
Driving
74 Active cruise control may brake when you
reduce the stored desired speed; however, the
driver must constantly monitor traffic and inter-
vene if necessary.
When you switch off the engine or ignition,
active cruise control is fully switched off, too,
and any settings you have selected are can-
celed.
Swerving vehicles
When a vehicle moves from an adjacent lane
into your lane, active cruise control will not
detect this vehicle until it is fully in your lane
ahead of your vehicle.
Behavior in curves
Because of the limited range of the system, it is
possible that in curves or on the peaks and val-
leys of hilly roads, a vehicle ahead may be rec-
ognized late, or not at all. Therefore, it is up to
the driver to select a speed that is prudent in
view of the curves and terrain of the roadway.In approaching a curve, it is possible that active
cruise control might react briefly to a vehicle in
the adjacent lane. In addition, the system can
sense if your vehicle is in a curve and may not
accelerate. If your vehicle decelerates in either
case, you can choose to overcome the deceler-
ation by briefly pressing the accelerator pedal.
Driver interventions
Anytime the driver presses down on the
accelerator pedal, any automatic braking
action by the system is interrupted until the
pedal is fully released. After doing this, release
the accelerator and the system again controls
your cruising speed and distance setting. While
driving with the system activated, resting your
foot on the accelerator pedal will cause the sys-
tem not to brake even if necessary. Be certain
that floormats or other objects on the vehicle
floor do not interfere with movement of the
accelerator pedal.<
While active cruise control is capable of
braking your vehicle automatically when
you approach a slower vehicle ahead, it is
important to be aware that the ability of the sys-
tem to apply the brakes is also limited, e. g.
when you reduce your desired speed sharply.
The system cannot stop your vehicle. It uses
only a portion of braking system capacity and
does not utilize the full capacity of the vehicle
braking system. Therefore, the system cannot
decrease your speed for large differences in
speed between your vehicle and the vehicle
ahead. Examples: when you approach a vehicle
traveling at a much lower speed than your own
speed such as approaching a toll booth or when
a much slower vehicle cuts in front of you at
close range.<

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
86
Technology for comfort, convenience and
safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you are parking.
Audible signals and an optical display indicate
that you are approaching an object in front of or
behind your vehicle. To measure the distance,
four ultrasonic sensors are provided in each
bumper. The range of these sensors is approx.
6 ft/2 m. However, an acoustic warning begins
to sound for the sensors at the front and at the
two rear corners at approx. 24 in/60 cm, and for
the center rear sensors at approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching an object at high speed; oth-
erwise, the system may sound the warning of
physical obstacles too late.<
Automatically activating
The system starts to operate automatically
approx. 1 second after you engage the trans-
mission position R with the engine running or
the ignition switched on.
Wait this short period before driving.
Manual activation
Press the button, the LED lights up.
Manual deactivation
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
After driving approx. 165 ft/50 m or at over
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the system switches
off and the LED goes out. You can reactivate the
system manually as needed.
Signal tones
An intermittent signal indicates the distance of
the vehicle from an object being approached.
Thus, an object detected to the left rear of the
vehicle will be indicated by a signal tone from
the left rear speaker, etc. As the distance
between vehicle and object decreases, the
intervals between the tones become shorter.
The signal tone becomes continuous once the
distance to the nearest object falls below
roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
An intermittent tone is interrupted after approx.
3seconds:
>if you remain in front of an object that was
only detected by one of the corner sensors
>if you drive parallel to a wall
Malfunction
The LED in the button flashes and a message
appears on the Info Display. PDC has failed.
Have the system checked.
To prevent this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray sensors for long periods and keep the
sprayer at least 4 in/10 cm away from the sen-
sors.
PDC with visual warning
You can also have the system show distances
to objects on the Control Display. Objects that
are farther away are displayed there before a
signal tone begins to sound.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
88 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 in the individual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Do not reduce the additional safety mar-
gin by taking unnecessary risks.<
Deactivating DSC
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "DTC" again and press the controller
for at least 3 seconds.
The LED for "DTC" and the DSC indicator lamp
on the Info Display light up. DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control and DSC Dynamic Stability Control
are deactivated together. Interventions promot-
ing stability and forward momentum will no
longer be carried out.
To promote enhanced operating stability, reac-
tivate DSC again as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Select "DTC" again and press the controller.
The LED on the Control Display and the DSC
indicator lamp on the Info Display go out.
For control purposes
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive forces and
brake forces. The indicator lamp comes on:
DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a version of DSC that is optimized for
forward momentum in special road conditions.
The system ensures maximum forward
momentum, but with limited driving stability.
Therefore, drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving on snow-covered uphill
grades, in slushy snow or on uncleared,
snow-covered roads
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or when
starting off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "DTC" and press the controller.
The LED for "DTC" and the DTC indicator lamp
on the Info Display light up.
For control purposes
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamp comes on:
DTC is activated.

