
Driving
64 >if you remove the remote control from the 
ignition lock
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent 
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes 
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and a sig-
nal also sounds when starting off. The 
handbrake is applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and 
lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should 
make it necessary to apply the handbrake 
while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it too 
firmly. In doing so, continuously press the but-
ton of the handbrake lever. Otherwise, too firm 
an application of the handbrake can lock up the 
rear wheels and cause the rear of the car to 
swerve.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming 
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable. 
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is applied.<
Manual transmission
While shifting in the 5th/6th gear lane, 
press the gearshift lever toward the right, 
otherwise accidental shifting into the 3rd or 4th 
gear could result in engine damage.<
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. 
When pressing the gearshift lever to the left, 
overcome some resistance.
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic*
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can 
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to 
page65.
Transmission positions
P R N D M/S + –
Displays in instrument cluster
P R N D DS S1* to S6* M1 to M6
The transmission position is indicated, and in 
the manual mode, the gear currently engaged. 

Controls
 65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Engaging transmission position
>Do not leave the transmission position P 
until the engine is running: interlock.
>With the vehicle stationary, depress the 
brake pedal before shifting out of P or N; 
otherwise the shift command will not be 
executed: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping 
after you select a driving position, 
maintain pressure on the brake pedal until 
you are ready to start.<
Engaging N, D, R
Briefly press the selector lever in the desired 
direction, beyond a resistance point if neces-
sary. Press button1 simultaneously out of P or 
into R.
The engaged transmission position is also dis-
played on the selector lever.
The selector lever immediately returns to the 
center position when released.
Engaging P
Press buttonP.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The 
rear wheels are locked.
P is engaged as soon as you switch off the 
engine unless N is engaged and with 
comfort access, the remote control is inserted 
in the ignition lock, refer to Before driving into a 
car wash, page63.<
N Neutral
Can, for example, be engaged in automatic car 
washes. The vehicle can roll.
N remains engaged even after the engine 
is switched off whenever you leave the 
remote control in the ignition lock. This function 
is useful, for example, in automatic car washes, 
refer to page63<
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward gears are available.
Kick-down
Kick-down enables you to achieve maximum 
performance. 
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the 
increased resistance at full throttle.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Press the selector lever toward the left from 
transmission position D:
The sport program is activated, and DS is dis-
played in the instrument cluster; with the sport 
automatic transmission
* also S1 to S6. This 
position is recommended for a performance-
oriented driving style. 

Driving
66 When the selector lever is pressed forward or 
back, the manual mode is activated and the 
Steptronic shifts the gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are only carried out at a 
suitable engine and vehicle speed, e.g. a down-
shift is not carried out at excessively high 
engine speeds. The selected gear is briefly dis-
played in the instrument cluster, followed by the 
current gear.
To resume automatic mode, press the selector 
lever to the right.
Manually unlocking and locking 
transmission lock
In case of a power failure, e.g. when the battery 
is drained or disconnected, or an electrical fault, 
manually release the transmission lock, as oth-
erwise the rear wheels are blocked and the 
vehicle cannot be towed.
Only manually release the transmission lock for 
towing and firmly apply the handbrake before-
hand so that the vehicle cannot roll. Reengage 
the transmission lock after parking the vehicle 
at its destination.
Unlocking
1.Reach into the trim-piece opening, arrow1, 
and firmly pull the trim piece upward, 
arrow2.
2.Remove the cover over the opening, refer to 
3.3.Insert a screwdriver from the onboard tool 
kit, refer to page243, into the opening, 
arrow1.
4.Pull the screwdriver toward the rear until it is 
heard to engage, arrow2, and leave it 
inserted in the opening. The transmission 
lock is released.
Releasing on sport automatic 
transmission*
1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2.Pull the sleeve over the selector lever.
3.Reach into the trim-piece opening, arrow1, 
and firmly pull the trim piece upward, 
arrow2.
4.Remove cover over the opening, refer to 5. 

