
Controls
 59Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
It is only possible to disengage the parking 
brake with the ignition on.
If exceptional circumstances should make it 
necessary to engage the parking brake while 
the vehicle is in motion, maintain pressure on 
the button. 
The indicator lamp on the Info Display lights up 
in red, a chime sounds, and the brake lamps 
light up.
The vehicle continues to brake forcefully for as 
long as you maintain pressure on the button. 
When you brake the vehicle almost to a stop, 
i.e., down to a speed of approximately 2 mph/
3 km/h or below, the parking brake remains 
engaged.
Manual release
Briefly press the button with the ignition 
switched on.
The indicator lamp  on the Info Display goes 
out.
As long as the remote control is inserted 
into the ignition lock, you can also release 
the parking brake after the engine has been 
switched off. This function is useful, for exam-
ple, in automatic car washes, refer to 
page123<
When leaving the vehicle, always bring 
the remote control with you; this precau-
tion prevents children from disengaging the 
parking brake, for example.<
Automatic Hold
You can activate the system after starting the 
engine; it then remains operational until the 
next time the engine is switched off.
This feature provides additional assistance dur-
ing vehicle operation by automatically engaging 
and releasing the parking brake during stops at 
traffic lights, in stop-and-go traffic, etc. The 
vehicle is automatically held in place so as to 
suppress the tendency to creep when the 
transmission is in drive.
It also prevents the vehicle from rolling back-
ward during uphill starts. 
The parking brake engages automatically when 
you stop the vehicle and switch off the engine.You can activate or deactivate Automatic Hold 
via the "Settings" menu in iDrive.
Activation/deactivation
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 "AUTO P". Press the controller to 
activate/deactivate the desired function.
>Automatic Hold is activated. 
The green AUTO P status message on the 
Info Display indicates that the system is 
ready for operation.
>Automatic Hold is deactivated. 
The green AUTO P status message disap-
pears from the Info Display.
You can program the programmable but-
ton on the steering wheel with the Auto-
matic Hold function, refer to page52. This gives 
you the option of being able to quickly activate 
or deactivate Automatic Hold without distract-
ing your attention from the road.<
Driving
The parking brake engages automatically when 
the vehicle comes to a stop. 
The indicator lamp  on Info Display lights up 
green.
To start off again, simply press the accelerator 
pedal. The parking brake is released automati-
cally; the indicator lamp goes out.
Do not drive through an automatic car 
wash with the Automatic Hold on and the 
engine running. Otherwise, the system will  

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 is activated approx. 1 second after 
you engage the transmission position R with 
the engine running or the ignition switched on.
Wait this short period before proceeding.
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.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16. 

Driving tips
 123Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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. 

Giving and receiving assistance
220 Select "BMW Assist" if you have applied for this 
information service, refer to Roadside Assis-
tance on page190.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is conveniently stored in 
the onboard tool kit mounted on the inside of 
the luggage compartment lid.
First-aid kit*
The first-aid kit is also located in the container 
of the onboard tool kit.
Some of the articles contained in the first-aid kit 
have a limited service life. Check the expiration 
dates of the contents regularly and replace the 
contents concerned in a timely fashion as 
needed.
Jump starting
When your battery is discharged, you can use 
two jumper cables to start your vehicle with 
power from the battery in a second vehicle. You 
can also use the same method to help start 
another vehicle. Use only jumper cables with 
fully-insulated terminal clamps.
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury, 
always avoid all contact with electrical 
components while the engine is running. Care-
fully adhere to the following sequence, both to 
prevent damage to one or both vehicles, and to 
guard against possible personal injury.<
Preparing
1.Check whether the battery of the other 
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and 
approximately the same capacitance in Ah. 
This information is listed on the battery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any electrical systems and com-
ponents in both vehicles.
Make sure that there is no contact 
between the bodywork of the two vehi-
cles; otherwise, there is a danger of short cir-
cuits.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks, fol-
low this sequence when connecting jum-
per cables.<
In your BMW, the so-called jump starting termi-
nal in the engine compartment functions as the 
positive battery terminal. The symbol + is 
embossed on the cover.
1.Remove the cover of the BMW jump start-
ing terminal, refer to arrow1.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+ 
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the 
battery or a jump starting terminal of the 
vehicle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second positive/+ clamp of the 
jumper cable to the positive battery terminal 
or to a jump starting terminal on the vehicle 
to be started.
4.Attach one negative/– clamp of the jumper 
cable to the negative battery terminal or to 
an engine or body ground of the assisting 
vehicle.  

