Driving tips
135Reference
At a glance
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Mobility
Thinking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
To do so, maintain the appropriate distance
from the vehicle in front of you. An anticipatory
and smooth driving style reduces fuel con-
sumption.
Avoiding high engine speeds
Use 1st gear only for starting off. Accelerate
rapidly in 2nd gear and above. Avoid high
engine speeds in doing so and shift into the
next gear early.
When you have reached the desired speed,
shift into the highest possible gear and drive
with the lowest possible engine speed while
maintaining a constant a vehicle speed.
In general: driving at a low engine speed
reduces fuel consumption and minimizes wear.
Taking advantage of coasting
When approaching a red light, let off the gas
and allow the vehicle to coast to a stop in the
highest possible gear.
On steep roadways, let off the gas and allow the
vehicle to roll in the appropriate gear.
The flow of fuel is interrupted when coasting.
Switching off the engine during longer
stops
Switch off the engine at longer stops such as
traffic signals, railroad crossings, or in traffic
jams. Even having the engine switched off for
approx. 4 seconds results in fuel savings.
Switching off functions currently not
required
Functions such as the cooling function of the
automatic climate control, seat heating or rear
window defroster draw large amounts of power
and consume additional fuel. Their influence is
particularly pronounced in city traffic and stop &
go operation. For this reason, it is a good idea to
switch these functions off when they are not
really needed.
Having maintenance carried out
Have the vehicle serviced regularly in order to
achieve the optimum economy and service life
of your vehicle. BMW recommends having the
maintenance performed by a BMW center. Also
please pay attention to the BMW maintenance
system, refer to page237.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid/tailgate is com-
pletely closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
enter the interior of the vehicle.<
If it is absolutely necessary to drive with the lug-
gage compartment lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof or
panorama glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air volume of the automatic cli-
mate control to a high level, refer to
page116.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to it, and never apply undercoating to
them. When driving, standing at idle and while
parking 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, and with it
the risk of serious property damage as well as
personal injury. 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 phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between the tires and
Navigation
Driving tips
157Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
2.Select "Stop guidance" and press the con-
troller.
When you park the vehicle before reaching the
entered destination, the following question is
displayed before beginning the next trip:
"Continue guidance to destination?".
The destination guidance starts automatically
after a short time.
To start the destination guidance:
Select "Yes" and press the controller.
Displaying route
You have the option of displaying various views
of the route during destination guidance.
From another menu, you can change
directly to the screen last displayed,
refer to Comfort opening of menu items,
page19.<
Displaying arrow display
1.Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
2.Change into the fourth field from the top.
Turn the controller until "Arrow display" is
selected and press the controller.The arrow display is shown.
1Switching voice instructions on/off
2Manually displaying traffic information
*
3Selecting route criteria
4Starting/ending destination guidance
5Arrow to destination from a bird's eye view
6Distance to the next change of direction
7Current position
8Direction of travel
>Outline arrow:
Destination guidance on the calculated
route.
>Solid arrow:
Arrow shows the route to be calculated
from a bird's eye view when the vehicle
is not located in an area contained on the
navigation DVD, e.g. in a parking struc-
ture.
Depending on the equipment, the estimated
time of arrival and the distance to the destina-
tion are displayed in the top or bottom line of the
Control Display.
Before a change in direction, the representation
of the arrow changes.
Navigation
Driving tips
165Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
What to do if …
What to do if …
>a navigation DVD is inserted, but an instruc-
tion to insert the DVD appears on the Con-
trol Display?
The navigation DVD may not be the correct
DVD for the navigation system. This infor-
mation is indicated on the DVD label.
>you request the current position of your
vehicle, but do not receive a precise dis-
play?
The system is unable to receive enough
GPS signals at your current position due to
obstructions, your position is not yet avail-
able on your navigation DVD, or the system
is in the process of calculating your posi-
tion. Reception is best when you have an
unobstructed view to the sky.
>the destination guidance does not accept a
destination?