Controls
 67Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
5.Insert a screwdriver from the onboard tool 
kit, refer to page243, into the opening, 
arrow1.
6.Pull the screwdriver toward the rear until it is 
heard to engage, arrow2, and leave it 
inserted in the opening. The transmission 
lock is released.
Locking
1.Pull out the screwdriver upward. 
The transmission lock is locked again.
2.Reinstall the cover and the trim piece.
Information on jump starting and towing from 
page254.
Sport automatic 
transmission*
You can also shift manually with two shift pad-
dles on the steering wheel.
You can also choose between two driving pro-
grams: Normal or Sport, refer to Dynamic Driv-
ing Control.
Shift paddles on steering wheel
The shift paddles allow you to shift gears 
quickly, as both hands can remain on the steer-
ing wheel.
>When you use the shift paddles on the 
steering wheel to shift gears in automatic 
mode, the gearshift system switches into 
the manual mode.
>If you do not shift with the shift paddles and 
do not accelerate for a certain time, the sys-
tem switches into the automatic mode 
again when the selector lever is in D.
>To shift up: pull one of the shift paddles.
>To shift down: press one of the shift pad-
dles.
Dynamic Driving Control
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it possible 
for your BMW to react in an even more perfor-
mance-oriented manner at the push of a button:
>The speed range of the engine is optimally 
utilized.
>Gearshifts are faster.
>The engine responds more spontaneously 
to accelerator pedal movements.
>The steering will operate in an even sportier 
mode.
>In the automatic mode, the 6th gear is not 
engaged. 

Driving
68
Activating system
Press the SPORT button.
The LED in the button lights up and SPORT is 
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Deactivating system
>Press the SPORT button again
>Engage reverse gear
>Switch off engine
The LED in the button and SPORT in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the 
resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator 
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb 
needs to be replaced.<
Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold for as 
long as you wish to signal.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever to the resistance point; the turn 
signal flashes three times.
You can activate or deactivate this function.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "Lighting" is selected and 
press the controller.
6.Select "Triple turn signal" and press the 
controller.
 Triple turn signaling is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use. 

Driving
70
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are heated 
when the engine is running or the ignition is 
switched on.
Sports Wagon: 
Rear window wiper
1Intermittent mode. When reverse gear is 
engaged, continuous operation is switched 
on automatically
2Cleaning the rear window
Do not use washing mechanisms when 
the washer fluid reservoir is empty, other-
wise you will damage the washer pump.<
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable. For 
this reason, keep it away from ignition 
sources and store only in the closed original 
container out of reach of children. Otherwise, 
there is the danger of bodily injury. Always 
observe the instructions for use provided on the 
containers.<
Filler neck for washer fluid
Only add washer fluid with the engine 
cooled down to exclude contact with hot 
engine components. Otherwise there is a dan-
ger of fire and to personal safety if the fluid is 
spilled.
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer 
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
In order to maintain the mixture ratio, mix 
the washer fluid before filling.<
Capacity
Sedan: 
Approx. 3.2 US quarts/3 liters, with headlamp 
washer system
* approx. 5.3 US quarts/5 liters.
Sports Wagon: approx. 5.3 US quarts/5 liters.
Cruise control*
The concept
The cruise control is available for use at speeds 
of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and higher. The 
vehicle stores and maintains the speed that you 
set using the lever mounted on the steering col-
umn. To maintain the specified speed, the sys-
tem brakes if the engine braking effect is not 
sufficient on a downhill grade. Speed can drop 
on uphill grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient.
Do not use the cruise control under driv-
ing conditions that do not permit a con-
stant speed, e.g. when driving on winding 
roads, in heavy traffic or in poor road conditions 
such as snow, rain, ice, loose road surface, and 
poor visibility. Otherwise you could loose con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident.< 