Everything from A to Z
232
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
"ABC...", navigation131
ABS Antilock Brake 
System87
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control69
"ACCEPT", 
navigation140,148
Accessories, refer to Your 
individual vehicle5
Accident, refer to
– Initiating an emergency 
call219
– Roadside 
Assistance190,219
Activated-charcoal filter107
Activating
– BMW Assist193
– High Definition Radio162
Active cruise control69
– indicator lamp71
– malfunction72
– radar sensor72
– sensor, refer to 
Malfunction72
Active head restraints, 
front47
Active seat50
Active seat ventilation50
Adapter for spare key31
Adaptive brake lamp, refer to 
Brake force display94
Adaptive Drive
– refer to Dynamic Drive89
– refer to EDC Electronic 
Damper Control89
Adaptive Head Light100
Address
– deleting140
– displaying141
– storing139
– storing current position147"Address book", 
navigation139
Adjusting cooling action of 
rear climate control108
Adjusting interior 
temperature105
Adjusting tone in audio mode, 
refer to Tone control153
Adjusting volume153
– ring tone of telephone179
– voice command system25
– voice instructions146
Airbags95
– safe sitting position43
Air conditioning103
– in rear108
– in the rear108
– while parked109
Air distribution
– automatic104
– manual106
Airing, refer to Ventilation107
Air jets, refer to 
Ventilation107
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure200
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode105
Air vents, refer to 
Ventilation107
Air volume
– automatic climate 
control106
– rear climate control108
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications199
Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms38
All around the steering 
wheel10
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires206Altering route, refer to 
Changing route146
Alternate route, refer to 
Changing route146
"AM", radio156
AM, refer to Radio156
"ANGLE", DVD changer173
Antifreeze
– coolant210
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System 
ABS87
Anti-theft system
– refer to Alarm system37
– refer to Central locking 
system32
Approved engine oils209
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest
– front113
– rear114
"Arrow display", 
navigation145
"AS ADDRESS", 
navigation139,147
Ashtray
– front115
– rear116
Assist, refer to 
BMW Assist189
Assistance getting in and 
out52
– backrest width44
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems87
Assistance window20
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control
105 

Reference 233
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Audio152
– controls152
– switching on/off153
– tone control153
– volume153
"AUDIO", DVD changer173
Audio device, external114
Audio mode152
Automatic
– air distribution104
– air volume104
– cruise control67,69
– headlamp control100
– luggage compartment lid 
operation33,36
– service notification190
– station storage158
– steering wheel adjustment, 
refer to Assistance getting in 
and out52
Automatic car wash, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Automatic climate control
– adjusting temperature105
– AUTO program104
– defrosting windows and 
removing condensation106
– maximum cooling106
– rear climate control108
– rear refrigerator117
– residual heat106
– settings on Control 
Display104
– switching cooling function 
on and off manually107
– switching on and off105
Automatic closing of doors 
and luggage compartment 
lid, refer to Automatic Soft 
Close35
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic garage door 
opener111
Automatic Hold59
– activation/deactivation59
– parking60
– programmable buttons52Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp 
control100
– refer to Daytime running 
lamps100
– refer to Interior lamps101
– refer to Pathway lighting100
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC105
Automatic soft closing
– doors
35
– luggage compartment lid36
Automatic station search157
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic62
– buttons on steering 
wheel63
– interlock62
– manually unlocking and 
locking transmission lock64
– shiftlock62
– towing221
– tow starting222
"AUTO P"
– activating/deactivating 
Automatic Hold59
– programmable buttons52
AUTO program, automatic 
climate control104
– adjusting intensity104
"Autostore list", radio156
"AUX", external audio 
device169
AUX-In
– port114
– refer to External audio 
device169
"AUX level", external audio 
device169
Average fuel consumption77
– setting units84
Average speed77
– setting units84
"Avoid ferries", 
navigation142
"Avoid highway", 
navigation142
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms38"Avoid route", navigation147
"Avoid sect.", navigation147
"Avoid tolls", navigation142
Avoid tolls, navigation142
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights228
"A-Z", telephone185
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support 
adjustment44
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment44
Backrest width adjustment, 
refer to Front comfort seat 
adjustment44
Backup lamp, replacing 
bulbs215
"Balance", balance and 
fader154
Bar, refer to Tow bar221
Bass, refer to Tone 
control154
"Bass", treble and bass154
Battery217
– jump starting220
– switch218
Battery change, remote 
control in Comfort 
Access39
"BC", computer77
Belts, refer to Safety belts48
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders115
Blower, refer to Air 
volume106,108
"BLUETOOTH"183
Bluetooth link, activating/
deactivating183
BMW Assist189
– activating193
– "BMW Assist"193
– "BMW center"190
– "Concierge"192
– info service192
– "Roadside Assistance"190
– services offered189 

