Driving
58
Special starting conditions
In the following situations, press the gas pedal
halfway down when starting:
>The engine fails to start on the first attempt,
for instance if it is very hot or cold.
>The engine is being started at extremely low
temperatures below + 57/– 156, or at
high altitudes above 3,281 ft/1,000 m.
Avoid frequent starts in rapid succession
or repeated starting attempts in which the
engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is
either left unspent or is insufficiently burned
and there is a risk of overheating and damaging
the catalytic converter.<
Switching off engine
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
remote control with you.<
With the vehicle stationary, briefly press the
Start/Stop button. Radio ready state is switched
on.
The transmission automatically shifts to
position P: interlock.
Before driving into a car wash
The transmission remains in position N and the
vehicle can roll when you perform the following
sequence:
1.With Comfort Access: insert remote control
into ignition lock.
2.With the engine running, shift transmission
into position N.
3.Switch engine off.
4.Leave the remote control in the ignition
lock.
The transmission will shift into position P:
>automatically after approx. 30 minutes
>if you remove the remote control from the
ignition lock
Observe the messages on the Info Display.
Removing remote control from ignition
lock
Press in the remote control briefly; it pops part-
way out. This procedure will also switch off the
ignition if it is on.
Comfort function
To switch off the engine when the vehicle is sta-
tionary, press the Start/Stop button for longer
than approx. 2 seconds. The remote control
pops partway out.
Parking brake
The concept
Your BMW is equipped with an electromechan-
ical parking brake.
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked.
You can use the parking brake in two ways:
>Manually, by briefly pressing the button
>Automatically, by activating the Automatic
Hold mode, refer to page59.
An electrohydraulic mechanism then engages
the parking brake to prevent the rear wheels
from turning whenever you switch off the
engine.
When the engine is running, parking brake
engagement is controlled by the brake sys-
tem's hydraulic circuits, which act on the disc
brakes in the front and rear wheels.
Brake pedal feel
The hydraulic brake system can produce a
slightly different braking feel. Engagement may
also be accompanied by activation noise – this
is normal.
Controls
61Reference
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1.If necessary, start by releasing the parking
brake manually.
2.Then release the automatic transmission's
transmission lock manually, refer to
page64.
Jump starting and tow starting, refer to
pages213 and214.
What you will need
1Screwdriver handle
2Unlocking tool
310 mm open-end wrench
You will find the required tools in the onboard
tool kit mounted on the inside of the luggage
compartment lid, refer to page207.
Insert the release tool into the screwdriver han-
dle as shown in the illustration.
Releasing
1.Remove the floor mat and the cover above
the spare tire.
2.With the attached screwdriver handle,
insert the release tool into the opening,
arrow1.
3.Fit the open-end wrench onto the hexago-
nal section of the release tool.
Insert the release tool counter to the spring force until the stop is reached, press and
rotate in the arrow direction2 until it notice-
ably engages and meets a perceptible
resistance.
4.Without releasing, continue to turn counter
to the mechanical resistance of the drive
unit in the arrow direction 2 until you can
feel a significant increase in the force of the
resistance.
To prevent possible damage to the
rear brakes, always make sure that
the parking brake is completely released
before driving the vehicle.<
5.Return the tools to their places.
6.Return the spare tire cover and the floor mat
to their original locations.
Have a malfunction corrected only by a
BMW center or a repair shop that works in
accordance with BMW guidelines and uses
appropriately trained personnel. Only techni-
cians can return the parking brake to normal
operational status after it has been released
manually in response to a malfunction.<
Following manual release, the actual sta-
tus of the parking brake may deviate from
that displayed by the indicator lamp.<
Operation after interruptions in power
supply
The parking brake can only be used again
if it was manually released due to an inter-
ruption in the supply of electrical power. Other-
wise, the function of the parking brake is not
guaranteed and there is a danger of the vehicle
rolling despite the parking brake being
engaged.<
Once the electrical power supply has been
restored, you can again use the parking brake:
With the ignition on and the vehicle
stationary, briefly press the button
three times at intervals of approx.
5 seconds. This executes the fol-
lowing initialization sequence:
>Initializing the disengaged setting.
>Engaging: the system registers the new
status and the brake setting is initialized.
Controls
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Deactivating system
>Press the lever up or down, arrow3 for
approx. 3 seconds
>or switch off the ignition.
The stored speed5 is deleted, however the
stored marks6 are retained.
Active cruise control*
The concept
With active cruise control you can select a
desired speed which is not only automatically
maintained when driving on open roadways, but
also varied to maintain a selected distance set-
ting as slower traffic is encountered.
Active cruise control represents a technological
advance over the familiar cruise control and is a
welcome relief from the constant adjustment of
speed that can accompany driving in traffic on
highways or other high-speed thoroughfares.
Especially on longer trips, the system can
reduce fatigue and tension, while increasing
your enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely
and responsibly.
In addition to holding a steady cruising speed,
if you encounter slower vehicles ahead, active
cruise control will, within the scope of given
possibilities, adjust your vehicle's speed auto-
matically so that you can flow with the traffic
without having to make constant adjustments.
