
At a glance
 13Reference
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Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in 
different combinations and colors.
Some lamps are tested for proper function by 
briefly lighting up during starting of the engine 
or when the ignition is switched on.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the bottom edge of the Con-
trol Display explain the meaning of the dis-
played indicator and warning lamps.
Additional information, e.g. on the cause of a 
malfunction and on the corresponding need to 
take action can be displayed via the Check Con-
trol, refer to page82.In urgent cases, this information will be shown 
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps indicate that the 
associated functions are activated:
Handbrake applied62
Handbrake applied for Canadian 
models
Fog lamps
*110
DTC Dynamic Traction Control92
High beams/headlamp flasher109
Lamp flashes: 
DSC or DTC controls the drive and 
braking forces for maintaining vehicle 
stability91 

At a glance
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Mobility
1Microphone for hands-free mode for 
telephone
*
and for voice command system*23
2Reading lamps110
3SOS: initiating
 an emergency call244
4Interior lamps110
5Glass sunroof
*, electric41
Panorama glass sunroof43
6Passenger airbag status lamp100
7Control Display16 
Displays for menu navigation
8Hazard warning flashers
9Central locking system33
10Automatic climate control111
11Changing
>radio station166
>track166
12Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*140
>audio CD166
13Programmable memory/direct selection 
buttons2114Drive for navigation DVDs
*140
15Drive for audio CDs166
16Switching Entertainment sound output 
on/off and adjusting volume166
18Controller16
Turn, press or move horizontally in four 
directions
19Opening start menu on Control Display17 Temperature setting, 
left/right112
Automatic air distribution and 
volume112
Cooling function114
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control114
Recirculated-air mode114 
Maximum cooling114
Air volume113
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation113
Rear window defroster111
17
Heated seats*51
Active seat ventilation
*52
Adjusting active backrest 
width
*47
Active seat
*52
PDC Park Distance Control
*89
DTC Dynamic Traction Control91
Opening luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
*34,35 

Controls
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Mobility
Adaptive brake assistant*
In conjunction with the active cruise control 
with the stop-and-go function, the adaptive 
brake assistant ensures that the brake 
responds even more quickly during braking 
with the brake assistant.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels 
when starting off and accelerating. The system 
also identifies unstable driving conditions, such 
as a loss of traction at the rear of the vehicle or 
sliding of the vehicle in its front wheels. In these 
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe 
course within physical limits by reducing engine 
output and through braking actions in the indi-
vidual 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 restrict the additional 
safety margin with a risky driving style, as other-
wise there is a risk of an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster lights up, but not longer 
than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control and DSC are deactivated together. 
Stabilizing and drive output promoting actions 
are no longer executed. In addition, the stability 
promoting intervention of the active steering
* 
is deactivated, refer to page98.
A message appears on the Control Display. 
Please note any supplementary information 
that appears there.To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again 
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes: 
DSC controls the drive forces and 
brake forces. 
The indicator lamp lights up: 
DSC is deactivated.
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 on snowy inclines, in slush, or 
on unplowed, snow-covered road surfaces
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button briefly; the DTC indicator lamp 
in the instrument cluster lights up. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
92
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes: 
DTC controls the drive forces and 
brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: 
DTC is activated. 
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp 
in the instrument cluster goes out.
xDrive on 528xi, 535xi
xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of your 
BMW. The combined effects of xDrive and DSC 
further optimize the traction and dynamic driv-
ing characteristics. The 4-wheel drive system 
xDrive variably distributes the drive torque to 
the front and rear axle depending on the driving 
situation and prevailing road conditions.
HDC Hill Descent Control on 528xi, 
535xi
The concept
HDC is a system for driving downhill in steep 
terrain. This system reduces vehicle speed on 
steep downhill gradients, thus allowing you to 
maintain even better control of your BMW 
under these conditions. The vehicle moves at 
approximately twice walking speed without 
active intervention from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds 
below approx. 22 mph/35 km/h. When driving 
down steep hills with a speed below approx. 
22 mph/35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed 
automatically down to approximately double 
walking speed, approx. 7 mph/12 km/h, and 
then maintains this speed at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary 
this automatically controlled speed within a 
range extending from approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to 
15 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same 
range by using the lever of the cruise control
*.
Activating HDC
You can activate HDC:
>with the programmable buttons on the 
steering wheel, refer to page54
>using iDrive
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to 
page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "HDC" is selected and press 
the controller.
6.Select "HDC on" and press the controller.
HDC is shown in the instrument cluster.
If the vehicle is automatically braked, a message 
is displayed on the Control Display for approx. 
20 seconds.
Deactivating HDC
When you use the programmable buttons on 
the steering wheel or via iDrive, the HDC display 
goes out.
HDC is automatically deactivated in the follow-
ing situations:
>Above approx. 37 mph/60 km/h
>After switching off the ignition 

Wheels and tires
224
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 letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of 
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in 
the tire coding: DOT... 3406 indicates that the 
tire was manufactured in week 34 of 2006.
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 
Belted construction – radial
Rim diameter in inches
Carrying capacity ID-code
(not in ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in ZR tires before the R)
225/50 R1794 W
e.g.
Manufacturer code 
for tire make 
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3406 

