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.
Driving tips
117Reference
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, accelerate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelerating, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear 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 light, 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 engine 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 additional 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 page211.
General driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is closed. Other-
wise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of
the vehicle.<
If the vehicle must be driven with the luggage
compartment lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass roof.
2.Greatly increase the air volume of the auto-
matic climate control system, refer to
page99.
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 sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating 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 hot exhaust tail pipes.
Otherwise there is a risk of burns.<
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 brake be properly applied.<
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
221Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Backup lamps and brake lamps: take out
the bulbs and change them.
4.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
5.Reattach the cover in the cargo bay.
Convertible
1.Turn the screws on the corresponding side,
see arrow, by 90° and remove the cover.
2.While applying light pressure, turn the bulb
holder of the turn signal bulb to the left.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
4.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
5.Reattach the cover in the cargo bay.
Lamps in the luggage compartment lid
Coupe
1.Pry out the plastic plugs in the trim of the
luggage compartment lid using a screw-
driver and remove the trim.
2.Release the bulb holder, see arrow, and
remove.
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
4.Attach the bulb holder.
5.Reattach the trim of the luggage compart-
ment lid and the holder for the warning tri-
angle.
Convertible
1.Take the warning triangle out of its holder,
refer to page225. Unscrew the holder using
the screwdriver from the onboard tool kit.
2.Pry out the plastic plugs in the trim of the
luggage compartment lid using a screw-
driver and remove the trim.
3.Release the bulb holder, see arrow, and
remove.
Everything from A - Z
242
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
System83
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control63
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request224
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control100
Active cruise control63
– indicator lamps66
– malfunction67
– selecting distance65
– sensor66
Active steering89
Adaptive brake light
– brake force display89
Adaptive Head Light94
Additives
– coolant209
Address, entering125,131
Address for navigation
– entering125,131
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control98
Adjusting the thigh support43
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control144
Airbags90
– indicator/warning lamp91
– sitting safely42Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control98
– ventilation100
Air distribution
– automatic98
Air flow rate99
Airing, refer to Ventilation100
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure194
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
Air supply
– automatic climate control98
– ventilation100
Air vents97
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications193
Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional
alarms33
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm33
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music
collection161
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires205
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive84
AM, waveband147
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
Antenna for mobile phone170
Antifreeze
– coolant209
– washer fluid61
Antilock Brake System
ABS83
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights235Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights235
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest106
Arrival time, refer to
Computer71
Ashtray
– front108
– rear108
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems83
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control99
Audio144
– controls144
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
Audio device, external106
Automatic
– air distribution98
– air flow rate98
– cruise control61,63
– headlamp control93
Automatic car washes213
Automatic climate control97
– automatic air distribution98
Automatic curb monitor50
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC99
Automatic Service
Request187
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– interlock57,58
– overriding selector lever
lock59
– shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever position58
– sport program58
– towing
226
– tow-starting226
Everything from A - Z
244 Care213
– automatic car washes213
– care products213
– carpets215
– CD/DVD drives216
– chrome parts214
– displays215
– exterior213
– fine wood parts215
– headlamps214
– high-pressure washer213
– interior215
– leather215
– light-alloy wheels215
– paintwork214
– plastic parts215
– retractable hardtop214
– rubber seals214
– safety belts215
– sensors and cameras215
– upholstery and cloth
trim215
– washing the car
manually214
– windows214
– wiper blades214
Cargo, securing120
Cargo bay
– capacity235
– convenient access34
– folding up the floor
panel111
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps96
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
Cargo loading119
– securing cargo120
– stowing cargo119
– vehicle119
Car jack
– jacking points222
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest106
– refer to separate Owner's
ManualCar phone, refer to
Telephone170
Car radio, refer to Radio147
Car shampoo215
Car wash118
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system117
CBS Condition Based
Service
211
CD, audio playback152
CD changer152
– controls144
– fast forward/reverse154
– installation location156
– random play sequence153
– selecting a track152
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
CD player152
– controls144
– fast forward/reverse154
– random play sequence153
– selecting a track152
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
Center armrest106
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb222
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking
– from inside30
– from outside27
Central locking system27
– convenient access34
– hotel function31
– setting unlocking
characteristics27
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs218
Changing the measurement
units on the Control
Display72
Changing wheels222Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment207
Check Control77
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH53
Child-restraint systems52
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely52
Chrome parts215
Chrome polish215
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter108
Cleaning headlamps60
– washer fluid61
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care213
Clock
69
– 12h/24h mode76
– setting the time and date76
– setting time75
Closing
– from inside30
– from outside27
Clothes hooks107
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine55
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access34
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock55
Compass104
Computer70
– displays on Control
Display71
Computer, refer to iDrive16
Concierge service183
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked118
Condition Based Service
CBS211
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile26
Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle29
Congestion
– refer to Route, bypassing
sections136
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances108
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption71
Consumption display
– average consumption71
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness80
– switching on/off19
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls and displays10
Control unit, refer to iDrive16
Convenient access34
– replacing the battery35
Convenient loading in
convertible28
Convenient operation
– glass roof28
– glass roof with convenient
access34
– retractable hardtop28
– windows28
– windows with convenient
access34
Convertible
– bag holder110
– convenient loading28
– enlarging cargo bay109
– folding down rear
backrest110
– retractable hardtop38
– rollover protection
system92
– securing cargo120
– stowing cargo119
Coolant209
– checking level210
Coolant temperature70
Cooling, maximum98Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant209
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant209
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps
– replacing bulbs219
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive Head
Light94
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive Head Light94
Correct tires204
Country codes DVD154
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps96
Criteria for route135
Cross-hairs in navigation130
Cruise control61
– active63
– malfunction63
Cruising range70
Cup holders107
Curb weight, refer to
Weights235
Current playback of music
collection160
Current position
– displaying141
Customer Relations187
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting95
Data, technical232
– dimensions233
– engine232
– weights235
Data transfer188
Date
– date format77
– setting76
Daytime running lamps94
– replacing bulbs219DBC Dynamic Brake
Control83
Deactivating front passenger
airbags90
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking28
Defect
– door lock30
– fuel filler door192
– glass roof38
Destination, entering by town/
city name125
Destination address
– entering125,131
Destination for navigation
– entering by voice131
– entering via map130
– entry125
– home address128
– manual entry125
Destination guidance135
– bypassing a route
section136
– changing specified
route135
– continuing135
– starting135
– voice instructions136
– volume of voice
instructions137
Digital clock69
Digital compass104
Digital radio, refer to High
Definition Radio148
Dimensions233
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals59
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions136
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book127
Displacement, refer to Engine
data232
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
"Display current location"141
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting95
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