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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
Driving
60 engage the parking brake the moment the vehi-
cle comes to a stop.<
Parking
The parking brake engages automatically when
you stop the vehicle and switch off the engine.
The indicator lamp changes from green to
red.
You can also release the parking brake
manually after the engine is switched off,
as long as the remote control is in the ignition
lock, refer to page59. You can use this function,
for example, in a car wash.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.<
When leaving the vehicle, release the
remote control from the detent in the igni-
tion lock; this precaution prevents children from
disengaging the parking brake etc.<
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deactivated
when:
>the engine is switched off
>the system detects that the driver's seat is
not occupied while the engine is running
>the hood is opened while the engine is run-
ning
>the luggage compartment is opened while
the engine is running and the transmission
is in reverse
>and when the parking brake is used to brake
the vehicle to a stop during driving
The indicator lamp changes from green to
red, and the indication AUTO P on the Info Dis-
play disappears.
Before starting off again, briefly press the but-
ton to disengage the parking brake manually,
refer to page59, or reactivate Automatic Hold,
refer to page59.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, always move the automatic
transmission's selector lever to position P and
make sure that the parking brake is engaged.
The vehicle could start to roll if you fail to take
these precautions.
tendency for the wheels to spin in response to
slippery road surfaces.
Pay attention to the messages on the Info Dis-
play. For additional information, refer to Check
Control on page80.<
Releasing parking brake manually
In the event of an electrical power loss or elec-
trical malfunction, you can release the parking
brake manually.
Before manually releasing the parking
brake and each time you park the vehicle
without engaging the parking brake, make sure
that the automatic transmission is in position P,
refer to page62. Be sure to pay attention to the
information on the Info Display.
If circumstances should force you to park on a
steeply inclined road surface, it is essential to
take additional precautions against inadvertent
rolling, e.g. by using the chock, refer to
page216. Otherwise, there is the danger of the
vehicle rolling, depending on the incline.<
If it becomes necessary to also unlock the
transmission lock of the automatic transmis-
sion, follow this sequence:
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 information,
refer to section starting on page220.
Driving
62
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also shift manually using the buttons on the
steering wheel, refer to page63.
Transmission range selection
P R N D
Displays on Info Display
P R N D S or M1 to M6
The transmission range is indicated, and in the
manual mode, the gear currently engaged.
Selecting transmission range
>Only engage transmission positions D, R,
or N when the engine is running: interlock.
>With the vehicle stationary, depress the
brake pedal before shifting out of P or N;
otherwise, the shift command will not be
executed: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping
after you select a driving position,
maintain pressure on the brake pedal until
you are ready to start off. Activate Auto-
matic Hold to suppress the tendency to
creep, refer to page59.
Selecting D, R or N
Lightly pull selector lever and engage desired
position:
>N Neutral:
To resistance point, arrowsN.
>D Drive:
Downward past resistance point, arrowD.
>R Reverse:
Upward past resistance point, arrowR.
The selector lever immediately returns to the
center position when released.
Selecting P
Press button P.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
rear wheels are locked.
Transmission automatically shifts into P
as soon as you switch off the engine
unless N is selected and the remote control is in
the ignition lock, refer to page58.<
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R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can select this position, for example, in car
washes. The vehicle can roll.
Transmission remains in N even after the
ignition is switched off whenever you
leave the remote control in the ignition lock.
This function is useful in automatic car washes,
etc.
After approx. 30 minutes the system automati-
cally shifts into position P. Pay attention to the
messages on the Info Display.
Switching off engine, refer to page58.<
D Drive, automatic position
This is the mode recommended for normal
vehicle operation. All forward gears are avail-
able.
Under normal operating conditions, the fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in
position D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides you with maxi-
mum acceleration.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
Sport program and manual operation
Press button1 on the steering wheel.
The sport program is activated and S appears
on the Info Display. This program is recom-
mended for a performance-oriented driving
style.
Press button1 again to switch into the manual
mode and then into the automatic program
again.
In the manual mode, the Steptronic changes
gears when one of the buttons2 on the front or
back of the steering wheel is briefly pressed.
The Info Display shows the manual ranges M1
through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
the system will not execute a downshift that
would cause the engine to overrev. In this case,
the requested gear appears briefly on the Info
Display, followed by the current gear.
Press button1 again to switch back into the
automatic program.
Driving
66
Activating rain sensor
Briefly press the button, arrow, the wipers move
once across the windshield. The LED lights up.
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Turn the knurled wheel 5.
Deactivating rain sensor
Briefly press the button again, arrow. The LED
goes out.
Deactivate the rain sensor when passing
through an automatic car wash. Failure to
do so could result in damage caused by undes-
ired wiper activation.<
Cleaning windshield, headlamps and
BMW Night Vision camera*
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief
period.
