
Controls
 81Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Park Distance Control PDC*
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight 
parking spaces. Acoustic signals and a visual 
indicator
 warn you of the presence of an object 
behind your vehicle. To measure the distance, 
there are four ultrasonic sensors in either 
bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2 m. However, an acoustic warning does not 
sound until an object is approx. 2 ft/60 cm from 
the corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from 
the center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate 
objects when they are approached 
slowly, as is usually the case when parking. 
Avoid approaching an object at high speed; oth-
erwise, physical circumstances may lead to the 
system warning being issued too late.<
Switching on automatically
With the engine running or the ignition switched 
on, the system is activated after approx. 1 sec-
ond when you engage reverse gear or move the 
automatic transmission selector lever to 
position R. Wait this short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 55 yd/50 m of driving or above 
approx. 20 mph/approx. 30 km/h, the system 
switches off and the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated 
correspondingly by an interval tone. As the dis-
tance between vehicle and object decreases, 
the intervals between the tones become 
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object 
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a contin-
uous tone sounds.
An interval tone is interrupted after approx. 
3seconds>If you remain in front of an object that has 
been detected by only one of the corner 
sensors
>If you are driving parallel to a wall.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster comes on. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. A message appears on the 
Control Display. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean 
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that 
they will continue to operate effectively. When 
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the 
sensors for extended periods of time and only 
from a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm.
PDC with visual warning
The approach of the vehicle to an object is 
shown on the Control Display. Objects that are 
farther away are displayed on the Control Dis-
play before a signal tone sounds. The display 
appears on the Control Display as soon as PDC 
is activated.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for 
estimating the distance between the 
vehicle and any obstructions always remains 
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can 
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms 
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those 
encountered with trailer towbars and hitches, 
thin or wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects 
that have already been displayed, e.g. curbs, 
can disappear again from the detection area of 
the sensors before or after a continuous tone 
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges, 
cannot be detected. Therefore, always drive 
cautiously; otherwise, there is a risk of personal 
injury or property damage.
Loud sound sources outside or inside the car  

Mobility
 223Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Replacing components
Onboard vehicle tool kit
Coupe
The onboard vehicle tool kit is stored in a com-
partment on the right-hand side of the cargo 
area. Remove the cover.
Convertible
The onboard vehicle tool kit is stored in a pouch 
under the cargo area floor panel.
Wiper blades
1.Fold out the wiper arm and hold it.
2.Press together the locking spring, arrows1, 
and fold out the wiper blade, arrow2.
3.Take the wiper blade out of the catch mech-
anism, pulling the blade toward the front.
To avoid damage, make sure that the 
wiper arms are against the windshield 
before you open the engine compartment.<
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to vehicle safety. They should, therefore, 
be handled carefully. BMW recommends hav-
ing your BMW center perform any work that you 
do not feel competent to perform yourself or 
that is not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with 
your bare fingers, as even minute 
amounts of contamination will burn into the 
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a 
clean tissue, cloth or something similar, or hold 
the bulb by its base.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs 
at your BMW center.
Only change bulbs while they are cool to 
the touch; otherwise, you could suffer 
burns.<
When working on electrical systems, 
always begin by switching off the con-
sumer in question; otherwise, short-circuits 
could result. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, observe 
any instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
For care of the headlamps, please follow the 
instructions in the chapter entitled 'Care'.
If the routine for changing a particular 
bulb is not described here, please contact 
your BMW center or a workshop that works 
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.<
Light-emitting diodes LED
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of 
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These 
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a 
concept similar to that applied in conventional 
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes. 

Mobility
 233Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried 
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or 
rear of the BMW.
Coupe: it is stored in the onboard vehicle tool kit 
underneath the cover on the right-hand side of 
the cargo area, refer to page223.
Convertible: it is stored in the onboard vehicle 
tool kit underneath the cargo area floor, refer to 
page223.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the 
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the 
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid 
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift 
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the 
tow fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Release the cover panel in the bumper:
Press on the upper part of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page55; otherwise, the low-beam headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and 
windshield wipers may be unavailable.
Power steering assistance is not available when 
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and 
steering will require increased effort. Active 
steering is not active and it will be necessary to 
turn the steering wheel further.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to 
page58.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph 
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or 
body and chassis parts; otherwise, dam-
age may result.<
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter 
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may 
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same 
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, 
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is 
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only, 
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle 
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make 
sure that the tow rope is taut. 

