Driving
62 Once the electrical power supply has been
restored, you can again use the parking brake:
With the ignition on and the vehicle
stationary, briefly press the button
three times at intervals of approx.
5 seconds. This executes the fol-
lowing initialization sequence:
>Initializing the disengaged setting.
>Engaging: the system registers the new
status and the brake setting is initialized.
The indicator lamp on Info Display lights
up green.
>Releasing: the parking brake is ready for
operation.
The indicator lamp on the Info Display
goes out.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also shift manually using the button 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.<
The engaged position is indicated on the Info
Display.
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.
Driving
64
Manually releasing transmission lock
In the event of a power supply interrup-
tion, e.g. with a drained or disconnected
battery or when there is an electrical malfunc-
tion, the transmission lock must be released
manually; otherwise, the rear wheels are locked
and the vehicle cannot be towed.<
When manually releasing the transmis-
sion lock, depress the brake pedal; other-
wise, there is a danger of the vehicle rolling
when the transmission lock is manually
released.<
The transmission lock should only be released
for towing. Reengage the transmission lock
after parking the vehicle at its destination.
If it also becomes necessary to manually
release the parking brake, follow this sequence:
1.Start by manually releasing the parking
brake, refer to page60.
2.Then proceed to manually releasing the
transmission lock.
Releasing
1.Use the vehicle key to release the cover
panel beneath the instrument panel by turn-
ing the lock counterclockwise, then fold
down the cover.
2.Pull out the release lever with the loop1
until it locks into place: the transmission
lock is unlocked.Reengage the transmission lock after
parking the vehicle at its destination. Oth-
erwise, there is a danger of the vehicle rolling.<
Engaging locks
1.Disengage the release lever by pressing it
together with the red locking lever, refer to
arrow.
2.Guide the release lever all the way back into
its original position – the transmission lock
is engaged once more.
3.Fold up and lock the cover panel again. Now
– and not before – the key may be removed.
Once the transmission lock has been
engaged, the message in the Info Display
should disappear, and the symbol on the Info
Display should change from N to P. Otherwise,
there is a danger of the vehicle rolling.<
Jump starting and tow starting information,
refer to section starting on page219.
Controls
69Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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 holding 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 auto-
matically so that you can flow with the traffic
without having to make constant adjustments.
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
distance setting 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
Controls
71Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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 NIf 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
If the display ACC --- mph/ACC --- km/h
appears briefly in the speedometer, then
conditions required for operation may not cur-
rently be fulfilled. Retrieving Check Control
messages, refer to page81.<
Driving
72
Warning lamps
The display flashes and a chime
sounds.
The system asks you to intervene
by braking or with an evasive
maneuver. The active cruise control cannot
automatically restore the distance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
The display does not relieve you of the respon-
sibility for adapting desired speed and driving
style to traffic conditions.
Automatic intervention by ABS or
DSC. The active cruise control
intervenes by braking until you
actively intervene.
Radar sensor
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.
When doing so, be particularly careful in remov-
ing layers of snow and ice.
If the sensor is not aligned properly, the active
cruise control cannot be activated.
Things to know about active cruise control
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; 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 inter-
changes, service/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 system 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. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate
your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead
of you, for example when approaching a traffic
light or a parked vehicle. Also, the system does
not react to oncoming traffic, pedestrians or
other types of potential traffic such as a rider on
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
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.
Replacing components
214 3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Lamps in luggage compartment lid
1Backup lamp
The illustration shows the left luggage com-
partment lid cutout.
Remove the trim panel from the luggage com-
partment lid.
Backup lamp
16-watt bulb, W16W
1.Pull the bulb holder out.
2.Extract the bulb for replacement.
Changing wheels
Safety precautions to take in the event of
a flat and during all tire changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from passing
traffic. Park on a firm, flat, surface. Switch on the
hazard warning flashers.
Engage the parking brake and shift the trans-
mission selector lever into P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-diate area in a safe place, such as behind a
guardrail.
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard warning
lamp
* is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tile, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury, never lie under
the vehicle and never start the engine while it is
supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises, note the positions of
the tools before removing them, then return
them to their initial positions after completing
work.
>Lug wrench
Located beside the spare wheel.
Everything from A to Z
232 BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System210
BMW Night Vision96
– activating/deactivating98
– cleaning camera99
– making settings98
Boot, refer to Luggage
compartment119
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders115
Brake force display94
Brake lamp, adaptive, refer to
Brake force display94
Brake lamps
– brake force display94
– replacing bulbs213
Brake rotors, refer to
Corrosion on brake
rotors123
Brakes123
– ABS87
– brake force display94
– breaking-in122
– parking brake58
Brake system
– BMW Maintenance
System210
– breaking-in122
– refer to Braking safely123
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside
Assistance189,218
Breaking-in122
Breaking-in differential, refer
to Engine and
differential122
"Brightness"
– BMW Night Vision98
– DVD changer172
– on Control Display85
Bulbs, replacing212
"button", programmable
buttons52
Buttons
– next to the controller16
– on steering wheel11
C
"Calculate", refer to
Bypassing route
sections146
Calculating distance to
destination77
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"CALL"191
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
Capacities227
Capacity, luggage
compartment226
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery216
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
brochureCaring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car 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
Service210
"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, from the
inside34