
Driving
44
Cruise control*
The vehicle maintains and stores the speed that 
you set at speeds greater than approx. 20 mph/
30 km/h.
You can use cruise control whenever the sys-
tem is active while the engine is running.
Do not use the cruise control under unfa-
vorable conditions that do not permit a 
constant speed, e.g. when driving on winding 
roads or in heavy traffic or when negotiating 
poor road conditions such as snow, rain, ice, or 
a loose road surface. Otherwise, you could lose 
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up green: sys-
tem ready for operation using the but-
tons on the steering wheel.
Activating system
With ignition key in position 2 or higher: 
Press button on steering wheel; the indicator 
lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. The 
cruise control mode is enabled.
Deactivating system
Press the button repeatedly until the indicator 
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
The cruise control is also deactivated when the 
ignition key is turned to position 0. The speed 
stored in the memory is deleted in the process.
Maintaining speed, storing, and 
accelerating
Briefly press + button:
The system maintains and stores the current 
vehicle speed. Each additional touch of the but-
ton increases the speed by approx. 1 mph/
1km/h.
Press and hold + button:
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on 
the accelerator pedal. When you release the 
button, the system maintains and stores the 
current speed.
If the braking action of the engine is insufficient 
on a downhill stretch, then the set vehicle can 
exceed the set speed. Speed can drop on uphill 
grades if the engine output is insufficient.
Decelerating
Briefly press – button:
Each press of the button decreases the vehi-
cle's speed by roughly 1 mph/1 km/h, provided 
that you have already activated the cruise con-
trol.
Press and hold – button:
With the cruise control active, the system auto-
matically reduces the fuel supply to slow the 
vehicle. When you release the button, the sys-
tem maintains and stores the current speed.
Interrupting cruise control
When the system is activated, press the button. 
The indicator lamp stays on. You can use the 
cruise control again whenever required by 
requesting the speed that was stored last. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
56 Have the damaged tire replaced by your BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop 
that is familiar with TPM and works in accor-
dance with BMW repair procedures, using 
appropriately trained personnel.
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and 
then lights up continuously. Flat tires 
cannot be detected.
Such a message is displayed in the following 
situations:
>When a malfunction is occurring:
Have the system checked
>When a wheel without TPM electronics is 
mounted, e.g. a compact wheel
>When TPM is experiencing temporary inter-
ference from other systems or devices that 
use the same frequency
NHTSA/FMVSS-required explanation 
of 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring 
System
Each tire, including the spare, should be 
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the 
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle 
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a 
different size than the size indicated on the 
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, 
then you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires. As an added safety 
feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a 
tire pressure monitoring system, TPMS, that 
illuminates a low tire pressure warning lamp 
when one or more of your tires are significantly 
underinflated. When the low tire pressure warn-
ing lamp lights up, you should stop and check 
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them 
to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly 
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat 
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also 
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and 
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping 
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a sub-
stitute 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 warning lamp.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined 
with the low tire pressure warning lamp. When 
the system detects a malfunction, the warning 
lamp will flash for approximately one minute and 
then remain continuously illuminated. This 
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehi-
cle startups as long as the malfunction exists. 
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, 
the system may not be able to detect or signal 
low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunc-
tions may occur for a variety of reasons, includ-
ing the installation of replacement or alternate 
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the 
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check 
the TPMS malfunction warning lamp after 
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your 
vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alter-
nate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to con-
tinue to function properly.Brake force display
The brake lamps light up in two stages, 
depending on how heavily you apply the brakes.
>Normal braking
The brake lamps and the center brake lamp 
light up.
>Heavy braking
The rear fog lamps light up as well. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 83
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle is depen-
dent on various factors. You can improve your 
vehicle's fuel consumption and reduce the 
strain on the environment with several mea-
sures, your driving style and regular mainte-
nance.
Removing unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Removing attached parts following use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear luggage 
racks which are no longer required following 
use. Attached parts on the vehicle impair the 
aerodynamics and increase the fuel consump-
tion.