Everything from A to Z
234 BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System211
BMW Night Vision97
– activating/deactivating98
– cleaning camera99
– making settings98
Boot, refer to Luggage 
compartment119
Bottle holder, refer to Cup 
holders115
Brake assistant87
Brake force display94
Brake lamp, adaptive, refer to 
Brake force display94
Brake lamps
– brake force display94
– replacing bulbs214
Brake rotors, refer to 
Corrosion on brake 
rotors123
Brakes123
– ABS87
– brake force display94
– breaking-in122
– parking brake58
Brake system
– BMW Maintenance 
System211
– breaking-in122
– refer to Braking safely123
Breakdown service, refer to 
Roadside 
Assistance190,219
Breaking-in122
Breaking-in differential, refer 
to Engine and 
differential122
"Brightness"
– BMW Night Vision99
– DVD changer172
– on Control Display85
Bulbs, replacing213
"button", programmable 
buttons52
Buttons
– next to the controller16
– on steering wheel11
C
"Calculate", refer to 
Bypassing route 
sections147
Calculating distance to 
destination77
California Proposition 65 
Warning6
"CALL"192
Call
– accepting184
– automatically accepting, 
refer to Hands-free 
system179
– rejecting184
– touch tone dialing180
– while away, refer to Dialing 
numbers stored in a list186
Call back list, refer to Dialing a 
number from phone book or 
from numbers stored in a 
list185
Calling
– from phone book185
– from Top 8 list186
– redialing185
– with retracting telephone 
keypad179
Can holder, refer to Cup 
holders115
Capacities229
– luggage compartment228
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery217
Car care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
"Car Data"79,81
Care, refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Caring for the upholstery, refer 
to Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochureCar key, refer to Remote 
control/key30
Carpet care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Car radio, refer to Radio156
Car wash123
– also refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
– with Comfort Access39
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system122
"Categories", radio161
CBC Cornering Brake 
Control87
CBS Condition Based 
Service211
"CD", CD player163
"CDC", CD changer166
CD changer165
– compressed audio files166
– controls152
– fast forward, reverse
167
– installation location165
– random sequence167
– sampling167
– selecting a CD166
– selecting track166
– starting165
– tone control153
– volume153
CD player163
– controls152
– fast forward, reverse164
– random sequence164
– sampling163
– selecting tracks163
– starting163
– tone control153
– volume153
Center armrest
– front113
– rear114
Center console, refer to 
Comfort features14
Central locking system31
– Comfort Access38
– from the inside34
"CHANGE", navigation138 

Reference 235
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Changing scale, map view in 
navigation145
Changing settings on Control 
Display84
Changing time display84
Changing units of measure on 
Control Display84
Changing wheels215
– run-flat tires205
"Channels", radio160
Check Control80
– "CHECK"81
– CHECK button81
Child's seats, refer to 
Installing child restraint 
systems54
Child restraint fixing system 
LATCH55
Child restraint systems54
Child-safety lock56
Chrome parts, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Chrome-plated parts, care, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Cigarette lighter116
"City / Postal Code", 
navigation133
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cleaning headlamps, tank 
capacity, refer to Wiper fluid 
filler neck66
Cleaning windshield65
"Climate"
– activating activation time for 
parked car ventilation110
– preselecting activation time 
for parked car 
ventilation109
– rear climate control108
– rear refrigerator117
– switching parked car 
ventilation on and off 
directly109Climate comfort 
windshield126
Clock75
– 12/24-hour mode84
– also refer to Assistance 
window21
– display format84
– setting84
"Clock", settings84
Closing
– from inside34
– from outside32
Clothes hooks114
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting 
engine57
"Color", DVD changer172
Combined instrument, refer to 
Info Display12
"Comfort", EDC Electronic 
Damper Control
90
Comfort Access38
– before driving into a car 
wash39
– changing battery39
Comfort features14
Comfort program, EDC 
Electronic Damper 
Control90
Comfort seat44
– in rear45
"Communication", phone184
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer165
– refer to CD player163
Compartments, refer to 
Storage compartments113
Compressed audio files, 
CD changer166
Computer76
– displays on Control 
Display77
– units of measure and display 
format84
"Concierge", BMW Assist192
Condensation, refer to When 
vehicle is parked123Condition Based Service 
CBS211
Connecting car vacuum 
cleaner, refer to Power 
socket116
Consumption, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption77
Consumption statistics, refer 
to Average fuel 
consumption77
"Continue route guidance?", 
navigation144
"Contrast"
– BMW Night Vision98
– DVD changer172
Control Center, refer to 
iDrive16
Control Display
– rear seat screen21
– refer to iDrive16
– setting brightness85
Controller
– programmable button52
– rear seat screen21
– refer to iDrive16
Controls and displays10,14
Coolant210
– level210
– temperature76
Cooler, refer to Rear 
refrigerator117
Cooling
– maximum106,108
– refer to AUTO program
104
– refer to Rear climate 
control108
– refer to Rear refrigerator117
– refer to Switching cooling 
function on and off 
manually107
Copyright2
Cornering Brake Control 
CBC87
Cradle for mobile phone, refer 
to Using snap-in 
adapter178