
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
98
Press the BC button on the turn signal lever 
repeatedly until the disp
lay appears, refer to 
arrow.
The drive train and wheels are schematically 
depicted. 
Bar graphs show the cu rrent distribution of 
drive torque. The longer  an illuminated bar is, 
the greater the drive torq ue in the related wheel.
Malfunction
If xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control are 
malfunctioning, the instrument panel display 
appears in gray.
HDC Hill Descent Control
The concept
HDC is a system for driving downhill in steep 
terrain. This system reduces vehicle speed on 
steep downhill gradients, thus allowing you to 
maintain even better control of your BMW 
under these conditions. The vehicle moves at 
approximately walking speed without active 
intervention from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds 
below approx. 22 mph/35 km/h. When driving 
down steep hills with a speed below approx. 
22 mph/35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed 
automatically down to approximately walking 
speed, approx. 5 mph/8 km/h, and then main-
tains this speed at a constant.
Only use HDC in transmission positions D or R.
Increasing or reducing speed
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary 
this automatically cont rolled speed within a 
range extending from approx. 4 mph/6 km/h to  15 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target 
speed within the same 
range by using the lever  of the cruise control.
With downhill grade over 10 Ξ you can reduce 
the speed to approx.  3mph/4km/h. Pull the 
lever of the cruise control beyond the resis-
tance point, arrow 3.
1 Increasing speed
2 Pull to the resistance point:
Reduce speed to approx. 4 mph/6 km/h
3 Pull beyond the re sistance point:
With downhill grade over 10 Ξ, reduce 
speed to approx. 3 mph/4 km/h.
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED lights up.
The HDC display is shown in the instrument 
panel.
The LED flashes when the brakes are applied 
automatically.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again. The LED and the HDC 
display go out.
HDC is automatically deactivated at speeds 
over approx. 37 mph/60 km/h. 

Controls
 101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "FTM" is  selected and press 
the controller.
6. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
7. Select "Reset" and press the controller.
8. Select "Yes" and press the controller. The 
message "resetting FTM …" is displayed.
9. Start to drive.
The initialization finishes during driving.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal 
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation 
pressure loss.
If you have deactivated DS C, it will be activated 
automatically.
1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h.
In case of further air loss of the defective 
wheel, its position will be indicated to you 
on the Control Display.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires as provided at the factory,  refer to page
256, do not continue driving. 
Continuing to drive with a flat tire could 
cause severe accidents. <
2. At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four 
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor 
may not have been initialized. The system 
must then be initialized. <
3. In the event of complete  tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible 
distance for continued driving on the basis 
of the following guide values:
> With a light load: 
1 to 2 persons without luggage: 
approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load: 
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 
4 persons without luggage: 
approx. 95 miles/150 km
> With a full load: 
4 or more persons, cargo bay full: 
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed 
speeds of 50 mph/80 km/h or else you 
run the risk of causing an accident. In the event 
of pressure loss, vehicl e handling changes. This 
includes reduced tracking stability in braking, 
extended braking distance and altered natural 
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or  loud noises occur while 
the vehicle is being driven , this can indicate final 
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and 
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible, 
otherwise pieces of the tire could become 
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact the BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. <
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor*
The concept
TPM checks the tire inflation pressure in the 
four mounted tires. The system reports when  

