2008 BMW 750LI Amp

Controls
59Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
It is only possible to disengage the parking
brake with the ignition on.
If exceptional circumstances should make it
necessary to engage the parking brake while
the vehicle is in motion, maintain pressure on
the button.
The indicator lamp on the Info Display lights up
in red, a chime sounds, and the brake lamps
light up.
The vehicle continues to brake forcefully for as
long as you maintain pressure on the button.
When you brake the vehicle almost to a stop,
i.e., down to a speed of approximately 2 mph/
3 km/h or below, the parking brake remains
engaged.
Manual release
Briefly press the button with the ignition
switched on.
The indicator lamp on the Info Display goes
out.
As long as the remote control is inserted
into the ignition lock, you can also release
the parking brake after the engine has been
switched off. This function is useful, for exam-
ple, in automatic car washes, refer to
page123<
When leaving the vehicle, always bring
the remote control with you; this precau-
tion prevents children from disengaging the
parking brake, for example.<
Automatic Hold
You can activate the system after starting the
engine; it then remains operational until the
next time the engine is switched off.
This feature provides additional assistance dur-
ing vehicle operation by automatically engaging
and releasing the parking brake during stops at
traffic lights, in stop-and-go traffic, etc. The
vehicle is automatically held in place so as to
suppress the tendency to creep when the
transmission is in drive.
It also prevents the vehicle from rolling back-
ward during uphill starts.
The parking brake engages automatically when
you stop the vehicle and switch off the engine.You can activate or deactivate Automatic Hold
via the "Settings" menu in iDrive.
Activation/deactivation
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "Vehicle" and press the controller.
4.Select "AUTO P". Press the controller to
activate/deactivate the desired function.
>Automatic Hold is activated.
The green AUTO P status message on the
Info Display indicates that the system is
ready for operation.
>Automatic Hold is deactivated.
The green AUTO P status message disap-
pears from the Info Display.
You can program the programmable but-
ton on the steering wheel with the Auto-
matic Hold function, refer to page52. This gives
you the option of being able to quickly activate
or deactivate Automatic Hold without distract-
ing your attention from the road.<
Driving
The parking brake engages automatically when
the vehicle comes to a stop.
The indicator lamp on Info Display lights up
green.
To start off again, simply press the accelerator
pedal. The parking brake is released automati-
cally; the indicator lamp goes out.
Do not drive through an automatic car
wash with the Automatic Hold on and the
engine running. Otherwise, the system will

Driving
60 engage the parking brake the moment the vehi-
cle comes to a stop.<
Parking
The parking brake engages automatically when
you stop the vehicle and switch off the engine.
The indicator lamp changes from green to
red.
You can also release the parking brake
manually after the engine is switched off,
as long as the remote control is in the ignition
lock, refer to page59. You can use this function,
for example, in a car wash.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.<
When leaving the vehicle, release the
remote control from the detent in the igni-
tion lock; this precaution prevents children from
disengaging the parking brake etc.<
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deactivated
when:
>the engine is switched off
>the system detects that the driver's seat is
not occupied while the engine is running
>the hood is opened while the engine is run-
ning
>the luggage compartment is opened while
the engine is running and the transmission
is in reverse
>and when the parking brake is used to brake
the vehicle to a stop during driving
The indicator lamp changes from green to
red, and the indication AUTO P on the Info Dis-
play disappears.
Before starting off again, briefly press the but-
ton to disengage the parking brake manually,
refer to page59, or reactivate Automatic Hold,
refer to page59.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, always move the automatic
transmission's selector lever to position P and
make sure that the parking brake is engaged.
The vehicle could start to roll if you fail to take
these precautions. vated whenever the system detects any
tendency for the wheels to spin in response to
slippery road surfaces.
Pay attention to the messages on the Info Dis-
play. For additional information, refer to Check
Control on page80.<
Releasing parking brake manually
In the event of an electrical power loss or elec-
trical malfunction, you can release the parking
brake manually.
Before manually releasing the parking
brake and each time you park the vehicle
without engaging the parking brake, make sure
that the automatic transmission is in position P,
refer to page62. Be sure to pay attention to the
information on the Info Display.
If circumstances should force you to park on a
steeply inclined road surface, it is essential to
take additional precautions against inadvertent
rolling, e.g. by using the chock, refer to
page216. Otherwise, there is the danger of the
vehicle rolling, depending on the incline.<
If it becomes necessary to also unlock the
transmission lock of the automatic transmis-
sion, follow this sequence:
1.If necessary, start by releasing the parking
brake manually.
2.Then release the automatic transmission's
transmission lock manually, refer to
page64.
Jump starting and tow starting information,
refer to section starting on page220.

