
Driving
60
One lever for all functions
1Storing and maintainin g speed or accelerat-
ing
2 Storing and maintaining speed or deceler-
ating
3 Deactivating cruise control
4 Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Maintaining current speed
Tap the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly, arrow 2.
The car's current speed is stored and main-
tained. It is displayed on the speedometer and
briefly in the instrument cluster.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to
maintain the set speed if current engine power
output is insufficient. If the engine braking
effect is insufficient on downhill slopes, the sys-
tem will brake the vehicle slightly.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow 1, until the desired
speed is reached.
> Each time the lever is pressed to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
> Each time the lever is pressed beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
increased by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Accelerating using the lever
Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1,
until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly: Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
arrow
1, until the desired speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever to the resistance point
or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
displayed.
> Each time the lever is pulled to the resis-
tance point, the desire d speed is decreased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
> Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
reduced by up to 5 mph o r 10 km/h until the
minimum speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h is
achieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Tap the lever upwards or downwards, arrow 3.
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
> When you brake the vehicle
> When you switch gears very slowly or shift
to neutral in cars with a manual transmis-
sion
> When you engage selector lever position N
in cars with an automatic transmission
> When you activate DTC or deactivate DSC
> When DSC or ABS is intervening
Cruise control is not de activated by depressing
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the st ored speed is achieved
again and maintained.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when
cruise control has been deactivated
by applying the parking brake or as a
result of DSC intervention. A message appears
on the Control Display.
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Controls
63Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
the maximum speed of 110 mph or
180 km/h is achieved.
The speed then displayed is stored and
achieved on a clear road.
Decreasing desired speed
Pull the lever, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
displayed.
The other functions work analogously to those
described under Increasing desired speed.
Selecting distance
> Press downward:
Increase distance.
> Press upward:
Decrease distance.
The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster. Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following dist
ance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicab le laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance.
Otherwise, an accident risk could result. <
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow 3.
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
> When you brake the vehicle
> When the speed is reduced to below
20 mph or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation
> When you switch gears very slowly or shift
to neutral in cars wi th a manual transmis-
sion
> When you engage select or lever position N
in cars with an automatic transmission
> When you activate the DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control
> When you deactivate the DSC Dynamic
Stability Control
> When DSC or ABS is intervening
> When the system does not recognize any
objects for a longer period of time, e.g. on
infrequently traveled roads without a shoul-
der or guard rails, or if the radar sensor is
covered with dirt, refer to page 64
> When you apply the parking brake
When the system is deactivated, you
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or
maneuver as necessary, otherwise there is a
risk of accident. <
Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3
Distance 4
This distance is always set when
the system is used for the first
time after starting the engine.
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Driving
64
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when
active cruise control has been auto-
matically deactivated due to a driving
speed below 20 mph or 30 km/h, an application
of the parking brake or a DSC intervention. A
message appears on the Control Display.
Resuming stored desired speed and
distance
Briefly press th e button, arrow 4.
The stored speed and distance are regained
and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
> When driving stability control systems are
intervening
> In cars with a manual transmission: when
you switch gears very slowly or shift to neu-
tral
> In cars with an automatic transmission:
when you engage selector lever position N
> When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
2 Shows yellow: vehicle detected ahead
Flashes in red: system cannot maintain dis-
tance; driver must brake the vehicle
Flashes in yellow: driving stability control
systems are intervening; cruise control is
deactivated
3 Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated. 4
Selected desired spee d is temporarily dis-
played
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation
are currently not met. Calling up Check Control
messages, refer to page 76.<
Warning lamps
The indicator 2 flashes in red; a
signal sounds.
The system indicates that you
must brake and/or maneuver the
vehicle yourself. Active cruise con-
trol cannot automatically restore the distance to
the vehicle ahead.
This indicator does not release you from your
responsibility to adapt your desired speed and
driving style to prevailing driving conditions.
The indicator 2 flashes in yellow.
The prerequisites for operating
active cruise control are not met,
e.g. as a result of ABS or DSC
interventions. Active cruise control
is deactivated. You can re activate the system, if
desired, by tapping or pulling the lever when
road and traffic conditions permit. It is not pos-
sible to resume a stored speed.