Controls
 103Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
6.Start the engine, but do not start driving.
7. Select "Reset" and press the controller.
8. Select "Yes" and press the controller.
9. Start to drive.
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting 
TPM..." is displayed.
After a few minutes of driving, the set tire infla-
tion pressures in the tire s are applied as the set 
values to be monitored.  Resetting finishes dur-
ing driving. The tires ar e shown in green on the 
Control Display.
If a flat tire is detected during resetting 
and applying the tire inflation pressures, 
all tires are shown in yellow on the Control Dis-
play. The message "Tir e low!" is displayed.<
Message with low tire inflation 
pressure
The warning lamp lights up yellow. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal 
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation 
pressure loss.
1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h. If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires as provided at the factory, 
refer to page 256, do not continue driving. 
Continuing to drive with a flat tire could 
cause severe accidents. <
2. In the event of complete  tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible 
distance for continued driving on the basis 
of the following guide values:
> With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load:
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 95 miles/150 km
> With a full load:
4 or more persons, cargo bay full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed 
speeds of 50 mph/80 km/h or else you 
run the risk of causing an accident. In the event 
of pressure loss, vehicl e handling changes. This 
includes reduced tracking stability in braking, 
extended braking distance and altered natural 
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or  loud noises occur while 
the vehicle is being driven , this can indicate final 
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and 
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible, 
otherwise pieces of the tire could become 
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact the BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. <
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and 
then lights up continuously. The tires 
are shown in gray on the Control Dis-
play and a message is displayed. No flat tire can 
be detected.
A message like this is displayed in the following 
situations:
> In case of a malfunction:
Have the system checked 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
104
>
If a wheel without TPM electronics is 
mounted, e.g. a compact wheel
*
>If TPM is temporarily  interfered with by 
other systems or devices which use the 
same radio frequency
Explanation according to the NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring 
Systems
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), 
should be checked monthly when cold and 
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended 
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle plac-
ard or tire inflation pressu re label. (If your vehi-
cle has tires of a different size than the size indi-
cated on the vehicle plac ard or tire inflation 
pressure label, you  should determine the 
proper tire inflation pr essure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has 
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring 
system (TPMS) that illumi nates a low tire pres-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is 
significantly underinflate d. Accordingly, when 
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you 
should stop and check your tires as soon as 
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire 
causes the tire to overhe at and can lead to tire 
failure. Underinflation  also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the 
vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TP MS is not a substitute 
for proper tire maintenance,  and it is the driver's 
responsibility to maintain  correct tire pressure, 
even if underinflation  has not reached the level 
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire 
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a 
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when 
the system is not operating properly. The 
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with 
the low tire pressure telltale. When the system 
detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for 
approximately one minute and then remain con-
tinuously illuminated. Th is sequence will con-
tinue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as 
long as the malfunction exists. When the mal- function indicator is illuminated, the system 
may not be able to detect or signal low tire pres-
sure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may 
occur for a variety of reasons, including the 
installation of replacement or alternate tires or 
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS 
from functioning properly. Always check the 
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or 
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure 
that the replacement or alternate tires and 
wheels allow the TPMS to 
continue to function 
properly.
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering active ly varies the steering 
angle of the front wheels in relation to the steer-
ing wheel movements. In addition, it also varies 
the steering force required for steering depend-
ing on the vehicle's speed.
When you are driving in the low road speed 
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes 
very direct. In the higher speed range, on the 
other hand, the steering angle is reduced more 
and more. This improves  the handling capability 
of your BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations,  the system can make tar-
geted corrections to th e steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle 
before the driver intervenes.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow 
and a message is shown on the Con-
trol Display. The active steering is 
defective or has been temporarily 
deactivated. At low speeds, greater steering 
wheel movements are required, whereas at 
higher speeds, the vehicle reacts more sensi-
tively to steering wheel movements. The stabil-
ity-promoting intervention  can also be deacti-
vated. Proceed cautiously and drive 
defensively. If active st eering is defective, have 
the system checked. 

Lamps
112
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, e.g. serp entines, or when turn-
ing, one of the two front fog lamps is also 
switched on up to a speed of approx. 45 mph/
70 km/h. This provides improved illumination of 
the area inside the curve.
Activating Adapti ve Head Light
With the ignition switched on, turn the light 
switch to position 3, refer to page 110.
The turning lamps are au tomatically switched 
on depending on the steering angle or the use 
of turn signals.
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 driving in reverse, both turning lamps are 
active.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1 High beams
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one 
side of your vehicle when parking.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or 
down beyond the resist ance point for approx. 
1second, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Do not leave th em switched on for 
long periods of time, otherwise it may no longer 
be possible to start the engine. <
Switching off
Briefly press the lever in the opposite direction 
up to the resistance point, arrow  3.
Fog lamps*
First, switch on the parking lamps or the low 
beams. The green indicator lamp in the instru-
ment panel lights up whenever the fog lamps 
are on.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps. < 

Controls
 123Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote 
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can 
replace as many as three hand-held transmit-
ters for various remote -controlled accessories, 
such as garage and gate or lighting systems. 
The integrated universal remote control regis-
ters and stores signals from the original hand-
held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter 
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons 1. Then with the ignition switched 
on, this programme d memory button1 can be 
used to operate the respective feature. The 
LED 2 flashes to confirm transmission of the 
signal.
Should you sell your vehicl e one day, be sure to 
delete the stored progra ms beforehand for your 
safety, refer to page 124.
To prevent possible damage or injury, 
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote  control, always inspect 
the immediate area to make certain that no peo-
ple, animals or objects  are within the travel 
range of the device. Also, comply with the 
safety precautions of  the original hand-held 
transmitter. <
Checking compatibility
If you see this symbol on the packaging 
or in the manual supplied with the orig-
inal hand-held transmitter, it is safe to 
assume that it is compat ible with the integrated 
universal remote control.
Should you have additional questions, 
please contact your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center or call: 1-800-355-3515.
Information is also provided on the Internet at:
www.bmwusa.com or
www.homelink.com. HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson 
Controls, Inc.
<
Programming
1Memory buttons
2 LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Switch on ignition, refer to page 65.
2. When starting operation for the first time: 
Press the left and ri ght-hand memory but-
ton 1 for approx. 20 seconds until the 
LED 2 flashes quickly. All stored programs 
are deleted.
3. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at 
a distance of approx. 4 in/10 cm to 12 in/
30 cm from the memory buttons 1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons 1 depends on the relevant sys-
tem of the original hand-held transmitter 
used. <
4. Simultaneously press the transmit button 
on the original hand-held transmitter and 
the desired memory button 1  on the inte-
grated universal remote control. The LED  2 
flashes slowly at first. As soon as the LED 2 
flashes rapidly, releas e both buttons. If the 
LED 2 does not flash rapidly after approx. 
15 seconds, alter the distance and repeat 
the step.
5. To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4. 

