
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  

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. 

Controls
 87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1.Press the   button to open the start 
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "Vehicle" and press the controller.
4.Select "PDC pic." and press the controller. 
This activates the PDC display.
The display appears as soon as PDC is acti-
vated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
To exit the menu: 
Select the   arrow and press the controller.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for 
estimating the distance between the 
vehicle and any objects always remains with the 
driver. Even when sensors are involved, there is 
a blind spot in which objects cannot be 
detected. The system's detection of objects is 
also subject to the physical limits that apply to 
all forms of ultrasonic measurement, such as 
those encountered with tow bars and trailer 
couplings, as well as thin or wedge-shaped 
objects. Low objects already indicated, such as 
curb edges, may enter the blind spot of the sen-
sors before or after a continuous audible signal is given. Higher, protruding objects, such as 
wall ledges, may not be detectable. 
Loud noises from outside and inside the vehicle 
may also prevent you from hearing the PDC's 
signal tone.<
Driving stability control 
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array 
of systems designed to enhance and maintain 
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during 
braking. Safe steering response is maintained 
even during hard braking. This increases active 
driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the 
engine. For information on safe braking, refer to 
page123.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
This system provides further enhancements to 
vehicle stability and steering response when 
braking while cornering or when braking during 
a lane change.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the 
rear wheels to ensure a stable braking behavior.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system 
automatically produces the maximum braking 
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal 
for the duration of the full braking.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels 
when starting off and accelerating. The system 
also detects unstable driving conditions such  

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  

Climate
104
Automatic climate control
1AUTO program, left side of passenger 
compartment, refer to section below
2Outside air/AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control/recirculated air105
3Switching off automatic climate 
control105
4Temperature, left side of passenger 
compartment105
5Maximum cooling106
6Air volume, left side of passenger 
compartment106
7Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation106
8Air volume, right side of passenger 
compartment1069Temperature, right side of passenger 
compartment105
10Residual heat mode106
11Rear window defroster107
12Switching cooling function on and off 
manually107
13AUTO program, right side of passenger 
compartment, refer to section below
14Air grille for interior temperature sensor – 
please keep clear and unobstructed
15Parked car ventilation109
> lights up: activation time activated
> flashes: parked car ventilation 
switched on
The current setting for air distribution appears 
on the Control Display, refer to page106.
A congenial climate
For almost all conditions, the AUTO program1 
offers the optimal air distribution and air vol-
ume. Select an interior temperature that you 
find pleasant.
The following section contains more detailed 
information on the available setting options.
The settings are stored for the remote key cur-
rently in use.
AUTO program
The AUTO program handles the 
adjustment of air distribution to the 
windshield and side windows, in 
the direction of the upper body, and in the foot-
well, as well as the adjustment of the air volume. It also adapts your instructions for the tempera-
ture to outside influences throughout the year.
The cooling is switched on automatically with 
the AUTO program. At the same time, a con-
densation sensor controls the program so as to 
prevent window condensation as much as pos-
sible.
Intensity of AUTO program
You can adjust the intensity of the AUTO pro-
gram by repeatedly pressing the AUTO button. 
Press the button to have the current setting 
briefly displayed on the lower status line of the 
Control Display.
You can also adjust the intensity of the AUTO 
program via iDrive. 

