
Driving
54
place the transmission in neutral or engage 
selector lever position P 
and forcefully apply the 
parking brake to prevent the car from moving. <
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion as well as repeated start attempts in 
which the engine does no t start. Otherwise, the 
fuel is not burned or  incompletely burned and 
there is a danger of overheating and damaging 
the catalytic converter. <
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the 
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right 
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Manual transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with con-
venient access, inside  the vehicle, refer to 
page 34.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Depress the clutch and shift to neutral posi-
tion.
3. Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain 
time, and stops automatically as soon as the 
engine has started.
Automatic transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with con-
venient access, inside  the vehicle, refer to 
page 34.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Move the selector lever to position P.
3. Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain 
time, and stops automatically as soon as the 
engine has started.
Diesel engine
When the engine is cold and temperatures are 
below approx. 32 7/06 , the starting process 
may take a little more  time due to automatic 
preheating. The preheating indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster comes on; at the same 
time a message appears  on the Control Display.
Switching off the engine
Always take the remote control with you 
when you leave the vehicle. 
When parking, apply th e parking brake force-
fully, otherwise the vehicle could begin to roll. <
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the start/
stop button.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4. Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page 53.
Automatic transmission
1. With the car at a standstill, move the selec-
tor lever to position P.
2. Press the start/stop button.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4. Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page 53.
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it 
brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp is lit, and when you 
drive off an acoustic signal sounds in 
addition. The parking brake is still 
applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Applying
The lever locks in po sition automatically.
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Controls
 59Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Do not use the washers if there is any 
danger that the fluid will freeze on the 
windshield. If you do, your vision could be 
obscured. Antifreeze should therefore be 
added to the fluid, refer to Washer fluid. 
Do not use the washers when the washer fluid 
reservoir is empty, otherwise you will damage 
the washer pump. <
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are heated 
automatically while the engine is running or the 
ignition is switched on
*.
Sports Wagon: re ar window wiper
1Intermittent operation.  When reverse gear 
is engaged, the system switches to contin-
uous operation.
2 Cleaning the rear window
The rear window wiper does not move if the 
lever is in position 1 before the ignition is 
switched on.
To switch on the rear window wiper:
1. Move the lever to  its home position.
2. Reselect the desired position.
Do not use the washers when the washer 
fluid reservoir is empty, otherwise you will 
damage the washer pump. <
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable. 
Therefore, keep it away from ignition 
sources and only store it in the closed original 
container that is kept ou t of reach of children, 
otherwise there is a risk  of personal injury. 
Comply with the instructions on the con-
tainer. <
Washer fluid filler neck
Only refill washer fluid when the engine is 
cool to avoid contac t with hot engine 
parts. Otherwise, fluid spills constitute a fire 
hazard and a risk to personal safety. 
Fill with water and, if required, with a washer 
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Mix the water and antifreeze before filling 
the washer fluid rese rvoir to make sure 
the correct concentration is maintained. <
Capacity
Approx. 6.3 US quarts/6 liters.
Cruise control*
The concept
Cruise control is available for use at speeds of 
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then stores 
and maintains the speed that you specify using 
the lever on the steering column. In order to 
maintain the specified speed, the system 
brakes the vehicle when the engine braking 
effect is insufficient  on downhill gradients.
Do not use cruise control when driving at 
constant speed is prevented by adverse 
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or 
poor road conditions due to, e.g. snow, rain, ice 
or loose surfaces. Otherwise you could lose 
control of the vehicle and cause an accident as a 
result. <
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while  cruise control is acti-
vated. An indicator lamp notifies you that you 
should shift gears wh en you drive for an 
extended period at very high or very low engine 
speeds, or the system is deactivated.
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Controls
 61Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press the button, arrow 4. The last stored 
speed is resumed 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 sl owly 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 speed
2 Selected speed is displayed briefly
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.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when 
the system has failed. A message 
appears on the Control Display. You 
can find more information starting on page 75.
Active cruise control*
The concept
With active cruise cont rol, 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 is 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 high-
ways or other high-speed thoroughfares. Espe-
cially on longer trips,  the system can reduce 
fatigue and tension, while increasing your 
enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely and 
responsibly.
Within the limits of its capability, the system 
automatically adapts the ca r's speed to that of a 
slower vehicle in front of you. You can specify 
the distance to be main tained from the vehicle 
in front in four stages.  For safety reasons, the 
distance is speed-dependent. Based on your 
selected distance setti ng, the system automat-
ically decreases the thro ttle setting and lightly 
applies the brakes if necessary. The vehicle 
brake lamps will automatically illuminate to sig-
nal a following driver to take action. In addition, 
it may be necessary for the vehicle or the driver 
to downshift, depending  on the kind of trans-
mission your vehicle is equipped with, to main-
tain 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 automatically 
or by the driver as needed. Your selected speed 
will be held when driving downhill, too.