Closing windows and panorama glass 
sunroof
An open panorama glass sunroof or an open 
window also increases the aerodynamic drag, 
and with it the fuel consumption.
Checking tire inflation pressures 
regularly
Check the tire inflation pressures at least twice 
a month and before starting off on a longer trip 
and correct them if necessary.
An insufficient tire inflation pressure increases 
the rolling resistance, therefore increasing fuel 
consumption and tire wear.
Driving off immediately
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it 
running while the vehicle remains stationary. 
Instead, drive off immediately at a moderate 
engine speed. This enables a cold engine to 
reach its operating temperature most rapidly.
Looking well ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by 
maintaining a corresponding distance to the 
vehicle driving ahead. Driving smoothly and 
looking ahead reduces fuel consumption.
Avoiding high engine speeds
Only use 1st gear when starting off. Accelerate 
briskly from 2nd gear while avoiding high 
engine speeds and shifting up prematurely.
When the desired speed is reached, shift into 
the highest possible gear and drive at constant 
speed at the lowest possible engine speed.
Always remember: driving at low engine speeds 
decreases fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Using overrun conditions
When approaching a red light, take your foot off 
the accelerator and allow the vehicle to coast in 
the highest possible gear.
On a downhill stretch of road, take your foot off 
the accelerator and allow the vehicle to coast in 
the suitable gear.
The flow of fuel is interrupted in overrun.
Switching off engine during longer 
stops
Switch off the engine during longer stops, e.g. 
at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic 
jams. You already save fuel from approx. 4 sec-
onds with the engine switched off.
Switching off functions currently not 
required
Functions like the air conditioner, seat heating 
or the rear-window defroster require a lot of 
energy and consume additional fuel. This plays 
a major role especially when driving in urban 
and in stop-and-go traffic. Therefore, switch off 
these functions when they are not really 
required.
Having maintenance carried out
Have regular maintenance performed on the 
vehicle to achieve optimum the economy and 
service life of your vehicle. BMW recommends 
having maintenance carried out by a BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. Also observe 
the BMW maintenance system, refer to 
page106. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 99
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that 
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of 
retreaded tires; otherwise, driving safety 
may be reduced. The causes for this include the 
possibly different tire casing structures and the 
often wide variations in their age, which can 
result in a limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only 
wheel and tire combinations that BMW 
has tested and approved for your particular 
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and 
tires with identical official size ratings could 
actually have different dimensions than the 
approved units – these differences could lead to 
body contact and with it, the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are 
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, 
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving 
safety.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center for the correct wheel-and-tire combina-
tion.
The correct wheel-and-tire combination affects 
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC or xDrive.
To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. After tire 
damage, always remember to have the original 
wheel and tire combination remounted on the 
vehicle as soon as possible.
Wheels equipped with electronics for 
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When installing new tires or when changing 
from summer tires to winter tires or vice versa, 
only use wheels equipped with TPM electron-
ics; otherwise, the Tire Pressure Monitor can-
not detect a flat tire, refer to page55. Your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be 
happy to advise you in this regard.
Recommended tire brands
BMW recommends particular tire brands for 
each tire size. You will recognize them by the 
clearly visible BMW identification on the tire 
sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest 
standards for safety and handling characteris-
tics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use on win-
ter road surfaces or at temperatures below 
+457/+76. Although all-season M+S tires do 
provide better winter traction than summer 
tires, they generally fail to provide the same lev-
els of cold-weather performance as winter tires.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for 
which the winter tires are rated.<
Storage
Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry place, pro-
tecting them from light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires from contact with oil, grease and 
fuel. Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation 
pressure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Changing wheels from one axle to 
another
BMW does not recommend changing the front 
wheels to the back or vice versa as this can 
impair handling characteristics. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 103
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving 
style and operating conditions.
Warning lamp
Engine oil pressure
The warning lamp lights up red:
The engine oil pressure is too low.
Stop the vehicle immediately and 
switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level 
and top off as needed. If the oil level is correct: 
Have the system checked immediately.
