
Controls
 73Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
of you, for example when approaching 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 
motorcycles or bicycles. Be especially alert 
when encountering any of these situations as 
the system 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 
alertness.<
When your vehicle is actively following a vehicle 
in front of you, if the vehicle ahead speeds up or 
the lane ahead becomes clear, then your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have 
selected. Be aware that changing to a clear, 
unobstructed lane may also result in accelera-
tion of your vehicle.
Be certain to deactivate the system when 
you pull into an exit lane for a highway off-
ramp.<
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner 
on a highway may cause a delay in the system's 
reaction to a vehicle in front of you or may cause 
the system to react to a vehicle actually in the 
lane next to you. Always be ready to take action 
or apply the brakes if necessary.
Active cruise control can only decelerate the 
vehicle to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. If the sys-
tem reduces vehicle speed below 20 mph/
30 km/h or if DSC/ABS is engaged while driving, 
the system will automatically deactivate.
Remember, the system cannot stop your 
vehicle. In addition, the system is deacti-
vated whenever the driver applies the vehicle 
brakes, shifts the transmission from drive/D to 
neutral/N, or deactivates DSC. After any deacti-
vation, the system will no longer automatically 
activate the vehicle brakes, which means the 
driver must intervene and resume manual brak-
ing. You should then reactivate the system only 
when you are fully aware of the prior speed and 
distance settings.
driver must constantly monitor traffic and inter-
vene if necessary.
When you switch off the engine or ignition, 
active cruise control is fully switched off, too, 
and any settings you have selected are can-
celed.
Swerving vehicles
When a vehicle moves from an adjacent lane 
into your lane, active cruise control will not 
detect this vehicle until it is fully in your lane 
ahead of your vehicle.
Behavior in curves
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. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
86
Technology for comfort, convenience and 
safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you are parking. 
Audible signals and an optical display indicate 
that you are approaching an object in front of or 
behind your vehicle. To measure the distance, 
four ultrasonic sensors are provided in each 
bumper. The range of these sensors is approx. 
6 ft/2 m. However, an acoustic warning begins 
to sound for the sensors at the front and at the 
two rear corners at approx. 24 in/60 cm, and for 
the center rear sensors at approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate 
objects when they are approached 
slowly, as is usually the case when parking. 
Avoid approaching an object at high speed; oth-
erwise, the system may sound the warning of 
physical obstacles too late.<
Automatically activating
The system is activated approx. 1 second after 
you engage the transmission position R with 
the engine running or the ignition switched on.
Wait this short period before proceeding.
Manual activation
Press the button, the LED lights up.
Manual deactivation
Press the button again; the LED goes out.After driving approx. 165 ft/50 m or at over 
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the system switches 
off and the LED goes out. You can reactivate the 
system manually as needed.
Signal tones
An intermittent signal indicates the distance of 
the vehicle from an object being approached. 
Thus, an object detected to the left rear of the 
vehicle will be indicated by a signal tone from 
the left rear speaker, etc.  As the distance 
between vehicle and object decreases, the 
intervals between the tones become shorter. 
The signal tone becomes continuous once the 
distance to the nearest object falls below 
roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
An intermittent tone is interrupted after approx. 
3seconds:
>if you remain in front of an object that was 
only detected by one of the corner sensors
>if you drive parallel to a wall
Malfunction
The LED in the button flashes and a message 
appears on the Info Display. PDC has failed. 
Have the system checked.
To prevent this problem, keep the sensors 
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they will continue to operate effectively. 
When using high-pressure washers, do not 
spray sensors for long periods and keep the 
sprayer at least 4 in/10 cm away from the sen-
sors.
PDC with visual warning
You can also have the system show distances 
to objects on the Control Display. Objects that 
are farther away are displayed there before a 
signal tone begins to sound.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16. 

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.
* 

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