Since this active cruise control system is a new 
technology and operates differently from con-
ventional cruise control systems which you may 
be accustomed to, you are strongly urged to 
read all of the pages re lating to this system 
before use. Pay special  attention to the System 
limitations section beginning on page 65.
Braking sensation
>If you step on the brake pedal while the sys-
tem is braking, pedal sensation will be 
slightly different from the usual.
> Possible noises during automatic braking 
are normal.
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Driving
62
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while cruise control is acti-
vated. An indicator lamp notifies you that you 
should shift gears when you drive for an 
extended period at very high or very low engine 
speeds, or the system is deactivated.
Range of applications
The minimum desired speed is 20 mph or 
30 km/h, the maximum desired speed is 
110 mph or 180 km/h.
As with conventional  cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way 
diminishes or substitutes for the driver’s own 
personal responsibility,  alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise 
controlling 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 inter-
changes, service/parkin g areas or toll booths. 
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's 
speed and distance setting within applicable 
legal limits. Always be re ady to take action or 
apply the brakes if nece ssary, especially when 
the system is actively fo llowing a vehicle in front 
of you. Otherwise driving situations could result 
that pose the risk of accidents. <
One lever for all functions
1Store and increase desired speed
2 Store and decrease desired speed
3 Deactivate system, refer to page 63
4 Resume stored desired speed and dis-
tance, refer to page 64
5 Select distance to vehicle driving ahead, 
refer to page 63
Storing current speed
Briefly press the lever, arrow  1, or briefly pull it, 
arrow  2, at a driving speed of more than approx. 
20 mph or 30 km/h.
The car's current speed is stored. It is displayed 
on the speedometer and  briefly in the instru-
ment cluster.
Increasing desired speed
Press or tap the lever to the resistance point or 
beyond, arrow 1, until the desired speed is dis-
played.
> Each time the lever is  tapped to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased 
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
> Each time the lever  is tapped beyond the 
resistance point, the desired speed is 
increased by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h until 
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Controls
 65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
When the radar sensor is not properly posi-
tioned, active cruise control cannot be activated 
at all.Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when 
the system has failed. A message 
appears on the Control Display. You 
can find more information starting on page 75.
System limitations
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system does have physical limi-
tations. It will not apply  the brakes or decelerate 
your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead 
of you, as for example, at a traffic light or a 
parked vehicle. Also, the system does not react 
to oncoming traffic, pe destrians or other types 
of potential traffic such as a rider on horseback. 
It is also possible th at the system may not 
detect smaller moving objects such as motor-
cycles or bicycles. Be especially alert when 
encountering any of these situations as the sys-
tem will neither automatically brake, nor provide 
a warning to you. Also, be aware that every 
decrease in the distance setting allows your 
vehicle to come closer to a vehicle in front of 
you and requires a heightened amount of alert-
ness. <
Active cruise control is not and must not 
be used as a collision avoidance/warning 
system. <
If while your vehicle is actively following a vehi-
cle in front of you and the vehicle ahead speeds 
up or the lane ahead becomes clear, then your 
vehicle will accelerate  to the speed you have 
selected. Be aware that changing to a clear, 
unobstructed lane will also result in your vehicle 
accelerating. Be certain to deactivate the system when 
you pull into an exit lane for a highway off-
ramp. <
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner 
on a highway may cause a delay in the system's 
reaction to a vehicle in  front of you or may cause 
the system to react to a  vehicle actually in the 
lane next to you. Always  be ready to take action 
or apply the brak es if necessary.
While active cruise control is capable of 
braking your vehicle  automatically when 
you approach a slower vehicle ahead, it is 
important to be aware that the ability of the sys-
tem to apply the brakes is also limited, e.g. 
when you reduce your  desired speed sharply. 
The system cannot stop your vehicle. It uses 
only a portion of brakin g system capacity and 
does not utilize the full capacity of the vehicle 
braking system. Therefore, the system cannot 
decrease your speed for large differences in 
speed between your vehicle and the vehicle 
ahead. Examples: when you approach a vehicle 
traveling at a much lower speed than your own 
speed such as approachin g a toll booth or when 
a much slower vehicle cuts in front of you at 
close range. <
Active cruise control ca n only decelerate the 
vehicle to approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h.
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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
114
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to 
each other. Please follow the instructions below 
in order to achieve the optimal service life and 
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds but do 
not exceed:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
> Diesel engine
3,500 rpm or 93 mph/150 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode.
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 no t achieve their full trac-
tion potential until afte r an initial break-in 
period. 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 clut ch reaches its optimal 
level only after a distan ce driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be 
observed if any of the components mentioned 
above have to be renewe d 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 incr eases fuel consumption.
Remove any mounted parts after you 
have finished using them
Remove unneeded additional mirrors, the roof 
rack and the rear luggage rack after use. 
Mounted parts affect th e vehicle's aerodynam-
ics and increase fuel consumption.
Close the windows and glass roof
An open glass roof or window causes higher air 
resistance and thus increases fuel consump-
tion.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check the tire inflation pr essure 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 wa rm 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.
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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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