
Controls
 67Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Deactivating cruise control
Tap the lever upwards or downwards, arrow3. 
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When you switch gears very slowly or shift 
to idle in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When you activate DTC or deactivate DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing 
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator 
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved 
again and maintained.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when 
cruise control has been deactivated 
by applying the parking brake or as a 
result of DSC intervention. A message appears 
on the Control Display.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press the button, arrow4. The last stored 
speed is resumed and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is 
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>When driving stability control systems are 
intervening
>In ca rs  with manua l transmiss ion: when you 
shift gears very slowly or shift to idle posi-
tion
>In cars with automatic transmission: when 
you engage selector lever position N
>When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored speed
2Selected speed is displayed briefly
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears 
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation 
are currently not met. 
Calling up Check Control messages, refer to 
page84.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when 
the system has failed. A message 
appears on the Control Display. You 
can find more information starting on page83. 
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 is 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 high-
ways or other high-speed thoroughfares. Espe-
cially on longer trips, the system can reduce 
fatigue and tension, while increasing your 
enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely and 
responsibly.
Within the limits of its capability, the system 
automatically adapts the car's speed to that of a 
slower vehicle in front of you. You can specify  

Driving
70
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow3. 
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When the speed is reduced to below 
20 mph or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation
>When you switch gears very slowly or shift 
to idle in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When you activate the Dynamic Traction 
Control DTC
>When you deactivate the Dynamic Stability 
Control DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
>When the system does not recognize any 
objects for a longer period of time, e.g. on 
infrequently traveled roads without a shoul-
der or guard rails, or if the radar sensor is 
covered with dirt, refer to page71
>When you apply the parking brake
When the system is deactivated, you 
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or 
maneuver as necessary, otherwise there is a 
risk of accident.<
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when 
active cruise control has been auto-
matically deactivated due to a driving 
speed below 20 mph or 30 km/h, an application 
of the parking brake or a DSC intervention. A 
message appears on the Control Display.
Resuming stored desired speed and 
distance
Briefly press the button, arrow 4. 
The stored speed and distance are regained 
and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is 
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>When driving stability control systems are 
intervening
>In cars  with ma nua l trans mis sio n: when you 
shift gears very slowly or shift to idle posi-
tion
>In cars with automatic transmission: when 
you engage selector lever position N
>When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
2Shows yellow: vehicle detected ahead
Flashes in red: system cannot maintain dis-
tance; driver must brake the vehicle
Flashes in yellow: driving stability control 
systems are intervening; cruise control is 
deactivated
3Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated.
4Selected desired speed is temporarily dis-
played
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears 
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation  

Controls
 71Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
are currently not met. Calling up Check Control 
messages, refer to page84.<
Warning lamps
The indicator2 flashes in red; a 
signal sounds. 
The system indicates that you 
must brake and/or maneuver the 
vehicle yourself. Active cruise con-
trol cannot automatically restore the distance to 
the vehicle ahead. 
This indicator does not release you from your 
responsibility to adapt your desired speed and 
driving style to prevailing driving conditions.
The indicator 2 flashes in yellow. 
The prerequisites for operating 
active cruise control are not met, 
e.g. as a result of ABS or DSC 
interventions. Active cruise control 
is deactivated. You can reactivate the system, if 
desired, by tapping or pulling the lever when 
road and traffic conditions permit. It is not pos-
sible to resume a stored speed.
Radar sensor
The sensor's ability to detect vehicles ahead 
may be restricted as a result of heavy rain, dirt, 
snow or ice. If necessary, clean the radar sensor 
located in the front bumper, see arrow. Be sure 
to use particular care when removing any layers 
of snow or ice from the sensor.
When the radar sensor is not properly posi-
tioned, active cruise control cannot be activated 
at all.
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when 
the system has failed. A message 
appears on the Control Display. You 
can find more information starting on page83. 
System limitations
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system does have physical limi-
tations. 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, as for example, at 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 motor-
cycles or bicycles. Be especially alert when 
encountering any of these situations as the sys-
tem 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 alert-
ness.< 

Controls
 89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
until "PDC" is selected and press the con-
troller.
6.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
 The PDC screen is activated.
The display is shown on the Control Display as 
soon as PDC is activated.
System limitations
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 trailer towbars and hitches, 
thin or wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects 
that have already been displayed, e. g. curbs, 
can disappear again from the detection area of 
the sensors before or after a continuous tone 
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges, 
cannot be detected. Therefore, always drive 
cautiously, otherwise there is a risk of personal 
injury or property damage.
Loud sound sources outside or inside the car 
can drown out the PDC signal.<
Driving stability control 
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help 
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in 
adverse driving 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 page126.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the 
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
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 for the 
duration of the full braking application.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing 
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable 
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the 
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting 
at an angle past the front wheels. In these 
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe 
course within physical limits by reducing engine 
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, 
even with DSC. An appropriate driving 
style always remains the responsibility of the 
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional 
safety margin again by taking risks, as this could 
result in an accident.< 

