At a glance
13Reference
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Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
different combinations and colors.
Some lamps are tested for proper function by
briefly lighting up during starting of the engine
or when the ignition is switched on.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the upper edge of the Control
Display explain the meaning of the displayed
indicator and warning lamps.
Additional information, e. g. on the cause and
elimination of a malfunction, can be opened via
the Check Control system, refer to page77.
In urgent cases, this information will be shown
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps signal particular
functions:
High beams/headlamp flasher100
Fog lamps102
Parking brake applied58
Parking brake for Canadian models
Lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC controls the drive and
braking forces for maintaining vehicle
stability84
DTC Dynamic Traction Control84
Exhaust-gas values207
Exhaust-gas values for Canadian
models207
At a glance
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Mobility
1Coupe: glass sunroof, electric with raise tilt
function
*38
2Coupe: microphone for hands-free mode
for telephone
* and voice activation
system
*22
Convertible: microphone on steering col-
umn
3Reading lamps102
4Interior lamps102
5Coupe: initiating SOS emergency
request
216
6Indicator lamp
for front passenger
airbags91
7Convertible: initiating SOS emergency
request
*216
8Control Display16
9Hazard warning flashers
10Central locking system30
11Automatic climate control103
12CD/DVD drive146
13Programmable memory buttons2014Switching entertainment sound output on/
off and adjusting volume146
15Changing
>radio station149
>track146
16Ejecting CD/DVD154
18Bracket for cupholder112
19Controller16
Can be turned, pressed, or moved in four
directions
20Buttons on the controller17
Selecting menus directly
21Dynamic Driving Control60 Temperature setting, left/
right104
Automatic air distribution and
volume104
Cooling function105
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control105
Recirculated-air mode105
Maximum cooling105
Residual heat mode106
Switching off automatic climate
control106
Air volume105
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation105
Rear window defroster105
17
Heated seats*50
PDC Park Distance Control
*82
DTC Dynamic Traction Control84
Convertible: opening the convert-
ible top40
Convertible: closing the convertible
top40
Controls
83Reference
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System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstacles always remains with
the driver. Even when sensors are provided,
there is a blind spot in which objects can no
longer be detected. The system is also subject
to the physical limits that apply to all forms of
ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with tow bars and trailer cou-
plings, or thin and wedge-shaped objects etc.
Low objects already displayed, e. g. curbs, can
also disappear from the detection area of the
sensors again before or after a continuous tone
already sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g.
ledges, cannot be detected. For this reason,
drive with care; otherwise, there is a danger of
personal injury or property damage.
Loud sources of sound, inside and outside the
vehicle, could drown out the PDC signal tone.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array
of systems designed to enhance and maintain
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. For information on safe braking, refer to
page120.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking during curves or when braking
during a lane change, driving stability and steer-
ing response are improved further.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
produces maximum braking force boosting and
thus helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during full braking maneuvers.
This system exploits all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.
Adaptive brake assistant*
In conjunction with the active cruise control
with the stop-and-go function, the adaptive
brake assistant ensures that the brake
responds even more quickly during braking
with the brake assistant.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when starting off and accelerating. The system
also identifies unstable driving conditions, such
as a loss of traction at the rear of the vehicle or
sliding of the vehicle in its front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through braking actions in the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not restrict the additional
safety margin with a risky driving style, as other-
wise there is a risk of an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up, but not longer
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
84 than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control and DSC are deactivated together.
Stabilizing and drive output promoting actions
are no longer executed. The stability-promoting
intervention of the active steering
* is also deac-
tivated, refer to page89.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears there.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up:
DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving on snowy inclines, in slush, or
on unplowed, snow-covered road surfaces
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button briefly; the DTC indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster goes out.
Malfunction in driving stability control
systems
The warning lamp for the brake system
lights up yellow, together with the indi-
cator lamps for ABS, DSC and Tire
Pressure Monitor or Flat Tire Monitor.
A message appears on the Control Dis-
play. The driving stability control sys-
tems have failed. While you may con-
tinue, you should remember to proceed
cautiously and drive defensively while
avoiding full brake applications. The
Tire Pressure Monitor or the Flat Tire Monitor is
also malfunctioning. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Wheels and tires
198
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on
the sidewall:
DOT … 1009 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 10 of 2009.
BMW recommends replacing all tires at least
every 6 years, even if some tires may last for
10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half, 1γ, times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
These grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate For instance
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in front of the R on ZR tires)
245/45 R 18 96 W
For instance
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 1009
Mobility
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Recommended tire brands
Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW
depending on the tire size. You can recognize
these from the clearly visible BMW marking on
the tire sidewall.
