
Technology for driving comfort and safety
86
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamps for DSC in the instrument cluster 
light up. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and 
DSC have been simultaneously deactivated. 
Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions 
are no longer executed.
In the same way as with a differential interlock
*, 
even if DSC is deactivated, brake actions are 
still performed to enhance drive output if the 
drive wheels experience a significant loss of 
traction.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again 
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps in 
the instrument cluster go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: 
DSC is regulating the drive and brak-
ing forces.
If the indicator lamps are on: 
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
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 uphill on snow-covered roads, 
in slush or on unplowed, snow-covered 
roads
>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; the indicator lamps for DTC 
in the instrument cluster come on.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: 
DTC is regulating the drive and 
braking forces.
If the indicator lamps are on: 
DTC has been activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator 
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
xDrive*
xDrive is your BMW's four-wheel-drive system. 
The combined efforts of xDrive and DSC help to 
further optimize traction and driving dynamics. 
The xDrive four-wheel-drive system distributes 
driving power variably to the front and rear axles 
depending on the driving situation and road 
conditions. 

Things to remember when driving
122
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to 
each other. Please follow the instructions below 
in order to achieve the optimal service life and 
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds but do 
not exceed:
>Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
>Diesel engine
3,500 rpm or 93 mph/150 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually 
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in 
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal 
level only after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be 
observed if any of the components mentioned 
above have to be renewed in the course of the 
vehicle's operating life.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends 
on several factors. You can lower fuel consump-
tion and the environmental impact by taking 
certain measures, adjusting your driving style 
and having the vehicle serviced regularly.
Remove any unneeded cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove any mounted parts after you 
have finished using them
Remove unneeded additional mirrors, the roof 
rack and the rear luggage rack after use. 
Mounted parts affect the vehicle's aerodynam-
ics and increase fuel consumption.
Close the windows and glass roof
An open glass roof or window causes higher air 
resistance and thus increases fuel consump-
tion.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check the tire inflation pressure at least twice a 
month and before embarking on a long journey, 
and correct it if necessary.
Low tire inflation pressure causes higher rolling 
resistance and thus increases fuel consumption 
and tire wear.
Set off immediately
Do not let the engine warm up while the car is 
still standing, but set off immediately at moder-
ate engine speed. This is the fastest way for the 
cold engine to reach its operating temperature. 

Reference 267
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Available services199
Average fuel consumption73
– setting the units76
Average speed73
Avoid highways in 
navigation140
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms34
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights257
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment43
Backrest width adjustment44
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats45
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb242,243
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
pouch247
Bar, refer to Towing 
methods249
Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter192
– refer to Snap-in adapter in 
the center armrest storage 
compartment111
Bass, tone setting150
Battery244
– charging244
– disposal36,244
– jump-starting247
– remote control26
– replacing244
– temporary power failure245
Battery for mobile phone192
Battery renewal
– remote control36
– remote control for vehicle36
Being towed249Belts, refer to Safety belts47
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts47
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders112
Black ice, refer to Outside 
temperature warning71
Blower, refer to Air 
volume104
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating183
BMW
– car shampoo235
BMW Advanced Diesel204
BMW Assist195
BMW Assist, 
activating197,199
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System231
BMW Search197
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to 
Cupholders112
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control DBC85
Brake fluid, refer to Service 
requirements76
Brake Force Display93
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display93
– replacing bulb242,243
Brake pads122
– breaking in122
Brake rotors125
– brakes122
– breaking in122
Brakes
– ABS85
– BMW Maintenance 
System231
– Brake Force Display93
– breaking in122
– parking brake57
– service requirements76Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely124
Brake system122
– BMW Maintenance 
System231
– breaking in122
– disc brakes125
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance246
Breaking in the clutch122
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential122
Break-in period122
Brightness of the Control 
Display83
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs238
Button for starting the engine, 
refer to Start/stop button55
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning6
Call
– accepting184
– ending184
– rejecting184
Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing185
Calling, refer to Telephone 
owner's manual
Can holders, refer to 
Cupholders112
Capacities258
Capacity of the cargo area257
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery244
Car care, refer to Care233