Things to remember when driving
126 The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page221.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is 
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only 
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the 
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a 
lengthy period using the clutch; use the 
parking brake instead. Otherwise greater clutch 
wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page91.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard 
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most 
effective way of braking in situations in which 
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains 
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid 
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering 
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that 
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, 
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal 
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to 
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger 
other road users. The heat generated in this 
process 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 the resulting 
reduced efficiency of the brake system, 
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the 
gear in which the least braking is required. Even 
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by 
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing 
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page62.
Never drive with the clutch held down, 
with the transmission in idle or with the 
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking 
action will not be present or there will be no 
power assistance to the brakes or steering. 
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area around the 
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be 
impaired.<
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 minimum 
pressure which must be exerted by the pads 
during 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 the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits 
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water 
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
For general information about taking care of 
your BMW, refer to the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure. 

Wheels and tires
222 The manufacturing date of tires is contained in 
the tire coding: 
DOT ... 0705 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 07 of 2005.
Run-Flat Tires
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle 
with the letters RSC on the sidewall. 
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-
supporting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can 
continue to be used subject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat 
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page93.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only 
by your BMW center or tire shop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this 
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety 
h a z a r d s .  M a k e s u re  t h a t  t h e  n e w  w h ee l s  a r e  b a l-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use 
retreaded tires, since driving safety may 
be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often 
wide variations in tire age, which can result in a 
limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the 
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your 
BMW center will be glad to advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends 
that damaged Run-Flat Tires be replaced 
rather than repaired. Otherwise, subsequent 
damage cannot be ruled out.<
BMW recommends that you use only 
wheel and tire combinations that BMW 
has tested and approved for your particular 
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and 
tires with identical official size ratings could 
actually have different dimensions, which could 
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are 
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, 
and therefore cannot guarantee their driving 
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is 
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of 
various vehicle systems such as ABS, DSC or 
RPA.
To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, use only tires of a single brand and 
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only 
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the 
Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect 
a puncture, refer to page93. Your BMW center 
will be glad to advise you. 

Mobility
 237Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid 
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore, 
check the expiration dates of the contents reg-
ularly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
Coupe
The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand 
side of the cargo bay in a storage area.
Convertible
The first aid pouch is located in a compartment 
under the front passenger's seat.
To open: press the button and fold the cover 
down.
To close: fold the cover back up and press it into 
the catch.
Warning triangle*
Coupe
The warning triangle is located on the left-hand 
side of the cargo bay. Press the tab to take it 
out.
Convertible
The warning triangle is located in a holder in the 
luggage compartment lid. Press the tabs to take 
it out.
Jump starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your BMW's 
engine can be started by connecting two 
jumper cables to another vehicle's battery. You 
can also use the same method to help start 
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with 
fully-insulated clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts 
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or 
both vehicles, and to guard against possible 
personal injuries.< 

Everything from A - Z
252
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display 
texts used to select 
individual functions and 
refers you to the page where 
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System89
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control67
Accident, refer to Sending an 
Emergency Request236
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate 
control108
"Activation time"109
Active cruise control67
– indicator lamps70
– malfunction71
– selecting distance69
– sensor71
Active steering96
– warning lamp96
Adaptive Head Light101
"Add digits" for mobile 
phone194
Additives
– coolant227
"Address book" in 
navigation142
Address for navigation
– deleting144
– entering134,142
– selecting143
– storing142
– storing current position143
"Add to destination 
list"137,139
Adjusting temperature inside 
the car, refer to Automatic 
climate control105Adjusting the thigh support46
Adjusting the tone during 
audio operation, refer to 
Tone control161
Airbags97
– indicator/warning lamp98
– sitting safely45
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate 
control105
– ventilation107
Air distribution
– automatic106
– individual105
Air flow rate106
Airing, refer to Ventilation107
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure212
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode106
"Air recirculation on / off"54
Air supply
– automatic climate 
control105
– ventilation107
Air vents104
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications211
Alarm system35
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms36
– interior motion sensor36
– switching off an alarm35
– tilt alarm sensor36
"All channels" for satellite 
radio171
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires223
"All stations", displaying with 
the radio164
All-wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive90
"AM", waveband160,164Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode106
Antenna for mobile phone186
Antifreeze
– coolant227
– washer fluid65
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system35
Anti-theft system29
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights247
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights247
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest114
Arrival time, refer to 
Computer76
Arrival time, refer to Starting 
destination guidance147
Arrow display for 
navigation148
"Arrow display" in 
navigation148
Ashtray
– front116
– rear116
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems89
Assistance window20
– refer to iDrive20
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control106
"Audio"163,167
Audio160
– controls160
– switching on/off160
– tone control161
– volume161
"Audio", refer to Tone 
control161
Audio device, external114