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.
Radio
158 Using the voice command system:
Updating selection of stations in
receiving range
In the course of longer trips, when you travel
outside the transmission range of the originally
selected stations, you can update the selection
of stations in receiving range.
1.Select "AM" and press the controller.
2.Select "MANUAL" and press the controller.
3.Select "AUTOSTORE" and press the con-
troller.
The selection of stations in receiving range is
updated and the frequencies or names of the
stations are displayed.
Station scan
You can tune in to stations that are received in
addition to those on the display.
The frequency of the station is displayed in the
bottom status line and also on the Control Dis-
play.
Using buttons in center console
Press and hold the button for the corre-
sponding direction.
The system switches to the next station.
Using iDrive
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Select " MANUAL" and press the controller.3. Select the desired direction and
press the controller.
The system switches to the next station. The
frequency is shown on the Control Display.
Storing a station
The station you are currently listening to can be
stored.
You can also manually store stations in the
"Autostore list" if this selection has been made
before storing.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Entertain-
ment".
3.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
4.Choose the selection criterion and press
the controller.
5.Select "MANUAL" and press the controller.
6.Select "STORE" and press the controller. 1.{Radio}.
2.{Frequency 88...107 (Point 1...9)}.
Telephone overview
178
Telephone overview
The concept
Your BMW is equipped with a mobile phone
preparation package. After a suitable mobile
phone has been paired with the vehicle once,
you can operate the mobile phone via iDrive, via
the button on the steering wheel, via the phone
keypad and by voice
*.
A mobile phone that has been paired with the
vehicle once is automatically detected again
with the engine running or the ignition switched
on as soon as it is brought inside the vehicle.
The logon data of up to four mobile phones can
be stored simultaneously. If several mobile
phones are detected simultaneously, then the
vehicle can be used to operate the mobile
phone that was most recently paired with it.
Using a phone in your vehicle
Using snap-in adapter*
The so-called snap-in adapter, a cradle for your
mobile phone, is inserted into the center arm-
rest. If the mobile phone is inserted into the
snap-in adapter, the battery is charged and the
mobile phone is connected to the external
antenna of the vehicle whenever the ignition
key is in the radio ready state or higher. This
assures better network reception and uniform
sound quality. Ask your BMW center which
mobile phones snap-in adapters are offered for.
To use the snap-in adapter, refer to page181.
BMW discourages the use of mobile
phones or other mobile communications
devices inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communications
device can interfere with each other. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation gener-
ated during transmission will be discharged
from the vehicle interior.
phone; otherwise, malfunctions can occur.
The mobile phone can be operated by means
of:
>the button on the steering wheel, refer to
page11
>the retracting telephone keypad, refer to
page179
>iDrive, refer to Initiating communication,
page184
>the voice command system
*, refer to
page23
For information on operating your mobile
phone, please consult the separate operating
instructions.
For your safety
Only make entries when the traffic situa-
tion allows you to do so. Do not hold the
mobile phone in your hand while you are driving;
use the hands-free system instead. If you do
not comply with this precaution, your being dis-
tracted can endanger vehicle occupants and
other road users.<
Suitable mobile phones
Ask your BMW center which mobile phones
with a Bluetooth interface are supported by the
mobile phone preparation package or which
mobile phones snap-in adapters are available
for. These mobile phones support the functions
described in this Owner's Manual with a certain
software version. Malfunctions can occur with
other mobile phones.
*
BMW Assist
194 5.Select "INITIALIZE" and press the control-
ler.
Activation takes a few minutes. The status
appears on the Control Display. If you open
another menu, the activation process continues
to run in the background.
During initialization, please do not turn off
the system, i.e. leave the ignition
switched on.
The services of BMW Assist can only be dialed
up after initialization.
In order to assure the transmission of data, the
initialization must be carried out while the vehi-
cle is stationary.<
Displaying vehicle data
When BMW Assist is activated, the license
plate and the vehicle identification number of
your vehicle can be displayed.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "BMW Assist".
3.Select "Status" and press the controller.
4.Select "Profile" and press the controller.
Mobility
221Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Your BMW has a special nut that serves as a
body ground or negative terminal, refer to
arrow2.
5.Attach the second negative/– clamp of the
jumper cable to the negative battery termi-
nal or to an engine or body ground on the
vehicle to be started.
Starting engine
1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
allow it to run for several minutes at a fast
idle.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Allow the engines to run for several min-
utes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables again in the
reverse sequence.
If need be, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Towing and tow starting
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow starting and towing.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit and must always remain in the
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear
of the BMW.
Only use the tow fitting that comes with
the vehicle and screw it in as far as it will
go. Use the tow fitting for towing only on roads.
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise,
damage to the tow fitting and the vehicle can
occur.<
Access to screw thread
Press the arrow symbol to push out the cover.
