
At a glance
 13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
Control and warning lamps can light up in vari-
ous combinations and colors.
When the engine is started or the ignition is 
switched on, some lamps are checked for 
proper operation and light up briefly in the pro-
cess.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages on Info Display explain the 
meaning of the indicator and warning lamps 
shown.
You can view additional information, e.g. 
regarding the cause of a malfunction and the 
corresponding action to take, in the Check Con-
trol, refer to page80.In urgent cases, this information will be shown 
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps indicate that the 
particular functions are active:
Turn signals65
With parking brake released59
With parking brake set58
Warning lamp on Canadian models
Front fog lamps101 
DTC Dynamic Traction Control88 
High beams/headlamp flasher101 
DSC Dynamic Stability Control, 
flashes88  

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  

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  

Controls
 101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
from the headlamp follows the course of the 
road.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In switch position3, the Adaptive Head Light is 
activated and Automatic headlamp control is 
switched on.
In order not to blind oncoming traffic, the Adap-
tive Head Light is not active when driving in 
reverse and only points toward the passenger 
side when the vehicle is stationary.
Malfunction
The LED above the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is 
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left and right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one 
side of your vehicle when parking:
After parking the vehicle, press the lever in the 
desired direction3, past the resistance point.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Do not leave them switched on for 
long periods of time; otherwise, it may no longer 
be possible to start the engine.<
Front fog lamps
Briefly press the button to switch on/off.
The parking lamps or low beams must be 
switched on for the fog lamps to operate. The 
green indicator lamp on the Info Display lights 
up whenever the fog lamps are on.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the lighting intensity with the 
knurled wheel.
Interior lamps
The interior lamps, footwell lamps, door entry 
lighting, the perimeter lighting, and the luggage 
compartment lamps are controlled automati-
cally. 

CD player
164
Random play sequence
All of the tracks on the current CD are played at 
least once in a random sequence.
Select "RND" and press the controller.
Cancel random playback:
Select "RND" and press the controller.
Fast forward/reverse
Press and hold the   button for the corre-
sponding direction. 
The tracks can be heard, but the sound is dis-
torted.
Notes
The BMW CD player is a Class 1 laser 
product. Never remove the cover from the 
housing. Do not operate with a damaged cover 
panel as this can lead to severe eye injury.
Never play CDs or DVDs with stick-on labels. 
They can come loose during playback due to 
the heat buildup and cause irreparable damage 
to the system.
Only use round CDs with a standard diameter of 
4.7 in/12 cm and do not play CDs with an 
adapter, e.g. CD singles; otherwise, the CDs or 
the adapter can jam and may no longer eject 
properly.<
General malfunctions
The BMW CD player is optimized for operation 
in the vehicle. It may react more sensitively to 
defective CDs than devices intended for sta-
tionary use.
If a CD cannot be played back, first check to 
make sure it has been correctly inserted.
Humidity
High humidity can fog the CD or the focusing 
lens for the laser beam, temporarily preventing 
playback.
Malfunctions with individual CDs
If malfunctions occur only with particular CDs, 
this can be due to one of the following causes.
Home-recorded CDs
Malfunction sources in home-recorded CDs 
include, for example, inconsistent data origina-
tion and recording processes as well as low 
quality or pronounced aging of the blanks used.
Only write on CDs with a marker especially 
designed for this purpose.
Damaged CDs
Avoid finger prints, dust, scratches, and mois-
ture. 
Store CDs in a sleeve.
Do not expose CDs to temperatures above 
1227/506, high humidity or direct sunlight.
CDs with copy protection
Manufacturers often provide CDs with copy 
protection. This can prevent or limit the play-
back of these CDs.
Care instructions
You can find everything you need to know about 
this topic by consulting the separate Caring for 
your vehicle brochure. 

CD changer
168
General malfunctions
The BMW CD changer is optimized for opera-
tion in the vehicle. It may react more sensitively 
to defective CDs than devices intended for sta-
tionary use.
If a CD cannot be played back, first check to 
make sure it has been correctly inserted.
Humidity
High humidity can fog the CD or the focusing 
lens for the laser beam, temporarily preventing 
playback.
Malfunctions with individual CDs
If malfunctions occur only with particular CDs, 
this can be due to one of the following causes.
Home-recorded CDs
Malfunction sources in home-recorded CDs 
include, for example, inconsistent data origina-
tion and recording processes as well as low 
quality or pronounced aging of the blanks used.
Only write on CDs with a marker especially 
designed for this purpose.
Damaged CDs
Avoid finger prints, dust, scratches, and mois-
ture. 
Store CDs in a sleeve.
Do not expose CDs to temperatures above 
1227/506, high humidity or direct sunlight.
CDs with copy protection
Manufacturers often provide CDs with copy 
protection. This can prevent or limit the play-
back of these CDs.
Care instructions
You can find everything you need to know about 
this topic by consulting the separate Caring for 
your vehicle brochure. 

Mobility
 213Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard toolkit is located in the luggage 
compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
The adapter for the spare key can be stored 
beneath the open-ended wrenches.
Windshield wiper blades
To replace the blades, start by folding the wip-
ers out and away from the windshield, refer to 
page66.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and lights contribute significantly to 
road safety. Therefore, comply fully with the fol-
lowing instructions during bulb replacement. 
BMW recommends that you entrust corre-
sponding procedures to your BMW center if 
you are unfamiliar with them or they are not 
described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with 
your bare fingers, as even minute traces 
of contamination will burn into the bulb's sur-
face and reduce its service life. Use a clean 
cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its metal 
socket.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs 
at your BMW center.When working on the lighting system, you 
should always switch off the lights 
affected to prevent short circuits. 
To avoid possible injury or equipment damage 
when replacing bulbs, follow any instructions 
provided by the bulb manufacturer.<
When maintaining the headlamps, please follow 
the instructions in the separate Caring for your 
vehicle brochure.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of 
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These 
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a 
concept similar to that applied in conventional 
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never 
stare into the unfiltered light for several 
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Xenon lamp*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and 
the probability of a failure is very low, provided 
that they are not switched on and off an unusual 
number of times. In the unlikely event that one 
of these lamps should fail, you can respond by 
switching on your fog lamps and proceeding 
carefully, where allowed by law.
Only have work on the xenon lighting sys-
tem including bulb changes carried out by 
a BMW center or a repair shop that works in 
accordance with BMW guidelines and uses 
appropriately trained personnel. Due to the high 
voltage involved, there is a danger to life and 
limb when work is carried out improperly.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp 
aim, please contact your BMW center.< 

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