Practical interior accessories
124
The corresponding memory button 
1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the device when the engine is 
running or when the igni tion is switched on.
If the device cannot be used after 
repeated programming, check whether 
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the 
instructions for the original hand-held transmit-
ter or hold down the programmed memory but-
ton 1 of the integrated universal remote control. 
If the LED 2 on the integrated universal remote 
control flashes rapidly for a short time and then 
remains lit for approx. 2  seconds, this indicates 
that the original hand-h eld transmitter uses an 
alternating-code system. In the case of an alter-
nating-code system, program the memory but-
tons 1 as described at Alternating-code hand-
held transmitters. <
Alternating-code hand-held 
transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote 
control, consult the operating instructions for 
the equipment to be set. You will find informa-
tion there on the possibilities for synchroniza-
tion.
When programming hand-held transmitters 
that employ an alternating code, observe the 
following supplementary instructions:
Programming will be easi er with the aid of 
a second person. <
1. Park your vehicle within the range of the 
remote-controlled device.
2. Program the integrated  universal remote 
control as described above in the section 
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3. Locate the button on  the receiver of the 
device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit.
4. Press the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set. Af ter step 4, you have 
approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5. Press the programmed memory button 1 
of the integrated universal remote control 
three times. The corresponding memory button 
1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
Should you have questions, please con-
tact your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center. <
Deleting all stored programs
Press the left and right-hand memory button 1 
for approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes 
quickly:
All stored programs are deleted.
Reassigning individual programs
1. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at 
a distance of approx. 4 in/10 cm to 12 in/
30 cm from the  memory buttons 1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons 1 depends on the relevant sys-
tem of the original hand-held transmitter 
used. <
2. Press the desired memory button 1 of the 
integrated universal remote control.
3. When the LED  2 flashes slowly after approx. 
20 seconds, press the transmit button of 
the original hand-held transmitter. Release 
both buttons as soon as the LED 2 flashes 
rapidly. If the LED 2 does not flash rapidly 
after approx. 15 seconds, alter the distance 
and repeat the step.
Digital compass*
1 Adjustment button
2 Display 

Driving tips
 139Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
speed. This is the fastest way for the cold 
engine to reach its operating temperature.
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
Driving at a low engine speed reduces fuel con-
sumption and minimizes wear.
Taking advantage of coasting
The flow of fuel is interrupted when coasting.
Switching off engine during longer 
stops
Switch off the engine at longer stops such as 
traffic signals, railroad cr ossings, or in traffic 
jams. Even having the en gine switched off for 
approx. 4 seconds results in fuel savings.
Switching off functions currently not 
required
Functions such as air conditioning, seat heat-
ing, or rear window defrosting consume a lot of 
energy and require additional fuel. Their influ-
ence is particularly pron ounced in city traffic 
and stop & go operation. For this reason, it is a 
good idea to switch th ese 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 Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center.  Also pay attention to 
the BMW maintenance system, refer to 
page 263.
General driving notes
Closing liftgate
Operate the vehicle only when the liftgate 
is completely closed. Otherwise, exhaust 
fumes could enter into  the passenger compart-
ment. <
If it is absolutely necessa ry to drive with the lift-
gate open:
1. Close all windows as well as the glass sun-
roof
*/panorama glass sunroof*.
2. Increase the air volume  of the automatic cli-
mate control to a high level, refer to 
page 116.
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 neve r apply undercoating to 
them. When driving, stan ding 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 tailpipes, as 
otherwise there is a danger of burns. <
Diesel particulate filter*
Soot particles are collected in the diesel partic-
ulate filter and are periodically cleared out 
through high-temperature combustion. This 
cleaning process lasts fo r several minutes. You 
may sometimes notice it by the fact that the 
engine temporarily runs a little less smoothly 
and requires a somewhat higher engine speed 
to achieve the usual powe r. You may also notice 
additional sounds and small amounts of smoke 
coming from the exhaust, even for a brief time 
after switching off the engine.
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-