
Controls
 67Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow3. 
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When the speed is reduced to below 
20 mph or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation
>When you switch gears very slowly or shift 
to neutral in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When you activate the Dynamic Traction 
Control DTC
>When you deactivate the Dynamic Stability 
Control DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
>When the system does not recognize any 
objects for a longer period of time, e.g. on 
infrequently traveled roads without a shoul-
der or guard rails, or if the radar sensor is 
covered with dirt, refer to page68
>When you apply the parking brake
When the system is deactivated, you 
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or 
maneuver as necessary; otherwise, there is a 
risk of accidents.<
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when 
active cruise control has been auto-
matically deactivated, for example 
due to a driving speed below 20 mph or 30 km/
h or a DSC intervention. A message appears on 
the Control Display.
Resuming stored desired speed and 
distance
Briefly press the button, arrow 4. 
The stored speed and distance are regained 
and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is 
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>When driving stability control systems are 
intervening
>In cars with manual transmission: when you 
shift gears very slowly or shift to neutral
>In cars with automatic transmission: when 
you engage selector lever position N
>When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
2Shows yellow: vehicle detected ahead
Flashes in red: system cannot maintain dis-
tance; driver must brake the vehicle
Flashes in yellow: driving stability control 
systems are intervening; cruise control is 
deactivated
3Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated.
4Selected desired speed is temporarily dis-
played
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears 
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation 
are currently not met. Calling up Check Control 
messages, refer to page81.< 

Controls
 87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Hill Descent Control HDC*
HDC is a downhill driving assistant that controls 
your speed on steep downhill gradients and 
makes it even easier to control your BMW's 
handling under these conditions. The vehicle 
then moves slightly faster than double walking 
speed without the driver needing to intervene.
HDC can be activated as long as you are driving 
under approx. 20 mph or 35 km/h. When driving 
downhill at a speed of under approx. 20 mph or 
35 km/h, the vehicle's speed is automatically 
reduced to slightly more than double walking 
speed and maintained.
Increasing or decreasing speed
By accelerating or braking you can change this 
speed within a range from approx. 3 to 15 mph, 
approx. 5 to 25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same 
range using the cruise control
* lever on the 
steering column.
1To increase speed
2To decrease speed
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED lights up.
When the vehicle is being braked automatically, 
the LED flashes.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
HDC is automatically deactivated at speeds 
greater than approx. 35 mph/60 km/h.
Using HDC
In cars with manual transmission:
Use HDC in lower gears and in reverse gear.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in any drive position.
Displays in the instrument cluster*
1Display for target speed
2HDC display
Malfunction
The HDC display disappears during HDC oper-
ation, or does not appear:
HDC is temporarily unavailable due to exces-
sive brake temperature, or DSC has failed.
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off 
smoothly on uphill gradients. It is not necessary 
to use the parking brake for this.
1.Hold the car in place by depressing the 
brake.
2.Release the brake and drive off without 
delay.
The drive-off assistant holds the car in 
place for approx. 2 seconds after the 
brake is released. Drive off without delay after 
releasing the brake. Otherwise, the drive-off 
assistant will no longer hold the car in place 
after approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to 
roll backwards.< 

Things to remember when driving
124
Diesel particulate filter*
The diesel particulate filter collects soot parti-
cles and burns them periodically at high tem-
peratures. This cleaning process takes several 
minutes. During cleaning, you may notice that 
the engine temporarily runs less smoothly and 
that a somewhat higher engine speed is neces-
sary to achieve the accustomed performance. 
Also, noises may be heard and a slight amount 
of smoke may emerge from the exhaust, even 
for a short period after the engine is switched 
off.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge 
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, 
means that the tire can completely lose contact 
with the road surface, so that neither the car can 
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page222.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is 
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only 
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the 
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a 
lengthy period using the clutch; use the 
parking brake instead. Otherwise, greater 
clutch wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off 
assistant, refer to page87.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard 
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most 
effective way of braking in situations in which 
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains 
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid 
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering 
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that 
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, 
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal 
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to 
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger 
other road users. The heat generated in this 
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure 
that full braking efficiency will then be available 
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting 
reduced efficiency of the brake system, 
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the 
gear in which the least braking is required. Even 
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to 
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by 
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing 
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page59.
Never drive with the clutch held down, 
with the transmission in neutral or with 
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine 
braking action will not be present or there will be 
no power assistance to the brakes or steering. 
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area around the 
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be 
impaired.< 

Mobility
 249Reference
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.
Sedan: it is stored in the onboard vehicle tool kit 
underneath the cover on the right-hand side of 
the cargo area, refer to page237.
Sports Wagon: it is stored in the onboard vehi-
cle tool kit underneath the cover on the left-
hand side of the cargo area, refer to page237.
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
RearBeing 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.< 

Reference 257
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Sedan
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
323i
(Canada)328i328i
xDrive
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,365/1,980 4,420/2,005 4,663/2,115
>with automatic transmis-
sion lbs/kg 4,431/2,010 4,486/2,035 4,707/2,135
Load lbs/kg 1,014/460 1,014/460 1,014/460
Approved front axle load  lbs/kg 2,105/955 2,127/965 2,304/1,045
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,425/1,100 2,469/1,120 2,513/1,140
Approved roof load capacity  lbs/kg 165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/liters 16.2/460 16.2/460 16.2/460
335i335i
xDrive335d
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,652/2,110 4,872/2,210 –
>with automatic transmis-
sion lbs/kg 4,663/2,115 4,883/2,215 4,883/2,215
Load lbs/kg 1,014/460 1,014/460 1,014/460
Approved front axle load  lbs/kg 2,216/1,005 2,436/1,105 2,381/1,080
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,634/1,195 2,546/1,155 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity  lbs/kg 165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/liters 15.9/450 15.9/450 15.9/450 