If, for example, while cruising at the selected
speed, you begin to approach a slower vehicle
ahead of you in the same lane, the system will
reduce your vehicle's speed to the same as that
of the vehicle ahead to maintain your selected
distance setting between your vehicle and the
vehicle ahead. You can vary the distance, which
is additionally speed-dependent. Based on
your selected distance setting, the system
automatically decreases the throttle setting and
lightly applies the brakes if necessary. The vehi-
cle brake lamps will automatically illuminate to
signal a following driver to take action. In addi-
tion, it may be necessary for the vehicle to
downshift to maintain the distance setting
selected. If the vehicle ahead speeds up or when the lane ahead becomes clear, your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have
selected by increasing the throttle setting and
shifting gears as needed. Your selected speed
will be maintained when driving downhill, too.
Active cruise control is not and must not
be used as a collision avoidance/warning
system.<
Since this active cruise control system is
a new technology and operates differ-
ently from conventional cruise control systems
to which you may be accustomed, you are
strongly urged to read all of the pages relating
to this system before use. Pay special attention
to the information contained in the Things to
know about active cruise control section begin-
ning on page73.<
Brake pedal feel
>When the system brakes and you also
depress the brake pedal, a somewhat differ-
ent braking feeling results.
>Any noises produced during automatic
braking are normal.
Applications
As with conventional cruise control systems,
active cruise control in no way diminishes or
substitutes for the driver's own personal
responsibility, alertness and awareness in
adjusting speed, braking or otherwise control-
ling the vehicle. The driver should decide when
to use the system on the basis of road, traffic,
visibility, and weather conditions. Active cruise
control is intended for use on highway-type
roadways where traffic is moving relatively
smoothly. Do not use this system in city driving;
heavy traffic such as during rush hour; on curvy,
winding roads, slippery roads or roads with
sharp curves such as highway off-ramps; during
inclement weather such as snow, strong rain or
fog; or when entering interchanges, service/
parking areas or toll booths. It is also important
to regulate your vehicle's speed and distance
setting within applicable legal limits. Always be
ready to take action or apply the brakes if nec-
essary, especially when the system is actively
Controls
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Things to know about active cruise control
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise
controlling the vehicle. The driver should
decide when to use the system on the basis of
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions.
Active cruise control is intended for use on
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush
hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery roads or
roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow,
strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parking areas or toll booths.
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's
speed and distance setting within applicable
legal limits. Always be ready to take action or
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when
the system is actively following a vehicle in front
of you.<
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system do have physical limita-
tions. 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, for example when approaching 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
motorcycles or bicycles. Be especially alert
when encountering any of these situations as
the system 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
alertness.<
When your vehicle is actively following a vehicle
in front of you, if the vehicle ahead speeds up or
the lane ahead becomes clear, then your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have
selected. Be aware that changing to a clear,
unobstructed lane may also result in accelera-
tion of your vehicle.
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.
Active cruise control can only decelerate the
vehicle to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. If the sys-
tem reduces vehicle speed below 20 mph/
30 km/h or if DSC/ABS is engaged while driving,
the system will automatically deactivate.
Remember, the system cannot stop your
vehicle. In addition, the system is deacti-
vated whenever the driver applies the vehicle
brakes, shifts the transmission from drive/D to
neutral/N, or deactivates DSC. After any deacti-
vation, the system will no longer automatically
activate the vehicle brakes, which means the
driver must intervene and resume manual brak-
ing. You should then reactivate the system only
when you are fully aware of the prior speed and
distance settings.<
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.<
Controls
87Reference
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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 "PDC pic." and press the controller.
This activates the PDC display.
The display appears as soon as PDC is acti-
vated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
To exit the menu:
Select the arrow and press the controller.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any objects always remains with the
driver. Even when sensors are involved, there is
a blind spot in which objects cannot be
detected. The system's detection of objects is
also subject to the physical limits that apply to
all forms of ultrasonic measurement, such as
those encountered with tow bars and trailer
couplings, as well as thin and wedge-shaped
objects, etc. It is also possible that low objects
already displayed, such as curb edges, may come into the blind spot of the sensors before a
continuous signal sounds or that the system will
fail to detect higher, projecting obstacles such
as ledges. Loud noises from outside and inside
the vehicle may also prevent you from hearing
the PDC's 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
page123.
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
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure a 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 pedal
for the duration of the full braking.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when starting off and accelerating. DSC also
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.
Things to remember when driving
122
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts need time to adjust to one
another. To ensure that your vehicle continues
to furnish optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing information.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive with changing engine and vehicle speeds,
but do not exceed:
4500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode during these
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors.
Following component replacements
Follow the break-in sequence again if compo-
nents addressed above must be replaced again
during subsequent driving.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could pene-
trate into the passenger compartment.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
luggage compartment lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Adjust the automatic climate control's
blower to supply a high rate of airflow, refer
to page106.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated on exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed adja-
cent to it, and never apply undercoating to
them. When driving, standing at idle, and park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, accompa-
nied by the risk of serious property damage and
personal injury.<
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW does not recommend using 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 communications
device can affect each other. In addition, there
is no assurance that the radiation which results
during transmission will be discharged from the
vehicle interior.<