Controls
83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
HDC is automatically deactivated at speeds
greater than approx. 35 mph/60 km/h.
Using HDC
In cars with manual transmission:
Use HDC in lower gears and in reverse gear.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in any drive position.
Displays in the instrument cluster*
1 Display for target speed
2 HDC display
Malfunction
The HDC display disappears during HDC oper-
ation, or does not appear:
HDC is temporarily unav ailable due to exces-
sive brake temperature, or DSC has failed.
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off
smoothly on uphill gradient s. It is not necessary
to use the parking brake for this.
1. Hold the car in place by depressing the
brake.
2. Release the brake and drive off without
delay.
The drive-off assistant holds the car in
place for approx. 2 seconds after the
brake is released. Drive off without delay after
releasing the brake. Otherwise, the drive-off
assistant will no longer hold the car in place after approx. 2 seconds an
d the car will start to
roll backwards. <
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects pressure loss in a
tire by comparing the rotating speeds of the
individual tires while moving.
In the event of pressure loss, the rolling circum-
ference changes and, thus, the rotating speed
of the affected wheel. This change is detected
and is reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.
The system must be reinitialized each
time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed. <
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn
the driver of sudden, severe tire damage
caused by external factors, nor can it identify
the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably
occur in all four tires over a lengthy period of
time. <
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
> Performance-oriented style of driving: slip
in the drive wheels, hi gh lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically.
Do not initialize the syst em while snow chains
are attached. <
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Controls
109Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, other
storage spaces can be found in the cargo bay:
> Net
* for securing smaller objects, to be
attached to the fixtures on the floor panel
> Net
* on the left side trim of the cargo bay
instead of the rubber strap
> Reversible floor panel with integrated plas-
tic cover
* for cargo bay or bumper
> Folding, removable box
* under the floor
panel, e.g. for wet or dirty items
> Insertable dividers
* and removable storage
tray for the storage compartment under the
floor panel
Folding up the floor panel
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
load of 55 lbs/25 kg for the storage com-
partment under the floor panel, otherwise dam-
age could result. <
Sedan
Press the floor panel against the ceiling of the
cargo bay; a locking device holds the floor panel
in place. To detach the fl oor panel, pull it out of
the locking device.
Sports Wagon
Fold up the floor panel and take it out or lean it
forward.
Lashing eyes
You will find lashing eyel ets in the cargo bay for
securing luggage items with nets or tensioning
straps, refer to page 118.
Ski bag*
The ski bag is designed for safe, clean transport
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to
2snowboards.
With the ski bag you can st ow skis with a length
of up to 6ft 10in/2.10m. When skis of 6ft 10in/
2.10 m length are loaded, the overall capacity of
the ski bag is reduced due to its tapered design.
Loading
1. Fold down the center armrest.
2. Press the button, reac h into the recess and
fold down the cover.
3. Open the Velcro fastener, spread the ski
bag between the front seats and insert the
skis or snowboards.
The zip fastener makes objects in the ski
bag easier to reach.
4. Insert the latch plate of the ski bag's retain-
ing strap in the center belt buckle.
Only place clean skis in the ski bag. Wrap sharp
edges to prevent damage.
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Driving tips
115Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance to the forward vehicle. A defensive and
smooth driving style keeps fuel consumption
down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second
and higher gears, accele rate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelerating, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable ge ar and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red lig ht, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
On a downhill slope, take your foot off the accel-
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engi ne during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings
or in traffic congestions. You achieve fuel sav-
ings even if standing time is as short as approx.
4 seconds.
Switch off functions you do not need at
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner and the
seat or rear window heating draw large amounts
of power and consume a dditional fuel. Espe-
cially in city traffic and in stop and go driving
they have a considerable impact. Therefore,
switch these functions off when they are not
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW
recommends having the vehicle serviced at a
BMW center. Also note the BMW service sys-
tem, refer to page 216.
General driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid/tailgate and rear
window are closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes
could enter the interior of the vehicle. <
If the vehicle must be driven with the luggage
compartment lid/tailgate open:
1. Close all windows and the glass roof.
2. Greatly increase the ai r volume of the auto-
matic climate control system, refer to
page 95.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sect ions of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply un dercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage. Do not touch ho t exhaust tail pipes.
Otherwise there is a risk of burns. <
Diesel particulate filter*
The diesel particulate filter collects soot parti-
cles and burns them periodically at high tem-
peratures. This cleaning process takes several
minutes. During cleaning, you may notice that
the engine temporarily runs less smoothly and
that a somewhat higher engine speed is neces-
sary to achieve the accustomed performance.
