Technology for driving comfort and safety
84 reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving uphill on snow-covered roads,
in slush or on unplowed, snow-covered
roads
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button; the indicator lamps for DTC in
the instrument cluster come on.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DTC has been activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
xDrive*
xDrive is your BMW's four-wheel-drive system.
The combined efforts of xDrive and DSC help to
further optimize traction and driving dynamics.
The xDrive four-wheel-drive system distributes
driving power variably to the front and rear axles
depending on the driving situation and road
conditions.
Hill Descent Control HDC*
HDC is a downhill driving assistant that controls
your speed on steep downhill gradients and
makes it even easier to control your BMW's
handling under these conditions. The vehicle
then moves slightly faster than double walking
speed without the driver needing to intervene.
HDC can be activated as long as you are driving
under approx. 20 mph or 35 km/h. When driving
downhill at a speed of under approx. 20 mph or
35 km/h, the vehicle's speed is automatically
reduced to slightly more than double walking
speed and maintained.
Increasing or decreasing speed
By accelerating or braking you can change this
speed within a range from approx. 3 to 15 mph,
approx. 5 to 25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same
range using the cruise control
* lever on the
steering column.
1To increase speed
2To decrease speed
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED lights up.
When the vehicle is being braked automatically,
the LED flashes.
Lamps
94 3."Welcome light"
Welcome lamps are activated and are
stored for the remote control currently in use.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the headlamp flasher after park-
ing the car, with the lights switched off, the low
beams come on and remain on for a certain
time.
Setting or deactivating the duration
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Pathway lighting:"
4.Set or deactivate the duration.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Daytime running lamps
The daytime running lamps light up in switch
position 0, 1 and 3. They are less powerful than
the low beams.
Activating/deactivating daytime
running lamps
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Daytime running lamps"
Daytime running lamps are activated and
are stored for the remote control currently in
use.
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves at speeds up to 40 mph/70 km/h,
e.g. on mountainous roads or when turning, an
additional, corner-illuminating lamp is switched
on that lights up the inside area of the curve.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch to position 3, refer to page93.
The corner-illuminating lamp is switched on
automatically, depending on the steering wheel
angle or turn signal indicator.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive
Head Light directs light towards the front pas-
senger side when the vehicle is at a standstill.
When you are reversing, only the corner-illumi-
nating lamps are active and switched on on
both sides.
Controls
105Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
>The compass direction shown does not
change although the direction of travel
does.
>Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1.Make sure that no large metal objects or
overhead power lines are in the vicinity of
your vehicle and that you have enough
space to drive in a circle.
2.Set the currently valid compass zone.
3.Convertible: ensure that the retractable
hardtop is fully closed.
4.Press the adjustment button for approx.
6-7 seconds to call up C. Then drive in at
least one full circle at a speed of no more
than 4mph or 7km/h.
If calibration is successful, the display
changes from C to a compass direction.
5.Convertible: open the retractable hardtop
fully and repeat step 4.
Setting right-hand/left-hand steering
Your digital compass is factory-set to right-
hand or left-hand steering, in accordance with
your vehicle.
Setting the language
You can set the language of the display:
Press the adjustment button for approx.
12-13 seconds. Briefly press the adjustment
button again to switch between English, "E",
and German, "O".
The setting is automatically saved after approx.
10 seconds.
Coupe:
Roller sun blind*
Tap the button in the center console to raise or
lower the roller sun blind.
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle.
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven,
close the glove compartment immediately after
use.<
Closing
Fold cover up.
Locking
To lock the glove compartment, use the inte-
grated key of the remote control, refer to
page26.
Convertible: when you lock the vehicle from the
outside, the glove compartment is locked as
well.
Things to remember when driving
118 The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page203.
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. Otherwise greater clutch
wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page85.
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 pressure 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 then 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 braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake 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 page58.
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 pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants 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 respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
General information on caring for your BMW
can be found on page213.
Mobility
227Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
Coupe: it is stored in the onboard tool kit under-
neath the cover on the right-hand side of the
cargo bay, refer to page217.
