
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
86 iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.
4.Select "PDC" and press the controller.
5.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
 The PDC screen is activated.
The display appears on the Control Display as 
soon as PDC is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for 
estimating the distance between the 
vehicle and any obstacles always remains with 
the driver. Even when sensors are involved, 
there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be 
detected. This applies especially in those cases 
where the system approaches the physical con-
straints of ultrasonic measurement, as occurs 
with tow bars and trailer couplings, and in the 
vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped objects. Low 
objects already displayed, e.g. a curb, can dis-
appear from the detection area of the sensors 
again before a continuous tone sounds. Higher, 
protruding objects, e.g. ledges, cannot be 
detected. Loud noises from outside and inside 
the vehicle may prevent you from hearing the 
PDC signal tone.<
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 hard braking. This increases active 
driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the 
engine. For information on safe braking, refer to 
page115.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
This system provides further enhancements to 
vehicle stability and steering response when 
braking while cornering or when braking during 
a lane change.
Electronic brake-force distribution
This system controls the brake system's appli-
cation pressure at the rear wheels to ensure 
stable deceleration.
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 pressure on the brake pedal for 
the duration of the braking maneuver. DBC is 
switched off when the brake pedal is released.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels 
when starting off and accelerating. DSC also 
detects unstable driving conditions such as 
fishtailing or sliding of the vehicle's front 
wheels. In these cases, DSC helps the vehicle 
safely stay on course within the physical limits 
by reducing the engine output and by applying 
the brakes differently in the individual wheels. 

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cannot detect fog. To avoid safety risks, you 
should always switch on the lamps manually 
under these conditions.<
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp 
control system that enables better illumination 
of the road surface. Depending on the steering 
angle and other parameters, the light from the 
headlamp follows the course of the road.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In switch position1, the Adaptive Head Light is 
active and the automatic headlamp control is 
switched on.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive 
Head Light is not active when driving in reverse 
and points toward the passenger side when the 
vehicle is stopped.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. The Adaptive Head Light 
is malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one 
side of your vehicle when parking. When using 
this function, comply with national regulations:
After parking the vehicle, press the lever in the 
desired direction3, past the resistance point.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Avoid using for longer periods; oth-
erwise, it may not be possible to start the 
engine.<
High-beam assistant*
The concept
This system automatically switches the high 
beams on and off again. A sensor on the front of 
the interior rearview mirror controls the pro-
cess. The assistant ensures that the high 
beams are switched on whenever the traffic sit-
uation allows. This reduces the strain on you 
while at the same time providing you with the 
best possible visibility. Of course, you can inter-
vene at any time and switch the high beams on 
and off in the accustomed manner.
Activating high-beam assistant
1.Turn the light switch to switch position1, 
refer to page96.
2.Press the turn signal lever in the high beam 
direction with the low beams switched on.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when the high-beam 
assistant is activated. The assistant 
automatically switches between high and low 
beams, reacting to oncoming traffic and traffic  

Lamps
98 ahead and to well-lit areas such as towns and 
cities.
Manually switching between high and 
low beams
You can intervene at any time if you wish or the 
situation requires.
>If the high-beam assistant has switched on 
the high beams, but you want to use the low 
beams, simply switch to the low beams with 
the turn signal lever. This also deactivates 
the high-beam assistant. 
To reactivate the system, briefly press the 
turn signal lever in the high beam direction 
again.
>If the high-beam assistant has switched on 
the low beams, but you want to use the high 
beams, switch to the high beams in the 
accustomed manner. The system is deacti-
vated in the process and you must switch to 
the low beams manually.
To reactivate the system, briefly press the 
turn signal lever in the high beam direction 
again.
>You use the headlamp flasher in the usual 
way when the low beams are on.
System limits
The high-beam assistant cannot replace 
personal decisions about the benefits of 
using high beams. In situations that require 
them, you should switch to the low beams man-
ually to avoid a safety risk.<
In the following sample situations, the system 
either does not function or functions only in a 
limited way and a personal reaction may be 
required:
>Under extremely unfavorable weather con-
ditions, such as heavy fog or precipitation
>To make out poorly-lit road users such as 
pedestrians, cyclists, people on horseback, 
horse-drawn vehicles, train or ship traffic 
close to the road and wild animals crossing 
the road>In tight curves, on steep hilltops or in 
depressions, with cross traffic or partially 
concealed oncoming traffic on the freeway
>In poorly lit places and with highly reflective 
signs
>In the low speed range
>When the windshield is fogged up, dirty or 
covered with stickers, decals, etc. in the 
area of the interior rearview mirror
>When the sensor is dirty. Clean the sensor 
on the front side of the interior rearview mir-
ror with a cloth moistened with a small 
amount of glass cleaner.
Front fog lamps
The parking lamps or low beams must 
be switched on for the fog lamps to 
operate. The green indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster lights up when the fog 
lamps are switched on.
The fog lamps are switched off whenever the 
high beams are switched on.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.< 