Radar sensor
The sensor's ability to detect vehicles ahead
may be restricted as a result of heavy rain, dirt,
snow or ice. If necessary, clean the radar sensor
located in the front bump er, see arrow. Be sure
to use particular care when removing any layers
of snow or ice from the sensor.
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Controls
81Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
can drown out the PDC signal. Therefore,
always drive cautiously, otherwise there is a risk
of personal injury or property damage.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page 116.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus help s 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 for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting
at an angle past the front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the ve hicle maintain a safe
course within physical lim its by reducing engine
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
s a f e t y m a r g i n a g a i n b y t a k i n g r i s k s , a s t h i s c o u l d
result in an accident.
<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamps for DSC in the instrument cluster
light up. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
DSC have been simultaneously deactivated.
Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions
are no longer executed.
328i, 335i: in the same way as with a differential
interlock, even if DSC is deactivated, brake
actions are still performed on the rear axle to
enhance drive output if the drive wheels experi-
ence a significant loss of traction.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with
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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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Mobility
209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 3208 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 32 of 2008.
Run-Flat Tires
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-
supporting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can
continue to be used su bject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page 84.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trai ned personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent dama ge and related safety
hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
anced. <
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may
be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often
wide variations in tire ag e, which can result in a
limited service life. <
Correct wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you.
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions, which could
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot guarantee their driving
safety. <
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS, DSC or
FTM.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect
a puncture, refer to page 84. Your BMW center
will be glad to advise you.
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Mobility
231Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents reg-
ularly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
Sedan
The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand
side of the cargo bay in a storage area.
Sports Wagon
The first aid pouch is located in the cargo bay
behind the left-hand trim panel.
Warning triangle*
Sedan
The warning triangle is lo cated in a holder in the
luggage compartment lid. Pr ess the tabs to take
it out.
Sports Wagon
The warning triangle is located behind the left-
hand trim panel in the cargo bay. Press the tab
to take it out.
Jump starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your BMW's
engine can be started by connecting two
jumper cables to anothe r vehicle's battery. You
can also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with
fully-insulated clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to pr event damage to one or
both vehicles, and to guard against possible
personal injuries. <
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Everything from A - Z
250
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display texts used to select
individual functions and
refers you to the page where
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake System 81
ACC, refer to Active cruise control 61
Accident, refer to Sending an Emergency Request 230
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control 97
Active cruise control 61
– indicator lamps 64
– malfunction 65
– selecting distance 63
– sensor 64
Active steering 87
Adaptive brake light
– brake force display 87
Adaptive Head Light 91
Additives
– coolant 215
Address, entering 123,129
Address for navigation
– entering 123,129
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 95
Adjusting the thigh support 42
Adjusting the tone during audio operation, refer to
Tone control 142
Airbags 88
– indicator/warning lamp 89
– sitting safely 41
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control 95
– ventilation 97 Air distribution
– automatic
95
Air flow rate 95
Airing, refer to Ventilation 97
Air pressure, refer to Tire inflation pressure 195
Air recirculation, refer to Recirculated-air mode 96
Air supply
– automatic climate control 95
– ventilation 97
Air vents 94
AKI, refer to Fuel specifications 191
Alarm system 33
– avoiding unintentional alarms 34
– interior motion sensor 33
– switching off an alarm 33
– tilt alarm sensor 33
Albums of music
collection 159
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 210
All-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 82
AM, waveband 145
Ambient
air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 96
Antenna for mobile phone 168
Antifreeze
– coolant 215
– washer fluid 59
Antilock Brake System ABS 81
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 33
Anti-theft system 27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 241
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 241Armrest, refer to Center
armrest 103
Arrival time, refer to
Computer 69
Ashtray
– front 104
– rear 105
Assistance systems, refer to Driving stability control
systems 81
AUC Automatic recirculated- air control 96
Audio 142
– controls 142
– switching on/off 142
– tone control 142
– volume 142
Audio device, external 103
Automatic
– air distribution 95
– air flow rate 95
– cruise control 59,61
– headlamp control 90
Automatic car washes 218
Automatic climate control 94
– automatic air distribution 95
Automatic curb monitor 47
Automatic recirculated-air control AUC 96
Automatic Service
Request 185
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 55
– interlock 55,56
– overriding selector lever lock 57
– shiftlock, refer to Changing selector lever position 56
– sport program 56
– towing 232
– tow-starting 232
AUTO program for automatic
climate control 95
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