At a glance
13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
Control and warning lamps can light up in vari-
ous combinations and colors.
When the engine is started or the ignition is
switched on, some lamps are checked for
proper operation and light up briefly in the pro-
cess.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages on Info Display explain the
meaning of the indicator and warning lamps
shown.
You can view additional information, e.g.
regarding the cause of a malfunction and the
corresponding action to take, in the Check Con-
trol, refer to page80.In urgent cases, this information will be shown
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps indicate that the
particular functions are active:
Turn signals65
With parking brake released59
With parking brake set58
Warning lamp on Canadian models
Front fog lamps101
DTC Dynamic Traction Control88
High beams/headlamp flasher101
DSC Dynamic Stability Control,
flashes88
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 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
Lamps
100
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lamps off and daytime running lamps*
1Parking lamps and daytime running lamps*
2Low beams
3Automatic headlamp control, daytime run-
ning lamps
* and Adaptive Head Light*
If you open the driver's door when the ignition is
switched off, then the exterior lighting is
switched off if the light switch is in position0, 2
or3.
Parking lamps
In switch position1, the front, rear and side
vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the
parking lamps for parking.
The parking lamps drain the battery. Do
not leave them switched on for long peri-
ods of time; otherwise, it may no longer be pos-
sible to start the engine. It is preferable to
switch on the left-hand or right-hand roadside
parking lamps, refer to page101.<
Low beams
The low beams light up when the light switch is
in position 2 and the ignition is on.
Automatic headlamp control
In the switch position3, the system activates
the low beams and switches them on or off in
response to changes in ambient light condi-
tions, for example in a tunnel, at dawn and dusk,
and in case of precipitation. The LED next to the symbol is illuminated when the low beams are
on.
The low beams may be switched on when the
sun is low on the horizon in a clear sky.
The low beams remain switched on
regardless of the ambient light when you
switch on the front fog lamps.<
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determining when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the sensors
cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To avoid
safety risks, you should always switch on the
lamps manually under these conditions.<
Pathway lighting
After parking the vehicle and switching off the
headlamps, you can use the headlamp flasher
control to activate the low beams for a period of
roughly 40 seconds.
Pressing the button on the remote control,
refer to page32, also switches on the low
beams for approx. 40 seconds. In addition, the
door handle and interior lamps are switched on
for approx. 10 seconds.
Daytime running lamps*
The daytime running lamps light up in posi-
tion0, 1 or3. The light output is lower than with
the low-beam headlamps.
If the light switch remains in position1, then the
parking lamps are lit after the ignition is
switched off.
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that enables dynamic illumina-
tion of the road surface. Depending on the
steering angle and other parameters, the light
Controls
101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
from the headlamp follows the course of the
road.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In switch position3, the Adaptive Head Light is
activated and Automatic headlamp control is
switched on.
In order not to blind oncoming traffic, the Adap-
tive Head Light is not active when driving in
reverse and only points toward the passenger
side when the vehicle is stationary.
Malfunction
The LED above the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left and right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking:
After parking the vehicle, press the lever in the
desired direction3, past the resistance point.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Do not leave them switched on for
long periods of time; otherwise, it may no longer
be possible to start the engine.<
Front fog lamps
Briefly press the button to switch on/off.
The parking lamps or low beams must be
switched on for the fog lamps to operate. The
green indicator lamp on the Info Display lights
up whenever the fog lamps are on.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the lighting intensity with the
knurled wheel.
Interior lamps
The interior lamps, footwell lamps, door entry
lighting, the perimeter lighting, and the luggage
compartment lamps are controlled automati-
cally.
CD player
164
Random play sequence
All of the tracks on the current CD are played at
least once in a random sequence.
Select "RND" and press the controller.
Cancel random playback:
Select "RND" and press the controller.
Fast forward/reverse
Press and hold the button for the corre-
sponding direction.
The tracks can be heard, but the sound is dis-
torted.
Notes
The BMW CD player is a Class 1 laser
product. Never remove the cover from the
housing. Do not operate with a damaged cover
panel as this can lead to severe eye injury.
Never play CDs or DVDs with stick-on labels.
They can come loose during playback due to
the heat buildup and cause irreparable damage
to the system.
Only use round CDs with a standard diameter of
4.7 in/12 cm and do not play CDs with an
adapter, e.g. CD singles; otherwise, the CDs or
the adapter can jam and may no longer eject
properly.<
General malfunctions
The BMW CD player is optimized for operation
in the vehicle. It may react more sensitively to
defective CDs than devices intended for sta-
tionary use.
If a CD cannot be played back, first check to
make sure it has been correctly inserted.
Humidity
High humidity can fog the CD or the focusing
lens for the laser beam, temporarily preventing
playback.
Malfunctions with individual CDs
If malfunctions occur only with particular CDs,
this can be due to one of the following causes.
Home-recorded CDs
Malfunction sources in home-recorded CDs
include, for example, inconsistent data origina-
tion and recording processes as well as low
quality or pronounced aging of the blanks used.
Only write on CDs with a marker especially
designed for this purpose.