Mobility
 227Reference
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Recommended tire brands
Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW 
depending on the tire size. You can recognize 
these from the clearly visible BMW marking on 
the tire sidewall.
When used properly, these tires comply with 
the most demanding standards for safety and 
vehicle response.
Run-flat tires
When mounting new tires, or changing from 
summer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-flat 
tires for your own safety. In addition, no spare 
tire is available in case of a flat tire. Your BMW 
center will be glad to advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends 
that you do not have damaged run-flat 
tires repaired; they should be replaced.<
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 observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise 
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
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 side wall of 
the tire.
Rotating wheels between axles
BMW does not recommend moving the front 
wheels to the rear or vice versa, as otherwise 
the handling characteristics may be impaired.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains, 
classifies them as road-safe and recommends 
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
Use is only permissible in pairs on the rear 
wheels.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when 
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed 
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
After mounting snow chains, do not ini-
tialize the Flat Tire Monitor, otherwise 
incorrect displays can occur.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page91.< 

Reference 267
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Destination for navigation
– destination list149
– entering via voice145
– entry142
– selecting from address 
book150
– selecting using 
information147
– storing150
Destination guidance154
– bypassing route 
sections158
– canceling voice 
instructions55
– changing specified 
route152
– displaying route155
– distance and arrival154
– interrupting154
– starting154
– terminating/continuing154
– voice instructions157
– volume of voice 
instructions158
Destination list for 
navigation149
Destinations recently driven 
to149
"Details" in audio 
mode181,187
"Detour" for navigation 
system161
"Dial" for mobile phone199
"Dial number"199
"Diamond button"55
Diamond button54
Digital clock77
Digital radio, refer to High 
Definition Radio174
Dimensions253
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals66
Direction announcements, 
refer to Voice 
instructions157
Direction instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions157Directory, refer to Phone 
book200
Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book149
Direct selection buttons21
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data252
"Display"87
Display, refer to iDrive 
controls16
Display elements, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Displaying vehicle data213
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting110
"Display off"21
Displays
– on Control Display, refer to 
iDrive16
– refer to Instrument 
cluster12
"Display settings"87,102
Displays on the windshield, 
refer to Head-Up 
Display101
Disposal
– battery of remote control 
with comfort access40
– coolant231
– vehicle battery242
Distance, refer to 
Computer79
Distance control, refer to 
Active cruise control69
"Distance to dest."79
Distance to destination, refer 
to Computer79
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control89
Divided rear backrest, refer to 
Through-loading 
system123
Door entry lighting110
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32Door locking, confirmation 
signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades224
Draft-free ventilation115
Drinks holder, refer to Cup 
holders121
"Driver's door only"31
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams107
Driving route, refer to 
Displaying route155
Driving stability control 
systems90
Driving through water133
Driving tips, refer to General 
driving notes132
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function114
Drying the air, refer to Cooling 
function114
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control91
– indicator lamp13,91
– malfunction93
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control
91
– activating91
– indicator lamp13,92
DVD for navigation140
Dynamic Drive93
Dynamic Driving Control65
"Dynamic route" for 
navigation152
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC91
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC91 

Reference 279
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Tone"167
Tone dialing method202
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting167
– middle setting169
Tone on locking/unlocking31
Tools, refer to Onboard 
toolkit234
"Top 8" for mobile phone200
Torque
– lug bolts, refer to After 
mounting241
– refer to Engine data252
Touch tone dialing, refer to 
Tone dialing method202
Tow bar248
Tow fitting247
Towing247
– methods248
– tow fittings247
– with automatic and sport 
automatic transmission248
– with manual 
transmission248
"Town / City" for destination 
entry143
Tow rope248
Tow-starting247
"TPM"96
TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor95
– resetting system96
– system limits96
– warning lamp97
Tracks
– random sequence182
– sampling on CD181
– selecting with CD180
Track width, refer to 
Dimensions253
Traction-assist feature, refer 
to DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control91
Traction control, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control91Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic 
information158
– refer to Bypassing route 
sections158
Traffic information for 
navigation
– depiction in route map160
– displaying159
– during destination 
guidance161
– symbols161
Traffic information with 
navigation158
"Traffic Info settings"159
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic62
– manually releasing 
transmission lock on 
automatic transmission with 
Steptronic64
– manual transmission62
– sport automatic 
transmission65
– starting assistant133
– towing247
Transmission positions, 
automatic transmission with 
Steptronic62
Transporting children 
safely56
Transport securing device, 
refer to Securing cargo135
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tire tread225
Treble, refer to Tone 
control167
"Treble", tone control168
"Trip computer"80
Trip computer79
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer77
"Triple turn signal"66
Trip odometer77
Trunk, refer to Cargo bay
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate35Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions253
Turning lamps109
– replacing bulbs237
Turn signals66
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs237
U
Underbody protection, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR224
"Units"87
Units
– average fuel 
consumption87
– temperature87
Universal garage-door 
opener, refer to Integrated 
universal remote 
control118
Universal remote control118
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside33
– from outside30
– without key, refer to Comfort 
access39
Unlocking without key, refer to 
Comfort access39
"Update services"211
USB/audio interface186
"USB" in audio 
mode185,187
"Use current location as 
address"150,152
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal242
– refer to Replacing battery40
Using turn signals66