Controls
 105Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button to open the start 
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Climate".
3.Turn the controller to select driver's side or 
passenger side.
4.Turn the controller to select the field.
5.Press the controller repeatedly until the 
desired program is displayed:
>"low"
>"medium"
>"high"
Automatic recirculated air control/
recirculated air mode
You can respond to unpleasant 
odors or pollutants in the immedi-
ate environment by temporarily 
suspending the supply of outside air. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently within the 
vehicle. In AUC mode, a sensor detects pollut-
ants in the outside air and controls the shut-off 
automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run through the 
following control sequence:
>LEDs off: outside air flows into the vehicle 
continuously.
>Left LED on, AUC mode: the system 
detects pollutants in the outside air and 
responds by blocking the supply of outside 
air when required.
>Right LED on, recirculated-air mode: the 
supply of outside air into the vehicle is con-
tinuously blocked.If the windows fog over in recirculated-air 
mode, then press the AUTO button or 
switch off the recirculated-air mode and 
increase the air quantity as needed.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used 
over a longer period of time, as the air quality 
inside the vehicle deteriorates continuously.<
Automatic climate control, switching 
on and off
The air volume, the heater, and the 
air conditioner mode are all 
switched off. 
You can restart the automatic climate control by 
pressing any of its buttons except the REST 
button.
Temperature adjustment
Adjust the desired temperature 
individually on the driver's side and 
passenger side. Your settings 
appear on the status line of the 
Control Display.
The automatic climate control achieves this 
temperature as quickly as possible at any time 
of year, if necessary with the maximum cooling 
or heating capacity, and then keeps it constant.
When switching between different tem-
perature settings in rapid succession, the 
automatic climate control does not have suffi-
cient time to achieve the set temperature.<
The highest setting switches on the maximum 
heat output regardless of the outside tempera-
ture. The lowest setting activates maximum air 
conditioning.
Using iDrive
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Climate".
3.Turn the controller to select driver's side or 
passenger side.
4.Turn the controller to select the field and 
press the controller. 

Climate
106 5.Turn the controller to adjust the tempera-
ture:
>Turn toward the left, toward blue: colder
>Turn toward the right, toward red: 
warmer
6.Press the controller to save the setting.
Maximum cooling
Maximally cooled air is obtained as 
quickly as possible at an outside 
temperature of approx. 327/06 
and with the engine running.
The automatic climate control 
changes over to the lowest temperature and 
switches into the recirculated-air mode. The 
maximum air quantity only flows out of the vents 
for the upper body. So open these vents for 
maximum cooling.
Air volume
You can vary the air volume by 
turning. You can reactivate the 
automatic air supply mode by 
pressing the AUTO button.
Manual air distribution
You can adapt the air distribution to your own 
personal preferences:
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Climate".
3.Turn the controller to select driver's side or 
passenger side.4.Select the desired field and press the con-
troller.
1Air directed toward the windshield and side 
windows
2Air to the upper body
3Air to footwell
You can only use the condensation sensor in 
the AUTO program. Press the AUTO button 
when you notice condensation on windows and 
wish to take advantage of the condensation 
sensor.
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation
Quickly remove ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and front 
side windows.
Also switch on the air conditioner.
Residual heat
The system uses the warmth 
stored in the engine to heat the 
interior when the ignition is off, e.g. 
while the vehicle is stopped at a 
school to pick up a child.
The function can be switched on when the fol-
lowing conditions are met:
>up to 15 minutes after switching off the 
engine
>with the engine at operating temperature
>with sufficient battery voltage
>at an outside temperature below 777/
256
The LED lights up when the function is 
switched on. 

Mobility
 211Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System serves to 
retain the operating and road safety of your 
BMW. The service schedule also includes oper-
ations related to the vehicle's comfort and con-
venience features, such as replacement of the 
filters for the inside air. The aim is to optimize 
maintenance procedures with a view to reduc-
ing the cost of running the vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell 
your BMW, you will find that a complete dealer 
service history is an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into 
account. As a result, Condition Based Service 
determines the current and future maintenance 
requirements. By letting you define a service 
and maintenance regimen that reflects your 
own individual requirements, the system forms 
the basis for trouble-free driving.
On the Control Display, you can have the 
remaining times and distances for selected 
maintenance procedures and any legally man-
dated deadlines displayed, refer to page78:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, separate for front and rear
>Microfilter
>Brake fluid
>Spark plugs>Vehicle check
>Legally prescribed inspections depending 
on national regulations
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control 
while you are driving. After accessing the data 
stored in the vehicle key, your BMW Service 
Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of 
service procedures for your own individual vehi-
cle. This is why it is important when you take 
your vehicle in for service to give the BMW Ser-
vice Advisor the last remote control you used 
for driving.
Storage periods with the battery discon-
nected are not taken into account by the 
CBS maintenance system. If this occurs, have a 
BMW center update the time-dependent main-
tenance procedures, such as checking brake 
fluid and if necessary engine oil and the micro/
activated charcoal filter.<
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and 
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models 
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service 
and repair operations performed at your 
BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries 
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<