Do not continue driving. The engine could 
be damaged because of inadequate lubri-
cation.<
Engine oil level
The warning lamp lights up yellow dur-
ing driving. An acoustic signal also 
sounds and "+1.0" is displayed in the 
instrument cluster, refer to page103.
The oil level is at its absolute minimum; top off 
e n g i n e  o i l  a s  s o o n  a s  p ossible. Until then, do not 
drive more than approx. 125 miles/200 km.
The warning lamp lights up yellow after 
the engine is switched off. In addition, a 
signal sounds.
Top off engine oil at the earliest opportunity, 
e.g. with your next refueling.
The warning lamp lights up yellow 
within 30 seconds after starting the 
engine:
The oil level sensor has failed. It is not possible 
to take a current or meaningful measurement. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Checking oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil 
level control.
For the most precise possible display of the oil 
level, the engine must be at operating tempera-
ture, i.e. after at least 6.5 miles/10 km of unin-
terrupted driving. You can have the oil level dis-
played while you drive or while the vehicle is standing on a flat surface with the engine run-
ning.
You can have the current oil level displayed in 
the instrument cluster.
Press button1. The oil level is checked and dis-
played for approx. 15 seconds.
In order to cancel the display early, press but-
ton 1 again.
Possible displays
1Oil level OK
2Oil level is being detected
This process can last approx. 3 minutes 
while standing on a flat surface and approx. 
5 minutes while driving. 

Everything from A to Z
130
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System51
– indicator lamp12
Acceleration assistance
– refer to Acceleration 
assistant53
– refer to DSC51
Acceleration assistant53
Accessories, refer to For your 
own safety5
Accident, refer to Receiving 
assistance120
Activated-charcoal filter68
Adaptive Head Light60
Adding engine oil104
Adjusting seats28
– electrically28
– mechanically28
– mechanically, Sports seat29
Airbags57
– deactivating front passenger 
side35,57
– indicator lamp for front 
passenger airbags58
– sitting safely27
– warning lamp58
Air circulation, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode64,68
Air conditioner63
Air distribution
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
Airing, refer to 
Ventilation65,68
Air outlets, refer to 
Ventilation65,68
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure94
Air vents, refer to 
Ventilation65,68Air volume64
– adjusting manually67
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications93
Alarm system25
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms26
All-season tires, refer to 
Special characteristics of 
winter tires99
All wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive52
Anchorage points78
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid43
Antilock Brake System 
ABS51
– indicator lamp12
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system25
Approved axle load, refer to 
Weights128
Approved engine oils104
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights128
Armrest
– front73
– rear73
Ashtray74
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control68
Audio device, external74
Automatic
– air distribution67
– air volume67
– recirculated-air control 
AUC68
Automatic climate control66
Automatic cruise control44
Automatic curb monitor33
Automatic deactivation of 
front passenger airbags57Automatic headlamp 
control60
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic40
– indicator lamp41
– interlock38
– selector lever interlock40
– shiftlock40
– towing122
– tow starting123
AUTO program67
Average fuel consumption49
– setting units48
Average speed49
– setting units48
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms26
Axle weights, refer to 
Weights128
B
Backrest, refer to Seats28
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support29
Backup lamps, bulb 
replacement114
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit121
Bar, towing123
Battery118
– charging118
– disposal118
– indicator lamp12
– jump starting121
– power failure118
– remote control18
– warning lamp118
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders72 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 133
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
instructions84
Drying air, refer to Switching 
cooling function on/
off64,67
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control51
– indicator lamp52
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control52
– indicator lamps52
DVD changer, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC51
– indicator lamp52
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC52
– indicator lamps52
E
Electrical malfunctions
– automatic transmission 
malfunction41
– door lock21
– driver's door21
– fuel filler door92
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Electronic brake-force 
distribution51
Electronic Stability Program, 
refer to DSC Dynamic 
Stability Control51
