
Driving
72 The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance, given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and State driving 
recommendations for safe following distance. 
Otherwise, a violation of the law or risk of an 
accident could result.<
Interrupting cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, and with 
the vehicle stopped also depress the brake 
pedal. The marking in the speedometer 
changes color and the distance indicator goes 
out.
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted:
>when you apply the vehicle brakes
>when you shift the transmission>when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>when DSC comes on
>when you apply the handbrake
>when you release the safety belt and open 
the driver's door with the vehicle stopped
>when the system does not recognize any 
objects for an extended period of time, e. g. 
on infrequently traveled roads without a 
shoulder or guard rails, or if the radar sensor 
is covered with dirt, refer to page73
If the system is interrupted, then it is nec-
essary for the driver to actively intervene 
by braking and steering. Otherwise, there is a 
risk of an accident.<
Resuming stored desired speed and 
distance
While driving
Press button4.
The displays appear in the instrument cluster.
While stopped
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine 
running, engage position P of the auto-
matic transmission and apply the handbrake. 
Otherwise the vehicle can roll.<
If a detected vehicle in front of you brakes to a 
complete stop and your vehicle has also been 
braked to a complete stop by the system:
>If the vehicle in front of you drives off while 
the marking1 for the desired speed in the 
speedometer is green, your vehicle will 
accelerate without you having to do any-
thing.
>If the vehicle in front of you drives off while 
the marking1 is orange, you briefly depress 
the accelerator pedal or press button4. 
Rolling bars in the distance indicator3 
mean that the vehicle in front of you has 
driven off. Distance 1, closest
Distance 2
Distance 3
Distance 4, furthest
This distance is always set when 
you activate the system. 

Controls
 73Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
If you are stopped behind a vehicle with the 
brake pedal depressed and the system is inter-
rupted or deactivated:
1.Press button4 to activate a stored desired 
speed or select a desired speed with the 
lever, arrow1 or arrow2.
2.Release the brake pedal.
3.If the vehicle in front of you drives off, briefly 
depress the accelerator pedal or press 
button4.
Deactivating system
>Press the lever upward or downward twice 
while driving.
>When stopped, do the same with the brake 
pedal depressed.
>Switch off the ignition.
The displays turn off, and the stored desired 
speed and distance are deleted.
Displays in instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
>Green: the system is active.
>Orange: the system is interrupted.
2Lights up yellow: vehicle detected ahead
Display also used for warnings, please read 
all information on warnings
3Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated
The bars roll: the vehicle in front of you has 
driven off
4Brief display of stored desired speedIf the display --- mph/--- km/h appears 
briefly, the conditions necessary for oper-
ation may currently not be met.<
Warning lamps
The indicator2 continuously 
flashes yellow.
The prerequisites for operating the 
system are no longer met, e.g. as a 
result of ABS or DSC interven-
tions. The system brakes until you actively take 
over.
The indicator2 flashes red; a sig-
nal sounds.
The system indicates that you 
must brake and/or maneuver the 
vehicle yourself. The system can-
not automatically restore the distance to the 
vehicle driving ahead. 
However, this display cannot relieve the driver 
of the responsibility for adjusting the desired 
speed and driving style to the traffic conditions.
Radar sensors 
1Long-range sensor
2Location of the short-range sensors behind 
the bumper
3Location of the short-range sensors behind 
the bumper with the M sports package
*
Heavy rain and also dirt, snow or ice can limit 
the detection of vehicles ahead. If needed, 
clean the radar sensor under the front bumper 
as well as the bumper area covering the short 
range sensors. When doing so, be particularly 
careful in removing layers of snow and ice. 

Driving
74 Do not apply adhesive labels etc. in the area of 
the short-range sensors.If the sensor is not aligned properly, e. g. due to 
damage, the active cruise control cannot be 
activated.
System limitations
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; in complex driving situations; 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, ser-
vice/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 sys-
tem 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. For example, vehicles driving ahead, 
which suddenly brake heavily in stop-and-go 
traffic during acceleration, may no longer be 
detected. It will not apply the brakes or deceler-
ate your vehicle when there is a very slow-mov-
ing vehicle, stopped vehicle or stationary object 
ahead of you, for example when approaching a 
traffic light or a parked vehicle or when a vehicle 
is stalled in your lane. Also, the system does not react to oncoming traffic, pedestrians or other 
types of potential traffic such as a rider on a 
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.<
The system cannot allow the vehicle to drive off 
automatically in situations that make driving off 
considerably more difficult, e.g. on steep uphill 
grades, with a heavy trailer or before raised 
areas in the road.
Near radio astronomy stations, the system 
radar is deactivated at speeds under 20 mph/
30 km/h due to legal regulations.
Be certain to interrupt 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.
In addition, the system is interrupted 
whenever the driver applies the vehicle 
brakes, shifts the transmission from drive/D to  