Controls
89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Deactivating DTC
Select "DTC" again and press the controller.
The LED on the Control Display and the DTC
indicator lamp on the Info Display go out.
Dynamic Drive
The concept
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and opti-
mizes vehicle stability during cornering and
evasive maneuvers.
Active stabilizers at the front and rear axles form
the basis for Dynamic Drive. Suspension com-
pliance adapts to suit driving conditions, vary-
ing from performance-oriented during corner-
ing to smooth and comfort-oriented when the
vehicle is traveling in a straight line. During vehi-
cle operation, the system continuously runs
through closed-loop control cycles lasting only
fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status each
time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow and
a message is shown on the Info Display.
A malfunction has occurred in the
Dynamic Drive system. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
If a malfunction occurs, please remember
to adapt your speed accordingly, espe-
cially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer and
the vehicle will display a greater tendency to tilt
during cornering and in crosswinds.
If a Check Control message stating that you
should stop is displayed, stop at a suitable loca-
tion and switch off the engine as soon as possi-
ble. In this case, the oil level in the reservoir may
have dropped below the minimum, possibly
owing to a leak in the hydraulic system.
Do not continue driving, but instead contact
your BMW center.<
Self-leveling suspension*
Malfunction
The warning lamp for self-leveling sus-
pension lights up yellow and a message
is shown on the Info Display.
A malfunction has occurred in the level control
system.
Stop driving and check the vehicle:
>The vehicle is considerably lower at the rear
than at the front, possibly also on one side,
at the rear left compared to the rear right.
>The ground clearance is reduced or the
driving comfort is noticeably reduced.
>The position of the vehicle is normal, but a
malfunction is indicated.
Drive to the nearest BMW center or a workshop
that works in accordance with BMW guidelines
and uses appropriately trained personnel. Drive
with appropriate caution in the meantime.
EDC Electronic Damping
Control*
If the influencing variables such as road surface
quality or operating conditions such as steer-
ing, braking etc. change, the damping automat-
ically adjusts to the new conditions.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "Vehicle" and press the controller.
4.Select "EDC" and press the controller.

Controls
95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
the airbag restraint system, have the testing,
repair, removal, and disposal of airbag genera-
tors executed only by a BMW center or a work-
shop that works according to BMW repair pro-
cedures with correspondingly trained
personnel and has the required explosives
licenses. Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation, either of
which could result in personal injury.<
Warnings and information on the airbags is also
provided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front
passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected by eval-
uating the impression on the occupied seat sur-
face of the front passenger seat. The system
appropriately activates or deactivates the front,
knee, and side airbag on the front passenger
side.
The current status of the front passenger
airbag, i.e. deactivated or activated, is
indicated by the indicator lamp over the interior
rearview mirror, refer to Operating state of front
passenger airbags in the following.<
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, observe the safety infor-
mation and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page54.
The front, knee and side airbag on the front pas-
senger side can be deactivated for teenagers
and adults in certain seat positions; then the
indicator lamp for the front passenger airbags
lights up. In these cases, change the seat posi-
tion so that the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired status cannot be produced by changing
the seat position, have the person ride in the
back. Do not place slip covers, seat cushions,
beaded mats, or other objects on the passenger
seat that are not specifically recommended by
BMW. Do not lay objects under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise, a correct evaluation of the occupied seat
surface cannot be ensured.<
Operating state of front passenger
airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags indicates the operational status of the
front, knee and side airbag on the front passen-
ger side depending on the seat occupation. The
indicator lamp shows whether the front passen-
ger airbags are activated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in
a child restraint system intended for the
purpose is properly detected on the seat.
Front, knee and side airbag on the front
passenger side are deactivated.
>The indicator lamp does not light up when,
for example, a correctly seated person of
sufficient height is detected on the seat.
Front, knee and side airbag on the front
passenger side are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not light up when
the seat is empty.
The front, knee, and side airbags on the
front passenger side are not activated in
this case, though.
Operational readiness of the airbag
system
Once the radio ready position is reached, the
warning lamp lights up briefly, thus indicating

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96 the operational readiness of the entire airbag
system and the safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up from radio
ready state.
>Warning lamp lights up continuously.
Have the airbag system checked immedi-
ately in case of a malfunction; otherwise,
there is a danger that the airbag system may not
respond in the expected manner in an accident
despite an impact of corresponding intensity.<
BMW Night Vision*
The concept
BMW Night Vision is a driver assistance system
that is designed to provide enhanced vision for
certain objects at night. This can be especially
helpful for detecting people and larger animals.
When objects are detected, the driver may be
able to take appropriate action sooner. For
example, the driver may identify and detect the
presence of persons or animals in the road
ahead or off to the sides and can be more alert,
slow down or stop, blow the horn, etc. The
driver can decide which actions are appropriate
and then react accordingly.
A certain area in front of the vehicle is viewed by
an infrared camera and a generated image is
shown on the Control Display. The resulting
thermal image shows the relative heat radiation
of the objects present in the camera's field of
view. Warmer objects appear brighter and
cooler objects appear darker. Contrast is
dependent on the temperature difference
between the objects and the background and
on the amount of heat radiation of the object
itself. As a result, it is quite possible that a per-
son is not continually recognizable as a person
in shape, since the thermal radiation can be
affected by different clothing which blocks heat
loss. Objects with little temperature difference
to the surrounding area, or little heat radiation
are less noticeable, for example in cold weather.Any improvement in detection depends on
many factors such as the object size and tem-
perature compared to the surroundings, or
other nearby objects, the visual recognition
skills of the driver, weather conditions, and
other factors.
Driving hints
With the system active, periodically but briefly,
glance at the thermal image on the Control Dis-
play to notice objects that could be people or
larger animals. The glance should be similar to
glancing at the rear view mirror. Do not stare at
the image for long periods while driving, as this
will take your attention away from the road. If
you notice an object of interest ahead, be pre-
pared to slow down or stop, blow the horn, or
take other appropriate action.
System limits
The system is designed to supplement but not
replace forward vision through the windshield.
The driver is responsible for safe driving at
night. BMW Night Vision is not designed to be
used as a continuous viewing window for driv-
ing at night.
No system, no matter how sophisticated, can
operate without limitations. BMW Night Vision
operation is subject to physical and environ-
mental limitations that will reduce the ability of
the system to detect and display a clear thermal
image. Some of the situations in which these
limitations can occur are:
>on steep hilltops or depressions and in tight
curves
>in tunnels, as the contrast is inherently low
>when the camera lens is dirty