Damaged CDs
Avoid finger prints, dust, scratches, and mois-
ture.
Store CDs in a sleeve.
Do not expose CDs to temperatures above
1227/506, high humidity or direct sunlight.
CDs with copy protection
Manufacturers often provide CDs with copy
protection. This can prevent or limit the play-
back of these CDs.
Care instructions
You can find everything you need to know about
this topic by consulting the separate Caring for
your vehicle brochure.
CD changer
168
General malfunctions
The BMW CD changer is optimized for opera-
tion in the vehicle. It may react more sensitively
to defective CDs than devices intended for sta-
tionary use.
If a CD cannot be played back, first check to
make sure it has been correctly inserted.
Humidity
High humidity can fog the CD or the focusing
lens for the laser beam, temporarily preventing
playback.
Malfunctions with individual CDs
If malfunctions occur only with particular CDs,
this can be due to one of the following causes.
Home-recorded CDs
Malfunction sources in home-recorded CDs
include, for example, inconsistent data origina-
tion and recording processes as well as low
quality or pronounced aging of the blanks used.
Only write on CDs with a marker especially
designed for this purpose.
Damaged CDs
Avoid finger prints, dust, scratches, and mois-
ture.
Store CDs in a sleeve.
Do not expose CDs to temperatures above
1227/506, high humidity or direct sunlight.
CDs with copy protection
Manufacturers often provide CDs with copy
protection. This can prevent or limit the play-
back of these CDs.
Care instructions
You can find everything you need to know about
this topic by consulting the separate Caring for
your vehicle brochure.
Mobility
213Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard toolkit is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
The adapter for the spare key can be stored
beneath the open-ended wrenches.
Windshield wiper blades
To replace the blades, start by folding the wip-
ers out and away from the windshield, refer to
page66.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and lights contribute significantly to
road safety. Therefore, comply fully with the fol-
lowing instructions during bulb replacement.
BMW recommends that you entrust corre-
sponding procedures to your BMW center if
you are unfamiliar with them or they are not
described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute traces
of contamination will burn into the bulb's sur-
face and reduce its service life. Use a clean
cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its metal
socket.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your BMW center.When working on the lighting system, you
should always switch off the lights
affected to prevent short circuits.
To avoid possible injury or equipment damage
when replacing bulbs, follow any instructions
provided by the bulb manufacturer.<
When maintaining the headlamps, please follow
the instructions in the separate Caring for your
vehicle brochure.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Xenon lamp*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. In the unlikely event that one
of these lamps should fail, you can respond by
switching on your fog lamps and proceeding
carefully, where allowed by law.
Only have work on the xenon lighting sys-
tem including bulb changes carried out by
a BMW center or a repair shop that works in
accordance with BMW guidelines and uses
appropriately trained personnel. Due to the high
voltage involved, there is a danger to life and
limb when work is carried out improperly.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW center.<
Everything from A to Z
238 Exterior mirrors50
– adjusting50
– automatic dimming
feature51
– automatic heating51
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side
mirror51
External audio
device114,169
"Extra"
– rear air conditioner108
– rear refrigerator117
Eyes for lashing, refer to
Securing cargo125
F
"Fader", balance and
fader154
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control80
Failure of an electrical device,
refer to Fuses218
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms38
Fastening safety belts48
"Fastest route",
navigation142
Fast forward
– CD changer167
– CD player164
– DVD changer172
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter107
First-aid kit220
Fittings for towing and tow
starting221
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight113
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor90
– refer to Changing
wheels215
– refer to Tire condition204
– run-flat tires91,93,205
– spare tire216
– Tire Pressure Monitor91Flat Tire Monitor90
– initializing system90
– show chains206
– system limits90
– warning lamp91
Flooding, refer to Driving
through water123
Floor coverings, carpet, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Floor mat, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Fluid reservoir for washing
systems, refer to Wiper fluid
filler neck66
"FM", radio156
FM, refer to Radio156
Fog lamps, refer to Front fog
lamps101
Following distance cruise
control, refer to Active cruise
control69
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely123
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps101
For specified oil grades, refer
to Approved engine oils209
Fresh air vents, refer to
Ventilation107
Front airbags95
Front fog lamps, indicator
lamp11
,13
Fuel199
– average fuel
consumption77
– gauge76
– quality199
– refer to Average fuel
consumption77
– reserve, refer to Fuel
gauge76
– tank capacity229Fuel consumption display,
refer to
– Average fuel
consumption77
– Displays on Info Display76
– Energy control/current
consumption77
Fuel filler door198
– manually unlocking198
Fuel level, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Fuel-saving driving, refer to
Energy Control77
"Full", rear screen22
"FULL MENU", DVD
changer173
"Full screen", BMW Night
Vision98
Fuses218
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control111
Gas
– display, refer to Fuel
gauge76
– fuel quality199
Gear changes, refer to
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
Gear display, refer to Displays
on Info Display62
"General destination",
navigation136
General driving notes122
Glasses compartment115
Glass sunroof, electric41
– convenience operation32
– moving manually42
Glove compartment113
Grilles, refer to Ventilation107
Gross weight, refer to
Weights228