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
90 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.Turn the controller until "Settings" is 
selected and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller until "Vehicle / Tires" is 
selected and press the controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "PDC" is selected and press 
the controller.
6.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.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for 
estimating the distance between the 
vehicle and any obstructions always remains 
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can 
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms 
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those encountered with tow bars and trailer cou-
plings, or thin and wedge-shaped objects etc. 
Low objects already displayed, e. g. curbs, can 
also disappear from the detection area of the 
sensors again before or after a continuous tone 
already sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. 
ledges, cannot be detected. 
Loud sources of sound, inside and outside the 
vehicle, could drown out 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 locking of the wheels during 
braking. Safe steering response is maintained 
even during full braking. Active safety is thus 
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the 
engine. Braking safely refer to page133.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking during curves or when braking 
during a lane change, driving stability and steer-
ing response are improved further.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the 
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake assistant
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. 

Maintenance
232
Maintenance
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, a complete dealer service history 
will prove to be 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 page80:
>Engine oil
>Brake pads, front and rear separately
>Brake fluid
>Vehicle check>Legally mandated inspections depending 
on local regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores the information required 
maintenance continuously in the remote con-
trol during driving. 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 vehi-
cle. You should therefore hand over the remote 
control you last used to drive to the BMW Ser-
vice Advisor when you take your vehicle in for 
service.
Make sure the date is set correctly, refer 
to page86, otherwise the effectiveness 
of CBS Condition Based Service 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.
BMW recommends that you have service 
and repair operations performed 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.< 

Everything from A to Z
262
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 
System90
– indicator/warning lamp93
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control69
Accepted calls200
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency 
call244
Acoustic signal, refer to Check 
Control82
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate 
control115
"Activation time" for parked-
car ventilation116
Active cruise control69
– indicator lamp73
– radar sensors73
– selecting distance71
– warning lamps73
Active head restraints, 
front49
Active seat52
Active seat ventilation52
Active steering98
– warning lamp98
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to 
Brake force display99
Adaptive Head Light109
"Add digits" for mobile 
phone200Additives
– coolant231
– engine oil, refer to Approved 
engine oils230
"Address book" for navigation 
system149
Address for navigation
– deleting151
– entering142,145
– selecting150
– storing150
– storing current position150
"Add to address book"149
"Add to destination 
list"145,146
Adjusting active backrest 
width47
Adjusting interior 
temperature112
Adjusting the tone during 
audio operation, refer to 
Tone control167
Adjusting thigh support46
Adjustment in audio mode
– front/rear balance168
– right/left balance168
"After door opened"48
"After unlocking"48
Airbags99
– indicator/warning lamp101
– indicator lamp for front 
passenger airbags100
– sitting safely45
Air distribution
– automatic112
– manual113
Airing, refer to Ventilation115
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic 
recirculated-air control114
– recirculated-air mode114"Air recirculation on / off"55
Air supply, automatic climate 
control111
Air volume113
AKI, refer to Fuel quality217
Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms38
– interior motion sensor38
– switching off alarm38
– switching off tilt alarm 
sensor and interior motion 
sensor38
– tilt alarm sensor38
"All channels"177
"All doors"31
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires227
"All stations", calling up with 
radio170,173
All-wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive92
Alterations, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road158
"AM", reception 
range166,170
Antenna, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Antenna for mobile phone192
Antifreeze
– coolant231
– washer fluid68
Antilock Brake System 
ABS90
– indicator/warning lamp93
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system37
Anti-theft system, refer to 
Central locking system30
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights255 