Controls
99Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
1Parking lamps
2Low beams and daytime running lamps
*
3Automatic headlamp control, daytime run-
ning lamps
*, Adaptive Head Light*, and
High-beam assistant
*
Parking lamps
In switch position1, the front, rear and side
vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the
parking lamps for parking. For lighting on one
side for parking as an additional feature, refer to
page100.
The parking lamps drain the battery. Do
not leave them switched on for long peri-
ods of time; otherwise, it may no longer be pos-
sible to start the engine.<
Low beams
The low beams light up in switch position2 only
with the engine running. Otherwise, the parking
lamps are lit.
Automatic headlamp control
In the switch position3, the system activates
the low beams and switches them on or off in
response to changes in ambient light condi-
tions, for example in a tunnel, at dawn and dusk,
and in case of precipitation. The LED next to the
symbol is illuminated when the low beams are
on.When driving into a tunnel with bright overhead
lighting, switching on of the lights may be
delayed.
A blue sky with the sun low on the horizon can
cause the lights to be switched on.
The low beams remain switched on
regardless of the ambient light when you
switch on the front fog lamps.
When daytime running lamps are activated, the
low beams are always switched into switch
position3 whenever the ignition is switched
on.<
If so desired, the light switch can be left in the
position3. The exterior lighting is automatically
switched off after switching off the vehicle.
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determining when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the sensors
cannot detect fog of hazy weather. To avoid
safety risks, you should always switch on the
lamps manually under these conditions.<
Pathway lighting
After parking the vehicle and switching off the
headlamps, you can use the headlamp flasher
control to activate the low beams for a period of
roughly 40 seconds.
Pressing the button on the remote control,
refer to page33, also switches on the low
beams for approx. 40 seconds. In addition, the
door handle and interior lamps are switched on
for approx. 10 seconds.
Daytime running lamps*
If so desired, the light switch can remain in
position2 or 3.
The exterior lighting is automatically switched
off after switching off the vehicle.
Switch on the parking lamps if required as
described under Parking lamps.

Practical interior accessories
112 If the device cannot be operated after
repeated programming, check whether
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the
instructions of the original hand-held transmit-
ter or press and hold down the programmed
memory button1 of the integrated universal
remote control. If the LED2 on the integrated
universal remote control flashes rapidly for a
short time and then remains lit for approx.
2 seconds, then this indicates that the original
hand-held transmitter is equipped with an alter-
nating-code system. In the case of an alternat-
ing-code system, program the memory but-
tons1 as described in the Alternating-code
transmitters section below.<
Alternating-code transmitters
Consult the operating instructions of the unit
you wish to set when programming the univer-
sal remote control. You will find information
there on the possibilities for synchronization.
When programming hand-held transmitters
that employ an alternating code, please follow
the supplementary instructions below:
Programming will be easier with the aid of
a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the
remote-controlled device.
2.Program the integrated universal remote
control as described above in the Fixed-
code hand-held transmitters section.
3.Locate the button on the receiver of the
device you want to set up, e.g. on the upper
section of its motor.
4.Press the button on the receiver of the
device you want to set up. After step 4, you
have approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5.Press the programmable memory button1
on the integrated universal remote control
three times.
The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
If you have any additional questions,
please contact your BMW center.<
Clearing memory buttons
Press both outer buttons1 for approx. 20 sec-
onds, maintaining pressure until the LED2
starts to flash:
All of the memory buttons have been cleared.
It is not possible to clear individual memory
buttons1.
Roller sun blinds*
Rear window blind
Briefly press the button on the driver's door with
the ignition in radio ready state or higher.
Roller sun blinds for rear side windows
1Quarter window blind
2Side window blind
3Rear window blind
4Switching to the other side
Briefly press the corresponding button with the
ignition in radio ready state or higher.
The side window blind can not be
extended unless the side window is
closed. If the window is open, the blind will rise
slightly prior to immediately retracting to its
original position.<