
Driving
58 Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it 
running while the vehicle remains stationary. 
Instead, start driving right away, at a moderate 
engine speed.
Switching off engine
When leaving the vehicle, always take the 
remote control with you.<
With the vehicle stationary, briefly press the 
Start/Stop button. Radio ready state is switched 
on.
The transmission automatically shifts to posi-
tion P: interlock.
Before driving into a car wash
To permit the vehicle to roll, take the following 
steps:
1.With Comfort Access: insert remote control 
into ignition lock.
2.Shift transmission into position N.
3.Switch engine off.
4.Leave the remote control in the ignition 
lock.
The transmission will shift into position P:
>automatically after approx. 30 minutes
>if you remove the remote control from the 
ignition lock
Pay attention to the messages on the Info Dis-
play.
Removing remote control from ignition 
lock
Press in the remote control briefly; it pops part-
way out. This procedure will also switch off the 
ignition if it is on.
Comfort function
To switch off the engine when the vehicle is sta-
tionary, press the Start/Stop button for longer 
than approx. 2 seconds. The remote control 
pops partway out.
Parking brake
The concept
Your BMW is equipped with an electromechan-
ical parking brake.
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked.
You can use the parking brake in two ways:
>Manually, by briefly pressing the button
>Automatically, by activating the Automatic 
Hold mode, refer to page59
An electrohydraulic mechanism then engages 
the parking brake to prevent the rear wheels 
from turning whenever you switch off the 
engine. 
When the engine is running, parking brake 
engagement is controlled by the brake sys-
tem's hydraulic circuits, which act on the disc 
brakes in the front and rear wheels.
Brake pedal feel
The hydraulic brake system can produce a 
slightly different braking feel. Engagement may 
also be accompanied by activation noise – this 
is normal.
Manual engagement
Briefly press the button, the word PARK 
appears on the Info Display.
When the parking brake is engaged, the indica-
tor lamp   on the Info Display lights up red, 
refer to page12.
The remote control does not have to be 
inserted into the ignition lock for the parking 
brake to be set. 

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.
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. 

Driving
62
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can 
also shift manually using the buttons on the 
steering wheel, refer to page63.
Transmission range selection
P R N D
Displays on Info Display
P R N D S or M1 to M6
The transmission range is indicated, and in the 
manual mode, the gear currently engaged.
Selecting transmission range
>Only engage transmission positions D, R, 
or N when the engine is running: interlock.
>With the vehicle stationary, depress the 
brake pedal before shifting out of P or N; 
otherwise, the shift command will not be 
executed: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping 
after you select a driving position, 
maintain pressure on the brake pedal until 
you are ready to start off. Activate Auto-
matic Hold to suppress the tendency to 
creep, refer to page59.
Selecting D, R or N
Lightly pull selector lever and engage desired 
position:
>N Neutral: 
To resistance point, arrowsN.
>D Drive: 
Downward past resistance point, arrowD.
>R Reverse: 
Upward past resistance point, arrowR.
The selector lever immediately returns to the 
center position when released.
Selecting P
Press button P.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The 
rear wheels are locked.
Transmission automatically shifts into P 
as soon as you switch off the engine 
unless N is selected and the remote control is in 
the ignition lock, refer to page58.< 

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. 

Driving
64
Manually unlocking and locking the 
transmission lock
In the event of a power supply interruption, e.g. 
when the battery is dead or disconnected or 
when there is an electrical malfunction, the 
transmission lock must be released manually; 
otherwise, the rear wheels are locked and the 
vehicle cannot be towed.
Step on the brake when manually unlock-
ing the transmission lock; otherwise, 
there is a danger of the vehicle rolling.<
The transmission lock should only be released 
for towing. Reengage the transmission lock 
after parking the vehicle at its destination.
If it also becomes necessary to manually 
release the parking brake, follow this sequence:
1.Start by manually releasing the parking 
brake, refer to page60.
2.Then proceed to manually releasing the 
transmission lock.
Releasing
1.Use the vehicle key to release the cover 
panel beneath the instrument panel by turn-
ing the lock counterclockwise, then fold 
down the cover.2.Pull out the release lever with the loop1 
until it locks into place: the transmission 
lock is unlocked.
Reengage the transmission lock after 
parking the vehicle at its destination. Oth-
erwise, there is a danger of the vehicle rolling.<
Engaging locks
1.Disengage the release lever by pressing it 
together with the red locking lever, refer to 
arrow.
2.Guide the release lever all the way back into 
its original position – the transmission lock 
is engaged once more.
3.Fold up and lock the cover panel again. Now 
– and not before – the key may be removed.
Jump starting and tow starting information, 
refer to section starting on page220. 

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
 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