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the transmission lock after parking the vehicle 
at its destination.
Releasing
1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2.Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever.
3.Reach into the trim-piece opening, arrow1, 
and firmly pull the trim piece upward, 
arrow2.
4.Remove cover over the opening, refer to 5.
5.Insert a screwdriver from the onboard tool 
kit, refer to page223, into the opening, 
arrow1.
6.Pull the screwdriver toward the rear until it is 
heard to engage, arrow2, and leave it 
inserted in the opening. The transmission 
lock is released.
Locking
1.Pull out the screwdriver upward. 
The transmission lock is locked again.
2.Reinstall the cover and the trim piece.
Information on jump starting and towing from 
page228.
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Using turn signals
Move the lever beyond the resistance point.
To switch off manually, only press the lever to 
the resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator 
lamp indicates the failure of a turn signal 
lamp.<
Signaling briefly
Press the lever to the resistance point and hold 
it there as long as you wish to signal. 

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Deactivating rain sensor
Press the button again, arrow3. 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*
Pull the lever, arrow4:
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. Do not use 
washers when the washer fluid reservoir is 
empty, as this will damage the washer pump.<
Windshield washer nozzles
Both windshield washer nozzles are automati-
cally heated with the engine running or the igni-
tion switched on.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable. 
For this reason, keep it away from ignition 
sources and store only in the closed original 
container out of reach of children. Otherwise, 
there is the danger of bodily injury. Always fol-
low the instructions for use provided on the 
containers.<
Filler neck for washer fluid
All washer nozzles are supplied from one reser-
voir.
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
Capacity approx. 5.3 US quarts/5 liters.
Cruise control*
The concept
The cruise control is available for use at speeds 
of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and higher. The 
vehicle stores and maintains the speed that you 
set using the lever mounted on the steering col-
umn. To maintain the specified speed, the sys-
tem brakes if the engine braking effect is not 
sufficient on a downhill grade. Speed can drop 
on uphill grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient.
Do not use the cruise control under driv-
ing conditions that do not permit a con-
stant speed, e.g. when driving on winding 
roads, in heavy traffic or in poor road conditions 
such as snow, rain, ice, and loose road surface. 
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehicle 
and cause an accident.< 

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Especially on longer trips and in traffic conges-
tion, 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 limits, adjust your 
vehicle's speed automatically so that you can 
flow with the traffic without having to make con-
stant adjustments. If, for example, while cruis-
ing 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. You 
can vary the following distance, which will vary 
with speed. Based on your selected distance 
setting, the system automatically decreases the 
throttle setting and lightly applies the brakes if 
necessary. In addition, if the vehicle ahead of 
you slows to a complete stop, the system can 
follow this action within the given scope and 
can also accelerate from a complete stop if the 
vehicle ahead of you drives off again shortly 
thereafter. During braking, your vehicle brake 
lamps will automatically illuminate to alert a fol-
lowing driver to take action. In addition, it may 
be necessary for your vehicle to downshift the 
automatic transmission to maintain the dis-
tance setting selected. As soon as the road in 
front of you has no moving vehicles, the system 
will accelerate to your desired speed. This set 
speed is also maintained on downhill grades, 
however the vehicle speed can drop below the 
set speed when driving uphill if the engine out-
put is not sufficient.
Active cruise control cannot detect stop 
signs, red lights, or any object that is 
stopped or is blocking the road.
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 differently from con-
ventional cruise control systems which you may 
be accustomed to, it is necessary that you read 
all of the pages relating to this system before 
use. Carefully read and observe the information on the system limitations beginning on page71 
to obtain a good command of the system and its 
range of applications.<
Brake pedal feel
When the system brakes and you also depress 
the brake pedal, a somewhat different braking 
feel results.
Professional* navigation system
If a navigation DVD is in the drive, refer to 
page132, within limits the system adjusts the 
accelerating and braking behavior of the vehicle 
to the road you are driving on.
To ensure that the system is informed of 
the current course of the road, always use 
the latest navigation DVD if possible.<
When the vehicle position is unknown, e. g. 
when you leave the map area, this influence of 
the navigation system is not available.
Applications
Please try the system first during sparse traffic 
and clear road conditions so that you can get 
used to the system. After you have experience 
and understand the system, only then use it 
during normal traffic.
As with conventional cruise control systems, 
active cruise control in no way reduces or sub-
stitutes for the driver's own personal experi-
ence, 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 as well as in slow-moving traffic. Do 
not use the system in city driving; in complex 
driving situations; heavy traffic such as during 
rush hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery 
roads or roads with sharp curves such as high-
way 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  

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Selecting distance
>Briefly press rocker switch downward: 
Increase distance.
>Briefly press rocker switch upward:
Reduce distance.
The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance, given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and State driving 
recommendations for safe following distance. 
Otherwise, a violation of the law or risk of an 
accident could result.<
Interrupting cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, and with 
the vehicle stopped also depress the brake 
pedal. The marking in the speedometer 
changes color and the distance indicator goes 
out.
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted:
>when you apply the vehicle brakes
>when you shift the transmission
>when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>when DSC comes on
>when you apply the handbrake
>when you release the safety belt and open 
the driver's door with the vehicle stopped
>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 page71
If the system is interrupted, then it is nec-
essary for the driver to actively intervene 
by braking and steering. Otherwise, there is a 
risk of an accident.<
Resuming stored desired speed and 
distance
While driving
Press button4.
The displays appear in the instrument cluster. Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3
Distance 4
This distance is always set when 
you activate the system. 

