146
Map for navigation
– changing scale146
– destination entry137
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling107
Maximum speed
– for winter tires202
– with compact wheel217
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Microfilter109
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature125
Mirrors51
– automatic curb monitor52
– folding in and out51
– heating51
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
Everything from A to Z
248 Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness58
Radio readiness58
– switched off58
– switched on58
– with comfort access39
Rain sensor65
"Random", random play
sequence168
"Random all" in audio
mode169
"Random directory" in audio
mode169
"RDS"159
Reading lamps104
Rear armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear116
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps213
– replacing bulbs213
Rear seat back,
folding116,117
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints49
– folding over
backrest116,117
– heating50
Rear ventilation109
Rearview mirror51
Rear window
– changing wiper blade211
– heating107
– opening and closing on
Sports Wagon34
– roller sun blind, refer to Sun
blinds112
– window wiper on Sports
Wagon66,126
Rear window safety switch41
"Received calls"180
Reception
– quality159
– radio stations159
– regional station157
Reception level of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information20Rechargeable flashlight113
Recirculated-air mode
– air recirculation108
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control108
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest46
Recording times, refer to
Stopwatch81
"Redial" for mobile phone180
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps213
Refueling194
Releasing, hood204
"Relock door if not
opened"33
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range75
Remaining distance to desti-
nation, refer to Computer76
Remote control28
– battery replacement40
– comfort access38
– garage door opener111
– luggage compartment lid31
– malfunction31,40
– tailgate31
Removing condensation on
the windows107
"Repeat directory" in audio
mode168
"Repeat" in audio mode168
"Repeat track" in audio
mode168
Replacement fuses218
Replacement of tires, refer to
Changing wheels215
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs212
Replacing tires202
Replacing wheels/tires, refer
to New wheels and tires201
Reporting an accident, refer
Initiating an emergency
call219
Reporting safety defects7Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Reservoir for washer
systems66
"Reset"92
– stopwatch82
– tone settings155
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings155
Residual heat108
Restraint systems
– for children54
– refer to Safety belts49
Retaining straps, refer to
Storage area package119
Retreaded tires202
Reverse, fast
– CD changer169
– CD player169
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– manual transmission61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission61
Road map146
"Roadside
Assistance"182
,189
Roadside Assistance220
Roadside parking lamps102
– replacing bulbs213
Roller sun blind, refer to Sun
blinds112
Roll-up cover, Sports
Wagon117
Roof load capacity229
Roof-mounted luggage
rack128
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing221
Rotary pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16