Climate
100
Climate
Automatic climate control
1Airflow directed toward the windshield 
and side windows
2Air for the upper body area, refer to 
Ventilation on page103
3Air to footwell
4Temperature, left side of passenger 
compartment
5Maximum cooling
6Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation
7Air volume, manual
8Switching off automatic climate control9Switching cooling function on and off 
manually
10Temperature, right side of passenger 
compartment
11Residual heat mode
12AUTO program
13AUC automatic recirculated-air control/
recirculated air mode
14LED for parked car ventilation
15Rear window defroster
16Air grill for interior temperature sensor – 
please keep clear and unobstructed 

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The current setting for air distribution is dis-
played on the Control Display.
A congenial climate
The AUTO program offers the optimum air dis-
tribution and air volume for virtually all condi-
tions, refer to AUTO program below. Now you 
only need to select an interior temperature that 
you find pleasant.
The following sections contain more detailed 
information on the available setting options.
Most settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use, also refer to Personal Profile 
settings on page29.
AUTO program
The AUTO program handles the 
adjustment of air distribution to the 
windshield and side windows, in 
the direction of the upper body, and in the foot-
well, as well as the adjustment of the air volume. 
It also adapts your instructions for the tempera-
ture to outside influences throughout the year.
The cooling is switched on automatically with 
the AUTO program. At the same time, a con-
densation sensor controls the program in such 
a way that window condensation is prevented 
as much as possible.
Intensity of the AUTO program
To meet your individual needs, you can 
increase or decrease the intensity of the auto-
matic climate control.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button. 
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the left to open 
"Climate".3.Select "Automatic programs" and press the 
controller.
4.Select the desired intensity and press the 
controller.
 The marked intensity of the automatic 
program is switched on.
Convertible program
When the convertible top is opened, the con-
vertible program can also be selected. In the 
convertible program, the automatic climate 
control is optimized for driving with the convert-
ible top open. In addition, the air supply is 
increased as the speed increases.
If the convertible program has been selected, 
it is automatically active every time the top is 
opened.
The effect of the convertible program can 
be greatly enhanced if the wind deflector 
is installed.<
Temperature
Set the desired temperature indi-
vidually on the driver's and front 
passenger side.
The automatic climate control 
achieves this temperature as quickly as possi-
ble at any time of year, if necessary with the 
maximum cooling or heating capacity, and then 
keeps it constant.
When switching between different tem-
perature settings in rapid succession, the 
automatic climate control does not have suffi-
cient time to achieve the set temperature.< 

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Maximum cooling
Maximally cooled air is obtained as 
quickly as possible from an outside 
temperature above 327/06 and 
with the engine running.
The automatic climate control changes over to 
the lowest temperature and switches into the 
recirculated-air mode. The maximum air quan-
tity only flows out of the vents for the upper 
body. It is therefore necessary for these vents to 
be open for maximum cooling.
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control/recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant 
odors or pollutants in the immedi-
ate environment by temporarily 
suspending the supply of outside air. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently within the 
vehicle. In AUC mode, a sensor detects pollut-
ants in the outside air and controls the shut-off 
automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run through the 
following control sequence:
>LED off: outside air flows into the vehicle 
continuously.
>Right LED on, AUC mode: the system 
detects pollutants in the outside air and 
responds by blocking the supply of outside 
air when required.
>Left LED on, recirculated-air mode: the 
supply of outside air into the vehicle is shut 
off continuously.
If condensation starts to form on the 
inside window surfaces during operation 
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch 
it off while also increasing the air volume as 
required.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used 
over a longer period of time, as the air quality 
inside the vehicle deteriorates continuously.<
Residual heat
The heat stored in the engine is 
used to heat the passenger com-
partment, e.g. while stopped at a 
school to pick up a child.
The function can be switched on when the fol-
lowing conditions are met:
>up to 15 minutes after switching off the 
engine
>engine at operating temperature
>sufficient battery voltage
>outside temperature below 777/256
The LED lights up when the function is 
switched on.
With the ignition switch at radio readiness or 
higher the interior temperature, the air volume 
and the air distribution can be set.
Switching off automatic climate control
The air volume, the heater and the 
cooling function are all switched 
off.
You can restart the automatic cli-
mate control by pressing any of its buttons 
except the REST button.
Ventilation
1Knurled wheels for smoothly opening and 
closing air vents
2Levers for changing the airflow direction
Do not drop any foreign objects into the 
vent outlets; otherwise, they could be cat-
apulted outwards and cause injuries.< 