Also, noises may be heard and a slight amount
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Things to remember when driving
116
of smoke may emerge from the exhaust, even
for a short period after
the engine is switched
off.
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 situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brak e be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tire s, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page 208.
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. <
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Ot herwise greater clutch
wear will result. <
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page 83.
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 of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pre ssure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors. Full
braking efficiency will th
en be available when
you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least br aking is required. Even
light but consistent brak e 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 page 56.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral 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 peda l function could be
impaired. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driv en only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in op erating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to re spond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
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Destination guidance
134
of traffic obstructions. The system does not
point out traffic obstructions along the original
route.
Depending on the type of
road and the nature
and length of the traffic obstruction, the route
can also be calculated so that you travel
through the traffic obstruction.
1. "Navigation"
2. Open "Options".
3. "Dynamic guidance"
If the "Avoid highways", "Avoid toll roads"
or "Avoid ferries" route criteria are
selected, route calculat ion may take consider-
ably longer.<
Route
General information
Depending on the equipment in your vehicle,
different views of the route are available during
destination guidance.
> Map display
> Arrow display
> Display of the streets and towns/cities on
the route.
Displaying a list of the streets or towns/
cities on the route
When destination guidance is started, a list of
the streets and towns/cities on the route is dis-
played. The driving distances and traffic bulle-
tins are displayed for each route section.
> Display a list of the streets and towns/cities
on the route.
> Display the traffic bulle tins and the driving
distance for each route section.
1. "Navigation"
2. "Route information"
3. Highlight a section.
The section is displayed in the preview map.
Bypassing a section of the route
During destination guidan ce, you can revise the
navigation system's route recommendations to
avoid particular stretches of road. Enter the
number of miles/kilomete rs that you want to
travel before returning to the original route.
A section of the route up to 32 miles/50 km in
length can be bypassed.
1. "Navigation"
2. "Route information"
3. "New route for:"
4. Turn the controller: enter the desired num-
ber.
If the route section should no longer be
bypassed: "Remove blocking"
Gas station recommendations
The vehicle calculates the range and recom-
mends several gas stations along the route.
1. "Navigation"
2. "Route information"
3. "Recommended refuel"
4. Select a gas station.
5. Select the symbol to start destination
guidance.
Destination guidance
through voice instructions
Switching voice instructions on/off
Voice instructions can be switched on or off
during destination guidance.
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Reference 257
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Interior rearview mirror48
– automatic dimming
feature 48
– compass 101
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control 55
Intermittent mode of the wipers 58
Intersection, entering, navigation 124
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port 161
iPod, connecting, refer to
USB-audio interface 162
J
Jacking points228
Joystick, refer to iDrive 16
Jumpering, refer to Jump starting 231
Jump starting 231
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control 26
Keyless go, refer to
Convenient access 34
Keyless opening and closing, refer to Convenient
access 34
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 26
Kick-down 56
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 56
Knock control 191
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control 90
– parking lamps/low beams 90
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs 223
Language, changing on Control Display 78 Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer
to Safety belts 46
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 118
Last destinations 126
LATCH child-restraint fixing system 50
Leather care 220
LED Light-emitting diodes 223
Length, refer to
Dimensions 239
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb 228
Light-alloy wheels 219
Light-emitting diodes
LED 223
Lighter 104
– connecting electrical
appliances 105
Lighting
– instruments 92
– lamps and bulbs 223
– vehicle, refer to Lamps 90
Light switch 90
Limit, refer to Speed limit 77
Load 118
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo 118
Lock buttons, doors, refer to Locking 30
Locking
– adjusting confirmation signal 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 28
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access 34
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Longlife oils
– alternative oil types 215
– approved engine oils 215
Low-beam headlamps 90
– automatic 90
Low beams
– replacing bulbs 224Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support 43
Luggage compartment lid 30
– convenient access 35
– emergency release 32
– locking or unlocking separately 32
– open
ing from inside 30
– opening from outside 31
– remote control 28
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 119
Lumbar support 43
LW, waveband 145
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 210
Maintenance, refer to Service Booklet
Maintenance system 216
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 57
– luggage compartment lid 31
– tires 84
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control 75
Manual car wash 219
Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 56
Manual operation
– door lock 29
– driver's door 29
– fuel filler door 190
– glass roof 37
– luggage compartment lid 31
– panorama glass roof 39
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 57
Manual transmission 55
Map display 135
Map for navigation
– changing scale 135
– entering destination 128
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