With the vehicle lighting switched on, the head-
lamps and the BMW Night Vision camera are
also cleaned simultaneously at suitable inter-
vals.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do so, your vision could be
obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid
antifreeze, refer to Washer fluid.
Avoid using the washer when the reservoir is
empty. Otherwise, you could damage the
pump.<
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles and the wind-
shield itself in the area around the wipers are heated automatically when the ignition is
switched on.
Pivoting wipers into folded-out
position
This position is important for changing wiper
blades or when folding wiper arms away from
windshield to prevent blades from sticking in
the event of frost.
1.Switch off the engine and remove the
remote control from the ignition lock.
2.Press the wiper lever upward past the resis-
tance point and maintain pressure for about
3 seconds until the wipers stop in a roughly
vertical position: pivot into the folded-out
position.
After folding the wipers back against the wind-
shield you will need to reactivate the wiper sys-
tem:
1.Switch on radio ready state.
2.Briefly press wiper lever downward. The
wipers return to their retracted position and
are ready for normal operation.
To prevent damage to the wipers, always
fold them back against the windshield
before switching on either the radio ready state
or the ignition.<
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Always keep it well away from sparks and
open flames, and store it in tightly closed con-
tainers well out of the reach of children. Always
follow the instructions for use provided on the
containers.<
Wiper fluid filler neck
Only refill wiper fluid when the engine is
cool in order to prevent contact with hot
engine components. Otherwise, there is a risk
of burns and personal injury if the fluid spills.<
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All of the washer jets are supplied from a single
tank.
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
In order to maintain the mixture ratio, mix
the washer fluid before filling.<
Capacity
Approx. 6.3 US quarts/6 liters.
Programmable cruise control
The concept
The programmable cruise control is available
for use at speeds of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h
and higher. The vehicle maintains and stores
the speed that you set using the lever mounted
on the steering column.
You can also use the multilevel preset mode to
store six desired speeds for later selection with
the lever, refer to page67.
This feature assists you in quickly adapting the
vehicle speed to specific road conditions, e.g.
changes in speeds limits.
Do not use the programmable cruise con-
trol when unfavorable conditions do not
permit you to drive at a constant speed, e.g.
when driving on winding roads, in heavy traffic
or under poor road conditions such as snow,
rain, ice, or a loose road surface. If you do, you
could lose control of the vehicle and cause an
accident.<
One lever for all functions
1Maintaining speed, storing, and accelerat-
ing
2Maintaining speed, storing, and decelerat-
ing
3Interrupt or deactivate cruise control
4Resuming stored speed
Maintaining speed, storing, and
accelerating
Press lever to resistance point, arrow 1:
The system maintains and stores the current
vehicle speed. The pointer5 in the speedome-
ter indicates this speed, refer to Displays in
speedometer on page68. Each time the lever is
pressed again briefly, the speed is increased by
approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
Push the lever to the resistance point for a
longer time:
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system maintains
and stores your current speed as soon as you
release the lever.
Press the lever past the resistance point if no
desired speeds6 are stored:
The pointer5 jumps to the next multiple of
5 mph or 10 km/h and then further, as long as
the lever is held. The speed then indicated is
reached and stored.
The vehicle may accelerate beyond the preset
speed on steep downhill stretches where the
engine's braking action alone may not be suffi-
cient to slow the vehicle. Speed can drop on
uphill grades if the engine output is insufficient.
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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 maintaining 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
automatically, permitting you to flow with the
traffic without having to frequently intervene.
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
following distance 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. This setting is also
maintained on steep stretches, but the vehicle
speed can fall below this on uphill grades if the
engine output is insufficient to maintain speed.
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 page72.<
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. Adapt the
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Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3
This distance is always set when
the system is used for the first time
after starting the engine.
Distance 4
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance;
failure to do so can constitute an accident haz-
ard.<
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever up or down. The displays in the
speedometer go out.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>when the speed is reduced to below 20 mph
or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation
>when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>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 page72
>when you actuate the parking brake during
driving
>when you shift the transmission into posi-
tion N
If the system is deactivated, then it is nec-
essary for the driver to actively intervene
by braking and possibly swerving. Otherwise,
there is the danger of an accident.<
Background lighting
You can switch off the backlighting of the
speedometer and tachometer when the system
is deactivated if no other functions are being
displayed, e.g. the advance warning field in the
tachometer, refer to page75, or the route guid-
ance of the navigation system.
To do so, press the lever up or down for approx.
1second.
Resuming stored desired speed and
distance
Press button4:
The displays appear in the speedometer.
When you switch off the ignition, the stored
desired speed is deleted.
Info Display screen contents
1Stored desired speed display
2Lights up: vehicle detected ahead
3Selected distance to vehicle driving ahead
4The selected desired speed is displayed for
a short time, refer to page70