Mobility
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Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance 
System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your BMW. The service schedule also 
includes operations related to the vehicle's 
comfort and convenience features, such as 
replacement of the filters for the inside air. 
The ultimate objective is to ensure economical 
maintenance by providing the ideal service for 
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell 
your BMW, you will find that a complete dealer 
service history is an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into 
account. Condition Based Service uses this to 
determine the current and future service 
requirements. By letting you define a service 
and maintenance regimen that reflects your 
own individual requirements, the system builds 
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Control Display to show 
remaining distances and times of selected 
maintenance intervals and legally mandated 
deadlines, refer to page77:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, front and rear separately
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
>Brake fluid>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Legally required tests depending on local 
regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores this information continu-
ously in the remote control while the vehicle is 
being driven. After accessing the data stored in 
the remote control, your BMW Service Advisor 
can suggest precisely the right array of service 
procedures for your own individual vehicle. 
For this reason, when you take your vehicle in 
for service, you should give the BMW Service 
Advisor the remote control last used to drive it.
Make sure the date in the iDrive is always 
set correctly, refer to page83; otherwise, 
the effectiveness of CBS Condition Based Ser-
vice is not ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and 
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models 
for additional information on service require-
ments.
Have service and repair operations per-
formed at your BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries 
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance, and may also be 
required when submitting warranty claims.< 

 217Reference
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Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display 
texts used to select 
individual functions, and 
indicates where to find them 
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System86
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control67
Acceleration assistant with 
SMG64
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal filter104
Activating hour signal83
"Activation time" for parked 
car ventilation104
Active cruise control67
– Indicator lamp70
– radar sensor71
– selecting distance69
– warning lamps71
Active steering90
– warning lamp90
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to 
Brake force display90
Adaptive Head Light97
"Add digits" for mobile 
phone168
"Address book" for 
navigation128
Address for navigation
– deleting129
– entering121,124
– selecting129
– storing128
– storing current position128
"Add to address book"128"Add to destination 
list"124,125
Adjusting confirmation signals 
for locking and unlocking31
Adjusting the thigh support48
Adjusting tone in audio mode, 
refer to Tone control141
"After opening door"50
"After unlocking"50
Airbags90
– deactivating, refer to 
Exception for front 
passenger's seat56
– sitting safely47
– warning lamp92
Air distribution
– automatic101
– manual102
Airing, refer to Ventilation103
Air recirculation, refer to AUC 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control103
"Air recirculation on / off"54
Air vents, refer to 
Ventilation103
Air volume102
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications183
Alarm system35
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms36
– interior motion sensor36
– switching off alarm35
– switching off tilt alarm 
sensor and interior motion 
sensor36
– tilt alarm sensor36
All around the center 
console14
All around the steering 
wheel10
"All channels"150"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires189
"All stations" on the radio, 
selecting144,147
Alterations, technical, refer to 
For your own safety6
"AM", reception 
range140,144
Antenna for mobile phone162
Antifreeze
– coolant193
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System 
ABS86
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system35
Anti-theft system, refer to 
Central locking system29
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof40
– power windows39
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights210
Approved engine oils192
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights210
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest108
Arrival time
– refer to Computer76
– refer to Starting destination 
guidance132
"Arrow display" during 
Navigation133
Ashtray109
Assist, refer to 
BMW Assist174
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems86
Assistance window20