
Driving
40
Driving
Ignition lock 
0Steering locked
1Steering unlocked
2Ignition switched on
3Starting the engine
Steering locked
This is the only position in which the ignition key 
can be inserted or removed.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel 
slightly to the left or right until the lock engages.
Interlock with automatic transmission
The key can only be turned back to position 0 or 
removed if the selector lever is in position P: 
interlock.
Steering unlocked
You will find that it is often easier to turn the 
ignition key from position0 to 1 if yo u m ove the 
steering wheel slightly to help disengage the 
detent.
Individual electrical equipment and accessories 
are available for use.
Ignition switched on
All systems are operational.
Starting the engine
Engine idle speed is controlled by the engine 
computer system. Increased speeds at start-up 
are normal and should decrease as the engine 
warms up. If engine speed does not decrease, 
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharging, always 
deactivate electrical devices that are not in use. 
Switch the ignition off when the vehicle is not 
being driven.
Do not leave the engine running in 
enclosed spaces. Otherwise, inhalation of 
the hazardous exhaust gases could lead to 
unconsciousness and death. The exhaust 
gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless 
and colorless, but highly toxic gas. Do not leave 
the vehicle unattended with the engine running. 
An unattended vehicle with a running engine 
poses a safety hazard.
Before leaving the car with the engine running, 
place the transmission in idle or move the 
selector lever to position P and apply the park-
ing brake to prevent the car from moving.<
When starting the engine, do not press the 
accelerator pedal.
Do not end the starting procedure too early, but 
do not continue it for more than 20 seconds.
Release the key immediately when the engine 
starts.
Do not let the engine warm up in idling position. 
Instead, begin to drive at moderate engine 
speeds.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the vehi-
cle. A lockout prevents the engine from starting 
if the clutch is not depressed.<
Manual transmission
1.Apply the parking brake.
2.Depress the clutch and shift to idle position.
3.Start the engine. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 47
To accelerate using the lever
Press the lever, arrow1, until the desired speed 
is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on 
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and 
maintains the speed.
To decrease speed
Pull the lever repeatedly, arrow2, until the 
desired speed is reached.
Functions are the same as with increasing 
speed or accelerating, except the speed is 
decreased.
Deactivating cruise control
Tap the lever upwards or downwards, arrow4.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When you engage the clutch or shift to idle 
in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When you drive faster or slower than the set 
speed for a longer period of time, e.g. by 
pressing the accelerator pedal
>When the DSC comes on
You can recall the speed last stored.
To recall the stored speed
Briefly press the button, arrow 3. The speed last 
stored is achieved again and maintained.
The stored speed is deleted as soon as the igni-
tion is switched off. 

Things to remember when driving
74
Things to remember when driving
Break-in procedures
Moving parts need to be given some time until 
they can interact smoothly with one another. To 
ensure that your vehicle provides maximum 
economy throughout a long service life, we 
request that you observe the following.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do 
not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kickdown point.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually 
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until an initial break-in period has 
elapsed. Therefore, drive cautiously during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in 
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal 
level only after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. Shift gears carefully during 
the break-in period.
After replacing components
The same break-in procedures should be 
observed if any of the components mentioned 
above have to be renewed in the course of the 
vehicle's operating life.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends 
on several factors. You can lower fuel consump-
tion and the environmental impact by taking 
certain measures, adjusting your driving style 
and having the vehicle serviced regularly.
Remove any unneeded cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove any mounted parts after you 
have finished using them
Remove additional mirrors and the luggage rack 
when they are no longer in use. Mounted parts 
affect the vehicle's aerodynamics and increase 
fuel consumption.
Close both windows
Open windows cause higher air resistance and 
thus increase fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check the tire inflation pressure at least twice a 
month and before embarking on a long journey, 
and correct it if necessary.
Low tire inflation pressure causes higher rolling 
resistance and thus increases fuel consumption 
and tire wear.
Set off immediately
Do not let the engine warm up while the car is 
still standing, but set off immediately at moder-
ate engine speed. This is the fastest way for the 
cold engine to reach its operating temperature. 

