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