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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
>in dense fog, heavy rain or snowfall
>when displaying very hot objects such as
transformers, car exhausts etc.
>when the image briefly freezes during nor-
mal system adjustment.
BMW Night Vision's potential benefits
can be limited by the driving style of the
driver, the size and relative temperature of the
detected objects, dirt or contamination on the
camera lens, adverse weather like snow, rain, or
fog, and other factors not mentioned here. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to drive at a
speed and in a manner that recognizes potential
hazards and to adjust accordingly.
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
98 BMW Night Vision is not a substitute or replace-
ment for driver responsibility or for adapting to
the visibility conditions and the traffic situation.
The forward view illuminated by the headlamps
must always be the basis for making safe driv-
ing decisions; otherwise, a safety risk will
result.<
Activating BMW Night Vision
1.Turn the light switch to position2 or3, refer
to page100.
2.When the low beams are switched on:
>Press the button.
>Press the button.
Programming button on the steering
wheel, refer to page52.
The image will be displayed on the Control Dis-
play after a few seconds. Depending on the last
mode selected, either the normal or full screen
image will be displayed.
Due to the system's need to adjust periodically,
a still image is displayed at certain intervals for
fractions of a second. This is normal and not an
indication of a problem.
To prevent driving without headlamps, at a
speed of more than approx. 3 mph/5 km/h and
when dark, the thermal image on the Control Display is only shown when the low beams are
on.
BMW Night Vision is not available on the
rear screen. When the system is active,
neither the navigation system nor BMW Assist
can be started from the rear screen.<
Deactivating BMW Night Vision
>Press the button.
>Press the button.
>Press the button.
>Make a selection with the controller, i. e.:
change the radio station or make a phone
call. For iDrive details, refer to page16.
Selecting settings
1.Activate BMW Night Vision.
2.Press the controller to display the menu
items.
3.Select the menu item and press the control-
ler:
>"Zoom":
At higher speeds, the image is zoomed
in.
>"Curve mode":
Depending on the steering angle and
other parameters, the image section fol-
lows the course of the road to some
degree.
>"Full screen":
The image is shown on the entire Con-
trol Display.
>"Contrast":
The contrast of the screen can be
adjusted, refer to page172.
Lamps
100
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lamps off and daytime running lamps*
1Parking lamps and daytime running lamps*
2Low beams
3Automatic headlamp control, daytime run-
ning lamps
* and Adaptive Head Light*
If you open the driver's door when the ignition is
switched off, then the exterior lighting is
switched off if the light switch is in position0, 2
or3.
Parking lamps
In switch position1, the front, rear and side
vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the
parking lamps for parking.
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. It is preferable to
switch on the left-hand or right-hand roadside
parking lamps, refer to page101.<
Low beams
The low beams light up when the light switch is
in position 2 and the ignition is on.
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.
The low beams may be switched on when the
sun is low on the horizon in a clear sky.
The low beams remain switched on
regardless of the ambient light when you
switch on the front fog lamps.<
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 or 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 page32, 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*
The daytime running lamps light up in posi-
tion0, 1 or3. The light output is lower than with
the low-beam headlamps.
If the light switch remains in position1, then the
parking lamps are lit after the ignition is
switched off.
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that enables dynamic illumina-
tion of the road surface. Depending on the
steering angle and other parameters, the light
Lamps
102
Switching interior lamps on and off
Briefly press the button.
If you wish the interior lamps, footwell lamps,
door entry lighting, and the perimeter lighting to
stay off, press and hold the button for approx.
3seconds.
To revert to normal operation, briefly press the
button.
The button for the interior lamps in the rear pas-
senger area only switches these lamps on and
off.
Reading lamps
Reading lamps are provided in the front and
rear, adjacent to the interior lamps. They can be
switched on and off with the respective button
located next to the them.
To avoid discharging the battery, all of the
vehicle's interior lamps are automatically
extinguished approx. 15 minutes after the igni-
tion is switched off.<
Controls
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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 "Climate".
3.Turn the controller to select driver's side or
passenger side.
4.Turn the controller to select the field.