Giving and receiving assistance
234 To avoid jerking and the associated 
stresses on vehicle components when 
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps. 
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as 
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could 
result in damage.<
With a tow truck: vehicle without xDrive
Manual and automatic transmission:
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck 
with a so-called lift bar, or on a flatbed.
Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle 
raised as this may cause the steering to turn.
With a tow truck: vehicle with 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 on a flatbed surface 
only.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to 
page231. Vehicles with a catalytic converter 
should only be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission 
cannot be tow-started at all.
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply 
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page55.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch 
depressed and slowly release the clutch. 
After the engine starts, immediately 
depress the clutch completely again.
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.
With xDrive: do not activate Hill Descent 
Control HDC when the vehicle is being 
tow-started, page83.< 

Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Average fuel consumption71
– setting the units72
Average speed71
Avoid highways in 
navigation136
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights241
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment43
Backrest width adjustment44
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats46
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb225,226,227
Bag holder111
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
pouch230
Bar, refer to Towing 
methods233
Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter186
– refer to Snap-in adapter in 
the center armrest storage 
compartment107
Bass, tone setting146
Battery228
– charging228
– disposal35,228
– jump-starting231
– remote control26
– replacing228
– temporary power failure228
Battery for mobile phone187
Battery renewal
– remote control35
– remote control for vehicle35
Being towed233
Belt hand-over49
– pinch protection system49
Belts, refer to Safety belts48Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts48
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders108
Blinds, refer to Roller sun 
blinds106
Blower, refer to Air 
volume100
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating178
BMW
– car shampoo221
BMW Assist190
BMW Assist, 
activating192,194
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System217
BMW Search192
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders
108
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control DBC82
Brake fluid, refer to Service 
requirements73
Brake Force Display89
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display89
– replacing bulb225,226,227
Brake pads118
– breaking in118
Brake rotors120
– brakes118
– breaking in118
Brakes
– ABS82
– BMW Maintenance 
System217
– Brake Force Display89
– breaking in118
– parking brake56
– service requirements73
Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely120Brake system118
– BMW Maintenance 
System217
– breaking in118
– disc brakes120
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance230
Breaking in the clutch118
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential118
Break-in period118
Brightness of the Control 
Display80
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs223
Button for starting the engine, 
refer to Start/stop button55
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11C
California Proposition 65 
warning5
Call
– accepting179
– ending180
– rejecting180
Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing180
Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders108
Capacities241
Capacity of the cargo area241
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery228
Car care, refer to Care219 

Reference 261
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Tone
– control146
– middle setting148
Tools, refer to Onboard 
vehicle tool kit223
Top, refer to Retractable 
hardtop38
Top 50 of music 
collection166
Torque, refer to Engine 
data238
Tow bar233
Tow fitting233
– screw thread233
Tow fittings for tow-starting 
and towing away233
Towing232
– car with automatic 
transmission232
– methods233
Towing and tow-starting232
Town/city, for navigation127
Tow rope233
Tow-starting232,234
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure 
Monitor86
Track
– selecting on CD157
Traction control, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC82
Traffic bulletins
– categories141
Traffic bulletins, filtering141
Traffic bulletins for 
navigation139
– during destination 
guidance141
– in map view141
Traffic jam
– displaying traffic 
bulletins139
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
– manual transmission57
– overriding selector lever lock 
for automatic transmission 
with Steptronic59Transmission interlock
– refer to Changing selector 
lever position58
– refer to P Park58
Transporting children 
safely52
Transport securing devices, 
refer to Securing cargo122
Travel instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions137
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tire tread209
Trip, deleting135
Trip, storing134
Trip computer, refer to 
Displays on the Control 
Display71
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer69
Triple turn signal activation60
Trip odometer69
Trips, changing135
Trunk lid31
– Comfort Access34
– emergency release31
– locking or unlocking 
separately31
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– remote control28
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions239
Turn signal indicators
– indicator/warning lamp12
Turn signals59
– replacing bulbs225
– triple turn signal60
Tying down loads, refer to 
Cargo loading122
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR208
Units of measure
– average consumption72
– temperature72Universal garage door opener, 
refer to Integrated universal 
remote control103
Universal mobile phone 
preparation package, refer 
to separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control103
Unlatching, refer to 
Unlocking33
Unlocking
– from inside30
– from outside27
– setting unlocking 
characteristics27
– trunk lid34
– without remote control, refer 
to Comfort Access33
Updating the navigation 
data126
USB audio interface169
V
VCD159
Vehicle
– battery228
– breaking in118
– cargo loading120
– Identification Number, refer 
to Engine compartment213
– measurements, refer to 
Dimensions239
– parking56
– weight241
Vehicle jack228
Vehicle storage222
Ventilation101
– draft-free101
– in the rear101
Ventilation, refer to Climate98
Ventilation while at a 
standstill101
Vents, refer to Ventilation101
Video menu160
Video playback159
Voice, refer to Destination 
guidance through voice 
instructions137