Controls
61Reference
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Mobility
What you will need
1Screwdriver handle
2Unlocking tool
310 mm open-end wrench
You will find the required tools in the onboard
tool kit mounted on the inside of the luggage
compartment lid, refer to page213.
Insert the release tool into the screwdriver han-
dle as shown in the illustration.
Releasing
1.Remove the floor mat and the cover above
the spare tire.
2.With the attached screwdriver handle,
insert the release tool into the opening,
arrow1.
3.Fit the open-end wrench onto the hexago-
nal section of the release tool.
Insert the release tool counter to the spring
force until the stop is reached, press and
rotate in the arrow direction2 until it notice-
ably engages and meets a perceptible
resistance.
4.Without releasing, continue to turn counter
to the mechanical resistance of the drive
unit in the arrow direction 2 until you can feel a significant increase in the force of the
resistance.
To prevent possible damage to the
rear brakes, always make sure that
the parking brake is completely released
before driving the vehicle.<
5.Return the tools to their places.
6.Return the spare tire cover and the floor mat
to their original locations.
Have a malfunction corrected only by a
BMW center or a repair shop that works in
accordance with BMW guidelines and uses
appropriately trained personnel. Only techni-
cians can return the parking brake to normal
operational status after it has been released
manually in response to a malfunction.<
Following manual release, the actual sta-
tus of the parking brake may deviate from
that displayed by the indicator lamp.<
Reinitializing after a power supply
interruption
The parking brake can only be used again
if it was manually released due to an inter-
ruption in the supply of electrical power. Other-
wise, the function of the parking brake is not
guaranteed and there is a danger of the vehicle
rolling despite the parking brake being
engaged.<
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.

Controls
63Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can select this position, for example, in car
washes. The vehicle can roll.
Transmission remains in N even after the
ignition is switched off whenever you
leave the remote control in the ignition lock.
This function is useful in automatic car washes,
etc.
After approx. 30 minutes the system automati-
cally shifts into position P. Pay attention to the
messages on the Info Display.
Switching off engine, refer to page58.<
D Drive, automatic position
This is the mode recommended for normal
vehicle operation. All forward gears are avail-
able.
Under normal operating conditions, the fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in
position D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides you with maxi-
mum acceleration.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
Sport program and manual operation
Press button1 on the steering wheel.
The sport program is activated and S appears
on the Info Display. This program is recom-
mended for a performance-oriented driving
style.
Press button1 again to switch into the manual
mode and then into the automatic program
again.
In the manual mode, the Steptronic changes
gears when one of the buttons2 on the front or
back of the steering wheel is briefly pressed.
The Info Display shows the manual ranges M1
through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
the system will not execute a downshift that
would cause the engine to overrev. In this case,
the requested gear appears briefly on the Info
Display, followed by the current gear.
Press button1 again to switch back into the
automatic program.

Controls
65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Using turn signals
Move the lever beyond the resistance point.
If you wish to manually control the shut-off of
the turn signal, then only push the lever to the
resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator
lamps signals the failure of a turn signal
lamp, possibly in the trailer when towing.<
Temporarily signaling
Push the lever to the resistance point and hold it
there for as long as you wish to signal.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever to the resistance point and
release; the turn signal flashes three times.
Wiper system
1Switching on wipers
2Switching off wipers or for brief wipe
3Activating/deactivating rain sensor
4Cleaning windshield, headlamps and
BMW Night Vision camera
*
5Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Switching on wipers
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
Normal wiper speed
Press once.
The system reverts to operation in the intermit-
tent mode when the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance
point.
The system reverts to normal speed when the
vehicle is stationary.
Rain sensor
The rain sensor controls the wiper operation as
a function of the rain intensity. It is located on
the windshield, directly in front of the inside
rearview mirror.

Driving
66
Activating rain sensor
Briefly press the button, arrow, the wipers move
once across the windshield. The LED lights up.
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Turn the knurled wheel 5.
Deactivating rain sensor
Briefly press the button again, arrow. 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*
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.
Avoid using the washer when the reservoir is
empty. Otherwise, you could damage the
pump.<
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles and the wind-
shield itself in the area around the wipers are heated automatically when the ignition is
switched on.
Pivoting wipers into folded-out
position
This position is important for changing wiper
blades or when folding wiper arms away from
windshield to prevent blades from sticking in
the event of frost.
1.Switch off the engine and remove the
remote control from the ignition lock.
2.Press the wiper lever upward past the resis-
tance point and maintain pressure for about
3 seconds until the wipers stop in a roughly
vertical position: pivot into the folded-out
position.
After folding the wipers back against the wind-
shield you will need to reactivate the wiper sys-
tem:
1.Switch on radio ready state.
2.Briefly press wiper lever downward. The
wipers return to their retracted position and
are ready for normal operation.
To prevent damage to the wipers, always
fold them back against the windshield
before switching on either the radio ready state
or the ignition.<
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Always keep it well away from sparks and
open flames, and store it in tightly closed con-
tainers well out of the reach of children. Always
follow the instructions for use provided on the
containers.<
Wiper fluid filler neck
Only refill wiper fluid when the engine is
cool in order to prevent contact with hot
engine components. Otherwise, there is a risk
of burns and personal injury if the fluid spills.<

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

Driving
72 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.<
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