When used properly, these tires comply with
the most demanding standards for safety and
vehicle response.
Run-flat tires
When mounting new tires, or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-flat
tires for your own safety. In addition, no spare
tire is available in case of a flat tire. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Watch speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Always
protect tires against all contact with oil, grease
and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum tire
inflation pressure indicated on the side wall of
the tire.
Rotating wheels between axles
BMW does not recommend moving the front
wheels to the rear or vice versa, as otherwise
the handling characteristics may be impaired.
With tires of different makes and types
* such a
change is not permissible.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and recommends
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
These snow chains are approved exclusively for
use in pairs on the rear wheels with the tire size:
>245/50 R 17
>245/45 R 18
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
installing snow chains as this could cause
the Flat Tire Monitor to malfunction.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page84.<
Everything from A to Z
238 Displacement, refer to Engine
data224
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display elements, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting102
Displays
– on Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-up Display93
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with Comfort Access36
– coolant205
– vehicle battery214
Distance, refer to
Computer74
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control64
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer74
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control82
Door entry lighting, refer to
Interior lamps102
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Door lock29
Doors
– manual operation30
– remote control28
DOT Quality Grades198
Draft-free ventilation106
Drinks holder, refer to
Cupholders112
Drive-off assistant85
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams98
Driving stability control
systems83
Driving through water120
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes118Dry air, refer to Cooling
function105
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function105
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control83
– indicator lamp13,84
– malfunction84
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control84
– activating84
– indicator lamp13,84
DVD
– country codes156
– settings157
– video playback156
DVD menu157
DVD player, refer to CD
player154
DVD video156
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
– warning lamp85
Dynamic destination
guidance137
Dynamic Drive85
Dynamic Driving Control60
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC83
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC84
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
rear49
Easy entry/exit52
Eject button, refer to Buttons
in area of the CD/DVD
player146
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top41
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler flap194
– glass sunroof39
– luggage compartment lid32
– storage compartment, hotel
function31
Electric convertible top39Electric steering wheel
adjustment52
Electronic brake-force
distribution83
Electronic oil level check203
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top41
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler flap194
– glass sunroof39
– hotel function31
– luggage compartment lid32
– transmission lock, sport
automatic transmission60
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
cargo bay32
Emergency request216
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance217
Engine
– breaking-in118
– data224
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature72
– speed224
– starting57
– starting, Comfort Access34
– switching off57
– switching off when equipped
with Automatic
transmission, with Comfort
Access35
Engine compartment203
Engine coolant205
Reference 247
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Mobility
Tire replacement
– new wheels and tires200
Tires
– age198
– air loss86,88
– breaking-in118
– condition199
– damage199
– inflation pressure196
– minimum tread depth199
– new wheels and tires200
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor85
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor87
– replacing200
– retreaded tires200
– run-flat tires200
– size197
– size, refer to The right
wheels and tires200
– wear indicators199
– wheel/tire combination200
– winter tires201
Tires with run-flat properties
– refer to Run-flat tires200
TMC station, refer to Traffic
information139
Tone
– control146
– middle setting148
Tone on locking/unlocking29
Tools, refer to Onboard
vehicle tool kit212
Top39
Top 50 of music
collection163
Torque, refer to Engine
data224
Tow bar219
Tow fitting218
Towing218
– methods219
– tow fittings218
– with manual
transmission219
– with Sport automatic
transmission219
Town/city, for navigation127Tow rope219
Tow-starting218
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor87
– resetting system87
– system limits87
– warning lamp88
Tracks
– selecting with CD154
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control83
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control83
Traffic bulletins
– categories141
Traffic bulletins, filtering141
Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic
information139
– refer to Bypassing route
sections137
Traffic information for
navigation
– depiction in route map141
– during destination
guidance141
Traffic information with
navigation139
Transmission
– drive-off assistant85
– manual transmission58
– sport automatic
transmission58
– towing219
– transmission lock, manually
locking and unlocking, sport
automatic transmission60
Transporting children
safely53
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo122
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread199
Trip, deleting135
Trip, storing134
Trip-distance counter
– refer to Trip meter72Trip meter72
Trip odometer, refer to Trip
meter72
Trips, changing135
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment32
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid31
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions225
Turn signals61
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR198
Units
– average fuel
consumption74
– temperature74
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote
control109
Universal remote control, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control109
Unlocking
– from inside30
– from outside28
– setting unlocking
behavior28
– without key, refer to Comfort
Access34
Unlocking without key, refer to
Comfort Access34
Updating the navigation
data126
USB audio interface166
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal214
– refer to Replacing battery36
Using turn signals61
V
VCD156