Things to remember when driving
76 pletely lose contact with the road surface, so 
that neither the car can be steered nor the brake 
be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page87.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is 
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only 
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the 
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged.<
Moisture inside the vehicle
Make sure that the passenger compart-
ment does not become wet and that liq-
uids are transported in closed containers. Oth-
erwise, moisture could penetrate and damage 
electronic components inside the vehicle.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, keep the vehicle from rolling 
by using the parking brake rather than by 
slipping the clutch, which would lead to a high 
degree of clutch wear.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard 
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most 
effective way of braking in situations in which 
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains 
steering responsiveness, you can still 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.
Wet roads
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, 
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal 
every few miles. Watch traffic conditions to 
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger 
other road users. The resulting heat dries the 
brake rotors and brake pads. Immediate braking 
force is then available if necessary.
Inclines
To prevent overheating and, as a result, 
diminished braking effectiveness, drive 
down long or steep downhill grades in the gear 
that requires the least braking. Otherwise, even 
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to 
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by 
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing 
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page43.
Never drive with the clutch held down, 
with the transmission in idle or with the 
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking 
action will not be present or there will be no 
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area around the 
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be 
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
Limited vehicle use, extended periods with the 
vehicle parked or in storage, and operating con-
ditions in which braking is restricted to gentle, 
low-pressure applications will all increase the 
tendency for corrosion to form on the rotors and 
contamination to accumulate on the brake 
pads. This occurs because the minimal pres-
sure which must be exerted by the pads to 
clean the rotors by brake applications is not 
reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they will tend to 
respond to braking with a pulsating effect which 
even extended application will fail to cure.
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up. The brake 
pads have worn down to the minimum 
safe limit. Have the brake pads 
replaced as soon as possible. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 107
engine is cold. It is recommended to start the 
engine using jumper cables, refer to 
page104.<
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply 
with local regulations.
2.Turn the key to position 2.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch 
depressed and slowly release the clutch. 
After the engine starts, immediately 
depress the clutch again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 117
B
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment31
Backup lamps
– bulb replacement101
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit104
Bar, refer to Towing 
methods106
Battery102
– charging102
– disposal102
– indicator/warning 
lamp12,102
– jump-starting104
– power supply 
interruption102
– remote control18
Being towed106
Belts, refer to Safety belts33
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts33
Beverage holders69
Blower, refer to Air flow 
rate63,66
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System96
Bottle holders, refer to 
Beverage holders69
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control DBC51
Brake fluid95
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,95
– low level95
Brake Force Display56
Brake hydraulics, refer to 
Brake system95
Brake hydraulic system
– indicator/warning lamp13
Brake lamps
– brake force display56
– bulb replacement101
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb13Brake pads76
– break-in procedures74
– warning lamp76
Brake pad wear indicator
– brake pads76
– indicator/warning lamp13
Brake rotors76
– brakes76
– break-in procedures74
Brakes
– ABS51
– brake fluid95
– brake pads
76
– braking safely76
– break-in procedures74
– indicator/warning 
lamps13,52
– parking brake41
Brake system95
– brake fluid95
– brake pads76
– break-in procedures74
– disc brakes76
– indicator/warning lamp13
Breakdown service, refer to 
Roadside Assistance103
Breaking in the clutch74
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential74
Break-in procedures74
Bridging, refer to Jump-
starting104
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs98
Bulb replacement, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs98
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning5
Can holders, refer to Beverage 
holders69
Capacity
– cargo bay, refer to 
Weights113Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery102
Car care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Care products, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cargo bay23
– capacity113
– emergency release23
– floor panel98
– increasing capacity23
– opening and closing21,22
– opening from inside the 
vehicle21,22
– opening from the outside21
– roll-up cover70
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo77
– vehicle77
Car jack
– jacking points102
Car keys, refer to The key 
set18
Carpet care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Car phone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Car radio, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Car wash, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system75
CD changer, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
CD operation, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Center console, refer to 
Around the center 
console14
Center high-mount brake 
lamp, bulb replacement101