The data of the destination is not stored on
the navigation DVD that is loaded. Select a
destination that is as close as possible to
the original.
>the destination guidance does not accept
an address without the street name?
On the navigation DVD, no downtown area
can be determined for the city or town
entered. Enter any street, or a destination
such as the railway station in the selected
town, and then start the destination guid-
ance.
>you want to enter a destination for the des-
tination guidance, but it is not possible to
select the letters for your desired entry?
The data of the destination is not stored on
the navigation DVD that is loaded. In this
case, the system will not offer you any let-
ters to choose from. Select a destination
that is as close as possible to the original.
>the system stops furnishing directions on
which way to turn as you approach intersec-
tions?
You are driving in an area that has not yet
been completely recorded on the naviga-tion DVD. Instead of an arrow indicating a
turn, you will see an arrow which indicates
the general direction of your planned route.
Or you have left the recommended route
and the system requires a few seconds to
calculate a new recommended route.
>the navigation system does not react to
entries?
If the battery was disconnected, it takes
about 10 minutes before the system is once
again operational.
195
Entertainment
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips Communications
Navigation
Mobility
mobile phone from the vehicle if you wish to
place a call with the mobile phone.
Commissioning
Pairing mobile phone in vehicle
The following prerequisites must be met:
>Suitable mobile phone: the mobile phone is
supported by the full mobile phone prepara-
tion package. Information on this subject is
also provided on the Internet at:
www.bmw.com
>The mobile phone is ready to operate.
>The Bluetooth link on the vehicle, refer to
page199, and on the mobile phone is
active.
>Depending on the mobile phone, the mobile
phone may need presetting: e.g. using the
following menu items:
>Bluetooth activated
>Connection must be allowed without
requiring further confirmation
>Reconnect
>Depending on the mobile phone model, the
setting energy saving mode can, for exam-
ple, result in vehicle failing to detect the
paired mobile phone.
>For pairing purposes, define any 4-16-digit
number as a Bluetooth passkey,
e. g. 25081107. A long and complex num-
ber offers the best protection against unau-
thorized access. This Bluetooth passkey is
no longer required after pairing is success-
ful.
>The ignition is switched on.
Only pair the mobile phone with the vehi-
cle stopped, otherwise the passengers
and other road users can be endangered due to
a lack of attentiveness on the part of the
driver.<
Switching on ignition
1.Insert the remote control as far as possible
into the ignition lock.
2.Switch on the ignition by pressing the Start/
Stop button without depressing the brake
or clutch pedal.
Preparation via iDrive
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
3.Press the button to open the start
menu.
4.Press the controller to open the menu.
5.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
6.Select "Bluetooth" and press the controller.
Under the hood
234
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil
level check.
The condition for the most accurate indication
of the oil level possible is measurement with the
engine at operating temperature, i.e. following
an uninterrupted drive of at least 6 miles/10 km.
You can display the oil level on the Control Dis-
play while driving or when stopped on a level
surface with the engine running.
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.Turn the controller until "Info sources" is
selected and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller until "Service Info" is
selected and press the controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Service requirements" is
selected and press the controller.6.Change to the second field from the top if
necessary. Turn the controller until "Engine
oil level" is selected and press the control-
ler. The oil level is displayed.
Possible messages
>"Engine oil level O.K."
>"No measurement available: Updating
engine oil level measurement...":
The engine oil level is measured. This pro-
cess can take approx. 1 minute when
stopped on a level surface with the engine
running and approx. 5 minutes while driv-
ing.
If the engine oil has been topped off, the
measurement of the oil level can take up to
30 minutes.
>"Oil level at the minimum! Refill with 1 quart
of engine oil.":
Add a maximum of 1 US quart/liter of
engine oil at the next opportunity, refer also
to Adding engine oil below. Add at least
0.5 US quart/liter of oil; otherwise, the oil
level check cannot reliably display the new
oil level.
If the oil level displayed is below minimum,
add engine oil immediately. Failure to do so
may lead to engine damage.