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Radar sensors
1Long-range sensor
2Location of the short-range sensors behind 
the bumperHeavy rain and also dirt, snow or ice can limit 
the detection of vehicles ahead. If needed, 
clean the radar sensor under the front bumper 
as well as the bumper area covering the short 
range sensors. When doing so, be particularly 
careful in removing layers of snow and ice.
Do not apply adhesive labels etc. in the area of 
the short-range sensors.
If the sensor is not aligned properly, e. g. due to 
damage, the active cruise control cannot be 
activated.
System limitations
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 free-
way-type roadways where traffic is moving rel-
atively smoothly. Do not use this system in city 
driving; in complex driving situations; 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. Always be 
ready to take action or apply the brakes if nec-
essary, especially when the system is actively 
following a vehicle in front of you.
tions. For example, the system may not detect 
vehicles driving ahead if they suddenly brake 
heavily in stop-and-go traffic during accelera-
tion. The system will not apply the brakes or 
slow your vehicle when a very slow-moving 
vehicle, stopped vehicle or stationary object is 
in the lane ahead of you, for example when 
approaching a traffic light or parked vehicle or 
when a vehicle is stalled in your lane. Also, the 
system does not react to oncoming traffic, 
pedestrians or other types of potential traffic 
such as a rider on a 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 automati-
cally 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 alertness.< 

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Behavior in curves
If the selected desired speed for a curve is too 
high, the system reduces the speed within a 
curve. However, it cannot detect curves in 
advance. Therefore, select a suitable speed at 
the start of a curve.
Because of the limited range of the system, it is 
possible that in curves or on the peaks and val-
leys of hilly roads, a vehicle ahead may be rec-
ognized late, or not at all. Therefore, it is up to 
the driver to select a speed that is prudent in 
view of the curves and terrain of the roadway.
In approaching a curve, it is possible that active 
cruise control might react briefly to a vehicle in 
the adjacent lane. In addition, the system can 
sense if your vehicle is in a curve and may not 
accelerate. If your vehicle decelerates in either 
case, you can choose to overcome the deceler-
ation by briefly pressing the accelerator pedal.
Driver interventions and your 
responsibility
Anytime the driver presses down on the 
accelerator pedal, any automatic braking 
action by the system is interrupted and the dis-
tance indicator turns off until the pedal is fully 
released. As soon as you fully release the accel-
erator, the system will once again control your 
cruising speed and distance setting. While driv-
ing with the system activated, resting your foot 
on the accelerator pedal will cause the system 
not to brake even if necessary. Be certain that 
floormats or other objects on the vehicle floor 
do not interfere with movement of the accelera-
tor pedal.<
While active cruise control is capable of 
braking your vehicle automatically when 
you approach a slower vehicle ahead, it is 
important to be aware that the ability of the sys-
tem to apply the brakes is also limited, e. g. 
when you reduce your desired speed sharply. It 
uses only a portion of braking system capacity 
and does not utilize the full capacity of the vehi-
cle braking system. Therefore, the system can-
not decrease your speed due to large differ-
ences in speed between your vehicle and the 
vehicle ahead. Example: when you approach a 
vehicle traveling at a much lower speed than 
your own speed such as approaching a toll 
booth or when a much slower vehicle cuts in 
front of you at close range.< 

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Engine oil temperature*
During normal operation, the engine oil temper-
ature is between approx. 1607/706 and 
approx. 3407/1706.
If the engine oil temperature is too high, a mes-
sage is shown on the Control Display.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 18.5 US gal/
70 liters, including the reserve capacity of 
approx. 2.6 US gal/10 liters. You can find infor-
mation on refueling on page208.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period, 
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for 
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
After the reserve quantity has been reached, a 
message briefly appears on the Control Display; 
the cruising range is shown in the computer. 
Below a range of approx. 30 miles/50 km, the 
message remains on the Control Display.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur.<
Computer
Displays in instrument cluster
Press the button on the turn signal lever.
The following information is displayed in the 
specified order:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
>No information
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available 
with the remaining fuel. The range is projected 
based on the driving style over the last 20 miles/
30 km.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur.<
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine 
switched off are not included in the calculations 
of average speed.
To reset the average speed: press the BC but-
ton in the turn signal lever for approx. 2 sec-
onds.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated for 
the time during which the engine is running.
To reset the average fuel consumption: press 
the BC button in the turn signal lever for approx. 
2 seconds. 

Everything under control
76
For different routes
You can display the average speed and average 
consumption for two different routes on the 
Control Display, refer to the following and to 
Trip computer.
Displays on Control Display
You can also call up the computer via iDrive, for 
operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the right to open 
"Navigation".
Without navigation system
*: open "Car 
Data".
3.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
4.Select "Onboard info" and press the con-
troller.
>Estimated time of arrival at destination and 
remaining distance:
>Entering a distance manually in the com-
puter, see below.
>Entering a destination in the navigation 
system
*, refer to page132.
>Cruising range>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Resetting values
You can reset the values for average speed and 
average fuel consumption:
1.Select the desired menu item and press the 
controller.
2.Press the controller again to confirm.
Entering a distance manually
1.Select "Distance to dest." and press the 
controller.
2.Turn the controller to select the distance 
to your destination. If necessary, hold it 
against a slight resistance to enter a greater 
difference.
3.Press the controller to apply the setting.
The distance is automatically predetermined 
during the destination guidance of the naviga-
tion system
*.
Trip computer
The trip computer is suitable for a vacation trip, 
for example.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Navigation".
Without navigation system
*: open "Car 
Data".
3.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.