Driving
72 Active cruise control represents 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 
freeways or other high-speed thoroughfares. 
Especially on longer trips and in traffic conges-
tion, the system can reduce fatigue and tension, 
while increasing your enjoyment of driving. 
Please use it safely and responsibly.
In addition to holding a steady cruising speed, if 
you encounter slower vehicles ahead, active 
cruise control will, within limits, adjust your 
vehicle's speed automatically so that you can 
flow with the traffic without having to make con-
stant adjustments. If, for example, while cruis-
ing at the selected speed, you begin to 
approach a slower vehicle ahead of you in the 
same lane, the system will reduce your vehicle's 
speed to the same as that of the vehicle ahead 
to maintain your selected distance setting. You 
can vary the following distance, which will vary 
with speed. Based on your selected distance 
setting, the system automatically decreases the 
throttle setting and lightly applies the brakes if 
necessary. In addition, if the vehicle ahead of 
you slows to a complete stop, the system can 
follow this action within the given scope and 
can also accelerate from a complete stop if the 
vehicle ahead of you drives off again shortly 
thereafter. During braking, your vehicle brake 
lamps will automatically illuminate to alert a fol-
lowing driver to take action. In addition, it may 
be necessary for your vehicle to downshift the 
automatic transmission to maintain the dis-
tance setting selected. As soon as the road in 
front of you has no moving vehicles, the system 
will accelerate to your desired speed. This set 
speed is also maintained on downhill grades, 
however the vehicle speed can drop below the 
set speed when driving uphill if the engine out-
put is not sufficient.
Active cruise control cannot detect stop 
signs, red lights, or any object that is 
stopped or is blocking the road.
Active cruise control is not and must not be 
used as a collision avoidance/warning system.
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, it is necessary that you read 
all of the pages relating to this system before 
use. Carefully read and observe the information 
on the system limitations beginning on page76 
to obtain a good command of the system and its 
range of applications.<
Brake pedal feel
When the system brakes and you also depress 
the brake pedal, a somewhat different braking 
feel results.
Professional* navigation system
If a navigation DVD is in the drive, refer to 
page142, within limits the system adjusts the 
accelerating and braking behavior of the vehicle 
to the road you are driving on.
To ensure that the system is informed of 
the current course of the road, always use 
the latest navigation DVD if possible.<
When the vehicle position is unknown, e. g. 
when you leave the map area, this influence of 
the navigation system is not available.
Applications
Please try the system first during sparse traffic 
and clear road conditions so that you can get 
used to the system. After you have experience 
and understand the system, only then use it 
during normal traffic.
As with conventional cruise control systems, 
active cruise control in no way reduces or sub-
stitutes for the driver's own personal experi-
ence, responsibility, alertness and awareness in 
adjusting speed, braking or otherwise control-
ling 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 as well as in slow-moving traffic. Do 
not use the system in city driving; in complex 
driving situations; heavy traffic such as during 
rush hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery 
roads or roads with sharp curves such as high-
way off-ramps; during inclement weather such  

Driving
74 >Briefly press rocker switch upward:
Reduce distance.
The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance, given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and State driving 
recommendations for safe following distance. 
Otherwise, a violation of the law or risk of an 
accident could result.<
Interrupting cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, and with 
the vehicle stopped also depress the brake 
pedal. The marking in the speedometer 
changes color and the distance indicator goes 
out.
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted:>when you apply the vehicle brakes
>when you shift the transmission
>when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>when DSC comes on
>when you apply the handbrake
>when you release the safety belt and open 
the driver's door with the vehicle stopped
>when the system does not recognize any 
objects for an extended period of time, e. g. 
on infrequently traveled roads without a 
shoulder or guard rails, or if the radar sensor 
is covered with dirt, refer to page75
If the system is interrupted, then it is nec-
essary for the driver to actively intervene 
by braking and steering. Otherwise, there is a 
risk of an accident.<
Resuming stored desired speed and 
distance
While driving
Press button4.
The displays appear in the instrument cluster.
While stopped
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine 
running, engage position P of the auto-
matic transmission and apply the handbrake. 
Otherwise the vehicle can roll.<
If a detected vehicle in front of you brakes to a 
complete stop and your vehicle has also been 
braked to a complete stop by the system:
>If the vehicle in front of you drives off while 
the marking1 for the desired speed in the 
speedometer is green, your vehicle will 
accelerate without you having to do any-
thing.
>If the vehicle in front of you drives off while 
the marking1 is orange, you briefly depress 
the accelerator pedal or press button4. 
Rolling bars in the distance indicator3 
mean that the vehicle in front of you has 
driven off. Distance 1, closest
Distance 2
Distance 3
Distance 4, farthest
This distance is set when you acti-
vate the system.