Convertible: it is stored in the onboard tool kit
underneath the cargo bay floor, refer to
page217.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Release the cover panel in the bumper:
Press on the upper part of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page55, otherwise the low-beam headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort. Active
steering is not active and it will be necessary to
turn the steering wheel further.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page58.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
AUTO program for automatic
climate control98
AUX-IN
– port106
AUX-IN port163
Average fuel consumption71
– setting the units72
Average speed71
Avoid highways in
navigation135
Avoiding unintentional
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to
Weights235
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment43
Backrest width adjustment44
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats45
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb220,221
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps220
Bag holder110
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch225
Bar, refer to Towing
methods227
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter179
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment106
Bass, tone setting144
Battery222
– charging222
– disposal35,222
– jump starting225
– remote control26
– temporary power failure222
Battery for mobile phone179Battery renewal
– remote control35
– remote control for vehicle35
Being towed227
Belt hand-over49
– pinch protection system49
Belts, refer to Safety belts48
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts48
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders107
Blinds, refer to Roller sun
blinds105
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate99
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating172
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo215
BMW Assist, activating184
BMW Assist183
BMW center188
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System211
BMW Search184
BMW webpage
4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control DBC83
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements73
Brake force display89
Brake lamps
– brake force display89
– replacing bulb220,221
Brake pads116
– breaking in116
Brake rotors118
– brakes116
– breaking in116Brakes
– ABS83
– BMW Maintenance
System211
– brake force display89
– breaking in116
– parking brake56
– service requirements73
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely118
Brake system116
– BMW Maintenance
System211
– breaking in116
– disc brakes118
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance224
Breaking in the clutch116
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential116
Break-in period116
Brightness of Control
Display80
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs218
Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button55
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Call
– accepting173
– ending174
– rejecting174
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing174
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Capacities235
Capacity of the cargo bay235
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery222
Car care, refer to Care213
Everything from A - Z
248 Heating
– mirrors50
– rear window100
– residual heat99
– seats47
– steering wheel51
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate97
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat99
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo119
Height, refer to
Dimensions233
Height adjustment
– seats43
– steering wheel50
High beams95
– headlamp flasher95
– indicator lamp13
High Definition Radio148
High-pressure
washer213,214
High water, refer to Driving
through water118
Highways, refer to Route
criteria135
Hill Descent Control HDC84
Hills118
Holders for cups107
Homepage BMW4
Hood206
Hooks for shopping bags110
Horn10,11
Hotel function, refer to
Locking or unlocking
separately31
Hot exhaust system117
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC83
Hydroplaning117
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio148Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning69
ID3 tag, refer to Information
about the track153
Identification marks
– Run-Flat Tires204
– tire coding202
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness80
– changing language80
– changing settings80
– changing units of measure
and display format72
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– setting the date and time76
– start menu17
– status information19
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition55
– switched off55
– switched on55
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness55
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on55
Ignition lock55
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM88
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure194
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM86Initializing
– after power failure222
– compass, refer to
Calibrating104
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM85
– glass roof37
– radio, refer to Station,
storing147
– refer to Setting the time and
date76
Installation location
– CD changer156
– navigation DVD drive124
– telephone106
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions
136
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting95
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote
control102
Interior lamps96
– remote control28
Interior motion sensor33
Interior rearview mirror50
– automatic dimming
feature50
– compass104
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control57
Intermittent mode of the
wipers60
Intersection, entering,
navigation126
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port163
iPod, connecting, refer to
USB-audio interface164
J
Jacking points222
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting225
Jump starting225
Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
P
Paintwork care214
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control82
Park Distance Control PDC82
Parked car ventilation100
– preselecting switch-on
times101
– switching on and off
directly101
Parking
– vehicle56
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC82
Parking brake56
– indicator lamp56
Parking lamps93
– replacing bulbs219
Parking lamps/low beams93
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function50
Pathway lighting94
Personal Profile26
Phone book173
Phone numbers
– dialing174
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– windows36
Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Polish215
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control100
Position, refer to Current
position, displaying141
Postal code, entering for
navigation126
Power failure222
Power windows36
Power windows, refer to
Windows35
Pressure, tires194
Pressure monitoring, tires85
– Flat Tire Monitor85Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM86
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– windows36
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First add pouch225
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor85
R
Radio
– controls144
– High Definition Radio148
– satellite radio150
– selecting a waveband147
– storing stations147
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
– Weather Band, refer to
Weather information150
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness55
Radio readiness55
– switched off55
– switched on55
Radio-remote key, refer to
Remote control with
integrated key26
Rain sensor60
Reading lamps96
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps220
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints45
– folding down backrests109
Rear turn signals
– replacing bulb220
Rear ventilation100
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors49
Rear window defroster100Rear window roller blind, refer
to Roller sun blinds105
Receiving level of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information19
Reception
– quality148
– radio station148
Recirculated-air mode99
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest43
Refueling192
Releasing
– hood206
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range70
Remote control26
– battery renewal35
– convenient access34
– garage door opener102
– luggage compartment lid28
– malfunction29,35
– removing from the ignition
lock55
– service data211
Replacement remote
control26
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs218
Replacing tires204
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires204
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings146
Residual heat99
Restraint systems
– for children52
– refer to Safety belts48
Retractable hardtop38
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– convenient operation28
– opening and closing39
– remote control28