Being towed
Do not tow the vehicle by the rear axle;
because there is no steering lock, the
wheels could turn to an extreme angle during
towing. There is no power assist with the
engine stopped. This then requires increased
effort for braking and steering.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Selector lever in position N. Releasing
shiftlock manually, refer to page64. To
avoid damaging the automatic transmission, do
not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/70 km/h
and a towing distance of 95 miles/150 km.<
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed; otherwise,
it will no longer be possible to control vehicle
response.<
Reference 233
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Audio152
– controls152
– switching on/off153
– tone control153
– volume153
"AUDIO", DVD changer173
Audio device, external114
Audio mode152
Automatic
– air distribution104
– air volume104
– cruise control67,69
– headlamp control100
– luggage compartment lid
operation33,36
– service notification190
– station storage158
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Assistance getting in
and out52
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control
– adjusting temperature105
– AUTO program104
– defrosting windows and
removing condensation106
– maximum cooling106
– rear climate control108
– rear refrigerator117
– residual heat106
– settings on Control
Display104
– switching cooling function
on and off manually107
– switching on and off105
Automatic closing of doors
and luggage compartment
lid, refer to Automatic Soft
Close35
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic garage door
opener111
Automatic Hold59
– activation/deactivation59
– parking60
– programmable buttons52Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control100
– refer to Daytime running
lamps100
– refer to Interior lamps101
– refer to Pathway lighting100
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC105
Automatic soft closing
– doors
35
– luggage compartment lid36
Automatic station search157
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– buttons on steering
wheel63
– interlock62
– manually unlocking and
locking transmission lock64
– shiftlock62
– towing221
– tow starting222
"AUTO P"
– activating/deactivating
Automatic Hold59
– programmable buttons52
AUTO program, automatic
climate control104
– adjusting intensity104
"Autostore list", radio156
"AUX", external audio
device169
AUX-In
– port114
– refer to External audio
device169
"AUX level", external audio
device169
Average fuel consumption77
– setting units84
Average speed77
– setting units84
"Avoid ferries",
navigation142
"Avoid highway",
navigation142
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38"Avoid route", navigation147
"Avoid sect.", navigation147
"Avoid tolls", navigation142
Avoid tolls, navigation142
Axle loads, refer to
Weights228
"A-Z", telephone185
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support
adjustment44
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment44
Backrest width adjustment,
refer to Front comfort seat
adjustment44
Backup lamp, replacing
bulbs215
"Balance", balance and
fader154
Bar, refer to Tow bar221
Bass, refer to Tone
control154
"Bass", treble and bass154
Battery217
– jump starting220
– switch218
Battery change, remote
control in Comfort
Access39
"BC", computer77
Belts, refer to Safety belts48
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders115
Blower, refer to Air
volume106,108
"BLUETOOTH"183
Bluetooth link, activating/
deactivating183
BMW Assist189
– activating193
– "BMW Assist"193
– "BMW center"190
– "Concierge"192
– info service192
– "Roadside Assistance"190
– services offered189
Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
DVD changer170
– adjusting picture172
– adjusting volume153
– controls152
– country codes171
– DVD controller171
– fast forward172
– freeze frame173
– opening specific menu174
– playing DVD171
– reverse172
– searching for chapter172
– selecting language173
– selecting picture format173
– selecting subtitles173
– starting171
– tone control153
DVD multimedia changer,
refer to DVD changer170
Dynamic Drive89
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC87
– indicator lamp13
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC88
– indicator lamp13
E
"EDC"89
EDC Electronic Damping
Control89
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player152
Electrical malfunction
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door198
– glass sunroof, electric42
– luggage compartment lid36
– parking brake60
Electric steering wheel
adjustment51
Electronic brake-force
distribution87
Electronic Damping Control
EDC89Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control87
Electronic toll collection
device, refer to Entry/pass
tags126
Emergency actuation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door198
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid36
– parking brake60
– transmission lock for
automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
Emergency call219
Emergency release of luggage
compartment lid from inside
the luggage
compartment37
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside
Assistance190,219
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control/
current fuel consumption77
Energy Control77
Engine
– breaking-in122
– data226
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature76
– speed75,226
– starting57
– switching off58
Engine compartment208
Engine coolant210
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils209
– approved oils209
– checking oil level208
– electronic oil level check208
– oil types, also refer to
Approved engine oils209
– possible displays of oil level
check209"Engine oil level O.K."209
"Engine oil level too high"209
Engine output, refer to Engine
specifications226
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature76
Engine speed226
"Enter", navigation134
Entering activation time of
parked car ventilation109
– "Time 1"110
– "Time 2"110
Entering destination
address133
Entering house number or
intersection, navigation133
Entering intersection,
navigation133
Entering name, destination in
navigation132
Entering street,
navigation133
"Entertainment", tone
control153
Entertainment sound output
on/off153
Entry/pass tags126
Entry for current position and
destination, refer to Entering
destination manually131
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control77
Erasing entire list, refer to
Deleting entries in lists186
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control87
Event Data Recorders212
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system122
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