5.Press the controller repeatedly until the
desired program is displayed:
>"low"
>"medium"
>"high"
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:
>LEDs off: outside air flows into the vehicle
continuously.
>Left LED on, AUC mode: the system
detects pollutants in the outside air and
responds by blocking the supply of outside
air when required.
>Right LED on, recirculated-air mode: the
supply of outside air into the vehicle is con-
tinuously blocked.If the windows fog over in recirculated-air
mode, then press the AUTO button or
switch off the recirculated-air mode and
increase the air quantity as needed.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
over a longer period of time, as the air quality
inside the vehicle deteriorates continuously.<
Automatic climate control, switching
on and off
The air volume, the heater, and the
air conditioner mode are all
switched off.
You can restart the automatic climate control by
pressing any of its buttons except the REST
button.
Temperature adjustment
Adjust the desired temperature
individually on the driver's side and
passenger side. Your settings
appear on the status line of the
Control Display.
The automatic climate control achieves this
temperature as quickly as possible 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.<
The highest setting switches on the maximum
heat output regardless of the outside tempera-
ture. The lowest setting activates maximum air
conditioning.
Using iDrive
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Climate".
3.Turn the controller to select driver's side or
passenger side.
4.Turn the controller to select the field and
press the controller.
Practical interior accessories
112 The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the system when the engine is
running or when the ignition is switched on.
If the device cannot be used 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-
tons 1 as described in the Alternating-code
hand-held transmitters section below.<
Alternating-code hand-held
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 drive unit.
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.<
Deleting stored programs
Press the left and right memory buttons1 for
approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 flashes rap-
idly:
All stored programs are deleted.
It is not possible to delete individual programs.
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
Controls
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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 side window is open, the blind will
rise slightly prior to immediately retracting to its
original position.<
To avoid injuries, make sure that the clos-
ing region of the roller blind is clear.
Press the safety switch on the driver's door,
refer to page40. The LED must light up. This
precaution prevents children from operating
the sun blinds using the rear switches, etc.
When leaving the vehicle parked, remove the
remote control from the ignition lock and close
the doors; this precaution prevents children
from operating the roller sun blinds and injuring
themselves.<
Automatically extending and retracting
sun blinds
You can run the sun blinds up and down
together when you press and hold the button3
longer.
Glove compartment
Releasing
Press button. The glove compartment opens
automatically and the light comes on.
Closing
Fold the cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven,
close the glove compartment immediately after
use.<
Rechargeable flashlight
The flashlight is located on the left side of the
glove compartment.
The flashlight can remain plugged in continu-
ously. Remove the flashlight from the socket
when needed.
Be sure that the flashlight is switched off
when it is inserted into its holder. Failure
to comply with this precaution could lead to
overcharging and damage.<
Front center armrest
A storage compartment is located in the center
armrest between the front seats. Briefly press
the buttons to open.
1Open the right cover
2Open the left cover
The mat inside the compartment can be
removed for cleaning.
Driving tips
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Mobility
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between tires and
road surface, ultimately undermining your abil-
ity to steer and brake the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Only drive through water with a maximum
depth of 1 ft/30 cm and then, at no more
than walking speed. Otherwise, you run the risk
of damaging the vehicle's engine, electrical sys-
tems, and transmission.<
Safe braking
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard
equipment. In situations that require it, it is best
to apply the brakes fully. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When driving in wet conditions and in heavy
rain, it is a good idea to apply light pressure to
the brake pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic
conditions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The heat gener-
ated helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and reduced effi-
ciency of the brake system, drive long or
steep downhill grades in the gear that requires
the least amount of braking. Otherwise, even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear, and possibly
even failure of the brake system.
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches,
refer to page63. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
Do not drive in idle or with the engine
switched off; otherwise, there will be no
engine braking action or power-assist for the
brakes and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimal
pressure that must be exerted by the pads dur-
ing brake applications to clean the rotors is not
reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic climate
control during operation, and then exits under
the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under
the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
1.Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page50;
otherwise, they could be damaged due to
the width of the vehicle.
To permit the vehicle to roll, follow the
instructions on page58.
2.Release the parking brake, especially when
you have activated Automatic Hold. Refer to
page59.