Everything from A to Z
274 Parking assistant, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control89
Parking brake, refer to 
Handbrake62
Parking lamps107
– replacing bulbs236
Parts and accessories6
Passenger-side exterior 
mirror, tilting down53
"Pathway lighting"108
Pathway lighting108
"PDC"90
"PDC display on"90
PDC Park Distance Control89
Personal Profile29
"Perspective"156
"Phone"194,196,199
Phone book198
– changing entry200
– creating and editing voice 
phone book204
– deleting all entries201
– deleting entry201
– dialing phone number200
Phone numbers
– deleting from phone 
book201
– dialing199
– most recent numbers201
– selecting in phone book201
– Top 8201
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof, electric42
– panorama glass sunroof44
– power windows41
Plasters, refer to First-aid 
kit245
Plastic, refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
"Play" on the radio178
Plug-in unit for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock60
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter115Position
– displaying162
– storing150
Power failure242
Power windows, refer to 
Windows40
Preselecting activation times 
of the parked car 
ventilation116
"Presets" on the 
radio170,177
Pressure, tires218
Pressure monitoring of tires, 
refer to TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor95
"Profile"213
Programmable buttons on 
steering wheel54
Programmable memory 
buttons21
Protective function, refer to 
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof, electric42
– panorama glass sunroof44
– windows41
R
Radio
– autostore172
– controls166
– High Definition Radio174
– sampling stations171
– satellite radio176
– selecting frequency 
manually171
– selecting 
waveband166,170
– station search171
– station selection170
– station with the best 
reception172
– storing stations172
– switching on/off166
– tone control167
– volume167
– Weather Band, refer to 
Weather news flashes174Radio key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Radio position, refer to Radio 
readiness60
Radio readiness60
– switched off61
– switched on60
– with comfort access40
Radio stations, storing172
Rain sensor67
"Random", random play 
sequence182
"Random all" in audio 
mode183
"Random directory" in audio 
mode182
"RDS"173
Reading lamps110
Rear armrest, refer to Center 
armrest, rear123
Rear lamps, refer to Tail 
lamps237
– replacing bulbs237
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints49
– folding over backrest123
– heating52
– removing head restraints50
Rear socket123
Rear ventilation115
Rearview mirror52
Rear window
– changing wiper blade234
– heating113
– opening and closing on 
Sports Wagon35
– roller sun blind, refer to Sun 
blinds119
– window wiper on Sports 
Wagon68,134
Rear window safety switch41
"Received calls"200
Reception
– quality173
– radio stations173
– regional station172 

Everything from A to Z
278 "Store in address book" for 
navigation system150
"Store" on the radio172,178
Storing current position150
Storing radio stations172
Storing sitting position, refer 
to Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory47
Storing tires227
"Street" for destination 
entry144
Summer tires, refer to Wheels 
and tires218
Sun blinds119
"Surround Settings", refer to 
Tone control168,169
SW, waveband170
Swinging up floor panel, 
Sports Wagon126
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off engine61
Switching on
– audio166
– CD changer166
– CD player166
– radio166
Switching on hour signal86
Swiveling headlamps, refer to 
Adaptive Head Light109
Symbols4
– indicator/warning lamps13
– navigation system161
– status information20
– traffic information with 
navigation system158
T
Tachometer77
"Tailgate"36
Tailgate34
– automatic operation36
– emergency operation, refer 
to Opening manually36
– locking and unlocking from 
inside33
– opening from inside35Tail lamps237
– replacing bulbs237
Tank contents, refer to 
Capacities256
Target cursor for 
navigation147
Technical alterations, refer to 
For your own safety5
Technical data252
– capacities256
– dimensions253
Telematics, refer to 
BMW Assist207
Telephone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest120
– refer to Mobile phone192
"Telephone list"55
TeleService209
Temperature
– adjusting in upper body 
region112
– adjusting with automatic 
climate control112
– changing units of 
measure87
– refer to Coolant 
temperature77
Temperature display
– changing units of 
measure87
– outside temperature77
– outside temperature 
warning77
Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control68
"Terminate services"212
"Text language"87
"Theater", refer to Tone 
control169
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to 
Center brake lamp238
Through-loading system123
Tightening torque of the lug 
bolts, refer to After 
mounting241Tilt alarm sensor38
– switching off38
Tilting down passenger-side 
exterior mirror53
"Time"86
"Time format"86
Timer, refer to Preselecting 
activation times
116
"Timer 1" for parked-car 
ventilation116
"Timer 2" for parked-car 
ventilation116
Tire inflation pressures218
Tire pressure loss95,96
Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM95
Tire Quality Grading224
Tire replacement, new wheels 
and tires226
Tires
– age224
– air loss95,97
– breaking-in132
– changing226
– condition225
– damage225
– flat tire, refer to Changing 
wheels239
– inflation pressure218
– new wheels and tires226
– pressure monitoring, refer to 
Flat Tire Monitor94
– pressure monitoring, refer to 
TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor95
– replacing239
– retreaded tires226
– run-flat tires226
– size224
– tread225
– wear indicators225
– wheel/tire combination226
– winter tires227
Tire trouble
– changing wheels239
– compact wheel241
TMC station, refer to Traffic 
information158