Technical data
258
Sports Wagon
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
328i328i
xDrive
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,630/2,100 4,872/2,210
>with automatic transmission  lbs/kg 4,696/2,130 4,916/2,230
Load lbs/kg 1,058/480 1,058/480
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,127/965 2,326/1,055
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity  lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/liters 16.2-48.9/460-1,385 16.2-48.9/460-1,385
Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters approx. 16.1/61 Fuel grade: page203
including reserve of
>Gasoline engine US gal/liters approx. 2.1/8.0
>Diesel engine US gal/liters approx. 1.7/6.5
Window washer system For more details: page62
including headlamp washers  US qt/liters approx. 6.3/6.0 

Everything from A to Z
270 Displacement, refer to Engine 
data254
Display, refer to iDrive 
controls16
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting101
Displays
– on the Control Display16
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant230
– remote control battery36
– vehicle battery244
Distance remaining to service, 
refer to Service 
requirements76
Distance warning, refer to 
Park Distance Control 
PDC84
Door key, refer to Remote 
control with integrated 
key26
Door lock29
Doors, emergency 
operation30
DOT Quality Grades221
Draft-free ventilation105
Drinks holders, refer to 
Cupholders112
Drive-off assistance, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC85
Drive-off assistant87
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams97
Driving notes122
Driving off on hills, refer to 
Drive-off assistant87
Driving stability control 
systems85
Driving through water124
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes122
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function104
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control85DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control86
– indicator/warning lamp86
DVD
– country codes163
– settings164
– video playback163
DVD menu164
DVD player, refer to CD 
player161
DVD video163
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC85
Dynamic destination 
guidance141
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC85
– indicator/warning lamp86
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp86
E
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution85
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on the CD/DVD player150
Electrical malfunction
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler flap202
– glass roof38
– panorama glass roof40
– trunk lid32
Electric seat adjustment43
Electric steering wheel lock
– with Comfort Access35
Electronic brake-force 
distribution EBV85
Electronic oil level check227
Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC85
Emergency actuation, 
automatic transmission, 
refer to Overriding selector 
lever lock60Emergency operation
– fuel filler flap, manual 
release202
Emergency operation, refer to 
Closing manually
– glass roof38
– panorama glass roof40
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– door lock30
Emergency release
– trunk lid from inside32
Emergency Request246
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance246
Energy, saving
– saving fuel122
Energy-conscious driving, 
refer to Energy Control72
Energy Control72
Engine
– breaking in122
– data254
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature72
– speed254
– starting56
– starting, Comfort Access34
– switching off56
Engine compartment226
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant230
Engine oil
– adding229
– alternative oil types229
– BMW Maintenance 
System231
– capacity258
– checking level227
– dipstick
227
– intervals between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements76
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data254
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
data254
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine56 

Reference 271
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Entering special destinations 
by name136
Entering the postal code for 
navigation132
Entry lamps, refer to Interior 
lamps101
Entry map for destination136
Environmentally friendly 
driving, refer to Energy 
Control72
Equalizer, tone setting151
Error messages, refer to 
Check Control80
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC85
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system123
Expanding the cargo area115
Extended connectivity of the 
music player in the mobile 
phone174
Exterior mirrors48
– adjusting48
– automatic dimming 
feature49
– automatic heating48
– folding in and out48
External audio device111
External devices
– random sequence176
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing 
away249
– for tying down loads126
F
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control80
Failure of an electrical 
consumer245
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional 
alarm34
– switching off an alarm34
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts47Fastest route for 
navigation140
Fast forward
– CD changer163
– CD player163
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic 
climate control105
First aid pouch247
Fixture for remote control, 
refer to Ignition lock55
Flash when locking/
unlocking28
Flat tire
– run-flat tires223
– Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM89
Flat Tire Monitor FTM88
– indicating a flat tire89
– indicator/warning lamp89
– initializing the system88
– snow chains88,224
– system limits88
Flat tires, refer to Tire 
condition222
Fluid reservoir, refer to 
Washer fluid reservoir62
FM, waveband153
Fog lamps100
– indicator lamp13,100
Folding rear seat backrest115
Folding up the floor panel117
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely124
Footwell lamps, refer to 
Interior lamps101
For your own safety5
Four-wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive86
Free memory capacity, music 
collection171
Front airbags94
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor88Fuel203
– additives204
– average consumption73
– gauge72
– high-quality brands
203
– quality203
– specifications203
– tank contents, refer to 
Capacities258
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge72
Fuel consumption indicator
– average fuel 
consumption73
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge72
Fuel-efficient driving, refer to 
Energy Control72
Fuel filler flap202
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction202
Fuses245
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control107
Gasoline
– refer to Average 
consumption73
Gasoline, refer to Required 
fuel203
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge72
Gas station 
recommendations142
Gear indicator, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic58
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
General driving notes123