>"Engine oil level too high"
*:
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately, otherwise engine damage may
result if too much oil has been added.<
>"Please observe recalculated service inter-
val for engine oil":
Do not add engine oil. Before continuing to
drive, note the recalculated remaining mile-
age until the next oil change service, refer to
Service requirements on page82. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
Mobility
257Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With a tow truck: xDrive
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported only on a flatbed
surface.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page254. With a catalytic con-
verter, tow-starting should only be carried out
with the engine cold, and with automatic trans-
missions, the engine cannot be started by tow-
starting.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page62.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch again completely.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Short commands of voice command system
266
Onboard info
Entertainment
To display destination list151{Destination list}
To display address book152{Address book}
To display route criteria154{Route preference}
To start destination guidance156{Start guidance}
To end destination guidance156{Stop guidance}
To display arrow display142{Arrow display}
To display map display158{Map}, {Map facing north},
{Map direction of travel} or
{Perspective}
To change scale158{Scale ... miles} or
{Scale ... feet}
To display roads or towns/cities along route159{Route list}
To switch on voice instructions159{Navigation info on}
To switch off voice instructions159{Navigation info off}
To repeat voice instructions160{Repeat navigation info}
To open route157{Route menu}
To open "New route"160{New route}
To display current position163{Current position}
FunctionCommand
FunctionCommand
To open "Car Data"81{Car data}
To display computer81{Onboard info}
To display trip computer81{Trip computer}
To open stopwatch86{Stopwatch}
To open speed limit86{Limit}
To activate speed limit86{Limit on}
To deactivate speed limit86{Limit off}
FunctionCommand
Tone control169{Audio}
To switch on radio172{Radio on},
{FM} or
{AM}
To open "FM"172{FM menu}
To open "AM"172{AM menu}
Everything from A to Z
272 BMW Assist209
– activating215
– BMW TeleServices211
– concierge service212
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations212
– displaying vehicle data216
– offered services209
– roadside assistance210
– updating214
BMW Assist My Info213
"BMW Contact"204
"BMW Contact
Numbers"204
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system237
BMW Night Vision104
– activating105
– cleaning camera106
– cleaning camera, refer to
Wiper system69
– deactivating105
– making settings105
"BMW Service settings"214
BMW TeleServices211
BMW TeleServices services
– displaying212
– updating212
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders125
Bracket for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter207
Brake assistant91
– adaptive92
Brake force display100
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs246
– two-stage100
Brake rotors
– breaking-in134
– refer to Braking safely136Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System91
– brake assistant91
– brake force display100
– breaking-in134
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control91
– electronic brake-force
distribution91
– handbrake64
– refer to Braking safely136
– warning lamps13
Brake system134
– brake pads
134
– breaking-in134
– disk brakes136
– warning lamp94
Braking safely136
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance254
Breaking-in brake pads134
Breaking-in the clutch134
Breaking-in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential134
Break-in period134
"Brightness"89,103
Brightness of Control
Display88
"Brightness" with BMW Night
Vision106
Button for starting engine,
refer to Start/Stop button62
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"202,213
Call
– accepting200
– displaying accepted203
– ending201
– in absence203
– rejecting201
– starting201Calling
– by entering phone
number201
– from phone book202
– from Top 8 list203
– redialing203
– refer to telephone operating
instructions
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders125
Capacities264
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery251
"Car Data"81
Care239
– car-care products239
– carpets241
– car washes239
– CD/DVD-player242
– chrome components240
– displays241
– exterior239
– fine wooden
components241
– hand washing240
– headlamps240
– high-pressure cleaning
jets239
– interior241
– leather241
– light-alloy wheels240
– paint240
– plastic components241
– rubber gaskets240
– safety belts241
– sensors and cameras241
– upholstery and cloth-
covered paneling241
– windows240
– wiper blades240
Cargo
– refer to Cargo loading137
– securing138
– securing with ski bag131