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– doors21
– driver's door21
– fuel filler door92
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Emergency request120
Emergency Service, refer to 
Receiving assistance120Engine
– breaking-in82
– data126
– indicator lamps38
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
thermometer47
– speed46
– starting38
– switching off39
Engine compartment102
Engine coolant105
Engine coolant 
temperature47
Engine oil103
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils104
– approved engine oils104
– electronic oil level 
control103
– indicator/warning lamp103
– possible displays103
– required oil grades104
– specifications, also refer to 
Approved engine oils104
Engine oil grades104
Engine oil level, indicator/
warning lamp103
Engine oil pressure103
– indicator/warning lamp103
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data126
Equipment package, refer to 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control51
Exhaust system
84
Exterior mirrors33
– automatically dimming34
External audio device74
Eye, tow starting and 
towing122
F
Failure of electrical 
accessories119
False alarms, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms26
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts32
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter65
– Microfilter/activated 
charcoal filter68
First-aid kit121
Flat tire115
– compact wheel116
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– refer to Tire inflation 
pressure94
– refer to Wheel changes115
– Tire Pressure Monitor55
Flat Tire Monitor54
– indicator lamp54
– initializing system54
– snow chains100
– system limits54
– warning errors54
Flooding, refer to Driving 
through water84
Floor cover78
Fog lamps, indicator lamp61
Folding rear seat back76
Footwell lamps61
Four wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive52
Front airbags57
Front fog lamps61
– replacing bulbs114
Front passenger airbags
– automatic deactivation57
– status58
Fuel93
– average consumption49
– capacity129
– gauge46
– quality93
– refer to Average fuel 
consumption49
– saving83 

Everything from A to Z
134 Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge46
Fuel filler cap92
Fuel filler door92
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction92
Fuel gauge46
Fuel tank contents, refer to 
Filling capacities129
Full preparation package 
mobile phone, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Fuses119
G
Garage-door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control69
Gasoline
– refer to Fuel quality93
– refer to Fuel 
specifications93
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge46
Gear indicator in automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic40
Gearshift lever, manual 
transmission40
General driving notes84
Glove compartment72
Grills, refer to 
Ventilation65,68
Gross vehicle weight, refer to 
Weights128
Ground clearance87
H
Halogen lamps112
Handbrake39
– indicator lamp39
Hands-free microphone, refer 
to Car phone preparation75
Hand washes108
Hazard warning flashers10
HDC Hill Descent Control52
Head airbags57Headlamp control, 
automatic60
Headlamp flasher41
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps112
– replacing bulbs111
Headlamp washer reservoir
– capacity, refer to Filling 
capacities129
– refer to Washer fluid43
Headlamp washer system
– headlamp washing43
– washer fluid43
Head Light, refer to Adaptive 
Head Light60
Head restraints29
– sitting safely27
Heated mirrors33
Heated rear window
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control68
Heated seats31
Heated steering wheel34
Heater
– rear window64,68
– windshield washer jets43
Heating
– exterior mirror33
– seats31
– steering wheel34
Heating and ventilation63,66
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo 
loading85
Height, refer to 
Dimensions127
Height adjustment
– seats28
– steering wheel34
High beams60
– headlamp flasher60
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs113
High Performance Synthetic 
Oil104
High pressure cleaning 
jets108
Hill-climbing ability, refer to 
Driving on poor roads87Hill Descent Control HDC52
Hills85
Holder for beverages72
Hood101
Horn10
Hotel function18
Hot exhaust system84
Hydraulic brake assistant, 
refer to Brake assistant51
Hydroplaning84
I
Icy conditions, refer to 
Outside temperature 
warning48
Ignition38
Ignition key18
Ignition key positions, refer to 
Ignition lock38
Ignition lock38
Imprint2
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags58
– alarm system25
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic41
– brakes105
– coolant temperature47
– DSC52
– engine temperature47
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– fog lamps61
– front passenger airbags58
– reserve46
– safety belt warning32
– Tire Pressure Monitor55
Indicator and warning lamps, 
overview12
Individual settings, refer to 
Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory18
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure94
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– Tire Pressure Monitor55